Towards the end of next month we are picking up a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. We are considering driving cross country (Canada and US) there and taking a more southerly US route back.

On the journey there any suggestions on what to see...where to go please?

Trees, lots and lots of trees!

but also lots and lots of things to see!!

Even the flat Prairies have a beauty to them. I loved Cypress Hills Park in SK

The new Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg is worth at least 1 visit of ca 4 hours duration.

Rockies, of course ........... but there are also several other mountain ranges that you have to cross between the Rockies and Vancouver


where are you going to leave your car in Vancouver while on the cruise?

There are two competing "World's Largest Ball of Twine" sites. Maybe you could visit both and form an opinion on the rightful claimant to the title?

This thread last December covered the subject over a couple of pages of posts. I can't help but notice a recurring theme to the advice given.

We have room to park a car if you need place!!

Pssst...don't advertise used cars for sale just yet.

SHHHHH!

Thank you. We usually park our car at the cruise port...sometimes costs more than the cruise.

Aye.

From lots of experience, its a boring and exhausting drive. I've only done it across the US, I can't imagine how mind numbingly dull the drive across Canada would be. Just fly, you'll have a much better time on your cruise if just fly that way you'll be well rested and you can spend the extra time you'd be driving seeing Vancouver and Victoria.

That's what I'm thinking.

If your intent on doing it i would suggest Hwy 17 through Ontario, very scenic in comparison to Hwy 11. After that its the trans Canada across the prairies. Once at Medicine Hat AB you would need to decide to continue on the trans Canada or follow Hwy 3 over the Crows Nest Pass. I would likely go Hwy 3 if it where me but watch out for animals on the road.
Oh Hwy 17 is Moose country so don't drive after sun down if you can help it.

OP, have you figured the cost as well as the wear & tear on your bodies vs a 'last minute' low fare return flight to Calgary (easy peazy), take in the best of the best scenic way, then rent a car or take a train to Vancouver?

Wear and tear on my body is what I am concerned about.

I'm thinking fly to Vancouver for the cruise...then rent a car and drive to Banff, Whistler, Lake Louise.

sorted then