The calculations on costs aren't far off... you can figure on $1000 US (after accounting for fuel and depreciation). The costs for lodging may be less, if you negotiate, and at day's end, you need to eat anyway (whether you travel or not).
The other intangible is are you missing work to drive up here?
The trip however is more than worth it insofar as scenery that is available in Alberta, and interior BC. I suggest people look at the UPS (or other) website, and calculate the costs of INSURED shipping versus travel.