Getting to Western Canada

British Columbia features a fantastic and efficient highway system that criss-crosses the province
providing easy access to all major destinations. Many of the coastal and island regions are accessible by ferry only, for routing information see the “By Sea” section below. The following are a few of the major routing options for travel within British Columbia.
For complete and detailed highway information, call 1-800-HELLO-BC or visit www.HelloBC.com for an official road map.

TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) crosses into British Columbia from the Banff-Lake Louise area of Alberta, traveling through Yoho National Park and into the town of Golden, BC. It is the more southern of the two TransCanada highways that run through British Columbia. It starts at the Alberta border and travels through such centres as Revelstoke, Kamloops, Ashcroft, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Vancouver and Victoria.

TransCanada Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) is the more northern of the two major east-west highways that cross British Columbia. It picks up at the British Columbia border from Jasper in Alberta, crosses through Mount Robson Park in the Canadian Rockies and provides access through the centre of the province. It travels through Prince George and on into Prince Rupert on the west coast before picking up on the Queen Charlotte Islands, its point of
termination.

Highway 19 is a major routing option when traveling on Vancouver Island. It picks up at Duke Point, where the ferry lands, and continues along the Island’s east coast all the way to Port Hardy.

Highway 37 provides convenient access to British Columbia’s northwest. It begins at Kitimat near the west coast, and continues north to the Yukon Territory border, passing through Terrace and Good Hope Lake along the way.

Highway 97 is a primary north-south route through much of British Columbia. It begins at Osoyoos on the Washington border in the south-central portion of BC and travels north through Kamloops, Williams Lake, Prince George, Fort St. John, and all the way to the Yukon Territory border.
Greyhound Lines and Cantrail Coach offer regular bus service from Seattle (and other U.S. cities) to Vancouver. Regular bus service connects the Vancouver area with other parts of the province. Intra-provincial bus lines link most major communities.

British Columbia’s coastal and island regions are serviced by an extensive network of ferry services.  Numerous ferry operators offer scheduled passenger and vehicle service from the mainland and Vancouver Island to many ports of call along BC's coast. 

BC Ferries
For almost 50 years, British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) has been transporting people, goods and services across the waters of coastal BC. It boasts a fleet of 35 vessels serving up to 47 ports of call, including major links between Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Queen Charlotte Islands and various ports along the province’s mainland coast. BC Ferries is the primary provider of ferry service in the province.
Tel: 250-386-3431 / 1-888-BC-FERRY
www.bcferries.com

Island Sealink*
Providing express passenger-only service on high-speed catamarans between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo. An efficient way for visitors to have an Island getaway without taking the coach!
Tel: 1-866-761-8047
www.harbourlynx.com
*sevice not confirmed at press time

Inland Ferries
Operated under the Ministry of Transportation, Inland Ferries provides ferry service free of charge in areas where there isn’t bridge access to passengers or vehicles. 
www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/inlandferryschedule/ferryschedule.htm

Alaska Marine Highway System
Offering ferry service between southeast Alaska and Prince Rupert, BC for passengers and vehicles. Operated by the State of Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
Tel: 1-800-642-0066
www.ferryalaska.com

Washington State by Ferry
Several ferry companies provide vehicle and passenger service between various ports along southern Vancouver Island and the coast of Washington State:
Blackball Transport – www.cohoferry.com
Victoria Clipper – www.victoriaclipper.com
Victoria Express – www.victoriaexpress.com
Washington State Ferries –
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Major Ferry Terminals in British Columbia
Tsawwassen
Swartz Bay
Horseshoe
Departure Bay
Powell River
Duke Point
Langdale
Downtown Sidney
Downtown Victoria

Most major destinations in British Columbia can be accessed by air. Air Canada is the major airline, and regional airlines and Helijet have scheduled service throughout the province. The province’s major international airport hubs are Victoria, Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Kelowna. For more information on regional and international air travel to and from British Columbia visit www.HelloBC.com.

Victoria International Airport
Tel: 250-953-7500
www.cyyj.ca

Vancouver Internatiional Airport
Tel: 604-207-7077
www.yvr.ca

Traveling through British Columbia by rail can be a beautiful and memorable experience. The province is served through three different rail lines, providing direct and relaxed service to many cities and
communities. 

VIA Rail
VIA Rail operates through much of the province on three different lines. The Malahat line operates on Vancouver Island, linking Victoria and Courtenay. The Skeena line in Northern BC runs from Prince Rupert to Prince George, and on into Jasper, Alberta. The Canadian line serves Vancouver, Coast & Mountains and the Thompson Okanagan regions, continuing east through major stops in Alberta, Saskatchewan and beyond.
Tel: 1-888-VIA-RAIL
www.viarail.ca

Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer provides all daylight service between Vancouver and points in  BC and Alberta.  This relaxing two-day journey operates seasonally and follows the historic train routes constructed over 100 years ago through the Canadian Rockies.  Check out the website for new routes, including seasonal service between Whistler and Jasper.
Tel: 604-606-7245 / 1-877-460-3200
www.rockymountaineer.com

Amtrak
The Amtrak Cascades line offers service through the Northwest United States, and into British Columbia. The line originates in Eugene, Oregon, and ends up in Vancouver, British Columbia. This scenic route passes through Seattle and Portland, past Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge, providing some unparalleled views of the Pacific Northwest.
Tel: 1-800-USA-RAIL
www.amtrak.com

Ministry of Transportation 
The Ministry of Transportation Division of the British Columbia Government provides a wealth of information for visitors traveling to and within the province.  Consult them for all of your transportation needs, including road conditions, construction updates, drivers’ safety information, and other helpful travel links.

For more information contact:
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Tel: 250-387-3198
www.gov.bc.ca

TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) is one of the two major east-west highways crossing Alberta.  The more southerly of the two TransCanada Highways, it enters Alberta at Walsh on the Saskatchewan border, and continues through the southern centers of Medicine Hat, Calgary, Canmore and Banff, where it continues into the Canadian Rocky Mountains and on into British Columbia.

TransCanada Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) is the other major east-west highway across the province. It starts at Lloydminster on the Saskatchewan border and continues directly west through such centers as Edmonton, Edson, Hinton and Jasper before crossing the Canadian Rocky Mountains and into British Columbia.

Highway 2 is the primary north-south route through much of Alberta. It begins near the Montana border and travels directly north through centers such as Crowsnest Pass, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and Athabasca before heading northwest toward Slave Lake, Peace River and Grimshaw. 

Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is an alternate north-south route for those seeking more of the scenic route of travel. It travels through the mountain parks of Banff and Jasper, and takes in the majestic Columbia Icefield along the way. It connects with both TransCanada Highways for easy access. 

International airports in Calgary and Edmonton provide direct and connecting flights to more than 100 cities around the world on most major airlines and charter companies. Several airlines also provide scheduled and chartered service to smaller airports and other points in the province, including some of Alberta’s more northern regions.

Calgary International Airport
Tel: 403-735-1200
www.calgaryairport.com

Edmonton International Airport
Tel: 780-890-8900
www.edmontonairports.com

Via Rail 
One of the most scenic and relaxing ways to see Alberta is on the train. Alberta is served by Canada’s national passenger train service, Via Rail, through its Canadian service. The Canadian travels between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and into British Columbia. Major Alberta stops include Edmonton and Jasper.

Tel: 1-888-VIA-RAIL
www.viarail.ca

Infrastructure & Transportation
The Infrastructure & Transportation Division of the Alberta Government provides a wealth of information for visitors using the province’s highways for travel. Consult them for all of your transportation needs, including permits, road conditions, construction updates, drivers’ safety information, and the Transportation Safety Board.

For more information contact:
Alberta Infrastructure & Transportation
Tel: 780-427-2731
www.trans.gov.ab.ca

TransCanada Highway (Highway 1)  is the major east-west highway across Saskatchewan. The first railway followed this route in the 1880s, so did thousands of homesteaders. This major route starts at Fleming near the Manitoba border, continues through Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, and crosses Maple Creek before continuing into Alberta.

TransCanada Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16)  is the other major east-west highway across the province. It starts at Langenburg near the Manitoba border and cuts a northwesterly diagonal through Yorkton, Wynyard, Saskatoon and North Battleford, crossing finally through Lloydminster on the Alberta border.

CanAm Highway (Highways 35, 33, 6, 3, 2) is a dramatic international north-south highway starting at Port of Oungre on the U.S. border, and winding north through Regina, Watson, Prince Albert, terminating at LaRonge in boreal forest and lake country.

The Red Coat Trail (Highway 13) is named for the route taken in 1874 by the North West Mounted Police, forerunners of today’s Mounties, when they came west to quell the whiskey-trade. It starts in Carlyle near the Manitoba border and travels west (parallel to the TransCanada) through Stoughton, Lafleche, and Shaunavon to the Alberta border.

The Saskota Travel Route (Highway 9) provides easy-going north-south travel through
the eastern region, connecting Saskatchewan and North Dakota in a historic timeline. This recreational route travels from Oxbow at the U.S. border through Whitewood, Yorkton, Canora and Hudson Bay on the way to the Manitoba border.

More Scenic Routes

The Louis Riel Trail (Highway 11) is a regular commute for many residents and travelers alike. This two lane divided highway runs from Regina to Prince Albert, through Saskatoon, and provides
convenient and efficient access to these major cities. It also connects major sites of the 1885
North West Resistance led by Louis Riel.

Regina-Yorkton (Highway 10) routing gives travelers a glimpse of the cultural diversity at the heart of the province. Travelling through Qu’Appelle Valley, Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville in a northeasterly direction toward Yorkton and the Manitoba border.

Swift Current-Meadow Lake (Highway 4) routing gives travelers an alternate north-south route through western Saskatchewan. It begins in Swift Current and travels through Kyle, Rosetown, Biggar, North Battleford and into Meadlow Lake. It also provides easy access to Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

Saskatoon-Alberta Border (Highway 7) takes you from the green parks and bustling streets of Saskatoon conveniently to the Alberta, traveling through the streets of Rosetown and into Kindersley, home of international baseball tournaments.

The Northern Woods & Water Route (Highway 55)  travels east-west through the central region of the province, between southern prairie and northern forest. It winds through “fur trade country”, parkland, lakes, rivers and other beautiful scenery, passing through Nipawin, Prince Albert, Big River and Meadow Lake en route to the Alberta border. 

Saskatchewan Road Trips
www.sasktourism.com

International airports in Saskatoon and Regina provide direct and connecting flights to destinations around the world. Several airlines also provide scheduled and chartered service to smaller airports and other points in the province, including fishing and hunting destinations in Saskatchewan’s north.

Regina International Airport
Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, NorthWest, WestJet, Transwest Air, Skyservice, Westwind Aviation
Tel: 306-761-7555
www.yqr.ca

Saskatoon International Airport
Airlines: Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Air Transat, NorthWest, Westwind Aviation, WestJet, Skyservice
Tel: 306-975-8900
www.yxe.ca

Via Rail 
Saskatchewan is served by Canada’s national passenger train service, Via Rail, through its Canadian service. The Canadian travels between Toronto and Vancouver, crossing through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and into British Columbia.  Major stops on the route include Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Edmonton.

Tel: 1-888-VIA-RAIL
www.viarail.ca

Motorcoach Travel  
If a motorcoach is traveling through Saskatchewan, it must pick up an
authority permit. Top-off may be allowed. Contact Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
permit office for more information (see below).

Costs and Coverage
- The cost of the permit is $15.00, and covers insurance for third party liability for $200,000.  
-  Carriers are recommended to be registered under IFTA to avoid fuel tax fees. 
-  There is also an additional fee if the coach
has an overweight axle.

How to Obtain a Permit
Call the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) from the Saskatc­­­hewan border, or a couple
of days before arrival. When calling to obtain a
permit, you will need to have the following
information ready:
- Registration information
- Number of passengers on board
- Route to be traveled in the province
- Mailing address

Saskatchewan Government Insurance
2260-11th Avenue
Regina, SK  S4P 2N6
Tel: 306-775-6969; 1-800-667-7575 (in SK)
www.sgi.sk.ca
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Canada Customs
For answers to all customs inquiries, please call
the information line: 1-800-461-9999 in Canada
or 204-983-3500 outside Canada.
Canada Border Services Agency
Ottawa, ON  K1A 1J5
Or visit the website at:
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

King of the Road!
Group tours travelling through Saskatchewan are in for a real driving treat. Saskatchewan has more road surface than any other province in Canada, with a  total of 250,000 kilometres. Whether you're heading north to south or east to west, or anywhere in between, there are plenty of options to get you from point A to point B. This also provides an excellent opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore some of Saskatchewan's lesser-known landscapes.  From relaxed and rambling country roads
to the efficient multi-lane highways, Saskatchewan's roads are ready for you!

Manitoba Provincial Highway 1
The total distance of the Trans Canada Highway in Manitoba is 519 km (322 mi). Most of the highway is a 4-lane divided highway except on some very short sections in western & eastern Manitoba, where the highway is two lanes.

Manitoba Provincial Highway 75 (Lord Selkirk Highway)
The Lord Selkirk Highway is a main route from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the U.S. border, where it connects with U.S. Route 75 near the community of Emerson, Manitoba. The highway is about 95 km (60 mi) long, and is used as a main route for those travelling between Winnipeg and the United States.

Provincial Trunk Highways 100 and 101 (Perimeter Highway)
A beltway around Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Perimeter is approximately 90 km (57 mi) long. It is an alternate route around Winnipeg for through traffic, as there are no freeways through the city