road trip to calgary from vancouver

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!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Planning a Road Trip From Vancouver to Calgary (for 2024)

Disclaimer: this page may contain affiliate links. please review our full terms and conditions for more information and our privacy policy. note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication..

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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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.

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• 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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sheridan Cahoon

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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 Road Trip: Our Epic 13-Day RV Itinerary

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Let’s begin this Vancouver to Calgary road trip guide in an unexpected place; a personal confession. It took me five times to pass my driving test. I’ve also not gotten behind the wheel since 2017 so I’m not really a “natural” or “confident” driver. But I love road trips. I consider myself whatever you’d call the non-annoying version of a backseat driver.

So how did I end up driving from Vancouver to Calgary on an RV road trip and hitting up Jasper and Banff National Park on the way? Well… I didn’t. Not quite. When my friend Stevie told me she was planning a solo adventure in Canada, I invited myself along. Simple! It was the first RV trip for both of us and luckily she was happy to have a passenger.

In early May 2022, we (she) drove over 2,300 km/1,500 miles from British Columbia to Alberta and back again over 13 days. We navigated via an Australian GPS system (the phrase “chuck a U-ey” still haunts my nightmares), spent the GDP of a small country on gas, and got a taste of #vanlife. We sang along to Bryan Adams and other talented Canadians while munching on Nanaimo bars and Twizzlers. Stevie even spotted some bears!

Oh, and a heck of a lot of hiking, eating, and sightseeing in between. It was exactly the epic adventure we wanted.

This is a day-by-day breakdown of the trip so I can hold onto those wonderful memories. But if you’re thinking about embarking on your own Vancouver road trip to Banff National Park and beyond, this guide will help. I’ve included our campsites, hotels, RV rental information, restaurants, activities, and my top tips. Let’s dive into our amazing Vancouver road trip adventure!

Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip (Plus Jasper and Banff National Parks)

Day 1: Flight from the UK to Vancouver

The first day of our Vancouver to Calgary road trip started at 4:00 in the morning and ended around 20:30 with an eight-hour time difference in between. We needed as much stamina as possible to get through the day but we were both attending a friend’s wedding the night before our departure. Luckily, Stevie was sensible enough to leave at a reasonable hour as she was driving from our hometown in Cumbria to Glasgow Airport.

Me? I snagged around one hour’s sleep. I quickly assumed my role as the passenger who promised to stay awake to entertain the driver then inevitably dozes off.

After our flight from Glasgow, we had a layover in London Heathrow before continuing on to Vancouver. I’m very impressed that both of us managed the entire trip with hand luggage only. It meant we didn’t have to find room for two huge suitcases in our RV and it made our layovers less stressful.

After multiple aeroplane meals and movies, we landed in Vancouver and were randomly selected to take a Covid-19 test . At the time, we were required to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada and didn’t need to take any tests before departing. This was our only stumbling block! Thankfully, we could continue on our road trip from Vancouver because a few days later we got negative results.

Stevie was the Queen of all Motorised Vehicles on this trip and arranged an Uber to pick us up and take us, exhausted, to a hotel on the outskirts of Vancouver. We saw little of the city beyond a sneak peek at the skyline on our drive, but we’d be back.

Distance: 8,555 km / 5,316 miles

Accommodation:  Inn At The Quay Hotel

Day 2: Driving from Vancouver to Dutch Lake

Many people drive from Vancouver to Banff National Park and skip Jasper. I totally understand why people drive a Vancouver to Banff road trip if they are short on time, though I’m so pleased we didn’t. But I’m getting ahead of myself!

On day two, jetlag woke us up in the wee hours and we ate a big veggie breakfast at Angelina’s Dutch Corner . We then stopped by the World’s Tallest Tin Soldier (Canadians love their superlative structures) before picking up our wheels and bed for the next week or so. We hopped in another Uber to Fraserway RV   and received a crash course in all the controls and hookups of our Class C Small Motorhome . 

On top of all the instructions, Stevie received a baptism of fire driving our RV off the lot. Fraserway’s depo was on a business park right on Highway 91 and soon we’d be on the Trans-Canada highway .

We’d already sussed out a  Real Canadian Superstore  supermarket in Chilliwack en route so we could pick up supplies. We both had our own weird Canadian breakfast missions. Whereas Stevie sought out different types of crazy Canadian cereal, I opted for Tim Horton’s coffee and maple syrup over my granola and yoghurt.

After many hours of Stevie driving and me taking 200+ photos of the scenery, we arrived at our campsite around sunset. We figured out how to connect the electricity and water and called it a night.

Distance: 461 km / 286 miles

Accommodation:  Dutch Lake Resort & RV Park

Day 3: Driving from Dutch Lake to Jasper National Park

On day three, we completed our Vancouver to Jasper road trip! Jetlag woke us up at the crack of dawn which was a blessing because we lost an hour driving over the Alberta border. After we filled up our tank, we headed north along Highway 5. 

We stopped twice before arriving in Jasper. First, at the Mount Terry Fox Scenic Viewpoint and again at the British Columbia – Alberta border. I recommend watching The Terry Fox Story  (1983) if you can find it because he’s a Canadian hero.

Around lunchtime, we arrived at Jasper National Park ! We were travelling on the cusp of the off-season and the shoulder season, so we couldn’t book our first night at the campground. After we organised this, we finally started exploring. We ate lunch at the beautiful Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen before walking around Maligne Canyon . We spotted deer and evil-looking sheep around here and not for the last time.

Afterwards, we drove into the town of Jasper . It was already getting quite late, so we just walked around taking photos of street art murals, totem poles, and cool mountain lodge-style buildings. We stopped for drinks and food at  Jasper Brewing Company   where I tried poutine (delicious) and a beer flight (DNF). For someone who doesn’t like beer and was our designated driver, I’m very grateful to Stevie for being cool about visiting breweries on our Vancouver to Calgary road trip!

Distance: 320 km / 199 miles

Accommodation:  Wapiti Campground  

Day 4: Exploring Jasper National Park

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to mention that Stevie did most of the research and planning for this trip and she did an excellent job. We had one full day to explore Jasper and she nailed the itinerary. She found the  Valley of the Five Lakes Trail which is a looped hike and there were several options depending on fitness level and distance.

We hiked the longer, outer loop which was around 8.4 km and took three to four hours. This was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip because it was quiet and the turquoise lakes, woodland, and snowy mountains in the distance were postcard-perfect. Because we visited early in the season, we saw a lot of frozen lakes on our Vancouver to Calgary road trip so I’m glad we got this thawed-out experience.

After we returned to the car park, we wolfed down our lunch and headed to the  Jasper SkyTram . This cable car transported us 2,277m up Whistler’s Peak  for an eyewatering $60 per ticket. But the views were worth it, and we could change into all of our layers before heading up the snowy peak. One of the best perks of travelling in an RV!

Back in  Jasper town , we warmed up over coffee at  The Other Paw Bakery Cafe . Then, we stopped by a supermarket before heading back to our campground. Stevie performed an act of God by building a fire out of a broken fire lighter and paper from my notebook so we could roast marshmallows. Stevie also got to taste the first of many weird and wonderful versions of Canadian cider. If you want to keep track, Growers Cider Co. tastes like peach soda.

Other Things To Do in Jasper National Park:

• Miette Hot Springs
• Cruise on Maligne Lake
• Jasper Planetarium & Dark Sky Tours
• Jasper’s Wafflato

Distance: 0 km / 0 miles

Accommodation: Wapiti Campground  

Day 5: Driving from Jasper National Park to Calgary

Already, we’ve completed half of our journey with day five covering the last section of our Vancouver to Calgary drive. The distance from Vancouver to Calgary is 1,057 km (660 miles) which is even more than The Proclaimers were prepared to walk.

We experienced the most dramatic season switches on this drive. We left Jasper National Park (following a man riding rollerskates on the highway, I might add) in the early days of spring. Once we hit the  Icefield Parkway   (rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller), it was as if we’d driven back in time a few months. As we ascended into the mountains, snow and mist with glaciers and fields of black pine trees were all that we could see.

And before we knew it (well, after several hours of driving…), we arrived in time to experience summer in Calgary . The Great Plains, as the name suggests, are incredibly flat so we swapped snowy peaks for yellow, dusty fields. And a big city!

After glancing at the bus timetable, we realised it would be better to use Uber to get out of the campground and into the city. Soon, we were dining on veggie tacos at the First Street Market: Food Hall & Bar before heading to Village Ice Cream Shop . Top Tip: Get the Earl Grey flavour and thank me later.

There are lots of opportunities to pose in front of street art in Calgary, which we spent way too much time doing before heading up Scotsman’s Hill Viewpoint . We had just enough time to drink a couple of cocktails at Leopold’s Tavern   where I accidentally poisoned Stevie as I confused my Rusty Nail cocktail with her Long Island Iced Tea. We people-watched approx. 7,468 Calgary Flames hockey fans walk through the streets to watch the game before getting an early night.

We got back to our campground and did laundry. The drier was excellent .

Distance: 408 km / 254 miles

Accommodation: Calgary West Campground

Day 6: Exploring Calgary

Before driving to Vancouver from Calgary, we spent one whole day exploring Calgary , Canada’s third-largest city. On the one hand, it’s incredibly modern with tons of skyscrapers. But on the other hand, its nickname is ‘Cowtown’. The entire city revolves around the Calgary Stampede , a HUGE rodeo and festival in July.

We started in the north exploring Prince’s Island Park   where we walked across the  Peace Bridge  and attempted to spot beavers in their dams. Next, we tried our first-ever Tim Hortons  (Stevie is not a fan of Timbits. Regular doughnuts or nothing, please). 

Next, we headed to Stephen Avenue Walk which is Calgary’s main shopping area. I spent a small fortune on stamps and Stevie resisted the urge to buy lots of western shirts with jazzy patterns. After walking around for a while, we went to Chinatown  and ate lunch at Happy Veggie House Chinese . We didn’t go up the Calgary Tower (I think it was closed anyway) but you can spot it from almost anywhere in the city.

We spent the entire second half of our day in the Inglewood  neighbourhood. Our first stop was Fort Calgary   before trying on hundreds of dollars worth of bright felt cowboy hats at Smithbilt Hats . They’re a Calgary institution and everyone from Tom Selleck to William & Kate has posed in a white cowboy hat in this store.

Lucky for me, Cold Garden Brewing Company was right next door. I ordered a flight of beer (three beers and one glass of Inglewood iced tea). Stevie sampled their one cider. We then hit up  Tea Trader , a speciality tea shop. Stevie loves bags of loose leaf as well as having awkward conversations with airport security, so she had to pick some up.

Next was  Rain Dog Bar , one of the most hipster bars I’ve ever visited. They had a  zine  for a menu, you guys! Beer for me and a hot pink cider for Stevie. This bar was just up the road from  Inglewood Pizza   (as featured in the  Fargo  TV series) where we stopped for a slice.

While looking for a more substantial place to eat dinner, we found The Blues Can . They served southern cuisine and we stayed to watch their headline act that night: Micki Free. Imagine a less successful Slash from Guns N’ Roses. But it was awesome to see some live music in Calgary and I think stumbling across this great venue was one of the highlights of our trip, despite them serving Somersby cider that tasted (and looked) like Apple Sourz.

Other Things To Do in Calgary:

• Calgary Stampede
• Watch the Calgary Flames
• Cowboys Dance Hall
• National Music Centre Museum

Day 7: Calgary to Banff National Park

Calgary was as far east as we would travel, so it was time to drive from Calgary to Vancouver. With plenty more stops along the way, of course! And the first section of our Calgary to Vancouver drive would be a short one. 

We wasted no time exploring Banff National Park  as soon as we arrived back in the Canadian Rockies. Our first stop was the Three Sisters Peaks (these mountains appeared as a  Brokeback Mountain (2005) location) and then  Banff Gondola   just outside of the town. The cable car took us 2,281 metres up Sulphur Mountain  so we could look over the town and glacial lakes we had yet to explore.

There’s so much to see up Sulphur Mountain so I’m really pleased we got there early to explore. In fact, the car park was  so  full when we got down. How do people visit Banff in the peak season without spending half of their trip waiting for traffic to move?!

Afterwards, we walked up to  Banff Upper Hot Springs . It’s essentially a glorified hot outdoor swimming pool teeming with people. But we still enjoyed it and the mountain views were nice! Another great thing about RV travel was having our cold-weather clothes for the gondola and  our swimming stuff with us.

Next, we drove into  Banff town . We checked out the  Whyte Museum of the Rockies   where we learnt all about how Banff became a popular mountain resort town. It was cool! Then, we ate dinner at Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant before heading to our campsite.

Distance: 127 km / 79 miles

Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain Village II Campground

Day 8: Exploring Banff National Park

We’d survived one whole week living in an RV on our Vancouver to Calgary road trip (or our Calgary to Vancouver road trip now). 

Day eight was a day of lakes! We woke up bright and early to drive to one of the top attractions in Canada, Lake Louise . You’ve absolutely seen this turquoise glacial lake on Instagram somewhere. Well, it was still pretty frozen when we visited. Someone was even skiing on the lake. But we didn’t let the ice ruin our day so we hiked up the Lake Agnes Trail .

I cannot stress how long it took us to hike  part  of this 3.5 km trail. Bloody AGES. We could either walk in the middle of the trail, which was a sheet of ice (no joke, I used it as a slide on the way back down) or to the side.

But walking beside the trail was like playing minesweeper. You might be putting your foot on a solid surface, or you might end up thigh-deep in snow. I have no idea if the man who passed us wearing crocs survived but I doubt it.

After Lake Louise, we attempted to visit  Moraine Lake . This is the lake my friend Robbie made me promise we’d visit. Unfortunately, the road was still closed due to bad weather. So, we left the lakes and drove back towards  Banff town  along  Bow Valley Parkway . We stopped at  Morant’s Curve  for the epic viewpoint before continuing on to  Johnston Canyon . This is a nice little walk along a gorge with some waterfalls.

Not to be deterred by our lack of lake success thus far, we drove out to Lake Minnewanka . It was a little more thawed out than Lake Louise, but still too frozen for canoes or kayaks. Luckily, we spotted  Two Jack Lake on our drive out which we learned had just thawed out the week prior. Cue a mini photoshoot with lots of selfies and failed jumping shots.

Stevie booked an evening wildlife tour for us with  Discover Banff Tours  and it was  amazing . We learned absolutely everything about all the bears, caribou, elk, goats, sheep, wolves, and other animals living in the area. And we learned all about the wildlife overpasses you’ll see on the highway!

Our tour guide took us to several places around the national park including the  Vermilion Lakes ,  Big Hill , and back to  Two Jacks Lake .

Day 9: Exploring Banff National Park

On our last day in Banff, we woke up surrounded by a thin sheet of snow. Beautiful to look at but f*cking freezing when you’re sleeping in an RV. Luckily, it melted quite quickly.

We followed  Hoodoos Trail  from our campground into town along the  Bow River . After stopping at the Surprise Corner Viewpoint , we continued on to the Banff Pedestrian Bridge . It had a rainbow path which was a lovely surprise!

Stevie was in the mood for a McDonald’s for lunch, but we were a bit surprised that Banff’s version of a vegetarian burger was not the McPlant, as it is in the UK. It was, in fact, a regular Big Mac without the meat patties. Thankfully, our next stop was BeaverTails . From what I understand, beaver tails are fried pastries in the shape of a beaver’s tail covered in sugar. Delicious!

We shopped for a bit and I bought a cap. I definitely recommend Big Bear Trading Company for souvenirs. Then, we headed to Banff Avenue Brewing Co . I sampled yet another flight of beer and Stevie tasted yet another type of Canadian cider. I should have asked her for a definitive cider ranking.

Despite having not stopped eating and drinking for the entire afternoon, we ate dinner at Park Distillery & Restaurant   where they served incredible cocktails. I sipped a maple old-fashioned that I still dream about today (can you tell I like whiskey?).

Finally, we hopped on a bus back to our campground and roasted marshmallows. Everything was wet after the snow earlier in the day but some friendly campers gave us a fire starter.

Other Things To Do in Banff National Park:

• Lake Agnes Tea House
• Whitebark Cafe
• Evelyn’s Coffee Bar
• Cows Inc. Ice Cream
• Banff Trading Post Shop

Distance:  0 km / 0 miles

Day 10: Driving from Banff National Park to Cedar Falls

After two luxurious days off driving for Stevie, it was time to complete the penultimate leg of our Calgary-Vancouver drive. This Banff to Vancouver road trip would take the better part of two days to tackle!

Aside from Stevie spotting her second bear, not much else happened on this drive. I wrote all my postcards and caught up on my Instagram posts. We spotted a billboard on the highway for a hotel that reassured us that it was “definitely not a haunted house.” We stopped for fast food on the highway and then got right back in our RV to reach Vernon before it got too dark.

Our campground for the night was around halfway between Banff and Vancouver. One of the only notable things to say about it is that you had to pay one loonie (a Canadian dollar) for four minutes in the shower. As Stevie found out during this trip, I don’t care about the state or cleanliness of a campground shower block, if the water is hot enough I will stay in the shower all night. So, this was an eye-opening experience for me because we only had so much change. I live such a sheltered existence, don’t I?

Distance:  441 km / 274 miles

Accommodation:  Cedar Falls Campground

Day 11: Driving from Cedar Falls to Vancouver

On the last leg of our Calgary to Vancouver road trip, we awoke before sunrise. It was a race against the clock to return our RV back to Fraserway RV before the drop-off deadline. There’s something so humbling about donning rubber gloves and emptying an RV’s waste tank at four in the morning.

Thankfully, we did cross a timezone change somewhere along the way so we were able to gain an hour. After we said goodbye to our temporary home, we perked ourselves up with a Tim Hortons on the next business park over. Stevie arranged an Uber to pick us up and take us to our hotel in Gastown  where we dropped off our bags and started exploring.

We walked along  Vancouver Harbour  before walking along the  Vancouver Sea Wall  and  Stanley Park . In the park, we saw totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Beaver Lake, and the Rose Garden. We were super hungry by the time we stopped for vegan hotdogs and margaritas at Good Dogs Plant Foods . 

Stevie wanted to check out some Vancouver filming locations from  Supernatural  and  X-Files . Her quest took us around  Davie Village  (Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ district) where there was some cool street art and, yes, another rainbow crossing. We also went to Vancouver Art Gallery   before walking deeper into  Gastown to check out the Gastown Steam Clock .

It’s literally a clock from the 1970s (but it looks much older) powered by steam and it whistles to tell the time. We then hit up the  Clough Club   for cocktails and  The Cambie   for even more cocktails. Stevie must have been absolutely  knackered.

Distance: 443 km / 275 miles

Accommodation:  Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown

Day 12: Exploring Vancouver

We started with breakfast at Koffie   before catching a bus across the  Lions Gate Bridge  to  Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . First built in 1887, this bridge stretches from treetop to treetop across the Capilano River. It’s  amazing  and there are lots of other treetop platforms you can walk along to explore the rainforest and wildlife.

As the day went on, the rain got heavier and heavier. We caught a bus even further north to the  Grouse Mountain Skyride   which Stevie assures me featured on  X-Files .

Do you remember when I said travelling in the RV was helpful because it meant we could throw on a few extra layers when we rode gondolas? No such luxury in Vancouver! It was a wee bit chilly and snowy at the top. But we all know I’d have made Stevie battle a snowstorm if it meant visiting the filming location of a TV show I watched.

We  did  treat ourselves to the luxury of an Uber back to  Gastown  for lunch to avoid waiting for the bus in the pouring rain. We ate soup, tacos and churros in the warm and dry Tacofino Taco Bar . 

Stevie knows I like checking out independent bookshops so she found  The Paper Hound Bookshop . It was a lovely little bookshop with quirky categories like ‘wet adventures’ and ‘books about bears’. I chose  Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion, a book about neither of those topics.

Afterwards, we chilled out in our hotel for a bit before unanimously deciding we wanted to go to the cinema. We watched  Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) in a packed-out Scotiabank Theatre  and it was phenomenal. Really, just a great way to end our last night in Canada. 

Other Things To Do in Vancouver:

• Hire Bikes in Stanley Park
• Museum of Anthropology
• Granville Island Public Market
• 33 Acres Brewing Company
• Vancouver Flea Market

Day 13: Flight from Vancouver to the UK

For the entire trip, Stevie had talked about how much she wanted to eat waffles with maple syrup somewhere in Canada. When finding somewhere that sold waffles proved almost impossible, she luckily settled for pancakes at Deacon’s Corner Gastown Diner for our last breakfast.

We were basically killing time for the rest of the day until our flight. We visited some more filming locations and enjoyed our last Tim Hortons . And Stevie might have spotted two bears on the side of the highway in the national parks, but I spotted Cole Sprouse buying milk in Gastown ! 

Vintage shops in Vancouver don’t open until around midday, for some reason, but Mintage Café  was one of the few that opened earlier. I liked it and bought a bright orange flowery shirt. We ate lunch at Zefferelli’s  on Robson Street before heading back to the hotel to grab our bags. 

Instead of getting an Uber, we decided to hop on the SkyTrain  to Vancouver Airport instead. Two planes and a car journey later, we were listening to the Eurovision Song Contest on the radio back home.

Distance:  8,555 km / 5,316 miles

Accommodation: British Airways Flight to Heathrow Airport

What’s the Best Time of Year for a Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip?

We literally couldn’t have ventured on this road trip outside of May – October. Most of the campgrounds close over winter and some of the roads (like the Icefields Parkway) shut in the cold seasons. So, definitely not then!

Despite the frozen glacial lakes and the chilly mornings, I’m still pleased we visited in early May. I think if we had planned our trip perhaps two or three weeks later, the balance between fewer crowds and better weather would have been perfect . But you don’t know what you don’t know.

We were still able to enjoy our Vancouver to Calgary road trip without worrying too much about parking spaces and pre-booking activities.

Obviously, the weather is better from June – September but the crowds around Lake Louise and Banff, in particular, look so busy and stressful. You’ve just got to balance what’s important for your trip, you know?

What Should You Pack for a Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip?

Layers! As I mentioned, when we took the gondolas and cable cars up the mountains we needed to wrap up warmer than we did on the ground.

We also noticed that Banff was much colder than Jasper, despite them being only 200 km apart. Banff has a higher elevation. Also, Calgary was much, much warmer than both of the national parks and Vancouver was rainy. And I’ve heard that Vancouver rains year-round! 

You’ll need waterproof hiking boots for the outdoorsy stuff and nicer trainers for exploring the cities. In terms of coats, I brought a packable insulated puffer jacket and either wore my denim jacket or raincoat over the top. I also had a fleece, hoodie, and shirts I could layer on top of t-shirts. On the bottom, I wore leggings and skinny jeans that I could wear together in cold weather. 

Bring hats, scarves, and a pair of gloves too! I was bored with all the clothes I packed by the end of my trip, but everything fit in a carry-on bag.

And that’s my Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary based on my experience driving the road-trip journey in an RV! Are you planning a Canada road trip? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: 21 Best Canadian Movies to Inspire You to Visit Canada

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

4 thoughts on “ Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip: Our Epic 13-Day RV Itinerary ”

Hi just booked to go. Starting in vancouver following a cruise up to Juneau then picking a RV up and travelling to Calgary then flight out from Galgary home to Cumbria. Were going in September as we want to see the autumnal colours and hopefully a bit of snow. Thank you for your blog, you’ve given me some ideas on where to stay and things to do and some good tips.. Regards Siouxsie.

Thanks so much for your comment and nice to hear from another Cumbrian! I’m glad you found my blog post useful and I hope you have the best time in Canada and Alaska! 😀

Canada has been on my bucket list for a long time, thanks for the tips!

No problem, Adri! I hope you have a fantastic time in Canada! 😀

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13 Sensational Stops On A Calgary To Vancouver Road Trip

To truly enjoy the drive between these two major cities in Western Canada, you will want to give yourself a few days to explore and take in the views along the way from Calgary to Vancouver.

This is one of the most scenic drives in Western Canada, as the landscape is ever-changing from bright blue lakes, mountain ranges, forests, wildlife, and glaciers. There is so much natural beauty to see!

Along the way, you will pass through Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Kamloops, Hope, and Chilliwack, which are all great locations to stop and visit. There are so many fun activities to do along the way, including hiking, exploring small towns, swimming, shopping, hot springs, kayaking, and much more!

Keep reading to find out more about the best stops on our Calgary and Vancouver road trip itinerary; we have covered what to see and where to stop! Our guide will provide helpful tips for this road trip , whether you are driving in a car or an RV.

Distance from Calgary to Vancouver – How Long Do I Need to Drive?

How far is calgary from vancouver, best time of year to drive from vancouver to calgary, 13 best stops on a calgary to vancouver road trip, more tips for road tripping calgary to vancouver, more driving inspiration in canada.

The distance from Calgary to Vancouver is 1,057 kilometers (660 miles), taking the fastest route.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver takes 12 hours and 15 minutes, taking the Trans-Canada Highway 1 most of the way to Kamploops, then Highway 99. You will want to take 2-3 days to really enjoy the stops along the way. (Note that until 2024 there are some ongoing road works along this route at Kicking Hore Canyon that might impact your journey). 

An alternate route would be to head from Calgary towards Vancouver on Highway 22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) until you reach Lundbreck. Then take Highway 3 through Fernie, and Cranbrook, continuing on Highway 3 until you reach Hope, British Columbia.

From Hope, you will take Trans Canada Highway 1 towards Vancouver. This route takes 14 hours and is 1,226 kilometers (760 miles). This route passes through Abbotsford, Surrey, Cranbrook, as well as Fernie. 

For the purpose of this guide, we will focus on stops to make on the shorter route. 

The weather between Calgary and Vancouver can be unpredictable and treacherous if you are driving in the winter , so snow tires are recommended. 

In the summer, the highways are well-maintained. However, they can be slow due to construction and maintenance.

It is best to check Alberta and British Columbia road conditions for up-to-date changes.

Depending on the length of the journey, including every major town/point of interest or pick out some highlights or overnight stopping points only.

There are so many stops between Calgary and Vancouver that are worth stopping at to visit and enjoy. We’ve included 13 different locations so you and your family can pick and choose stops based on your interests.

Most people choose to road trip in the Summer, so we will be focusing on summer activities, although most locations do offer a sensational range of winter activities as well, making it one of the most magical places to visit in Canada in winter .

Explore “Alberta’s Mountain Playground” in Kananaskis Country, which is located between Banff and Canmore National Parks. Kananaskis Country is home to some of the most beautiful areas in Alberta and outdoor activities, and the bonus is they are not as busy with tourists as the other national parks. 

In Kananaskis, you will find four wildland provincial parks and five provincial parks just waiting to be explored. If you are looking to explore the rugged terrain, we highly recommend the Grassi Lakes trail, which is located in the wildlife corridor and where you will see the aquamarine lakes similar to the popular Lake Moraine.

Grassi Lakes has two trails: an easier path that showcases a dense forest and rock faces with hidden pictographs, while the more difficult route will take you to a steep section to view a waterfall and the town of Canmore in the distance. The easier route is about 5 km and is definitely family-friendly for most fitness levels.

The next choice is to visit Peter Lougheed Park , which is known for having two beautiful clean lakes: Upper and Lower Kananaskis, which were natural lakes but have been expanded for hydroelectric projects. This is the perfect location to stop for a picnic lunch and take in the scenery. The lakes also offer the opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.

If you are interested in seeing wildlife, then you should consider the day-use trails, where you may spot wildlife such as bears, coyotes, elk, and mountain goats. If you like adventure, then you may want to check out the High Rockies Trail from the Black Prince .

Pro Tip: You will need to purchase a day pass to explore the parks. However, they can be purchased online for only $15. If you prefer purchasing in person, they are available at multiple visitor centers in Kananaskis Country.

Stop in for a quick visit and take a stroll down 8th Street, which is a pedestrian-only walking area with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a gorgeous area for a stroll as you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Every Thursday in the summer, you will find the Farmer’s Market located on 8th Street.

Police man’s Creek Boardwalk is the perfect area to stop and take a stroll as it is an accessible walkway from the downtown area. At the entrance of the trail, you will find the Big Head Sculpture, which is a unique sculpture to see.  The 4km walk will take you through the forest and along the water for an easy scenic walk.

Visiting Banff is about taking in beautiful landscapes and exploring nature. Banff National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream as there are so many beautiful landscapes to look at, but don’t worry, the kids will entertain themselves with nature along the trails. 

Take the Banff Gondola to the upper boardwalk, which gives great views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains. You can even plan to stop for lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Gondola.

If you are looking to cool off in summer, then you may want to head to Johnson Lake, which has a small sandy beach for kids and makes for a great picnic spot – a fabulous free thing to do in Banff .

Johnston Canyon is another great spot as this family-friendly hike will take you near waterfalls and allows you to explore caves, though you may want to bring an extra set of clothes as there is a chance you get wet.

Lake Louise

Enjoy the picturesque views of Lake Louise as you canoe and take great family photos with a mountain backdrop. Canoeing is a fun activity you can do as a family and make memories in this beautiful setting. You can rent the canoe from the Lake Louise boathouse. 

Pro Tip: Canoeing on Lake Louise costs about $145 CAD an hour, and they can hold a maximum of 3 adults of 2 adults and 2 children that weigh less than 55 pounds, otherwise, you will need to divide into 2 canoes.

Motivate your kids with the prospect of a yummy snack at the end of the hike as you hike the trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House . The hike up to the tea house is more tiring than the way down, so once you fuel up with a snack or lunch, the way down is a breeze.

If you are looking for a unique adventure, then you can try horse trekking around the lake. The local stables, Brewster Adventures , offer five different summer trail rides for you and the family to enjoy. 

Bow Valley Parkway

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The Bow Valley Parkway takes about an hour to drive and connects Lake Louise and Banff. Lookout for the following as you drive through this section; you may choose to stop at some of the lookout points.

Three Sisters: Lookout for the three bare rocky peak mountains as you drive along the Trans Canada Highway through the Bow Valley as they are the Three Sisters Mountains – Faith, Hope, and Charity. They are nearly 10000 feet tall, so they are pretty hard to miss when looking out your window. 

Castle Mountain Viewpoint: This roadside viewpoint is a great place to stop and see the surrounding mountains, and if you want to explore further, there is a nearby trail.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, you can rent a Cabin at Baker Creek By Basecamp. Each cabin has wood paneling and is a log cabin design, and a kitchenette so you can save money and make your own food rather than eat out. 

Yoho National Park

High in the mountains of Yoho, you will find Burgess Shale fossils which are some of the oldest pieces of evidence of life on earth. Join a guided hike where you will choose to visit one of three different locations: Mount Stephen, Walcott Quarry, and Stanley Glacier (all have varying hiking distances).

The fossils are located high in the mountains pressed into the rock bed showing evidence of marine ecosystems from over 5 million years ago. This is a must-do Canadian Rockies Experience.

Parks Canada has placed over 200 red Adirondack chairs across Canada in unique treasured natural locations, and 2 sets of these chairs can be found while strolling through Yoho National Park . The chairs in Yoho National Park are located at Takakkaw Falls, and Yoho Lake, so sit and enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of the view.

Golden, British Columbia is a great center point from some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery found in the following national parks: Yoho, Glacier, Kootenay, Jasper, Banff, and Mount Revelstoke. This is a great place to stop overnight, and then plan to visit one of these spectacular parks to enjoy hiking, waterfalls, lake views, and rich historical landmarks.

Golden, BC is a wilderness lover’s paradise as there is lots of hiking, water sports, fishing, white water rafting, and so much more to explore. Families will want to visit the Golden Golf Club Mini Golf Course, and the Golden Sky Bridge , located feet above the canyon with amazing views. 

Glacier National Park

This is a beautiful National Park to simply enjoy the 360-degree view of alpine scenery and is open year-round.

If you are looking for a quick stretch break, then we suggest the Rock Garden trail, which takes about 20 minutes to complete and will give you a quick view of the natural beauty of this park as you view the Selkirk Mountains.

Make sure you stop at the Memory Garden and Summit Monument to learn more about the rich history of the park and its involvement in Canada’s first trans-continental railway and highway.

Glacier National Park also offers a full day of exploring. If you have time, you will want to check out Roger’s Pass Discovery Centre, Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk, Meadows in the Sky Parkway, and Glacier House to learn about the true history and natural changes of the area due to climate change.

Harold’s Provincial Park is home to a variety of hiking trails, including Margaret’s Falls, which is a stunning waterfall accessible by a few of the trails. The lower trails are accessible, so they are great for young kids and will take you along Shuswap Lake, through old-growth forest areas until you reach the magical waterfall.

Canoe Beach is perfect if you are looking to take a swim or just simply enjoy the beach. This location does have picnic tables, a concession stand, and a playground that can all be enjoyed during your visit.

Shuswap Pie Company is a great place to stop for lunch or to take a sweet or savory pie with you as a snack on the road. These pies are handmade and use local ingredients to ensure they are tasty and fresh. The store is located in Downtown Salmon Arm . 

Lastly, visit the record-breaking world Wharf as this wooden wharf is the longest in North America and is perfect to use for fishing or feeding the ducks. During the summer, you can often find live music and food trucks along the wharf.

Whenever we visit Kamloops, we make sure that we visit Riverside Park in the heart of the city as it is a great spot for families. Riverside park has two amazing playgrounds, a walking trail with a lookout to the Thompson River, and a splash pad.

In the summertime, there is a small concession stand that you can buy lunch from and eat at a nearby picnic table. Make sure you save room as Scoopz Ice Cream shop is located just across the street and has many ice cream treats to choose from.

Another family-friendly stop is at BC Wildlife Park , which is home to over 65 species of animals and 200 animals, including grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, and birds of prey. These animals are all animals that have been saved from the wild as they could no longer survive in the wild on their own.

The park runs a fun train around the park on weekends that the kids will enjoy. This wildlife park is the perfect excursion as it is not very big, so the whole park can be visited in 2-3 hours making it a great spot to stop and stretch your legs.

Bridal Veil Falls

This is one of the quicker stops you can make along the route, however, you don’t want to miss viewing this beautiful cascading waterfall that is over 60 meters tall. The water flows over the smooth rock face and creates a veil effect, thus giving the park the name Bridal Veil Falls . 

You will want to complete both walking trails to create a loop from the parking lot to the waterfall. Follow the path and then cross over the wooden bridge to get the best viewpoint of the falls.

The trail is uphill but is not too steep and takes you through the forest along the riverbank until you reach the falls. Take the Woodland trail back to the parking lot or take the junction to the left to stop at a great picnic spot for lunch.

Crazy Creek Hot Pools

Experience the benefits of geothermal hot pools that are nestled in the woods among the mountain views. Relax in one of four pools, all ranging at varying temperatures from 40C to 12C. This family-friendly activity is available for all children three years old and up, and a family pass only costs $50 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Crazy Creek Resort also offers accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping, and cabins. The resort has so much for kids to do, including playgrounds, a bike track, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge accessible by walking trails, and is near many fun attractions like the Enchanted Forest, which is an old-growth forest with over 350 fairy sculptures along the mystic trail.

Cultus Lake

While Cultus Lake is a little bit of a detour, it is only 11 km south of Chilliwack which you will pass through on your way to Vancouver. Cultus Lake is the ultimate outdoor family playground and is the gem of the Fraser Valley. This recreation hub offers Cultus Lake, which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. 

Destination Cultus is a kid’s dream destination as it is home to a water park as well as an amusement park so that the whole family will be entertained. When you’re worn out from the park, you can check out the variety of amazing local restaurants, such as Lakeside Beach Club, which makes amazing wraps.

If you are looking for a resting spot, Sunnyside Campground has over 65 acres of campgrounds and lots of activities for the kids, such as playgrounds, boat rentals, and basketball and volleyball courts. 

• When traveling with kids on a long-distance road trip, make sure to pack a variety of snacks and drinks to keep them happy and to save yourself from paying gas station prices.
• Pack a cooler for the car so you can make sandwiches and picnic at some of the most beautiful picnic spots in Canada.
• Pack a life jacket or floatation device of your own, as there are a variety of places to stop and enjoy swimming or water sports along this route.
• Make sure you pack good shoes for hiking, as there are so many amazing trails you won’t want to miss viewing, and you want your feet to be comfortable to make hiking easier.
• Last but not least, our Ultimate Family Road Trip checklist will help you to make sure you don’t forget anything important! 

We hope you’ve found some inspiring stops to make on your next Canadian road trip. You may also be interested in:

• The 10 Best Canadian Road Trips You Cannot Miss
• Epic Cross Country Driving Itinerary Toronto to Vancouver
• Capturing the Best of Vancouver Island – Driving Itinerary
• Vancouver to San Francisco by Car – Pacific North West Road Trip

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The Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver

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Table of Contents

The Canadian Rockies. Filled with soaring mountains, dense forests, and sparkling rivers, the drive from Calgary to Vancouver provides some of the best views in all of Canada .

Every year, I go on at least one road trip through the Rockies, and I never get bored of its breathtaking scenery. And while there are many possible routes you can take from Calgary to Vancouver, from heading up north and stopping in Jasper National Park to exploring the United States , my absolute favorite Rockies road trip itinerary takes the Trans-Canada Highway.

From exciting wildlife sightings, refreshing stops beside the rapid rivers, and awe-inspiring alpine views, the drive from Calgary to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway provides non-stop beauty.

So, if you’re looking for some tips and inspiration as you plan your Canadian odyssey, then continue reading! This is my ultimate 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, or just British Columbia in general, you may be interested in my other articles:

• The Ultimate Self-Guided Vancouver Walking Tour
• The 15 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• 22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver
• 18 Spectacular Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• 6 Epic Whistler Hikes
• 11 Fabulous Things to Do in Salt Spring Island
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

Summary of the Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip

First, here’s a summary of my 7-day drive from Calgary to Vancouver:

• Day 1 : Calgary to Banff
• Day 2 : Banff
• Day 3 : Banff to Golden
• Day 4 : Golden to Revelstoke
• Day 5 : Revelstoke to Kamloops
• Day 6 : Kamloops to Hope
• Day 7 : Hope to Vancouver

When is the Best Time to Visit the Canadian Rockies?

Without a doubt, the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is during the summer (from June to September), as it offers peak driving conditions and perfect hiking weather. However, this unfortunately means there will also be more travelers around (after all, this is when domestic travelers like myself get to explore Canada ‘s prime destinations as well) .

So, if you’re comfortable with winter driving (unfortunately, I’m not) , then visiting the Rockies in the winter is also amazing, as it provides great skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and skating options, as well as the potential to witness the aurora borealis!

7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver

Now, let’s get into the meat of the article! The drive from Calgary to Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway is approximately 975 km (606 miles) long, which will take at least 11.5 hours to drive. But who wants to speed through the Canadian Rockies in a day? Here’s how to extend it into one week:

Day 1: Calgary to Banff

First, we’re going to start this road trip off in Calgary, Alberta, and head to Banff National Park!

• Distance : 129 km (80 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : From 1 h 25 min to 1 h 50 min

Obviously, today’s drive is going to be short and sweet, but this will allow you to spend as much time as possible surrounded by Banff’s spectacular scenery. From the towering, rugged mountains to the turquoise lakes, there are so many things to do in Banff (that’s why you’ll be spending two nights here!) .

However, I do recommend stopping in the adorable town of Canmore en route from Calgary to Banff.

Things to Do in Calgary

But before you head out to Banff, there are many amazing things to do around Calgary as well. While you may have explored this delightful city already, here are a few of my recommendations for the top things to do in Calgary:

• Stephen Avenue : The main street in downtown Calgary, Stephen Avenue is the best place to go shopping.
• Calgary Tower : For stunning, panoramic views of Calgary and distant views of the Rockies, climb up the Calgary Tower !

• Prince’s Island Park : A charming park situated in downtown Calgary, Prince’s Island Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
• Bow River : One of the best things to do in Calgary is to float down the Bow River on a raft!
• Fish Creek Provincial Park : If you’re looking for one of the free things to do in Calgary, I recommend wandering around the enchanting Fish Creek Provincial Park.
• Heritage Park Historical Village : To learn more about Calgary’s history from the 1860’s to the 1930’s, visit the Heritage Park Historical Village .

Day 2: Explore Banff

While touring Calgary is an absolute pleasure, it truly doesn’t compare to the beauty of Banff National Park. So how should you spend your full day in one of the most beautiful Canadian national park s ? Here are my suggestions for your itinerary :

• Banff Town : For adorable shops and delicious food, I recommend wandering around the town of Banff.
• Banff Gondola : If you want to admire the sweeping, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains without a strenuous hike , I advise taking the Banff Gondola . There are four gondolas available, but the most popular one is the Banff Sightseeing Gondola at Sulphur Mountain.

• Lake Louise : One of the most enchanting spots near Banff, Lake Louise is a turquoise, glacier-fed lake that you can paddle around in the summer, and skate on in the winter! It’s definitely one of the most memorable spots on the road trip to Alberta and BC .
• Moraine Lake : Another turquoise, glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is surrounded by soaring mountains and delightful waterfalls. It’s best explored by canoe, or by foot!

• Johnston Canyon : With incredible views and an easy, well-maintained path that allows you to venture deep into the canyon’s limestone walls, I definitely recommend checking out the Lower and Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon.
• Tunnel Mountain : If you want to check out one of the easier hikes near Banff, climb up Tunnel Mountain. With breathtaking views of the Bow and Spray River valleys, Tunnel Mountain only requires 1-1.5 hours to complete, with a 266 meter (873 ft) elevation change.

• Lake Minnewanka : Finally, the last lake near Banff I’m going to recommend is Lake Minnewanka. Perfect for picnicking, mountain biking, hiking , and canoeing (essentially all the best Banff summer activities), it receives slightly less traffic than Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

If you want to hit the trails around Banff, but don’t have much hiking experience, check out my article on the 15 essential tips for how to start hiking safely !

Day 3: Banff to Golden

After spending the entire previous day admiring Banff’s majestic scenery, it’s time to move on and drive to Golden, BC!

• Distance : 139 km (86 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : Around 1 h 50 min

Once again, you’re not going to be driving a lot, but that’s because there’s another you must explore: Yoho National Park.

Things to Do in Yoho National Park

There are many ways to spend one incredible day in Yoho National Park . Here are some of my suggestions:

• Burgess Shale Fossil Beds : Now, as someone who loves paleontology, I have to mention this first: you have to visit the Burgess Shale Fossil Beds. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Burgess Shale is filled with incredible fossils of soft-bodied organisms from the end of the Cambrian Explosion. And, fun fact, these organisms were alive when this entire region was straddling the equator!

• Emerald Lake : Next, one of the most popular stops in the Canadian Rockies is the stunning Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. With its unique jade color and picturesque surroundings, you won’t regret visiting this enchanting lake!

• Takakkaw Falls : If you want to see one of the highest waterfalls in all of Canada (with a maximum drop of around 373 meters, or 1,224 ft), embark on the Takakkaw Falls trail—a short, easy, and pleasant hike that leads you to the base of the towering falls!

• Wapta Falls : Nevertheless, my favorite set of waterfalls in Yoho National Park is definitely Wapta Falls. Another one of the easy Yoho National Park hikes (although slightly harder than Takakkaw Falls), you can once again hike to the very base of the falls, but you’ll probably get soaked!
• The Iceline Trail : If you’re looking for a more challenging Yoho National Park hike , I recommend embarking on the Iceline Trail. 14.2 kilometers long (8.8 miles) and with an 864-meter elevation change (2835 ft), this trail meanders through charming meadows and provides captivating, alpine views.

Things to Do in Golden

If you’re not interested in any of the incredible Yoho National Park sights listed above, here are some of the best things to do in Golden, BC!

• Kicking Horse River Whitewater Rafting : If you’re looking for an adventure, I recommend trying whitewater rafting!
• Canyon Creek : For a short but sweet hike , embark on the Canyon Creek trail. While it can be a bit challenging with some deep drop-offs (be careful!), you’ll get the cool experience of walking along the rim of a canyon.
• Thompson Falls : Another hike in Golden, Thompson Falls is a moderate hiking trail through lush forests to a pretty set of waterfalls!

Day 4: Golden to Revelstoke

Next, it’s time to head through the celebrated Rogers Pass to Revelstoke.

• Distance : 148 km (92 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : From 1 h 50 min to 2 h

I definitely recommend visiting the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre en route, where you can learn more about the history of the Rogers Pass, a high mountain pass crossing through the Selkirk Mountains!

Things to Do in Revelstoke

Once again, you’ll pretty much have a full day to spend exploring. So what are the best things to do in Revelstoke?

• Mount Revelstoke National Park : A relatively small national park located in the Selkirk Mountains, Mount Revelstoke National Park is filled with spectacular hiking trails passing through dense forests and enchanting meadows.
• Lake Revelstoke : Another stunning lake in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Revelstoke is actually man-made. However, it still offers all the perks of the alpine lakes listed before, like fishing, kayaking, camping, swimming, and canoeing.
• Revelstoke Railway Museum : One of the best Revelstoke attractions for families and history students alike, the Revelstoke Railway Museum teaches you about the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

• Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail : For a quick, lovely stroll around impressive western red cedars, the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail is the place to go!
• The Enchanted Forest : If you’re traveling with children, then the Enchanted Forest is the perfect stop on your Canadian Rockies road trip. Filled with fairy tale-themed buildings and characters, wandering through these woods is truly a magical experience.

Day 5: Revelstoke to Kamloops

Next stop, Kamloops! While today’s drive is going to be a bit longer than usual (in comparison to the other days on your drive from Calgary to Vancouver), you can stop in either Sicamous or Salmon Arm en route for some lovely British Columbia views.

• Distance : 212 km (132 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : From 2 h 30 min to 2 h 40 min

Things to Do in Kamloops

But don’t worry, you’ll still have lots of time to explore Kamloops! These are the best things to do:

• BC Wildlife Park : One of the top things to do on your Calgary to Vancouver drive is definitely visiting the BC Wildlife Park . A rescue and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife, it’s one of the best places to observe British Columbia’s native animals, like bears, elk, bobcats, wolves, and mountain lions.
• Downtown Kamloops : For some cute boutiques and various restaurant options, take a stroll through downtown Kamloops.
• Riverside Park : For a relaxing afternoon, I recommend visiting Riverside Park—a charming public park bordering the Thompson River.

• Kamloops Lake : If you’re looking for a place to escape the summer heat, I recommend heading to Kamloops Lake.
• Kenna Cartwright Park : Another charming Kamloops park, the Kenna Cartwright Park provides incredible views of Kamloops and pleasant trails, perfect for nature walks .

Day 6: Kamloops to Hope

Next, it’s time to head to Hope, BC, one of the top weekend getaways from Vancouver .

• Distance : 203 km (126 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : From 2 h 10 min to 2 h 40 min

While there aren’t many attractions en route, you can stop in Merritt for a short, relaxing break.

Things to Do in Hope

While there have been many incredible attractions on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip so far, some of the coolest stops are near Hope. These include:

• Othello Tunnels ( Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park ) : An easy and stunning hike through a series of old train tunnels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Othello Tunnels offer incredible views of the Coquihalla River and a glimpse into Canada ‘s history. It’s definitely the number one thing to do in Hope!
• Thacker Regional Park : Located near Kawkawa River, Thacker Regional Park is an essential stop if your Vancouver road trip is in September or October, as this is when the coho, pink, and chum salmon start spawning and rearing. It makes for an amazing sight!

• Flood Falls : A short and easy hike through lush forests, the Flood Falls are a tall, thin, and lovely set of waterfalls, and one of the best things to do in Hope, BC.
• Silver Lake Provincial Park : Located in the Skagit River Valley, Silver Lake Provincial Park is a great place to have a picnic, surrounded by picturesque mountains and a serene lake.

If you want to learn more about the great hikes in Hope, check out my article on the best hikes near Vancouver!

Day 7: Hope to Vancouver

Finally, on the last day of our drive from Calgary to Vancouver, we’ll arrive in Vancouver!

• Distance : 152 km (95 miles)
• Approximate Driving Time : From 1 h 30 min to 2 h

Things to Do in Vancouver

While our Canadian Rockies road trip has now officially come to an end, I hope you’ll still visit some of the incredible attractions in Vancouver, including Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, English Bay, the UBC Museum of Anthropology, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge!

And if you’re interested in learning more about the great things to do in Vancouver, check out my other articles:

And That’s It!

I hope you found this article useful and inspiring. Whether you plan to drive from Calgary to Vancouver or drive from Vancouver to Calgary, and whether your itinerary is for 1 day, 7 days, or 14 days, I hope this article helped you decide what to see in the Canadian Rockies!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

Thinking of traveling to the USA ? If so, I recommend visiting New Orleans! If you want to learn more, read my 3-day New Orleans itinerary .

About to embark on a trip? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more posts on destinations in Canada
• Click here for more resources

Like this post? Share it!

Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

Canada is high on my travel wish list. This post gives the perfect itinerary and I also love your photos. Absolutely stunning. I will save this post for future reference, thank you.

Thank you! I definitely recommend exploring the Canadian Rockies if you’re visiting Canada, they’re absolutely stunning

Hi Mia. We’re all about road trips I’m mountains. What better place than Canadian Rockies? We’ve done several along this route and, for us, Fall is the absolute best time to go. No crowds mean you can have it all to yourself! Of course, it’s a beautiful time of year to go too.

Hi Tom! If you’ve already driven this route from Calgary to Vancouver, you can try going on the roads down south and check out the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park, or up north for Jasper National Park. While Jasper National Park is super popular and offers tons of incredible trails, the roads down south are pretty underrated, in my opinion!

Hi just read your article foundit very helpful. We’re planning trip have 2 weeks any tips on accommodation

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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.

The Ultimate 7 Day Vancouver to Calgary Road-Trip

A Vancouver to Calgary road-trip through the Canadian Rockies has to be on your Canadian bucket-list. The scenery from Vancouver to Calgary is breathtakingly beautiful with the soaring peaks of the Rockies meeting the turquoise blue lakes and then giving way to the rolling prairies.

We did this Vancouver to Calgary drive itinerary in 7 days, but we were pushed for time and did not manage to see and do everything we wanted. There are loads of things to do in Calgary , but we just didn’t have time on this trip. We would recommend taking a little longer if you have time (because you don’t want to miss Vancouver Island ideally).

14 days would allow you to see and do a lot more. If you have all the time in the world, why not push on through to the East?  Toronto with kids is really fun, and according to Kids Are A Trip,  there’s loads to do in Prince Edward Island with kids . We’re saving that for an east coast Canada road trip though!

Our 7 day Vancouver to Calgary drive looked something like this. You can obviously follow a similar route if you’re doing the reverse Calgary to Vancouver road trip, or if you’re strapped for time, there are also plenty of weekend break destinations from Vancouver too – including the fabulous Victoria, capital of BC .

*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and book something, we may earn a small commission but this will be at no extra cost to you*

Map of our Vancouver to Calgary road trip

Things to do before your Vancouver to Calgary road-trip

First up – grab yourself a travel guide and mark off all the places you like the sound of. Having a guide to hand on the trip is easier than looking everything up on your cell phone as you go. And most importantly, before you head off, get your road trip playlist sorted !

Decide whether to hire a campervan or a car

There are a couple of ways to do this Vancouver to Calgary road-trip. You can hire an RV (campervan) and book campsites or you can hire a car and book hotels or campsites.

If you’re booking campsites, just bear in mind that Canadian campsites are not like the all-singing, all-dancing family campsites in France .

When you camp in the Canadian National Parks, you bring everything with you. There are no shops with croissants for breakfast.

There are no swimming pools with slides. You are there to get close to nature and nature (bears) may get close to you if you don’t follow the rules on keeping a clean campsite!

We hired a car and booked hotels because we didn’t have any camping gear and the cost of hiring an RV was just too much. We were also slightly perplexed by the Parks Canada booking system which usually opens up for bookings in January.

If you’re not quick off the mark, you’ll miss the best spots.

Car hire in Canada

We would advise that you hire your car before you go. Make sure to shop around for car hire. Car hire in Canada is quite expensive, especially in peak season.

If you want a one way hire (picking up in one location and dropping in another), some companies will charge an extra fee. After checking the usual suspects; Travelsupermarket and Rentalcars , we found that Canadian Affair had by far the cheapest rates.

We recommend hiring through a UK company as the insurance is generally included (but you should check).

Never underestimate the distances you will cover so make sure you also have unlimited mileage. Canada is vast! The Vancouver to Calgary drive distance taking the most direct route is 1,000 km.

Car seats in Canada

You need to consider whether to hire car seats through the rental company or whether to bring your own.

If you bring your own, you need to make sure that they are compliant with Canadian regulations. Note that each province has their own rules. Here’s a good starting point for information on car seat requirements in Canada .

Taking a break at Mount Norquay in Banff National Park on our Vancouver to Calgary roadtrip

If you hire through the rental company, you need to be aware that the cost of hire for a week or two will easily be more than the cost of buying a car seat! We also find that the standard of car seats provided by rental companies varies a lot.

We had our own seats with us so we did not see what the car seats provided by Avis were like. It may be a good idea to head to the nearest large store to buy car seats when you first arrive. You can Google the nearest Canadian Tire or Walmart or you can even arrange an Amazon delivery to your hotel if you aren’t picking up the car immediately.

One final piece of advice. Make sure to download your route onto Google maps when you have WiFi so that you don’t incur hefty fees using data.

Accommodation booking

We have one piece of advice here. Book well in advance. Accommodation (hotels and campsites) in and around the parks gets very booked up, especially in peak season (July and August). Compared to European destinations, there aren’t many budget hotel options.

If you have been saving loyalty points with a hotel chain, consider using them here for transit nights when you get in late and leave early the next morning.

We booked most of our hotels through Booking.com as there is usually a certain amount of flexibility and they have a great choice of accommodation.

Our friends at Treksplorer have curated some great places to stay in Vancouver , along with an accommodation guide for the city that’s well worth checking out before you book.

Plan your in-car entertainment

Kids can get easily bored on road trips. There are a few things you can do to help prevent “Are we nearly there yet?” being asked 100 times. Pack a few of their favorite travel games for kids or play a few of these games:

• Play games – First to spot X animal in the National Parks, I-Spy, ‘I packed my bag’ memory game.
• Pack snacks – anything, as long as its easily accessible. We have fruit, biscuits, cereal bars (for early starts).
• Break the journey up with stops – planned or unplanned. Sometimes unplanned turn out to be the best.
• Consider investing in some road trip toys .

In-car entertainment for the kids: marking down the animals they spot in Jasper National Park

Day 1 – Vancouver to Whistler

Vancouver deserves its own post because it is such an incredible city and there are so many fun things to do in Vancouver with kids . We’ll skip ahead to the start of our Vancouver to Calgary road trip.

After seeing the sights in Vancouver we picked up our hire car from the Avis rental office in downtown Vancouver. Heading out of Vancouver, we drove up the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler.

If you have time, you could stop in Squamish . They have family-friendly hikes, the Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls. We didn’t have time for a stop so we carried on up to Whistler.

The trip should take 90 minutes but we had a slight rockfall incident close to Horseshoe Bay so it took us a bit longer. We avoided most of the rocks that fell but ran over a small one that gave us an immediate puncture.

Luckily there was an Avis rental office in Whistler and they changed the car over for us at no cost to us as we had comprehensive insurance.

We stayed at the Legends Whistler which is actually based in Whistler Creekside, about 5km south of Whistler. We much preferred Creekside because it is a lot quieter than central Whistler and better for families.

Legends Hotel in Whistler Creekside

Because we had an apartment with kitchen, we stocked up on some groceries at the local supermarket. Be warned that everything in the Whistler area is more expensive so if you have time, stock up before you arrive.

We checked out the hotel facilities. We loved their pool area with views of the mountains and had a lovely relaxing soak in the hot tub. They also have a great kids room with movies and games.

The pool area at Legends Hotel in Whistler Creekside

For dinner, we drove over to Whistler and enjoyed some of the best sushi ever at Sushi Village . They were very busy and we hadn’t made a reservation so they took our name and we had a wander for 20 minutes.

It is worth making a reservation. The kids aren’t into raw fish but there was plenty for them to eat, including chicken yakitori (chicken skewers) and rice dishes. Bizarrely, given their distrust of anything green, they also liked a seaweed dish!

Day 2 – Exploring the cycle trails of Whistler

We got up early and picked up mountain bikes from Can Ski. It was almost directly opposite our hotel and we used a voucher for 10% off bike rental that we were given when we checked in to the hotel.

The rental process can take a little time if you are a large group but the great thing about staying in Whistler Creekside is that it is not overly busy.

The Can Ski rental office in Whistler Creekside

Whistler is the extreme sports capital of Canada with mountain biking being the most popular thing to do in Whistler in summer . It was so fun for the kids to watch the mountain bikers come down the slopes.

We were far from expert mountain bikers so it was good to find out that there are lots of family friendly trails around the area.

Watching the mountain bikers at Whistler Village

We took the Valley Trail which is a network of 40km of paved trails from Creekside to Whistler and around the lakes. There are also playgrounds along the way if anyone wants to stop off for a break.

We initially intended to spend the morning biking and then get back to Whistler for lunch, but a couple of wrong turns meant that we were out longer than we planned.

Thankfully we had snacks and water with us. The kids were troopers and managed a 25km loop. They slept well that night!

Kids cycling along the Whistler Valley Trail cycle path

After dropping the bikes back, we had a leisurely swim and hot tub at the hotel and went out for dinner at a local pizza restaurant, Creekbread.

It was a 5 minute walk from our hotel which is always a bonus but the great thing about them is that they use fresh, local ingredients.

Even their pepperoni pizza was made with house-made, nitrate-free pepperoni.

Delicious pizza at Creekbread in Whistler Creekside

Day 3 – Whistler to Kamloops

Visiting whistler mountain.

You can’t come to Whistler without taking a trip up the mountain and admiring the views. To do this, you need to take a gondola up (or hike – but we didn’t have enough time for that and I suspect it might have been a bit much for the kids).

We decided to take the Whistler Village Gondola up and the Blackcomb gondola down. First, you need to queue to buy a ticket then you need to join a different queue to get on.

Our advice (as always) is to get there early. By 11am the queue was huge and it took an hour just to get on the gondola.

The ticket prices on the day are:

Adult                                          $69

Youth 13 – 18                            $57

Child 7 – 12                               $32

Child 6 and under                  free

You can save up to $5 on tickets booked 3+ days in advance. You will also save some queuing time.

Queues at the Whistler Village Gondola

The Cloudraker Skybridge

The gondola ticket includes access to the Cloudraker Skybridge. Once you step off the gondola onto Whistler mountain, there is a short hike down to the chair lift that takes you up to the bridge.

Little ones need to be more than 1 metre tall to ride the chairlift.

View from the chairlift of the Cloudraker Skybridge on Whistler Mountain

Peak2Peak Gondola

Also included in the ticket price is the Peak2Peak gondola which takes you from Whistler mountain across to Blackcomb mountain.

We took this gondola across after we had eaten lunch at the Roundhouse Lodge. The ride takes 11 minutes and the views are stunning.

There are 2 glass bottomed gondolas on this route which you can queue for separately. The wait time was up to 45 minutes when we were there so we didn’t bother.

It is some feat of engineering. If you are scared of heights, you may not want to try it in which case you can hike down which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

View of the Peak2Peak Gondola from Whistler Mountain

We took the gondola down instead of hiking because it was quicker and we needed to get going to our next destination on our Vancouver to Calgary road-trip.

The lift ticket price may seem expensive but you can make it a full day out if you do more hiking than we did and the views are priceless.

We had so much action-packed fun in Whistler and could have spent much more time there. The one thing we would have liked to have tried but didn’t because the kids just weren’t old enough is Ziplining . Minimum age is 7. This is something we will definitely do next time!

On the road to Kamloops

We left Whistler at around 4pm and headed up Highway 99 to Cache Creek then on Highway 1 to Kamloops. This is an incredibly scenic route to drive and helps distract you from the time it takes. We drove 300km in 4 hours.

There was a quick pit stop at Hungry Herbie’s in Cache Creek when we realised we wouldn’t make it to Kamloops in time for dinner.

Their fried chicken was actually really good and they had a playground for the kids to stretch their legs which is always a good thing on a long road-trip.

The playground at Hungry Herbie’s in Cache Creek

It was a quick drive to Kamloops from here. We stayed at the Hampton Inn by Hilton because it was conveniently located just off the highway and was very reasonable.

We just needed a bed for the night but as a bonus it had a pool with slides which the kids loved.

Day 4 – Kamloops to Tête-Jaune Cache

After a surprisingly good breakfast (we could make our own waffles) and a quick swim, we set off for Tête-Jaune Cache.

We had to stop at Clearwater to refuel and it’s a good thing we did as we came across Dutch Lake by accident.

We were surprised that there was no mention of it in our Lonely Planet. It was a shame that we didn’t have our swimsuits to hand because it would have been perfect to have a swim.

As it was, they made the most of the lakeside playground before we set off for Tête Jaune Cache.

Views of Dutch Lake in Clearwater, Canada

We knew that our accommodation at Terracana Ranch Resort in Tête Jaune Cache was a little remote so we made sure to pick up some picnic stuff at the supermarket in Valemount .

The last thing we wanted was to have to set off on a 40km round trip to the nearest supermarket just after checking in.

Instead, we unpacked a few bits and had a lovely scenic picnic lunch by our log cabin accommodation and explored the grounds.

Enjoying the views at Terracana Ranch, Tete Jaune Cache

We didn’t fancy making dinner ourselves so we set off to eat at Riverside Cafe at Tête Jaune Lodge. There was a buffet meal and kids under 5 were free.

It’s relatively simple but tasty and the best thing about it was that there was no waiting. With so much choice, there was something for everyone.

The beautiful riverside setting of the Riverside Cafe at Tete Jaune Lodge

Actually, the best thing about it was the setting. We had the most beautiful views from our riverside table. After dinner, make sure to take a stroll over the old railway bridge nearby for scenic photos.

The old railway bridge at Tete Jaune Cache

Day 5 – Tête Jaune Cache to Canmore

This was our longest day. In hindsight it would have been great to spend a few days in Jasper , have had an extra stop closer to the Saskatchewan River Crossing between Jasper and Banff.

We didn’t have the time, so we were up early to head into Jasper National Park to beat the crowds.  Or so we thought.

We did not realise that the clocks went forward an hour when you cross from British Columbia into Alberta. Our schedule was pushed back an hour which makes a big difference to the crowds.

Leaving Tête Jaune Cache, you’ll go through Robson National Park first on Highway 16 with beautiful views of Mt Robson, one of the highest peaks in the Rockies.

Look out for wildlife. We saw black bears almost immediately.

Black bear sighting in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park

Shortly after crossing the boundary into Jasper National Park you will drive through the Jasper West Gate on Highway 16. If you don’t have a guide book, you may want to pick up the free park brochure with your tickets.

Tickets are $10.00 / adult or $20.00 per family per day. Children are free. For more info on tickets, see the Canada Parks site.  We bought our ticket at around 10am and it was valid until 4pm the following day, so it was over 24 hours.

Couple of quick tips:

• Make sure to clearly display your ticket.
• Refuel in Jasper town if you need to. The next petrol station is not until the Sasketchewan crossing (about 150km)
• Keep to the speed limits (90km/h on major roads). You never know when wildlife will run across the road.

Athabasca Falls

From Jasper town, head down Highway 93 (aka the Icefields Parkway). After 30km you will see signs for the Athabasca Falls . This was our first stop of the day.

The car park was already relatively full but we found parking easily. There is no hiking involved. The falls are a short walk from the car park along a paved track. Depending on the time of day, it can be a jostle to find a spot to take pictures.

The mighty Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park with a delicate rainbow

Sunwapta Falls

Back to the car and around another 30km further south are the Sunwapta falls. Again, the falls are just a short walk from the car park. There are hikes around the area but we had a very long day of travel so we just checked out the waterfalls.

The amount of water gushing past is incredible, and this was late summer so I can only imagine how impressive it would be in spring with the thawing of the ice and snow.

Looking out over Sunwapta Falls in Jasper National Park

Athabasca Glacier

Another 50km (45 minutes) further south is the Athabasca Glacier. The scenery around here is just spectacular. Tall, snow capped peaks and a moon-like landscape where the glacier has retreated. And it has retreated a shocking amount over the last century (roughly 1.25km).

It is a bit of a hike up to the toe of the glacier. It took us about 20 minutes from where we parked. Along the way you will pass markers showing where the glacier was 20, 30, 50 years ago so you can see how much it has retreated.

You can take an Athabasca Glacier tour if you’d like to walk on the glacier, although it is only really suitable for kids aged 10+.

The Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park

We set off again and had lunch on the go. It was about 90km (1 hour) to Peyto Lake. It was just a quick stop because it was not well timed at all. We arrived at around 2pm and it was so busy. We took a 10 minute walk up from the car to the viewpoint.

Peyto is one of the lakes I wish we had arrived at early or late. It was the bluest of all the lakes we saw and the kids were really impressed. It was beautiful, even with the crowds but I imagine it would have been really special without the crowds.

Views over Peyto Lake in Banff National Park from the viewpoint

We saw so much this day but it was all a bit rushed and it felt wrong having our lunch on the go when there are so many lovely picnic spots.

We finally arrived at our hotel in Canmore, the Grande Rockies , and had some really tasty pizza for dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread . A quick swim back at the hotel and bed before another early start. Because we were using the town as a base and arrived so late, we sadly didn’t get a chance to check out any of the things to do in Canmore .

Day 6 – Canmore to Strathmore

Banff national park.

There are so many things to do in Banff National Park but for us it was all about the lakes. We had decided to visit Lake Louise first because we had heard parking would be difficult. We woke really early this time.

Alarms were set for 5.30am.  We arrived at about 7.30am and signs were already saying that the parking lot was full. We tried our luck and circled the car park a bit and found a spot. See our post on visiting Lake Louise with kids for more tips including what to do if you can’t find parking.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is beautiful but it is also extremely busy. This is no surprise seeing as it is the number one attraction in Banff. We were there relatively early and there weren’t too many people around, so we took some lovely photos.

The sun was just coming up over the mountains and the water was still so there was a beautiful reflection of the mountains. Later on, the lake is full of people out on kayaks so you will only get this image in the early morning.

Early morning views of Lake Louise in Banff National Park

We had seen on the way to Lake Louise that the road to Moraine Lake was closed. They were running shuttle buses, but we knew that this would take a good few hours to coordinate a round-trip so unfortunately, we missed out.

We have since read that some people get there at 5am to secure a parking spot. If we had been staying closer, maybe we would have been able to do that and still make Lake Louise for 7.30. You have to draw the line somewhere though. A 3am wake up to view a lake with the kids was sadly just not feasible.

After Lake Louise we went to the Mt Norquay ski area. There wasn’t an easy hike to do with kids (quickest was a 2-3 hour loop) and there were bears in the area so we admired the great views over Banff and decided to take the opportunity to visit Banff instead.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

We wanted to try a hot springs while in Canada and this was conveniently located for us so we grabbed our swim gear and in we went. They are located just south of Banff town.

There is a fairly large car park but it was full when we visited at 11am. We waited and circled and eventually found a spot.

The entrance fees are :

Adult (18-64)  – $8.48 Youth (3-17) – $7.46                                                                                                                                                          Child (Under 3) – Free Senior (65+) – $7.46 Family (2 adults & 2 youth) – $27.04

You’ll get a locker token included with your ticket. Click here for more info on Banff Upper Hot Springs ticket prices.

The springs are around 37-40 degrees so if you are going on a hot summer day, you won’t want to stay in long.  We were all a bit pink and needed to come out of the water regularly to cool down.

Relaxing in Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park

After the hot springs we had a picnic lunch in Central Park in Banff. There are picnic tables and large rocks that you can lay a blanket on. As the name suggests, it is central and so we had a little walk around town afterwards before setting off to Strathmore.

We chose Strathmore because of its proximity to Drumheller and Calgary and it was just somewhere to sleep. In hindsight, we would have been better driving that little bit further on this day and staying in Drumheller. Strathmore was pretty uninspiring, but the hotel was nice enough.

We stayed at the Travelodge by Wyndham which was a pretty reasonably priced hotel with a pool. It also had super speedy laundry facilities so we managed to get all of our clothes laundered within an hour.

We ate at the next door Station restaurant. The menu was huge and the food was quite average but the railway-themed decor was quite fun. It was a 30-second walk to the hotel with not much else around so it worked out well and the kids enjoyed their burgers.

Day 7 – Strathmore to Calgary

Our final day took us on a loop up to Drumheller and back down to Calgary. Having two dinosaur-mad boys who love a good dinosaur park , Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world , was always going to feature in our itinerary.

On arriving in Drumheller, we headed straight for the tourist information centre. We wanted some info on where to go and what to do but we also wanted to see the world’s largest dinosaur . In fact, the whole town is dinosaur themed. Even the streets are named after dinosaurs.

We climbed to the top of the dinosaur for a great view out of his mouth! It’s open 10-5.30 and ticket prices are:

$4 / Person (Full Day) Children 5 and under are FREE $10.50 / Family Rate (1-2 adults, children 6-17)

The World’s Largest Dinosaur at the Tourist Office in Drumheller

We picked up a great map detailing the main sights to see. We took a route west out of town along the north side of the river (North Dinosaur Trail), crossed the river taking the Bleriot Ferry and headed back along the south of the river (South Dinosaur Trail) into town.

North Dinosaur Trail

Map of the dinosaur trails around Drumheller, Alberta

Royal Tyrrell museum

Our first stop was the Royal Tyrrell museum. The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a must see if you are visiting Drumheller. Whether you are interested in dinosaurs or not, we are sure you will enjoy it. It is possibly the best dinosaur museum in the world with over 160,000 fossils.

Ticket prices are:

Adult –                           $21

Child (7-17) –                $10

Child (6 and under) –  free

The Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller

We loved the staging of the exhibits. There were scenes telling a story as opposed to just rows of bones and skeletons.

There were interactive exhibits and an interesting short film on the history of the earth from the beginning of time and the life and death of dinosaurs. We highly recommend including this in your itinerary!

Sabre tooth tigers hunting a woolly mammoth at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller

Horse Thief Canyon

Just a few kilometres along the route is the Horse Thief Canyon. The landscape is just like a mini grand canyon and was difficult to capture how picturesque it was.

If you stay still admiring the view, you may see the resident gophers popping out of their holes to say hello!

Looking out over the Horse Thief Canyon, Drumheller

The Bleriot ferry

Head on another few kilometres and you come to the Bleriot ferry river crossing. It is a free cable ferry that crosses the Red Deer river.

You drive the car on and it only takes about 10 minutes to cross. The boys were invited to ‘control’ the ferry by the very friendly ferry operator which was very exciting for them.

Operating the Bleriot Cable ferry across the Red Deer River near Drumheller

South Dinosaur Trail

Signposting the dinosaur trails around Drumheller

Orkney Viewpoint

This is a quick stop just after the ferry crossing. The views up and down the canyon are pretty spectacular and there is an information board with the history of the area and the ferry.

Views over the Red Deer River and canyon from the Orkney Lookout near Drumheller

Rosedale Suspension Bridge

Crossing the Rosedale suspension bridge was an experience! It is 117m long, free and you can check out some of the old structures that were used in the coal mining days across the river.

It does sway quite a bit (in case you don’t like that sort of thing!)

Crossing the Rosedale Suspension Bridge near Drumheller

The Hoodoos

The clock was ticking and we didn’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of the area, the Hoodoos, so we set off. Everything in the area is pretty close together so it was just a quick drive.

I am not sure what I expected really but when we got there I had a little, “Oh, that’s it?” moment!

They are quite impressive in the fact that they are unusual, but they are quite small. I think I was expecting miles and miles of the things!

Visiting the Hoodoos near Drumheller

As it was, there was a little clump of them, with lots of tourists clambering around on the surrounding rocks. So of course our boys ran off to do the same.

It was quite hard to keep track of them because they blended in with the scenery!

Rock-climbing around the Hoodoos near Drumheller

Last Chance Saloon

We had just enough time to squeeze in a late lunch/early dinner at the Last Chance Saloon in Wayne. This meant taking the 11 bridges route (you cross 11 bridges in 6 kilometres which the kids enjoyed counting).

As the name suggests, it is a wild west saloon style restaurant serving burgers and fries and the like, along with Poutine – a traditional Canadian dish . A great way to end our wild west part of the trip!

Last Chance Saloon in Wayne near Drumheller

From here we drove straight to the airport and dropped our car back. the Avis drop off is just opposite the domestic terminal at Calgary airport.

It was all very quiet at check in but it took forever to go through security. We had left plenty of time but in the end, we just got to the gate as everyone was boarding.

We think you’ll agree, this is a pretty epic road-trip and hopefully you can see that although 1500km sounds like a lot of driving, there are so many things to see and do en-route that you can easily break up the journey and the kids will never be bored!

Don’t forget to bookmark this Vancouver to Calgary roadtrip post if you found it useful and pin it to Pinterest!

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Hello! Wow! This is amazing Jacquie, I am so tempted to do it with my 2 and husband. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how much do you reckon the whole trip cost? Alison (ex LINT!)

Hi Alison! Great to hear from you! We really loved it and I’m sure you would too. It’s hard to put a total figure on it. General average spend per day including accommodation was probably £100-£150. Most of this was the accommodation! It is not cheap but we used miles in some places to help. We mostly stayed in places with a mini kitchenette or at least a fridge and made picnic lunches. Car rental for the week was about £250. Park entry was pretty cheap. Fuel is cheap. We booked flights about 8 months in advance through Skyscanner and they were about £400 each (summer holidays!) with BA – but we did do a crazy flight to Dublin, back to London and then on to Vancouver. We only decided to do Banff after we booked flights so it would be better to fly into Vancouver and out of Calgary or vice versa! Give me a shout if you need more info. I hope you get to go! :)

Such a fascinating read, so well written, informative and undoubtedly sound advice for anyone travelling with a young family!

Thanks Fliss! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

What an amazing adventure you had! I really hope to do a Canadian road trip like this someday soon so thanks so much for this itinerary, definitely pinning for my later research

Hi Karen. I’m so glad it was useful. We can’t recommend the trip (or something similar) enough. Everyone was thoroughly entertained which is what made it such an easy and fun time! I hope you get to go soon.

Sounds like an epic road trip! I’ve always wanted to drive between the two (I’m from Toronto). I didn’t even know the Hoodoos existed. Will definitely add this to my west coast road trip bucket list!

Hi Ioana. Thanks for your comment. It is absolutely bucket list worthy I’d say, especially as you’re so close. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Crazy! Sorry. Drop your two days for Banff Jasper Kamloops. Make your trip a city-only trip and stick to Calgary and Vancouver. Fly between the two. Your current plan has you driving a little over 11 hours from Calgary to Kamloops. That s just driving time – you will be eating fast food in the car and peeing at the gas stations when you fill up. Here s a more realistic plan (IMO)

thank you for sharing this content such nice and helpfull content.

I have a weakness and that is road trips. It is my favorite form of the journey and when you are doing it with your friends, there is just a chill In the air which is just calming. I do that more often than not.

Useful post! I really need this type of article.. this is very useful for me.

Just come across your road trip, it sounds amazing! I’m sat here trying to book a very similar trip for August this year with my husband and four children (5-11). We might be able to squeeze a couple more days into the road trip, perhaps up to 10 days for Vancouver to Calgary, any places you would have stayed longer or added to your trip if you’d had three extra days? Appreciate any help, there’s so much to look at! Thanks very much :)

Hi Carly, thanks for reaching out. I would say that Whistler is worth a few days and had we had more time, I would have loved to explore Yoho as that is much less busy than Banff. The drive from Whistler to Jasper was incredibly scenic but I don’t think spending extra time doing this part is necessary. Kamloops definitely doesn’t need more time. If you don’t want to do Yoho, then I’d add a day closer to Jasper. Another option is to maybe add some time in Calgary as it is a lovely city. Have a lovely trip!

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Vancouver To Calgary Road Trip: Top 18 Tips

Traveling from Vancouver to Calgary is one of the best journeys you can experience in Canada . The 1,074 km road trip from Vancouver to Calgary takes around 11 hours and 33 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 18 top tips that turn your Vancouver to Calgary drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

6 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Vancouver To Calgary

On the Vancouver to Calgary road trip, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top six hotels on the Vancouver – Calgary route!

• BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel: BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the Vancouver to Calgary road trip. Driving from Vancouver to BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel might take around 55 mins . The Brookside Inn Boutique Hotel is a luxurious option for accommodation, situated next to a working vineyard with a magnificent view of Mount Baker. The three-story inn, built in the Tudor style, features 9-15 foot high ceilings, creating a stately yet warm atmosphere. Check the BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel, one of the best hotels in Abbotsford, Canada, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Evergreen B & B, Hope, Canada: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Calgary from Vancouver is Evergreen B & B, Hope, Canada. Located in Hope, Canada, the hotel is 152 km away from Vancouver, and it would take 1 hour and 42 mins to drive. Instead, experience the charm of a minor, friendly boutique Bed & Breakfast with all the modern conveniences you desire. Our lovely furnishings, convenient location near shops and restaurants, and hospitable owners will make you feel at home. And relax in our large soaker tubs after a long day of exploring! If you want to learn more about Evergreen B & B, Hope, Canada, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre. South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre is located in Kamloops, Canada, and it’s 377 km away from Vancouver. You can arrive there in 3 hours and 55 mins of non-stop driving. The “Unique Boutique” Inn is situated on 55 acres right on the South Thompson River. Guest accommodations are all individually decorated and feature balconies overlooking the mountain or river views, luxurious bathrobes, soaker or jetted bathtubs & complimentary wireless internet service. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre for more information.
• The Explorers Society Hotel: If you are taking the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, Revelstoke, Canada, it must have a place you should visit. The Explorers Society Hotel is one of the best hotels in town. It is The Explorers Society Hotel, 565 km from Vancouver, and it would take 6 hours to drive. The Hotel Windham provides a luxury experience for adventurers, groups, and business/social events with its nine beautiful wood-trimmed and historically detailed hotel rooms, huge rooftop indoor/outdoor guest lounge with hot tub, secure parking, and the Boiler Room – a mysterious place for private dining and whisky. If you need more info about the price and availability of The Explorers Society Hotel, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Bighorn Meadows Resort: Our next hotel is Bighorn Meadows Resort, Radium Hot Springs, Canada. It will take 8 hours, and 46 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Vancouver. Bighorn Meadows Resort offers stunning views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges and the emerald green fairways of the prestigious Springs Course. Guests can enjoy mountain vistas, cozy fireplaces, decks with BBQs, high-end finishings, and full kitchens where they can stock groceries, snacks, and drinks in one of the Resorts 1, 2, or 3-bedroom vacation condos. Check the Bighorn Meadows Resort on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Bighorn Meadows Resort for reviews, prices, and availability.
• Mount Royal Hotel: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is Mount Royal Hotel. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Banff, Alberta, within a 10 and 20 mins drive from Vancouver. The stylish mountain-chic accommodations and relaxed approach to luxury at the Alpine Village Resort promise to elevate your Canadian Rockies experience. After a day of adventure, head to the rooftop for a soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs. The views from here are truly next-level. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com .

In this part, we explained six different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the exact Vancouver to Calgary route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Vancouver to Calgary. We have six restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

6 Best Restaurants On The Vancouver To Calgary Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Vancouver to Calgary road trip. In this section, we list the six different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Vancouver to Calgary road trip with Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford. Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford, is located in Abbotsford, Canada, 72.0 km from Vancouver. It would take 59 mins of driving. The award-winning and family-owned Greek restaurant in Abbotsford, BC, have three convenient locations. Each dish is delicious and very plentiful! For more information about Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford.
• Owl Street Cafe: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Calgary from Vancouver is Owl Street Cafe. Located in Hope, Canada, Owl Street Cafe is 150 km from Vancouver and would take 1 hour and 42 mins to drive. This cafe is full of character. The interior is filled with owls, and there is a charming garden patio to enjoy. The coffee is excellent, and the pastries are delicious. This is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. If you want to learn more about Owl Street Cafe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Hello Toast: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Hello Toast. It will take 3 hours and 42 mins of car drive to take 354 km from Vancouver to Hello Toast, Kamloops, Canada. Hello, Toast is a popular breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Kamloops. They’ve been a part of the community for over 20 years and are known for their delicious food and friendly service. So if you’re looking for a great place to eat in Kamloops, Toast is worth checking out! You can check Hello Toast on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information .
• Quartermaster Eatery: Quartermaster Eatery deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Revelstoke, Canada. Working with local farms, boutique ranchers, and wild/sustainable fisheries, chefs create innovative takes on timeless cuisine for the modern diner. Crafting carefully, in-house, and from scratch is their way of doing things because good food shared amongst good people is a powerful source of connection, emotion, and joy. Quartermaster Eatery is 565 km from Vancouver and would take 6 hours of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Quartermaster Eatery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Helna’s Stube Restaurant: If you enjoy dining, Helna’s Stube Restaurant would be an excellent choice in Radium Hot Springs, Canada. It’s 816 km from Vancouver and would take 8 hours and 44 mins of car driving. Helna’s Stube is a restaurant specializing in delicacies from Austria and the surrounding areas. The menu features a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts that change regularly. If you want to learn more about Helna’s Stube Restaurant, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Sky Bistro: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is Sky Bistro, Banff, Alberta. It will take 10 hours and 26 mins of driving to reach Sky Bistro from Vancouver. Sky Bistro offers stunning views of Banff and six Rocky Mountain ranges from its position on Sulphur Mountain. Guests can ride on the Banff Gondola to reach the restaurant, where they can enjoy locally inspired dishes made from fresh regional ingredients. Canadian culinary traditions are showcased in the Sky Bistro’s menu, making it a truly unique dining experience. For more information about Sky Bistro, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.

This section lists our six restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,074 km journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Calgary road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Vancouver to Calgary. Keep reading.

6 Places To Visit On The Vancouver To Calgary Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Calgary. However, some unique destinations, like Abbotsford, Canada, are on your road trip. We want to explain the top six destinations we recommend on the Calgary route.

• Mill Lake: Mill Lake will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Vancouver to Calgary road trip. Located in Abbotsford, Canada, Mill Lake is 71.3 km away from Vancouver, and it would take 59 mins to drive. Whether you are a serious walker, runner, jogger, or out for a pleasant stroll, the path around the lake offers a wide variety of views of the surrounding area. Views include Mt. Baker, the kids’ park, an eagle’s nest, and too many gooses! If you want to learn more about Mill Lake, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Art Walk, Hope, Canada: Art Walk, Hope, Canada, Hope, Canada is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Vancouver to Calgary route. It’s 152 km from Vancouver, and it’ll take about 1 hour and 43 mins of driving. At each of the locations in black below, you will find featured wood carvings or work by local artists. If you want to learn more about Art Walk, Hope, Canada, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Monte Creek Winery: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is Kamloops, Canada. And if you visit Kamloops, Canada, we suggest you visit Monte Creek Winery. You can arrive at Monte Creek Winery after 3 hours and 58 mins of driving. With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, Monte Creek Winery in the Thompson Valley is turning unique growing conditions into award-winning premium wines. Situated on a 1,200-acre property, Monte Creek Winery has 75 acres of grapes planted in the Thompson Valley, plus 40 planted acres in the Similkameen Valley. The winery’s focus on sustainable and regenerative farming has resulted in wines celebrating the purpose and place. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Monte Creek Winery for more information.
• Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, Revelstoke, Canada, on the Vancouver to Calgary road trip. Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail is 592 km from Vancouver, and you can arrive there after the 6 hours and 18 mins of drive. Are you looking to beat the summer heat? Take a refreshing walk through the lush rainforest. Stand at the point of no return, where champions once launched themselves down a world-famous ski jump, and imagine the thrill of flight. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail before going there.
• Kootenay National Park: Located in Radium Hot Springs, Canada, Kootenay National Park ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. You must take 8 hours and 45 mins of driving to arrive at Kootenay National Park. Kootenay National Park was established in 1920 as part of an agreement to build a new road across the Rockies. This park is a place of unique contrasts, from icy mountain rivers to steamy hot springs. Take a 60-minute scenic drive and discover a new surprise around every bend. If you want to learn more about Kootenay National Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Banff Gondola: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is Banff Gondola, Banff, Alberta. Banff Gondola is 955 km from Vancouver, and it would take 10 hours and 28 mins to drive. Travel to the top of Sulphur Mountain for stunning views of six mountain ranges. The adventure begins with an eight-minute journey to the summit in a modern, fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. You’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas in every direction. You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Banff Gondola .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Vancouver to Calgary

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Vancouver to Calgary drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Vancouver To Calgary?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Vancouver to Calgary road trip takes approximately 11 hours and 33 mins to drive. Therefore, the driving distance between Vancouver to Calgary is 1,074 km.
• If you want to make the Vancouver to Calgary road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be two days and 13 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Vancouver-Calgary route, you will have to walk for nine days and 22 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Vancouver To Calgary?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Calgary. You can visit Abbotsford, Canada; Hope, Canada; Kamloops, Canada; Revelstoke, Canada; Radium Hot Springs, Canada; Banff, Alberta on the road. Here we list six places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Vancouver to Calgary journey, you can check the 6 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Vancouver To Calgary part.

• Mill Lake: 71.3 km / 59 mins to drive from Vancouver | 1,006 km / 10 hours and 45 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Art Walk, Hope, Canada: 152 km / 1 hour and 43 mins to drive from Vancouver | 924 km / 9 hours and 56 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Monte Creek Winery: 385 km / 3 hours and 58 mins to drive from Vancouver | 692 km / 7 hours and 40 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail: 592 km / 6 hours and 18 mins to drive from Vancouver | 483 km / 5 hours and 19 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Kootenay National Park: 816 km / 8 hours and 45 mins to drive from Vancouver | 165 km / 1 hour and 44 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Banff Gondola: 955 km / 10 hours and 28 mins to drive from Vancouver | 132 km / 1 hour and 34 mins of driving to Calgary.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Vancouver To Calgary?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. We have selected six hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 6 Best Hotels On The Way To Calgary From Vancouver section.

• BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel: 66.9 km / 55 mins to drive from Vancouver | 1,014 km / 10 hours and 49 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Evergreen B & B, Hope, Canada: 152 km / 1 hour and 42 mins to drive from Vancouver | 923 km / 9 hours and 55 mins of driving to Calgary.
• South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre: 377 km / 3 hours and 55 mins to drive from Vancouver | 708 km / 7 hours and 50 mins of driving to Calgary.
• The Explorers Society Hotel: 565 km / 6 hours to drive from Vancouver | 511 km / 5 hours and 37 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Bighorn Meadows Resort: 817 km / 8 hours and 46 mins to drive from Vancouver | 261 km / 2 hours and 53 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Mount Royal Hotel: 951 km / 10 hours and 20 mins to drive from Vancouver | 126 km / 1 hour and 25 mins of driving to Calgary.

Where To Eat Between Vancouver to Calgary?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Vancouver to Calgary drive, you can consider the six restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 6 Best Restaurants On The Way From Vancouver To Calgary .

• Greek Islands Restaurant, Abbotsford: 72.0 km / 59 mins to drive from Vancouver | 1,007 km / 10 hours and 45 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Owl Street Cafe: 150 km / 1 hour and 42 mins to drive from Vancouver | 927 km / 9 hours and 56 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Hello Toast: 354 km / 3 hours and 42 mins to drive from Vancouver | 722 km / 8 hours of driving to Calgary.
• Quartermaster Eatery: 565 km / 6 hours to drive from Vancouver | 511 km / 5 hours and 37 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Helna’s Stube Restaurant: 816 km / 8 hours and 44 mins to drive from Vancouver | 260 km / 2 hours and 51 mins of driving to Calgary.
• Sky Bistro: 955 km / 10 hours and 26 mins to drive from Vancouver | 131 km / 1 hour and 33 mins of driving to Calgary.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. We have listed six hotels, six restaurants, and six places to visit on the Vancouver to Calgary drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Vancouver to Calgary road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Calgary Road Trip – Travel Guide

Before planning your Calgary road trip, we suggest you to check this extensive travel guide.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

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Road Trip From Vancouver To Calgary

Driving from Vancouver to Calgary will take you through some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in Canada and although it's a long trip, it's worth it. Many argue the Canadian Rockies are more scenic than the American ones, so if you set off on this road trip, then you can decide for yourself!

The 970-kilometer road trip from Vancouver to Calgary takes 10 hours 20 minutes to drive. Highlights en route are Kamloops, Revelstoke, Golden, Banff, Lake Louise, EC Manning Provincial Park, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho and Banff National Parks.

This Vancouver to Calgary has so much to do and many picturesque places to visit, no matter which route you choose. With so much to do along the way, you'll want to read until the end to get an idea of just how legendary this trip can be.

How to drive from Vancouver to Calgary

The map below shows two great route options for your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary. Click on the star icons for headline details, and scroll down for much more information below.

* Always remember that drive times can be impacted by traffic, closures, weather and other conditions. It's best to double-check while planning and before starting out on your trip.

How far is Calgary from Vancouver and how long will the road trip take?

Along the quickest route, the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary spans around 970 kilometers and takes 10 hours and 20 minutes, not accounting for weather conditions. Aside from the occasional winding mountain turns, the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway makes this drive straightforward regardless of season.

Extending the drive to about 13 hours and 40 minutes, an alternate route will have you driving the Crowsnest Highway. This route is sandwiched between some gorgeous Canadian parks to the north and many of the best forests in Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south.

Best road trip route from Vancouver to Calgary

Although there's a case to be made for the southern itinerary, the best road trip route from Vancouver to Calgary will depend on how much time you have on your hands to dedicate to some of the most breathtaking sceneries in Western Canada.

The Banff Route will take you to some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, from snow-capped mountains to crystal-clear lakes, this route has it all.

Following this route, you will have the opportunity to make stops at world-famous national parks, which are perfect for outdoor recreation year-round, such as Mount Revelstoke National Park, Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park and Banff National Park.

If you don't shy away from longer detours, you can also head further north to visit Jasper National Park on this route.

Taking the Crowsnest Route will mean that you'd be missing out on Banff and Yoho National Parks, arguably the highlights of the region, unless you're willing to make a decent-sized detour.

However, if you have seen these national parks and would like a change of scenery , dotted with charming small Canadian towns, then the Crowsnest Route is the perfect alternative.

Taking one route on the way to Calgary and the other on the way back is optimal for sightseeing, although the Crowsnest Route might not be the best option to follow in winter.

Both routes are very scenic, but keep in mind that gas stops are hard to come by outside the major cities like Abbotsford and Kamloops, so you'll want to make sure your tank is nice and full on your way out of Vancouver. Remember that phone signal in this part of the Rockies can be patchy, so be prepared and plan ahead.

Banff Route

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway out of Vancouver along the Fraser River, making an optional detour to Pinecone Burke and Golden Ears Provincial Parks before entering Abbotsford.

Continue north along BC-5 through Coquihalla Summit Recreational Area, then visit Monck and Lac Le Jeune Provincial Parks before reaching Kamloops.

From here, hop back onto the Trans-Canada Highway and follow the South Thompson River, stopping at BC Wildlife Park. After driving through a series of minor provincial parks and passing Tsútswecw Provincial Park, drive along Shuswap Lake and through the Enchanted Forest, then prepare to pass through the Rockies.

Without leaving the highway, marvel at the beautiful Rocky peaks as you make your way past Mt Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho, Banff, and Kootenay National Parks. Not long after passing Bow Valley Provincial Park, you'll see the Calaway Amusement Park as you enter Calgary.

Crowsnest Route

Like the previous route, take the Trans-Canada Highway out of Vancouver and follow it through Abbotsford. After passing Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, jump onto BC-3 and follow it along the outskirts of the town of Hope, then pass Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and Othello Tunnels.

After driving through EC Manning Provincial Park, you'll have a somewhat barren section leading up to Sẁiẁs Provincial Park. Driving through the Rockies, you'll have a chain of smaller provincial parks in the north and Kaniksu and Kootenai National Parks in the south.

Once you're out of the mountains, you can cross the American border and take a detour to Montana's Glacier National Park (not to be confused with the Glacier NP of Canada from the other route!) or take AB-22 and AB-2 into Calgary.

As an added footnote, if you want to see more of Washington, you can take BC-11 and WA-9 from Abbotsford into the States. From there, it's only a short drive from North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area.

Best places to stop between Vancouver and Calgary

The road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is bound to take you at least two or three days to complete. If you're aiming to see as much as possible, you should take at least a week to explore the Rockies or even the northern parts of the States. These are some of the best stops the trip has to offer:

Recharge your batteries at Kamloops

It's a little hard to split the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary into even halves, but Kamloops comes pretty close to being a midpoint; best of all, it's less than 4 hours' drive on the Banff Route and a short drive from the beautiful Rockies once you are ready to set off.

The city's landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and pristine lakes, is the perfect setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's hiking, biking, or just enjoying the picturesque views, Kamloops is a great place to spend a night or two.

BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops offers an opportunity to connect with nature and witness a variety of indigenous and exotic animals, providing an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kamloops is a standout choice if you are looking for comfort and modern amenities. This contemporary hotel features a lovely terrace to relax at and also has a snack bar, perfect for a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

Certain rooms come equipped with a seating area, offering a tranquil space to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. Moreover, select rooms boast either city or river views, providing picturesque backdrops to your stay.

When you are ready to explore, the BIG Little Science Centre, located 6 km away, is a must-visit for families and science enthusiasts alike.

A charming small village experience in Keremeos

Keremeos, charmingly situated along the picturesque Crowsnest Route about 3 hours and 30 minutes into the drive, makes for an ideal stopover on the journey. This small village, often referred to as the "Fruit Stand Capital of Canada," is nestled in the Similkameen Valley.

Grist Mill & Gardens at Keremeos, a heritage site, offers a glimpse into the 1870s with its functioning waterwheel-powered flour mill. It's a living history site where you can explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the local heritage.

The Similkameen Valley itself is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the serene river landscapes.

Just a short drive from the heart of Keremeos, the Crowsnest Vineyards Guesthouse is one of our favorite places to stay. This pet-friendly bed and breakfast features a restaurant, ensuring a delightful culinary experience right at your doorstep.

Some rooms at Crowsnest Vineyards Guesthouse boast a cozy seating area, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Additionally, the property includes a gift shop, in case you'd like to grab some souvenirs to remind you of your time in Keremeos.

The surrounding area offers activities like horse riding and cycling for those seeking adventure. The guesthouse's location is ideal, with Osoyoos 26 km away and Penticton 37 km away, positioning it perfectly for further exploration or a leisurely journey towards your final destination.

Where to stay once you reach Calgary

When you think of Canada, images of towering buildings might not be the first thing that springs to mind, but Calgary puts a lot of the States' cities to shame with its jaw-dropping architecture and urban atmosphere.

To round off your trip with the best rooms and window views in town, book a room at Hotel Le Germain Calgary .

Offering world-class accommodation and the incomparable Charcut Roast House cuisine, this hotel and its 10-foot ceilings raise the bar for all the local competition. The cherry on top is the Santé Spa, which offers every type of spa treatment under the sun.

There are amazing hotel room views, and then there's this – if you're lucky enough to snag a room on or near the 20th floor, you'll be treated by an unprecedented view of the city and a skyline you'll remember for life.

The hotel is pretty costly, but if you can afford it, there's no better way to experience the city. Located 500 meters from the heart of town, Hotel Le Germain is a hop and a skip from all of Calgary's main draws, including Glenbow Museum and The Art Gallery of Calgary.

Things to see on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

If you combine the two routes, the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary is as scenic as they come. Although it would be impossible to mention everything, these should be some of the highest priority stops during your journey.

• Mt Seymor Provincial Park - An iconic mountain biking spot in the North Shore Mountains with a great view of the Indian Arm.
• Golden Ears Provincial Park - Home to Mount Blanshard's unmistakable Golden Ears peaks and several of the region's finest campgrounds.
• Abbotsford - A quintessential mix of size and quaintness, the city is best known for the Abbotsford International Airshow.
• Chilliwack Lake National Park - Houses a ginormous event building that offers everything from rodeo arenas to kart racing.
• Coquihalla Summit Recreational Area - This area features the iconic Coquihalla Highway and the Kettle Valley Railway.
• Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area - A system of unique grasslands and forests and a complex intersection of various geological formations.
• Kamloops - The midpoint of the Trans-Canada route and home to various gorgeous parks and ski resorts.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park - Despite its relatively small size, this park is a gorgeous precursor to the chain of parks that define the Rockies.
• Glacier National Park of Canada - A bevy of scenic caves, skyscraping peaks, and indigenous animals all call this incredible park system home.
• Yoho National Park - The park's incredible rock walls and high-altitude vistas make it a must-see for passersby; Takakkaw Falls is a must-see!
• Banff National Park - The oldest national park in Canada and the definitive place to experience the Canadian Rockies.
• Morant's Curve - A vista that runs along a particularly scenic bend of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• Bow Valley Provincial Park - Stretching along the Bow River, the spring water at this park is famous for not freezing in the winter.

• Abbotsford Castle Fun Park, British Columbia - A family-friendly amusement park offering a variety of attractions including mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games.
• Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park - A scenic park featuring the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, which cascade down a rock face creating a veil-like effect.
• Skagit Valley Provincial Park - Approximately 50 kilometers of scenic hiking trails and a number of amazing fishing spots.
• EC Manning Provincial Park - No matter when you do the trip, you can do anything from hiking to skiing at this spectacular park.
• Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park - Known for the historic Othello Tunnels, this park offers dramatic canyon views and opportunities for hiking and photography.
• Cathedral Provincial Park and Protected Area - A remote and breathtaking wilderness area known for its rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and clear blue lakes.
• South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area - A unique ecosystem with rolling hills, grasslands, and diverse wildlife, ideal for hiking and nature observation.
• Elizabeth Lake - A serene natural lake on the outskirts of Cranbrook, popular for birdwatching, walking, and picnicking.
• Cranbrook History Centre - A museum showcasing the region's history, with exhibits on railway heritage and the local culture.
• Fort Steele Heritage Town - A restored 1890s pioneer boomtown offering historical reenactments, heritage buildings, and interactive experiences.
• Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site - An important historical site featuring the ruins of an early 20th-century coal processing plant.
• Lundbreck Falls - A picturesque and easily accessible waterfall, offering stunning views and picnic areas in a peaceful setting.
• Museum of the Highwood - A local museum in High River, Alberta, displaying artifacts and exhibits related to the area's cultural and natural history.
• Kaniksu & Kootenai National Forests - Mostly located in Washington and Montana, respectively, these forests are the perfect complement to Canada's southernmost attractions.

Best time to go on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

When it comes to picking the optimal time for a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, there are two important areas to keep in mind – the Canadian Rockies and Calgary itself.

Many people find the Canadian parts of the Rockies to be more lush and beautiful in the springtime than the American ones. The peaks are also less steep on average than in the States, so hiking in the spring or fall is both accessible and scenic.

As for Calgary, the best time to visit depends on how well you can handle the Canadian climate. Although it's sunny year-round, summers in Calgary peak at around 13 degrees Celsius, and this is also when the city has the most tourists.

If you visit in summer, you can participate in the famous Calgary Stampede and Calgary Folk Music Festival, both in July. So, don't forget to book your tickets if you are planning your drive from Vancouver during this month.

In the winter, temperatures can plummet to around -1 degrees Celsius and there are hardly any tourists to be found. This is still a good time to visit if you want to ski down the Rockies, though, as the slopes are only 90 minutes away by car.

If you're not a huge fan of crowds, you can get a good hotel deal in spring. Keep in mind that this is nothing like your average spring further south, and you can expect a lot of melting snow and slippery roads as late as April.

Make sure to check out the fabulous Kamloops Wine Festival if you are travelling between May and June to sample some of the region's famous vintages.

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Vancouver to Calgary drive

Vancouver to calgary road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Vancouver to Calgary. If you're planning a road trip to Calgary, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Vancouver drive for about 1.5 hours

11:17 am   Chilliwack stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:17 pm drive for about 2 hours

2:07 pm   Merritt stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:07 pm drive for about 57 minutes

4:04 pm   Kamloops stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:04 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Enderby drive for about 1.5 hours

11:29 am   Revelstoke stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:29 pm drive for about 1 hour

1:41 pm  stay at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:41 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

4:06 pm   Banff stay for about 1.5 hours and leave at 5:36 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

7:07 pm  arrive in Calgary eat at Calgary Tower stay at Hotel Arts

day 2 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

Vancouver to Calgary questions

Where should I stop along the way?

Chilliwack   (2 answers) Merritt Kamloops   (5 answers)     restaurants around Kamloops:         The Noble Pig Brewhouse & Restaurant Enderby Revelstoke   (8 answers) Kicking Horse Mountain Resort   (4 mentions) Banff   (79 answers)     Banff National Park   (13 mentions)     Johnston Canyon   (3 mentions)     Rocky Mountains   (2 mentions)     Banff National Park of Canada   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Banff:         Grizzly House Restaurant         Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Pub         St James's Gate Irish Pub         Squish Sandwich Cellar         Balkan Restaurant     questions about Banff:         Where's a great spot for lunch in Banff?         Tips and advice for moving to Banff during summer months?         Is Banff Area worth visiting if you are not in to hiking?

Where's the best place to stay in Calgary?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Calgary .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hotel Arts , which was mentioned 4 times on Trippy.

Want to research more popular hotels in Calgary? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Calgary?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Calgary Tower , which was mentioned 3 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Calgary? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Calgary?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Calgary. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Calgary.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Calgary to Vancouver drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Vancouver to Calgary . Or get a full Vancouver to Calgary flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Vancouver well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Vancouver!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Vancouver to Calgary

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

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!

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25 BEST Stops On A Calgary to Vancouver Drive

Unlike many other drives worldwide, the drive from Calgary to Vancouver (or vice versa) is far from boring. It presents numerous scenic stops along the way that can transform the trip into an extraordinary road trip adventure.

Although it is feasible to accomplish the drive in a single, extended day, it is recommended to divide it into smaller portions, as there are so many beautiful places to enjoy and small towns to see along the way!

There Are Many Routes to Drive from Calgary to Vancouver

• Fastest Route: The fastest route is to take the Trans Canada (Highway 1) from Calgary all the way to Kamloops and then hop on Highway 5 through Merritt and Hope. 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, this is the most scenic route, and one we will focus on in this article. Travel from Calgary to Kamloops and then take the Duffy Lake Road (Highway 99), which is a scenic route, but beware it is subject to avalanches, and landslides, and is overall not the easiest road to drive in the winter. We’ve been caught a few times on it in a snowstorm and can tell you it is a scary experience.
• Alternative Scenic Route: Traveling Highway 1 out of Calgary and heading towards Kelowna is another scenic route. This route will take you through the Okanagan and towns like Vernon and Kelowna. It’s a great summertime route from Calgary to Vancouver, but not so much in the winter.
• Longest Route (Adventure option): If you have time on your hands and want to explore some really cool towns you can head south from Calgary and travel through Okotoks, and hit Waterton National Park . After Waterton you’ll venture through cool mountain towns like Fernie, Nelson , and Rossland and pretty much skirt the US/Canada border. It’s a great wintertime option if you are looking to ski at some of Canada’s best ski resorts like Fernie , Red Mountain, and Whitewater.

How Far is the Calgary to Vancouver 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 without stops) to 14 hours, or even longer if you really take your time! We recommend taking two days to make the drive. When we make the Calgary to Vancouver drive we always break it up and stop in Revelstoke for the night.

Can You Drive From Calgary to Vancouver in One Day?

Yes you can! Granted, it is a very long day and will require you to start your day early, make minimal stops, and arrive pretty late in Vancouver.

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 the two cities that it deserves at least two days!

The Best Ways to Travel Between Calgary and Vancouver

• By Car: Besides flying, the best way to travel between Calgary and Vancouver 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 Calgary and drop it off in Vancouver, often for a one-way drop-off 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. There are no scenic stops on this journey, it is solely for transport.
• By Train: There is no direct train between Calgary and Vancouver, 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 from Vancouver to Calgary in the Winter

You must take extra precautions when driving in the winter in Western Canada. 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 and scary, even with winter tires. We’ve done it a few times now, and when we get caught in a bad storm, 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.

Important Things to Note

• If you plan to stop for any sightseeing or hiking in Waterton, 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 Calgary to Vancouver . 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 Calgary to Vancouver . We recommend you study a map to see which would be best for you to take and which detours may be worth your time.
• There’s a time change when driving between Calgary and Vancouver, which will fall into place somewhere around Revelstoke. Calgary operates one hour ahead of Vancouver on MST. Meaning when driving from Calgary to Vancouver you will gain an hour. If driving from Vancouver to Calgary you will lose an hour.
• The Kicking Horse Canyon . When driving between Field and Golden, it’s essential to know about the Kicking Horse Canyon project, which is part of the comprehensive Highway 1 – Kamloops to Alberta – Four Laning Program. The roadwork means Highway 1 may be shut, but this is most important during the winter months when they often close the road at night and traffic is diverted via Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park. It’s important to stay up to date with announcements and closures here.

Calgary to Vancouver Best Stops

Once primarily associated with cowboys and oil, Calgary has transformed over time into an innovative city featuring diverse activities, shops, breweries, museums, and restaurants. Though the Canadian Rockies continue to be Alberta’s top attraction, Calgary is a destination that should not be overlooked. As the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Canada, it offers ample opportunities for visitors to explore throughout the year.

Situated only 80 kilometers east of the Rockies, Calgary provides convenient access to Banff and Canmore , making it an excellent base for travelers seeking to venture out. If you’re flying into the area, chances are you are flying into YYC. Of course, you can pick up your rental car and get on with it, ignoring Calgary, but if you have an extra day to spare, take the opportunity to explore the city for a day!

Some of the top experiences in Calgary include having lunch at the Calgary Tower, exploring Studio Bell, or taking a Pedal Pub Tour in the summer. And if you happen to be visiting in July during the Calgary Stampede, the experience is not to be missed!

Yamnuska Wolfdog Center

Located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Cochrane, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is home to more than 35 magnificent wolfdogs.

The sanctuary offers the opportunity to observe and learn about wolfdogs, but visitors can also interact with them by sharing treats and giving them pats.

However, the sanctuary’s mission goes beyond providing a safe haven for displaced wolfdogs. It is also dedicated to raising awareness and promoting knowledge about these majestic animals. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around the sanctuary or take an interactive tour to learn about wolfdogs in Canada. Along the way, they can witness impressive dog tricks and meet some furry friends.

When driving between Calgary and Vancouver, a visit to the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is an interactive and educational experience that should not be missed by any animal lover. Families with children particularly love this experience!

Kananaskis Country

While Banff may take center stage, Kananaskis Provincial Park offers many unique activities and sights that should not be overlooked. We highly recommend setting aside at least a day to explore this stunning park, as falling in love with its beauty won’t take long. And if you’re pressed for time, we suggest driving down Highway 40 for just an hour or so to bask in the epic views.

Kananaskis has been the backdrop for countless movies, so see if you can spot some familiar peaks featured in The Revenant, Inception and The Edge.

In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Kananaskis offers numerous hiking opportunities in the summer. A few of our favorite hikes are Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge , Arethusa Cirque, and Prairie View Trail.

If not in the mood to hike, take a picnic basket and some inflatable stand-up paddleboards to Kananaskis Lakes or unwind in the pools at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

When driving from Calgary to Vancouver, you must stop in the stunning town of Canmore . Canmore is one of Alberta’s best places to visit and offers something for every visitor.

Stroll down Main Street with a coffee from Eclipse, venture into Stonewaters, or have lunch at Communitea – one of the best Canmore restaurants .

If you’re up for some adventure, we recommend renting a paddleboard to take out onto the Spray Lakes Reservoir , picnic by Goat Pond, or hike up Ha Ling Peak !

Lake Minnewanka / Two Jack Lake / Johnson Lake

As you drive from Canmore to Banff , you’ll see a turn-off for Lake Minnewanka/Cascade Ponds on your right-hand side.

We highly recommend taking this exit and embarking on the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Dr. This loop drive will take you by Cascade Ponds first, where you can enjoy a lovely picnic, followed by Johnson Lake , which offers a beautiful and easy loop hike if you have time, Two Jack Lake, and then the stunning Lake Minnewanka.

Each body of water provides a unique perspective and is sure to impress. During the summer, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to explore further on Lake Minnewanka.

The whole drive could take you a day if you want to relax at each lake, or if you wish to see the lakes quickly you can easily drive this in under an hour.

Downtown Banff

I’m guessing that Downtown Banff will be on your hit list when driving from Calgary to Vancouver, and you’ll likely even stay a few days, as there are so many things to do in Banff.

Although you’ll technically be in Banff National Park for a large portion of this road trip, Downtown Banff offers quite a bit for visitors who don’t want to venture too far from civilization.

Head to Banff to stroll Banff Avenue, walk into the many shops, smell the flowers at Cascade Gardens , dine at the many restaurants, walk to Bow Falls, stop at the Cave & Basin Museum, head up the Mount Norquay Charilift, or go up the Banff Gondola and enjoy the views over Cascade Mountain.

Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes , just outside Downtown Banff, offers a stunning reflection of the iconic Mount Rundle and is one of Banff’s best photo spots in Banff.

During the golden hours, photographers flock to Vermilion Lakes to capture the sublime landscape and perhaps even spot some wildlife near town. You don’t have to be a photographer to enjoy the magic here.

Vermilion Lakes is a fantastic spot to head with a book and enjoy the scenery. There are a few benches and docks to sit and relax. It’s also possible to bring a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and take it to the water. Vermilion Lakes, although windy sometimes, or one of the most accessible places to paddle in the Rockies for beginners.

Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway , or the 1A, is a road that every visitor to Banff National Park should drive on at least once. Before the Trans Canada, the Bow Valley Parkway was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise in the early 1900s.

Now, it’s a scenic drive primarily used for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. It’s a road not meant to be driven quickly, with plenty of beautiful stops along the way, including Morants Curve and Johnston Canyon . So if you’re in a hurry, don’t hop onto the Bow Valley Parkway and continue driving on the Trans Canada to get from Calgary to Vancouver.

Though if you have time, Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most family-friendly hikes and a popular site year-round. In just a few hours’ canyon walk, you’ll go past some of the best waterfalls in Banff on one of the most well-maintained trails in the park.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most popular lakes to visit in Banff , and if you have never seen it, it’s best to work it into your Banff itinerary.

Be forewarned that parking here can be a significant problem , so we recommend planning for an early visit, a late one, or taking the Lake Louise Shuttle. One thing is for certain – however you decide to visit Lake Louise, it’s best planned in advance.

Once at Lake Louise, take in the views from the lakeshore, have tea at the Fairmont, hike up to Lake Agnes and the Beehives , hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, or go for a paddle on one of the bluest lakes you have ever seen. If you have a large budget, book a night at the only hotel on the lake – the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Moraine Lake

If you are visiting Lake Louise, it’s best to work Moraine Lake into your itinerary as well (only accessible in the summer). If there is one lake even more popular than Lake Louise, it is Moraine Lake. The alpine lake is a wild turquoise blue fed by glacier melt and set with a backdrop of the Ten Peaks. If heaven were a place on earth, it would be Moraine Lake.

However, you won’t be able to drive right up to Moraine Lake while on your road trip. In fact, getting to Moraine Lake takes careful thought, and you’ll have to book the Moraine Lake shuttle or a tour to get there.

Once at Moraine Lake, rent a canoe and paddle on the lake, hike to Consolation Lakes, or just take in the views from the easy Rockpile trail.

Sherbrooke Lake

Sherbrooke Lake is a hidden gem between Calgary and Vancouver that attracts significantly fewer visitors than popular hot spots nearby, like Emerald Lake or Lake Louise. It’s a short hike to reach Sherbrooke Lake with minimal elevation gain.

The trail leading to the lake meanders through the woods for several kilometers, eventually revealing stunning vistas of Mount Ogden and Mount Niles once you reach the lakeshore.

Take in the beauty of the bright blue lake without hordes of people around. If you want an extended hike, you can continue to Paget Lookout or scramble to Paget Peak.

Spiral Tunnels

The railway engineering feat known as the Spiral Tunnels, located near Field on the drive from Calgary to Vancouver along Highway 1, is remarkable.

In the late 1800s, connecting British Columbia through the Rocky Mountains presented a challenge. Despite its proximity to the US and Pacific Coast, the steep grade of Kicking Horse Pass posed difficulties for trains. This led to the creation of the Spiral Tunnels, and their fascinating workings can be explored here.

Even today, trails pass through the Spiral Tunnels, and visitors can admire the stunning views from either of the two viewpoints. The Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint, located 7.4 km east of Field, and the Upper Spiral Tunnel lookout, situated 2.3 km up the Yoho Valley Road, offer incredible sights.

Although approximately 25-30 trains travel through the tunnels each day, there is no fixed schedule, so visitors may have to rely on luck to catch a glimpse of them.

Takakkaw Falls

Only accessible in the summer, one of the top attractions in Yoho National Park is Takakkaw Falls , a perfect choice if you are looking for a quick and enjoyable activity on your road trip. You don’t have to hike to these falls to get a view.

At 373 meters, Takakkaw Falls, also known as “Tak Falls,” is one of Canada’s most breathtaking single-drop waterfalls. Its name originates from the Cree language, meaning “wonderful,” which is precisely what it is.

The stunning waterfall can be viewed from different angles throughout the valley, creating an awe-inspiring sight. To get up close, travel to the Tak Falls parking area; the viewpoint is less than a 5-minute walk from the parking area.

Emerald Lake

Just past Tak Falls, across from Field, is Emerald Lake Road. Drive 13km up and be met with one of Canada’s most stunning lakes.

At Emerald Lake , many simply visit and take in the views. However, you can walk around the entire lake, canoe on Emerald Lake, have a bite to eat at Cilantro Cafe, or even book a night on the lake at the Emerald Lake Lodge .

On your way back to the Trans Canada from Emerald Lake, stop at the Natural Bridge. Once you stop, you’ll see where it gets its name!

Wapta Falls

After leaving Emerald Lake, make sure to give some time for an epic 5km hike to one of the most beautiful BC waterfalls.

Among the must-see attractions in Yoho National Park, Wapta Falls stands out as the biggest waterfall along the Kicking Horse River, measuring an impressive 18 meters in height and a staggering 107 meters in width.

It’s a beautiful sight to see in both the summer and winter. In the winter, you’ll be surrounded by frozen falls, while in the summer, you can get close enough to feel the mist on your face. This short hike takes 1-2 hours, making it the perfect easy excursion connecting Lake Louise to Golden.

Golden is a mountain town that may be easy to drive by and not think anything of off the highway, but there are so many things to do in Golden that it’s possible to spend a few days here enjoying the mountains.

Book a Via Ferrata tour with Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or go downhill mountain biking there to get your adrenaline pumping. One of the best things to do with the family is walk across the Golden Skybridge or visit Boo, the Grizzly Bear! If you’re looking for a fun hike for everyone, the short walk to Thompson Falls is a winner!

Revelstoke , nestled near the Selkirk Mountains and Glacier National Park, is one of the best places in BC and should not be missed when driving between Calgary and Vancouver. It is one of our top recommendations for must-visit destinations in Canada, especially if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding during a winter road trip.

Although it was once relatively unknown, Revelstoke is now world-renowned for its exceptional powder , attracting winter sports enthusiasts year after year. It is not as busy as other mountain towns, such as Whistler, because it is situated off the Trans Canada and near Rogers Pass, almost seemingly in the middle of nowhere. In the winter, the highway around Revelstoke will close after a significant snowstorm, causing everyone to become “Revystuck.” If you get Revelstuck, enjoy it and immediately get up on Revelstoke Mountain Resort to enjoy the powder.

Beyond powder, Revelstoke offers plenty of attractions for visitors in both summer and winter. In the winter we love to Nordic ski at Mount Macpherson trailhead or enjoy a fat bike ride.

If you’re traveling from Calgary to Vancouver during the summer, you can enjoy paddling on Arrow Lakes, driving the Meadow of the Sky Parkway, mountain biking, or riding on The Pipe Mountain Coaster.

Sicamous/Shuswap Lake

Sicamous is a small town located in the interior of British Columbia on the shores of Shuswap Lake. Shuswap Lake itself is a large, deep freshwater lake that spans over 400 km² and has over 1,000 km of shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes in the province.

The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and stunning views. It is a popular summer destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Sicamous is also a popular destination for houseboating, with many companies offering houseboat rentals for exploring the lake. Visitors can cruise around the lake and stop at various beaches, islands, and marinas along the way.

They are a nice stop to make after Revelstoke and before you get to Kamloops, especially on a beautiful summer day.

Kelowna and the Okanagan (Alternative Route Off the Highway 1)

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 at the best Kelowna wineries .

You can also find some of the best produce in Canada here, and farmer’s markets are severe in the summer and fall. Come evening, and there are some fantastic Kelowna restaurants to try, like the Old Vines Restaurant.

If you are driving during the winter and skiing or snowboarding, plan a day or two to enjoy the slopes at Big White Ski Resort.

I wouldn’t say Kamloops is a must-stop on your drive between Calgary and Vancouver, especially if you’re short on time. However, separating the long drive here is a nice break if you have time. There are plenty of restaurants here and affordable hotels if you need to rest your head.

If you have over a few days and it’s winter, we recommend heading to Sun Peaks for skiing!

Duffey Lake

After Kamloops, you can hop on Duffey Lake Rd, which takes you to Pemberton. Along the way you’ll pass a beautiful blue lake on your right-hand side. This is Duffey Lake, and there is quite a stunning viewpoint to stop at.

It’s the perfect place to stop and indulge in a snack for continuing on one of the most scenic parts of this entire Calgary to Vancouver drive (I know, it’s hard to imagine it getting more scenic). Our top tip is to drive Duffey Lake Road during daylight hours – you won’t want to miss these views!

After driving Duffey Lake Rd (Highway 99), you’ll pass Lillooet Lake, a popular place to recreate in the summer. You’ll then find yourself back in civilization in the small town of Pemberton.

Despite its small size, Pemberton still has plenty to offer, including various shops, dining options, and walking trails to explore. Popular activities include visiting North Arm Farm or a horseback ride through the valley with Copper Cayuse Outfitters.

For those looking for more affordable accommodation options than Whistler, Pemberton is a great alternative, with many BC cabins offering lower rates than their southern neighbor.

Whistler is a premiere destination in North America in summer and winter. As we’re ski bums, we typically prefer winter in Whistler as the Ski Resort here is world-class.

If you’re visiting in the winter and don’t ski or snowboard, do not worry; there are still plenty of things to do in Whistler. Walk the Valley Trail, take an icy dip in Nita Lake, or hire a snowmobile guide for backcountry fun.

If visiting in the summer, mountain biking is a big thing to do here. The mountain biking trails around Whistler are world-class, and some of the hardest in the world! Besides biking, there are plenty of hikes to enjoy, Whistler restaurants , or a view of beautiful Brandywine Falls.

After taking some stunning views along the Sea to Sky Highway, you will reach Squamish. Don’t worry – more views are coming when you drive from Squamish to Vancouver.

Squamish is a large town at the northern edge of Howe Sound, surrounded by mountains and coastline in all directions; it’s a place to hang out if you love all things nature while still having creature comforts like hip coffee shops and vegan cafes.

Squamish is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking, biking, and climbing adventures. Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith, towers over the town and is an iconic and beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike.

It is a haven for adventure seekers, with world-class opportunities for climbing and mountain biking. It’s common to spot professional athletes enjoying the area’s natural playground while lunching in town.

Woohoo, you have made it to Vancouver – Canada’s most incredible and exciting city (at least in our opinion).

Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities, so there should be no surprise that there are endless things to do in Vancouver . It’s tough to comprehend the beauty that surrounds the city. It defies the notion of a city as it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rainforests, coastal islands, wildlife, sweeping forests, waterfalls, and a rugged coastline.

The city is the ultimate playground for people of all ages, and if you have an extra day to spare before ending your road trip, it’s worth exploring. Our favorite thing in Vancouver is to go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , followed by a leisurely stroll around Stanley Park.

Renting a Car in Canada

If you don’t have your own car, it’s best to rent a car in Vancouver or Calgary. You can rent one at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or Calgary International Airport (YYC) or in the city centers. You can either rent a one-way or do a return trip.

Keep in mind that rates tend to get a bit cheaper once you get away from the airport and into the city. We like to use Discover Car Hire to find the best deals. See our best rental car tips before renting!

Where to Stay in Calgary

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown — This is our go to hotel when we’re staying 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 — This is a great option for a trendy hotel that is more affordable. We’ve stayed at a number of 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 excellent service and a 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 a excellent location in downtown Vancouver. It’s even got a rooftop pool, deck, and hot tubs.

Hopefully, this helped you determine the best sights to see on a Calgary to Vancouver drive!

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.

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!

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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.

A post shared by Explore Canada (@explorecanada) External Link Title on Dec 7, 2015 at 8:07am PST

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

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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

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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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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.

Calgary to Vancouver: an Epic Road Trip

Piercing emerald lakes, ancient monumental glaciers, diverse wildlife, magnificent thundering waterfalls and jaw-dropping snow-capped mountain views. the drive from calgary to vancouver is one of the most beautiful drives in the world read on to find out why..

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver should be at the top of everyone’s bucket lists! It can be done in either direction and you need at least two weeks. Canada is an absolutely  MASSIVE  country and the best way to experience it is on a road trip. 

Alberta and British Columbia offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country so what better place to embark on an adventure you’ll remember forever!

We’ve both travelled this route but at different times and paces. Andy kitted out his car and spent a few months driving from Vancouver to Toronto in Autumn. I spent two weeks in the summer driving from Calgary to Vancouver when my family came to visit. 

As this is the most popular route, I’ll tell you about my trip and the must-sees in each area!

Starting in Stampede City Calgary in the prairies, you’ll make your way through the magnificent Rocky Mountains stopping at the oldest and most popular National Park in Canada; Banff National Park.

Along the incredibly scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper, on towards British Columbia, breaking up the journey in Clearwater before continuing on to the huge outdoor adventure playground of Whistler.

Finally, driving down the aptly named Sea to Sky Highway to finish the trip in Vancouver; rated one of the top places in the world to live!

Grab your camera and prepare yourself for  the trip of a lifetime !!

Read: 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in Western Canada

Read: The Guide to Whistler in Summer

No time to read this calgary to vancouver road trip now no worries, save it for later.

I flew from Vancouver to Calgary to meet my family who were flying from London . I’d not seen them in almost a year so to say I was excited was an understatement!!

Calgary is the main gateway to the Canadian Rockies and I’d recommend if you’re limited on time to pick up your car on arrival and drive straight to Banff. It’s only an hour and a half.

If you have a bit longer and wanted to explore the city, you could easily fill a day or two. It’s the fifth-largest city in Canada, famed for the  Calgary Stampede  which takes place every July.

Calgary is a young, vibrant, cosmopolitan city, probably due to its great employment opportunities and its proximity to the endless outdoor activities in the mountains. 

I don’t know about you, but I always find one of the best ways to get to know your bearings in a new city is from a birds-eye view. Head to the  Calgary Tower  for impressive 360-degree views over the city.

Calgary is also full of quirky bars, cute coffee shops, breweries and plenty of shopping if you’re in need of some retail therapy. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the country’s history, check out the  Heritage Park Historical Village ; Canada’s largest living museum.

Find a hotel in Calgary

Our first stop on our Calgary to Vancouver road trip; Banff. We left the following morning and drove the hour and a half on the Trans Canada Highway 1. 

Banff is, of course, the most famous town in Alberta, and for good reason! Enjoy awe-inspiring mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, pristine wilderness and endless outdoor activities.

Quaint Banff Avenue with the dramatic mountain backdrop is the main road that runs through the town. 

Here you’ll find ample bars and restaurants, ice cream parlours, local coffee houses, museums and shops – there’s even a Christmas shop that’s full of Christmas decorations all year round!

Banff is the only town in Banff National Park so it gets very busy. If you want to escape the crowds, look at staying in  Sunshine Village  instead.

To really make the most out of your time here, I’d recommend two to three days minimum. Here are some of the highlights:

Tunnel Mountain

This mountain is right in Banff Town. It’s the areas smallest peak and only takes an hour to reach the top. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views over the town, the Bow and Spray River Valleys and the surrounding mountains.

Bow River Trail

This tranquil trail running alongside the Bow River is a perfect place for a picnic and a bike ride. There are plenty of benches and scenic viewpoints of Bow Valley and surrounding mountain peaks. If you’re lucky you may spot some deer and elk!

Sulphur Mountain

The best views over Banff and Bow Valley are to be found on top of Sulphur Mountain. 

The gondola  is pretty pricey so if you’re feeling energetic you can hike up the 5.5km of steep switchbacks instead. You’ll forget all about your legs once you see the view!

Find activities in Banff

Vermilion lakes.

The Vermilion Lakes are a series of expansive lakes and lush marshlands in the Bow River Valley. 

Enjoy spectacular views of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle and keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose and bears. There are several hiking trails near the lakes or you can rent a canoe and paddle across the tranquil waters.

Our Top Tip : rent a bike from town and cycle along the Bow River Trail to the lakes.

Lake Minnewanka

A short drive from Banff is the 22 kilometres long glacial Lake Minnewanka. The First Nations Stoney people gave it its name “Minn-Waki” meaning “Lake of the Spirits” because they believed spirits resided in the lake.

Giant mountain peaks surround the lake and with every step forward you take you’ll want to take another photo. There are numerous hiking trails around the lake but be mindful of bears.

Between July and September, you must hike in a group of at least four and make sure you take bear spray and a bell. There were five of us and we met up with a group of four walking the same way and we sang songs the whole way to make constant noise!

If you don’t fancy hiking, you can also take a cruise on the lake. Believe it or not, scuba diving is also a popular activity here!

Find a hotel in Banff

Lake louise.

Just to be confusing, Lake Louise is the name of a little town as well as the world-famous lake. There’s not much in the town itself, the main draw is the heart-stopping Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Our Top Tip:  spend a night if not two staying in Lake Louise. We visited the lakes from Banff in a day which is possible but the lakes get very very busy. Staying in close proximity allows you to see them first thing before the day-trippers arrive, or in the evenings. 

I made my family get up at 5am to leave Banff which they weren’t super thrilled about. (Until we got to Moraine Lake at 6:30am and the car park was already half full!)

Find a hotel in Lake Louise

Moraine lake.

I’ll start with Moraine Lake as this was my favourite of the two.

Moraine Lake has got to be  one of the most scenic places in the world!!  It’s the iconic lake you’ll have probably seen on all the postcards. It actually used to be on the back of the Canadian $20 bill.

Get here early!!  Come 8am the road to the lake is closed to limit the number of visitors. Alternatively, you can park in the overflow car park and use the  shuttles . (These are booked and paid for ahead of time.) 

Not only that, but it’s also incredibly magical watching the sun come up and the lake changing colour. For the ultimate experience, rent a kayak and watch as the lake lights up around you as the sun peaks over the mountains.

I stood in complete awe gazing out over the sparkling blue waters framed in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. 

The brilliant blue-green colour you see is a result of light refracting off of the fine particles of rock that have flowed into the lake from the glacier. The intensity of the blue actually changes throughout the summer as the glacier melts!

There are some hikes in the area ranging from easily accessible to more strenuous. We did a short walk to the Consolation Lakes. It’s a fairly flat, 6km round-trip walk through pleasant forest.

This whole area almost looks unreal and will definitely leave a lasting impression!

Stay on Moraine Lake

Lake Louise , one of the most famous lakes in the world, has definitely become a major tourist hotspot, but it simply can’t be missed. The aqua green colour of the lake with the rugged snow-capped mountains and Victoria Glacier backdrop is simply breathtaking!

Arrive early morning or late in the afternoon when tourist buses aren’t here and it’ll be a lot more tranquil. Alternatively, rent a canoe and go for a paddle, away from the crowds. It’ll be so peaceful!

There are several hiking trails around the lake. The most popular is the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail which runs alongside the lake to the other side for incredible views back to the  Fairmont Chateau . 

There’s also the Lake Agnes Tea House hike. A 7.5km uphill hike ending in a cup of tea and a slice of banana bread!

Find activities in Lake Louise

Icefields Parkway

Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefields Parkway is a 232km route linking Lake Louise and Jasper through Banff and Jasper National Parks. 

This is an absolute must-do on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip!  Do not rush this!  You want at least a day to experience the drive. 

The Parkway offers unparalleled beauty. The soaring mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies, mind-blowing emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, over a hundred magnificent glaciers, vast sweeping valleys and jaw-dropping never-ending vistas.

Offering some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, you won’t be able to put your camera down and you’ll be wanting to stop at every turn. You may even be lucky enough to spot some grizzly bears along the side of the road!

Here I’ll highlight some of the main areas that shouldn’t be missed.

39km from Lake Louise is Bow Lake. This is the start of the Bow River that runs through Calgary onto Hudson Bay. 

It’s your first main stop from Lake Louise and here you can see the Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, Wapta Icefield, Crowfoot Mountain and Mount Thompson.

This next stop is 45.5km from Lake Louise. You’ll have undoubtedly seen pictures of this lake before. 

Peyto Lake, the most photographed lake in the Canadian Rockies is such a startlingly blue glacial-fed lake that you won’t believe the colour is real! 

The viewpoint is only a 15-minute walk from the car park, so those of you not into hiking, don’t worry, this is a viewpoint you don’t have to work too hard for.

The Saskatchewan River Crossing

80km from Lake Louise. This is a significant location where three rivers meet. The North Saskatchewan, the House and the Mistaya.

Our Top Tip:  this is the only place on the parkway for fuel. It’s also a lot more expensive than Jasper or Lake Louise so I’d recommend filling up before you leave whichever direction you’re coming from.

Columbia Icefield

130km from Lake Louise. These icefields straddle Banff and Jasper National Parks. They’re 325km² in area and 100-365 metres deep making them the largest icefields south of the Arctic Circle!

Find activities on the Icefields Parkway

You can marvel at them from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, or you can book a trip on an Ice Explorer to take you on to the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.

At the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, you can visit the natural history museum. Here you’ll find a large three-dimensional Columbia Icefield model and displays on alpine wildlife and how glaciers form, grow and retreat.

Sunwapta Falls

179km from Lake Louise. A lovely spot for a picnic, Sunwapta Falls is a powerful 18-metre waterfall with a stunning mountain backdrop. 

The falls are especially impressive late spring-early summer when the snow is melting. If you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, there’s a 1km trail to take you to the lower falls.

Athabasca Falls

202km from Lake Louise. The aqua waters of the Athabasca River roar into a narrow canyon and the resulting waterfall is sure to impress you.  Not so much with its height but for the volume and exhilarating power of the water! 

There are various viewing platforms where you can see the falls from different angles.

Next stop on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip is Jasper. This alpine town is the service centre for Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The town is full of restaurants, shops, bars and  hotels . Not as many people visit Jasper for some reason, so it tends to be quieter than some of the other mountain towns like Banff or  Whistler . You may actually meet some locals!

Nestled amongst the snow-capped Rockies, the park is home to glacier-fed lakes, abundant wildlife, over 1000km of hiking trails, the Athabasca Glacier and the highest mountain in Alberta, Mount Columbia.

We had two nights in Jasper which was a good amount of time to see some of the highlights. If time allows, however, you could definitely have three or four nights. Some of the highlights you’ll find in Jasper are:

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the deepest and one of the most spectacular canyons in the Canadian Rockies. 

The gorge is 50 metres deep featuring many waterfalls of thundering, churning water. There’s a fairly easy hike along the canyon that crosses six bridges. It’s 3.7km in each direction and should take around 3 hours, allowing for some sightseeing time.

Jasper Skytram

For one of the best views in the Canadian Rockies, take a ride up Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper Skytram. Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas with the town of Jasper nestled far below.

As you enjoy the scenic ascent, the guide explains to you the history and geology of what you’re seeing. Once you’re at the top and you’ve taken plenty of photos, there’s a souvenir shop and restaurant to grab a bite.

Find activities in Jasper

Maligne lake.

Maligne Lake is the second-largest glacial-fed lake in the world! The valley is completely breathtaking and even in the summer, the lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains! Spirit Island, sitting peacefully in the middle of the lake, is one of the most photographed scenes in the world!

The best way to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings is to hop aboard a  cruise  on the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home; mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, wolverines and elk.

Pyramid and Patricia Lakes

These two lakes are the most accessible from Jasper at only 6km from the town. 

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains these two lakes offer serene beaches, picnic spots, hiking trails, frequent wildlife sightings and plenty of outdoor activities. Rent a canoe or rowboat and go for a paddle in the most iconic spot in Jasper.

Our Top Tip:  if you’d prefer to stay on a private beach with direct access to Pyramid Lake where you can fish, canoe and hike check out  Pyramid Lake Resort . 

Find a hotel in Jasper

Clearwater is great for a night to break up the journey between Jasper and Whistler. To drive in one go it would take about nine hours so to save us from a continuous and tiring drive we split the distance over two days.

Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. The park encompasses 5250 square kilometres of pure wilderness home to endless recreational activities making it an ideal place to break up your journey. 

Visitors are rewarded with abundant wildlife, serene lakes, lush forests, alpine meadows, gushing rivers and 41 thundering waterfalls (and counting). 

Wells Gray Park is home to the fourth-largest waterfall in Canada, Helmcken Falls. Plummeting 141 metres into the canyon below you can get some very impressive photos from the viewing platform!

Find a hotel in Clearwater

Our penultimate stop on our Calgary to Vancouver road trip was  Whistler , where I was currently living. I couldn’t wait to show the family what this magical little mountain town has to offer!

We broke up the journey with a stop at Joffre Lakes ,  about an hour north of Whistler. An absolutely beautiful hike that rewards you with three magnificently blue glacial lakes. If you have the time to stop, definitely do!

Read: Everything You Need to Know to Hike Joffre Lakes

Find activities in Whistler

Our Top Tip : wait for one of the black gondolas. These have glass bottoms!

There are also restaurants up here with huge decks looking out over the mountain peaks and down into Whistler Village. 

With your Peak 2 Peak pass you also have access to the alpine hiking trails on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. 

Whether its short, flat family-friendly walks or more challenging hikes to lakes, alpine meadows and glaciers, you’ll find something to your taste. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, you’ll hear them from their whistle; how Whistler acquired its name.

Read: Your Best Guide to 8 Stunning Hikes in Whistler

This is probably the most scenic lake that’s easily accessible from Whistler. 

There are several different parks around the lake where you can swim, rent kayaks or stand up paddleboards or just simply relax on the grass taking in the views. Check out our post on  Whistler  to read about the various other lakes around the town. 

Our Top Tip:  the best way to get to the lakes is to rent a bike from town and cycle along the Whistler Valley Trail.

Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities

Whistler is known for its adrenaline-fuelled activities. Mountain biking is the most popular summer sport and draws in visitors from around the world with more than 80km of trails.

Ziplining is a great way to see more of the mountain scenery. There are a variety of tours for all ages and levels that whizz you along lines on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

For the ultimate experience, try out The Sasquatch. You actually soar under the Peak 2 Peak Gondola taking you between the mountains!

The Whistler Sliding Centre was built for the Olympics and is open for people to try the bobsleigh and skeleton track. You can also bungee jump over the Cheakamus River.

There are so many other activities Whistler has to offer so make sure you read our  Guide to Whistler in Summer . Here you can also find out about nightlife and dining recommendations.

Find a hotel in Whistler

Read: guide to whistler in summer, sea to sky highway.

The short drive between Whistler and Vancouver has earned its own section as there are some fabulous points to break up the journey. 

Driving it in one go should take about an hour and a half but I’d recommend taking about half a day to give it the time it deserves.

Train Wreck

10km south of Whistler you’ll find an abandoned 1950s freight train that derailed and has been left to be reclaimed by nature. A favourite among graffiti artists you’ll find some pretty cool artwork on them.

Brandywine Falls

17km south of Whistler on the left-hand side, is Brandywine Falls Provincial Park. This is an impressive 70-metre waterfall that’s well worth a photo stop. The viewpoint is only a 10-minute walk from the car park so it won’t take too much time.

Stawamus Chief

60km south of Whistler in the old logging town of  Squamish  is the granite monolith Stawamus Chief. 

This is a fantastic place if you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs and you’re up for a hike. It’ll reward you with panoramic views over Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountain Range.

Sea to Sky Gondola

If you don’t fancy a challenging hike but you want the incredible views, next to the Stawamus Chief you can take the Sea to Sky Gondola . 

Book the Sea to Sky Gondola

Our final stop on our epic Calgary to Vancouver road trip! Vancouver has been voted one of the top places in the world to live in and it’s easy to see why. 

Stunning mountain scenery, beautiful beaches and a bustling, cosmopolitan and diverse city life, Vancouver has something to offer everyone. I’d recommend a couple of days in the city. 

Find activities in Vancouver

Here are some of the highlights:

Stanley Park

Rent a bike and cycle around the park if you want to actually make a dent in it! 

Explore the 400-hectare park and enjoy impressive views of the sea, the harbour, the mountains and the city skyline. The park has numerous trails offering beautiful beaches, local wildlife, historical landmarks and Canada’s largest aquarium.

Make sure you don’t miss the First Nations Totem Poles. These are the most visited attraction in Vancouver!

Grouse Mountain

Take the gondola (or hike up the Grouse Grind if you’re feeling energetic) up Grouse Mountain for panoramic views across the city, the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. 

It’s a huge outdoor playground up here with ziplines, hiking trails, disc golf and paragliding to mention a few!

If you’ve not had the chance to see any bears yet, there are two orphaned grizzlies at the top of Grouse; Grinder and Coola.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge offers visitors a truly BC experience.  It’s a Vancouver landmark presenting history, culture and nature in thrilling ways. Meander through the cedar-scented rainforest on suspended footbridges, stairs, platforms and the new Cliffwalk.

 Here you’ll also find the world’s largest private collection of totem poles!

In the evening, make sure you check out Gastown for its trendy food and drink scene. Known for its whistling Steam Clock, this is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and retains its historic charm.

Take a stroll along Water Street where you’ll find a collection of old buildings, the Steam Clock, cobbled streets and vintage lampposts. Finish the day in one of the city’s finest restaurants, a wine bar, a sports bar or a chic cocktail bar. Gastown has it all!

Find a hotel in Vancouver

To know before you go, what currency do i need.

You’ll need the Canadian Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 CAD is approximately 0.79 USD.

What plug do I need?

You can use plug types A and B in Canada; same as in the US. Type A has two flat parallel pins and B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You may need a voltage converter as the voltage is 120V.

Do I need a visa?

You’ll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Canada as a UK passport holder. These are $7 and valid for five years.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time for a Calgary to Vancouver road trip is May through to September. If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking it’s worth waiting until July when there’s less snow. (At the peaks you’ll still come across snow even in August!!)

July and August are the busiest times of the year because of the summer holidays. If you have the flexibility to travel outside of the school holidays then I’d recommend doing so.

September is a great time to hike as the weather’s a bit cooler and whatever snow is going to melt will have done so by now.

Do I need a pass to access the national parks?

Yes, you need a national parks pass. These can be purchased  here .

What’s the best way to travel?

The best way to see Canada is on a road trip. Either renting a motorhome or renting a car and staying in hotels. The distance you cover is vast and there’s no public transport between a lot of the main areas. 

Either way you travel, book in advance! The towns are small and in peak season you won’t find a single room or site available!

I hope you’ve found this useful in planning your Calgary to Vancouver roadtrip. If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to leave a comment or  contact us . 🙂 

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Buffalo wraps up its five-game road trip with a win in Calgary

(WGR 550) – The Buffalo Sabres played hard in the third period to beat a tired Calgary Flames team that had played in Vancouver on Saturday, 4-1.

With the game tied at one in the second period, I thought the Sabres got hard headed and went from chipping the puck by the Calgary defense to trying to go through them with very little success.

An example of how Buffalo got back to its game plan was on the game winning goal in the third period. Tage Thompson got to the blue line and chipped the puck in behind the net, he and Alex Tuch were at top speed and got there first. Tuch caused a turnover to Thompson who won his battle and found JJ Peterka alone in front. His 24th goal made it 2-1.

Thompson and Connor Clifton from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen scored empty netters.

Luukkonen had an excellent rebound game after giving up eight goals in Edmonton when his team hung him out to dry. He stopped 32-of-33 shots with many coming off outnumbered situations and players left alone in front. The only goal to beat him deflected in off Owen Power’s stick.

Peyton Krebs is from Calgary and he celebrated coming home by giving the Sabres a 1-0 lead just 4:53 into the game. It was his first goal in 30 games and second goal in 43 games. It was his fourth goal of the season.

Buffalo will fly home from Calgary on Monday morning with an extremely disappointing 2-3-0 road trip. The Sabres were flying high from a three-game winning streak and were only three points behind the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Islanders for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.

Now, they’re six points in back of the Washington Capitals for that final Wild Card spot and the Caps have two games in hand. Buffalo is five points behind Detroit as the Red Wings have a game in hand. They’re two points in back of the Islanders who have one game in hand and one point behind the New Jersey Devils and are even in games.

On Tuesday is a backbreaker game for Buffalo as Detroit visits Washington. New Jersey also travels to Toronto.

The Sabres will practice on Tuesday and host the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

EA Sports simulation predicts Vancouver over Boston in 2024 Stanley Cup final

If EA Sports' annual Stanley Cup playoffs simulation is correct, the Vancouver Canucks are about to exorcise a whole lot of demons.

The game developer's prediction has the Canucks becoming the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup since 1993, and doing so in cathartic fashion, defeating none other than the Boston Bruins in a rematch of the 2011 final.

The #NHL24 #StanleyCup Playoff Simulation is official 🏆 The @Canucks win the Stanley Cup in 7 games as part of a 2011 rematch against the Boston Bruins. pic.twitter.com/3D0P8ixA4n — EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) April 19, 2024

EA's simulation has the Canucks sweeping the Nashville Predators in their first round series, which starts Sunday night.

The Canucks will defeat Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in six games in the second round, according to EA, followed by a seven-game series win against the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference final.

The Bruins are predicted to make the final after seven-game series wins against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, before falling to the Canucks in the final.

Both teams finished with 109 points in the regular season, but the Canucks had more regulation wins, meaning they had the better record and would host the deciding Game 7, just as they did in 2011.

That game famously ended with the Bruins hoisting the cup at Rogers Arena, after a series in which the home team had won every previous matchup.

The riot that followed caused millions of dollars of damage in downtown Vancouver and garnered international headlines. Hundreds of people were charged with crimes. 

Vancouver Top Stories

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B.C. mayor 'calling BS' on province's new housing target list

Crime-prevention group calls on Surrey council to rethink funding freeze

Officials tight-lipped on possible public NHL playoff viewing parties in Vancouver

Mounties will not be charged in shooting death of B.C. Indigenous man

B.C. man finds his stolen tools for sale online less than 24 hours after break-in

Date set for Surrey Police Service to take over from RCMP: Farnworth

Ctvnews.ca top stories.

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World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says

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A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.

Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change

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U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature

The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.

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People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.

U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote

The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.

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Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

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17 practical things for your backyard that you'll want to order immediately, 19 of the best mother's day gifts under $50, here are the best deals you'll find on amazon canada right now, 16 game-changing products that'll make your old things look new again, 13 blackout curtains for anyone who needs complete darkness to fall asleep, 13 bestselling gardening products from amazon canada that have over 5,000 5-star reviews, 17 unique mother's day gifts your mom definitely wants, but probably won’t buy herself, if your mom needs a bit of rest and relaxation, here are 20 of the best self-care gifts for mother's day, 20 gifts that are so great, you'll want to keep them for yourself, 12 travel-sized skincare products that'll fit in your toiletry bag, 15 wrinkle-smoothing serums that’ll help reduce the appearance of fine lines, this canadian red light therapy brand is here to give you your best skin ever, vancouver island.

Three Mounties in British Columbia will not face charges in the killing of a 38-year-old Indigenous man on Vancouver Island in 2021.

Bodies found by U.S. authorities searching for missing B.C. kayakers

United States authorities who have been searching for a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia since the weekend have recovered two bodies in the nearby San Juan Islands of Washington state.

Vancouver Island man looking to set 3 Guinness World Records on an electric mountain board

Bradley Smith has been electric skateboarding for the past nine years, a passion he says was "addictive" from the first time he tried it.

Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store

A banana ball python that was stolen from a Kelowna pet store on Saturday has been returned unharmed, Mounties said.

Fire that destroyed historic Hangar 11 is suspicious: EPS

The Edmonton Police Service has confirmed a fire that destroyed a historic hangar in central Edmonton is considered suspicious.

High prices? 'Kings fatigue'? Empty seats evident at Oilers' playoff series-opening home-ice win

The Oilers announced a sellout crowd for their 7-4 win over Los Angeles on Monday that opened a first-round playoff series with the Kings. Unoccupied seats, however, were noticeable throughout the arena.

Calgary rezoning debate: What's at stake?

A marathon meeting over proposed blanket rezoning in Calgary continued Tuesday in front of a noticeably smaller crowd at city hall.

'Sign of the times': Bowness residents watch as rezoning, construction changes community around them

In the northwest Calgary community of Bowness, single-family homes are making way for multi-family apartments and row houses.

Calgary police release name of Redstone homicide victim

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Alberta, B.C. preparing for early start to wildfire season

Wildfires in Alberta and B.C. appear to be getting off to an early start this year. Both province's wildfire services are doing what they can to prepare for what's expected to be a tough summer.

Man sent to hospital with head injury following Lethbridge encampment assault

An assault over property at a Lethbridge encampment ended with a man in hospital suffering from a serious head injury.

Southern Alberta woman wins $2M on Western 6-49 lottery

A southern Alberta woman says she began to hyperventilate when she realized she had won $2 million.

Avalanche roll past Jets 5-2, head home with series tied 1-1

Alexandar Georgiev paid back his Colorado Avalanche teammates for believing in him.

'We always have a thoughtful process for that': The dark reality facing aging zoo animals

Anyone who visits Assiniboine Park Zoo can see empty or near-empty exhibits scattered throughout the grounds – spaces that previously served as homes for aging animals that have since passed away.

Suspect in 2023 Regina homicide joins Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted

Daniel "Juma" Drie Atem, wanted in connection to a Regina homicide last summer, is now one of Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted.

'No better namesake': Veteran support program honours James Smith victim

A new mental health support program for veterans is honouring the life of a Sask. man killed during the mass stabbings on the James Smith Cree Nation.

Sask. teachers to hold online meetings prior to deal vote

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Punched, kicked, spat on: Saskatoon Transit workers call for help after violent assaults

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Trudeau to Sask. residents: We're not coming for your carbon rebates

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'It's just so hard to let it go': Umar Zameer still haunted by death of Toronto police officer

“It's just so hard to let it go. I mean, everyone is telling me, ‘you have to move on,’ but I know someone is not here [anymore]. So I don't know how I will move on." That’s what Umar Zameer, the man recently acquitted in the death of a Toronto police officer, told CTV News Toronto in a sit-down interview on Tuesday.

Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams

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Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada

A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.

RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya

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Reusable container pilot project coming to Ottawa grocery stores

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Ottawa murder suspect on list of Canada's top 25 most wanted fugitives

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Police release name of teen who died following incident in Halifax mall parking lot

Halifax Regional Police has confirmed the identity of the teen who died following an incident in the parking lot of the Halifax Shopping Centre Monday.

'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax

A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.

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Keffiyeh ban keeps Kitchener woman from entering Queen’s Park

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Northern Ontario

Sudbury police still trying to solve 2022 murder at downtown apartment

Sudbury police are finally releasing the identity of the 50-year-old man who was found shot to death inside his downtown apartment in 2022 as the investigation continues.

North Bay doctor accused of assaulting patient, threatening another

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BREAKING | 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

Police on Manitoulin Island are looking for an 'armed and dangerous' man following an incident involving a firearm on Friday.

Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.

2 people dead, 4 others make it to shore after vessel capsizes in Newfoundland

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says two people were found dead and four others survived after a boat capsized off the west coast of Newfoundland.

Stay Connected

Whiteout Street Party to bring road closures, transit reroutes

Whiteout conditions are expected to touch down in downtown Winnipeg on Tuesday as the Winnipeg Jets face the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the series.

With the Whiteout Street Party taking place on Donald Street, several road closures will be put in place. This includes:

- Southbound Donald Street between Portage Avenue and St. Mary Avenue from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until 3 a.m. on Wednesday; and

- Graham Avenue in both directions between Hargrave Street and Smith Street from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

The following sidewalks will close on Tuesday at noon and reopen overnight on Wednesday:

- Donald Street between Portage Avenue and St. Mary Avenue; and

- The north side of Graham Avenue between Hargrave Street and Smith Street.

Drivers should plan for additional travel time and use alternate routes.

Transit reroutes

Tuesday’s Whiteout Street Party will also cause Winnipeg Transit buses to be rerouted off of Graham Avenue between Kennedy and Smith beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Regular service will resume on Wednesday.

Since buses will not be stopping for passengers during the reroute, those who wish to catch the affected buses should go to the stops at these intersections: Graham Avenue and Vaughan Street, Graham Avenue and Fort Street, Donald Street and Ellice Avenue, and Donald Street and York Avenue.

During the reroutes, the Transit Plus loading zone on southbound Donald Street at Graham Avenue will be relocated to eastbound Portage Avenue, near the Radisson Hotel.

The Millennium Library loading zone will be relocated to the Winnipeg police headquarters’ eastbound front driveway. The City Place loading zone will be temporarily moved to northbound Hargrave Street on the north side of St. Mary Avenue.

The City of Winnipeg notes that Millennium Library will be closed at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The library parkade’s Donald Street entrance and exit will be closed from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Game 2 begins at 8:30 p.m. 

Winnipeg Top Stories

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Avalanche roll past Jets 5-2, head home with series tied 1-1

'We always have a thoughtful process for that': The dark reality facing aging zoo animals

Winnipeg man bringing his 119-year-old home back to its original glory

Manitoba fugitive among top 25 most-wanted in Canada

RCMP arrest man who allegedly exposed himself at a Manitoba daycare

Veteran Niederreiter says this year's Jets have more pilots than 'passengers'

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition

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Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance

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World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says

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Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired

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Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change

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U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature

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Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order

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U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote

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A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.

Shopping Trends

The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.  Read about us.

Editor's Picks

17 practical things for your backyard that you'll want to order immediately, 19 of the best mother's day gifts under $50, here are the best deals you'll find on amazon canada right now, 16 game-changing products that'll make your old things look new again, 13 blackout curtains for anyone who needs complete darkness to fall asleep, 13 bestselling gardening products from amazon canada that have over 5,000 5-star reviews, 17 unique mother's day gifts your mom definitely wants, but probably won’t buy herself, if your mom needs a bit of rest and relaxation, here are 20 of the best self-care gifts for mother's day, 20 gifts that are so great, you'll want to keep them for yourself, 12 travel-sized skincare products that'll fit in your toiletry bag, 15 wrinkle-smoothing serums that’ll help reduce the appearance of fine lines, this canadian red light therapy brand is here to give you your best skin ever.

Suspect in 2023 Regina homicide joins Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted

Daniel "Juma" Drie Atem, wanted in connection to a Regina homicide last summer, is now one of Canada's Top 25 Most Wanted.

'No better namesake': Veteran support program honours James Smith victim

A new mental health support program for veterans is honouring the life of a Sask. man killed during the mass stabbings on the James Smith Cree Nation.

Sask. teachers to hold online meetings prior to deal vote

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation said its members are "strongly encouraged" to attend one of two online town hall meetings scheduled to happen prior to a membership vote on a possible deal.

Punched, kicked, spat on: Saskatoon Transit workers call for help after violent assaults

The union representing the city’s bus drivers says violence against transit workers is out of control.

Trudeau to Sask. residents: We're not coming for your carbon rebates

People in Saskatchewan will keep getting Canada Carbon Rebate payments, despite an ongoing feud between Ottawa and the provincial government.

Fire that destroyed historic Hangar 11 is suspicious: EPS

The Edmonton Police Service has confirmed a fire that destroyed a historic hangar in central Edmonton is considered suspicious.

High prices? 'Kings fatigue'? Empty seats evident at Oilers' playoff series-opening home-ice win

The Oilers announced a sellout crowd for their 7-4 win over Los Angeles on Monday that opened a first-round playoff series with the Kings. Unoccupied seats, however, were noticeable throughout the arena.

Calgary rezoning debate: What's at stake?

A marathon meeting over proposed blanket rezoning in Calgary continued Tuesday in front of a noticeably smaller crowd at city hall.

'Sign of the times': Bowness residents watch as rezoning, construction changes community around them

In the northwest Calgary community of Bowness, single-family homes are making way for multi-family apartments and row houses.

Calgary police release name of Redstone homicide victim

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Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams

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Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada

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Reusable container pilot project coming to Ottawa grocery stores

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Ottawa murder suspect on list of Canada's top 25 most wanted fugitives

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RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya

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Police release name of teen who died following incident in Halifax mall parking lot

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'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax

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As a young hockey player growing up in North Vancouver, Colton Sissons was a die-hard Canucks fan. Twelve years after being drafted by Nashville, the Predators centre is facing off against the Canucks during the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in his career.

B.C. mayor 'calling BS' on province's new housing target list

The province revealed 20 more cities that will be getting housing targets on Tuesday, but the mayors of some communities on the list argue that they’re already doing everything they can to build and that they’re being singled out.

Vancouver Island

Mounties will not be charged in shooting death of B.C. Indigenous man

Three Mounties in British Columbia will not face charges in the killing of a 38-year-old Indigenous man on Vancouver Island in 2021.

Bodies found by U.S. authorities searching for missing B.C. kayakers

United States authorities who have been searching for a pair of missing kayakers from British Columbia since the weekend have recovered two bodies in the nearby San Juan Islands of Washington state.

Vancouver Island man looking to set 3 Guinness World Records on an electric mountain board

Bradley Smith has been electric skateboarding for the past nine years, a passion he says was "addictive" from the first time he tried it.

Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.

Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Stolen snake named Milkshake returned to Kelowna pet store

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Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

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Newfoundland director found creeping terror of 'The King Tide' in a tiny coastal town

Newfoundlander Christian Sparkes has shot several films around his home province, but with his new psychological thriller 'The King Tide' he saw an opportunity to wander into one unique town that had eluded him over the years.

2 people dead, 4 others make it to shore after vessel capsizes in Newfoundland

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says two people were found dead and four others survived after a boat capsized off the west coast of Newfoundland.

Northern Ontario

Sudbury police still trying to solve 2022 murder at downtown apartment

Sudbury police are finally releasing the identity of the 50-year-old man who was found shot to death inside his downtown apartment in 2022 as the investigation continues.

North Bay doctor accused of assaulting patient, threatening another

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BREAKING | 'Armed and dangerous' southern Ont. man wanted by Manitoulin police

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Man hospitalized with Legionnaire’s disease in 2022 files lawsuit against Orillia and contractors

An Orillia man who was says he was hospitalized for weeks after contracting Legionnaire’s disease in the fall of 2022 has filed a $2.6-million lawsuit against the city.

Massive theft ring busted: $300,000 recovered

Barrie police busted a massive theft ring and seized over 300,000 dollars in stolen property.

Police search for 11th most wanted person in high-profile abduction case

35-year-old Deshawn Davis is now the 11th most wanted person by police in Canada.

'My parking is my freedom': Kitchener resident barred from garage despite illness

For Kitchener resident Chris Wilson, indoor parking is much more than a convenient place to leave his vehicle.

$50,000 reward issued for Kitchener man’s alleged killer

Habiton Solomon is wanted in the fatal 2023 shooting of Joshua Tarnue in Kitchener.

Keffiyeh ban keeps Kitchener woman from entering Queen’s Park

A Palestinian woman from Kitchener is speaking out after she was denied entry into Queen’s Park over a cultural piece of clothing.

Council defuses 'foolhardy' budget bomb— no tax break from $31 million budget surplus

It seems council is still feeling the heat from approving an 8.7 per cent tax increase earlier this year.

Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck

Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.

Rail safety advocate shares insight as questions linger over downtown London, Ont. freight train fire

Two days after a freight train with several cars engulfed by flames rolled through the heart of London, a rail safety advocate is speaking out about how changes should be expected.

Stay Connected