Blind Bay to Medicine Hat

• National Park Pass

  Purchase a Parks Canada pass if you plan to stop in Banff National Park.
• Mountain Driving

  Use lower gears on steep descents to avoid overheating your brakes.
• Fuel Up

  Fill your tank in Golden, as fuel prices are higher in the national parks.
• Traffic

  Expect heavy traffic near Calgary during summer weekends.
• Weather

  Be prepared for rapid weather changes in the mountains, even in summer.

• Wildlife

  Watch for bears and elk on the highway, especially in the national parks.
• Speed Limits

  Adhere strictly to speed limits, as RCMP patrols are frequent.
• Winter Safety

  Winter tires are mandatory on mountain highways from October to April.
• Fatigue

  Take breaks every two hours to maintain alertness on the long mountain drive.

• How long is the drive?
  Approximately 10 hours depending on traffic.
• Is there a bus?
  Yes, private bus lines operate between major towns on this route.
• What is the best route?
  Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) all the way to Medicine Hat.
• Are there tolls?
  No, but you need a park pass for Banff National Park.
• Is it safe to drive in winter?
  Yes, provided you have winter tires and drive according to conditions.

• From Blind Bay, British Columbia, Canada
• To Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
• Modes

June to September for clear roads and mountain scenery.