☀️ Road Trip Season Is Here
Calgary is the launchpad for some of Canada’s most spectacular road trips — Banff, Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, Drumheller, and beyond. But summer heat, mountain grades, and remote stretches can push your vehicle to the limit. A 15-minute pre-trip check can save you from a breakdown hours from the nearest shop.
Broke down on a road trip? Call (587) 885-2326 for long distance towing & roadside help.
Every summer, thousands of Calgary drivers hit the road for the mountains, the badlands, or the long haul to BC and beyond. The routes are stunning — but they are also demanding on vehicles. Highway 1 through the Rockies throws steep grades and thin mountain air at your engine. Highway 2 south to Lethbridge and Montana runs through open prairie where summer heat radiates off the pavement. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most remote major roads in North America.
Break down on any of these routes and you could be hours from the nearest mechanic — and cell service may be spotty or nonexistent. This guide gives you a complete pre-trip checklist, explains the most common summer breakdowns, and covers what to do (and what it costs) if you need a tow far from Calgary.
Popular Summer Road Trip Routes from Calgary
No matter which direction you head, fuel up in Calgary — gas prices are generally lower than in mountain towns or national parks. And check 511 Alberta for real-time road conditions and construction delays before you leave.
The Complete Pre-Trip Vehicle Checklist
Most summer highway breakdowns are preventable. Run through this checklist a few days before your trip — not the morning of — so you have time to fix anything that comes up:
Coolant level and condition: Check the overflow reservoir when the engine is cold. Coolant should be at the “full cold” line and clean (not rusty or discoloured). Low coolant on a mountain grade in 30°C heat is the #1 cause of summer overheating.
Engine oil: Check the dipstick. Low oil causes excessive engine heat. If your oil change is due within the next 2,000 km, do it before the trip.
Tires: Check pressure (including spare) when cold. Look for uneven wear, cracks, bulges, or tread depth below 4/32″. Hot pavement and heavy loads increase blowout risk on worn tires. See our pothole damage guide if you suspect spring damage.
Brakes: Critical for mountain driving. If you hear squealing, grinding, or notice the pedal feels soft, get them inspected before tackling Kicking Horse Pass or the Icefields Parkway. Overheated brakes on a long downhill can fade — a terrifying experience.
Battery: Summer heat is actually harder on batteries than winter cold. Heat accelerates chemical degradation inside the battery. If yours is more than 3 years old, have it tested. A dead battery in a national park with no cell service is a serious problem.
Belts and hoses: Look under the hood for cracked, frayed, or bulging hoses and belts. A serpentine belt failure shuts down the alternator, water pump, and power steering simultaneously.
Air conditioning: Test your AC before you leave. Weak cooling under load means the system may fail when you need it most — and running with windows down at highway speed reduces fuel efficiency significantly.
Wipers and washer fluid: Mountain bugs and construction dust coat your windshield fast. Top up washer fluid and replace worn wipers before the trip.
Lights: Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards work. You may be driving through tunnels on Highway 1 or returning after dark on unlit mountain roads.
Spare tire and jack: Many newer vehicles do not include a full spare. Verify yours is present, properly inflated, and that you have a jack and lug wrench. A tire repair kit alone will not help with a sidewall blowout.
Summer Road Trip Emergency Kit
Your winter emergency kit focused on warmth. Your summer kit focuses on hydration, communication, and self-rescue on remote highways:
💦 Essentials
- 2–4 litres of water per person
- Extra coolant (1 litre minimum)
- Charged phone + car charger + battery pack
- Paper map or downloaded offline maps (cell gaps are real)
- First aid kit
🔧 Vehicle Supplies
- Booster cables or portable jump pack
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tow strap
- Reflective warning triangles or flares
- Flashlight with fresh batteries
📝 Documents
- Valid driver’s licence, registration, insurance pink card
- Parks Canada pass (Banff, Jasper, Waterton)
- Towing company number saved in phone: (587) 885-2326
- AMA or insurance roadside number (if applicable)
- Vehicle owner’s manual
The 6 Most Common Summer Road Trip Breakdowns
What to Do If Your Engine Overheats on a Mountain Highway
Engine overheating is the most common — and most dangerous — summer breakdown on mountain routes. If your temperature gauge climbs into the red on Highway 1 or the Icefields Parkway, act immediately:
Turn off AC, turn on the heater full blast
This sounds counterintuitive, but the heater core acts as a secondary radiator — pulling heat from the engine and blowing it into the cabin. Open the windows to stay cool.
Pull over safely and shut off the engine
Get to a pullout, rest area, or the widest shoulder available. Turn on hazard lights. Shut the engine off to stop heat generation. Pop the hood latch but do not open it yet.
Wait 30–45 minutes before opening the hood
Do NOT open the radiator cap while hot. The cooling system is pressurized and boiling coolant can spray out and cause severe burns. Wait until the temperature gauge drops to normal.
Check coolant and add if low
Once cooled, check the overflow reservoir. If low, add coolant (or water in an emergency). If you can see a coolant leak — a puddle under the car, steam from a hose — do not attempt to drive. Call for a tow.
Call (587) 885-2326 if it will not cool down
If the engine overheats again within minutes of restarting, you have a mechanical failure (thermostat, water pump, head gasket). Do not continue driving — you risk catastrophic engine damage. We provide long distance towing from anywhere on these routes back to Calgary.
Mountain driving tip: On long uphill grades, shift to a lower gear if your vehicle allows it. This reduces engine strain. On long downhills, use engine braking (lower gear) instead of riding the brakes — this prevents brake fade and reduces engine heat simultaneously.
Broke Down Far From Calgary? We Come To You.
(587) 885-2326
Long distance towing • Highway rescue • Battery boosts • Tire changes • 24/7
Long Distance Towing: What It Costs and How It Works
If your vehicle breaks down on a road trip and cannot be repaired on the spot, you will need a long distance tow back to Calgary or to the nearest qualified shop. Whether you need a flatbed tow for a serious breakdown or a roadside tire change to get back on the road, here is what to expect:
Long distance towing is priced by distance plus a base hookup fee. Rates vary based on time of day, vehicle type, and road conditions. For a detailed breakdown, see our 2026 tow truck cost guide. If you have insurance with the SEF 35 endorsement or AMA membership, a portion of the tow may be covered — check our insurance and towing guide for details.
Mountain Driving Tips for Highway 1 and the Icefields Parkway
⛽️ Respect the Grades
Highway 1 through the Rockies includes sustained 6–8% grades. Kicking Horse Pass (east of Golden) is one of the steepest highway grades in Canada. Downshift on uphills and use engine braking on descents.
⛽️ Fuel Up Early and Often
The Icefields Parkway has no gas for over 150 km between Saskatchewan River Crossing and Jasper. Mountain driving uses 15–30% more fuel than flat highway driving. Never pass a gas station with less than half a tank on mountain routes.
📡 Plan for No Cell Service
Large sections of the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway (1A) have no cell service. Download offline maps. Tell someone your route and expected arrival time. If you break down, flag other drivers for help if you cannot call.
🐘 Watch for Wildlife
Elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears frequently cross highways between Calgary and Jasper. Dawn and dusk are highest risk. A collision with a full-grown elk can total your vehicle. If an animal collision leaves your car undriveable, call us for accident recovery towing.
🚗 Share the Road with RVs
Summer highways are packed with RVs and trailers. Be patient on single-lane sections. Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass. Many accidents on Highway 1 are caused by impatient passing on curves or hills.
💧 Bring Extra Water and Coolant
If your engine overheats on a remote stretch, extra coolant can get you to the next town. Extra water keeps you hydrated if you have to wait for help. Carry at least 2 litres of each in your trunk.
What to Do If You Break Down Far from Calgary
Get safely off the road
Pull into a pullout, rest area, or as far onto the shoulder as possible. On mountain curves, get completely off the road — visibility is limited. Turn on hazard lights and set out triangles or flares if you have them.
Assess the situation
Is it something you can fix (low tire, overheating from low coolant)? Or is it a mechanical failure that requires a tow? If in doubt, do not try to drive a damaged vehicle further — you risk turning a minor repair into a major one. Know what information to give the dispatcher when you call.
Call for help
If you have cell service, call (587) 885-2326. We provide long distance towing across Alberta. If you have no cell service, flag down another driver and ask them to call for help when they reach service.
Stay safe while waiting
In national parks, be aware of wildlife — especially bears. Stay in your vehicle if possible. Drink water to stay hydrated in summer heat. If you are in a high-traffic area like the Banff park gates, stay well away from the road.
Does Your Insurance or Membership Cover Road Trip Towing?
Before you leave Calgary, know what coverage you have for a highway breakdown:
Most of these coverages have distance limits that will not cover a full tow from Jasper or Lake Louise back to Calgary. For comprehensive coverage details, see our insurance and towing guide. If you break down closer to Calgary — near Cochrane on Highway 1A or Airdrie on Highway 2 — response times are even faster. Regardless of coverage, calling us at (587) 885-2326 gets a truck dispatched immediately — we sort out billing and reimbursement details after you are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions — Summer Road Trips & Highway Towing
How much does long distance towing from Banff to Calgary cost?
A flatbed tow from Banff to Calgary (approximately 130 km) typically costs $350–$550, depending on the vehicle type, time of day, and specific pickup location. The cost includes a hookup fee plus a per-kilometre charge. Call (587) 885-2326 for an exact quote based on your situation.
What should I do if my car overheats on Highway 1?
Turn off AC and turn heater on full to pull heat from the engine. Pull over safely and shut off the engine. Wait 30–45 minutes before opening the radiator cap. Check coolant levels. If low, add coolant. If the engine overheats again after restarting, do not continue — call for a tow to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Is there cell service on the Icefields Parkway?
Cell service is very limited on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93N). You may have spotty service near the Columbia Icefield and at a few pullouts, but long stretches have no service at all. Download offline maps and tell someone your planned route and arrival time before you depart.
Does AMA cover long distance towing from the mountains?
AMA’s basic plan covers towing only 5–10 km, which will not get you from Banff to Calgary. The Plus plan covers 160 km and Premier covers 320 km. If you regularly road trip from Calgary, the Premier tier may be worth the upgrade. Regardless of AMA coverage, you can always call us directly.
Where is the last gas station before Jasper on the Icefields Parkway?
Saskatchewan River Crossing (The Crossing Resort) is the only fuelling stop on the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper — and it is only open seasonally (roughly May to October). After that, it is over 150 km to the next gas station. Always fill up in Lake Louise before heading north.
How do I prevent brake fade on mountain roads?
On long downhill stretches, use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear (L, 2, or S mode in an automatic). This lets the engine slow the vehicle instead of relying entirely on the brakes. Avoid riding the brakes continuously — this heats the brake fluid and pads until they lose effectiveness. If the brake pedal feels soft, pull over and let the brakes cool before continuing.
Can summer heat really kill my car battery?
Yes. Heat accelerates chemical degradation inside a battery faster than cold does. A battery that survived the winter in weakened condition often fails in summer. Extreme under-hood temperatures during mountain driving can push it over the edge. If your battery is 3+ years old, test it before a road trip. If you need a battery boost on the road, we offer 24/7 service.
What if I hit a deer or elk on the highway?
Pull safely off the road and turn on hazards. Check for injuries. Do not approach the animal. Call 911 if there are injuries or the road is blocked. If your vehicle is not driveable, call (587) 885-2326 for accident recovery towing. File a collision report and contact your insurance — comprehensive coverage typically covers wildlife collisions.
How far in advance should I check my car before a road trip?
Do your pre-trip check 3–5 days before departure. This gives you time to address anything that needs repair — a new battery, brake pads, coolant flush, or tire replacement — without delaying your trip. A morning-of check should only confirm basics like tire pressure and fluid levels.
Do you tow from outside Alberta?
We primarily serve Calgary and Alberta routes, including Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Drumheller, Airdrie, Cochrane, and all major Alberta highways. If you break down just across the BC border (Golden, Revelstoke), call us and we can discuss options or coordinate with a BC provider. Be cautious of predatory towing — under Alberta’s towing laws, uninvited tow trucks cannot approach your vehicle within 200 metres.
Save This Number Before You Hit the Road.
Long distance towing, battery boosts, tire changes — anywhere in Alberta, 24/7.
(587) 885-2326