Kookaburra98

Hi - we did the trip in reverse - we were in Washington State and did Olympic NP and crossed over northern Washington (beautiful country) to the Coulee Dam area - then we took 97 (north in Canada) crossing near Oroville. The 97 was beautiful route to 97A to Rt 1 Canada heading east - that highway is a good road. We skipped Vancouver as we ran out of time (had to be in Calgary to meet friends and go to the Stampede and that there were riots in Vancouver because Bruins won! we are from Boston area) We visited and stayed in the Canadian NP Glacier and Yoho. (we are a big RV 43' towing a Durango) was a bit tight at times for sites and it was June without any reservations in these parks. The scenery is just beautiful. We stopped in Calgary picked up friends and after the Stampede (we went only for a few days and I would highly recommend it) we headed up to Banff, Lake Louise and all the way up to Jasper. That northern highway and the Ice Fields is one of the most beautiful drives we have done! If you are able take advantage of it those parks and beauty is worth it (and we have done all lower 48). We returned the same way and back tracked around Calgary and went down highway 2 to Glacier NP (US). Highway 2 was okay - it can get windy especially after ST Mary's (east Glacier) towards West Glacier (just go slow) and look for the mountain goats along that section of RT 2. You can not drive thru Glacier NP (car maybe depends usually open august for a few weeks and no way RV). We stayed on both sides of Glacier (east and west) to visit the park. The entire trip has been one of our most memorable ones and the scenery/wildlife and travels were unforgettable. Hopefully this helps - I don't have specifics on campgrounds as this was a few years ago 2011. We only made reservations for Calgary, Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise and Glacier east and west due to the fact that there was (4) of us and we wanted to make sure we had full hookups - and a place - I believe the Stampede is around 4th of July and around major holiday's it's good to plan ahead and national parks during the summer months. We were did this route June/July. (KOA west is better then east) enjoy

Welcome to RVing! One thing to remember is that you will learn along the way. We travel annually in and out of the NE annually but always prefer the 84 out to 81 route with a larger RV. There are many ways to go and many things to see, just depends on your likes and a little bit on the weather. But with that being said, if you are truly interested in City sights then a ride down the coast can be worth it. DC has a great park "Cherry Hill" where you can either get the metro or buses near or at the Campground to go into and around DC to visit it all. There is the Bay Bridge & Tunnel drive (there are tolls) but it's an experience in and out of VA & DE. Then on the other side taking 81 south - you can easily get on the Sky Line Drive and visit Shenandoah NP or part of the Blue Ridge Parkway (just need to make sure your height of your RV is able to go through the tunnels) just need to do some advance research and make some calls. These drives are very relaxing 35-45 mph speed limits, great sights but you can't be in a hurry to get where your going. There are stops, walks and hikes along the way. Or make a stop in and around the "Dutch Country" of Lancaster PA. Otherwise when you get to SC don't miss a stop in the North Myrtle Beach area (plenty to do and see) and in the Historic area of Charleston. Hope this is a start to get you out there and enjoying. We have had warm and cold (snow) weather so it's important to watch the weather as you travel.... but all has been a fun experience, even the challenges that have happened. Enjoy! Deb