(Last updated October 2022.)
Day 1: Evening
We caught the 5:45 pm ferry on October 18th from Horseshoe Bay and set off to Waitabit Creek Rec Site near Golden BC. We had a different time zone, which took us roughly 7 hours and arrived to Waitabit at 5am. Yes, that is right we worked all day both of us and drove all night. Worth every mile. If this is what it takes to live my life, I'm not wasting anytime.
We decided to car camp this time of year as it's starting to get pretty cold, otherwise if it was spring/summer we would have tented. I own a Toyota Matrix and it's perfect for car-camping for two short people, and it wasn't too uncomfortable actually! Waitabit Creek Rec Site was such a lovely spot, good for any vehicle as the Bush River Forest Rd is well maintained and a short 1km from the highway. Beware of constant truck drivers. The site is fairly big, has 13 sites, fire pits, picnic tables as well as a bathroom and it's FREE. I wish we spent more time here, but there's always next time.
Day 2: Full Day
We got a whole two hours of sleep (if that) and set off to drive to Fairmont Hot Springs at 8am. We arrived at the springs around 11:30-12am, got on our bathing suits and were pleasantly surprised that only two people were there. They left shortly after we got in. We had this entire place to ourselves for the two hours we soaked.
(I have been told the springs are closed, as the run off is no longer running from the pool.)
This place was worth the extra 30-minute detour from where we were heading. Note this area is technically not recommended to go to, as it's the natural part of the resort. It's easily missed and I'm not sure why anyone would go to the man-built pool rather than this. Probably why they don't highlight it or even describe where it is at the resort. Then nobody would pay for the pool. However, it is a run-off from where the pool sits above. Just note basically it is used pool water and the earth has made natural pools because of it near the river. I will make up a separate blog of how to access them from here.
YAfter soaking we walked back to the car and headed to our next Destination, Banff Brew Co in Banff. We stopped along the way through the Kootney area to Numa Falls, which was just a small parking lot on the side of Highway 93 and about a 1-2 min walk.
I have never accessed Banff from this Highway; it was lovely I recommend doing this highway going to Banff and leaving through the Yoho Connector. We were
planning on doing this route but had to head back the same way as the Yoho Connector is closed until May 2022 for maintenance. Check DriveBC before you go to be updated on weather and road conditions. We really lucked out with the weather, it was mainly sunny or overcast and rained once for our three days which made the drive bearable.
My friend Dallis has never been into Banff, it's an extra 30 minutes from where we were staying in Lake Louise at Deer Lodge but we really wanted to go into the town of Banff. I also wanted to have a beer at the Banff Brew Co, the last time I was there I was pregnant and couldn't drink lol. We had dinner there as well, it was nice to have something other than your typical camping food.
Had we known we would have done the Banff Gondola and then the brewery this day, We found later the next day during October 12-November 7th
it's only open from 11am-8pm on selected days. Sadly, we were headed back home in the opposite direction and didn't have time to do it with such a later opening.
Here is all you need to know if you click this. I recommend doing a package with lunch. Worth it and such a cool idea to do if your in Banff. The gondola takes only 8 minutes to get up!
At 430-5pm we left the brewery and drove to our hotel (Deer Lodge) in Lake Louise. We decided to spend money on a hotel the second night as it was pretty cold in Banff, and there isn't a lot of free spots to camp there. We spent about $100 on one night which was not bad for this area. We were a 3-minute walk from Lake Louise. This hotel has been around a long time and has so much charm to it.
We set out for sunset at Lake Louise at and took some fun photos and enjoyed some hot chocolate. After we relaxed and enjoyed a rooftop hot tub at Deer Lodge. We tried to stay up for some potential Northern Light action but we passed out shortly after 11pm.
Day 3: Full Day
We got up at 7am for sunrise, went to Lake Louise and headed to the village for coffee. Left Banff and made our way towards Begbie Falls Rec Site outside of Revelstoke. Make sure to stop at Marble Canyon, it was a short 30 minute hike. We stopped at a gorgeous viewpoint along the way. Saw ALOT of larches, Dallis was excited.
Around 3pm we stopped at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre near Golden. That was super cool, so much to learn about wolves and what they serve for as a purpose. We paid $12, Check it out here.
We got to Begbie Falls Rec Site around 5pm just outside of Revelstoke. You can either turn left onto Begbie Rd, or Clough. There will be plenty of signs. Once we came to the fork at the end, we took the left hand side. For directions and info click here.
This was such a beautiful maintained site. We didn’t have to pay the fee of $15 as it was the off season. Perfect! Sites are equipped with fire pits, toilets and picnic tables. Dallis made a roaring fire, while I stuck all our stuff to the front to set up the bed. This was such a relaxing evening for us. It started raining around 7, so we packed it in and called it a night.
Day 4: Full Day (Home)
Knowing the end is near is always a drag but a nice feeling to know you’ll be sleeping in a real bed soon. We got up bright and early around 7am; had some breakfast and checked out the Begbie Falls nearby. Great little 1.2km walk to get our bodies moving before a long drive.
We took off at 9am and said goodbye to Revelstoke. Our first little stop was Kay Falls located off the Trans-Canada HWY between Revelstoke & Sicamous. Easily missed and I’m so glad I pulled this up off AllTrails. I mean just wow. Only a 1 minute walk! Definitely stop here and take a few pictures.
We took a walk to the waterfall and suspension bridge at Crazy Creek. Tourist trap? Yes but it was only $11 and during this time it wasn’t packed. We had it all to ourselves. Great place to bring your kids to break up a road-trip. They even have a few hot pools to dip into.
From here we decided to not make anymore stops to try and make the 630pm Horseshoe Bay Ferry. As it was around 1015am, and we had about 6 more hours to go. It was a Thursday, didn’t think it would be busy but it was and we didn’t get lucky. We got at the terminal around 515pm. However didn’t get on the ferry until 10:10pm. Made for a long night, but a great trip, so we couldn’t complain. We went into trollers, had a beer and we ate food. Finally arrived back home around 1230pm and capped our adventure at 2096 kms!
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