I have a question about this route...if we wanted to do this as a credit card tour, would we find enough places along the way to crash at?

thanks

You could make it to the Selkirks on a credit card. But between Revelstoke and Lake Louise there's only one town -- Golden -- and little sign of civilization. That's what makes Hwy 1 such a great route.... Unless you're planning on 180km/day, i wouldn't do it without a tent. On a trip like this, i wouldn't depend on everything to go perfect, you need to carry a Plan B.

That said..... there's a motel just outside of Glacier NP (about 3km beyond the park border, going east) on Hwy 1. That's a good day's ride from Revelstoke. From there to Golden is also a long day's ride. You could make it from Golden to Lake Louise in a day, if you leave early and climb like hell.... That's the only stretch where you have no other options. If you get a flat, or there's road construction, etc., that's when a tent would come in handy.

Going over the Yellowhead pass (Hwy 5) would be even more remote. The Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) might give you more options, although it would take a lot of good planning to hit the towns and motels. But those routes aren't obvious choices for getting to Calgary....

-- Mark

There's a Best Western at the summit of Roger's Pass, but its pricey, $150/night in the summer. They have a cafeteria and a dining room.

That would be Heather Mountain Lodge, again its pricey.

There are cabins at Kinbasket lake lodge 4km off the highway and down a gravel road, about 50km from Golden.
If you are travelling light and are in touring shape there should be no problem cycling Golden to Banff in a long day. Take the 1A highway between Lake Louise and Banff.

There is accomodation and food in Field at the base of the Kicking Horse Pass. Not much choice and again its likely to be expensive.

There are a couple of bungalow and cabin resorts on the 1A between L.Louise and Banff, Baker Creek bungalows, Castle Junction (youth hostel there too) and Johnson's canyon.

Keep in mind that these resorty places are expensive and likely to be booked over the summer high season, but there are lots of places for the credit card tourer to stay.

The more pertinent question is why are you riding the TCH? Its a tremendously busy road, narrow and twisty in places. Not a great cycling experience.

There are a multitude of options to go across BC from Vancouver to Calgary and I have travelled most of them by vehicle many, many times. All are beautiful and scenic. I just drove from Alberta to Vancouver via Highway 1 earlier this week after travelling to Alberta via Highway 3 the week before.

I don't think that you would have problems with a credit card tour on any of the routes as long as you are willing to spend a couple of longer days in the saddle. Even then, there should be no legs longer than 150 km if you are willing to pay a bit more in a few places (like the motel at the summit of Roger's Pass).

If you do take Highway 1, them I would definitely recommend a stay in Field between Golden and Lake Louise. On Wednesday night, we stayed at a brand new Hostel in Field for $35/person. Field also has a full service lodge and numerous accommodations in private residences. There is a littel cafe called the Truffle Pigs which I would highly recommend. Lake Louise also has a very nice Hostel.

Have fun!! If you need details on any particular route please send me a PM and I will be glad to help out.