The Okanagan and Alberta trade a lot of people. Families head to Calgary and Edmonton for work, and Albertans come the other way for the lakes and milder winters. We’re a Kelowna-based mover, and we run these trips with our own trucks and crew. Here’s what a move between Kelowna and Calgary or Edmonton actually involves, so you can plan it with fewer surprises.
How far is it, and which way do the trucks go?
Kelowna to Calgary is roughly 600 km. The usual route is north to the Trans-Canada Highway, then east through Revelstoke, Rogers Pass, Golden and Banff. Kelowna to Edmonton is longer, roughly 900 to 1,000 km depending on the route. Trucks either go north through Kamloops, Valemount and Jasper on the Yellowhead Highway, or through the Rockies to Calgary and then up Highway 2.
Both routes cross high mountain passes. Snow can show up on Rogers Pass and the Yellowhead in October and stick around into spring, and summer brings construction delays and the occasional closure. A good mover watches DriveBC and Alberta 511 and picks the route and departure time to suit the conditions. Ask whoever you hire how they handle a closure.
When is the best time to move?
The easiest window is late spring through early fall, when roads are clear and days are long. That’s also the busiest time, though, especially at the end of the month and around the school year. If your date is locked in by a possession date or a job start, book early.
Winter moves happen all the time and are perfectly doable. Just build in some slack. Leave a buffer day if you can, and don’t schedule the closing on your new place for the same afternoon the truck is supposed to arrive.
What affects the price of a long-distance move?
Every long-distance move is quoted on its own, and anyone who gives you a firm price without asking questions is guessing. These are the things that actually move the number:
- How much you’re taking. Volume and weight decide the truck size and how long loading and unloading take. We run two 5-ton trucks, a 3-ton and a pickup, so we can match the truck to the job.
- Access at both ends. Stairs, elevators, long carries from the curb, steep driveways and strata loading rules all add time.
- Crew size. More movers load faster. Our crew rates are posted on our pricing page.
- Distance and fuel. Edmonton is further than Calgary, and a fuel surcharge may apply depending on distance and fuel costs.
- Extras. Packing, packing supplies, furniture disassembly, storage between homes, and specialty items like pianos, hot tubs or appliances.
- Timing. Peak dates fill up first, so a flexible date gives you more options.
The best way to get an accurate number is to tell us exactly what’s going, and show us if you can. Photos or a quick walk-through on a video call work well.
Plan the move in stages
Six to eight weeks out: Get quotes and book your mover. Measure big furniture against doorways in the new place. Start thinking about what isn’t worth hauling over the Rockies.
Four weeks out: Declutter for real. Heavy, cheap items like old particle-board furniture, worn mattresses and garage clutter often cost more to move than to replace. Our junk removal crew can clear them before moving day, so you’re not paying to drive them 600 km.
Two weeks out: Book elevators or loading bays at both buildings. Arrange utilities, internet and mail forwarding. If your new place won’t be ready, ask about storage.
Moving week: Pack an essentials box with bedding, chargers, medication, tools, kettle and coffee. Keep important documents with you, not in the truck. Defrost and dry the fridge at least a day before.
Moving day: Be there for the walk-through, show the crew what’s fragile, and confirm the delivery address and an arrival window.
Coming to the Okanagan from Alberta
If you’re moving from Calgary or Edmonton into Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon or Penticton, it helps that we’re local. We know which strata buildings need elevator bookings, which hillside driveways can’t take a big truck, and how to handle Mission and Black Mountain grades. After the move, we can also deliver and install new appliances through All Day Delivery (installation is an extra charge). We haul the old ones away for $30.00 each.
Questions to ask any long-distance mover
- Do you use your own trucks and crew, or subcontract the drive?
- Are you insured and WorkSafeBC covered?
- How do you protect furniture for mountain highways?
- What happens if a highway closes?
- Is the quote based on an actual look at my belongings?
Get a quote
Tell us where you’re moving from and to, your dates and the size of your home, and we’ll give you a real quote. See our Kelowna to Calgary and Kelowna to Edmonton pages, read about our moving services, or get a free quote. You can also call us 24/7 at 250-862-2270. Curious what past customers say? Read our Google reviews. We’re rated 5.0.