Flattest route from Alberta to Victoria goes right through Kamloops

For motorists towing campers or driving RVs through the mountain ranges between Alberta and Victoria, in an effort to save gas dollars, it would be handy to know which route will burn the least amount of fuel.

B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation has done the work for you by identifying that route. 

High elevation passes may not feel intimidating for drivers in sedans, pick ups and SUVs, but people in RVs and fifth-wheels can struggle to make it up them, the ministry said in a post to its website.

Grades general reach a maximum of about 8% in B.C. however some are as steep as 12% over short distances. The Coquihalla Summit on Highway 5, the Rogers Pass on Highway 1 and the Kootenay Pass on Highway 3 have the longest stretches of steep grades, some of which can be longer than 20 kilometres.

The flattest way to the coast from Alberta, the ministry said, starts at the border on Highway 16. Turn onto Highway 5 when it begins and take it to Kamloops. From there Highway 1 will take drivers to Vancouver, where B.C. Ferries can float them over to Victoria.

READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Racers try to finish this 1,000-km KVR trail ride from Merritt to Fernie in 3 days

For anybody worried about whether their vehicle has what it takes to make it up the steepest highways, the province recommends driving slower uphill to avoid overheating your vehicle's engine.

When going downhill, shift into a lower gear to prevent brake wear and count on runaway lanes in an emergency.

The ministry recommends checking Drive B.C. before embarking upon long trips, and to be prepared with extra food and clothing in case you end up in a survival situation.

And while cyclists may appreciate roadways with less elevations, the ministry said the suggested route is the flattest one – not the shortest.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.