Spring Oppo Cruise: Coast Mountain Circle Route Trip - Final Plan!

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
04/22/2019 at 15:56 • Filed to: oppo meet

Sea to Sky Highway

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Very excited to see everyone. Check your emails as well!

We will be driving the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . This will be a stunning vacation/drive combo. 400+ miles of coastal, mountain and canyon highway over 2 days. We will start and finish in Metro Vancouver near the USA/Canada border. Beautiful, scenic PNW sights and attractions will be planned throughout the trip.

About the Trip:

I’ve planned this as more of a drive/vacation combo to make it more worth it for people who may want to travel here alone or with significant others/family. We won’t just be in our cars, but the driving will be great. If you want to split off at our stops and meet up later, this drive is designed to accommodate individual/small group activities.

Budget wise, we’ll pick restaurants that are casual, making reservations as the date gets closer and we have defined number of participants. The Sea to Sky Gondola is worth it. The rest is up to you regarding what you want to do in Whistler and where you want to sleep.

Driving wise, the second day will be heavier in terms of mileage as it is mostly mountains and canyons from Whistler onwards back to the Vancouver area with little in the way of attractions/towns. Just nature.

The route follows a set Highway with no real options for deviation and lots of stops. We should also be within cell range most of the time.

Planning/RSVP:

Dates: May 11th and 12th

If you are planning on attending, please fill out the RSVP here.

Bring appropriate jackets for Spring in the PNW. Bring adequate parts/emergency equipment if needed.

The Drive:

Route Map

You can get the detailed maps of the drive from BC’s Tourism site !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , the drive is described below in point to point form with map links. The dates are May 11th and May 12th.

Meeting Points:

Cross with full tanks. Gas is quite expensive here, and we won’t be stopping for fuel until Squamish.

The first meeting point will be 10am PST at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Close to both main border crossings. Just take I-5 and get off at exit 275. Once you cross into Canada, it’s just a few miles North on your left (heading North).

In order to better accommodate Vancouver dwellers/assist in possible separation scenarios through Metro Vancouver, we will then drive to a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! near the highway and then departing at 11am PST. This is so people west of Surrey, BC don’t have to first drive east.

From Starbucks, we will drive to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for photos and a break.

Porteau Cove Provincial Park

From the Porteau Cove, we will make the short drive up the Sea to Sky highway to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It’s $40CDN to go up, but it’s stunning with hiking, the suspension bridge and views. We will spend some time here to make it worth it. Parking is ample here.

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From the Sea to Sky Gondola,we will drive to Squamish for lunch at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and to fuel up at the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Then on to Whistler. Once in Whistler, we will !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or at your accommodation of choice and have dinner in the scenic !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . We will spend the rest of day 1 here. There is ample accommodations at every price range and camping around the town if so inclined. Highlights of the village include walking, shopping, sightseeing, gondolas, clubs and hikes.

Whistler Village

The next day, we will meet for breakfast coffee and begin the drive from Whistler, back to Vancouver via Pemberton, Lillooet and Lytton. As mentioned in the “About the Trip” section, the second day is nearly pure driving. We will stop at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in the Fraser Canyon to take photos and stretch our legs.

Hells Gate

From there, we will continue down the Fraser Valley back into Metro Vancouver. Those who need to go back to the USA may or can stick around for a post drive beer in Fort Langley.

Other People’s Drives:

Time to tempt you with some Sea to Sky shots

Sea to Sky Highway

Sea to Sky Gondola

DISCUSSION (80)

CB > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 20:32

Submitted my choices. Would like to know well enough to advance so my girlfriend and I could book time off (was planning on doing a trip west next spring anyway).

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > CB
11/11/2018 at 20:33

Sounds good. I will advise well in advance as both my wife and I are get on call shifts and need to have a set date early.

NKato > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 20:51

Gotta think about it. I’m not sure if I’m going to be up for a trip to Canada in the Spring; a lot of things need to be dealt with through the winter before I know anything.

Personal health, personal affairs, finances, and so on.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > NKato
11/11/2018 at 20:52

No problem! Canada isn’t going anywhere!

NKato > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 20:56

Sure, unless the western provinces decide to secede from the Commonwealth. :P

TheStiggyOne > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 20:58

Oh, that is the exact route I was chasing my BMW Club friend’s Z4MC on, albeit in reverse and in one day. It is one of my single day “circle-routes” that I take people on... the others being Hope -> Lytton -> Spences Bridge -> Merritt -> Hope, or Hope -> Princeton -> Merritt -> Hope.

Linky :

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/ib-z4mc-on-duffey-lake-road-2018-07-28-1827977640

Feel free to view the videos embedded in that post for a sense of what to expect.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 20:58

I’m doesn’t with whatever and will absolutely join if possible. But I’m a good distance away so will have to plan it a bit closer to the actual date.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > TheStiggyOne
11/11/2018 at 20:58

Your posts are why I chose this one! You interested in attending?

TheStiggyOne > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 21:34

I am starting a new job in January that will probably... alright, make that definitely... send me away from Vancouver. S o, right now, I have to send my regrets :-(

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 21:58

Yes this looks good.

AestheticsInMotion > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 22:29

Later in May the better, but realistically I'll probably go regardless of the date.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 22:30

Looks like fun, Spring Thaw should be running around then.. maybe they would let you enter the Dodge?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > vicali
11/11/2018 at 22:33

Not sure it would make it...

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/11/2018 at 22:35

Interested.

I didn’t do Duffy Loop last year (normally done in one day though) ... I’ll have to check my days off closer and I’d rather do this on the bike so the temperatures/weather will also factor . D epends on when about in spring you choose.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com
11/11/2018 at 22:43

Based on the RSVPs so far on the Forms doc, mid to late may

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 02:05

I can’t promise anything (depending on the timing, it might be hard due to the new baby), but if I can do it, I will, since I’ve been wanting to do most of this route for a while. Also note that my birthday is the last weekend in May. In the US the following Monday is Memorial Day, so hotels are a little more pricey due to the long weekend.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
11/12/2018 at 11:13

Yeah, we won't do the long weekend. It's Victoria day here on your memorial day

slipperysallylikespenguins > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 13:05

This looks like a good route. I was planning on spending the whole weekend exploring the area anyway.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 13:18

Sounds like fun! I’d definitely look to camp if possible, hopefully others would be interested. I’d prefer the later the better. May is probably the best bet for me. With the weekends of the 4th, 18th, 25th, and June 1st all being decent options for me right now.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/12/2018 at 14:09

Its looking like mid May is the choice. I'm going to update today or tomorrow with a date.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 18:50

Doing a sat/sun for the two day? Hopefully I’ll take a day or two off and make it into a nice little trip. And ideally rent something fun like a Miata again : )

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/12/2018 at 20:13

Planning to do it over a weekend, yeah. I already have a few people coming from far away (date depending) and the whole idea is for people to make it part of a holiday.

There is so much to see and do other than Whistler.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 20:40

That’s good. Unfortunately scheduling is unreliable and I can’t trust my days off due to personnel issues. I can’t plan super far in advance. I’m loca l so it’s not a big issue I guess ...

Also I’m consider just doing one day. S2S (first day and rip back), Or run the full loop and hookup with you and the team at W histler in the morning of the second day.

With single day I could put the word out to the local riders, might make a neat collab of cars and bikes . S2S I could pull a decent riding group if it’s sunny , second day would be less.

For media I have a h elmet mounted Hero Session 5 and a newly acquired Canon D3500. Also By that time I should have my warm riding gear fully revamped too, so if the stars align it’ll be a treat

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 22:23

I’d probably make it a quick 4 dayer, mostly because of my 3 week long winter trip and a week planned to Hawaii in the summer. All the vacations next year!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 22:32

That's like the only weekend in may that doesn't really work for me! The longer weekends are a good thing to me. It's far enough away to make it work though.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/12/2018 at 23:11

Long weekends (either usa or Canada) will greatly increase traffic, border times and hotel costs/businesses

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/12/2018 at 23:30

Mothers day. Hmm i suppose I'll have to buy her something in BC and be back in time for her birthday. But those dates should work fine.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/13/2018 at 00:05

Ahh good point. I wonder also if flying into Vancouver is better to avoid all of the border nonsense. Flights can't be much more vs Seattle anyways. Customs in the airport is annoying but it sure beats border patrol!

StudyStudyStudy > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
11/14/2018 at 14:05

Seems like fun! Wonder how the border will be in the Datsun.

feather-throttle-not-hair > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/26/2018 at 15:59

Oh man. Some REAL good roads up there northeast of whistler. I’ve driven through there a couple of times and its incredible, not too much traffic either.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > feather-throttle-not-hair
12/26/2018 at 16:03

It really is an amazing area.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/26/2018 at 16:29

Man, I wish this didn’t require me to use two weeks of vacation. (at least 5 days out, 5 days back minimum to the west coast.) Worse, it’s the weekend after IMSA at Mid-Ohio. So I wouldn’t even be able to get on the road until Monday.

benjrblant > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
12/26/2018 at 16:54

Tentatively, I’d join if I can fly into Seattle and catch a ride with someone. I think I mentioned this to AiM, dunno if that still works.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
12/27/2018 at 00:26

Fly and rent!

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/27/2018 at 10:17

Oh no. Not when I own a 997.2 C4GTS, which was built for roads like that.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
12/27/2018 at 12:31

Fair. Turo?

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/27/2018 at 15:38

Potatomera at $500 a day, no thanks.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks
12/27/2018 at 17:46

Oof yeah no way

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/27/2018 at 18:50

Yeah. Some days I consider putting the C4GTS on Turo at $1500 a day , but then I remember nobody can drive stick and if they fuck up the differentials it’s cheaper to buy a new 911.

Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
01/20/2019 at 21:59

Currently scheduled to work both days. I go to nights on the 12th so I figure I will meet you guys in Harrison for Lunch and ride back.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Exage03040 @ opposite-lock.com
01/20/2019 at 22:07

Ok! Sounds good!

Canadian-Cuda > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
01/21/2019 at 00:53

Awesome route you’ve chosen! The Fraser Canyon is a great road and lots of fun little tunnels. Won’t be able to do the whole thing but might be able to swing by Porteau Cove or even Harrison as my parents have a little RV spot up there. Might even be able to convince my brother-in-law to bring out his ‘94 Viper.

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/07/2019 at 20:48

I booked my hotel.

On your RSVP survey I don’t remember what I put but it’s two people, I’m bringing my brother.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Longtime Lurker
03/07/2019 at 21:12

Nice! Which hotel?

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/07/2019 at 21:18

The Listel.

Romeo Reject > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/28/2019 at 21:52

I’ll ask if I can get the Saturday off. If not, I’m pretty much boned, as I won’t be off work until 6:00.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Romeo Reject
03/28/2019 at 21:57

Sounds good!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/01/2019 at 23:07

So, I’m still waiting on the baby’s passport and might not be able to go since the second day is Mother’s Day... Still hopeful, though.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
04/02/2019 at 00:06

No problem! I get it!

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/pnw-oppo-meet-pitch-lemay-1833669816

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 11:25

Next year, hopefully!

Mid Engine > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 11:33

Looks amazing! Can’t take my car over the border because Passport 9500ci radar detector/jammers permanently installed. Perfectly legal in WA, not so much in BC

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Mid Engine
04/09/2019 at 11:35

They won’t say anything about it! You should come up!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion
04/09/2019 at 11:44

I’m planning on camping for this trip, hopefully youre planning on doing the same! We can coordinate for that if youre interested. I also just found out that I cant bring tent poles through TSA so I planned on mailing my camping stuff to a post office or something. Ideally Hertz at Seatac will give me something fun to drive with.

benjrblant > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 12:38

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 12:59

Any idea what road conditions will be like? Might bring the AMG instead of the R-class. The girlfriend is coming so it’s a bit far to do on the bike 2-up.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
04/09/2019 at 13:37

Clear or wet. Hard to say. Never snow or anything. Roads are well maintained and free of debris.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > benjrblant
04/09/2019 at 13:37

:( not coming?

Mid Engine > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 14:08

Well, if they choose to make an example out of me they’ ll rip the system out, destroy it, and fine me heavily. Not likely at the border, but the police could decide to make my life miserable.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Mid Engine
04/09/2019 at 14:11

I doubt it, I know several people with radar detectors. The lights on the ST are illegal.

Most constables are just out to do a good job, not hassle people

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/09/2019 at 15:44

Cool. Snow is really all I was wondering about. We'll see if I can get around to finishing the maintenance work I've been meaning to do first.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
04/09/2019 at 15:47

I plan on pre-driving the route in the next week or two, I doubt there will be snow

For Sweden > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/22/2019 at 16:05

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > For Sweden
04/22/2019 at 16:13

Top gear rules: You break down, you get left

(not really)

Future Heap Owner > benjrblant
04/22/2019 at 16:15

You still need a ride?

Future Heap Owner > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/22/2019 at 16:16

My dog and I will be camping on Saturday night (the 11th).

benjrblant > Future Heap Owner
04/22/2019 at 16:35

Yeah, no luck yet. Was looking at a flight arriving at SEA at 1155pm Fri and leaving 615a on Monday, but haven’t solidified anything.

Future Heap Owner > benjrblant
04/22/2019 at 16:55

You can ride shotgun with me, if you’re okay with probably falling behind because we’ll be making potty stops for the doggo at least every two hours.

I’m taking Friday off of work to drive up to Langley (from Portland) at a leisurely pace. I’m planning to get to Seattle around noon, so that timing works out fairly well. I’m gonna drive all the way back down to Portland on Sunday , so I could drop you off somewhere in the Seattle area that evening.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Future Heap Owner
04/22/2019 at 17:01

Any idea where you planned on camping at? And I’m definitely down to share a campsite if you want company! I’m in debate between buying cheap tent poles on amazon and shipping them to a locker or just buying a cheapo tent from amazon/walmart. Both are cheaper than trying to check luggage since TSA wont allow tent poles. Alternatively I could use the USPS to send my camping stuff via flat rate if I wanted to get creative. I will fit everything I need in my 40L backpack as a carryon for sure, but its annoying what TSA wont allow through on the plane.

benjrblant > Future Heap Owner
04/22/2019 at 17:12

Ooh, that might work! Can you email me at my username @gmail? We can work out some specifics there.

someoneatacura > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/22/2019 at 17:38

I won’t be able to participate in the loop, but I should be able to meet up in Port eau Cove. I’ll bring the camera and tripod in case anyone wants to do some mini shoots.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > someoneatacura
04/22/2019 at 17:48

Sounds good!

Future Heap Owner > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/22/2019 at 18:08

I was gonna try to get a walk-in tent site at this Whistler Riverside place . I’d be happy to share the site, as long as you’re cool with a (friendly) doggo.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Future Heap Owner
04/22/2019 at 18:20

That sounds like an added bonus amenity to me! Count me in and feel free to email me at rduncan5678@gmail.com to communicate.

Future Heap Owner > benjrblant
04/22/2019 at 18:29

Sent. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder. If you don’t see it there, either, respond here.

Future Heap Owner > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
04/22/2019 at 18:29

Cool! I sent you an email. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder. If you don’t see it there either, respond here.

just-a-scratch > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/22/2019 at 18:41

It’s on the calendar. Now I have to get my car and logistics in order. Then I can move my RSVP from ‘Maybe’ to ‘ YES!’

On a positive note, I got a notice that parts were delivered for my brakes today. With a bit of luck, that will sort out my persistent steering shake issue.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > just-a-scratch
04/22/2019 at 18:42

nice! yeah, you will need brakes for sure.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > benjrblant
04/22/2019 at 21:34

Yay!!

just-a-scratch > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
04/29/2019 at 14:42

Good news: T he brakes and steering are finally in good shape.

Bad news: L ogistics for this trip are a no go. :(

Have fun up there!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > just-a-scratch
04/29/2019 at 14:42

oh no! Next time!