Spokane, WA to Calgary, AB BEST ROUTE?

That route is mandatory winter tires or chains (in BC), depending on the vehicle. If the truck is less than 27,000 kg (60,000 lbs) registered weight (which it no doubt is) and has marked winter or M&S tires with minimum 3.5 mm tread depth, you should be okay.

Otherwise, I would say that route is fine as that is the way I went from Calgary to ID, WA, OR and northern CA at all times of the year.

If you go that way, fuel is not a problem; you can top up in Bonners Ferry, and Cranbrook (there are other places, but typically smaller, so more expensive, until you get near/to Calgary). I would carry on east, past Highway 22 in AB (unless you prefer the slow, scenic, wildlife route) and go to Highway 2, then north to Calgary.

The entry to Canada via BC is generally a no-go if hauling produce however (probably doesn't apply in your case... just a general FYI).

Vehicles 5,000 kg to 27,000 kg GVW may use tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M+S symbol in lieu of chains, if available.
- http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/t...er-tires-and-chains/winter-driving-commercial

Drivers must obey winter tire and chain signs throughout the province from October 1 to March 31.



Drivers failing to have vehicles properly equipped can be fined $109. Enforcement officers may prevent you from travelling if not properly equipped for road conditions or for safety reasons.

Sections of highways requiring winter tires or chains onboard are marked with roadside signs. For passenger vehicles, chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for winter tires on signed highways.

Should you go beyond the signs without the proper equipment you may be turned around by RCMP, CVSE or another policing agency, and be subject to a fine.

Southern Interior Region Map

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/t...asonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains
​

 

Yes take us95 to Eastport then go straight past the scale that is route 3 to route 2 go north to Calgary. Fuel costs less in Bonners ferry I'd advise to fill up there. I don't think duty free sells fuel there.

@not4hire
What's the deal with no produce crossing there? Never heard that but never brought produce north through there either. I learned the hard way about Abbotsford one time...
Do they restrict produce to Coutts and the Blaine wa crossing?

 

I never really dug into it because although I was running reefer, I rarely returned to Alberta via BC. My vague recollection is that it depends on the produce, but it was definitely much more hassle as there were additional forms required, etc. It could be mostly a manpower/expertise issue. The CBSA guys at Kingsgate (Eastport - U.S.) were excellent though; calling the customs broker for me, providing their fax, made me lunch... it was snowing like a bear and maybe they were just lonely.

 

sniff...

 

I love that route to Calgary. Beautiful time of the year to run it.

 

Beautiful route, WATCH for DEER and ELK between I90 and the border.

 

And neanderthal and bison once you cross over the line

 

Hey... these ain't no "alternate facts", sir.

 

All they did for me was confiscate my Kershaw speed-safe for the crown.