Canada 2025 - 16 days below freezing...

[Quickstatus]

Lunch was almost always at the takeaway inside the Perisher tube terminal as the guys running it had a great relationship with us on the concourse

We bought our Jindy place from Aldo

But if you ever caught the skitube in 2015 or 2016 there is a near 100% chance you would've seen me.

We were always front carriage on the 0720 from Bullocks.

....

What was the daily rental fee for Tacoma?
LDW included?

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 7 (part 2):

After returning to the apartment we made a mad, freezing cold dash up to the 2 hot tubs for a soak to soothe the muscles. At this point the temperature was well below -10 and would stay that way for nearly the next week.

The hot tubs had a pretty killer view and we were lucky to find space in the quieter of the 2 - with the other full of 'woo girls' blasting music and drinking... Not really the vibe we were after and something that certainly made me miss the peacefulness of a post ski onsen.

We changed for dinner and set out to go to the Taco Club which was my favourite mexican spot in Revy. Unfortunately we got there at 6:15 and there was already a waitlist. Frustrating - as over Covid they removed their booking system and now accept walk ins only, but also don't allow you to leave a phone number, instead asking you to wait awkwardly at the restaurant. Not wanting to do that for up to 40 mins we went to a new mexican called Cantina Del Centro nearby. It was empty when we arrived but did fill up.

We had a few drinks, corn chips and guac, some mexican style tater tots and each had enchiladas.






The food was alright, not as good as I think Taco Club would've been but we were exhausted so happy to be fed and watered at a reasonable hour. After dinner we caught up quickly for a beer with another mate before getting to bed.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 8:

Rinse and repeat on the morning schedule after a little overnight snow. We were up the mountain a little earlier and had a really fun day up there. Visibility wasn't as good as the previous day but we found some fun powder stashes and also caught up with a mate from school and his family for some laps.

After the days riding we met up at The Mackenzie Common, the bar at the base of the resort, for some drinks and a late lunch. I can highly recommend the buffalo chicken tater tot poutine here as long as you're not trying to watch your weight!

A highlight of the day was seeing a group of heli skiiers not only take off from the heli pad next to where we parked, but also watching them return as we packed up. Certainly very jealous we weren't joining them but it was cool to be so close nonetheless!

A couple of pints later we headed back to the apartment to change. As you might have seen in my last TR we got engaged a year ago so planned an anniversary dinner at what is in my opinion the best restaurant in Revelstoke. Before that though we caught up with some more friends at The Craft Bierhaus, before walking 112, the restaurant in the River City Pub/Regent Hotel. We had some drinks with my old boss at the bar here before having what was one of the best meals of the trip.



If you are in Revy and want casual fine dining 112 is definitely the spot. I had 5 or 6 steaks on this trip and not only was the above the cheapest, it was the best by a country mile...

 

[Jenya]

This was the day I was most glad we had chosen the vehicle we did as the compact snow and cold temperatures meant the road was less than ideal

was that car equipped with studded tires?
I heading there this December and this is my biggest priority how to keep family safe on that black ice and compacted snow.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

was that car equipped with studded tires?
I heading there this December and this is my biggest priority how to keep family safe on that black ice and compacted snow.

Not studded, but proper snow tyres (rather than just mud and snow). This is the best you will get as you won't find a hire company with studded tyres. I highly recommend the 4x4 and snow tyre combination.

 

[Jenya]

Ok thanks.
Looks like we will end up just purchasing proper studded tires like those ones in Vancouver, install them on rental car and after 3 weeks leave them for our friends to sell them on marketplace for us.

BTW Ryan from Northirn Overland also advertise on Turo.
I found that car you were renting on Turo for around $2700 3 weeks rental including $2000 excess insurance.
https://turo.com/au/en/drivers/21161250

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 9:

Before leaving Aus I had purchased 2 of 3 day lift tickets for Revelstoke to save money and give us some flexibility. Given the snow and weather quality on our first 2 days we decided to ski both of them (as above) and leave the last full day as a rest day in Revy to shop and explore.

We had a later start after I got some work done and wandered to The Modern Bakeshop for a proper coffee and breakfast.



Before doing some shopping around town. We couldn't find exactly what we were after so went back up to the ski resort base to check their store and found what we needed.

After this we drove up past the Revelstoke Dam, was also a bit windier today and a very nippy -15 in town so we were happy to not be skiing.

We drove back into town for lunch at The Village Idiot, one of my former workplaces. A super fun, typical ski town bar with great food. We certainly over ordered with the poutine and 2 pizzas. The was compounded when we ended up getting what they call a sin bin poutine rather than the regular we ordered. This thing was stacked with fried chicken tenders, wings and drumsticks.




We fell into a bit of a food coma after this and resurfaced for an earlyish dinner at Kawakubo, Revelstokes best Japanese restaurant. Despite not taking bookings we were able to put our name down for a table at 6:15 and told to leave a phone number. We wandered over to Rumpus Brewing, Revelstokes lesser known but more central brewery for a pint while waiting. Our table was ready 10 minutes later so I basically chugged the beers and we had an early meal.

We definitely over ordered again here but the food was really good and the service prompt. After dinner we started to tidy and pack the apartment for our departure the next morning to Banff.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Ok thanks.
Looks like we will end up just purchasing proper studded tires like those ones in Vancouver, install them on rental car and after 3 weeks leave them for our friends to sell them on marketplace for us.

BTW Ryan from Northirn Overland also advertise on Turo.
I found that car you were renting on Turo for around $2500 3 weeks rental + $2000 excess insurance.
https://turo.com/au/en/drivers/21161250

Oh we booked direct with Ryan, and I would suggest that over Turo as we paid a lot less including insurance.

I honestly don't think you need studded tyres and I have driven in the US, Canada and Japan in all kinds of snow and ice conditions. Snow tyres, AWD or 4x4 and sensible driving are more than adequate to keep you safe.

I would also be very careful doing any modifications to a rental car. I think you'd have a hard time getting a tyre place to change them over given you do not own the car and I'd expect it would be seen as a modification and void the rental car insurance, if not the whole contract. I'm happy for more experienced travellers to chime in on this or suggest getting in touch with the agency ahead of time to confirm if it's possible.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

So my thoughts on Basecamp Suites Revelstoke...

STAY HERE! If you value proximity to restaurants, shops and bars then this is definitely my tip for Revelstoke accommodation. It was only finished late last year so everything was brand new and felt like a good quality build. The bedrooms are a bit tight but for 2 travellers the 1 bedroom suites with a full kitchen and laundry are the perfect size and I'd assume the larger units would be good for bigger families/groups.

The only minor downsides were noise from the people above us who sounded like they were walking around in ski boots every morning and the 2 hot tubs likely being a little small for the property size. Outside of that I was very impressed, particularly at the price point of about $350-$400 per night in mid winter.

The biggest competitor would probably be the Sutton Place Hotel at the base of the ski resort but this is far more expensive and only has 1 bar and restaurant on site. Couple that with no shuttle service of an evening and you're left either eating at the same place each night or having to drive into town. There are a few 3-4 star hotels in Revelstoke but they are much further from downtown, and then quite a few old motels, none of which I'd recommend.

 

[Quickstatus]

Looks like we will end up just purchasing proper studded tires like those ones in Vancouver

Very few canadians have studded winter tyres and I would actually not recommend.
None of my Canadian friends - Calgary, Edmonton, Kamloops have ever got studded tyres.
Studded tyres on urban roads which are not snow covered (like Vancouver) can lead to reduced grip.
If wanting one, I would suggest getting a non studded winter tyre- these are not the tyres you see in Australian with the M&S logo on the treadwall. Instead these are tyres with compound that remain soft in below zero temperatures. They are also not the chunky 4wd tyres either.

But realistically so long as you get a 4WD you will be fine.
My experience is similar, Ive driven from Vancouver to winnipeg, up to edmonton, Banff, parts of Jasper, and Colorado and the icy east coast usa

The main brands are ;
Nokian hakkapelitta (the best IMO)
Brigestone Blizzak
Michelin X ice

 

[Jenya]

Oh we booked direct with Ryan, and I would suggest that over Turo as we paid a lot less including insurance.

Direct you mean through Northrim website booking form?
Hmmm... I checked both options, their web site and Turo platform for exact same vehicle Toyota Tundra and dates (10-31 March) and price including insurance is the same $2700 ish

What's different is Turo offer far more forgiving conditions like free cancellation 1 day prior to booking start, immediate trip modifications with refund if you need to terminate earlier (or extend).
Compare to direct booking non-refundable rental deposit, cancellations within 14 days of the start of a reservation will be charged 50% of the total rental amount. Cancellations within one week of the start of a reservation will be charged 100% of the rental cost. No refunds can be given for early returns...

I would also be very careful doing any modifications to a rental car.

being a Turo host myself I know it's ins and outs first hand.
You wouldn't believe what ppl doing with rental cars! like exchanging engine for faulty one...
Changing tires and still returning car with same undamaged set is the least nutsy guests can do and most hosts wouldn't care at all.
ALL claims on Turo based solely on photo evidence, and they are more favorable to the guest then the host.
As far as you got before and after photos with time and geolocation stamp of each wheel/tire there is no way anyone could challenge anything here.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 10:

Another freezing morning, approaching -20 in Revelstoke, greeted us as we packed once again for a new town. Before we leaving we had coffee with a mate at Dose. Arguably the best cafe in town for Aussie coffee. After that we headed to get some fuel and wiper fluid before leaving Revelstoke.

We headed east out of Revelstoke, through Mount Revelstoke National Park before beginning climbing up to Glacier National Park through Rogers Pass.
We summitted Rogers Pass and stopped in at the Discovery Centre which I highly recommend if heading through here. Only caveat to that is that it is about to undergo an 18 month renovation as the earth over timber roof has reached it's usable life after enduring metres of snow every winter.



We continued down into Golden where we had A&W for lunch. Big fan of their chicken burgers.

After this we continued through Kicking Horse Pass and towards Yoho National Park, then onto Banff National Park.



Before getting to Banff we stopped at Lake Louise for a wander around. I think it was about -23 at this point so it was a brief stop but beauftiful regardless.

 

[Quickstatus]

Lake Louise is such an amazing place.
how far did you walk out on the Lake.

Mrs QS was a bit apprehensive walking out too far on a frozen lake.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Lake Louise is such an amazing place.
how far did you walk out on the Lake.

Mrs QS was a bit apprehensive walking out too far on a frozen lake.

This time we only went to the end of the skating rink due to the temps and pressing time (aka wanting to make the most of the Fairmont Banff Springs) but I've previously walked all the way to the other end of the lake in March 2019.

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 10 (part 2):

After leaving Lake Louise we headed to Banff and directly to the Faimont Banff Springs. This was one of the parts of the trip we were both really looking forward to and we did splash a bit of cash on it to make the most. We booked a Fairmont Gold 1 King so as we arrived we drove up to the dedicated Gold check in area.
We were promptly checked in, however again not issued drink vouchers, and shown to the gold floor which included a quick tour of the lounge before being shown our room.


Awaiting us was the above fruit and cheese platter, a welcome letter with our restaurant reservation confirmation and chocolates.

The room itself was recently renovated and stunning. The bathroom was small but the actual bedroom was bigger than I expected. The layout is a bit weird but that's more so due to the age of the hotel.





After exploring the room features a little we bee lined to the pool for an afternoon dip. The indoor lap pool is beautiful but very cold, which I guess makes sense as they try to keep it for serious swimmers, but the grotto like spa and especially the outdoor thermal pool were fantastic!




A cool bit of the history of the hotel there as well. This was such a packed afternoon that this day will be 3, maybe 4, parts... Apologies!

 

[HirafuHeartAttack]

Day 10 (part 3):

Forgot to add this above, but when we decided to swim it was a frosty -22 outside.

After the pool we showered and changed for the rest of the evening. I really wanted to try the Vermillion Room however it was booked out for a function so we made a reservation for 8pm at Castello Italian. Before dinner we first made our way to the Gold lounge for some nibbles and drinks.




Just a PSA that the gold lounges in Canada have honour bars and not free drinks like we are used to in Asia and the pacific. A little dissapointing as the prices offer little to no discount over the regular bars but the lounge at least offered good (complimetary) food and a quiet place to work.

After a couple of drinks here we headed to the stunning Rundle Bar for another few of rounds before dinner.


The bartender was a great english bloke who whipped up a mean whiskey sour! We also tried to once again use the digital drink cards, which he politely said he didn't take and directed me back to the check in desk to get physical ones. This took a bit of time as there was no agent there but the issue was fixed immediately after one appeared. Once we had the cards we again used them to have a glass of Veuve each, then the coughtails. My partner also confirmed a new love in her life, and that is the signature gins offered at many of the Fairmonts in Canada. Highly recommend trying each hotels signature if you are a gin lover with the chance.

After this we headed off in search of Castello. Given the size of the hotel it can be a bit of a maze to get between wings, especially when it's -26 outside and you are trying to stay within the hotel. We finally found the rotunda containing the restaurant and we're seated quickly.

We had garlic prawns to start which were amongst the best I've ever had.


Followed by a chicken, spinach and ricotta canneloni and the absolute highlight meal of the trip - a lobster carbonara.


Dinner was pretty flawless. We were a little anxious when we entered as the restaurant was very quiet even though the hotel was quite full but the service was prompt without being over the top, the wines were great and the food was amazing.

After dinner we wanted to try and squeeze in 1 more activity so we went in search of the 5 pin bowling alley. This meant our only brief trip outside but we managed to find it and had another drink and a frame of bowling.

This was a really fun way to cap off a great night with a beer, bowling and hockey on the TVs. After finishing up here we returned to the room for some late night in room dining dessert.

Before drifting off to sleep in anticipation of a very chilly one the next day.