Best type of vehicle to get around the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories?

BigToque

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Would a truck be more suited for this type of driving? They might be able to handle more terrain, but they also ride higher and it can get pretty windy on some of the roads.

What would you suggest?
 

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
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If you're going to be off the pavement a lot and drive in snow, then either a truck or an SUV with 4WD is probably what you need.
 

archiloco

Golden Member
Dec 10, 2004
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never been there, but prolly from your description a 4wd suv (tahoe would be my recommendation, simply because of the comfort in a long trip), but what type of suv is dependant on what season you are going over there.
 

BigToque

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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Originally posted by: Heisenberg
If you're going to be off the pavement a lot and drive in snow, then either a truck or an SUV with 4WD is probably what you need.

I don't really know how much I'd be off the pavement. A 4WD truck would be nice because IF I needed to go off-road, I'd be more likely to get to where I wanted to go. I'd probably try to stay on the pavement as much as possible though.

I guess I'm more inclined to get a truck.

This is going to be LONG trip, so the higher the gas mileage I get the better.
 

meltdown75

Lifer
Nov 17, 2004
37,548
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I took a trip to Calgary and drove from there to Lake Louise. We had rented a Ford Escape at it was fine. Since there are these things called roads and highways actually built in the area, I think we could have managed nicely with any vehicle though.

Have a good one!! :)
 

BigToque

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
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What would be better:

1. Truck with more cargo space
2. SUV that I might be able to sleep in for most of the trip
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
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Originally posted by: BigToque
Originally posted by: Heisenberg
If you're going to be off the pavement a lot and drive in snow, then either a truck or an SUV with 4WD is probably what you need.

I don't really know how much I'd be off the pavement. A 4WD truck would be nice because IF I needed to go off-road, I'd be more likely to get to where I wanted to go. I'd probably try to stay on the pavement as much as possible though.

I guess I'm more inclined to get a truck.

This is going to be LONG trip, so the higher the gas mileage I get the better.

A Subaru might do OK if mileage is important and you won't be doing much off-road....you won't get the clearance of a true SUV, but as long as you're careful they should do all right.
Originally posted by: BigToque
What would be better:

1. Truck with more cargo space
2. SUV that I might be able to sleep in for most of the trip

SUV, remember it has PROTECTED cargo space. Unless you're moving your entire household, you don't need a truck.
 

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
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Nissan Xterra for off-road, Jeep Grand Cherokee for on-road and Subaru Forester for mild off-roading and best small suv.

Get the Subaru Forester. Wish I could get one.
 

Scouzer

Lifer
Jun 3, 2001
10,358
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Uhhh...

If your on the pavement...a honda civic. i grew up in alberta, spending a LOT of time in the rockies, and you need nothing more.
 

JinLien

Golden Member
Aug 24, 2005
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A 4x4 truck would be nice for winter condition, other wise any large, comfortable, reliable thing with 4 tires will be the ticket.
 

BigToque

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
11,700
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Originally posted by: JinLien

A 4x4 truck would be nice for winter condition, other wise any large, comfortable, reliable thing with 4 tires will be the ticket.

Well, I'm not gonna be up there until August or September, so I don't think there will be any snow yet.
 

JinLien

Golden Member
Aug 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: BigToque
Originally posted by: JinLien

A 4x4 truck would be nice for winter condition, other wise any large, comfortable, reliable thing with 4 tires will be the ticket.

Well, I'm not gonna be up there until August or September, so I don't think there will be any snow yet.
Any compy car should be okay at that time of the year. It can get a bit cold in the everning so bring a sweater/jacket.

July is the best time to visit the North for the norther lights and Jazz Fest.
 

Scouzer

Lifer
Jun 3, 2001
10,358
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I went there in December after a snow dump in my chevy beretta, no issues.

they close any roads that get bad, so having a 4x4 or not has little effect.

and yeah, july/august you definitely might as well save the $ on gas
 

sandorski

No Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
70,293
5,869
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Rockoies---like Scouzer said, anything is fine

Alaska/Yukon/NWT, a Truck or SUV. Worry about tires more. Get good rugged tires and extra sets. Some of the roads up north shred tires regularly.