tourist attractions from vancouver to calgary

25 Best Stops on a Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip

Unlike many drives in the world, the Vancouver to Calgary drive is anything but boring. There are plenty of beautiful stops to make between the drive that can turn the journey into an epic road trip. While it’s possible to drive this route in one very long day, it’s best to split it up, as you could easily spend weeks exploring everything mentioned below.

How Far is the Vancouver to Calgary Drive?

It all depends on which route you take, but in general you can expect the drive to be about 1000 km and take anywhere from 10.5 (fast way) to 14 hours, or even longer if you really take your time!

Can You Do the Whole Drive in One Day?

Yes, you can drive from Vancouver to Calgary in one day! Granted, it is a very long day and will require you to start your day early, make minimal stops, and arrive in Calgary incredibly late. However it is doable if necessary. But what would the fun in that be? There are so many beautiful places to stop and see between Vancouver and Calgary that it deserves at least two days!

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The Best Ways to Travel Between Vancouver and Calgary

• By Car: Besides flying, the best way to travel between Vancouver and Calgary is by car. This will allow you to take as much time as you need between the route, and stop when you feel like it. You can rent a car in Vancouver and drop it off in Calgary, often for a fee. This can also be done vice versa.
• By Bus: Rider Express will take visitors between Vancouver and Calgary by bus. The trip takes 15 hours and costs $161 one way.
• By Train: There is no direct train between Vancouver and Calgary, however the Rocky Mountaineer runs scenic rail journeys between Vancouver and Jasper and Vancouver and Lake Louise.
• By Air: Of course the easiest and quickest option between Calgary and Vancouver is by air. WestJet and AirCanada both run frequent routes between Calgary and Vancouver. I’m talking like one flight every 1-2 hours frequent. You can often find tickets for $100-200.

Driving in the Winter

You must take extra precautions when driving in Western Canada during the winter. This is especially true if you are driving Highway 99 and going over the Duffy Lake Road , or driving Rogers Pass (Revelstoke to Golden).

These routes are treacherous in the winter, and if you hit the road during a winter storm it will make driving conditions very difficult, even with winter tires. We’ve done it a few times now, and when we get caught, we pull over and try to find a hotel for the night.

Winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from  October 1 to April 30th, and a few routes in Alberta as well. Stay to date with Alberta driving conditions on 5.11 Alberta and British Columbia conditions on Drive BC.

The Best Routes Between Vancouver and Calgary

• Fastest Route: The fastest route is to take the Trans Canada (Highway 1) from Vancouver through Hope, get on the 5 through Merritt, and to Kamloops, and then hop back on Highway 1 all the way to Calgary. This is not only the quickest way but also the easiest with the best roads. However, I do find this route to be one of the most uneventful.
• Most Scenic Route: In our opinion, the most scenic route is to head up to Whistler from Vancouver, and take Highway 99 through Pemberton and Cache Creek. This will take you over the Duffy Lake Road, which is a scenic route, but beware it is subject to avalanches, and landslides, and is overall not the easiest road to drive. We’ve been caught a few times on it in a snowstorm and can tell you it is a scary experience.
• Alternative Scenic Route: Another scenic route is to travel Highway 1 out of Vancouver and get on Highway 3 in Hope, BC. This route will take you through the Okanagan and towns like Vernon and Kelowna, before eventually connecting you with Revelstoke.
• Longest Route (Adventure option): If you have time on your hands and want to explore some really cool towns, you can take Highway 1 from Vancouver, hop on Highway 3 near Hope, and essentially drive along the border, passing towns like Rossland, detour to Nelson , Fernie, and Waterton National Park . This route will take over 16 hours of driving straight through, so it’s the least traveled option but a great one if you want to pass some of Canada’s best mountain towns. (We take this route in the winter when we want to ski at Canada’s best ski resorts like Red Mountain, Whitewater, and Fernie).

We recommend studying a map to determine which route is best for you!

Important Things to Note

• If you plan to stop for any sightseeing or hiking in Glacier National Park, Kootenay National Park , Banff National Park, or Jasper National Park you will need a Parks Canada Pass. Read all about the details on how to get one here.
• Watch out for wildlife on the roads when driving from Vancouver to Calgary. This includes bears, deer, elk, and moose. They are present, especially during the summer months. If you see wildlife on the road please respect its space.
• Cell Service is intermittent on much of this drive. Notably between Pemberton to Lillooet, Salmon Arm to Revelstoke, Revelstoke to Golden, and Golden to Lake Louise.
• Stay up to date with road conditions on DriveBC and 5.11 Alberta .
• Many routes will get you from Vancouver to Calgary. We recommend you study a map to see which would be best for you to take and which detours may be worth your time.

Best Stops on Vancouver and Calgary Road Trip

Vancouver  .

We’ll start this journey in Vancouver, though you can reverse these stops while driving from Calgary to Vancouver. Vancouver is the perfect place to create a fantastic adventure in Western Canada. Vancouver International Airport is one of the largest airports in Canada and provides plenty of domestic and international flight routes.

If you arrive at YVR we highly recommend staying and checking out Vancouver for a day or two. There are tons of unique things to do in Vancouver, especially for a large city.

The Best Things to Do in Vancouver

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver  include: 

• Bike Stanley Park : A beautiful 405-hectare public park that connects downtown Vancouver to West Vancouver. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy nature in the city’s heart. However our favorite way to get around is via bike!
• Visit Granville Island : Granville Island  is a place to come to chill, sit back with a beer, and eat some excellent food. It may seem to have an industrial feel as it used to be a place of many industrial activities, but now it’s most things food and beverage. Although Granville Island is a small peninsula, you can drive right onto it!
• Capilano Suspension Bridge : This is a massive suspension bridge park right in the city’s heart. There are multiple bridges and neat installations within the forest, but the largest is 140 meters long and 70 meters above the river. It’s a fantastic thing to do with the family.

Vancouver to Calgary: Route 99 Option

There are two main options for driving between Vancouver and Calgary, we prefer driving Route 99 as we think it’s more scenic, but it does take a bit longer.

Shannon Falls

Shannon Falls Provincial Park is located 58 kilometers north of Vancouver and 2 kilometers south of Squamish along the Sea to Sky Highway near the Sea to Sky Gondola. The park is quite large and covers an area of 87 hectares. In it is the third largest waterfall in BC – Shannon Falls!

Two of the most popular things to do are see Shannon Falls from the viewpoint (just a short hike from the parking area) or enjoy a short one-hour (return) hike to the base of the falls.

45 minutes north of Vancouver, along the most beautiful Sea to Sky Highway stretch, is Squamish. This large town is at the northern tip of the Howe Sound and is surrounded by mountains and coastline. You can’t miss the famous Stawamus Chief granite monolith on your drive. It towers over Squamish and is beloved by locals.

Squamish is an outdoor mecca for adventure enthusiasts. It’s known for world-class climbing, mountain biking, and many hiking opportunities.

The Sea to Sky Gondola provides epic views over Shannon Falls, while the Britannia Mine Museum provides a fascinating history. There are plenty of fantastic places to eat and drink in Squamish too! Our favorite is the Howe Sound Brewing Company.

Sunshine Coast

If you’re driving in the summer, make sure to plan a detour to the Sunshine Coast. To get to British Columbia’s stunning coastline will require you to hop on a BC Ferry , but once you’re there, you will be able to experience the ultimate laid-back coastal vibes.

This 180 km stretch of coastline is known for its mild weather and forested mountains that look straight out of a dreamy movie set. Some of the best things to do here are go mountain biking, paddle along the coast, find a beach to sunbathe on, or enjoy a brewery or two.

Keep driving up the Sea to Sky past Squamish, and in about 45 minutes, you’ll hit a world-class skiing destination – Whistler. Whistler is best known for Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America. There is some absolutely epic terrain here and an abundance of snow. If you are driving from Vancouver to Calgary in the winter, it’s best to plan a few days here and enjoy some fantastic riding.

Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, strolling around the Whistler Village is a thing to do in itself. As well as walking around Nita Lake or skating on Alta Lake.

Whistler isn’t just happening in the winter. In the summer, there are endless hiking trails and mountain biking routes. One of our favorite (hard) hikes is up to Wedgemount Lake, where you’ll be rewarded after a long hike with bright blue lakes and glaciers galore.

Just 45 minutes past Whistler is the small mountain town of Pemberton. The main village of Pemberton is located at the base of Mt Currie and has astonishing views any visitor will love.

It’s a small town, but there are still some shops, places to eat, and walking trails to enjoy. Fun things to do there are to visit North Arm Farm or go horseback riding through the valley with  Copper Cayuse Outfitters.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

A short drive past Pemberton on Duffey Lake Road is the stunning Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia and is where you can find the most beautiful lakes in the province . Trust me when I say it’s well worth the hike.

The hike to Lower, Middle, and Upper Joffre Lakes is 10km with less than 400 meters of gain. The highlight is seeing the bright blue lakes shimmer under the glaciers. Joffre Lakes are best visited between June and October, so if you are driving between Calgary and Vancouver in the summer, you’re in for a real treat.

After you pass Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and continue driving down Duffy Lake Rd, you’ll hit Duffy Lake. Here, there is an epic viewpoint where you can get simply amazing views and have a picnic before continuing on to Lillooet. Then, you can get on Highway 1 before Kamloops.

Vancouver to Calgary – Hwy 97

Just outside of Hope, BC is the site of Canada’s second-largest recorded landslide. In 1965, a landslide occurred near Hope; it is estimated that 47 million cubic meters of rock fell. Now the area is known as Hope Slide, and can be viewed easily by visitors.

Kelowna  

Kelowna is a popular destination in the summer for those wanting to explore the Okanagan Valley. This is Canada’s famed wine region, and people will travel from around the country to sit in the sun and sip up the local wine on the shores of Lake Okanagan. There are plenty of delicious Kelowna restaurants and wineries to enjoy during the summertime after a day at the Myra Canyon Trestles .

You can also find some of the best produce in Canada here, and farmers’ markets are a big thing in the summer and fall. If you are driving during the winter and ski or snowboard, plan a day or two to enjoy the slopes at Big White Ski Resort.

Less than an hour from Kelowna is the city of Vernon. Here, you can enjoy more of the fresh BC goodness. In the summer, some of the best things to do are bask in the sun at Kalamalka Beach, stroll the historic main street, or buy some fresh local fruit at Davidson Orchards .

Most Routes from Vancouver to Calgary

This is a destination to head to if you are driving in the winter. Sun Peaks is an alpine ski resort located 56 km northeast of Kamloops, which you’ll pass by on most routes.

Unlike many ski resorts in Canada, where the mountain is a bit in the middle of nowhere with few amenities, Sun Peaks is a fully serviced ski resort that is great for families looking for a full ski vacation with restaurants and plenty of things to do. They have multiple peaks with terrain for everyone. My favorite aspect of Sun Peaks is tree skiing!

On the Highway One (Trans Canada)

Speaking of ski resorts in the middle of nowhere, I bring you Revelstoke Ski Resorts. Revelstoke is easily one of our favorite places to visit in all of Canada, and we head there multiple times a year to enjoy all its wonders.

Revelstoke is a small town near the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park. While it used to be an unheard-of mountain town, it’s gaining worldwide recognition for its fantastic powder year after year. Due to its location off the Trans Canada and near Rogers Pass, it’s not a busy Canadian mountain town like Whistler. Revelstoke has a lot to offer visitors in both the winter and summer .

If you are driving from Vancouver to Calgary in the summer, some of the best things you can do are paddle on Arrow Lakes, go mountain biking, hike Mount Begbie, or take a ride on The Pipe Mountain Coaster. In the winter, two of the best things to ski and go sledding! There are also a few fantastic BC hot springs near Revy – Canyon Hot Springs and Halcyon Hot Springs Resort are great ones.

Glacier National Park

Between Revelstoke and Golden is a beautiful national park that many people often forget about. There are fantastic hiking opportunities here in the summer and some butt-clenching backcountry ski opportunities here in the winter.

Some of my favorite hikes are the Great Glacier Trail, the Asulkan Valley Trail, and for an extra-long day, the Abbott Ridge Trail.

Golden 

Continue to Golden on the Trans Canada Highway and enjoy one of the best mountain towns. It provides excellent access to Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park. Golden is a small town with under 4000 people in southeastern British Columbia. The closest major city is Calgary, about four hours away, so it’s a bit in the middle of nowhere, but not relatively as quiet as Revy.

Golden is built around the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers and is surrounded by the Purcell and the Rocky Mountains. There are tons of great hiking opportunities in the summer and in the winter, Golden is home to one of the best ski resorts in the world – Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Golden provides that fantastic mountain town feel, without the hordes of tourists that you’ll find in Banff and Canmore. It’s a love stop for 2-3 days, so you can enjoy the Golden Skybridge or the KHMR Via Ferrata.

** It’s essential to know that until 2024 there is an ongoing project between Golden and Field on the Trans Canada Highway. The highway is being twinned. The Kicking Horse Canyon Project, as it is called, can cause delays, though they have tried to open the road as much as possible during the daytime in the summer, but delays can happen. If the road is completely closed, you will have to drive to Radium Hot Springs and take Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park to reach Banff. This adds quite a bit of time, so stay up to date on Drive BC and on the Kicking Horse Canyon Project.

Wapta Falls

Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall of the Kicking Horse River and one of the  best things to do in Yoho . It’s 18 meters high and a whopping 107 meters wide, making it one of the most impressive sights in the Canadian Rockies.

It’s great to visit year-round, although it does require an easy 5km hike to reach. It’s a great addition to your Vancouver to Calgary road trip if you want to stretch your legs at one of the best waterfalls in the area.

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a must-stop when driving between Calgary to Vancouver. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in all the Canadian Rockies. When you reach Emerald Lake, you’ll first notice the color. I’m sure you can guess it’s pretty Emerald from its name. Emerald Lake gets its name as the glacial waters refract light in a vibrant display of color.

The lake is surrounded by colossal peaks in all directions. One of the best things to do in Emerald Lake is to walk around the lake, paddle on it, or enjoy the views with a coffee at the Cilantro restaurant.

Takakkaw Falls is conveniently located near the small town of Field, just off the Trans Canada highway. It’s less than an hour away from the town of Golden and less than 30 minutes from Lake Louise. Seeing Takakkaw Falls is one of the best things to do in Yoho National Park.

Takakkaw Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Canada at 373 meters. There are two drops, with the main drop whopping 254 meters high! It’s incredibly accessible and doesn’t require any hiking to get to, a rarity in the Rockies.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful sites in Western Canada, if not the whole country. Anyone driving between Vancouver and Calgary would kick themselves if they missed stopping here.

Picture a bright blue lake with mammoth glaciers in the background. This is Lake Louise, and it’s well worth a stop in the summer and winter. In the summer, you can enjoy a thawed lake where you can paddle and hike high above the lake for beautiful views. At Lake Louise in the winter, many people head here to enjoy the ice castle, ice bar, and ice skating in paradise.

25 Amazing Things To Do In Lake Louise

Downtown Banff

The town of Banff is almost too beautiful to be real. There are plenty of things to do in Banff during every season. From strolling the storefronts and enjoying all the fantastic Banff restaurants one can easily spend an entire week and never get bored.

There are plenty of hikes around the park, but if you want to stay close to the downtown area, I recommend hiking Tunnel Mountain, taking the Banff Gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, or walking to Bow Falls.

For those who want to stretch their legs on two wheels, one of my favorite things to do is bike the Minnewanka Loop. That will take you to Cascade Ponds, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka!

About 15 minutes past Banff is my favorite mountain town in the world – Canmore! Here you can stroll the main street with a coffee in hand, taking in the views of Grotto Mountain ahead of you. Head up to the Canmore Reservoir for a stand-up paddleboard session or hike to the summit of Ha Ling Peak .

When you visit, you will have to try hard not to get bored in Canmore. It’s often slightly cheaper to stay in a Canmore hotel over a Banff hotel, and depending on the season, you can often find a deal.

Kananaskis Country

For those looking to go hiking, Kananaskis Country is one of the best places in Canada. Head here before arriving in Calgary to see beautiful lakes like Kananaskis Lakes, Rawson Lake , and Spray Lakes. Or grab some poles and start the trek to the top of Smutwood Peak or Tent Ridge . There are endless things to do in Kananaskis for everyone to enjoy!

**Keep in mind you need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to recreate in Kananaskis Country.

21 Kananaskis Hikes To Put on Your Summer Bucket List!

You’ve made it to Calgary, which may be the end of your journey. Don’t just hop on the plane and take off! There are some amazing things to do in Calgary and some delicious Calgary restaurants to enjoy.

If you happen to be visiting in mid-July around the time of the Calgary Stampede, you are in for a real treat. Other fun things to do include seeing Studio Bell or heading up to the famous Calgary Tower.

Renting a Car in Canada

If you don’t have a car, renting one in Vancouver or Calgary is best. You can rent one at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Calgary International Airport (YYC). You can either rent a one way or do a return trip. Though one way rentals almost always cost more. We like to use Discover Car Hire and Rentalcars.com to find the best deals. See our best rental car tips before renting!

If you want your set of wheels, kitchen, and bed all in place, we recommend booking a campervan for your trip to Western Canada. Campervans are a popular form of travel here, especially in summertime! You can compare van rates here!

Where to Stay in Calgary

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown : This is our go-to hotel when we stay in Calgary. It’s a beautiful modern hotel that is located in downtown Calgary. It’s convenient to Chinatown, the Bow River, and the downtown core. We also love the ability to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and rewards nights.
• Fairmont Palliser Hotel : Fairmont has an impressive portfolio of Canada’s most iconic hotels such as the Banff Springs, The Empress, and Le Château Frontenac. The Palliser is no exception and is the best hotel for luxury in Calgary.
• aLoft Calgary : is a great option for a trendy, affordable hotel. We’ve stayed at several aLofts, and they always offer a reliable level of service and comfort. The hotel offers a spa, fitness centre, pool, and bar.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

• Fairmont Pacific Rim : This is certainly the most renowned hotel in Vancouver, and it’s known for its excellent service and buzzing atmosphere. The interiors here are modern and luxurious. If nothing else, the hotel restaurant, The Botanist, is well worth a visit. Its location along the waterfront is may be the best in the city.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia : The opulent lobby of the Rosewood provides a good idea to the rest of the luxury hotel. The Rosewood has been welcoming guests since 1927 and has hosted a long list of celebrities. It’s a glamorous hotel with services to match, such as an award-winning spa and Hawksworth Restaurant.
• Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA — We love Coast hotels for value in Canada. The Coast Coal Harbour delivers great quality service and comfortable rooms in an excellent location in downtown Vancouver. It even has a rooftop pool, deck, and hot tubs.

Hopefully, this helped you determine the best sights to see on an epic Western Canada road trip! If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

↓ Join the community ↓

The  Banff Blog Facebook Group  is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

4 thoughts on “25 Best Stops on a Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip”

how many days do you recommend for this road trip from Vancouver to Calgary?

Personally I would spend two weeks doing the whole road trip with the majority of time given to Whistler, Revelstoke, and the Canadian Rockies.

This is so helpful, thank you! Do you know anywhere you can rent a camper van in Vancouver and drop off in Calgary (or vice Versa)?

You can try Canadream, Wicked Campers, or Karma Campers!

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Home » North America » Best Road Trips from Vancouver to Calgary (Our Top Pick for 2024)

Best Road Trips from Vancouver to Calgary (Our Top Pick for 2024)

Vancouver is the multicultural “Manhattan with mountains,” Canada’s cosmopolitan west coast hub. Calgary is its third-largest city, super liveable, home of rodeos, and surrounded by prairies. Between them – the Canadian Rockies.

Roadtripping between these two destinations is, naturally, an incredible experience. There is a lot to look forward to, with some strong destinations waiting for you – Whistler, with its skiing, for example, and Banff National Park and all the exploration you can do there. That’s without mentioning any number of towns and stunning locations scattered across this vast area.

Being pretty mountainous, however, you may be stressing about driving in this part of the world. Or perhaps it’s really, really mountainous, and some destinations simply can’t be reached. You may just be wondering about renting a car in British Columbia or Alberta.

Never fear! We’re here to answer all your questions with this epic guide. And, the piece de resistance are our road trips themselves; we’d recommend choosing one as your outbound trip and a different one as your return journey, making for an awesome loop that you can curate for yourself and alter to suit your tastes. Sound good? Then let’s get to it!

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Why Road Trip from Vancouver to Calgary?

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More like, why not road trip  between Vancouver and Calgary?

Whether you’re starting in Calgary, Alberta, or Vancouver, British Columbia, all road trippers in this rocky part of Canada are going to be in for a treat. Think mountains – lots and lots of mountains; think lakes, hot springs, rivers, cool towns, and incredible views everywhere.

But let’s be more exact…

• Public transport is expensive. Long-distance train travel can be a real budget-killer for those trying to visit Canada on a budget . Driving is basically the best way to do it.
• Freedom . Even if you do have the money to catch trains everywhere, they can only get you so far. A car allows you freedom of movement to anywhere with a road to it – that’s a lot of places!
• And that’s a good thing because there’s a lot of places to visit. Having your own wheels means being able to stop whenever you feel like it – as opposed to, say, a tour that only whisks you where they  want to take you.
• Getting to physically see how the landscape changes between the Canadian Rockies and the wide-open prairies of Alberta is a much more eye-opening experience than beaming Star Trek-style between the two locations.
• And, yes – it’s simply beautiful, eh. There are some jaw-dropping locations between Vancouver and Calgary, and many of the roads are practically made  for road tripping. Awe-some.

The Northern Route – 3-4 days

The southern trail – 3 days, the middle way – 3 days.

• From: Vancouver
• To: Calgary
• Total Distance: 650 miles
• Top Road Trip Stops: Whistler; Banff National Park

Whether you choose to start this road trip in Vancouver or are heading back west starting out in Calgary, you get to enjoy two big hitters of Canada on this road trip – Whistler, with its skiing and crazy mountain scenery, and Banff National Park, basically a giant outdoor playground.

You’ll either begin or end your trip on the epic Sky to Sea Highway into (or out of) Vancouver. It’s short, but man oh man is it ever sweet. Plus, there just are so many awesome places to visit in Vancouver .

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Road Trip Highlights:

• Driving the incredible Sea to Sky Highway
• Enjoying the apres-ski in Whistler
• Camping in the middle of the Canadian Rockies at Salmon Arm
• Exploring as much of Banff National Park as you have time for
• Discovering the awesome brewery scene in Calgary

Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler (1.5 hours)

Not far from Vancouver is the beautiful Whistler. Day 1 is just a short drive, but you’ll be cruising the immensely scenic Sea to Sky Highway. It begins at sea level and works its way along the shore of Howe Sound before climbing through ancient rainforests, winding up in Whistler at 2,200 feet above sea level.

It is a stunner of a drive, we have to say, with the sea on your left, green forests climbing to your right, and sky-piercing peaks all around.

Since it’s so short, you’ll have ample time to stop off. This can begin with a stop just outside Vancouver at Whytecliff Park, complete with rocky coast, tidepools, and views to Bowen Island with ferries slicing across the water.

Further along, there’s Lions Bay. It’s a small village, but it’s super picturesque. Stop for food, or the views, or both. We’d recommend picking up supplies for a picnic and stopping by Shannon Falls, further along, the Sea to Sky. Free parking, a few easy trails, a prime rest-stop.

Then it’s a simple matter of driving the rest of this scenic route to Whistler. Unless that is, you feel like hiking one of the many trails at Garibaldi Provincial Park on the way.

• Best Stops: Whytecliff Park; Lions Bay; Shannon Falls.
• Where to Eat:   Picnic at Shannon Falls; get your apres-ski on at The Longhorn Saloon (snow or no snow) with tasty bites, draught beer, and a vibey atmosphere.
• Where to Stay:  Whistler Lodge Hostel ($) is a social spot, or stay in relative style at Executive Inn Whistler ($$).

Day 2-3: Whistler to Banff (8 hours/4 if you split it up)

If it’s in season, and skiing/snowboarding is what you like doing, then you can always get stuck at Whistler for a week. Nothing wrong with that!

Otherwise, let’s move on.

After Whistler, there are a few pleasant stops along the way: Kamloops is a good spot for more winery action, or you can even opt to stay in natural beauty at Revelstoke .

Today, you have a choice. You can, if you like, floor it all the way to Banff. You’ll get to enjoy the crazy beautiful scenic drive on British Colombia Route 1, the main route of the Trans-Canada Highway. It’s pretty damn incredible. Think wide-open skies, endless pines, and mountain backdrops.

However, that means having less time soaking up nature.

We recommend stopping the night at lakeside town Salmon Arm. There’s the Comfort Inn ($$) or camping at Salmon Arm Camping Resort ($); there’s also camping in nearby Canoe, such as Hidden Valley Campground ($). Camping is a much better way to feel like you’re properly  in  the Canadian Rockies.

While you’re overnighting, check out Larch Hill Winery – insane views, friendly service, affordable wine. It’s worth staying the night just to enjoy a drink or two here.

Basically, today (or these couple of days) are all about the drive. Lap it all up, people.

And then? Banff.

• Best Stops: Kamloops; Salmon Arm; Larch Hill Winery.
• Where to Eat: Enjoy pub grub and beer at Crown ‘N Anchor Public House & Grill in Salmon Arm; Banff Ave Brewing Co is warm, welcoming and does great poutine and craft beer.
• Where to Stay: Stay at Samesun Banff ($), one of the best hostels in Banff; stay at Banff Ptarmigan Inn ($$) with its mountain town aesthetic.

Day 3/4: Banff to Calgary (1.5 hours)

Good morning. Start your day the right way with breakfast in Banff. We’d recommend Wild Flour Bakery. Chow down on croissants and coffee before you hit the road.

You’ll be spending the day at Banff National Park. Don’t miss this place. There’s so  much to do here – rafting, hiking, climbing, riding the Banff gondola. You could spend much more than a day if you’ve got time, to be honest.

And when you’re just about ready to move on, it’s time to plough ahead to your final destination. Calgary!

• Best Stops: Banff National Park!
• Where to Eat: Get involved with one of Calgary’s breweries, such as National on 10th (games? burgers? we’re in!) or Inner City Brewing (you can bring your own snacks); eat surprising morsels at Nights & Weekends (the pasta is next level).
• Where to Stay: Go affordable at HI Calgary City Centre ($); stay in comfort at Holiday Inn Express Calgary ($$).

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

• Total Distance:   762 miles
• Top Road Trip Stops: Osoyoos; Kootenay Lake; Nelson; Fernie.

If the more northerly route between Vancouver and Calgary was all about big-name national parks and destinations, the southern route is pretty much the opposite – but by no means does that make it less impressive. This is a fascinating, insanely beautiful road trip.

Heading through the Canadian Rockies, you’ll pass through lakes, opportunities to hike in Alpine hills, and old gold rush towns with vintage buildings and movie-set appeal. Stop by any number of towns along the way for a taste of quaint mountain atmosphere.

Then there are the prairies of Alberta – flat, wide-open country as far as the eye can see. Either you’ll start driving through this from Calgary and gradually see the mountains rear up as you go, or you’ll end with this, finally saying goodbye to the winding, breathtaking mountain roads that took you this far.

How about it?

• Walking through the old railways of the Othello Tunnels
• Taking in mountain views at Cascade Lookout
• Stopping by the quaint towns of the Kootenay region
• Seeing the awesome power of nature at Frank Slide
• Driving through the endless prairies of Alberta

Day 1: Vancouver to Osoyoos (4.5 hours)

Leave Vancouver behind and head out on Route 1 out of the city. The road soon cuts through the coastal mountains into the heart of this rugged country. Pretty awesome, no doubt about that.

Make your first stop at Bridal Falls for some waterfall action. Snap a photo or ten, breathe in that mountain air, and continue on your way. You’ll be following the route of the Fraser River as you drive along, through the town of Hope.

Stop at Hope for a bite to eat or simply to take in the views, or head just outside of town to Othello Tunnels – a set of trails running through abandoned railway tunnels from the early 1900s (make sure you bring a flashlight). Definitely a cool place to stop off.

From here, you’ll take the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3), through Sunshine Valley. Here, you’ll basically just be driving through mountains. Mountains, mountains everywhere. Catch a glimpse of the Cascade Mountains to your left as you go.

Stop around here if you feel like it. Specifically, there’s the EC Manning Provincial Park. From here, you can drive up to the Cascade Lookout for a very worth-it detour and insane views.

Then it’s on to lakeside Osoyoos for the night.

• Best Stops: Othello Tunnels; Bridal Falls; Cascade Falls.
• Where to Eat: Stop off at Pinewoods Dining Room along the way at Manning Park; dine lakeside at the Restaurant at Watermark in Osoyoos; also in Osoyoos, Ambrosia Family Restaurant is decidedly more easygoing.
• Where to Stay: Enjoy spacious rooms and good views at Avalon Inn ($$); or stay no-frills at Lakeview Motel & Suites ($), complete with pool.

Day 2: Osoyoos to Cranbrook (5 hours) 

Maybe you feel like sticking around in Osoyoos to enjoy the water sports, the beaches, the vineyards, the general chill vibe. Or, maybe it’s not quite the season for it.

Either way, Day 2 is best started with breakfast. Try Gyro Beach Cafe for size.

Once you’re fully sated, hit the road and begin your journey. This is Kootenay country, an area of British Columbia filled with tiny towns – sometimes hippie, sometimes historical, sometimes both. All of it is scenic, with pine-clad hills rising into jagged peaks.

Continuing along the good ol’ Crowsnest Highway, your first stop is an hour away at Greenwood. The smallest city in Canada, it’s home to the best water in the world (apparently). The buildings here are pretty cool, too – frontier town vibes.

Of course, you can take your pick of where to stop, but further along, we’d recommend Nelson. It’s super scenic, being on the shores Lake Kootenay and all, and makes for a great pit-stop.

After Nelson, enjoy the drive through the Alpine feels of this area, stopping off for views. You’ll eventually arrive in Cranbrook. You can learn about the history of the area at Cranbrook History Centre. Otherwise, chill for a minute and enjoy the town.

• Best Stops: Greenwood; Nelson; Lake Kootenay.
• Where to Eat: Lunch at All Seasons Cafe Inc. in Nelson; have fun at The Heid Out & Fisher Peak Brewing Company in Cranbrook (it’s top quality).
• Where to Stay: There’s free parking and well-maintained rooms at Almo Court Motel ($); enjoy a comfortable night at Days Inn Cranbrook ($$).

Day 3: Cranbook to Calgary (4.5 hours) 

Breakfast? Check out the casual, family-owned R & B’s Diner in Cranbrook for a big plate of goodness and something caffeinated.

Say so long to Cranbrook and hop in the car, driving an hour along Highway 3, crossing over the Kootenay River as the scenery gets more mountainous again.

First off, you could swing by Fort Steele. It’s a 19th-century gold rush town with a vintage townscape to match. The colourful buildings here on the backdrop of snow-capped mountains literally look like a film set.

Then make a beeline for Fernie. It’s a prime spot for Alpine hiking, so choose a trail and stretch your legs for a bit. If you’re lucky, the hills will be popping with wildflowers. It’s a good spot for lunch, too.

Close to the border with Alberta, there’s the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, dedicated to telling the story of the deadliest landslide in Canadian history at nearby Frank. The scenery is fascinating.

Then, boom – you leave the mountains behind. Suddenly, everything is completely, totally, and utterly flat. This is prairie country. You’ll be driving north with nothing but the wide-open sky for company, all the way to Calgary. Impressive.

• Best Stops: Fort Steele; Fernie; Frank.
• Where to Eat: Lunch on pan-Asian cuisine at Curry Bowl in Fernie; indulge in some incredible South Asian cuisine at SI Foods (definitely try the dosa); go Italian at Cotto Italian Comfort Food – modest prices, excellent food (the clue’s in the name!)
• Where to Stay:  Stay in comfort at Aloft Calgary University ($$); keep it simple – and cheap – at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites ($), also near the university.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

• Total Distance: 865 miles
• Days:   3
• Top Road Trip Stops:  Radium Hot Springs

There were the quaint towns of the south, there were the big-name destinations of the north, but cutting through the middle of the mountains from Vancouver to Calgary (or the other way round) is something special.

Lakes and rivers glitter beside towering mountains, roads cut through valleys, the skies feel epic. And one of the great bonuses of driving what we like to call the “middle way” is the assortment of hot springs you’ll find along the way. That makes this route particularly chill.

What are you waiting for? Start taking notes!

• Enjoying a rest stop with a difference at Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area
• Taking yourself and your car on the picturesque ferry service across Upper Arrow Lake
• Hiking along part of the beautiful Slocan Valley Rail Trail
• Chilling the heck out at Radium Hot Springs
• Stopping for awesome views at Kootenay Valley Viewpoint

Day 1: Vancouver to Vernon (5 hours) 

Leaving Vancouver, you may as well start off with some R&R at Harrison Hot Springs (especially if you’ve gone all-in on exploring Vancouver a few days prior to this).

Even if you don’t feel like hot springs, Harrison Lake itself has a sandy beach and beautiful, glassy water. It’s a more-than-decent spot to stop awhile.

Then it’s onward, taking Route 7 before turning off at Hope onto Route 5 – aka the Coquihalla Highway. Mountains to your right, mountains to your left, mountains – and the highway – stretching out in front.

Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area is a good place to stop. It combines the benefits of a rest-stop with a recreation area, with trails leading around the incredible scenery here. Sometimes there are food trucks if you’re hungry for a bite to eat.

Carry on Route 5 to Kelowna. It’s a lakeside spot where you lap up a load of nature. The town also boasts a Cultural District, complete with a Japanese garden. Tugboat Beach is great for a chill, or maybe just strolling around Waterfront Park – or maybe even sampling a winery (too bad if you’re driving). Kelowna doesn’t make a bad spot for a pit stop and there are many comfortable vacation rentals that are affordable.

Then it’s not far to Vernon, an excellent spot to kick back, enjoy the scenery, and a distillery tour or two.

• Best Stops: Harrison Hot Springs; Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area; Kelowna.
• Where to Eat: Stop by The Lunch Bucket (awesome) along the Coquihalla Highway; slurp on ramen at Raku Rice & Noodle Bar in Vernon.
• Where to Stay: Rooms come with full kitchens at Schell Motel ($$); it’s all pretty warm and welcoming at Vernon Hostel ($).

Day 2: Vernon to Creston (6 hours) 

Start your day in Vernon at Rosalinda’s for some incredible breakfast – or not, you don’t have to. Either way, it’s a relatively long drive today, but it’s an amazing one. Mountains are the main theme.

An hour and three-quarters along the road, you’ll hit Needles on Upper Arrow Lake. This will require you and your car to hop on a ferry over to Fauquier, which is actually way more fun than you’d imagine. It’s super picturesque, and you’ll get a chance to stretch your legs, wander around the boat, and basically take it all in. Mountains… lakes… you’re on a boat… it’s great!

Drive north with the lake on your left-hand side, maybe stopping somewhere like McDonald Creek Provincial Park to lap up the lake scenery – all the way to Nakusp. Nakusp is also pretty gorgeous and worth a stop if you’re hungry. Then the road sharply turns back on itself, wiggling its way through mountains, past lakes, and into towns with names like New Denver and Lemon Creek.

If you feel like stopping again, do so at Passmore. Here, you can stroll a part of the Slocan Valley Rail Trail, which is pretty awesome. You get to walk along an old railroad track.

Otherwise, enjoy the drive until you reach Creston.

• Best Stops: Needles; McDonald Creek Provincial Park; Nakusp; Passmore.
• Where to Eat: Lunch or have a coffee break at Hoss & Jill’s Bistro in Nakusp (great sandwiches); dine a la fresco at Real Food Cafe in Creston, which is funny because their food is more like un real – very, very good (shuts at 8 p.m.); there’s also Jimmy’s Pub & Grill in Creston for something open later.
• Where to Stay: Sleep comfortably at the basic but good Creston Hotel & Suites ($); stay at the more fancy Hotel Ramada ($$) for friendly staff, spacious rooms and comfy beds

Day 3: Creston to Calgary (1.5 hours)

Your third and final day begins by leaving Creston driving towards Cranbrook, after which, you’ll take Route 93 heading north.

You’ll be heading deep into the mountains, along the Kootenay Highway following the Kootenay River. Think marshes, mountains and epic skies.

There are plenty of places to stop if you feel like it. Canal Flats is pretty, Columbia Lake offers up a scenic trail or two, and so does Windermere Lake. It’s hard to go wrong, really.

Otherwise, you can make a stop at Fairmont Hot Springs – not for the hot springs, but for lunch. Unless you want hot spring action  now ! In which case, stop, enjoy.

Then it’s back on the Kootenay Highway towards Radium Hot Springs. This is where you should definitely stop off to enjoy naturally heated and mineral-enriched water. Soak for a while, then head-on. We mean, if you feel like staying here a few nights and feeling the benefits of the hot springs, go for it.

Otherwise, wind your way through the mountains. Stop off (for sure) at the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint. The views are spec tac ular.

Basically, until you hit Route 1 at Castle Junction, you’ll be driving through mountains. From there, it’s home free towards Calgary.

• Best Stops: Fairmont Hot Springs; Windermere Lake; Radium Hot Springs; Kootenay Valley Viewpoint.
• Where to Eat: Lunch at From Scratch, a relaxed little bistro in Fairmont Hot Springs; eat at the incredibly cool (and extremely good) Model Milk in Calgary; Mill Street Brew Pub, also in Calgary, is good for food.
• Where to Stay:  Book yourself a room at Calgary Westways Guest House ($); or stay in relative luxury at the Best Western Plus Suites Downtown ($$).

Driving between Vancouver and Calgary is pretty spectacular, to say the least.

If you’re not used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, it could seem pretty scary, but generally – even though you’ll be driving through mountains and valleys – it’s not hugely challenging. The highways are well maintained, for one thing. While snow can be an issue, simply checking the weather and planning accordingly will solve your problems. There’s basically nothing to worry about.

But why worry? You haven’t even got a rental car sorted yet!

Renting a Vehicle in Vancouver and Calgary

Renting a vehicle is a breeze in both Vancouver and Calgary. They’re both big cities and, obviously, come with all the franchises and chains that a big city can offer. Rental companies are everywhere. There’s a Hertz in Downtown Vancouver, near Central Pacific Station, and at the airport, for example.

You’ll also find an Avis, Enterprise, and others. Calgary is much the same, with rental companies ranging from Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise, to Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo. There’s a ton, basically.

Generally, renting a car is a fairly affordable way to travel around Canada. It’s a huge country, and those distances can really add up if you use public transport. Even an RV rental could be a great option – doubling up as accommodation, they’re pretty affordable.

Like everywhere, though, there are basic additional charges to consider…

• Age Surcharge: In Alberta/BC, drivers must be over 21. If you’re under 25, there’s an extra charge of around CA$25-30 per day.
• Bond/Deposit: It very much depends on the location of the rental company, which company it is, and what vehicle you’re renting. It’s a case-by-case basis.
• Additional Drivers Charge: You’ll have to be over 25 to be an “additional driver,” and it will cost you around $10 extra per day (free in some cases if the additional driver is your spouse).

It could seem like a lot to think about, of course, so you could actually bypass all these add-ons and just get insurance before you go (we’d recommend RentalCover.com ). Rental very much in hand, it’s time to check out the rules of the road…

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use  rentalcars.com  to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in Canada

First things first, drive on the right. Yes, it’s in the British Commonwealth, but they drive on the right in Canada. Not great news if you’re from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, or Japan.

It’s surprisingly easy to forget that you should be driving on the right. It will feel weird at first, especially if you’re not used to it. In that case, concentrate!

Basically all other standard road rules apply that you can think of – seatbelt wearing, no drunk driving, no speeding, stopping at traffic lights. You know, all the good stuff. Read all about the rules of British Columbia if you feel like.

But for the two states you’ll be driving through, Alberta ( see Alberta’s laws here ) and British Columbia (and check B.C’s road rules here ), there are a few weirder rules you may not know about…

• No texting at the drive-thru in Alberta. That’s as illegal as texting while actually driving, apparently.
• No tinted windows allowed in either Alberta or Canada – on the passenger and driver’s side, anyway.
• Want to coast downhill in B.C.? Too bad. You can’t have your car in neutral (or with the clutch disengaged) while going downhill.
• Don’t “cause a vehicle to move backwards unless the movement can be made in safety.” So pay attention when reversing!
• If you’re in the left (i.e. “fast”) lane and someone wants to move over/pass, you can be fined for blocking the way.

Rules. You gotta love ’em. Well, you gotta have ’em at least. With the rules and regulations of the roads in Canada down, it’s time to take a quick peek at how insurance works over here, and then we promise; it’s road trip time!

Insurance in Canada

Probably one of the most boring subjects ever, we know, but insurance is still important. You never know when you’re going to need it. And driving around in a country you’ve never driven in before sounds to us like a time you’ll need insurance.

Most of the big rental companies will have some level of basic insurance built-in to the prices they offer. But there’s a lot they don’t offer.

Collision Damage Waiver, for example, isn’t included. You’ll have to purchase it at the desk when you pick your rental up for anywhere between CA$26.84 and CA$53.67.

Also not included is Roadside Assistance, which could literally be a lifesaver if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Rental companies offer this for something like CA$13.42 to CA$20.13. Personal Accident Insurance, also an add-on, will cost you about the same.

The verdict? Don’t bother with it. Insurance at the rental desk can be a) boring b) confusing, and c) can make it easy to lose money. Get insurance before you go (yes, it’s an option) and save yourself the hassle.

Now, let’s talk about road trips, shall we?

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Canada’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday.  There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kits include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

If you weren’t already planning a trip to road trip in the Canadian Rockies, then you should be now.

This part of Canada is very cool. Yes, there’s Banff National Park and other well-known hotspots, but road tripping between Vancouver and Calgary gives you the power to choose what route you take. You get to choose the detours and the stops to kooky towns and cities along the way. And if you get stuck at a hot spring town because it’s just too damn awesome, then that’s fine. It’s all about freedom here!

Sheridan Cahoon

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The Perfect Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated: February 8, 2024

Planning a drive from Vancouver to Calgary, and want to know the best places to see along the way? Our Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary will help you make the most of the drive!

Stretching from British Columbia to Alberta, you’ll be sure to see some amazing things on this drive – including tons of national parks in western Canada, beautiful stretches of highway, scenes of the Canadian Rockies, and so many stops along the way.

An added bonus is that this trip can also be done in reverse as a Calgary to Vancouver road trip.

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Squamish

Stop 2: whistler, stop 1: joffre lakes or garabaldi provincial parks, stop 2: kamloops, stop 1: sun peaks, stop 2: salmon arm, stop 3: revelstoke , stop 1: golden, stop 2: yoho national park, stop 3: lake louise and moraine lake, stop 4: banff , day 5: banff to calgary, vancouver to calgary road trip itinerary.

This itinerary will show you the best of the best and then some on your Vancouver to Calgary drive.

A road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is an epic adventure for anyone. But note that this iconic road trip is to do so outside of the Winter months.

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Canada with our travel guide !

Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler Village

Distance & Time : 123 km / 2 Hours

From Vancouver, it’s off and out on one of the most scenic highways in Canada – the Sea to Sky Highway .

Cruising through the mountain ranges you’ll have the opportunity to check out countless waterfalls, stop at viewpoints, and tour some incredible national parks as you start out on your 5-day Vancouver to Calgary road trip.

READ MORE – Don’t miss out on my guide on all the amazing things to do in Vancouver as well.

Less than an hour north of Vancouver on the incredible Sea to Sky Highway is where you’ll find your first stop. Squamish is surrounded by incredible mountains on one side as well as the Howe Sound and the coast on the other.

Home to awesome adventure sports like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing, the town in the Canadian Rockies offers a ton of stuff to do.

One of the major attractions in Squamish is the Sea To Sky Gondola. Right off the highway and high above the water take the 10-minute ride in a cable car up into the mountains.

Once at the top there are tons of viewpoints and a stunning suspension bridge. For more information visit their website.

If you want a bit more of a challenge why not opt for hiking the Stawamus Chief aka The Chief.

This hiking trail is a favourite for the sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains once you reach the top.

Shannon Falls is an easy to find spot right off the highway as you enter Squamish too. There are stunning waterfalls and countless hiking trails in the area as well as a great spot for picnics too. 

As you carry on the Sea to Sky Highway further North the next and possibly most well-known location to international visitors is Whistler in the Canadian Rockies .

Home to the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb , the snow season here is dreamed of by snow lovers from around the world.

En route to Whistler make sure to stop in at Brandywine Falls where a little way down the trail you’ll find a stunning set of waterfalls and a few other trailheads to enjoy.

Thrill-seekers will have their choice of a helicopter ride, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and even ziplining in Whistler.

Whistler is also home to one of the longest ziplines in the country. Go for a ride and soar above the mountains, where you’ll be gifted with one of the most stunning views ever.

Head into Whistler Village for a day of shopping, or a night on the town. Whistler doesn’t skimp on anything just because you’re in a small town either.

Vancouver to Whistler via the Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the best things to do in British Columbia.

For more views hop on the Peak to Peak Gondola. Head out to Lost Lake for a bike ride, swim or just to check out the postcard-worthy views.

Cheakamus Lake is the perfect hike for anyone with zero elevation gain but all sorts of beautiful views and trails through the woods.

And be sure not to miss out on taking a selfie in front of the Olympic Rings at the Whistler Olympic Plaza , which was a site for the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Grab a place to stay in Whistler for the night (make sure you book ahead), before continuing on your road trip the next day.

Alternatively, book yourself in for a few days to make the most of all there is to see and do in Whistler.

Day 2 – Whistler to Kamloops

Distance & Time : 300 km / 4 hours

Once you’ve ticked off all those epic Whistler experiences, it’s time to pack the car and head off again to keep up our Vancouver to Calgary driving adventure.

On your drive from Vancouver to Calgary, you’ll have the opportunity to experience some of Canada’s most incredible national and provincial parks along the way.

There are two near to one another as you carry on through British Columbia, Joffre Lakes and Garabaldi Lakes.

Garibaldi Lake Provincial Park is on the same stretch of road as you continue on the road from Whistler.

Located in the heart of the coast mountains, Garibaldi Lake Provincial Park is named after the immense peak that towers above the trails and the lake below.

The trails in the provincial park might be steep but again the views are well worth the sore legs! And on a hot day who wouldn’t want to go for a dip in a glacial lake anyways!

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is an incredible collection of 3 beautiful glacially-fed lakes connected by switchback trails as well as flat terrain.

The hardest and steepest section is the trail connecting the first and second lakes, but the reward is the view from the top.

These lakes are fed by glaciers, resulting in some of the most vibrantly coloured lakes you’ll ever lay your eyes on. They are also some of the coldest!

If the weather isn’t ideal on your drive you may want to skip the hike. But the first lake is less than 10 minutes on flat ground from the parking lot so it’s definitely worth visiting. 

Driving out on the Trans Canada Highway the mountains seem to get bigger and you’ll eventually reach the city of Kamloops.

Kamloops Lake is a great spot for a walk or a bike ride. Stretching out at nearly 30km long, there are tons of trails to take advantage of all with great views.

Riverside Park is a perfect spot for a picnic with tons of lush green spaces to enjoy on the river’s edge with a full view of the neighbouring mountains.

For anyone looking for a bit more adventure head to Kenna Cartwright Park to find over 40km of mountain biking and hiking trails to be explored.

Kamloops Heritage Railway is a working railway with a gorgeous old steam train. This is a great place to learn a little bit more about the history of the city.

The Spirit of Kamloops train was built in 1912 for the Canadian Northern Railway but was retired some years later. As it is now newly restored, visitors can ride the train and see the sights in a unique way.

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay in Kamloops check out Wingate by Wyndham Kamloops .

Day 3: Kamloops to Revelstoke

Distance & Time : 315 km / 3 hours 45 minutes

Now that your Vancouver to Calgary road trip is in full swing, you’ll be sure to have high expectations for day 3!

Epic ski resorts, pretty lakeside parks, unreal mountain biking terrain, and another national park awaits you on Day 3 to blow your mind.

Less than an hour northeast of Kamloops is one of Canada’s best-known Ski resorts. Sun Peaks has over 4,000km of skiable terrain, 137 trails, 13 lifts, and a 10-acre terrain park.

The resort is a mecca for snow lovers. But in the summer months, you’ll find the area looking totally different.

Mountain Biking is a huge summer sport here and with 65km of terrain to explore you’ll never be bored.

Hiking on the mountain is another great way to soak in the views from high atop the mountain too.

A must-do trail is the Mt.Morrissey Viewpoint . At 4.4km and under 2 hours it’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and get an epic view.

If golf is more your thing, you’re also in luck as the resort offers an amazing 18-hole course and one of the most scenic in Canada.

For more information on trails and rates visit their website here.

Named after a large salmon run that used to take place in an arm of the Shuswap Lake, Salmon Arm is a chilled-out city to stop into on your Vancouver to Calgary Road trip.

Shuswap Lake is a great spot to start with stunning views out onto the mountains from the beach. There are several hiking trails here too which definitely should be taken advantage of.

Nature Bay Wildlife Sanctuary runs along the lake as well. It’s a cool and shady spot, and a good one to get some bird watching in.

Herald National Park is free to enter and the perfect spot to escape the city. The Margaret Falls Trail is a popular one that will take you through the beautiful woods and towards a lovely waterfall at the end.

The Salmon Arm Wharf is a great spot to do some fishing. Or if you’d rather see the views from the water you can rent boats here to take out onto the lake as well. 

Considered one of the best winter playgrounds in all of Canada, Revelstoke should be on every Vancouver to Calgary drive itinerary. It is located right next to Glacier National Park, home to some of Canada’s best alpine views.

But there is plenty to do near the town of Revelstoke itself. Hikers can explore the Bottoms Up trail that will take visitors from the ski base all the way up to Revelation Lodge with some epic views.

Stoke Climb is perfect for mountain bikers and you’ll get a chance to see the rainforests on the mountain too.

There are a few outfitters in town where you can rent paddleboards or kayaks and take to the Columbia River.

Or if you want a bit more of a thrill there are tons of options to get out on the whitewater rapids of the river too.

Mount Revelstoke National Park has a great mix of challenging summit hikes and cooler more laidback rainforest trails to check out. If you want to venture over to Glacier National Park as well, there are lots of trails there.

One of the most scenic ways to take in Glacier National Park is by driving the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. You’ll get some of the best views of the mountains as you wind your way up and the panoramic views from up top are incredible.

For a charming place to stay with a great location check out Regent Hotel Revelstoke .

Day 4: Revelstoke to Banff

Distance & Time : 283 km / 3 hours 15 Minutes

After a few cheeky beverages in the Regent or Last Drop pubs, wake up early the next morning to head out for the drive to Banff through Banff National Park!

One of the last city stops on the Vancouver to Calgary drive is Golden. And while it may look like just your average pit stop, it’s so much more than just a gas station and coffee shop.

Located in the Columbia River Valley, Golden is best known for its awesome adventure sports scene.

Where the Columbia River meets Kicking Horse is where you’ll find the most epic whitewater rafting opportunity .

This famous river adventure is home to class 2 and class 4+ rapids making it a thrilling experience and a great way to take in the views.

There are outfitters for every level of experience and comfort on the river so you’ll have plenty of experiences to choose from.

Located in a prime position surrounded by 6 National Parks the hiking in and around Golden is not to be missed.

Canyon Creek is perfect for everyone, even the dog! With a quick steep start, the trail levels out and takes you along some of the best views and brings you to a viewpoint overlooking the canyon and then loops back.

Other trails nearby include Mount Hunter, Wolverine Pass, and Iceline trail. If you’re looking for the most thrilling experience in Golden then you’ll be looking at a trip up into the clouds for a skydive!

With absolutely spectacular views over the Rocky Mountain and Purcell Ranges, you’ll hardly have time to be scared, just amazed at the views.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a popular place to stay in the area, but we recommend continuing on for more adventures before spending the night in Banff.

Your Vancouver to Calgary road trip is definitely never going to be short of national parks to explore. And as you say goodbye to beautiful British Columbia you’ll hit the last one before crossing into Alberta.

Yoho National Park is on the Western side of the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park is the Cree expression of wonder and awe, and it should be no surprise why once you lay eyes on the park yourself. It’s famous for its stunning lakes, including the famous Emerald Lake.

One of the most impressive spots in the national park is Lake O’Hara, where you’ll get a full-on view of the most amazing turquoise lake. A number of different trails surround this area and vary in length.

A few of these include Morning Glory Lake, Opabin Plateau Circuit and MacArthur Pass .

For waterfall lovers, you’ll want to head right for Takakkaw Falls . Fed by the Daly Glacier and plunging nearly 850 feet over the cliff’s edge, this is truly an amazing sight to be seen.

Emerald Lake may be one of the most photographed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, and for good reason too. Surrounded by massive ranges, Emerald Lake is a great place to get out in a canoe or kayak and take in the views from the water.

For more information about trails and advisories in effect visit the national park website here .

A Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary would not be complete without a stop at this iconic spot. Lake Louise is located in Banff National Park and is a must-visit spot on anyone’s Canadian bucket list.

The town itself is relatively small, which is fine because you’ll want to get out and explore all the natural wonder that waits for you here.

The first and the most highly sought after spot to check out is the lake itself. Lake Louise is one of the most iconic views in the Rockies and no matter the weather it is always a stunner.

In the summer months, you can rent boats and go for a paddle. The earlier the better for this one as it’s such a peaceful place to be before the crowds arrive.

On the eastern shore of the lake is the Fairmont Lake Louise hotel which looks as close as you can get to a castle in the mountains.

Pop in for a drink or a meal in the restaurant or just admire the architecture. If you’re here in winter, you’ve got your pick of Sunshine, Lake Louise and nearby Mt. Norquay to choose from.

Lake Agnes Teahouse is one of the most scenic and popular trails to take on with beautiful views of the Bow Valley beneath you.

The Shoreline trail is perfect for anyone looking for something easy. At 4km this loop takes you right around the lake and keep an eye out for rock climbers on the nearby mountain faces.

Moraine Lake is a place you’ve likely seen on a postcard or in a travel guide book, and there’s a good reason for that. Magical turquoise in colour and surrounded by stunning mountains, Moraine Lake is the perfect spot for sunrise too. 

After admiring Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park you’ll enter the town of Banff at the outskirts of the park.

There are all kinds of epic things to do here (make sure you check out this post for our complete guide), so we recommend spending at least another full day here.

Even better, book in for 3 days in Banff to make the most of all the beautiful attractions, hikes, hot springs, and more.

The main town has all kinds of delicious restaurants, cafes and bars and all within walking distance of the Bow River.

There is a beautiful trail that runs along the river and a great spot for a walk, a picnic or even a run. If you follow the river you’ll come to Bow Falls where the river comes to a junction creating a beautiful set of waterfalls.

Nearby is the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel that looks like a cross between a school in a wizarding world and a fairytale castle.

There is a bar and multiple restaurants as well as a spa here that visitors can book into without being a guest as well.

For one of the best views of the town head to Tunnel Mountain . A relatively easy trail from the town center will take you up above to the perfect vantage point to see it all.

Lake Minnewanka is less than a 10-minute drive from town and a great spot to head out on a lake cruise or paddling your own canoe. At over 20km long, this is the second longest lake in the Rockies and definitely one of the most beautiful.

There are also lots of hiking trails and natural sights in the national park, and you can further explore there if you have time!

If you fancy a dip in some thermal waters, head to Banff Upper Hot Springs , with several different pools from hot to ice cold all with views of the stunning Sulphur Mountain .

Distance & Time : 127 km / 1 hour 30 Minutes

If you have the time, head up towards Jasper National Park to enjoy the Icefields Parkway on your way to Calgary. Jasper National Park rivals Banff in terms of dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies.

But if you don’t have time, it’s just a short drive up the highway to Calgary.

As you wave goodbye to Banff you’ll be rolling into Calgary where you’ll find a stunning city at your fingertips and your next adventure to be planned.

After 5 days on the road full of amazing stops, you’ll want a great spot to rest up before exploring all Calgary has to offer and GLOBALSTAY Condos is totally that place.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Laura Oxley

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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14 Places To See On A Drive From Vancouver To Calgary

Look, there’s no beating around the bush! We’re totally in love with all the best places in Canada . Not only is it completely vast, with beautiful national parks and vibrant cities like Vancouver and Calgary , it’s also filled with the best road trips with Alberta and British Columbia being no exception. In fact, there’s a heap of places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that you really can’t miss. 

Being one of the more popular road trip routes between the two provinces, a drive from Vancouver to Calgary is a great way to experience an epic taste of what western Canada has to offer. 

After visiting British Columbia and Alberta quite a few times, we finally decided to take the plunge and drive between the two cities. In winter of all months!

Now, the first thing we’d say is that this that wintery conditions can be tough once you venture inland, so make sure you have the correct tyres on your rental car before setting off. We ended up making a mistake between “all-weather” and “snow tyres” which meant a detour back to Vancouver .

Avoid this by planning with your rental company in advance and don’t get caught out like us. 

That being said, regardless of what time of year you visit, you’ll be guaranteed a treat of epic places to see. I mean, British Columbia and Alberta really spoil you on this front! You’ll be pulling over all the time for pics and to explore. 

So, to help you along your merry way, we’ve popped some of our best places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary . All tried and tested, it’ll hopefully save you countless hours in searching for the key stopping points along the way. 

Have the best time exploring in Canada and drive safely! 

1.) Vancouver

One of our favourite cities in all of Canada, Vancouver is a pretty special place to visit in gorgeous British Columbia .

You see, Vancouver is one of those cities that’s got a heap of buzzing neighbourhoods and yummy places to eat .

Take time to explore the city centre, and watch a game of ice hockey (this was where we saw our first ever one). 

Oh, and take a guided bike ride tour across Stanley Park and visit the Art Galleries, too.

If you’re heading to North Vancouver, be sure to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge (which has a pretty long history in the city).

It’s really easy to partner this with a trip to Grouse Mountain and you either do this as a full-day trip or on one of the days you’re leaving Vancouver in your car. 

Of course, you’re going to spend some time browsing Granville Market and Gastown (with all their quirky eateries, stalls and indie shops but also be sure to take a short taxi ride from the centre to visit Savio Volpe .

They conjure up some of Canada’s best Italian food that we naturally gorged on.

Just be sure to book a table in advance, especially on busier weekends. 

Read more: Our guide to visiting the best spots in Vancouver

2.) Grouse Mountain 

Like I said, if you’re visiting Vancouver, you kinda don’t wanna miss Grouse Mountain … even if you don’t ski!

Here, you can go skiing, snowshoes, cross-country trekking and see the seasonal event that goes on throughout the year. 

Even if you go here to watch the sunset over Vancouver in the distance.

Now, to get here, you can easily grab a taxi to visit before heading off on your drive from Vancouver to Calgary; but it’s also pretty easy to include as a stop when you start your adventure. 

Grouse Mountain is only about 30-45 minutes from the city centre itself, with plenty of parking, too!

Just be sure to pack those windbreakers and gloves… the winds can be chilly in summer and freezing in the winter months.

Read more: Exploring Grouse Mountain

3.) Sunshine Coast

Heading up the coast beyond West Vancouver, You’ll come across the car ferry from Horseshoe Landing to the Sunshine Coast (via Langdale).

Sunshine Coast is the kind of places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary if you’re wanting a more chilled out and relaxing exploring of a pretty unspoilt coastline with little villages with lots of camping and RV sites if you’re travelling in a motorhome. 

Don’t expect any vast mountain ranges like you might be used to when thinking of British Columbia (but don’t see that as a negative).

You see, this coastal area is totally unspoilt, densely forested with a scattering of quaint little villages to stop by for lunch or for a tipple (for the non-driver at Persephone Brewing Company , which we loved).

Also, the quaint town of Gibson is a gem.

Be sure to stop off at Smitty’s Oyster House the Public Market, antique stalls and provincial parks for a ramble whilst driving the route. It’s so relaxing and totally chilled.

Though, if you’re short on time, you can easily bypass the Sunshine Coast and carry up on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) that heads towards Squamish .

Read more: Exploring the Sunshine Coast in Canada

4.) Squamish 

Around a 60-minute drive from Vancouver, Squamish , with a visit lasting around 2-3 hours. This makes it a totally easy stopping point to before continuing your drive up Highway 99 to Whistler . 

We loved heading up the Sea To Sky Gondola to explore the mountain trails at the top. Better still, it’s great to head up at any time of the year.

We’ve been in both summer and winter and the trails were gorgeous in both seasons. Just expect to wear snowshoes in the chillier months.

Unfortunately, the Sea To Sky Gondola has suffered two acts of vandalism with its cables being damaged. So, check on their website for access and openings to get to the top.

After heading down from the towering mountains, head over to see Shannon Falls.

Now, there are a range of trails to wander the provincial park but if you’re not feeling a longer trail (like the Stawamus Chief trail), head over to this parking lot that’s a few minutes from the falls itself.

Easy and beautiful! 

Read more: A day exploring Squamish

5.) Whistler 

About 45-minutes beyond Squamish, Whistler is one of the most famous places to ski , particularly in Canada.

Now, it can be a little pricier than other ski spots in Canada but it’s got a heap of slopes that make it a must-visit place for any skiers.

Now, we didn’t take any skis with us on our road trip between Vancouver to Calgary, so we rented them once we arrived. This made it all so much easier.

One thing to note, if you’re arriving in the peak snowy season, be sure to reserve your skis before you arrive. They don’t tend to fully sell out but it’s always best to be safe than sorry.

Most hotel concierges can point you in the right direction to your closest rental spot.

Just like Squamish, we visited Whistler in both summer and winter and loved both! Yes, in the winter you have the opportunity for skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing (all, of which we loved in Whistler), but you’ve also got a range of epic things to do in Summer.

We headed out kayaking on the river of Golden Dreams (aka, Alta Creek) that connects Green Lake to Alta Lake. We booked our excursion with Canadian Wilderness and it was so much fun! 

Also, don’t forget about visiting the Scandinave Spa which has a range of heated pools that are so magical in the chilly winter months. We spent a good few hours here. 

Read more: Best things to do in Whistler

6.) Sun Peaks 

Around a 4.5-hour drive from Whistler , this is a journey you start straight after breakfast to arrive nice and early in the daylight hours.

You see, when we did this drive (in the winter), the mountainous route (from Whistler to Kamloops, via Highway 99) was quite icy and blustery, so lots of care is needed if you’re not used to driving in these conditions.

Give yourself plenty of buffer times so you can take it slow and grab yourself some snow tyres if the weather conditions worsen. Ask your rental place before booking and they can advise on the correct tyres needed for your route and season. 

That being said, if you’re travelling in the warmer months, this drive is a total breeze (just a little long), just pack some snacks! 

We had the most amazing time in Sun Peaks (Canada’s second-largest ski spot), especially for the slopes! You see, they seemed quieter than Whistler, giving us much more skiing time (Without having to queue for ski lifts). 

Also, Sunpeaks is a great place to try your hand at ice fishing, too! Now, neither of us knows how to fish but this was a really cool experience which we loved.

Turns out, I’m a pro at it too.

I caught a natural rainbow trout (which we popped back in the water). We headed out with Elevated Fishing Adventures and loved it. 

Read more: Best things to do in British Columbia

7.) Wells Gray Provincial Park

After spending a few days in Sun Peaks, Wells Gray Provincial Park will be your next port of call. It’s one of those unspoilt places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that’s totally beautiful. 

Around a 90-minute drive (from Sun Peaks), you’ll be able to spend a half-day exploring the park before continuing ever closer to Alberta .

Now, the easiest way to get to Wells Gray Provincial Park is to arrive at their Visitor Information Centre that’s just off the highway.

From here, you can check in with the rangers to see which routes are open and if there are any updates you need to know before exploring. 

Once inside the park, head straight over to Spahats Creek Falls which is well over 60 metres high! Though, one of my absolute favourite waterfalls in all of Canada is Helmcken Falls, perched right within the park itself. 

At over 140-metres high, Helmcken Falls is so iconic and beautiful at any time of the year. Though, there is something magical about seeing it surrounded by the snow peaks that form at its base. 

Plus, there’s also a heap of gorgeous trails around Moul Falls that are lovely on a really sunny day. 

8.) Mount Robson Provincial Park

After a 150-minute drive from Wells Gray Provincial Park (via Highway 5), head to the fringes of British Columbia at Mount Robson Provincial Park.

Once in the park, keep your eyes peeled for Mount Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. Though, to be honest, you can’t really miss it.

If you’re looking for a long and relatively tough hike, head out on the Berg Lake Trail that stretches (there and back) around 27 miles. Just remember, this isn’t for the “new to hiking” kind of person.

You should have a good level of hiking experience behind you and go with a guide if you’re not totally sure. 

If you’re short on time, stop by the Mount Robson Visitor Centre who can advise on the seasonally open trails to get a taste of the park.

Now, we spent a few hours here and used it as a little resting spot before heading over to Jasper.

That being said, you can easily spend much longer if you’re really wanting to head out on the unspoilt trails that line the park. It’s stunning. 

Also, if you’ve got time, you can also head over to nearby Cold Fire Creek to join one of the local dog sledging tours that head through the mountains. 

Read more: Best places in Canada to visit

After spending a few hours (or days) in Mount Robson Provincial Park, you’re going to follow Highway 16 beyond Moose Lake to arrive in the small town of Jasper . 

Now, we’d recommend staying here for around 3-4 days to get a good taste of the area as there’s quite a bit to see and do in Jasper.

For us, it’s one of the best places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary, especially as it’s a good anchoring spot to explore the wider Jasper National Park . 

Once here, head over to hike Malign Canyon and see its incredible frozen waterfall that’s totally amazing. Also, be sure to take a drive up to Pyramid Lake (in any season).

In the winter months, you can head out fat-biking across the frozen lake. So much fun… though, I can’t say my legs didn’t ache after! 

Oh, and if you’re feeling like a challenge, try your hand at ice climbing with a guide.

We spent a whole morning doing this and although it’s tough (for beginners like us) it was pretty fun.

Just make sure to book your tour in advance, as they can be popular at certain times of the year. We headed out with Rockaboo and it was great. 

If you fancy giving your legs a rest, head up the Jasper SkyTram for some epic views thousands of metres up!

Wanna squeeze in a little more ski time? Pop over to nearby Marmot Basin for their powdery slopes. We loved the slopes here and it’s such a friendly and fun area to ski. 

Read more: Where to explore in Jasper

10.) Icefields Parkway 

The main driving route between Jasper and Banff , Icefields Parkway consists of Highway 93 that’s totally easy to follow. For us, it’s one of the prettiest drives and one you can’t miss whilst visiting all the places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary.

One thing to note, each time we’ve visited Alberta, we’ve always had to postpone or delay trips down Icefields Parkway.

This has been due to closures due to avalanche risks. This does happen in the winter months, so always take this into account with your timings. We had to make a pretty large detour (adding around 4-hours of driving time) on our last trip.

That being said, if you’re visiting outside of the snowy season, you’ll likely not get any closures at all. Though, it’s always worth remembering. 

Along the way, there is a vast amount of stopping points, trails and viewpoints that line the road itself. Honestly, you’ll want to stop around every twist and turn of the highway – the views are spectacular.

As you meander between the Canadian Rockies, be sure to stop off at all the main spots. We’ve added Google Maps links to some of our favourites, like; Sunwapta Falls , see the views at Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint , Tangle Creek Falls and the impressive Columbia Icefield Skywalk .

11.) Banff National Park

After entering Banff National Park (whilst still on Icefields Parkway) hike the trails at Mistaya Canyon and see the stunning upper viewpoint across Peyto Lake.

The latter is a vast glacier lake that’s turquoise in colour and a totally easy find when entering Banff.

If you want to see something a little different, away from Banff, head just off Icefields Parkway to visit Lake Abraham . This is a lake which is filled with bubbles and pretty unique to see.

To take the pressure off (and have a local expert at hand), we booked a tour to visit Pursuit Adventures Guide . Choosing to go with a guide helps as they’ll bring all the ice cleats and snow grips for your shoes.

Plus, will help you find the best spots on the lake itself. 

For a gorgeous treat, book yourself into the Fairmont Lake Louise that, you guessed it, overlooks one of Canada’s most famous lakes.

We headed out on the trails around Lake Louise, ice-skated across the frozen lake and had the best sleep (and gorge) overlooking the lake itself.

It’s bliss. 

To work off some of those calories at dinner, head on over to ski at Sunshine Village – It’s quite easy to go for a day whilst staying in Banff itself. 

If you’ve got time, head out to see the Crowfoot Glacier , Hector Lake and visit Johnston Canyon for the most incredible trails.

Oh, and to fill up, get yourself to Chuck’s Steakhouse for their huge meat feasts.

You’ll leave stuffed. 

Read more: 1-week itinerary to explore Banff

12.) Canadian Rockies Helicopter tour (Canmore)

After spending time in Banff National Park and as you depart southwest you’ll come across the town of Canmore. This is a great spot to swap your wheels for a ride in the sky! Yup, on a helicopter. 

A helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies is just mind-blowing. The views are just insanely good.

We went out with Alpine Helicopters and they have a range of tours, lengths and prices so you can find the perfect one for you. 

If you fancy keeping your feet firmly on the ground, head out with   Yamnuska Adventures to explore Grotto Canyon .

Here you’ll get to follow the frozen landscape and even come across centuries-old First Nation pictographs that line the route.

We loved it and only slipped a few times. Ha! 

Read more: Helicopter views over the Canadian Rockies  

13.) Spray Valley Provincial Park

As you depart Canmore, drive south for around 60-minutes to Spray Valley Provincial Park.

You see, it’s one of the places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary if you’re feeling like slowing the pace down and chilling out.

Here, you’ll be able to check into the cosy Mount Engadine Lodge that’s nestled in the deepest countryside. It’s the kind of place that has no phone service, little wifi but lots of charm, roaring fires and plenty of trails to enjoy the nature of the region. 

We spent a full day here and it was such a relaxing stay, especially after all the hiking, skiing and ice climbing. A much-needed bit of relaxation.  

Read more: Our stay at Mount Engadine Lodge

14.) Calgary 

After your massive adventure within British Columbia and Alberta, you’ll finally end in the Albertan city of Calgary . Though, don’t be fooled into thinking it all ends there – Calgary has a lot going for it! 

Firstly, make sure to pop into our favourite restaurant, Native Tongues .

This place is epic and serves some of the tastiest Mexican food in all of Canada. Plus, they make some killer cocktails which is great after you’re done with all that driving.

Alternatively, head over to Gorilla Whale – a Japanese-fusion restaurant that serves up a feast. We spent all evening devouring their dishes. So good! 

For some of the best places to see in Calgary , head on over to Studio Bell ; the home of Canadian music and head to the top of the Calgary Tower for those views. 

Read more: Best things to do in Calgary

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The Best Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Routes: Highway 1 & Alternatives

A Vancouver to Calgary road trip offers something of a highlights reel of British Columbia and Alberta.

For visitors with one week or less to spare, a Vancouver to Calgary road trip is a smart choice to see as much as possible in such a short time.

This post features five Vancouver to Calgary road trips, including the classic Highway 1 route as well as three beyond-the-beaten-path alternatives and our ultimate round-trip itinerary.

I have tried and tested all of these routes, visiting every destination mentioned.

Indeed, I would estimate that JR and I have road-tripped at least 45,000km around beautiful British Columbia over the last few years!

Here’s what to expect in this post:

The best time to drive from Vancouver to Calgary

Driving high mountain passes, recommended items to bring.

• Highway 1 Route
• Sea to Sky and Hot Springs Route
• Northern Detour Route
• Highway 3 Route
• Ultimate Vancouver Round Trip Route

Last updated January 2024. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Essential road trip tips and advice

Before diving into the road trip routes, have a read of the following tips. They will likely improve your road-tripping experience! Alternatively, you can skip ahead .

The following Vancouver to Calgary road trip routes are best driven from June to September. This is primarily due to weather – these months are both the driest and warmest.

There will also be less snow in the mountains, offering the best conditions for hiking, paddling and other summer activities.

Outside of these months, some of the listed activities and attractions may have limited hours or accessibility. A few may even be closed or completely inaccessible. I would suggest checking first.

Planning a Vancouver to Calgary road trip in winter? Read our dedicated winter road trip post first!

All of the following road trip routes feature high mountain passes, which are just roads that travel through mountainous areas.

• Features of mountain passes include steep (or prolonged) ascents and descents, drop-offs and sharp corners
• On narrower sections or quieter highways, expect two-lane traffic (one in each direction)
• Poor weather conditions, including snow, can happen at any time of year on mountain passes
• Winter tires are mandatory to drive most of British Columbia’s roads from October to April
• Check DriveBC often to check the status of highways
• Cell phone signal in mountainous areas is very limited. Expect to have no signal between communities
• If there is an accident on a mountain pass, you may be stuck on the road for hours while a recovery and investigation process takes place

This happened to us on Highway 99 (Sea to Sky) in Squamish in August one year.

We were advised that we may be stuck for six hours or more, with no option to turn around. Thankfully, we were able to continue our journey after waiting three hours.

• Downloaded maps – Outside of towns and cities, British Columbia has very limited cell phone coverage. For this reason, it is imperative to download maps ahead of them so you can use them offline (we use Google Maps)
• A paper map – Due to the above situation, I really would recommend bringing at least one paper map (even a free one from a Visitor Centre would do) so you can navigate without the use of technology
• Backroad Mapbook – If you’re looking to explore beyond the beaten path, the Backroad Mapbook series should be your bible. They feature free/low cost camping spots, hiking trails, attractions and more
• Extra supplies – Always have some food and water in the vehicle, as well as a blanket and any additional medical supplies you may need. As mentioned above, roads can sometimes close for hours at a time
• A good medical kit – Some rural communities do not have a pharmacy and gas station supplies will be limited. A medical kit is one of the 10 Essentials which help small inconveniences from becoming emergencies
• Spare tire – Some of BC’s highways are very isolated. It’s a good idea to have a decent spare tire (i.e. not a ‘donut’ ) and know how to fit it
• Extra gas – Some gas stations in rural areas have limited operating hours. I’d suggest keeping your gas tank fairly full
• Hiking guide. Driving from Vancouver to Calgary to hike in the Rockies? Be sure to buy a copy of ‘Don’t Waste Your Time in the Rockies’

Need a vehicle for your Vancouver to Calgary road trip? Search for a car rental now

Vancouver to Calgary road trip routes: our top picks

Read on to discover our top four Vancouver to Calgary road trip routes. Each has an outdoor adventure focus, intending to share the best places to experience nature between Vancouver and Calgary.

I have purposely included plenty of recommendations for hiking trails and attractions. Research and see which appeals to you and would be a good fit for your schedule.

You may also find our 2 Week Western Canada , Canadian Rockies Loop and 2 week BC Coast and Rockies road trip guides helpful for inspiration!

Highway 1 Route via Kamloops, Revelstoke and Golden

Distance: 970km Recommended time: 5 to 7 days Highlights: Mountain towns (Revelstoke, Golden), four national parks, Shuswap Lake

Itinerary detail

Highway 1 is the most popular driving route between Vancouver and Calgary.

For much of the journey, the road is four lanes wide (two in either direction) which allows for higher speed limits.

As a general rule, Highway 1 receives the most maintenance and attention of all the Vancouver to Calgary routes.

Vancouver to Hope

Highway 1 quickly leads travellers out of Vancouver and alongside the Fraser River to agricultural lands.

The coastal mountains grow on the horizon, with Mt Baker, a glacier-covered volcano, looming large.

The first stop today is Bridal Veil Falls . This impressive 60m high waterfall cascades down steep rock. The loop trail to the base of the waterfall is short but uphill all the way. Allow 30 minutes for the hike.

Bridal Veil Falls has a great riverside picnic area so consider an extended break here.

Otherwise, plan to head to Hope for a coffee, snack or lunch. The cosy Blue Moose Coffee House is my go-to.

Check your gas tank before leaving Hope and check the status of Highway 1 on DriveBC . There’s been a lot of construction and subsequent closures on this route in the last few years.

Hope to Kamloops

25 minutes after Hope, Highway 1 passes through the community of Yale . It may look small now, but it was once a boomtown, the largest city north of San Francisco and west of Chicago.

The reason is simple – Yale was located at the start of the 1958 Cariboo Gold Rush route.

Yale later served at the headquarters of the first transcontinental railway in North America. If you’d like to know more, check out the Yale Historic Site .

Leaving Yale, the highway heads into the rocky Fraser Canyon . The road stays close to the granite walls, offering views of the mountains above and the raging Fraser River below.

Another historical spot (with picnic opportunities) is Alexandra Bridge Park . Looking for a thrill? Consider a ride over the river on the Hell’s Gate Airtram .

By the time you have arrived in Kamloops , you will have noticed that the scenery has transitioned from a coastal temperate rainforest to a semi-arid landscape. It’s quite a contrast!

Take the chance to learn more about the people who have called this area home for thousands of years at the riverside Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park.

Where to stay

Budget Pauls Lake Provincial Park has a charming forested campground within walking distance of sandy beaches. The park is 25km from Kamloops

Mid-range Kamloops’ best value accommodation is found at… Canadas Best Value Inn (seriously!) Another good option is the downtown Plaza Hotel

Luxury For upscale lodgings in the downtown area, book a stay at the Delta Hotel . The location is convenient for restaurants and the highway

Kamloops to Revelstoke

The dry landscape continues as you head east from Kamloops and arrive at Shuswap Lake .

This area is incredibly popular for boating. Margaret Falls , just north of Salmon Arm , is a worthy side trip.

Head to D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous for an artisan ice cream cone. All 40 flavours are made on-site!

Stretch your legs at the Last Spike Rest Area. This roadside location is where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven into the ground.

In Revelstoke, walk the vibrant downtown area and pick up some snacks before exploring the beautiful Meadows in the Sky Parkway , which winds into the alpine. There are several scenic hiking trails at the top.

Have extra time in Revelstoke? It’s worth the short drive south to see Sutherland Falls and Begbie Falls . Alternatively, check out the exciting Pipe Mountain Coaster .

Budget Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke Park is convenient for the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Alternatively, try Martha Creek Provincial Park

Mid-range The Swiss Chalet Motel is a great value unfussy option, within walking distance of downtown. It’s a particularly good choice for groups of adults or larger families

Luxury The stylish rooms at the historical Regent Hotel are surprisingly spacious. The complimentary breakfast buffet is the best I’ve had anywhere in Canada

Revelstoke to Golden

Shortly after leaving Revelstoke, enjoy the grandeur of the cathedral of trees on the Giant Cedar Boardwalk Trail .

Highway 1 may be the most travelled route from Vancouver to Calgary but this section of the road is anything but ordinary, travelling through dangerous avalanche country in Glacier National Park .

Learn how this impressive route was built at the Discovery Centre and take a walk on one of the roadside hiking trails.

The Bear Creek Falls Trail is great if you only have an hour or so to spare. For a longer hike, check out the very steep but rewarding Glacier Crest Trail (challenging difficulty).

Surrounded by mountains and offering a choice of affordable accommodation options, Golden is an ideal place to stop for a night or two.

One of the top attractions in town is the Golden Skybridge , featuring Canada’s highest suspension bridges. The dramatic canyon location offers stunning views of the Columbia Valley.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is just a short drive from Golden’s riverside downtown area and features a 20 acre grizzly bear refuge and exhilarating Via Ferrata climbing course , as well as North America’s highest restaurant.

Relax after all that adrenaline with a paddle through the beautiful Columbia Wetlands, with a canoe or kayak rental from Columbia Wetlands Outpost .

There’s something new to see around every corner of this lush wildlife-filled landscape, perhaps even a moose.

Budget For camping, consider the municipal campground , which backs onto the Kicking Horse River. An alternative is the Kicking Horse Campground in Yoho National Park

Mid-range Golden has a plethora of motels and chain hotels to choose from, with popular options being the Holiday Inn and Ramada (we’ve stayed at the latter twice)

Luxury Moberly Lodge ‘s quiet, spotlessly clean rooms are a welcome sight after a day exploring Glacier National Park. Outside, there are stunning views and a hot tub, ideal for a post-hike soak

Golden to Banff

The magnificent Yoho National Park lies just east of Golden.

Start your day early with a quick hike to Wapta Falls , a powerful waterfall that stretches across the wide Kicking Horse River (allow 1.5 hours).

Next head to serene Emerald Lake , which reflects the image of surrounding mountain peaks onto its turquoise-coloured surface. Stop to check out the Natural Bridge afterwards.

The scenic Yoho Valley Road leads to Takkakkaw Falls , Canada’s second-highest waterfall. Hiking trails lead to half a dozen more waterfalls. If you have time, the Iceline Trail is one of the best anywhere in the Rockies.

Yoho National Park directly borders Banff National Park , so you can seamlessly continue with your Canadian Rockies explorations. 

Base yourself in Banff or nearby Canmore and day trip to Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise , Moraine Lake , Peyto Lake , Bow Lake and Sunshine Meadows . I’d also recommend driving at least half of the Icefields Parkway.

For the best free viewpoint in Banff, head to Mount Norquay Road . If you dare, continue to the ski resort to try the thrilling Via Ferrata course !

If you’d like to summit a mountain but don’t have the energy/fitness/equipment or time, take a trip up the Banff Gondola . The 8-minute trip will whisk you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where spectacular views of Banff await.

Budget Our preferred Banff campground for tent camping is Tunnel Mountain Village 1 . The sites are relatively private and the campground is just a short bus ride away from downtown

Mid-range Without a doubt, our favourite downtown hotel is the modern Moose Hotel & Suites – it is easy walking distance to downtown and has a rooftop hot tub

Luxury For a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Banff, consider the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Rimrock Resort . The latter has truly incredible views across Banff and the surrounding mountains

Sea to Sky and Hot Springs Route via Whistler, Vernon and Radium

Distance: 1350km Recommended time: 5 to 7 days Highlights: Pacific ocean views, natural and man-made hot springs, potential to see grizzly bears, high mountain passes

Itinerary details

If you like water (in all forms), this is the route for you. It’s also a good choice if you want to see the most popular parts of the Rockies but still get off the beaten track a little.

Vancouver to Whistler

The gorgeous Sea to Sky Highway (99) hugs the ocean as it leads north from Vancouver to Squamish.

Feeling fit? Take a hike (or gondola ride ) up the Stawamus Chief , the huge rock towering above the town, for epic views.

Don’t miss nearby Shannon Falls as well. A little further up the road, thundering Brandywine Falls is another worthwhile stop.

In Whistler , explore the alpine-themed village centre and ride up the gondola to access panoramic hiking trails.

The incredible Peak 2 Peak gondola , which travels between Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, is open in summer too. If you dare, try out the longest zipline in North America !

Budget The Pangea Pod Hotel is a low-cost (for Whistler) option right in the heart of the action. For camping, head to Riverside RV Resort & Campground or Nairn Falls Provincial Park

Mid-range Whistler Village Inn & Suites offers comfortable surroundings in a central but surprisingly quiet location. A good alternative is the Pinnacle Hotel

Luxury Highly rated for the gorgeous property and spacious rooms, the Four Seasons is a particularly special place to stay in Whistler. There is a walking path to the village centre

Whistler to Vernon

If you’re organised, consider the very famous but beautiful 10km Joffre Lakes hike. It requires a day pass, only reservable online the day before.

The transition to British Columbia’s hot, dry interior region can be quite a shock after the coastal rainforest and mountain vistas around Whistler and Pemberton .

Lillooet offers rugged landscapes and a couple of great wineries such as Fort Berens .

A swim in the beautifully green Kalamalka Lake will be well-earned after another few hours on the road.

Nearby Vernon is an excellent place for an overnight spot, particularly if you like hiking. Check out our trail recommendations and be sure to start early to beat the heat in summer!

Budget There aren’t any campgrounds right in Vernon but my favourite locally is Ellison Provincial Park. It has three beaches within walking distance

Mid-range The Prestige Vernon Lodge is particularly great for families, with the rooms set into a tropical paradise with a real running creek

Luxury Treat yourself to a stay at Canada’s best spa! A two-night stay at Sparkling Hill Resort is preferable to enjoy all of the facilities

Vernon to Glacier National Park

From here, take Highway 6 east and cross Upper Arrow Lake via the free ferry. The small town of Nakusp is the epicentre for half a dozen wild and developed hot springs. Visit one, visit them all!

Another free ferry (don’t boat trips just make road trips that bit more adventurous?) north is your connection to Highway 1 and the characterful and cool mountain town of Revelstoke.

Don’t miss a chance to drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway alpine to see stunning wildflowers or walk the wonderful Giants Cedar Boardwalk Trail.

If you have more time, it’s also worth the short drive south of town to see Sutherland Falls and Begbie Falls.

Glacier National Park to Golden

Highway 1 may be the most travelled route but this section of the road is anything but ordinary, travelling through dangerous avalanche country.

Learn how this impressive route was built in Glacier National Park before heading onwards to Golden.

Another ideal small town base, Golden has affordable accommodation options and many local attractions.

One of the newest is the Golden Skybridge , home of Canada’s highest suspension bridges set above a dramatic canyon surrounded by spectacular mountain panoramas.

Keep the adrenaline going with a trip to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort , where you can dine at the highest restaurant in North America or try some Via Ferrata climbing .

Whatever you do, be sure to try and spot Boo, the resort’s resident grizzly bear, from the gondola.

If you have the time, make a day trip from Golden to Yoho National Park . Head first to the popular Emerald Lake (which is as beautiful as it sounds!) and then the Natural Bridge.

At Takkakkaw Falls, you can view Canada’s second-highest waterfall and then hike to half a dozen more.

Golden to Calgary

Though your departure from Golden may be reluctant, look forward to yet more hot springs in Radium.

These are my favourite of the Parks Canada hot springs , featuring a large pool set into a canyon. Wild Bighorn sheep are a common sight here.

Underrated Kootenay National Park is one of the easiest places to spot grizzly bears in the late spring. 

Kootenay NP is host to some incredible hiking trails, such as Marble Canyon , Paint Pots (both short), Stanley Glacier (half day, moderate) and Floe Lake (full day, challenging).

At the end of Highway 93, cross over to the Bow Valley Parkway (1A) for a slower, more scenic route to Banff. Base yourself here for a few nights to visit Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake and Johnston Canyon.

Calgary is only a short drive from Banff.

Northern Detour Route via Wells Gray and Jasper National Park

Distance: 1200km Recommended time: 5 to 7 days Highlights: The highest point in the Canadian Rockies (Mount Robson), Icefields Parkway, waterfall viewing in Wells Gray, all of the most popular Canadian Rockies sights

Magnificent peaks, tumbling waterfalls and vast glaciers….this Vancouver to Calgary road trip has it all.

Fast at first, the route slows down in the second half to visit the highlights of the Rockies from top to bottom. This road trip itinerary is a great option if you don’t have extra time to spare to explore the Rockies after driving from Vancouver.

Vancouver to Wells Gray

The quickest road out of Vancouver offers surprisingly wonderful views of the coastal mountain range as it heads towards Hope.

Bridal Veil Falls is a good place to take it all in before heading further inland. This impressive 60m high waterfall cascades down steep rock.

The loop trail to the base of the waterfall is short but uphill all the way. Allow 30 minutes for the hike. Bridal Veil Falls has a great riverside picnic area so consider an extended break here.

From here, Highway 5 climbs to the Coquihalla Pass (1240m) and is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. The small city of Merritt is an ideal pit stop and also has some great hiking trails close to town.

While in Kamloops, take the chance to learn more about the people who have called this area home for thousands of years at the riverside Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park.

The water wonderland of Wells Gray Provincial Park awaits tomorrow. This underrated park features as many as 39 waterfalls, with almost a dozen being easily accessible from the Wells Gray Corridor drive .

Budget There are three vehicle accessible campgrounds in this part of Wells Gray with sites priced at $20-23/night. Pyramid Campground is FCFS, while Falls Creek and Clearwater Lake Campground are reservable

Mid-range The Ace Western Motel offers simple accommodation at the entrance to the Wells Gray Corridor. An alternative is Across the Creek Cabins , located close to Moul Falls.

Luxury While not opulent, the Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls is a splendid place to stay the night in Clearwater. There are restaurants within walking distance

Exploring Wells Gray

Time to explore Wells Gray! Plan to spend at least 3 hours in the park. Whatever you get up to, be sure to see the spectacular 141m high Helmcken Falls.

Another highlight is Moul Falls , which you can actually stand behind when the water flow is low. Dramatic Spahats Creek Falls is only a quick walk from the parking lot.

For hiking, my favourite trail is Sheila Lake via the Trophy Meadows . The path is lined by wildflowers during the height of summer. You’ll need your own vehicle, however (not a rental) since the access road is not paved.

Wells Gray to Jasper National Park

Switching from waterfalls to mountain peaks, Mount Robson Provincial Park is your next major destination.

The park is home to the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. After taking in the view, enjoy a walk on the short Overlander Falls Trail .

Rest and recharge in Jasper, a charming mountain town at the top of the Icefields Parkway.

My top recommendation in Jasper is to visit the stunning Maligne Lake , where you can board a boat to see the spectacular Spirit Island. On the way back to town, stop at Maligne Canyon.

Staying in Jasper for a couple of nights? Get up early the next day to hike in the gorgeous Edith Cavell Meadows . Closer to town, Pyramid Lake is worth checking out.

Budget Campers have a choice of campgrounds in Jasper – we usually stay at Whistlers Campground , which was completely renovated a few years ago

Mid-range The Mount Robson Inn is a solid downtown accommodation pick, with free breakfast and a range of room configurations (great for families/larger groups)

Luxury Comfortable lodge rooms and cabins just beyond Jasper’s east gate at Overlander Mountain Lodge . The on-site restaurant is excellent and offers fabulous views

Jasper National Park to Calgary

One of the top reasons to drive this route has to be the legendary 230km Columbia Icefields Parkway .

Frequently called one of the best road trips in the world, the Icefields Parkway travels through a landscape carved by glaciers. Don’t miss the Athabasca Falls , Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake.

If you feel like a hike, I’d recommend the Wilcox Pass Trail. It is a 3.4km return uphill hike to the lower viewpoint (red chairs) over Athabasca Glacier. The upper viewpoint is 9.5km return.

After reaching the end of the Icefields Parkway, turn away from the main highway onto the Bow Valley Parkway for a slightly slower drive to Banff via Castle Mountain.

Base yourself in Banff for at least a few nights to visit Lake Louise , Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon . You’ll need to pre-book a shuttle bus or tour bus to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (no parking is available at Moraine Lake).

Calgary beckons just beyond Banff.

Highway 3 via Osoyoos, Nelson and Cranbrook

Distance: 1500km Recommended time: 5 to 7 days Highlights: Small towns, quiet roads, unique attractions (Spotted Lake, Fort Steele, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump), beyond-the-beaten-path experiences, multiple mountain passes

This Vancouver to Calgary road trip route skirts the US border and travels over some of British Columbia’s highest passes, passing through many characterful small towns along the way.

The longest route of the four suggested here, this is a Vancouver to Calgary road trip for people who appreciate exploring beyond the beaten path and the rewards that come from it.

If you’ve already driven from Vancouver to Calgary and would like to discover new places, this may be the is the itinerary for you.

For more details concerning the Vancouver to Osoyoos section, check out this dedicated Vancouver to Okanagan Valley road trip guide .

Vancouver to Manning Park

The view of the coastal mountains as you pass through Chilliwack is only a taster of what is to come.

Before heading east, stretch your legs at the pretty Bridal Veil Falls , just before Hope. This impressive 60m high waterfall cascades down steep rock.

The loop trail to the base of the waterfall is short but uphill all the way. Allow 30 minutes for the trip. Bridal Veil Falls has a great riverside picnic area so consider an extended break here.

The Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) winds alongside the fast Similkameen River , offering brief glimpses of the Cascade Mountains range.

Take the opportunity to experience the coastal rainforest in E.C. Manning Park by stopping at one of the many short, roadside hiking trails.

Incredible panoramic views are the reward for driving to the Cascade Lookout , which continues up into the sub-alpine meadows (open July to October). If you time it right, the hiking trails are lined with wildflowers.

Budget Manning Park has a range of campgrounds, both frontcountry and backcountry. The Lightning Lake Campground is the most popular, probably because it has showers. Reserve early!

Mid-range The only accommodation provider in the park, Manning Park Resort boasts lodge rooms, chalets and cabins, all with easy access to the highway and hiking trails. There is an on-site restaurant

Manning Park to Osoyoos

The mountainous route eventually gives way to dry grasslands. Fill up on fresh fruit at one of the many local stands in Keremeos.

Before reaching Osoyoos , look for a small right-hand turn-off to Spotted Lakes , a culturally sacred site that has to be seen to be believed.

Stop in Osoyoos to sip wine, taste local fruit and marvel at Canada’s only true desert region.

Discover the rich, living culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band at the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre at Spirit Ridge.

Don’t forget to pause at the top of Anarchist Mountain for epic views on your way out.

Budget sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) is the ultimate place to camp in Osoyoos. The campground is located on a sand spit jutting into Osoyoos. Reservations are hard to secure

Mid-range Safari Beach Resort is ideal for families, with a lakeside location and private beach. The Watermark Beach Resort is a good upmarket alternative

Luxury Enjoy spectacular views of vineyards and Osoyoos Lake at Spirit Ridge Resort as well as two restaurants, a winery tasting room, two swimming pools and a spa

Osoyoos to Nelson

The Boundary and Kootenay regions of BC are full of interesting small towns, from tiny historic outposts like Greenwood (home of the world’s best-tasting water, who knew?) to vibrant communities like Nelson and scenic mountain towns like Rossland and Fernie .

At Fernie Alpine Resort , you can try swing, balance and jump along the elevated obstacles in the aerial park. The resort also has wonderful opportunities for alpine hiking, accessed by a chairlift.

If you are driving your own vehicle (not a rental), consider a side trip to the magnificent Valhalla Provincial Park or Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

The hot springs at Ainsworth (which feature a natural cave!) are the perfect post-treat.

On the historical side, the region has several interesting ghost towns (such as Sandon), abandoned mines and heritage sites.

Budget BC Parks’ Kokanee Creek Park is located at the bottom of the Kokanee Glacier Park Road. There is a choice of campgrounds, all with access to showers

Mid-range The Adventure Hotel ‘s location is perfect for exploring downtown Nelson (though parking is tricky). A great option for groups is Alpine Inn & Suites

Luxury The Prestige Lakeside Resort enjoys, as you may guess, spectacular views of Kootenay Lake. The property is just a short walk from downtown

Nelson to Alberta border

Fort Steele near Cranbrook is a living time capsule of a 19th-century gold rush boom town, complete with a working blacksmith shop, theatre, steam railway and more.

Detour as much as you and your schedule allow, but keep in mind the high mountain passes, windy roads and lake ferries that can slow down travel between them.

While deciding your route, take a dip in Christina Lake at Gladstone Provincial Park . Christina Lake is said to have the warmest water of any tree-lined lake in Canada.

If you’d prefer to hike, there are some excellent trails around Grand Forks .

Alberta border to Calgary

Once in Alberta, the route to Calgary is quick and straightforward. There are, however, some attractions in this area you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Stop at the Frank Slide to learn about Canada’s deadliest landslide in 1903. A short hike close to the interpretive centre leads through some of the 110 million tonnes of limestone that slid down Turtle Mountain.

If you’re looking for more adventure, head away from Calgary towards Waterton National Park.

Here, the prairies of Alberta meet the rugged peaks of the Rockies. Quieter than its northern counterparts of Banff and Jasper, Waterton is home to gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails and more.

Once you’re all hiked out, head north to the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump archaeological site and learn about traditional hunting methods.

Calgary is just another few hours north, but it’s worth delaying your arrival to detour through the spectacular Kananaskis Valley if you have the time.

Budget There is a Parks Canada operated campground in the centre of Waterton Townsite, featuring more than 200 individual sites

Mid-range It’s not inexpensive but the Bayshore Inn & Spa is one of the cheaper hotel options in Waterton. The views from the property are fabulous

Luxury Indulge in a relaxing stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel , one of the most iconic hotels in the Canadian Rockies (those views!)

Ultimate Round Trip Route: Vancouver to Calgary and back

Distance: 2000km Recommended time: 14 days Highlights: Too many to name – glaciers, mountains, turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, national parks, waterfalls, wildlife viewing opportunities and more

If you told me I had to choose a 2+ week Vancouver to Calgary (and back) road trip, this would be the route.

It features all of the ‘must see’ attractions (the ones everyone knows about) as well as some amazing lesser-known destinations.

I have suggested 14 days, but honestly, more time is always better.

Read these related posts next:

Complete Guide to BC Parks Camping Reservations

Okanagan Valley Road Trip, BC: What to Do and Where to Stop

17 of the Best Canoe Trips in British Columbia

How to Camp for Free in British Columbia

Beyond the Beaten Path Vancouver Island Road Trips

25 of the Best Overnight Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Wednesday 14th of December 2022

This is by far the best recommendation advice yet - I love that you give advice on hotels and off the beaten path places to go (who likes tourists!)

Have not yet, been but will certainly model the trip based on 1 or 2 of these….

Looking forward to it.. (June 2023)

Thursday 15th of December 2022

Thanks Michelle! And thank you for taking a comment to let me know that you found this post helpful :) I hope you have a fabulous road trip!

Saturday 18th of June 2022

Hi Gemma, I’ve heard that roads have been washed out and there is a lot of work being done on the Canadian highway from Vancouver to Calgary. Widening of lanes, delays and divisions, also a shortage of hire cars.(2022) Do you know anything about this? Also if we were wanting to stay in the less touristy places would we need to book accommodation in advance. Either June or Sept next year(2023) not in July or August.

Monday 27th of June 2022

I always expect to see some construction on the main highways between Vancouver and Calgary from May to October. There is more than usual right now due to the extensive damage caused by the slides and floods in November 2021. There's also major construction works going on in the Kicking Horse Canyon east of Golden. On our recent trip to Calgary, we were stopped for 40 minutes between Golden and Glacier National Park.

Yes, I would recommend booking for the best choice of accommodation and prices. If budget isn't an issue, you could get by.

Sunday 7th of January 2018

Awesome post!

We are looking at taking one of these routes on our trip in March 2018. We have the last 2 weeks in March booked in arriving /leaving from Vancouver.

Do you think that the roads will be ok to drive in March? Or will it be too much to do this off season?

Thanks for your advice! :)

Thursday 11th of January 2018

Thanks Amy! It's really hard to say. March can go both ways, but in the Rockies you are very likely to find at least some snow (but usually not a LOT) on the road. The main highways are pretty well kept though so I wouldn't worry too much as long as the vehicle as appropriate tires. Certain attractions and parks will still be closed for the season so do keep that in mind!

Tuesday 5th of September 2017

Hi there, My name is Libby, and I'm from Perth Western Australia. My family and I are planing a trip to Canada and Alaska in April 2019. We'd love to do one or maybe even two of these road trips. We like to be " off the beaten track " so these are great. We would probably be renting motor homes (RV's) so I was wondering if you knew a site we could look up to find camping sites along these routes. Any info would be greatly appreciated

Regards Libby Edwards

Friday 8th of September 2017

Your trip sounds exciting! If you were already in Canada I would recommend purchasing one (or a few) of the very awesome Backroad Mapbooks - but for planning before your trip, I would check out the BC Provincial Parks and also the Recreation sites and Trails BC. The latter are often free. I've written a bit about finding camping in BC (and the differences between campsites) elsewhere on this site too. For Alaska and Yukon, definitely get the Milepost. It's a mile by mile account of all of the major roads in Alaska, Yukon and also most of BC (includes every rest stop, every campground etc). If you can get it in advance of your trip, I think you'd find it exceptionally helpful.

I would keep in mind that April is pretty early season for travel in Canada - some private and Provincial Park campgrounds will not be open yet.

• Canadian Rockies Itineraries

Vancouver to Calgary in 2024: An Epic Two Week Road Trip Guide through Canada’s Finest Landscapes

35 Comments

• January 19, 2024

Travel through the temperate rainforest near Vancouver to the snow-capped peaks in Jasper and Banff National Parks eventually leading you out into the flatlands toward Calgary. You will get the best of both Worlds, a true “Sea to Summit” experience. 

Vancouver to Calgary road trip logistics

It is safe to say that the journey from Vancouver to Calgary is one of the most popular road trips in this gigantic country, but the number of things to see along the way, as well as the pre-planning of the trip, can be overwhelming.

This article, based on my own, over a year-long travel experience across the Canadian Rockies, will cover everything to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime!

How much time to plan for the Vancouver to Calgary road trip?

This road trip is designed for a two-week experience but can easily be shortened or lengthened depending on how much time you’ve got.

If you’re looking for ways to extend it consider  visiting Vancouver Island for a few days  or doing one of  my favorite multi-day hikes in the Rockies. 

My advice would be to spend at least 7 days driving along this route to get a proper taste of the majestic landscapes. One week however is short and expect to spend a lot of time in the car. Once again if you can go for 14 days or longer.

Top spots you will visit along this Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary

The itinerary starts in Vancouver, one of the biggest transport hubs in Canada. You will then visit the following areas:

• Sea to Sky Highway & Whistler
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
• Wells Grey National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Icefields Parkway
• Banff National Park
• Canmore and Kananaskis Country.

After visiting your last destination you will drive out east toward Calgary – the cowboy city in the Canadian prairies.  It will be a busy two-week period and you better be prepared for a lot of jaw-dropping scenery.

I did this road trip myself over the course of a few months and picked my absolute favorite spots, activities, and places to stay to make your planning super easy. 

What are the best months to do a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary?

If you are planning on traveling to Canada the ideal time is between mid-May and mid-October. Canada’s Spring, Summer, and Fall are very short and many businesses only run within this time frame.

If you decide to follow this plan earlier or later you will run into difficulties with finding operating campsites. In that case, I suggest renting a compact car and staying in hotels, most of which stay open throughout the year.

If you want to hike then don’t start earlier than mid-June and later than the end of September or the beginning of October. The ideal months are July and August, but unfortunately, they are also the busiest.

TIP: Lookout for wildfire reports. Wildfires are a common, almost yearly occurrence in the Canadian Rockies. They can have a very negative impact on your road trip including bad air quality, lowered visibility due to ash and smoke (pictured above), and closed trails. The main wildfire season is between mid-June and mid-August.

Vancouver to Calgary road trip map

Below you can find the map of the whole itinerary. If you click on the top left of the map you will find separate layers marking the route, photography spots, hikes, points of interest, and campsites.

How to use the map

To hide/show layers just click on the check box next to the layer’s name in the top left corner.

You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I have marked. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day. 

The best way to travel from Vancouver to Calgary

Rent a campervan with Motorhome Republic

Indisputably the best way to travel around Canada is in a Motorhome. Thankfully rental companies allow you to rent their vehicles from a different drop-off location, in this case, Calgary.

When planning your road trip you can search through all the biggest campervan rental companies using the Motorhome Republic  booking search engine. It’s a great time saver!

The traveling distance for this Vancouver to Calgary itinerary is approximately 2000km. You are required to know this information when booking your campervan as you have to prepay for kilometers. 

The downside is that you will be charged a “one-way fee”, but the amount of gas, and subsequently money you will save will make paying the fee worth it.

If you want to cut those expenses consider following my other itinerary starting and ending in Calgary and focusing solely on the Rockies , or a  road trip that starts and finishes in Vancouver .

Rent a compact car  with Discover Cars

If you decide to rent a smaller compact car and stay in hotels along the way use  Discover Cars.

For those looking for a bit more comfort, I have also included hotel recommendations for each spot that you will be visiting.

Make sure to pre-book your accommodation. Gone are the days when you could just rock up to a place without a reservation and get a room for the night. With a post-pandemic travel boom, everything books out months in advance.

National Park Entries and Fees

This itinerary crosses through a few national parks, including the famous Banff and Jasper. Visiting a Canadian national park requires paying entrance fees.   

Discovery Pass price in 2024

Make sure you buy a compulsory Parks Pass also known as the Discovery Pass. 

TIP: The most cost-effective is to get the family/group pass which covers up to 7 people in one vehicle and costs CAD$151.25 per year. It pays for itself in as little as seven days compared to daily passes, even if there are just two of you.

You can buy the pass online before your trip on the Parks Canada website or at the entry gate to Jasper National Park which you will be crossing along the way. You must keep it on display on your car windshield at all times.

Kananaskis Conservation Pass price in 2024

Since the big tourism boom in the Kananaskis Country Provincial Park, a new type of Conservation Pass was introduced in 2021.

Vehicles parked at the provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this Conservation Pass.

Contrary to Discovery Pass, you will be better off buying day passes for Kananaskis Country. They cost CAD$15 per day and register 1 vehicle. For more info and pricing visit the Alberta Parks website .

Information about staying at campgrounds in Canada

When it comes down to campsites in Canada, you’re spoilt for choice, especially near all the spots enlisted in this plan.

The majority of them are equipped with toilets and shower facilities as well as electric sites for those traveling in bigger motorhomes that require electrical hookups. 

The cost of campsites in 2024

I recommend campsites operated by Parks Canada Authorities as the money is re-invested into nature conservation efforts.

Most of the campgrounds in the province of British Columbia are around 40$ per site per night but do bear in mind that prices vary from campsite to campsite.

In Alberta, they are slightly cheaper and you can expect to pay around $35CAD/per site per night. One site can fit up to 6 people and two vehicles so traveling in a group can be advantageous. 

Tip: If you don’t hold a reservation, consider asking other travelers in the check-in line if they want to share a site and subsequently the cost. This is what I did a few times when the campsites were full.

How to make a campsite reservation

In the peak summer months (June-September) you will find it very handy to book your campsites as far in advance as possible!

• All bookings in British Columbia can be made on the  BC Parks Reservation Website
• All bookings in the National Parks can be made on the  Parks Canada Reservation Website
• For campsite reservations in Alberta (outside of national parks boundaries for example in Kananaskis Country Provincial Park) refer to the  Alberta Parks Reservation Website

My suggested two-week road trip plan from Vancouver to Calgary

Vancouver has been described as “Manhattan with mountains” and a “tomorrow city”.  It’s a very convenient spot to land in, but chances are you already live in, or near a “tomorrow city” (whatever that is).

You didn’t come on holiday to spend all your time in the ‘same same but different’ concrete jungle. Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time there. 

Once you’ve picked up your rental and stocked up on food try to hit the road as soon as possible.

Day 1-3:  Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway

Distance: 122 km / 76 mi

For the first leg of the journey head north from Vancouver on Route 99 and start your journey on one of the most scenic roads in the entire country, the famous Sea to Sky Highway.

This road will be your gateway to Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park, eventually ending in the resort town of Whistler. I have gone into much more detail on things to do on the  Sea to Sky Highway in a separate post . 

Accommodation in Whistler (Nights 1&2)

If you are traveling in a Motorhome stay at either the Alice Lakes Campground near Squamish, Whistler RV Park close to Brandywine Falls, or Riverside Camping and RV Resort. The latter is the closest to Whistler.

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel

What guests loved about it

• Spacious and well-equipped rooms
• Washer and dryers are free to use

Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre

• Lovely outdoor pools and hot tubs
• Some rooms have fireplaces

Days 3-4: Whistler to Jasper via Joffre Lakes, Wells Grey, and Mount Robson Provincial Parks

Distance: 740 km / 460 mi

From Whistler to Jasper it’s a 740 km trip so to spare you from a continuous and tiring drive I decided to split the distance between 2 days.

There are plenty of dramatic mountain vistas along the way and it would be simply impossible to cover them all in such a short amount of time. Below I have enlisted some of my favorite spots for nature enthusiasts.

Things to see along the way between Whistler, Clearwater & Jasper

Pemberton and nairn falls.

Distance from Whistler: 33 km / 20.5 mi

Pemberton is only 30 minutes away from Whistler and it’s a cheaper alternative for those on a tighter budget or those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Nairn Falls – a stop between the two towns is a ferocious set of several cascades, especially spectacular when seen from the lower viewing platform at the end of the trail. 

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park 

Distance from Pemberton: 31 km / 19 mi

Drive one hour northeast of Whistler along Highway 99 and you will find yourself in heaven – Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.

The first Joffre Lake, framed spectacularly below the hanging Matier Glacier, is only a 5-minute walk from the trailhead car park. The next two lakes are a bit harder to get to, but worth every effort.

The 10km return (6.5 miles) hike to the Upper Joffre Lakes should take you around 3.5 hours to complete.

It’s not only one of the best hikes around Whistler but one of the top hikes in British Columbia so make sure you don’t miss out. 

Wells Gray Provincial Park

Distance from Joffre Lakes Provincial Park: 362 km / 225 mi

Clearwater, your stop for the 3rd night, is the gateway town into Wells Gray Provincial Park – host to some spectacular waterfalls:

• Spahat Falls : it can be reached after around 10 minutes of heading north on Clearwater Valley Road. It’s a short 5-minute walk to the observation deck.
• The second, 25 minutes from Clearwater, is Maul Falls, which is the smallest of the falls and the furthest to get to (5 km/3 miles, 2 hours walking). It is the most unique waterfall as you can walk behind it. Remember to wear waterproofs if you want to get close.
• Helmcken Falls is 55 minute’s drive from Clearwater and it is the most impressive one. 

Clearwater Road is one of the best spots to get a glimpse of some Canadian wildlife , especially early in the morning when black and grizzly bears are grazing at the roadside. 

Mount Robson Provincial Park

Distance from Clearwater: 231 km / 144 mi

From Clearwater continue north along Highway 5. After around 220km you will turn onto Highway 16 toward Jasper. Soon after the turnoff, you will be greeted by the view of the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies – Mount Robson.

The Mount Robson visitor center will be a perfect lunch stop before you continue to Jasper. I took the photo above right next to it! 

If the weather is good you can also attempt to hike along the Robson River to Kinney Lake.  It’s a 14km return, mostly a flat hike that shouldn’t take longer than 4 hours.

If you’re lucky enough to have an extra few days to spend in Canada, consider doing the complete  Berg Lake Trail , which starts right near the Mount Robson visitor center. It’s one of  my favorite multi-day hikes in the Rockies. 

Accommodation in Clearwater (Night 3)

TIP: If you are following this Vancouver to Calgary road trip in a campervan, you will be going slower. In that case, consider breaking the journey between Whistler and Jasper into two nights. Stay the first night at the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite in Lillooet and the second night at the Canoe River Campground or the Robson River Campground.

Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls

• Very clean and new hotel
• Self-contained rooms with kitchenettes

Cedar Haven Cabins and Resort

• Great glamping experience
• Serene location amongst nature

Day 4-6: Jasper National Park

Distance from Mount Robson: 87 km / 54 mi

Welcome to Alberta – Canada’s most beautiful province, at least in my eyes. The town of Jasper and the national park which surrounds it are home to some colossal scenery.

With sharply jagged mountains and crystal turquoise lakes, it is best to call this great place home for a couple of nights. 

Things to do in Jasper National Park

Explore the maligne lake area .

A boat cruise on Maligne Lake is one of the most popular activities in Jasper National Park. The classic cruise lasts 90 minutes with a short break at Spirit Island with the opportunity to snap a photograph.

If you have an extra day to spare and are feeling adventurous, consider booking  a night at Fisherman’s Bay Campground , it’ll be an exhilarating paddle and will give you the chance to be at Spirit Island at either sunrise or sunset.

An experience that no commercial company can offer. You can also just rent a canoe and paddle around the lake for an hour or two. 

Go for a hike

Jasper National Park is huge compared to all other national or provincial parks in Western Canada . Naturally, with all those mountains, there are a lot of hiking trails. Some can take several hours and some several days.

You could even head into the backcountry for a few months without running into another soul. But let’s not get carried away!

For more realistically achievable hikes take a look at  my hiking recommendations in Jasper National Park. 

Soak in the Hot Springs 

The Miette Hot Springs cost $16.50 per adult which is a steal. They consist of 2 hot pools and 2 cold pools. I dare you to jump into the cold one after you’ve been soaking in the hot tub for too long. It’s an awesome feeling!

The hot springs are right next to the Sulphur Skyline trailhead so if you’ve done the hike this will be the perfect way to relax afterward.

If you haven’t done the hike you don’t deserve to go in. Just kidding, go ahead and relax, you’re on holiday after all.

Take the Skytram up to Whistler’s Summit  

As well as Squamish or Whistler, Jasper has its own gondola too. Jasper Skytram costs CAD 62.95 and offers spectacular panoramic views from the Whistler summit.

You can also hike to the top but it’s 1000 meters elevation difference from the town. I haven’t yet attempted it.

Once at the top you can continue by foot another 200m in elevation gain to the summit of Whistlers Mountain or try the  Indian Ridge hike . It’s a 14km return hike to a spectacular ridgeline offering even more extensive views. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson.

Look for a perfect photo opportunity

If hiking isn’t your thing, maybe photography is. I’ve compiled a list of the  most beautiful spots to photograph in Jasper  to help you see the most jaw-dropping vistas. 

Join one of the many great outdoor adventures in Jasper

Jasper is the adventure capital of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you would like to go on a morning wildlife safari or an afternoon whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River or get a bird’s eye view of the Rockies from a helicopter flight, it’s all possible here.

Accommodation in Jasper (Night 4 & 5)

The two best campsites in Jasper for Motorhome travelers are Whistlers and Wapiti. Both are operated by Parks Canada and both are very popular! Make sure to prebook it well in advance.

Jasper Downtown Hostel

• Well-stocked kitchen for self-cooking
• Great central location

Jasper House Bungalows

• Great location right on the banks of the Athabasca River

Day 6-7: The Icefields Parkway

Distance: 230 km / 143 mi

If you’ve heard anything about the roads in the Canadian Rockies, you’ve probably heard that the Icefields Parkway takes the top spot. You can easily spend an entire holiday just driving up and down. I know I could.

Jasper lies at the northern point of the Icefields Parkway (93N). Lake Louise marks the southern point. During your drive down, just past the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre, you’ll be in entering Banff National Park.

There is so much to see along this road that I have broken it down in a separate post of  all the things to do and see on the Icefields Parkway in order from Lake Louise.  Since you will be driving it in reverse you have to look at the list from bottom to top.

The majority of travelers spend only one day on the Icefields Parkway, but in my opinion, you should spend at least two days exploring it. Don’t miss out on the Columbia Icefield Explorer tour. It will give you a chance to hike on an actual glacier.

Accommodation on the Icefields Parkway (Night 6)

My favorite campsite on the Icefields Parkway is the Waterfowl Lakes Campground. For more options view my Icefields Parkway post where I enlisted all campsites along the route.

HI Rampart Creek Hostel

• Clean and functional kitchen
• Great value for money and location

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge

• Friendly and dedicated staff
• A rustic place far from the madding crowd

Day 7-10: Lake Louise

We just finished driving down the   Icefields Parkway and are now in Lake Louise – a little town in the mountains and home to possibly the most famous lake in the World – Moraine Lake (pictured above).

Best things to do around Lake Louise

During the summer Lake Louise becomes a beehive of activity. A myriad of popular hiking trails around Lake Louise makes it a great place for anybody who loves the outdoors as much as I do.

There isn’t much directly at Lake Louise Village. It’s got a small overpriced supermarket, a few fast-paced coffee shops, and an information center. The nearby surroundings, on the other hand, are what makes this corner of Banff National Park so famous.

See the World famous Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is one of the many  postcard-worthy photography spots in Banff National Park . 

Its turquoise waters are incredibly framed beneath the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks. The first time I stood in its presence I had tears in my eyes! Damn, you ninjas cutting onions!

Moraine Lake is a short 20-minute drive from Lake Louise Village, but it gets intensely busy during the summer holidays. Nowadays only official shuttle services or guided tours can drive up to the Lake.

You can just take a stroll along the shoreline to get to the famous viewpoint or venture a bit further out onto some famous trails in the area such as Larch Tree Valley, Consolation Lakes, or Wenkchemna Pass.

NEW FOR 2023: Due to constant roadblocks caused by traffic Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles starting in the 2023 season. Make sure to pre-book a shuttle directly with Parks Canada or a day trip operated by a private company

Explore the hiking trails around Lake Louise

Another popular lake thanks to the famous Chateau built right on its shore. Personally, I am not a huge fan of it, because it attracts ridiculous amounts of tourists, however, a little bit of effort will transport you into another world.

Consider completing a few of the incredible day hikes around the Lake Louise area to understand what I am talking about. My personal favorite is the hike up Big Beehive & Mount Saint Piran.

Visit the nearby Yoho National Park

As soon as one national park ends, the other begins. That’s the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park is slightly underrated in comparison to its neighbor Banff National Park. However, in my eyes, it is even more beautiful!

Yoho is only 30 minutes west of Lake Louise. It’s home to Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls  – Canada’s 3rd highest waterfall, as well as the famous  Lake O’Hara  region. If you want to escape the crowds at Lake Louise – this is your best bet!

Accommodation in Lake Louise (Night 7,8 &10)

There are two RV campgrounds directly in the village: The soft-sided and hard-sided Campgrounds. Both are operated by Parks Canada. They do book out far in advance.

Other alternatives are the Kicking Horse Campground close to Field or Protection Mountain Campground both are ca. 20-minute drive from Lake Louise.

HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre – Hostel

• Very friendly staff
• Great for meeting other travelers

Paradise Lodge & Bungalows

• Great location, a 15-minute walk from Lake Louise
• Rustic lodge feeling

Day 10 -12: Banff and the surrounding area

Distance from Lake Louise: 57 km / 35 mi

Canada’s beloved resort town – Banff. Much like Whistler, Banff is very affluent. If only I had enough money to buy a house here! For now, I will have to stick to my camper.

The Must-Do’s In Banff

Sulphur mountain.

If you are looking for the best panoramic views of Banff village, the summit of Sulphur Mountain indisputably takes the top spot.

To get to the top you can either book a gondola ride or hike. A series of strenuous switchbacks, along the 5.5km (3.4 mi) long trail, offer short glimpses through the trees of surrounding valleys.

You’ll ascend 700m (2,300ft) and it’ll take around 2 hours one way but the views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain are well worth the effort.

I’ve done this hike in the winter and stood up on the top photographing the sunset in what felt like -100 degrees!

The Banff Hot Springs

Conveniently located near the lower gondola terminal, just like the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, are a treat after the journey down.

They are owned and operated by Parks Canada and at around 16 CAD are a much-deserved bargain. Whilst not as nice as the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper they are still a must-do in Banff, just try to avoid rush hour in the late afternoon. 

See the best photography spots

Banff is a dream location, fantasized about by many because of its incredible geological features. I defy any itinerary not to include it. Its quaint high street gets pretty crowded in the summertime and so do many of  the photography spots in Banff .

Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, or the viewpoint up on Mount Norquay should be on every photographer’s list. 

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a shorter version of the Icefields Parkway, but don’t worry. You won’t be left high and dry in the awesome views department.

The 50km stretch of road between Lake Louise and Banff is home to Morant’s Curve, Castle Junction, Johnston Canyon, and more wildlife than you’ll be able to shake a stick at.

The highlight for me is visiting Johnston Canyon but make sure to get there early. Not only because the morning light coming through the trees and shining upon the falls is a sight to behold, but because it gets pretty busy during peak hours. Providing the weather is good of course! 

Important! From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometer section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. This is to ensure the area remains a high-quality home for wildlife. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road at any time.  

Other great activities around Banff

Accommodation in banff (night 10 & 11).

There are a few campsites once you arrive in Banff, which you’ll be able to call home for the next few days. My favorite, due to its location and beautiful views, is the  Two Jack Lakeside campground .

However, if you want to be closer to the town center you should go to the  Tunnel Mountain Campground. 

Banff International Hostel

• Great loft space

Moose Hotel and Suites

• Beautiful decor
• The welcoming smell of the fireplace

Day 12-14: Canmore & Kananaskis Country

Distance from Banff: 25 km / 15.5 mi

Canmore is a town that I hold very close to my heart. Why you may wonder? It’s where I was based in Canada during my research for this guide. It’s also the gateway to Kananaskis country – my favorite area for hiking in the Rockies !

Canmore is only a twenty-minute drive east on the Trans Canada Highway, away from Banff. It is much more subdued and far less touristy.

What not to miss around Canmore

The yamnuska wolfdog sanctuary.

Unfortunately, wolves no longer inhabit the Bow Valley (Banff and Canmore). Mainly due to irresponsible human activity.

Check out the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary It’s a non-profit organization that rehabilitates, and houses, wolfdogs from all over North America. 

Although the animals in the sanctuary aren’t strictly 100% wolf, some of these wolfdogs are extremely high content and impossible to tell apart. It’s a fun activity for people of all ages and really shines a light on the problem of rearing wolfdogs.

Look for Moose and other wildlife near Mount Engadine Lodge

Engadine Lodge is one hour (38km) down Spray Lakes Road south of Canmore. Its picturesque interior with original features and Hudson Bay blankets make it a very pleasant stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

On the way there you’ll drive past many of the locations where movie star Leonardo DiCaprio acted for “The Revenant” and where Anthony Hopkins helped make “The Edge”.

The Moose Meadows is right next to the lodge and as the name suggests, is a great place for spotting Moose and other wildlife . 

Visit these famous photography and hiking spots

Canmore and Kananaskis Country are my favorite places to hike in the Canadian Rockies. I know I am repeating myself, but seriously guys, they are just too good not to share!

Check out my post about the  best hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis Country  that was a whole year in the making! I just didn’t want to miss anything.

If photography is more your thing then I’ve also got an article on the  best photography spots in and around Canmore . 

Other great activities in Canmore

Accommodation in canmore (night 12 & 13).

The two campgrounds that I would recommend are the  Bow River Campground  and the  Spray Lakes West Campground  near the Spray Lakes, with the latter being my preferable choice.

The Spray Lakes site is around a 20-minute drive from the town center on the Smith Dorien highway  (gravel road).

The views next to the campground are some of the best you will get. If however, you want to be closer to the town, Bow River Campground should be your choice. Downside? it’s a bit close to the highway and it may be a bit noisy.  

Canmore Downtown Hostel

• Well-designed spaces
• Very clean and well-organized

Tamarack Lodge

• Well-appointed, clean, and modern
• Beautiful and well-stocked units

Day 14: Drive to Calgary

On the final leg of the epic journey take the Trans Canada Highway (1) east from Canmore for just over an hour to Calgary, where you can drop off your rental and catch your flight home.

I hope that this itinerary will help you with planning your Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip. Let me know how your trip goes! I want to hear all about it.

As always please feel free to like, share or  comment below with any questions  you may have. I always respond!

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Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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We are going to Vancouver for a week with cousins and then planning on roadtripping to Calgary. We would leave on a Saturday and fly home from Calgary the following Sunday. Is that enough time? If so, what would you recommend we eliminate from the itinerary?

Thank you for your help, Karen

Hi Karen. Thanks for visiting. Yes you can drive from Vancouver to Calgary in a week but you would have to prioritize. I would probably just take the main highway 1 from Vancouver straight to Lake Louise stayed there for 3 nights and explored the area, then I would head to Canmore for the remaining time and explored the area around there. If you don’t plan on any hikes then you can follow the road trip as per article and stop in each location for 1 night only before moving on. If you need any help adjusting itinerary I do offer Trip planning Advice.

Hi Marta, I love this Blog it is amazing! I will be travelling to Canada with my Husband and 8 year old Daughter and we would like to do your Vancouver to Vancouver trip in 12 days (I know tight) We would love to do it in an RV, I am just about to book but we would book from the 24th of September to the 8th of October this year, is that too late in the year for an RV or should we hire a Car? I really appreciate your help.

Kind Regards Lisa

Hi Lisa. Thanks for the amazing feedback. It is possible to travel in an RV during those times however you have to take under consideration that the nights are already cold (the temperature can drop below freezing overnight). If you van has a heater or if you bring extra sleeping bags with you then that’s no problem. I have camped in my van even in January, it really comes down to being prepared. I hope that helps!

Hi Marta what a wonderful website I’m certainly going to follow your two week road trip. My question is we will start in Vancouver and need to finish in Vancouver so at the end of your two week itinerary how do you suggest we get back to Vancouver. Thank you again for your wonderful travel advice !

Hi Virgnia. Thanks for your great feedback. I would suggest that you check out my Vancouver to Vancouver trip which you could squeeze into two weeks.

What a wonderful post! How easy / treacherous / crowded are the roads from Whistler to Kamloops and then on to Banff in late July and early August? (My travel partner is recommending driving round trip from Vancouver to Whistler and back to Vancouver, and then flying the Calgary to then drive to Banff, but your blog suggests we’d be missing a lot of beatiful sites). What do you think?

Hi Ray. Thanks for visiting. The roads from Whistler to the Rockies are quieter than the ones in the Rockies. If you plan on driving in the Rockies then you can definitely manage to drive from Vancouver to the Rockies. The thing is no matter how time you’ve got you won’t be able to see everything so I reckon what it will boil down to in your case is how much time you actually have.

Thanks! We’ve decided to drive and enjoy as much of the region as possible! So far, we’re allocating a week for *this* visit. (I have a feeling we’ll want to come back!) All the best!

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to go back after visiting the Rockies. I hope you have a wonderful time!

Hi Marta, just wanted to send a huge thank you towards you! I am planning our road trip and your route and especially the map is so super helpful! Also other articles about what to do between Whistler and Jasper. Thank you and keep doing what you’re doing:-) Tina

Hi Tina. Thanks so much for your amazing feedback! I really appreciate it and I hope you have a wonderful trip in Canada.

Hi Marta Awesome article! Our family are travelling to Canada (from Australia) in June and, because of your recommendations, have changed our original plan and will be following this route instead. Just one question: we’re hiring a campervan and your article says that the route is around 2000ks, but Google maps it out at around 1300. Was that a typo, or are you adding in extra ks for trips off the main route? Obviously, we have to buy Km packs from the camper hire people, and not sure how much to purchase. Many thanks! Colin

Hi Colin. I am so glad to hear you found my itinerary useful. Yes if you won’t be doing any side trips then it will be 1300 km, but every place you will be visiting you will probably be doing side trips which can be up to 100 km in a day and the kilometres do add up quickly. I hope that helps. I would really appreciate if you use my affiliate link when booking a campervan. Happy travels!

Thanks Marta! Just booked a camper through your link (well, at least paid a deposit and requested a vehicle). Oh, and also a coffee – Cheers!

Hi Colin! Amazing thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it. I hope you have an amazing time travelling in Canada.

This guide is great!

I’ve got 14 days, flying into Vancouver and out of Calgary. Do you think I’d have time to do Vancouver Island too, or would you say it’s too much?

I like mountains and nature, my number one place in the world is Switzerland for that reason, and Canada looks even more dramatic!

Hi Arran. I honestly think that would be pushing it. It’s a long drive from Vancouver to Calgary and there is so much to do and see over there. Leave Vancouver Island for another time. In comparison to the Rockies it is not nearly as exciting. I hope that helps!

I absolutely love this post! Me, my partner and another couple planning to come next and do this trail (or very similar) from England. This may sound completely daft I have such a fear encountering a bear! But I really don’t wanna miss this opportunity to hike these beautiful trails. I know you have to be cautious, but have you ever had any problems? Thanks xx

Hi Rebecca. Thanks for visiting my site and for your lovely feedback. First of all which hike do you have exactly in mind? You said you plan to do this trail, but I actually mentioned many trails in the itinerary 🙂 As for the bears, I totally understand your fear. I was the same before my very first hike in the Rockies. Luckily my fears soon dispersed. Meeting a bear on busy trails is rather unlikely. They are actually quite timid and shy away from humans. They prefer to stay away. I did run into bears on 3 occasions, one included an encounter with a sow with her two cubs. That was the scariest one. The other two times when the bears realised we are there, they quickly run away. I was actually quite surprised by their reaction. The reason I had so many encounters is that I was often the first person on the trails, very early in the morning when the bears were still active. The trails where I met bears were also deep in the backcountry, in places that could be reached over a day or two hiking. As I said encountering a bear on a busy trail is unlikely. With that said carrying a bear spray, hiking in a group and making noise is essential. All in all though don’t get the ‘bearanoia’ get the best of you and just enjoy the beautiful nature in Canada.

Antes de nada, debo de agradecer y valorar enormemente el gran trabajo que has realizado en esta web. Nos ayudó en infinidad de ocasiones en nuestros viajes! Eres un ejemplo a seguir y siento una gran admiración! Estoy planeando un viaje para Septiembre 2024 a Canada, y quiero alquilar una coche con tienda de campaña en el techo, como hicimos en Islandia. Sabes de alguna compañía que realice este tipo de alquiler? Es Islandia son muy habituales, pero en Canada no consigo encontrar ninguna compañia. Muchas gracias!!

Hola Víctor. Muchas gracias por su hermoso comentario. Entiendo Español demasiado, pero hablar y escribir es mucho más difícil, así que utilicé ayuda del Traductor de Google. Mire el sitio web de Pacific Backroader. Alquilan camiones con tienda de campaña en el techo. ¡Espero que eso ayude!

Perfecto! Me servirá de ayuda, pero esto me obliga a realizar el viaje Vancouver – Calgary – Vancouver, y quisiera iniciar el viaje en uno y acabar en otro. Seguiré buscando. Por cierto, gracias por tus blogs de vias ferratas en Dolomitas, convertiste a esta pareja en unos fanáticos de las ferratas! Un saludo!

Lo siento que no haber podido ayudar más. Espero que encuentres un coche adecuado. Me alegra mucho saber que te gusta mi blog. Yo también soy un fanático de las vías ferratas. ¡Bienvenido al club! 🙂

Hello, I am planning my trip through Canada. I have a furry friend traveling with me. I saw that you have Jasper. Did you have him while you did your roadtrip? Any dog friendly advice you can share?

Hi Cede. Thanks for visiting. I got Jasper after I lived in Canada, but I met plenty of dogs on trails in the Canadian Rockies. If you want to do a multiday trek with a dog then look into the Rockwall trail . There is one rule you have to follow when hiking with a dog in the Rockies, you have to keep your dog on a leash at all times due to widlife.

Hello Marta Firtsly thank you for your information you have provided. I have spent the last two hours reading your blog and will need a lot more time to fully extract the information for our plnned trip from Vancouver to Calgary, two weeks duration starting last week in June 2024 using a campervan. We have two questions. 1. Would we have time to visit Vancouver island without missing any of the highlights. 2. When hiking on the trails, (with snacks/picnic) how do you enjoy the hike without worrying if a bear is sniffing you out for their lunch? Thanks Chris

Hi Chris! Thank you so much for leaving the feedback. I am stoked to hear you liked the post. I worked very hard recently to update it. Now to your questions. It depends. Potentially yes you could visit Vancouver Island first drive to Tofino and back in 3 days then spend the rest following this itinerary but if your plan is to hike instead of just spend most of your time driving then I wouldn’t recommend it. You can’t see it all in 2 weeks. 2. Don’t let Bearanoia get a hold of you 🙂 Spotting a bear on a trail is very uncommon. Most of the trails I recommend are well-hiked trails with many other hikers on them so bears stay as far away as they can. They are more scared of you than you are of them. With that said you still need to take precautions. Always carry a bear spray in a spot where you can reach it quickly. In some areas like Lake Louise sometimes there is a restriction where you have to hike in a group of 4. In that case, you can just team up with other people at the trailhead. I’ve done it before. During the 15 months I spent in the Rockies I run into bears 3 times and each time was when I was in a deep backcountry which required a couple of days of walking from civilization. It was also very early in the morning (i hike for good light) when the trails were still very empty of other hikers. The first time it happened when the bear spotted us it turned around and ran away so quickly that I couldn’t believe how fast the bears can run :).

Much like the other people who commented, I was googling the top places and activities to do from Calgary to Vancouver and I stumbled across your blog posts (which are amazing by the way). Originally my partner and I were planning a two week trip from Calgary to Vancouver and back, our plan was to explore the Rockies and Vancouver island and everything beautiful in between. To me (a Canadian) the quantity of driving seems quite normal but to my European boyfriend, it’s a little too much for 2 weeks, so now we’re planning to spend 3 to 4 weeks (basically all of July). So… I have some questions for you, if you have the time to answer them, it would be greatly appreciated on our side 🙂

1. We were thinking about renting a van but realized it would be the same price to buy an old used one and just sell it after. I know you recommend renting a van in your post but do you have any experience buying and selling one? If yes, how did it go?

2. I don’t really know how to phrase this, I don’t want to seem insensitive or seem. Our interest comes from a place of appreciation and admiration for Indigenous culture, history, and ways of living. We would really like to participate in some immersive Indigenous cultural learning/experiences such as fishing, hunting, arts and crafts (moccasins/beading etc), have you come across any local Indigenous businesses you would recommend and that we could support?

3. As we would be turning your two-week itinerary into three to four weeks, are there any places or activities you recommend (outside of what you’ve already mentioned in your blog)?

4. What were some of your biggest challenges during your trip?

That’s all of my questions so far 🙂 Vanessa & Jules

Hi Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by. I actually had the conversation about how differently we Europeans perceive distances from Canadians or Americans. I think it’s really interesting. To be fair though I am a big fan of slow travel myself so I am glad you decided to make your trip longer to be able to stay longer in places you are about to visit. As for your questions. I did buy a minivan but I stayed in the Rockies for 15 months, so having no car would have been impossible. Because vanlife became so popular in the last few years, the demand for vans is really high which means the prices really went up. Besides buying in the midst of summer would add up to the cost. I also don’t think it’s as easy to buy a van and then sell it quickly at the end. Unless you are actually planning to do it soon and then drive to Vancouver/Calgary from wherever you are based in Canada then I don’t see a point. Getting it registered in Alberta or BC, getting insurance and so on and so forth might steal a lot of precious time that you have set aside to travel. As for the second question, unfortunately, I am afraid I won’t be able to help you out here. I was actually very surprised how little of the indigenous culture was present in the Rockies. No. 3 I do have a Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary that goes for 3 weeks plus another 4 day trip for Vancouver Island, so maybe you should look into that. If however, you are doing Vancouver to Calgary then I would say really take your time and stay longer in each place to be able to really appreciate it. 4. I think the biggest challenge for me was the weather. I am sure you might be aware of how common the wildfires are in the Rockies and July is the prime month for them to start due to afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains. The wildfires bring a lot of haze with them and have a massive impact on air quality. It affects hiking possibilities. That’s why I often say on my blog that I think September is the best time to travel around the Rockies, especially since there is a lot less human traffic and the smoke and haze are usually gone in September. Of course, it’s not every year that the wildfires are bad, but for the past few years this was a very common occurrence. I hope this helps a bit. Do let me know if you have more questions! I keep my fingers crossed that you have a wonderful trip!

I have stumbled across your website and it looks so wonderful, thank you. We would like to do a months trip to this area of Canada so your itinary is a great place to start to plan. We were hoping encompass a few days of skiing. From your experience would this work or are we jeopardising the rest of the trip by having to take the trip in April? Thank you

Hi Denise. Thanks for stopping by. I would say plan the trip for a later date (august or September for example). Skiing conditions aren’t great towards the end of April, it’s mostly slush, and then for the rest of the trip you won’t be able to do much as a lot of the hikes won’t be accessible, some attractions, like Moraine lake, don’t even open until mid-may. In my honest opinion, it isn’t worth it. Go skiing another time and do a road trip through the Rockies when the weather is optimal! I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!

Great site & recs!

Hi, I’ve never been to Canada. I know, I know! I have lived in Seattle for 7 years now. I want to plan a 10 – 14 day round trip road trip starting and ending in Seattle. I’m just beginning planning this trip. What is the furthest point I can get to before looping back? Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Lisa

Hi Lisa. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t worry, we all tend to travel to faraway places before visiting places close to us. I’d recommend that you have a look at my Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary and plan 2 weeks for it making some adjustments (for example you can cut out Okanagan Valley and connect your Banff and Canmore stay). As for your question, it really depends. You can easily do the whole trip that I am recommending here https://inafarawayland.com/western-canada-road-trip-plan/ but it is going to be quite a bit of driving. I have noticed though that we Europeans perceive distances differently than Americans or Canadians because for us everything is super close and if it is 2 or 3 hours away then it is at least a weekend trip, whereas a Canadian would consider it a day trip 🙂 Anyways have a look at the itinerary I shared and try to narrow it down to two weeks.

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Road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

Things to do

Journey along Highway 1 from Vancouver to Calgary and picturesque townships and stunning vistas will continue to unfold before you. Wind down the windows, turn up the music, and enjoy the ride as we cruise the 970-kilometre route from Vancouver to Calgary via Kamloops.

First stop: Chilliwack

Distance: 100km Timing: 1hr 20mins

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Take Highway 1 east from Vancouver and make the stunning town of Chilliwack External Link Title (pop. 80,000) your first stop. Located in the Fraser Valley, you're at the foothills of the mountain ranges that will punctuate this trip. Stop off at Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park External Link Title to capture the perfect Insta-shot of the waterfall, cascading like a 'veil' down the smooth cliff.

From Chilliwack to Kamloops

Distance: 250km Timing: 2.5hours

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Cruise along to the tiny town of Hope External Link Title (pop. 7,000) nestled beneath the Coast and Cascade Mountains, a gateway to some of British Columbia's most incredible parks, rivers, and hiking trails. From here, you'll divert on to the Coquilhalla Highway (Highway 5) and climb nearly 1200m through the Great Bear Snow Shed, across the summit of Coquilhalla Pass, then across the top of the Thompson Plateau. Take a side road to explore the rolling countryside or stop for a lakeside picnic along the way. (Be sure to check Drive BC External Link Title before passing this rather treacherous pass. Weather and road conditions can change quickly).  This 'shortcut' to Kamloops should be avoided during winter as the steep road can become treacherous, but during the warmer months, it's a scenic highway that cuts 75 minutes off your driving time between Hope and Kamloops.

Before you reach Kamloops, you'll pass through the rural town of Merritt (pop. 7,000). Witness the unique formations in the walls of Windy Canyon created by thousands of years of wind erosion, as well as the ancient shorelines of 10,000-year-old glacial lakes in the grasslands where cattle graze peacefully.

An hour and ten minutes later, Kamloops looms in the distance. You've travelled 350 kilometres - more than a third of the way to Calgary.

Kamloops to Chase

Distance: 57km Timing: 40mins

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Kamloops External Link Title is a buzzing town with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in every season. With more than 100 lakes and two major rivers for kayaking, rafting, and fishing, as well as sandstone canyons, and nearby Sun Peaks resort External Link Title , with its world-class mountain trails for skiing, hiking, and biking. This eclectic, progressive town has an arty vibe with great options for cuisine of all kinds.

About 40 minutes later, you arrive at the tiny town of Chase, on the Shuswap Lake system in the mountainous South Thompson River Valley. Here, check into the Quaaout Lodge & Spa External Link Title , the perfect place to base yourself as you spend a day (or three) making the most of the great outdoors, swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, and learning about the First Nations culture. Each room at the Quaaout Lodge has its own patio overlooking Little Shuswap Lake, framed by magnificent mountain ranges.

Whatever you do, don't miss the Adams River sockeye salmon run External Link Title , a true natural wonder. During autumn, visit Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park External Link Title to see bright red sockeye salmon spawning. There are hundreds of fish to be seen every year, but did you know the sockeye run works in a four-year cycle? That means every fourth year the river runs red with the struggling bodies of over two million fish. 2018 is flagged as a dominant year, with the next being 2022.

Chase to Golden via Revelstoke

Distance: 300km Timing: 3.5hours

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The open road beckons once more as you edge closer to the border of British Columbia and Alberta. Just 155 kilometres from Chase lies the stunning mountain township of Revelstoke External Link Title . Famous for its epic ski fields, Revelstoke is every bit as exciting during the warmer months.

Bordered by both Mount Revelstoke National Park External Link Title and Revelstoke Mountain Resort External Link Title , this Kootenay Rockies City (pop. 7,230) is framed by the imposing Selkirk and Monashee mountains. Think hiking and mountain biking in summer, and skiing, heli-skiing, and snowmobiling in winter.

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About an hour and ten minutes later, you'll reach Golden External Link Title , home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort External Link Title . Meet the world-famous grizzly bear, Boo, at the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest protected grizzly bear habitat in the world. You'll fall in love with Boo, a big bear with an even bigger personality.

Feeling peckish? Jump on the Kicking Horse Eagle Eye Express Gondola and eat at the highest elevated restaurant in Canada. The Eagle Eye Restaurant External Link Title is raised more than 2,300 metres above sea level, serving up delicious local fare, such as wild boar poutine and duck confit, against a backdrop off five national parks, snow-covered peaks, and sweeping valleys.

Golden to Lake Louise via Yoho National Park

Distance: 80km Timing: 1 hour

View this post on Instagram External Link Title A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Nov 29, 2018 at 2:53pm PST

In theory, it's less than an hour's drive from Golden, BC, to Lake Louise in Alberta. However, you'll want to stop along the way. Yoho National Park External Link Title is about 25 minutes from Golden in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It's a nature-lover's paradise, with 400 kilometres of hiking trails, 61 lakes, enormous waterfalls, including Wapta Falls Takakkaw Waterfall, as well as stunning Emerald Lake, just itching to be explored by kayak.

Learn about the famous Spiral Tunnels where railroads weave and wind their way through the mountains. Step back in time on the 1.2-kilometre Walk in The Past Trail External Link Title that leads to an old spur line and an abandoned locomotive used during the Spiral Tunnels' construction.

Back on the road, you're less than half an hour from one of the Canada's most iconic destinations, Lake Louise. You've seen the postcard, but the real thing is enough to take your breath away. Famous for its Instagram appeal, the real challenge is to put your camera down and behold the majestic beauty with all six senses. 

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This stunning hamlet in the heart of Banff National Park External Link Title is rich with outdoor adventure and wellness experiences. In summer, hike or horse-ride to the Lake Agnes Tea House External Link Title for sweeping views of epic proportions. Kayak the sparkling turquoise lake and dine at the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise External Link Title , perched on the shore like something out of Disney movie.

During winter, ice skate the famous lake, take a sleigh ride along its snow-drenched shores, or go snow-shoeing at twilight through the forest, Narnia-style.

Lake Louise to Banff

Distance: 60km Timing: 45mins

A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Dec 1, 2017 at 9:30am PST

The journey from Lake Louise to Banff in Alberta is an easy 45-minute drive on Highways 98 and 1. Check in to your quintessential mountain lodge or downtown hotel External Link Title , or splash out for a night at the grand, historic Fairmont Banff Springs External Link Title , reminiscent of a fairytale castle. 

The resort town of Banff has so much more to offer than skiing, though it certainly has that in spades! Nestled beneath the Rundle, Sulphur, Norquay and Cascade mountains, this tiny township of almost 8,000 people packs some serious punch. During winter, you'll want to make the most of the ' Big 3 External Link Title ' ski resorts - Sunshine Village, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Johnston Canyon Icewalk External Link Title is the stuff of bucket-lists, where you'll bear witness to thunderous waterfalls frozen solid to create natural ice sculptures. Ice climbers can often be seen scaling the gigantic pillars of ice some 30 metres above your head. 

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As the weather warms up, the list of outdoor adventures is endless. Hire a canoe from the Banff Canoe Club External Link Title and spend a few hours on sparkling Vermillion Lake near the town centre. Go fishing on Lake Minnewanka, check out the highly photogenic Peyto Lake, and soak in the outdoor Banff Upper Hot Springs External Link Title as you take in the mountainous landscape.

Ride the Banff Gondola External Link Title to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a heart-stopping view of six mountain ranges. Better still? Come back in the evening for a stargazing journey into our galaxy and beyond.

Banff to Calgary via Canmore

Distance: 125km Timing: 1.5 hours

A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Mar 21, 2017 at 5:09am PDT

The quintessential mountain village of Canmore External Link Title is a must-stop on your 100-kilometre final leg to Calgary. Just 26 kilometres from Banff, Canmore is full of salt-of-the-earth Albertans brimming Rocky Mountain hospitality. Enjoy an organic brunch at Communitea Caf? External Link Title and then walk it off on Main Street, where you can peruse the galleries of phenomenal local art, artisan boutiques, craft breweries, and charming book stores.

Canmore is a hub of outdoor escapades, from mountaineering, rock climbing, and heli-tours, to Nordic skiing and dog sledding.

Grab some authentic mountain-style poutine for the road and begin the final leg of your journey - Calgary is just 104 kilometres away on Highway 1.

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You've made it!

The vibrant city of Calgary External Link Title is awash with eclectic neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine, and outstanding shopping. Its farming heritage is still evident in its laid-back residents and locally-sourced gastronomy, but there's an edgy vibe to the city that's testament to a thriving arts and music scene.

Visit the Calgary Tower External Link Title to gain a bird's-eye perspective, and stroll the shores of the Bow and Elbow rivers that run through the city. Step back in time at the largest living history museum, Heritage Park Historical Village External Link Title , with yester-year exhibits including a fur trading post and an 1880s pre-railway settlement.

Head to the funky neighbourhood of Inglewood, known for its starring role in the TV series, Fargo, where heritage homes have been converted into eclectic shops, galleries, and cafes. Check out a live concert at The Festival Hall or stroll the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. 

A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Jul 15, 2017 at 7:04am PDT

The road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is one where every kilometre brings unexpected rewards and the destination is every bit as wonderful as the journey. And with so many routes to choose from, it’s a journey you can take again and again.  

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Planning a Road Trip From Vancouver to Calgary (for 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on March 22, 2024

There are two things for certain about the drive from Vancouver to Calgary (or in reverse, from Calgary to Vancouver). 1. It’s a long drive – approximately 1,000 kilometres and 2. It’s a very beautiful drive through the Canadian Rockies. Depending on the intent of your trip – whether you want to get there quickly or take your time and do some sightseeing (which we HIGHLY recommend) – we’ve got all the information you need below. No matter your route or itinerary, it will be an adventure and there are many photo stops and things to do along the way!

About the Route

We’ve outlined three routes from Vancouver to Calgary, one of the most scenic long-haul drives in western Canada. Each route has its own benefits.

Fastest Route from Vancouver to Calgary

The fastest route for a Calgary Road Trip is 1,038 km and will take about 12 hours and 15 minutes. Head from north Vancouver up Highway 99, the Sea-to Sky Highway, towards Whistler and then to Kamloops, where you’ll then get onto Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and follow it all the way to Calgary.

Alternate Route #1 from Vancouver to Calgary

This route is 1,074 km and will be similar to the same time as the fastest route. Following this route, you start on Highway 1 from Vancouver and head towards Hope. Next, you’ll turn onto Highway 3 until you reach the town of Princeton and from there, you’ll get onto Highway 5A north, continuing to Merritt. Here, you will then head north again on Highway 5 (the Coquihalla*), and it’s straight to Kamloops. After Kamloops, you turn onto Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) for a straight shot into Calgary. *Note that there may be tolls along the Coquihalla Highway.

Alternate Route #2 from Vancouver to Calgary

This route is slightly longer at 1,126 km and will take roughly 12 hours and 55 minutes. It will lead you from Highway 1 to Highway 3 to Highway 97 in Osoyoos, BC. The 97 will then take you through Kelowna, eventually turning into the 97A by Swan Lake. From the 97A, you’ll take Highway 1 in Sicamous, and you’ll stay on this for the rest of your drive, passing through Banff National Park before arriving in Calgary.

Travelling from Vancouver to Calgary

The best months to travel by car from Vancouver to Calgary are in the summer months, from June through September. Note that this will also be the busiest time on the highways and the most probable time for construction. Although, in winter time, there is less traffic, drivers run the risk of road closures due to storms or avalanches. It should be noted that winter tires or chains are mandatory (and necessary) on all vehicles to handle the conditions from November until April

If you are travelling by car on any of the suggested routes, start your journey early in the morning to make the most of driving in daylight, especially if the weather is not ideal and to avoid wildlife (there will be plenty to see on your drive). Fortunately, many places exist in Vancouver if you plan to hire a rental car. We suggest checking out RentalCars.com to peruse the best deals or book with whichever company you prefer.

Remember to be mindful of weather and driving conditions. While Alberta’s (and BC’s)  highways are in great shape and well-maintained, snowstorms can wreak havoc for days at a time, and construction can slow things down in summer. We always suggest checking road reports (for Alberta and BC ) before heading out.

Rider Express is currently the only company offering bus service from Vancouver to Calgary. The trip takes 14 – 16 hours and a one-way ticket costs around $162.00. There are numerous stops along the way and three drop-off points in Calgary.

There is no direct train from Vancouver to Calgary. However, VIA Rail has partnered with Red Arrow to simplify trip planning, and it is possible to take the train from Vancouver to Edmonton and then the Red Arrow bus from Edmonton to Calgary .

The train journey from Vancouver to Edmonton is one of the most scenic trips in Canada and takes approximately 26 hours. Tickets for the train journey start at $200 for economy fares, and for a higher price, there are sleeper cars with meals included for more comfort.

There are plenty of daily Calgary flights to Vancouver. Air Canada and Westjet are the most popular airlines, but a few other airlines offer several nonstop flights per day, and they service transfers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Calgary International Airport (YYC). Direct flights take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. A taxi or Uber from the Calgary Airport to downtown takes about 30 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Flying by far is the fastest mode of transportation, but with so many road trip routes and beautiful scenery along the way, the drive is definitely worthwhile!

By Private Transfer

Urban Limousine offers top-class limousine transportation and provides service from downtown Vancouver to Calgary city centre. The price varies depending on the car type but ranges from $1,880 to $4,000.

Quest Limos also offers a luxury Vancouver to Calgary transportation service with a fleet of vehicles to choose from.

Ride Sharing

There are possible options for ride-sharing from Vancouver to Calgary, but it’s pricey. The extremely expensive trip is because it is difficult to find someone willing to drive that far. 

You can find a way by hitching a ride via Poparide . Seats are sometimes available on the Vancouver to Calgary route, although you may have to be a bit flexible on your departure date in order to snag a seat.

Best Things to Do Along the Way

There is no shortage of options to make this road trip through the Canadian Rockies an epic journey. While it is possible to make the drive all in one (long!) day, we hope that you will opt to slow down and maybe split it into two. Enjoying some of the attractions en route will make it much more enjoyable.

Fastest Route – Things to Do

If you haven’t already made it to Whistler while visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, then now is the time to do so. This resort town is most famously known for its skiing, but there are also many other things to do. Enjoy the number one rated experience year-round: the Peak to Peak sightseeing gondola . There are plenty of great restaurants, hiking and biking trails and even a zipline course in the summer!

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is certainly worth a stop, especially for a peek at its beautiful glacial lakes. A short walk from the parking lot will give you a stunning view of Lower Joffre Lake. This is a great spot for a picnic, as you really can’t get more scenic. Plus, if it’s a hot day, why not consider taking a dip?

We’re gonna guess you blew all your extra time at Whistler, but you’ll need another break anyway, as the city of Kamloops is another four hours west on the highway. There is much to do here for outdoor adventurers, but if you want a quick chance to stretch your legs, try the Tower Trail for some good exercise and even better views.

Crazy Creek Hot Pools

About 8 hours into your drive (just before you get to Revelstoke), we predict some sore muscles from all that sitting (and from the hike up Tower Trail if you made it). Plan to soak those muscles in the Crazy Creek Hot Pools ! This is a quintessential experience of the Canadian Rockies, and the pools at this resort are open 365 days per year. Revelstoke is also a small mountain time with a BIG personality and a long list of things to do, so this could be a great place to spend the night between the two cities.

Glacier National Park

You are about to drive by three amazing national parks in a row, starting with Glacier National Park (not to be confused with the Glacier National Park in Montana). From hiking to sightseeing, this is a stop we highly recommend. If you decided to spend the night in Revelstoke to split up the drive, you could then spend a good half-day exploring here before the final 4-hour drive to Calgary. Note that you will need a Parks Canada pass to enter the park (and the others), but only if you plan on stopping. More info on passes can be found here .

Yoho National Park

Another essential stop is in Yoho National Park , especially at Emerald Lake. Some say that Emerald Lake rivals the more popular Lake Louise, and it is one of the main attractions in the Canadian Rockies. Spend a day on the lake by hiring a canoe or kayak to enjoy those blue-green waters, and if you have time, splurge and spend a night at Emerald Lake Lodge .

Banff National Park

The next stop you’ll want to make is in Banff National Park, especially seeing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before continuing on to the Banff townsite. In Lake Louise, there is plenty of hiking, canoeing, and exploring to be done, plus be prepared to be awed by the scenery. After, make your way toward Banff. as there are some incredible things to indulge in. Be sure to take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain and get a 360-degree view of the national park. If time permits, relax your weary road trip muscles in the Banff Upper Hot Springs before making the last little stretch of the drive into Calgary.

Things to Do – Alternate Route #1

We recommend a brief stop to marvel at the Hope Slide . This historic landmark is easily reached during the first two hours of your journey. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and learn the history behind Canada’s second-deadliest rockslide. 

While there are a couple of other things you could do on this route, we suggest continuing through Kamloops and following the suggestions for stops we made above in the fastest route.

Things to Do – Alternate Route #2

Depending on what you and your passengers enjoy, the beautiful city of Kelowna will definitely have something to offer. Known most famously for its vineyards, we suggest using this Wine Trail Guide to create your own tour. Or take on a section of the unique Okanagan Rail Trail to get the blood pumping after almost 6 hours of being cooped up in the car. This would also be a great place to spend the night to split the drive up over two days (another option is Vernon).

Splashdown Vernon

If you’re travelling with the family (or you’re just a kid at heart), consider stopping at this huge family waterpark. Splashdown Vernon features ten waterslides, an extra-large hot tub and extraordinary views of the Okanagan.

Like the other routes above, don’t miss Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Lake Louise, or the rest of Banff National Park!

Canmore is one of the small mountain towns with plenty of charm. On the outskirts of Banff National Park, there are plenty of things to do and sights to see. Get your hiking boots on, as there are plenty of short, beautiful hiking trails. We highly recommend the Grassi Lakes Trail for a quick but beautiful trek with plenty of photo viewpoints. Afterward, find a charming cafe or patio to enjoy a coffee or beer and take in those mountain views before making your way to Calgary.

Arrival in Calgary

You made it!

Calgary is a constantly evolving city, and its prime location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring its diverse neighbouring regions. There are so many exciting things to do and to help you compile your perfect Calgary “to-do” list, take a peek at our suggested Calgary tours or our guide to things to do in Calgary .

Where to Stay in Calgary

Lucky for you, there are plenty of choices for great accommodations. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an experience or just a simple room – there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks:

Calgary Fairmont Palliser (Luxury)

The historic Fairmont Palliser is in the heart of downtown. Enjoy walking distance to some of the city’s most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants, and pamper yourself at the hotel pool and spa. 

Hotel Arts (Mid-Range)

Hotel Arts is a stunning boutique hotel in downtown Calgary and is a must if you’re into the art scene. You can sit around the poolside, sipping cocktails and eating world-class food, and make use of its own commuter bike program to help you explore the city.

Best Value Inn (Budget)

Canada’s Best Value Inn is a perfect choice if you want to budget more for excursions. It’s close to the transit system and the Chinook Centre, which offers great shopping.

Want to see more options? Here is our definitive list of the best hotels in Calgary and our guide to Calgary Airbnbs . 

Looking for more Calgary Resources?

• Where to Stay: The best Calgary Hotels
• 4 Unique Day Trips from Calgary
• Route Guide: Calgary to Banff
• Route Guide: Calgary to Lake Louise
• Route Guide: Calgary to Kananaskis

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An Epic Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip

Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate Western Canada drive on this road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. This is a visually stunning journey that weaves through the Canadian Rockies and the heart of breathtaking landscapes, showcasing a dramatic shift from sea to sky

You can do this 975 km road trip from Vancouver to Calgary in 10 hours and 30 minutes. On the way, you can visit Clayburn Village, Kamloops, Revelstoke, Glacier National Park, Golden, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Okanagan Valley and Kelowna.

This road trip will be the trip of a lifetime for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, where to stop on the way, best time to travel, and the best things to see and do on the way.

Where is Calgary and how far is a road trip from Vancouver?

This scenic and breathtaking road trip takes you from Vancouver to Calgary, either through the Canadian Rockies or via Kelowna. Each path will take you through the diverse beauty of Western Canada.

The Canadian Rockies Route is a journey through some of Canada's most stunning landscapes. Starting in Vancouver, you'll drive 975 kilometres with 10 hours and 30 minutes of driving time through Merritt, Kamloops, and the picturesque towns of Salmon Arm and Revelstoke.

As you drive through Golden, you'll be on the edge of the magnificent Banff National Park, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and outdoor activities.

This route is particularly captivating for those who love mountainous landscapes, with opportunities to explore the park, known for its wildlife, hiking trails, and breathtaking views.

The Kelowna Route offers a different but equally rewarding driving experience through the heart of British Columbia's wine country. After leaving Abbotsford, the journey takes you through Merritt to Kelowna, a city famous for its vineyards and lakeside setting.

The route then weaves through Rock Creek and Croston before reaching Lundbreck. This route is ideal if you appreciate a mix of natural beauty, small towns, and wineries.

The Kelowna Route stretches for 1,300 kilometres and will take you 14 hours and 20 minutes to drive.

For the Canadian Rockies Route, plan to spend at least 2-3 days to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and enjoy the highlights along the way. For the Kelowna Route, consider 3-4 days to explore the quaint towns, landscapes, and vineyards en route.

How long is the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, and how many days will it take?

What is the best road trip route from vancouver to calgary.

Whichever route is the best for you on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary will depend on what you'd like to see. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Vancouver to Calgary via the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies Route from Vancouver to Calgary is a journey that combines ease of driving with breathtaking scenery. The route is well-maintained and clearly signposted, making it easy and stress-free to drive.

You'll enter some of Canada's most iconic landscapes, including mountain ranges, lakes, and forests. The drive through the Canadian Rockies, passing through places like Revelstoke and Banff National Park, is especially spectacular.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing in the Rockies. If you're interested in learning more about Canadian culture, you'll love visiting Salmon Arm and Golden.

While there are plenty of amenities for a comfortable journey, including rest stops and dining options, the more remote sections might have fewer facilities.

Generally, the traffic is smooth, however, be prepared for congestion during peak tourist seasons and occasional bad weather.

Driving from Vancouver to Calgary via Kelowna

The Kelowna Route offers a journey rich in diverse landscapes and activities. It's also a smooth route for driving, with good road conditions. However, be prepared for mountainous and curvy sections in the Rockies, which can be challenging if you're not used to it.

This route starts in the lush wine country around Kelowna, leading through the scenic beauty of the Okanagan Valley, and ending in the stunning mountain vistas near Calgary. If you love vineyards, lakes, hiking, and rolling hills, this route is for you.

There are, at times, infrequent amenities, so make sure to have extra food and water and fill your tank when you can.

The traffic can be heavier in the cities and towns, particularly around Kelowna during tourist seasons or on weekends. The roads are well-maintained but be mindful of potential delays due to weather conditions.

Driving Route from Vancouver to Calgary

Below are brief driving directions so you can know what to expect when driving along both routes from Vancouver to Calgary.

Driving the Canadian Rockies Route

Start the Canadian Rockies Route by driving eastward along the Trans-Canada Highway. At the town of Hope, take BC-5 north. You'll soon pass Logan Lake, a wonderful place to take a break, and reach Kamloops.

Continuing east on the Trans-Canada Highway, you'll arrive at Monte Creek Ranch Winery, just outside Kamloops. The journey then takes you to Salmon Arm, located on the shores of Shuswap Lake.

As you proceed, Canoe Beach offers a picturesque spot for a break, and further along, the SkyTrek Adventure Park near Revelstoke has thrilling outdoor activities. The route continues through Revelstoke and Mount Revelstoke National Park, offering scenic drives and hiking opportunities.

Further east lies Glacier National Park, where you can witness spectacular glaciers and rugged mountain terrain. Approaching Golden, consider a detour to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for outdoor adventures and mountain views.

Next, you'll drive through Yoho National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

Your journey then leads to Banff National Park, a highlight of the route with its iconic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and hot springs. Finally, you'll drive through the eastern end of the Rockies into Calgary.

Driving the Kelowna Route

You will follow the same directions as the above route until you reach Hope, and then Merrit, which is where the routes will diverge.

Your next major destination is Kelowna, a gem in the heart of Okanagan Valley. Here, you can visit the Mission Hill Winery and Okanagan Lake. Near Kelowna, take a short trip to Lake Country to visit the Kangaroo Creek Farm and Knox Mountain Park.

Continue your journey to Myra Canyon Adventure Park. Then, drive towards Big White Ski Resort, an ideal stop for winter sports and mountain activities. From here, you will follow BC-3 through Grand Forks, Salmo and Creston.

Driving across Kootenay River, you will soon cross into Alberta and arrive in Lundbreck. Head north from here and finally, the route ends in the beautiful city of Calgary.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Vancouver and Calgary

There's so much to see and do along the way on a Vancouver to Calgary road trip that you'll want to stop and enjoy the sights. Below are our recommended destinations for the ultimate overnight stop.

Practice your ski moves in Golden

About 7 hours and 50 minutes into the Canadian Rockies Route, Golden is the perfect overnight stop. This charming town is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers, sitting at the heart of some of Canada's most stunning landscapes.

One of Golden's highlights is the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, famous for its ski slopes and mountain biking trails, all set against spectacular alpine scenery.

Another nearby attraction is Yoho National Park, with its breathtaking waterfalls, the serene Emerald Lake, and unique rock formations.

For a touch of local charm, don't miss the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge in Golden, which holds the title of the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada.

When it comes to accommodation, we recommend the highly-rated Moberly Lodge . This rustic yet luxurious lodge features cosy traditional-style architecture, snow-capped mountain views, and an open fireplace in the communal area.

You can start your day with a delicious handmade breakfast, enjoy the expansive mountain views, and unwind in the on-site hot tub. The lodge's prime location makes it ideal for exploring the area's activities.

If you're looking to explore around the lodge, the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre is just a 10-minute drive away. Additionally, downtown Golden, with its dining and shopping options, is also just a 10-minute drive.

Go wine tasting in Kelowna

Just 4 hours and 20 minutes into the Kelowna Route, Kelowna is a great stopover. Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is famous for its nature, cultural activities, and outdoor adventures. It also features sprawling vineyards and wineries, pristine lakes, and picturesque landscapes.

Did you know that Kelowna is home to the legend of the Ogopogo, a mythical sea creature believed to dwell in Okanagan Lake? Maybe you will get lucky enough to spot it!

A must-visit in Kelowna is Knox Mountain Park, where panoramic views of the city and Okanagan Lake await. It's an ideal spot for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

The Okanagan Wine Tours are another highlight, offering a chance to explore and taste the exquisite wines of the region's popular wineries.

When it comes to accommodation, The Royal Kelowna - Bellstar Hotels & Resorts stands out as a prime choice . This hotel offers beautiful rooms, open-plan living and dining areas, and private bathrooms with spa baths, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.

Each room features a balcony with stunning views of the lake. The property also has a rooftop pool with breathtaking views, a fitness centre, and a sauna for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Moreover, cultural attractions like the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Kelowna Centennial Museum are mere minutes away.

Our favourite place to stay in Calgary

After winding through some of the most stunning landscapes Canada has to offer, arriving in Calgary's urban vibes will be an entirely different experience.

For a unique view of the city, the Calgary Tower is a must-visit, offering panoramic vistas of Calgary's skyline. Then, step back in time at the Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada's largest living history museum.

Additionally, the innovative Plus 15 Skyway Network connects downtown buildings through an extensive system of pedestrian skywalks, allowing guests to explore the city's core comfortably, even during the chilly winters.

Le Germain Hotel Calgary is an ideal choice for a luxurious stay at your destination . This boutique hotel, located in the heart of Calgary, is a perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

Treat yourself to your favorite cocktail at the hotel's lounge after the long drive, or if you have worked up an appetite, the highly-rated restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

If you are in the mood for something more indulgent, the hotel features exceptional spa and wellness centre, complete with a relaxing sauna. Whether you're visiting for the famous Calgary Stampede or exploring the city's parks and nearby natural wonders, Le Germain Hotel provides a tranquil haven amidst the bustling city.

Best time to travel from Vancouver to Calgary on a road trip

The road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is perfect any season. However, each time of year has its own charms and challenges. So read on to learn about how each season brings its own beauty to this road trip.

Travelling to Calgary from Vancouver in summer

Summer, whether via the Canadian Rockies Route or the Kelowna Route, offers warm and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor exploration.

Approaching Calgary in summer, temperatures typically range from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius, providing perfect conditions for sightseeing and local events. The Canadian Rockies Route features the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival in July, adding plenty of fun to your drive.

Meanwhile, the Kelowna Route is particularly active during the wine harvest from mid-August to early October, bustling with events and tastings. However, expect increased traffic during these peak tourist months, especially near popular destinations like Banff and Yoho National Parks or the wine regions around Kelowna.

Travelling to Calgary from Vancouver in winter

Winter transforms the journey from Vancouver to Calgary into a snowy landscape, especially near the Canadian Rockies. In Calgary, winter temperatures often range from -6 to 4 degrees Celsius.

The Canadian Rockies Route takes you to popular ski resorts near Revelstoke and Golden, though be prepared for possible congestion and road closures due to snow. The Ice Magic Festival in Banff National Park, held from January to February, is a seasonal highlight.

The Kelowna Route can also be challenging due to snow and ice. Kelowna's International Fringe Festival during these colder months offers a unique cultural experience. Always check road conditions and closures, particularly when navigating through the mountainous areas.

Travelling to Calgary from Vancouver in the shoulder seasons

Spring and Autumn are milder seasons. During these times, temperatures in Calgary typically range from 7 to 18 degrees Celsius. These seasons are ideal for avoiding the extreme weather and heavy tourist traffic of peak times.

In Spring, the Calgary International Beerfest in May celebrates craft beers and local cuisine. Autumn brings the Taste of Calgary, showcasing the city's food scene.

Both routes during these seasons offer a more relaxed travel experience, spring blooms, or autumn foliage. Be aware of occasional spring snow in the Rockies or early winter conditions towards late autumn.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

There's so much to see and do on this drive from Vancouver to Calgary that planning may be a little difficult. Below are our top highlights along both routes, to help you plan your perfect drive.

On both routes

Canadian Museum of Flight: This museum in Langley chronicles Canada's aviation history through exhibits and displays.

Fort Langley National Historic Site: Fort Langley is the birthplace of British Columbia, offering a glimpse into the lives of early 19th-century traders.

Tanglebank Gardens: A beautiful boutique garden in Abbotsford, offering a peaceful escape with its lush landscaping and charming atmosphere.

Clayburn Village: One of British Columbia's oldest villages, Clayburn Village is known for its historic buildings and charm.

Giggle Ridge Adventure Golf: A fun-filled mini-golf course located in Cultus Lake, offering an entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Hope Slide: The site of one of Canada's largest landslides, Hope Slide is a dramatic natural landmark with a fascinating geological history.

On the Canadian Rockies Route

Logan Lake: A serene and picturesque destination, Logan Lake is known for its outdoor recreation and fishing opportunities amidst beautiful natural scenery.

Kamloops Museum and Archives: This museum offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of Kamloops, showcasing local historical exhibits.

Monte Creek Ranch Winery: Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, this winery offers exquisite wine tastings and tours.

Salmon Arm Wharf: The longest wooden wharf in North America, it is a scenic spot perfect for leisurely strolls and lakeside views.

Canoe Beach: A popular beach destination, Canoe Beach provides a relaxing atmosphere with sandy shores and clear waters, ideal for swimming and picnics.

SkyTrek Adventure Park: An exciting outdoor adventure park near Revelstoke, offering zip lines, aerial trekking courses, and a giant swing.

Revelstoke Railway Museum: This museum celebrates Canada's rich railway heritage, featuring historic locomotives, rolling stock, and railway artefacts.

Mount Revelstoke National Park: Known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, the park offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Columbia Mountains.

Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park boasts impressive glaciers, rugged mountains, and lush forests, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: A premier destination for skiing and mountain biking, offering breathtaking mountain views and outdoor activities.

Golden: A charming mountain town, Golden is a gateway to outdoor adventures, surrounded by national parks and renowned for its culture and history.

Yoho National Park: Famous for its natural beauty, Yoho National Park features dramatic waterfalls, soaring peaks, and the iconic Emerald Lake.

Lake Louise: Iconic for its turquoise waters and majestic mountain setting, Lake Louise is a jewel of the Canadian Rockies, offering year-round outdoor activities.

Banff National Park: Canada's first national park, Banff is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, wildlife, and hot springs.

Banff Upper Hot Springs: These natural hot springs offer a relaxing soak with spectacular views of the Canadian Rockies, a must-visit for relaxation and rejuvenation.

On the Kelowna Route

Mission Hill Winery: Situated in the heart of Okanagan Valley, this world-class winery is renowned for its award-winning wines and breathtaking architectural design.

Okanagan Lake: A central feature of the Okanagan Valley, this expansive lake is known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and numerous water sports.

Kangaroo Creek Farm: A unique attraction where visitors can interact with kangaroos and other exotic animals in a natural and friendly environment.

Knox Mountain Park: Offering panoramic views of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake, this park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Myra Canyon Adventure Park: An adventure park near Kelowna, known for its treetop rope courses, climbing walls, and scenic views of Myra Canyon.

Big White Ski Resort: A leading ski resort known for its snowy slopes, world-class skiing, and family-friendly activities, located near Kelowna.

Cranbrook History Centre: This centre in Cranbrook offers a fascinating look into the region's railway and mining history, with immersive exhibits and historic trains.

Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site: A significant historical site near Lundbreck, showcasing the remains of an early 20th-century coal mine and its history.

Lundbreck: A small, picturesque community known for its historic charm and proximity to the Crowsnest Pass, offering a peaceful retreat in the Alberta countryside.

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Vancouver to Calgary Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Vancouver and then finish in Calgary. Trips from Vancouver to Calgary are most popular in August, with the most tours doing this route then.

24 Vancouver to Calgary tour packages with 567 reviews

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

Canadian Rockies: National Parks Eastbound

I only wished it lasted longer

• Train & Rail

Via Railway Experience｜5-Day Vancouver to Rockies Railway Full Experience Tour Departure

We enjoyed our tour very much, the sights were beautiful, staff we well informed. A highlight for us was the optional evening photographic tour. The only thing stopping me from giving five stars was the last day felt very rushed, especially at the Banff gondola as the queue to get on took half an hour and not enough time allocated to our lunch at the Lake Louise Chateau, we had to ask the waitress to bring out the dessert while we were eating the main as we only had 15 minutes until the bus left. Allocate a bit more time for those things and you will get five stars.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies

Great tour leader! Energetic and friendly. Didn’t take into account varying abilities. Great participants but the energy level of the tour was a bit much for me. Didn’t like racing down the trail. Approaching 70, maybe tour wasn’t right for me. Itinerary was lousy except for two days: inside passage and Icefields highway. Good time overall. Thanks, Storm!

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Grand Canadian Rockies

Seeing the majesty of the rockies firsthand was a dream come true.

Spectacular Canadian Rockies (9 Days, Calgary Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound National Geographic Journeys

I enjoyed the small group tour. The transportation was great and the tour guide was very experienced and helpful. he provided so much more than just information about where we were, he gave us an insight into the local area and so much more. he stopped when he spotted wildlife and so we had a close up view but he ensured that we were always safe. I would highly recommend the tour.

Majestic Rockies

Loved the trip. Lots to see.

• Ocean Cruise

Western Canada with Inside Passage

Rocky Mountaineer Journey Through the Clouds 5-Day Tour｜Deluxe Train Vacation & Rockies Relax｜Vancouver Departure

Family Canadian Adventure

Spectacular Canadian Rockies (9 Days)

My wife and I had a fabulous tour to Banff Canada, with BEN HUTCHINSON as our tour guide. Ben's comments, songs, games and humor made our vacation the most memorable trip ever. Ben was so congenial and responsive to all our needs. Even when our tour bus had a flat tire, Ben developed a special walking tour to a water fall. This was a creative extemporaneous use of time well enjoyed.

Rockies & Waterton Hidden Gems Tour

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

The Powder Rush (9 Days)

A very packed tour with an incredible guide (you might be run by a different one).

• Christmas & New Year

Get Social: Canadian Rockies (Winter)

Jude was a fantastic tour leader. She made sure everything ran seamlessly and handled any hiccups with grace and compassion. She was fun and very knowledgeable on all things Canada! I had a great time on this tour.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover the Canadian Rockies: Jasper to Banff, Operated by Quark

What people love about vancouver to calgary tours.

• Canada Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Stargazing Tours & Trips 2024
• Explorer from Vancouver to Calgary (20)
• Family from Vancouver to Calgary (14)
• In-depth Cultural from Vancouver to Calgary (5)

How to Plan an Incredible Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip

Seeing the Rocky Mountains is a bucket-list item for many, and after embarking on a Calgary to Vancouver road trip, it is easy for me to see why.

While there are many other wonderful ways to see the mountains, such as by train and plane. There is something special about a Calgary Vancouver road trip. It lets you see each destination up close and you have the flexibility to design your own route.

My road trip from Calgary to Vancouver was an experience I will never forget. The way I made sure it was as successful as possible, was by spending hours researching the route, stops and tips.

There were some bumps along the way, which is why the next time I return to Alberta and British Columbia, I will follow my own advice!

It is also possible to do the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. Since the route I took was the opposite, I will focus on this. But, the majority of advice I share will also apply for a Vancouver to Calgary road trip.

Must-Book Items for Calgary to Vancouver Road Trips

No time to read the whole article? Here are the most important things you need to book to make your drive from Calgary to Vancouver a success.

Given that you need to book a one-way rental for your Calgary to Vancouver drive, check prices on Rental Cars where you can find a selection of sellers.

Recommended Hotels for a Calgary Vancouver Road Trip

If I could recommend just 3 of the best hotels for a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver, it would be the following three choices.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise ✔️ Luxurious accommodation ✔️ Located in Banff National Park

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge ✔️ Luxury cabins ✔️ Located in Jasper National Park

Four Seasons Whistler ✔️ Mountainside accommodation ✔️ Located near Whistler gondolas

Best Activities on a Calgary Vancouver Road Trip

There are many incredible places to add to your Calgary to Vancouver road trip itinerary. Some activities can be done spontaneously, such as hiking, sightseeing, and visiting view points.

However, many activities require pre-booking to guarantee the availability works within your schedule. Make sure you book any tours to avoid disappointment.

Glacier Tour

Consider booking a glacier tour when you visit Jasper to witness the Columbia Icefield. You will board a bus and cross the Athabasca Glacier with an expert guide.

Whale Watching in Vancouver

There is a great opportunity to see Orcas while in the Vancouver area, so make sure you book a whale watching tour.

I booked this whale watching tour that started from Richmond and I would recommend it .

The company guaranteed that if you did not see any whales, you could come back again for free another time. Spoiler alert – we saw many orcas!

How to Plan a Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip?

Driving to Vancouver from Calgary may seem daunting at first, due to the size of Western Canada. Therefore, I made a list to break down how to plan the Calgary Vancouver drive into manageable sections.

• Select the time frame for your road trip Calgary to Vancouver
• Choose your must-see spots
• Check availability
• Set your expectations
• Decide how to manage the drive
• Consider the activities you would like to do

Now, let me explain each of the above points about the Calgary to Vancouver drive in detail.

1. Select the Time Frame to Drive Calgary to Vancouver

Consider the following questions:

• Do you already have set dates when you can travel?
• Or are you open to travelling any time?
• How many days can you spare for your road trip?

This is a good starting point because if you have rigid guidelines for your trip, you will need to plan around this. Essentially, it is up to you how long your trip lasts.

You may you want to create a Calgary to Vancouver 10 day itinerary or convert it to a 2 week road trip.

Although, I would not recommend less than a 7 day road trip Calgary to Vancouver itinerary unless you are willing to cut down activities considerably.

An important date to be aware of is the Calgary Stampede (a rodeo and festival) that usually takes place in Calgary in July . Travelling during this event may cause your flight and hotel costs to significantly rise due to increased demand.

So, if you are not interested in attending this event, research the upcoming Stampede dates and try to avoid it. However, if you want to experience this while you are in Calgary, you could easily add it to the beginning of your journey to Calgary to Vancouver by car.

Alternatively, you can add the Stampede to the end of the Vancouver to Calgary drive.

When is the Best Time for a Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip?

If you are looking for the best weather, you should visit the Rocky Mountains in July and August . That said, take into consideration that this will be the busiest time of the year for a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver.

You can also travel to Calgary and Vancouver in June to beat the crowds, but you will likely experience some rain.

Visiting Western Canada in September or October is another agreeable time because there will be less tourists than in July and August.

However, it can be cold in September– a lesson that I learnt while on my trip! Make sure you read to the end of this article to find out what clothing I recommend you bring on this Alberta BC road trip.

Many excursions do not run outside of June to October , so it is best to book your Alberta to Vancouver road trip within these dates. Plus, many lakes are frozen or roads are closed due to snow in winter and spring.

2. Choose Your Must-Sees in Alberta and British Columbia

Is a visit to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise high on your priority list? Perhaps you are a wine lover and want to visit a vineyard in the Okanagan Valley ? Then make sure you firm those sites into your Calgary to Vancouver road trip itinerary and fill other activities around it.

You can create the best route from Calgary to Vancouver by selecting destinations that interest you in a logical order.

Keep reading to find out some of the best sites to see during the Calgary to Vancouver drive. My favourite section of the road trip is between Banff and Jasper .

3. Check Hotel and Car Availability

One of the difficulties I had when planning my Calgary to Vancouver road trip was that I had my ideal Alberta and British Columbia road trip itinerary planned out, but I couldn’t find hotels in the locations or for the dates I wanted.

Therefore, sketch out a rough plan of how long you want to spend at each location and then cross-check with the hotel’s availability.

I use websites such as Expedia and Booking.com to see a range of hotels that fit within my preferred budget and rating.

I will touch on the hotels I stayed at and explain some other recommendations later in this article.

Also – don’t leave booking your car rental to the last minute . The first time I checked a quote for the car rental for my trip from Calgary to Vancouver, it was half the price compared to when I actually booked it a few weeks later.

There’s typically no risk in booking your car rental in advance because many companies offer free cancellation .

Book your Calgary to Vancouver car rental here to find the best available price

Where to Stay on a Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip?

Keep reading to find suggestions for the best hotels for a Calgary to Vancouver road trip. Many of these are hotels that I personally stayed in, visited, or I booked frequently for my clients when working as a luxury travel consultant.

Calgary Airport Hotels

Whether or not you need to book a night in an airport hotel in Calgary, depends on what time you arrive in Calgary .

If you arrive in Calgary before around 11:00 AM, you can continue straight to your first stop. You should have enough time to collect your baggage, pick up a rental car , and drive the 90 minutes to Banff.

Plus, there will be time to explore along the drive.

Given that my flight arrived later in the evening from Toronto, I stayed at the Residence Inn for one night before beginning our Calgary Vancouver road trip.

The 2-bedroom suite was enough room for my family of 5 (with someone on the sofa bed). The beds were extremely comfortable. Plus, there were plenty of tasty options to fill yourself up at the breakfast buffet.

The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel would be another good option if you arrive late and decide to pick up the car rental in the morning.

Banff National Park Hotels

Jasper National Park Hotels

Mount Revelstoke National Park Hotels

Okanagan hotels.

Whistler Hotels

Vancouver hotels.

Vancouver Island Hotels

If you prefer to stay in a self-contained apartment or house, check out rental properties here .

4. Set Your Expectations

You could easily spend the first part of your trip in Banff and Jasper in 5-star hotels, such as the Fairmont properties. There are also some lovely hotels at the tail end of your trip in Vancouver.

However, as you cross the province of Alberta into British Columbia, your options diminish because the area is very remote . Therefore, your expectations for hotel quality may have to be lowered in some of these towns.

That being said, it all depends on which route you take. When I left Jasper and headed in the direction of Whistler, I stayed the night in a very rural town midway. Therefore, I knew that accommodation would be extremely limited .

However, you will have more luck in bigger towns such as Revelstoke, Kamloops or Kelowna. Staying in these towns will not necessarily lead to the fastest route from Calgary to Vancouver. Unless, of course, these towns are on your to-do list and the route makes sense for your journey.

If you decide to take the route through Revelstoke and Kamloops, stop to stretch your legs at Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail.

Another option is to book a vacation rental on VRBO .

5. Decide How to Manage the Drive from Calgary to Vancouver

A large part of this holiday will be the driving from point to point. Therefore, you need to take careful consideration into the actual drive.

Think about how many people in your party will participate in the Calgary to BC drive. Also, decide how far you are willing to drive in a day . You need to know this in order to choose your accommodation for the night.

For example, are you willing to cover a lot of ground in a day with over 4 hours of driving? Or would you rather keep it on the lower end with 2 hours? Only you can decide this.

Take into consideration that you may normally be fine with driving a total of 4 hours in a day. But this will add up as you travel across the country and you will start to tire of driving . Remember – you want to have the energy to explore the region too!

The best way to travel from Calgary to Vancouver is by driving as many hours as you are comfortable in one day, and stopping frequently to enjoy the sights.

How Far is Calgary From Vancouver?

One of the most asked questions on this topic is: how long does it take to drive from Calgary to Vancouver? The Calgary to Vancouver drive time is approximately 11 hours if you do not make any stops or detours.

I do not suggest driving from Calgary to Vancouver without stopping because you will miss many of the exceptional sights along the way. The detours that I highly recommend are through Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Whistler .

Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb Resort is a bucket-list activity, but there are also plenty of things to do in summer too. So I recommend including Whistler if you like hiking, biking, or magnificent viewpoints.

I also travelled further on from Vancouver for a mini Vancouver Island road trip. The driving time from Vancouver to places like Victoria and Tofino (located on Vancouver Island) is reasonable and worthwhile to add to your itinerary.

Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip Map

This is the route I took as part of a 2 week itinerary Calgary to Vancouver.

6. Consider Activities During the Road Trip

There are so many incredible activities to do while in Alberta and British Columbia. Take these into consideration when planning out your own itinerary.

Some activities may need a whole or half a day, so make sure you have enough time.

You may be interested in include these unmissable tours in Vancouver :

Transportation in the Canadian Rockies

Here are my tips on travelling to Western Canada.

• Choose your start point , this could be Calgary or Vancouver because these are hub airports. Each start point is conveniently at the west coast of Canada (Vancouver), or the furthest east point of this road trip (Calgary).
• When booking flights, Air Canada is a favourite airline for travel within Canada. However, you may also see options to travel with Air Transat and Westjet, these are more budget airlines.
• Stay close to the airport on your first night if you are flying into Calgary and if your flight arrives in the evening. You will want to start the drive into the mountains during daylight due to the spectacular views and unfamiliar roads. When you are tight on time, you do not need to spend any time exploring Calgary, unless for the Stampede.
• Rent a one-way car at the airport . You will be charged a one-way rental fee, so book far in advance when there is plenty of inventory and the cost is reasonable.
• Once you have left the city of Calgary and have made your way into the mountains, your opportunity to see wildlife increases. For the part of the journey between Banff and Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway (1A) rather than the Trans Canada Highway. By driving this road, you will go through the forest. You may have a better chance of seeing more wildlife than on the main highway.

When my family and I drove along the Bow Parkway we only managed to see deer, but I heard that people have been luckier. Your SatNav won’t automatically take you down the Bow Parkway, so you will need to watch for when the road begins and keep following it (even if the GPS is trying to tell you to turn around).

We drove the road between Lake Louise and Banff a number of times because I was staying in Lake Louise. So, we had plenty of opportunities to drive both roads.

5 Best Places to See in Alberta

There are plenty of things to see and do in Alberta, but here are 5 to whet your appetite.

• Moraine Lake
• Lake Louise
• Icefields Parkway

I will explain below each of these places that have made it to my top 5 best things to do in Alberta.

Banff is a good first stop coming from Calgary, because it is located only 90 minutes away. It is a quaint but bustling town with shops and restaurants. It is a good place to pick up some bear spray .

Do not attempt to buy your bear spray online and fly with it in your suitcase – it is not allowed.

You will also find some lovely lakes in Banff, such as Two Jack Lake, Vermillion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka.

Other tours and excursions you may be interested in the Banff area include:

2. Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. Plus, it looks exactly like you see in the photos, even if the sun is covered by clouds.

As of 2023, the road to Moraine Lake is closed to visitors with cars .

Therefore, in order to visit Moraine Lake, you have several options.

• Reserve a spot on the Parks Canada shuttle (includes Moraine Lake and Lake Louise)
• Book a guided tour to Moraine Lake
• Use Roam Public Transit for visitors staying in Banff town (service only in September and October)

To find the beautiful view of Moraine Lake, it is a short 5 minute walk from the car park. You can find the route to the “ rockpile ” here.

Don’t make the mistake I made and follow where other people are walking. They may be hiking somewhere much further.

I walked about 30 minutes up a trail in the wrong direction thinking I was heading for a peak with a good view of the sunrising over the lake. In my defence it was very dark when I arrived!

If the weather permits, you can rent a canoe from Moraine Lake Lodge to take out on the lake.

The best lighting for photography on Moraine Lake is early morning or late afternoon.

Note: You cannot access the road to Moraine Lake in winter. You can only reach Moraine Lake by the aforementioned methods from June to mid-October.

3. Lake Louise

It is possible to take your own car to Lake Louise, but you need to arrive before 8:00 AM (I arrived at 6:30 AM) to find a parking spot.

If you booked the shuttle bus to see Moraine Lake, you can also use the shuttle that connects Lake Louise and Moraine Lake .

While entrance to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is free, make sure you have purchased a National Park Pass to permit entry to the area. You can buy a Banff National Park pass online , at Visitor Centres upon arrival, and at the park gate to Banff National Park.

Once you have arrived at Lake Louise, walk around the lake front and admire the green water. You may wish to stop for a refreshment inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Once you have explored the lakeshore and taken all of your pictures, I suggest you start to climb Beehive Circuit Trail.

This hike takes you up to Lake Agnes where you will find a pleasant teahouse at the top with a view of another smaller lake. The walk will take you around an hour (or more if you stop frequently to rest or take pictures).

On one of my evenings in Lake Louise, I dined at the Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant . I loved the setting of the restaurant and the food was good too.

Make sure you book a table in advance and arrive early to have a look around.

4. Icefields Parkway

The drive from Banff to Jasper takes you along the Icefields Parkway . It is a long stretch of road, that takes around 3 ½ hours to drive, without any stops.

The views out of the window are magnificent, but there are also places to get out of the car and explore. For example, Peyto Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Glacier .

Jasper is a lovely town located at the northern stretch of the Icefields Parkway. In Jasper you can take the SkyTram up to Whistler Mountain (not to be confused with Whistler Blackcomb ) and hike to the peak.

Make sure you check out Pyramid Lake too.

From Jasper there are other places that you can reach, including Maligne Lake and the boat cruise from Maligne Lake to Spirit Lake .

Book a tour to experience Maligne Lake and Spirit Island with a guide.

5 Best Places to See in British Columbia

If you are looking for some ideas to add to the British Columbia part of your trip, then look no further. I have listed 5 incredible places below.

• Tofino/Ucluelet
• Yoho National Park

Now let me explain in more detail what you can do in each place.

1. Whistler

If you are a fan of skiing, this town will likely be on your radar.

Whistler is a huge ski resort , with access to two mountains; Whistler and Blackcomb .

But this town isn’t only a good destination in winter. There are plenty of activities to enjoy while there in the summer, such as hiking and biking .

Make sure you go to the Top of the World and if you are brave enough you can walk across the suspension bridge , aka the Cloudraker Skybridge.

The views at the Top of the World are breath-taking and the Winter Olympics Inukshuk is there.

2. Vancouver

This destination goes without saying. If you are in the area you need to visit Vancouver.

You may fly in or out of Vancouver airport, so it is easy to add a day or two to your itinerary to see the city.

Vancouver has a very cool and urban feel, but it is also close to nature and beautiful parks, such as Cypress Provincial Park.

Some ideas of things to do in Vancouver are:

• Rent bikes or arrange a bike tour and visit Stanley Park
• See orcas in the wild on a whale watching tour
• Visit Granville Island and purchase from the market
• Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Walk to Gastown and see the whistling Steam Clock
• See the city from above on a seaplane
• Enjoy a private city tour with a local guide

3. Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is just a ferry ride away from Vancouver. The island is extremely rural and wild and, in my opinion, an incredible escape from a busy city.

There are some beautiful beaches located on the west coast of the Island, namely Tofino and Ucluelet. Both towns are excellent surfing locations, but they are also great for exploring and hiking .

Here are my top things to do in Tofino and Ucluelet:

• Wildlife watching (including bears )
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Hiking trails

Book your ferry tickets online in advance if you are planning to travel on a weekend during a holiday.

4. Victoria, Vancouver Island

Another spot located on Vancouver Island is Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Victoria feels rich in history and you will love the colourful Victorian buildings lining the streets.

Make sure you stop by the Fairmont Empress for a drink or to stay the night.

The main attraction of Victoria is Butchart Gardens , which has numerous themed gardens. Any outdoorsy, nature lover should make sure Butchart Gardens is on their to-do list while on Vancouver Island.

5. Yoho National Park

There are many breath-taking National Parks across Canada, but Yoho National Park has got to be a favourite of many. It is slightly lesser known than its neighbour, Banff National Park.

My top picks for Yoho National Park are Lake O’Hara and Emerald Lake .

You can also opt to stay at Emerald Lake Lodge for the night or for an elegant dinner.

Wildlife on a Canadian Rockies Road Trip

When embarking on a Calgary to Vancouver road trip, you are likely going to be on the lookout for wildlife along the way. Here are my tips and advice on the topic.

If you are planning to do any walking/hiking at all, you must make sure you buy bear spray when you arrive at your first potential hiking location , for example Banff.

You cannot carry bear spray in your suitcase on an airplane , so do not buy it before you go.

It is available in shops locally or you can ask your hotel if they have any left behind from previous guests. It is expensive, but it is better to have it and not use it, than the alternative…

Ask the shopkeeper to show you how to use it and then keep it clipped to your backpack for easy access at all times on hikes.

When hiking your group should try to maintain constant noise so you won’t scare a bear because it didn’t hear you coming. You could also play music when you are walking along paths with no other people. For any other hiking paths, you can simply keep talking amongst your group.

During my rockies road trip, I saw a lot of people wearing cow bells. But apparently, bells can actually attract them to you, so I wouldn’t recommend buying any.

Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing for your hikes, such as:

• My recommended hiking boots
• My favourite raincoat
• Baseball cap
• Backpack to carry your reusable water bottle and suncream.

Bear Sightings

I was scared when hiking that I would see a bear, but in the end I didn’t see one while on a walk. That being said, I always made sure to follow the above instructions, plus I had researched what to do if you come into contact with a bear. I am not an expert, so you can read up on this yourself.

I did see bears in Tofino on Vancouver Island , but that is because I went on a Bear Watching boat ride where I could see them from afar. I went with Ocean Outfitters, but this company is no longer operating.

Another way to see a bear at a safe distance is to go on the Lake Louise or Whistler Gondola. The sightings are not guaranteed and sadly I did not see any at either spots.

Lake Louise has a calendar showing the recent bear sightings which is interesting to see the pattern of bear visits.

If you want to see a moose, the best place to start looking is Moose Lake near to Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

I visited in the mid afternoon when it was heavily raining and after patiently waiting for around 30 minutes, I saw a mother and her baby. It was magnificent.

Another animal that I desperately wanted to see in the wild before the end of my trip was an Orca . I knew that my chances of seeing one when in British Columbia was high , so I arranged to go on a whale watching boat tour while in Vancouver.

The company I booked with was Vancouver Whale Watch and they are located a little outside the city, past the airport. I liked that the company promised that if you didn’t see an orca, you would be allowed to come back for free (with no expiry date).

It wasn’t needed in the end – I was extremely fortunate and saw around 15 whales!

Book your Vancouver whale watching experience here.

What to Pack for a Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip?

Venturing out to the Rocky Mountains requires a very active wardrobe, so you will need to bring suitable clothing such as:

• Leggings/ active-wear pants
• Hiking shoes
• T-shirts that can be layered
• Light raincoat
• Thicker long-sleeved layer for cooler temperatures

When I visited in September, it was very cold in the mornings and evenings. It could be between 4 to 10 degrees Celsius. Then, during the day it would reach up to 20°c. My mistake was bringing only one pair of trousers and ending up having the wear them almost every evening of the trip!

You could also benefit from a beanie hat and gloves for the early starts, as well as a baseball cap for the sunny days.

As part of your hand luggage, or tucked away in your suitcase, you should bring a backpack for all of the day trips. This will be essential to carry your own drinks, snacks, camera, and clothing.

Speaking of cameras, I definitely recommend that you bring a camera with a good zoom lens . Many times, when I was wildlife spotting, I was able to get good close-ups of the animals and my family were struggling with their cameras.

If you have a reusable water bottle , remember to bring it with you. You will need it for the long days out.

You will also be glad you brought your portable charger with you if you like to use your phone a lot throughout the day.

When you are out and about on the mountains, there are toilet facilities , but they are generally very basic and sometimes quite unclean. Be prepared for portaloos in some cases. So, I recommend that you bring hand sanitiser and some tissues for these kinds of situations.

My final word of wisdom for this trip is that you should not go on this Calgary to Vancouver road trip on your own. You need to make sure you have at least 1 other person, but ideally 3 people in total in your group when you go hiking, because safety comes in numbers!

FAQ – Driving Calgary to Vancouver

Is it worth driving from calgary to vancouver.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. In particular, the section from Banff to Jasper, a detour that is worth taking.

You will drive through the impressive Rocky Mountains and see many famous lakes and landscapes.

Where should I stop on a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver?

Some of the best stops along the Calgary to Vancouver road trip include: Canmore, Banff, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Emerald Lake, Jasper, Revelstoke, Kelowna (Okanagan Valley), Whistler, Vancouver, Victoria, and Tofino.

You may not be able to stop at all of these locations during your journey, so prioritise your favourite and create your route from this.

Is it better to drive from Vancouver to Calgary or Calgary to Vancouver?

Travelling in either direction will be wonderful. However, if it is your first time visiting Banff National Park, the view travelling from Calgary towards the mountains is mind-blowing. You will never forget this moment.

If you are still struggling to decide which way is better, you can check whether the flights and car rental prices are drastically different based on which direction you choose.

Is there a train between Calgary and Vancouver?

There is no train that goes directly from Calgary to Vancouver. However, you can drive from Calgary to Banff (or take a transfer), and take the Rocky Mountaineer train from Banff to Vancouver.

This route is possible in either direction, starting from Vancouver or Banff.

Further reading

For other Canada road trip ideas, check out my other articles below.

Western Canada articles:

• Best things to do on Icefields Parkway
• Whistler vs Blackcomb
• 18 things to know about Whistler skiing

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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Dear Samantha Your blog is very detailed and informative. I am interested in an itinerary travelling from Vancouver in the month of April end for 6 people which includes 2 senior citizens. You have mentioned you use to handle luxury travel bookings and I am looking for the same.

Could you please suggest which are the most important places that I have to cover in this itinerary. We are doing the Vancouver island for sure.

Hello Sheetal, thanks for your comments – I appreciate them.

I no longer offer the service of planning trips. However, I have written a brief suggested outline for your trip that you can customise based on your desired trip duration and your interests.

You can find links for the suggested hotels in the article.

I hope this helps!

1 night in Calgary – airport hotel (optional depending on where you are flying from and what time you are arriving) 3 nights in Banff – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Fairmont Banff Springs 2 nights in Jasper – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge [optional but worth it] 1 night in Revelstoke (5 1/2 hour drive back from Jasper through Banff) or 1 night in Clearwater area 2 nights in Kelowna – wine tasting 2 nights in Whistler (6 hour drive from Kelowna to Whistler) 2 nights in Vancouver 1 night in Victoria (Vancouver Island) – Fairmont Empress (to see Butchart Gardens) or (2 nights in Tofino – further away) 1 night in Vancouver – day of departure

Comments are closed.

The Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip You Need to Take This Summer

By: Author Aly Smalls

Posted on Published: June 12, 2019  - Last updated: May 16, 2022

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One of the best ways to see the most beautiful parts of western Canada is by taking a Calgary to Vancouver road trip through the winding mountain roads.

As you make your way through Canada’s landscape, you’ll pass through trendy urban neighborhoods, rolling foothills under never-ending blue skies, vast and jagged rocky mountains, wineries and vineyards, river valleys and gorges, lush green groves and gigantic cedar trees, deserts and the crystal clear freshwater lakes.

Trust me on this one, it will be one of the most scenic road trips full of adventure you’ll ever take.

If you want sea views and summit scenery, you won’t find a better Canadian road trip!

This post contains some affiliate links which means I may make a commission if you make a purchase through those links. I only use links like this if I know and love the product/service.

What are Your travel Options Between Calgary and Vancouver?

One of the questions I get asked a lot is if Calgary is near Vancouver. If you take a quick look at a map, Calgary may seem somewhat close to Vancouver. In reality, it’s not!

As the crow flies it’s a pretty straight shot, but the rocky mountains provide a bit of a driving obstacle, albeit a beautiful one!

If you drive straight and only stop for gas and a couple bathroom breaks, it’s going to take you 12 hours. But that doesn’t account for traffic congestion or construction, which can occur on any given part of your road trip.

That’s why it’s best to take your time and enjoy the scenic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver (or vice versa)!

This road trip takes you through two provinces. You will start in Alberta and end in British Columbia.

You have a few different options to travel from Calgary to Vancouver on Canadian highways. If you’re renting a car, I would suggest going for a mid-size sedan or something with a little more power than a compact car.

The reason I suggest this is that you can get altitude very quickly through the mountain passes and it helps to have a little extra boost to keep your speed up.

Or you can rent an RV or a motorhome or a camper van and camp as you make your way from Calgary to Vancouver. Doing this can be a super immersive way to see Canada’s wild beauty up close and personal.

There tons of amazing campgrounds along the way and will allow you to make the most of your Calgary to Vancouver road trip.

Outdoorsy has one of the largest selections of RVs and campers to rent. It’s basically like Airbnb but for RV rentals!

How Many Days do You Need for a Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip

Taking 2 full weeks and slowly meandering your way from Calgary to Vancouver would be the ultimate experience. This will allow you to spend a couple of nights in each point of interest. You can still see so many things in 10 days or even a week.

If you take less than a week, you’ll still be able to see the highlights, like the major sites in Banff National Park (including Lake Louise), Yoho National Park and some of the great lakes and wineries of the Okanagan, but you won’t be able to cover everything.

Looking for Alberta specific road trips? Try these 6 Iconic and Unique Road Trips Through Alberta

Road Trip Budget Considerations

The nice thing about this wide open road trip itinerary is that you can experience this trip on a variety of budgets. While Canada isn’t cheap, it’s a great time to visit if you’re from the USA with the exchange rate in your favor right now.

The cheapest way to do this road trip would be to drive in your own vehicle (or a rental) and tent camp the entire way. Most campground sites without power will range anywhere from $20-30 per night.

A rental car will run you anywhere from $30 to $50 per day and try to book a rental that includes unlimited mileage. Some rental car companies limit your included mileage to about 200 miles per day, so be sure to inquire when you’re booking!

As Canadian road trips are a popular summer travel activity, fuel costs seem to be higher in the summer. Websites like Gasbuddy.com will help you find out fuel prices at nearby gas stations, but as a general guideline, it’s going to cost you $40-70 USD per tank of gas.

A Calgary to Vancouver road trip will likely yield 2 tanks of gas minimum.

Don’t forget to pack the 16 most important items to bring on a road trip , either. There’s no worse feeling than thinking you forgot something!

What can you see and do on your Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip?  

Now, instead of writing this post as an hour-by-hour itinerary, I’m providing you with all your options. Since there are so many awesome things to do as you make your way from Calgary to Vancouver, you can pick and choose your own adventures!

While there are a few different route variations to take on your road trip, the most direct is the Trans Canada Highway, which is Highway 1.

In this itinerary you’ll be following Highway 1 until Sicamous and then head south on Highway 97A toward Kelowna and the heart of Canada’s wine country, the Okanagan Valley.

And of course, if your starting point is Vancouver, you can follow this exact itinerary in reverse for an equally awesome Vancouver to Calgary road trip!

Whether you fly into Calgary and rent a car or RV, there are some great things to check out in the city.

The Calgary Zoo has pandas from China right now! This is a massive zoo, so you’ll need a day here, or half a day if you’re fast.

Check out the living open air historical museum in Heritage Park Historical Village.

Spend a sunny afternoon walking around the funky neighborhood of Inglewood. There are tons of cute coffee shops and great local artisan shopping. 9th Ave SE is the name of the main street where you’ll find all the old buildings that have been modernized.

Try the Kensington and East Village neighborhoods for breweries, urban architecture and artsy vibes.

Another beautiful spot for an outdoor stroll is the Eau Claire neighborhood alongside the Bow River.

The Peace Bridge is a beautiful spot for photos and amazing views of the downtown skyline and the river grounds are perfect for a mid-afternoon picnic or walk through the market.

Or if you’re up for some adventure, head over to Canada Olympic Park. This is the site that hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics and is now a summer outdoor adventure playground!

Try the summer Bobsleigh ride (yes-ride down a track on a real bobsled), get big air on the zipline or try an eight story platform!

For more adventure and rides, check out Calaway Park, Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park.

Downtown Calgary has lots of great restaurants, patios and shops. Stephen Avenue is the pedestrian only street that features free live music in the summer. And for the best rooftop patio in town, check out National on 8th.

For a great dinner, walk over to the Last Best and try the smoked bone marrow. Don’t forget the secret menu item if you order this though.

Ask the server for the traditional luge shot! They’ll bring you a shot of whiskey to pour down the cavity of the bone to pour straight into your mouth. Sound weird and messy? Yup!

But the sweetness of the bourbon mixed with the salty bone marrow juice will definitely please your taste buds.

Where to stay in Calgary

If you’re planning to stay a night or two in Calgary, I recommend a spot either downtown or close to the airport. The Fairmont Palliser has surprisingly reasonable rates for being a Fairmont property in the downtown core!

Or the Hotel Clique Calgary Airport is a great spot near the airport. The rooftop hot tubs are a cool spot to watch planes land and take off!

And finally, Aloft Calgary University is a great central location as it’s right off of Highway 1, the trans-Canada highway which will take you straight to Banff.

Oh, and by the way if you really want to impress the locals, some of us affectionately call it ‘Cowtown.’ This might sound weird, but it makes sense! Calgary is located in the heartland of beef-cattle producing farms (which makes Alberta renowned for it’s Grad A beef). And the proper way to pronounced Calgary is by saying it this way: “Cal-gree.”

Your first stop on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip will be in Canmore, Alberta. This adorable mountain town is like Banff’s little sister. Its located outside of Banff National Park so you won’t need to pay park fees yet.

Stop for some local shopping in the downtown core and have a pint or a bite to eat at the Grizzly Paw Pub. If coffee’s what you need, Blondie’s Cafe is the place to get it.

Or head to Quarry Lake Park for mountain views and a picnic or a pit stop overlooking the lake. It’s also a great spot for a break if you’ve got a dog–it’s also an off leash dog park.

On a hot summer day, it’s also a perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the water! Grassi Lakes Trail is also another great spot for epic views.

There are so many hiking options here as well. Ha Ling Peak is an amazing hike. If you want to tackle this hike, plan for about 4 hours round trip.

Banff National Park

Next stop is making your way to the Town of Banff and Banff National Park. Plan to spend 2 or 3 days here and enjoy the main street shopping with cascading mountains as your backdrop.

Check out some local hikes, hit the hotsprings, chase down some waterfalls (like the famous Johnston Canyon), take a ride in a gondola for summit views and check out the perfect turquoise water of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Check out the dozens of must-do experiences in Banff National Park in the summer.

Check today’s best deals in Banff National Park on hotels, cabins and mountain lodges here !

You Might Also Like: Banff or Jasper: How to Choose Which National Park to Visit

Yoho National Park

This section will be your next stretch on your road trip from Calgary to Vancouver.

This is where you’ll be traveling deep through the rocky mountains, so enjoy the stunning views in this epic portion of your road trip.

I highly recommend going canoeing on Emerald Lake for the perfect rocky mountain experience. Lake Louise is famous for this, but Emerald Lake is a better option and a lesser-known hidden gem.

The water is that perfect glacier turquoise color and if you’re there after 5 p.m. when all the day-trippers leave, you’ll have the lake all to yourself.

As you leave Banff and head toward Lake Louise, be sure to stop off at Morant’s Curve . This is a great vista point to not only stretch your legs, but watch for epic views of the trains passing through the mountain side.

If you’ve ever seen a postcard or a photo of a train passing through Banff National Park, it was likely taken here.

Continue following Highway 1 and you’ll leave Banff National Park and enter Yoho National Park in the province of British Columbia. Keep traveling until you reach the spiral tunnels viewpoint.

This is the fascinating spot where you can view the amazing engineering from the early 1900s in which the railway was built in a spiral pattern through the mountains so that the trains could make the turn.

There’s a parking lot with washrooms and interpretive signage to learn all about the construction of this engineering marvel!

Shortly after you pass Field, BC, you can check out the Natural Bridge . This is a really neat spot where the Kicking Horse River has slowly carved its way through the rock to create a natural bridge.

And even more waterfalls can be found here as well.

As we exit the province of Alberta and enter the province of British Columbia, you’ll be welcomed by the town of Golden; a hot spot for outdoor adventure. This is the place to go white water rafting if you’re after an adrenaline rush.

Check out Alpine Rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Or head to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for downhill mountain biking. And definitely stop by Kicking Horse Cafe for some kick ass coffee.

Travel Tip: If you love hot springs and adorable mountain alpine villages, take a small 50-minute detour and head south to Radium Hot Springs .

In my opinion this hot spring is much better than the Upper Hot Springs in Banff. So if you loved the one in Banff, you’ll love this one.

As an added bonus, this highway has tons of wildlife viewing opportunities. Elk and bighorn sheep frequent this area.

Be sure to stop for the best Austrian food you’ll have in Canada at the Old Salzburg restaurant.

As you make your way toward Revelstoke, there are a couple cool things to see along the highway.

You can stop off at Canyon Hot Springs where you can dip in the springs and even camp here or rent a wood cabin.

Stop off at the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail for a quick 10-minute jaunt to stretch your legs and marvel at the gigantic trees.

Revelstoke is another great little mountain town and a perfect pit stop on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip.

If you’ve loved the train viewpoints thus far on the trip, then you might as well spend an hour at the Revelstoke Railway Museum!

Or find some more waterfalls like Begbie Falls or the falls at Moses Creek Community Park.

Definitely head to Revelstoke Mountain Resort for a gondola ride up the mountain and then zip down the mountain on the alpine coaster!

As you leave Revelstoke, the next cool spot to stop at is the Enchanted Forest . Here you can walk through the cedar forest and find hundreds of homemade gnomes and fairy tale scenes!

There are even cute little ponds where you can rent a small row boat and reenact that adorable scene from the Notebook!

Whether you’re on a trip with the whole family or just you and your spouse, it’s an awesome place to wander through for a couple hours.

The Malakwa Suspension bridge is also worth a stop for some scenic views. At one point there were rope swings hanging off the bridge for the more adventurous spirits. Obviously approach any rope swing at your own risk.

If you’re camping or traveling in an RV, the Crazy Creek Campground is a great place to stay. Here you can check out the hot pools and the nearby waterfalls!

>> Read More about 19 Things to Do in Revelstoke all year round

The Shuswap Region

Next up on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip is the Shuswaps (pronounced shoe-shwop). You’ve now left the mountains and the alpine vistas and are entering into the lush warmer climate.

Sicamous and Salmon Arm are great places to stop, either for the day or a couple nights. The lakes here are warm and the area is best known for houseboating!

This is about the halfway point on your road trip and what better way to experience this gorgeous part of Canada than to spend a night or two on the open water!

As you pass through Sicamous, a great spot to stop just off the highway is the ‘ Sicamous Lookout .’ This stunning viewpoint has a wooden platform to overlook the valley below.

Head south on Highway 97A toward Enderby. Enderby is a quaint little town and a perfect place to add to your road trip itinerary. The Enderby Cliffs are a remarkable rock formation in which you can access the summit via a moderate 2 hour hike.

Or you can spend an afternoon floating down the Shuswap River .

From the riverside park you can rent tubes, float down the river for a couple of hours and end at a sandy beach where a bus will pick you up and bring you back to your car!

And in the evening, go retro and enjoy a movie at the Starlight Drive-In theatre!

You Might Also Like: 10 Famous Destinations Around the World That Can Be Found Right Here in Canada

Second Half of Your Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip

The okanagan valley: wine country.

I suggest continuing to head south through the Okanagan to experience one of Canada’s best wine regions. You’ll notice on Google Maps that the most direct route for a Calgary to Vancouver road trip would be to continue on Highway 1 (the trans-Canada highway) but traveling through the Okanagan is much more scenic in my opinion.

After you leave Enderby, be sure to stop in Armstrong for a cheese tasting! This town is home to Armstrong Cheese, one of the biggest cheese producers in Canada.  

Not much further down the highway is the Log Barn! This is a super fun 30-minute stop where you can feed goats and chickens and stock up on fresh homemade treats like cherry pie and other baked goods, specialty barbecue sauces and the best smoked jerky!

Next up is Vernon! Head downtown and go antique shopping! There are tons of little stores full of treasures. Or spend the day at Silverstar Mountain and try your hand at downhill mountain biking.

Alternatively, if biking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hikes to enjoy the local scenery and then grab a bite to eat or a beverage at any of the colorful mountain lodge restaurants.

You can head to Davidson’s Orchards which is an awesome family run farm where there’s a fresh produce market everyday, a great little restaurant that serves the best pie, tractor rides for the kids and tons more!

Then spend 30 minutes to an hour at Planet Bee Honey Farm (just down the road from Davidson’s). Here you get to learn all about the fascinating world of the honeybee (including watching how a real beehive works through the indoor glass observatory).

Try fresh made honey and mead (honey wine) they make on site!

As you continue to make your way south, make sure you plan a stop at Kangaroo Creek Farm. Yes, you heard that right!

Just outside of Kelowna you can play with kangaroos, wallabys, capybaras, sugar gliders, pot-bellied pigs, emus and goats!

Continue on to Kelowna, which is the largest city in the Okanagan and is a wine lovers paradise! Tour famous wineries at your leisure or go on a wine tasting tour. Sample fresh local brews at BNA Brewing Co.

Leave your vertigo at home and capture majestic cliffside views of vineyards from the longest  suspension bridge in North America. Hike up Knox Mountain. Chill with the locals at Hot Sands beach or the other 29 beaches in the city!

Enjoy a drink on a waterfront patio. Share a romantic dinner at one of the many farm-to-table experiences . Or go guilt-free and dive into a scrumptious burger at the all-vegan and plant-based Naked Cafe.

Carry onward to the Naramata Bench. Here you’ll find dozens of wineries, orchards and beaches that surround the adorable little village of Naramata.

For the ultimate wine tasting vacation, spend a dreamy day along the Naramata Bench and you will be wondering if you’ve been transported to Napa Valley or Tuscany!

I highly recommend staying somewhere along the Naramata Bench for at least a couple nights, or more if you have the time. We rented this adorable vintage vineyard farmhouse .

It was the perfect spot to explore the wineries all day long, and then comeback to our own patio and enjoy some of our purchases overlooking the vineyards!

By this point, you might be in need of some float time in a gorgeous blue lake, so take a quick detour to Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park. This lake is pure turquoise color and has some serious Caribbean vibes.

Grab your unicorn floatie or kayak and cool down. There’s a great campground here too.

Continue south on Highway 97 toward Penticton for more beaches and peaches! Pick fresh fruit like cherries, nectarines and peaches at the dozens of local orchards and fruit stands.

Or float down the water channel on a tube in the middle of the city!

You can also go for a hike or scenic bike ride through the Kettle Valley Railway trail system–an old railway system that’s been converted to a network of trails for pedestrians, equestrian riding and bike riding.

And if you’re up for it, visit the best nude beach in Canada! But don’t worry, there’s one side separated by a parking lot where nudity isn’t allowed if you’re not into that. Either way, the water is warm and the sand is soft! 3 Mile Beach is located about 5 minutes from downtown Penticton.

Try this gorgeous side trip: Kelowna to Osoyoos Road Trip Itinerary

Similkameen Valley

We’re now getting closer to the last portion of the Calgary to Vancouver road trip as we enter the Similkameen Valley and all the rugged outdoor beauty that comes with it! Head west on highway 3A and choose your own adventure.

Definitely stop for a plunge or a float at Bromley Rock Provincial Park. Access here is great as it’s right off the highway. Don’t miss the Granite Creek ghost town for some fascinating local history.

Hope and Southern British Columbia

As you make your way toward the town of Hope, check out the Othello Tunnels where you can hike through the discontinued railway tunnels and cross an impressive canyon.

You’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world. And for all the action movie buffs out there, you’ll be pleased to know that Rambo was filmed at the Othello Tunnels and Chapman Gorge!

Stop by the visitor information center in town to grab your self-guided walking tour of Rambo filming locations.

Take an airtram over a gushing river gorge at Hell’s Gate . If you’re up for a small but rewarding detour, head north to the Ladner Creek Trestle for a forested hike into the woods to view more of Canada’s railway history.

The summer often yields wild strawberries to pick in the area!

Continue west and walk through the woods to the accessible waterfall of Bridal Falls. Then stop for a relaxing soak at Harrison Hot Springs or explore the outdoor playground and enjoy the many hikes and abundant agritourism experiences.

Mosey down to Cultus Lake for a refreshing dip in the warm water.  Spend some time in Abbotsford touring the many berry patches or tulip fields if you’re there in late Spring.

Finally, we’ve reached the end of your Calgary to Vancouver road trip (or beginning if you’re following the road trip itinerary in the reverse).

This bustling coastal city offers something for everyone, so you should plan to spend at least a couple days in Vancouver .

Take some time to peruse the eclectic and vibrant neighborhoods . Stroll through Stanley Park or go for a jog along the Seawall, the place of inspiration for many artists and musicians.

Or find the film locations of your favorite movie or tv show as tons of popular series and are filmed in and around Vancouver. Or take a ride up Grouse Mountain on the open-air roof of the gondola!

And for a quieter and free alternative to the Capilano Suspension Bridge , head up to Lynn Canyon Park for the equally beautiful suspension bridge among the mossy trees and waterfalls.

And if you’re up for more road trip fun, drive the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, which has to many things to see and do along the way. I’m talking lighthouses, scenic viewpoints and waterfalls.

I like to use Booking.com to find the best hotel deals on hotels as you can easily search by neighborhoods. Check today’s best prices here !

Read next: 23 Cool and Quirky Places to Stay in BC (that you can actually afford)

Whether you start in Calgary or in Vancouver, this is one road trip you won’t be asking “are we there yet?”

P.S. Don’t forget your essential travel items!

Before you go…

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17 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Calgary

Written by Chloë Ernst and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Despite being Alberta's largest city and Canada's oil capital, Calgary has never shaken off its "Cowtown" nickname. It's a reference to the city's long history as the center of a vast cattle-rearing region and is a name that has been of immense value to tourism marketers, conjuring up romantic ideas of cowboys, cattle drives, and an untamed Wild West.

This is why, when you pay a visit to this dynamic city, you'll find many related things to do, from catching the famous Calgary Stampede each July to exploring the city's pioneer-era Heritage Park, an especially fun activity for families.

It's also a particularly stunning place to visit for those who enjoy beautiful vistas, too. Look to the western horizon and the Rocky Mountains appear like an insurmountable barrier rising up from the plains. The proximity of these mountains, with their well-known national parks , makes Calgary an excellent choice for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing vacations.

For those seeking entertainment right in the city itself, there are also plenty of tourist attractions to include on your Calgary itinerary. Walking the city's huge Prince's Island Park and across the iconic Peace Bridge is especially fun at night, either before or after enjoying a great restaurant in the downtown core.

To help you cram as much as possible into your travel itinerary, be sure to read our detailed list of the top attractions and things to do in Calgary, Alberta.

1. Visit during the Calgary Stampede

2. take a day trip to banff & lake louise, 3. take the kids to calgary zoo, 4. learn about calgary's past at heritage park, 5. see the views from calgary tower, 6. winsport: canada olympic park, 7. take a walk to prince's island park, 8. take the train: rocky mountaineer rail journey, 9. visit the glenbow museum, 10. studio bell, home of the national music centre, 11. hike around fish creek provincial park, 12. enjoy the seasons at bowness park, 13. see the planes at the hangar flight museum, 14. visit the home of the mounties at fort calgary, 15. visit the military museums of calgary, 16. tour the stables at spruce meadows, 17. take a seat in the devonian gardens, where to stay in calgary for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in calgary.

The 10-day Calgary Stampede can trace its roots all the way back to the 1880s and is the highlight of Calgary's summer calendar of events. Having cemented the Alberta capital's reputation as Canada's "Stampede City," this famous rodeo is now widely regarded as one of the top attractions in Alberta . It is held each July and includes all kinds of cowboy- and rodeo-style entertainment and exhibitions.

Billed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede now attracts millions of visitors who join the local population to dress up for the event in blue jeans and brightly colored Stetsons. Highlights of this must-visit event include a huge parade, rodeo competitions, thrilling chuck wagon races, and an authentic First Nations village . Numerous concerts and stage shows are also held here, along with a fun fair, pancake breakfasts, as well as agricultural shows.

Getting to Stampede Park, the festival's permanent home, is easy either by public transit or car, with plenty of parking available. And even if you're here in the off-season, a visit and tour, or possibly taking in a concert, remain one of the top things to do in Calgary.

Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary

Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Canada due to its picture-perfect mountain setting, Banff National Park and the town of Banff make for a perfect day trip from Calgary.

While there are a variety of ways to get from Calgary to Banff , if you prefer to take your time and have the opportunity to stop and see the sites whenever the urge strikes, taking a car (either your own or a rental) may be the best option.

Drivable in under 90 minutes, the route itself is nothing short of spectacular. You'll take in incredible mountain vistas shortly after leaving the city, and they never let up along the way. After passing Canmore , another great place to stop for some sightseeing , you'll enter the park gates to find yourself in the town of Banff, the only community located in the magnificent Banff National Park.

It's a great place to explore either before or after touring the park, and features plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. You'll also find a wide range of first-rate accommodation options in Banff, too.

One of the highlights of your visit, though, will be seeing Lake Louise . Famous for its dazzling turquoise waters framed by stunning snowcapped mountains, the tallest reaching heights of over 3,000 meters, it's the ultimate safe selfie spot, especially with the handsome Fairmont Château Lake Louise in the background. It's also a great place to pause and reflect on the splendor and natural beauty of this beautiful part of the world.

Other fun things to do in Lake Louise include strolling along the lovely lakeshore trail or enjoying a canoe ride. You can also take the Lake Louise Gondola for the chance to enjoy some great views of the lake.

If you find yourself wanting to cram as much as possible into a single day's visit to this beautiful area, you may want to consider joining a fun full-day tour of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway . Including round-trip travel from Banff, your adventure takes in some of the area's most spectacular scenery in comfort and style, and under the guidance of a professional tour guide. Along the way, you'll take in such sightseeing highlights as spectacular Bow Falls and Moraine Lake.

• Best Hikes in Banff National Park
• Best Hikes at Lake Louise

Tracing its roots back as far as 1917, Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular family attractions and Canada's largest and most visited zoological park. Spread across a 120-acre site on St. George's Island in the Bow River, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals representing some 272 species, including many examples of rare and endangered species.

There are also botanical gardens on the property, which are always fun to visit in spring. Spring's also a good time to visit due to the arrival of newborn animals; check the zoo's website for news and details of its animal residents.

Popular must-see sections include the Land of Lemurs, Destination Africa, and the Canadian Wilds. It's at the latter that you'll enjoy up-close views of fascinating creatures, including grizzly bears and the newest arrivals, a pair of pandas.

Other fun things to do include spending time exploring the six-acre prehistoric park attraction with its full-size replica dinosaurs. For those traveling in winter, be sure to visit the nighttime Zoolights Christmas festival held here each year.

Address: 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta

Calgary's Heritage Park is a typical village from the pioneering period, with dozens of reconstructed historical buildings and lively costumed interpreters from four different time periods. Along with exhibits and buildings ranging from an 1860 fur-trading fort to a 1930s town square, a highlight of a visit is riding the old steam engine, which provides transport around the park.

There's also a paddlewheel tour boat that offers scenic cruises across the Glenmore Reservoir, which offers plenty of great sightseeing and photo ops. The reservoir is also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as sailing, canoeing, and rowing.

Be sure to allocate a little extra time in your Heritage Village itinerary to visit the Gasoline Alley Museum . This fun attraction is popular for its hands-on, interactive experiences and one-of-a-kind vintage vehicles.

Address: 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary

At the top of the Calgary Tower , a viewing platform with a glass floor and revolving restaurant enables sightseers to enjoy the thrilling sensation of being 191 meters above the city in one of its landmark buildings.

Opened in 1968 and until 1984 the tallest structure in the city, the tower still offers excellent views out over the city and beyond to the mountains. It is particularly beautiful at night, and the tower itself is lit up each evening to stunning effect.

In 1988, the tower's giant torch bore witness to the spirit of the Olympics, and is still lit on special occasions. A fun movie, shown regularly in the building, highlights the construction of the tower.

Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary

In the foothills of the mountains to the west of the city rise the strange-looking towers of WinSport, home to the Calgary Olympic Park . In 1988, this was the primary site for the XV Olympic Winter Games.

Today, the hill is still open to skiing and snowboarding, and there are opportunities to bobsled, zipline, toboggan, snow tube, and mountain bike down the slopes and hills. Indoor ice skating is also available, including professional competitions, casual sessions, and programming for tourists and locals to enjoy.

Guided Ski Jump Tower Tours give a panoramic view of the Calgary skyline from the top of the ski-jump slope. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is located in the park as well.

Address: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary

Prince's Island Park is a large 50-acre green space located to the north of downtown Calgary. Set on an island in the Bow River, the park is adjacent to Eau Claire Market , and many tourists make a joint visit to these two top attractions.

Connected to the mainland by three pedestrian bridges, the park offers walking and biking areas, as well as outdoor concerts and plays during the summer months. A popular restaurant is located on the island.

Address: 698 Eau Claire Ave SW, Calgary

The award-winning, luxuriously appointed, and privately owned Rocky Mountaineer rail tour runs between Calgary or Jasper and Vancouver, the company's base, cutting westward on the historic Canadian Pacific line through the soaring mountain wall of the Rockies. At Canmore , providing the weather is good, there is a fine view of the snow-capped Three Sisters, a grouping of mountain peaks that make for a stunning backdrop to your journey.

Soon afterward, the popular resort of Banff is reached. Other highlights in this mountainous section, where peaks top 3,600 meters, are Lake Louise , Kicking Horse Pass , and Rogers Pass . A variety of day trip options are also available, and you can even break your trip up. A popular option for outdoor enthusiasts is to stop over in Banff for a few days of hiking in Banff National Park .

However you choose to tackle this epic rail journey, a word of warning: as one of North America's busiest scenic rail adventures, it's a good idea to plan your excursion well in advance, especially if you have a hankering to ride the first-class GoldLeaf dome car.

Established in 1966, the Glenbow Museum features some rare exhibits illustrating the historical development of Western Canada. The museum travels back in time, exploring the lives of early fur traders and the North West Mounted Police, Métis uprisings under Louis Riel, and the development of the oil industry.

This fascinating art and history museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from around the world. Guided tours and educational programming are also available.

Another good museum to visit is Telus Spark . Perfect for families to explore together, this first-rate science museum features a variety of fascinating interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, as well as lectures and educational workshops.

Address: 130 9 Ave SE, Calgary

Situated in Calgary's East Village area, Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre , opened in its new state-of-the-art facility in 2016. Able to trace its roots back as far as 1987, the huge structure houses a number of music-related attractions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection.

Together, these museums boast an impressive collection of 2,000 music-related artifacts, including numerous old and rare instruments. Among the larger exhibits are a mobile recording studio that once belonged to the Rolling Stones and a piano once owned by Elton John.

The building itself is simply stunning, especially its interior, which features more than 226,000 attractive terra-cotta tiles. In addition to its many exhibits-many of them hands-on and interactive-Studio Bell offers a diverse program of educational events and workshops, daily performances, as well as concerts.

Guided tours are available, along with a fun backstage pass tour that includes time playing some of the instruments you'll see.

Address: 850 4 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta

Canada's second-largest urban park, Fish Creek Provincial Park covers an area of nearly 14 square kilometers. Located in Calgary's far south, this huge green space is popular for its many pleasant walking and hiking trails, which lead through forest areas and along the creek, and some of which connect to other trails that crisscross the city.

Fish Creek Park has been designated a natural area, and as such is perfect for people looking for a taste of nature. It's a popular spot for bird-watching, with some 200 different species identified as living here.

Other fun things to do include fishing, swimming, biking, and participating in an organized nature tour. There are also a number of heritage buildings within the park that are fun to explore, as well as a visitor center and a restaurant.

Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary

If there's time left in your Calgary travel itinerary for another park visit, try to also squeeze in Bowness Park . Located in the city's northwest corner, this large 74-acre urban green space is especially popular for families and is a great spot for picnics or barbecues, with fire pits provided.

There's even a fun paddleboat ride in summer. Traveling with kids? They'll want to climb aboard the great little train that's available for kids to enjoy.

Come winter, the fun revolves around skating, as well as a fun new experience called "ice biking" (yes, it's literally a bike on skates!). Other winter activities include hockey, curling, and cross-country skiing. It's an especially nice place to visit in the fall when the leaves change color.

Address: 8900 48 Ave NW, Calgary

The Hangar Flight Museum focuses on the history of Canadian aviation and Western Canada in particular. Canadian pilots who fought in WWII started the museum, which has now grown dramatically since to exhibit a variety of aircraft. At last count, 24 planes and helicopters were on display here-simulators, aviation art prints, radio equipment, and information on aviation history.

There's also a fascinating display of artifacts and information related to Canada's space programs. The museum is located in a large building near the Calgary Airport. A variety of programming is also available, including lectures, tours, events, and aircraft-related movie nights.

Address: 4629 McCall Way NE, Calgary

The first outpost of the North West Mounted Police, Fort Calgary was set up in 1875 at the confluence of the Elbow and Bow Rivers. The foundations of the original fort can still be seen, and the Fort Calgary Museum helps interpret the founding of the city. On the other side of the bridge stands Deane House, built in 1906 for the fort commandant.

Also on-site is a gift shop, which sells souvenirs and RCMP collectibles, and a theater showing related movies. If visiting on a Sunday, arrive early and partake in the facility's popular brunch (reservations recommended).

Address: 750 9th Ave SE, Calgary

The Military Museums of Calgary is an impressive collection of Canadian Forces museums that explore the history of Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force. Exhibits emphasize interactive experiences, whether it's walking through WWI trenches or steering a ship from a wheelhouse.

A variety of military vehicles are located on-site, including several tanks, and there's also a library that's available for public use. The museum hosts events and lectures throughout the year, and a gift shop is located on-site.

Address: 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary

A world-renowned equestrian facility, Spruce Meadows welcomes visitors throughout the year to tour the stables, watch show jumping and dressage champions in training, and stroll the pleasant grounds.

Outdoor tournaments take place in the spring, with indoor competitions in other seasons. There's also a football stadium located on the 505-acre site, as well as retail vendors and dining options.

Address: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary

On the 4th level of the Core Shopping Centre, visitors will come somewhat unexpectedly upon the floral paradise of Devonian Gardens . Covering about 2.5 acres, the indoor gardens feature some 550 trees, including lovely tropical palms, along with sculptures, fish ponds, fountains, and a 900-square-foot living wall.

About 10,000 plants make up the displays, and despite Calgary's cold winters, they thrive under a glass ceiling. A children's play area is located on-site. The Devonian Gardens are free for the public to wander.

Address: 400 - 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary

The best places to stay when visiting Calgary are in the vibrant downtown area, which is central to many of the major attractions. Staying near the Bow River, which runs right through the city center, will put you near walking trails and lovely parks. Another popular area of downtown is 17th Avenue, with plenty of fun things to do, such as shopping in its trendy shops and dining in its world-class restaurants. Below are some highly rated Calgary hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• The elegant Hotel Le Germain Calgary , located in the central business district, is within walking distance of the Calgary Tower and EPCOR Center for the Performing Arts.
• The modern and conveniently located Hyatt Regency Calgary features rooms with city views, a rooftop sundeck, and an indoor pool, and is connected to the Telus Convention Center.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Right downtown, just a short walk from Prince's Island Park in the Bow River and offering large suites at an affordable price, is the upscale International Hotel.
• The award-winning, boutique Hotel Arts , an easy stroll from the Calgary Tower, has custom contemporary décor in all its rooms.
• South of downtown, but very close to Fish Creek Provincial Park, is the Wingate by Wyndham Calgary . With an indoor pool and waterslide, this hotel is a good choice for families.

Budget Hotels:

• A good downtown budget option is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Suites Downtown , with extra-large rooms that include either a full kitchen or kitchenette.
• The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers large suites with city views and a complimentary breakfast.
• Just south of downtown, near the Stampede grounds, is the BEST WESTERN PLUS Calgary Centre Inn with very reasonable rates.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Canada's Big Cities : Canada's largest city of Toronto hosts countless visitors each year, drawn here for its many exciting tourist attractions perfect for families, such as the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the huge Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. In Quebec, the old historic district of Montreal is a taste of old Europe that's a delight to explore on foot. Not to be outdone, beautiful Vancouver , on the country's west coast, is where you'll enjoy the natural splendor of the excellent (and vast) Stanley Park, along with the traditional market place vibe of Granville Island.

The Great Outdoors : Canada is known the world over for its vast stretches of wilderness, none more impressive than the outstandingly beautiful area around Tofino BC , popular for adventure seekers including hikers, bikers, and surfers. Of its many parks, perhaps the best known is Banff National Park , famous for its proximity to the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Although more remote, the rugged splendor of Nahanni National Park Reserve in the spectacular Mackenzie Mountains straddling the Yukon and the Northwest Territories has much to attract adventure seekers.

Canada Vacation Ideas : No visit to Ontario should be considered without a day or two being spent in Niagara Falls , famous for thrilling, timeless attractions including the Maid of the Mist and the Journey Behind the Falls. Canada's capital of Ottawa is also a must-visit and features the amazing Rideau Canal, which, come winter, is transformed into the world's longest skating rink. The center of Quebec City is another great place to visit, any time of year, especially around historic Place Royale.

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Thanks in advance

Have a nice weekend

20 replies to this topic

A classic half way, hotel on the highway on the edge of a city option, would be Kamloops, lots of options in all budget ranges there.

Another popular option would be Revelstoke, an excellent quaint mountain town to walk, views, great restaurants. This isn't quite half way.

A 3rd option I would probably do if I needed a half way point, would be to leave early from Canmore, stop in Revelstoke for a few hours, have lunch, and continue to Sicamous. Stop at D-Duchman for an ice cream and take in the petting zoo and food vendors, and then stay near the harbour, or continue onwards to Salmon Arm for the night.

How many nights in total do you have? Are you planning on any time in Vancouver ?

The problem with all 5 nights in Canmore you are limiting yourself and not seeing Jasper?

Personally I’d forget the drive to Vancouver, add those 2 nights into your time in the Rockies.

3 nights Canmore for Banff National Park, 3 nights Jasper, 1 night Lake Louise and fly to Vancouver from Calgary .

5 days we are staying in. Canmore because of family event.

Would not want to miss Jasper but it seems it’s not on the way to Vancouver .

Maybe as suggested we go to jasper and then fly to Vancouver from Calgary ? As we are flying from all the way from Africa it’s once in lifetime chance and don’t want to miss. We have to be in Vancouver by 1st July as we have booked Alaska cruise on 2nd July

We have booked Canmore from 23rd June to 28th june. So we have 2 days , 3 days max , am really confused how to go about it

To be able to make most of our stay around Banff area.

From jasper to Vancouver it’s 8 and half hour, acc to google but it could be more dep on road traffic etc

Not sure if that’s feasible considering the short amount of time

Appreciate all the advice

Need help to make the most of this trip

Also the road conditions, we don’t really know whether highways or single lanes, I realize it will be mointaneous

I hope we p,an wisely to make most of the area as it’s once in lifetime experience

You are coming over an extremely busy weekend. July 1st is Canada Day and highways will be busy, you also might have trouble finding accommodation.

Visitors to Canada often underestimate the distance involved and the time required to travel it.

Canada Day weekend will have very busy highways.

Whether you do Jasper or not, do NOT miss doing at least half of the Icefield parkway. Find a way to set aside 4-8 hours to do it. Lots of opportunity to pull over for viewpoints and short hikes.

Oh didn’t realize that! Thanks for the advice and will def look into it .

So it will be long weekend , as July first is Monday !! things will be busy over the weekend !

The next day as we don’t want to feel rushed or drive after 7 pm ( not sure if it’s safe as well as we don’t want to drive once it’s dar)

We are a couple in our sixties in fairly good health and mobile

I appreciate You drawing our attention to this fact

Or maybe it will be better we just fly out from Calgary to Vancouver , would that be a better option ? How bad is the traffic on highways during this holiday? Could we be stuck for hours? We would prefer not to be on the road after daylight

It will be daylight from approximately 4:30am until 9:30pm in late June. 😊 It will be dusk until well after 10pm.

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