Originally posted by RGlasel Nothing like Tioga Pass and the elevation is much, much lower. Even Sunwapta Pass between Jasper and Lake Louise is a relatively easy incline without switchbacks. Temperatures are cooler, the biggest driving hazard is wildlife. Watch out for moose between McBride and Prince George, smaller animals between McBride and Jasper. Elk (technically wapiti) and bears have the right of way in Jasper and Banff National Parks, make sure you avoid them as well.I hope you have confirmed camping spots for your RV, demand in the national parks far outstrips demand. Potable water is available at lots of places along the Icefields Parkway, but you won't be able to hook up a hose, you'll have to fill a pail. There is a service centre at Saskatchewan Crossing, but I don't know what kind of RV services they have. Generally speaking, private development is very restricted inside Canadian national parks and services geared towards travellers in RVs will be somewhat limited.
Are you planning to travel the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier NP? There is a 21 foot restriction for total vehicle length and it will be more challenging to drive than your Canadian itinerary.
As far as camera gear, you definitely want a telephoto zoom long enough for wildlife, but light enough to take on a walk. A tripod is only going to get in the way most of the time, if an animal stands still long enough to set one up, it will draw a crowd of tourists who will be standing between you and it.
I heard about how tough reservations are in the national parks, and I got one of the last sites in Jasper (power only, hence my question about water) and one of the last 3 sites in Kootenay with full hookups (Redstreak). When I booked I had more choices at Lake Louise and Banff, though I'm sure they are not choice spots. At least I have reservations.
I'm planning on going down through Radium Hot Springs then down 93(?), to get to West Glacier, rowing a trailer across Going To The Sun Road is not my idea of fun. I haven't towed up Tioga Rd, just the western 190 pass into Death Valley and was definitely concerned going up. It bothered me enough that I drove back by going east, a much easier route. Slopes greater than 7% get me worried. 5 - 6% grades are a piece of cake, I just don't go very fast. Going to the Sun will be fun in the Grand Cherokee without the trailer.
I don't see why everyone wants to see bears - they are too clever for their own good and can be such dangerous pests. My thinking could be clouded because one just about totaled a Honda Fit I was in once, didn't kill the bear right off, or at least the CHP couldn't find it when he went back looking for it. I can't tell you how many stories I've heard about the damage bears can do to a house or a car.
I have both the 100-300 f4.7 and the DA*300 which I'll bring, though I'm not entirely sure I'll use the DA all that much, it's pretty heavy to tote along. But it also plays nicely with the 1.7 AFA, which I also have. I do wonder if I should get the 1.4 TC, then I would have true AF.
While I probably won't hike with a tripod, this trip might be a good excuse to get a small, lightweight tripod. RRS has one I keep drooling over. I have a Gitzo Series 2 tripod, but it's too heavy to hike with.
I'll bring the limited lenses, and not use this trip as an excuse to buy the DA 70, the only 1 I don't have. It has never "called my name" - not like all of the other ones. I will bring the 16-50, not sure about the 12-24 or the 10-17.
I hike with a hydration pack and then lens pouches hung on the waist belt - far more comfortable for someone as small as I am. I get strange looks, but it works.
Thanks for all the help and advice.