5 Best Drive-In Campsites Near Calgary

With summer coming in hot and the mountains a short drive away, I've decided to create a list of campgrounds near to Calgary that you can get to for a couple days of relaxation.

Interlakes Campground

Located in the heart of the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, the Interlakes Campground is located on the picturesque Lower Kananaskis lake and provides access to boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and much more. With pull-through sites available, you can be sure you'll find a campsite for your trailer size. Need a new hitch for your fifth wheel? Check out our selection and get your truck prepped for camping this summer.

Aspen Crossing

Looking for a little bit of glamping? Maybe you want something convenient with a lot to do. Aspen Crossing, near Mossleigh, offers a spot in the beautiful prairie landscape for full service camping. Want a unique experience? Try booking a stay in the Caboose Cabins and sleep in a real rail car caboose! Puzzle your way through on-site escape rooms, take a train tour, or dine in at their rail car restaurant!

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Nestled in the unique Albertan Badlands, Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a wide array of hiking options, from interpretive trails to adventures through the hoodoos. Hook up a bike rack to your vehicle and ride the trails of Southern Alberta. From there it's a short trip to the Royal Tyrell Museum and a range of other dinosaur related attractions.

Beaver Flats Campground

With sites available for RVs and tent camping, located in the Elbow Falls Provincial Park area, there is no end to the things you can do here. Hiking is available in a wide range of difficulty levels, or take out the bikes. Take a dip in the cold water, or get your Kayak Rack out and brave challenging rapids (experienced paddlers). You can even bring out your horses and ride the nearby equestrian trails.

Little Elbow Campground

Get your Gooseneck Hitch on your truck and bring your horses out to this campsite in Little Elbow Provincial Park. With a tonne of local equestrian trails, you'll never be short something to do. Regular hiking and mountain biking are popular here as well. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Try exploring the great fishing opportunities located here as well.

For more information on camping near Calgary, check out https://www.albertaparks.ca, and if you need a vehicle accessory to get you going this summer, check out our Calgary location, give us a call, or visit our website to find everything you need!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca 

Thule Vs. Yakime: Which is Better?

Whether you're looking for a roof rack, ski or snowboard carrier, cargo box, or any other vehicle cargo solution, you may be split between choosing one of two dominant brands: Thule and Yakima. The most common question from those looking to suit up their vehicle with a rack system is, what's better of the two, Thule or Yakima? There's a good chance you've asked the same question, considering you're reading this blog.

I'm going to cut to the chase and tell you straight up that there's no real answer to this question. Both Thule and Yakima make exceptional products that are very similar to each other, and within the same price range. Whether you need a roof rack system, or are looking to retrofit your existing rack to carry more, both companies make loads of products suited to all your needs. Both Thule and Yakima offer rack systems for biking, kayaking, skiing, and both offer a wide range of cargo boxes suitable for any adventure.

So, how should you form your decision? The deciding factor is sometimes based on compatibility. Some vehicles are more compatible with one company's racks over another, which would make the decision easy. Style may also be a factor if you like the look of one rack and its available accessories over another. 

Whatever you choose, we recommend sticking to that brand as you add more accessories such as cargo boxes and water sport carriers. Although this isn't always necessary, it ensures that all your products will be compatible with one another and lets you secure all your gear with a one key lock system, rather than having to have multiple keys to try and secure your belongings.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it! Find a rack suited to your vehicle so you can begin your long anticipated adventure.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

10 Ways to Improve Vehicle Storage Space

1. Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover can turn the truck bed of your pickup truck into a safe and secure place to store your extra cargo. As well as letting you lock your truck bed, most tonneau covers are also weather resistant, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings being subject to moisture damage. There are various styles, such as Roll-Up, Tri-Fold, Retractable and Hard tonneau covers, so you can be sure to find one suited to your lifestyle and specific requirements.

2. Cargo Box

Cargo boxes mount on top of roof racks to provide additional cargo space on top of your vehicle. Cargo boxes work with any kind of vehicle, but are especially useful for small cars that don’t offer a lot of space. The solid construction and integrated lock systems ensure that your items remain safe and secure inside your cargo box at all times, so you never have to worry.

3. Roof Rack

Roof racks consist of cross bars, which are held on top of the vehicle by feet or towers to provide a base for carrying large or oversized items. Roof racks are suitable for any type of vehicle of any size, and they provide a foundation for additional carriers and mounts.

4. Cargo Basket

Cargo Baskets can help you secure items for transport on top of your vehicle. The open platform provides easy access to tie down your cargo, and added flexibility with items that wouldn’t normally fit inside your vehicle. They mount to roof rack systems to keep them elevated to prevent damage to your roof.

5. Bike Rack

Bikes can be hard to transport, especially if you don’t have a truck bed to carry them in. Luckily there are many types of hitch or roof mount bike racks available to help you take your bikes on any adventure. Hitch mount bike racks attach to your hitch to carry bikes on the back of your vehicle. There are also roof mounts available to carry bikes on top of your car. If you are looking to carry your bikes on your RV, products like the RV Bike Ladder rack provide an excellent solution that let you carry bikes on your RV ladder. There are many types of bike racks and mounts available for any type of vehicle, and some models can even carry up to 5 bikes securely. 

6. Cargo Bag

Cargo bags provide a reliable and compact storage solution for the top of your vehicle. Most cargo bags are designed to be durable and water tight, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings during transport. These bags simply attach to your roof rack to provide additional storage, and when not in use, they fold up nicely and take up little space.

7. Water Sport Carrier

If you love spending time in the water, there are various solutions to help you transport your kayak, paddleboard or canoe that are compatible with any size vehicle. These mounting systems attach to the roof of your vehicle to provide a sturdy and secure mount to get your gear to the water.

8. Truck Bed Storage Case

There are various products available to help you utilize your truck bed space. The DU-HA Humpstor truck bed storage case and UnderCover SwingCase provide secure storage without taking up your entire bed. These products are designed to make use of the space above and around the wheel wells, which are normally not used.

9. Truck Bed Tool Box

Tool boxes fit in your truck bed to provide secure, reliable and water tight storage for tools, equipment, and other gear. Tool boxes are suited for anyone needing to transport equipment on the job, or those just looking for a secure and handy truck bed storage solution.

10. Cargo Restraint System

Cargo restraint systems like the BedNet and Thule Stretch Cargo Net are designed to help you safely secure awkward and oversized loads. These products feature webbing with hooks that goes over your cargo to protect and secure it during transport.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Carry a Little More With Thule and Yakima

It doesn't matter what type of adventure seeker you are, Auto Truck Depot has everything you need to make the most out of your journey. Whether you are looking to head out to the mountains to ski or snowboard, go on an epic mountain bike ride, escape city life to go camping, or are just wanting to head out of town to escape your daily routine, we are here to help.

Cargo Boxes are one of the most convenient storage solutions for any type of vehicle. These boxes simply attach to an existing roof rack to provide additional cargo space on top of your vehicle. There are various styles, shapes and sizes, so you can find exactly what you need.

 

The Yakima RocketBox and SkyBox series are a great choice for anyone looking to expand the cargo space of their vehicle. The SkyBox 16 is one of our top-selling cargo boxes and provides enough cargo space for up to 3 people. It has a sleek, aerodynamic design to reduce wind drag, it is completely secure, durable, and it opens from both sides for even more convenience. If this isn't enough space, the SkyBox 21 provides up to 21 cubit feet of storage space. The SkyBox 21 is perfect for large family adventures with enough space to hold everyone's belongings.

Take a look at our large selection of Cargo Boxes to find one that's perfect for you!

If you plan on going out on an epic ski or snowboard adventure, you might want look at a ski or snowboard mount. The Thule SnowPack 4 easily holds up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards on top of your vehicle, and the new smart vertical spring system adjusts for various ski thickness. The SnowPack 4 is completely secure, with a one-lock key system, and if you need space for more boards, the SnowPack 6 holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards. There are also various ski and snowboard hitch racks available if you are unable to utilize the cargo space on top of your vehicle, such as the Thule Tram Ski & Snowboard Carrier, which connects to a 2" receiver hitch.

If biking is your thrill, we have a large selection of bike racks and mounts that are just for you! It doesn't matter if you drive a small car, van, SUV or even an RV--there are numerous options to suite your very specific need. 

The Swagman Trailhead 2 - 2 Bike Two Arm Rack transports up to 2 bikes and includes new anti-sway cradles to prevent bike-to-bike contact. The arms easily fold away and the rack folds down to allow access to the rear of your vehicle and save space. This rack easily attaches to any existing 2" hitch receiver, and if a two bike rack isn't enough, take a look at the Trailhead 4, which can carry up to 4 bikes! Check out this short video for more details about the Trailhead 4.

Check out our selection of bike racks and mounts to find one that's perfect for you!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

10 Best ATV and Biking Trails Near Calgary

With the summer getting close to full swing, we want to help you get the most out of the nice weather. To this end, I have researched some of the most interesting and beautiful biking and ATV trails to help you find new trails to ride. Make sure you're ready to go with great accessories like the Swagman SEMI 2.0 2 Bike Hitch Rack to get your bikes out there!

Whenever you are out enjoying the vast wilderness that our great country has to offer, remember that is indeed our soil. Canadians are very proud of our lands, and we should always strive to keep them clean and undamaged. Please be considerate of the wildlife and plants that live in these areas, and leave no trace so that you, and many others, can return to enjoy these same trails over and over again.

 

Burnt Timber (ATV)

Burnt Timber is located west of Cremona near Waiparous. With a whopping 95 kilometers of trails, this area ranges from easy to challenging and has something to offer everyone. The terrain varies from flat wide open spaces to forested areas all in sight of the mountains.

The area is very remote, with Cochrane being the closest service. Cell coverage is limited, so you should keep in mind that with 95 kilometers of trail to ride, you’re best to pack a GPS to ensure you don’t get lost, and two-way radios to keep in touch with the rest of your crew are never a bad idea. Be sure you obey all local posted signs, as this area is a provincial park.

Fallen Timber North Recreational Area (ATV)

 Fallen Timber North, located just south of Sundre, is smaller than its nearby sibling trails, Fallen Timber South. These trails, however, are often less busy in the summer than their southern counterparts and they are also very remote. GPS and two-way radios are recommended here as well due to spotty cell phone coverage.

 This area features it’s own local camping ground a short distance from the trails, ideal for a weekend trip. Please note that they do not allow staging ATVs in the campground, or for ATVs to be ridden to or from the trails. To get your quads or bikes up there more easily, consider a truck bed extender like the X-Treme Gate Slide-Out. Stick to the trails, be respectful of local signage and other trail users, and have a blast!

Fallen Timber South Recreational Area (ATV)

The Fallen Timber South area, known locally as the Ghost snowmobile trails, is one of the largest in the area. They feature over 180 kilometers of well-groomed trails that are open year round. Large hills, forest cut lines, and alpine riding are common in this area, and the trails offer options for all skill levels.

 These trails are known to get extremely busy in the summer months, especially on long weekends. Reports of intoxicated drivers causing serious damage to the trails and natural environment have been increasingly common, which often leads to shutting the trails down to ATV use for a time. Please tread carefully on the terrain and be sure to respect the land around you so it can be used for many years to come.

 

Ghost River Area

 Ghost River area features an OHV trail that runs point to point and almost 12 kilometers. It is beautiful terrain along the Rockies rated at a moderate difficulty. While it is a shorter trail, there are various places long the way to explore. You are best to ride it down to the end, then turn around and ride it back up again. Always be respectful of the environment and stay on the designated trails.

 

Mclean Creek Recreational Area (ATV/Mountain Biking)

Mclean Creek, located 60 kilometers southwest of Calgary, is one of the most popular OHV sites in Alberta. There is a nearby campsite and designated staging areas for loading and offloading OHVs. There are over 77 square kilometers of terrain to explore from May to October, including a lot of creek crossings and endless mud pits, so be prepared to get coated in mud. There is a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels, and there is also fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities available as well.

Please note that they do not allow vehicles over 1000 pounds, and they request you stay on the designated trails.

Topp Notch (MTB)

Topp Notch is the first purposefully built mountain biking trail inside a national park. Starting in Banff, the trail is a single-track 6 km loop with an elevation change totaling 600 meters and it is rated advanced. The trail was hand made, with beautifully crafted bridges, benches, berms and technical rock gardens. This all adds up to a beautiful, flowing trail that is extremely varied. The trail is also open for day and night riding.

 

Moose Mountain Trailhead (MTB)

This trail, located near Bragg Creek, primarily caters to the downhill crowd. There is a shuttle that can be ridden to the top, or you can ride up the road or a path beside it. The trail down runs 39 kilometers single track and it is full of technical features like wooden platforms, jumps and drops. It is rated advanced, although most of the features can be avoided allowing for beginner and intermediate routes as well.

Nose Hill Provincial Park (MTB)

Nose Hill Park is perfect for anyone looking for a less intense ride without much travel. Located within the city of Calgary, Nose Hill has over 60 square kilometers of land stretching across an isolated plateau. The top of the hill offers an incredible view of the city and mountains, and the trails go through forested areas, open fields with plenty of short hills, as well as a small lake. There are no artificial technical elements, just the steep hills.

 

(Photo credit: Ryan Drescher)

Big Sweat (Valley of Five Lakes/Wabasso) (MTB)

Multiple different trails cross back and forth across each other through this valley. The trailhead begins near Jasper and offers a variety of choices throughout the trip that will bring you either higher up for a fantastic view or lower down for a more technical ride. All of these trails go to the same location, except one extends all the way to Lake Wabasso and affords several routes back. At 32 kilometers of trail, there are tonnes of options for the adventurous biker, including night riding. There are various restrooms along the way, and there is winter biking available as well. If you're going to be camping in the area, check out the Swagman RV Bike Ladder Rack to help get your bikes out to the trails!

Get the most out of your summer and explore some new biking and ATV trails. Respect the environment, have fun, and enjoy the land we are so blessed to live in!

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

The Joy of Bike Riding

Riding a bike is an incredibly fun and freeing experience, one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Not only is bike riding fun, but it’s also incredibly good for you. It provides a way to get in good cardiovascular exercise, which can lead to a stronger, healthier heart, and can also serve to strengthen the muscles in your legs and calves. Furthermore, bike riding helps to improve balance and coordination and, as long as you wear a helmet and obey posted regulations, is incredibly safe.
Another thing that’s great about bike riding, especially if you’re on a diet, is that it is known for burning a lot of calories. While you should still strive to eat healthily most of the time, an occasional splurge won’t ruin your diet if you get in a few long rides a week. Bike riding is also a good way to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature, and it gets you up and outside instead of keeping you stuck indoors like other types of exercise equipment.

You can easily transport your bike or bikes to anywhere your heart desires if you invest in good bike racks for your vehicle. Auto Truck Depot has a wide selection of bike racks available, allowing you to choose the perfect rack to suit your bike and your automobile. The Swagman XC2 is one very good choice, both in terms of its affordable price and because it can be folded for easy storage and transport. The lightweight design makes it easy to install and uninstall and makes it a good choice for use with multiple vehicles.

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Want to Buy the Best Bike Racks? Go for the Swagman XC2

If you’re a cyclist who doesn’t have bike racks installed on your vehicle, then you’re really missing out on a lot of great cycling in a lot of amazing places! See, the main reason to have bike racks is so that you can take your bike anywhere and everywhere. With the right racks safely on your automobile, you can explore the most beautiful and scenic bike riding locations near and far. All you have to do is hop out of your vehicle, grab your bike, and then go!

Our favorite rack at the moment is definitely the Swagman XC2, and it’s easy to see why. These racks attach to the back of your vehicle and allow you to safely and easily transport up to two bicycles. The bicycles can be of any size, make, or model, so there are no worries about compatibility. Each rack features individual adjustability, allowing you to easily bring along different sized bikes in one trip. Just adjust the upright ratchet arms to accommodate the frame size. Also make sure you utilize the built-in anti-wobble hitch, which allows for motionless, smooth transport while on the road. There are also some great “grip arms” with a soft frame that allow your bicycle to stay secure without damaging the bike’s paint. Also, you can easily fold down the center arm to get to your vehicle’s rear without having to take off the entire rack.

The best place to get these amazingly convenient and easy to use products is through Auto truck Depot. Not only will you enjoy the widest selection of products, but you’ll also find the lowest prices around!

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• How To Install A Bike Rack

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Take Exercise on the Road

Bike racks allow you and your family to take a ride beyond just a light stroll in the neighborhood. While it is possible to just bike to near any location, you might be under time constraints, and it's easier to drive to a specific place. When at your destination, you can better tackle the terrain on your bike and gain your fun and exercise at the same time. There is nothing that can hold you back from a great time with your ride, no matter if you jump hills with a sense of adventure, or a quiet and relaxing ride with family.

 Your time is important, and bike racks that can properly secure your cycle will also secure peace of mind. Biking should not be a chore, and all the best technology will ensure you have the best experience possible. A top of the line bike rack, the Swagman XTC4 does more than hold one bike, it can carry up to four full size bicycles. Capable of holding mountain or cross-country bikes, the construction protects against rust and includes wheel straps. There are also quick-release tire hoops that are easy to adjust, so you don't have to mess around to ensure tires are moving at a minimum — at least until you're ready to ride. 

Find the shopping for this product and many great truck accessories at The Auto Truck Depot. You should also be aware of how the rack fits on your vehicle. The wrong rack can cause scratches and general roof damage, and even a stolen or damaged bicycle. 

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• Seattle says shop's bike rack is illegal, owner says it's art

Bicycling is an amazing sport. Not only is it an absolutely excellent way to stay in peak physical shape, as it tones and slims your entire body, but it is also allows you the freedom to go just about anywhere, and to do so affordably. If you are someone who knows al l this and who bikes regularly or someone who would like to, then you are absolutely going to need some good bike racks for your vehicle. Without them, you will be limited in where you can go on your bike, therefore defeating the entire purpose of cycling in the first place. Even if you can find a way to get your bike from point A to point B without them, it will likely be such a hassle that all the fun and joy will be sucked out of the experience, and nobody wants that.

Don’t just go with any old racks, though. Demand the very best by choosing Swagman XTC4 racks. This rack is amazing because it can carry as many as four full size bicycles at one time, making it perfect for those who enjoy biking with family or friends. All you have to do to start using the rack right away is install the wheel holders. Once that is done, you can get your bike all geared up and ready to go in as little as two minutes. Complete with a ratcheting hook and straps for increased security, you can travel without fear of losing or damaging your bikes along the way to your destination.

Be sure to avoid the excess expense of Swagman or any other bike racks products by purchasing them at the most affordable retailer around, Auto Truck Depot.

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