Hey guys

I live in Vancouver....I want to take my daughter to Drumheller in Late May.

Ideally, I want to camp there for 2 nights, but obviously will need a break on route as its a 12 hour drive from Van....I want to avoid Banff, so am looking for ideas of where to stay en route with cheap motels.

Also, would you say it is too cold to camp in the Rockies in late May? I have had mioxed reposnses when I have spoken to people. i have camped there before but it was in the summer.

Any ideas appreciated !

As long as you have layers then you should be fine. Are you tent camping or RV camping? RV's usually have some heaters, if your tenting then a good sleeping bag or extra bedding should do the trick - my kid is in the Air Cadets, they go on 'Winter Ex' two nights sleeping in the snow outside in temporary shelters they construct themselves usually in February.....she didn't want to go this year

I'm pretty sure you'll be ok though.

I would look to stay in one of the following:

Revelstoke;
Golden;
Canmore.

I am sure that there will be cheap motels/hotels in all of those locations and where you choose to stop will depend upon how much you want to travel each day.

I would take the #3 highway if your not in a rush. Much nicer than the TransCanada. Make your way to Waterton National Park and they have a nice campground in the park. Once you are at Waterton it is about 3.5 hours north to Drumheller.After you see Waterton National Park you will know what Banff was like 30 years ago...heaven! Its one of the best kept secrets in Alberta...so....shhhh! We dont want to wreck it!

last year during may long it was +30 overday and -11 at night.

that was in southern alberta - can't remember the exact camp site but no more than an hour from lethbridge.

Camping here at the end of May is never predictable. We've camped in snow and at other times it's been warm and sunny. Still gets cold at night though, the year the dogs water bowl froze we gave up and came home early!
Have fun!