CandT said:Got a road trip with family, (but no bike), planned for September. The route being
Vancouver, Victoria, Campbell River Port Hardy Prince Rupert (by boat) Smithers Prince George
Jasper Banff
all in 2 weeks... Now I'm not going to be doing any riding - so as a substitute
- any places I should look out for that will offer a bit of 'retail therapy'... With nice cheap
prices for clothes, bike bits, etc....
Cheers,
CandT
We live just south of the border, and do a lot of road tripping up to BC, driven up to the Yukon and
do a lot of rafting and other trips up there so maybe this info will be of help...
First, pick up a set of these books, BC backroads mapbooks. backroadmapbooks.combackroadmapbooks.comOpen ↗ They
are great books for scenic back roads drives, where trailheads are, climbing spots, hot springs,
natural features, dispersed camping and other things.
Not sure if you are Canadian, but if you aren't, keep in mind the great exchange rate and look for
sale( super sale) racks.
There's a great little hot springs just east of Revelstoke called Albert Canyon, and there's a
primitive campground ( provincial forest) just across the highway... if you are doing camping.
While not biking, (more backpacking etc) there's a Canadian company (based in Vernon) called
Valhalla Pure Outfitters, valhalla-pure.comfloca.htmOpen ↗ in Smithers & Vancouver, They
manufacture really fine fleece and wicking clothing, made in Canada and they are neat little shops.
Nelson has a patagonia outlet but it doesn't sound like you are going to make it there.
You don't say what kind of "family" but most of the communities in BC have really excellent aquatic
centers that you can get into for just a couple of bucks.... really clean, big pools, slides, rope
swings, high dives, sauna etc... something for everyone and a nice break or if you need a shower.
Good cheap fun..
hth
Penny