Travel through the temperate rainforest near Vancouver to the snow-capped peaks in Jasper and Banff National Parks eventually leading you out into the flatlands toward Calgary. You will get the best of both Worlds, a true “Sea to Summit” experience.
Vancouver to Calgary road trip logistics
It is safe to say that the journey from Vancouver to Calgary is one of the most popular road trips in this gigantic country, but the number of things to see along the way, as well as the pre-planning of the trip, can be overwhelming.
This article, based on my own, over a year-long travel experience across the Canadian Rockies, will cover everything to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime!
How much time to plan for the Vancouver to Calgary road trip?
This road trip is designed for a two-week experience but can easily be shortened or lengthened depending on how much time you’ve got.
If you’re looking for ways to extend it consider visiting Vancouver Island for a few days or doing one of my favorite multi-day hikes in the Rockies.
My advice would be to spend at least 7 days driving along this route to get a proper taste of the majestic landscapes. One week however is short and expect to spend a lot of time in the car. Once again if you can go for 14 days or longer.
Top spots you will visit along this Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary
The itinerary starts in Vancouver, one of the biggest transport hubs in Canada. You will then visit the following areas:
- Sea to Sky Highway & Whistler
- Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
- Wells Grey National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Icefields Parkway
- Banff National Park
- Canmore and Kananaskis Country.
After visiting your last destination you will drive out east toward Calgary – the cowboy city in the Canadian prairies. It will be a busy two-week period and you better be prepared for a lot of jaw-dropping scenery.
I did this road trip myself over the course of a few months and picked my absolute favourite spots, activities, and places to stay to make your planning super easy.
What are the best months for road trip from Vancouver to Calgary?
If you are planning on traveling to Canada the ideal time is between mid-May and mid-October. Canada’s Spring, Summer, and Fall are very short and many businesses only run within this time frame.
If you decide to follow this plan earlier or later you will run into difficulties with finding operating campsites. In that case, I suggest renting a compact car and staying in hotels, most of which stay open throughout the year.
If you want to hike then don’t start earlier than mid-June and later than the end of September or the beginning of October. The ideal months are July and August, but unfortunately, they are also the busiest.
TIP: Look for wildfire reports. Wildfires are a common, almost yearly occurrence in the Canadian Rockies. They can have a very negative impact on your road trip including bad air quality, lowered visibility due to ash and smoke (pictured above), and closed trails. The main wildfire season is between mid-June and mid-August.
Vancouver to Calgary road trip map
Below you can find the map of the whole itinerary. If you click on the top left of the map you will find separate layers marking the route, photography spots, hikes, points of interest, and campsites.
How to use the map
To hide/show layers just click on the check box next to the layer’s name in the top left corner.
You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I have marked. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day.
The best way to travel from Vancouver to Calgary
Rent a campervan with Motorhome Republic
Indisputably the best way to travel around Canada is in a Motorhome. Thankfully rental companies allow you to rent their vehicles from a different drop-off location, in this case, Calgary.
TIP: When planning your road trip, use the Motorhome Republic booking search engine to find all the biggest campervan rental companies. It’s a great time saver!
The travelling distance for this Vancouver to Calgary itinerary is approximately 2000km. You must know this information when booking your campervan, as you have to prepay for kilometers.
The downside is that you will be charged a “one-way fee,” but the amount of gas and subsequently the money you will save will make paying the fee worth it.
If you want to cut those expenses consider following my other itinerary starting and ending in Calgary and focusing solely on the Rockies, or a road trip that starts and finishes in Vancouver.
Rent a compact car with Discover Cars
TIP: If you decide to rent a smaller compact car and stay in hotels along the way use Discover Cars.
For those looking for a bit more comfort, I have also included hotel recommendations for each spot that you will be visiting.
Make sure to pre-book your accommodation. Gone are the days when you could just rock up to a place without a reservation and get a room for the night. With a post-pandemic travel boom, everything books out months in advance.
National Park Entries and Fees
This itinerary crosses several national parks, including the famous Banff and Jasper. Visiting a Canadian national park requires paying entrance fees.
Discovery Pass price in 2024
Ensure you buy a compulsory Parks Pass, also known as the Discovery Pass.
TIP: The most cost-effective is to get the family/group pass which covers up to 7 people in one vehicle and costs CAD$151.25 per year. It pays for itself in as little as seven days compared to daily passes, even if there are just two of you.
You can buy the pass online before your trip on the Parks Canada website or at the entry gate to Jasper National Park which you will be crossing along the way. You must keep it on display on your car windshield at all times.
Kananaskis Conservation Pass price in 2024
Since the big tourism boom in the Kananaskis Country Provincial Park, a new type of Conservation Pass was introduced in 2021.
This Conservation Pass is required for vehicles parked at provincial parks and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley.
Contrary to Discovery Pass, you will be better off buying day passes for Kananaskis Country. They cost CAD$15 per day and register 1 vehicle. For more info and pricing visit the Alberta Parks website.
Information about staying at campgrounds in Canada
When it comes down to campsites in Canada, you’re spoilt for choice, especially near all the spots enlisted in this plan.
The majority of them are equipped with toilets and shower facilities as well as electric sites for those traveling in bigger motorhomes that require electrical hookups.
The cost of campsites in 2024
I recommend campsites operated by Parks Canada Authorities as the money is re-invested into nature conservation efforts.
Most of the campgrounds in the province of British Columbia are around 40$ per site per night but do bear in mind that prices vary from campsite to campsite.
In Alberta, they are slightly cheaper and you can expect to pay around $35CAD/per site per night. One site can fit up to 6 people and two vehicles so traveling in a group can be advantageous.
Tip: If you don’t hold a reservation, consider asking other travelers in the check-in line if they want to share a site and subsequently the cost. This is what I did a few times when the campsites were full.
How to make a campsite reservation
In the peak summer months (June-September) you will find it very handy to book your campsites as far in advance as possible!
- All bookings in British Columbia can be made on the BC Parks Reservation Website
- All bookings in the National Parks can be made on the Parks Canada Reservation Website
- For campsite reservations in Alberta (outside of national parks boundaries for example in Kananaskis Country Provincial Park) refer to the Alberta Parks Reservation Website
My suggested two-week road trip plan from Vancouver to Calgary
Vancouver has been described as “Manhattan with mountains” and a “tomorrow city”. It’s a very convenient spot to land in, but chances are you already live in or near a “tomorrow city” (whatever that is).
You didn’t come on holiday to spend all your time in the ‘same same but different’ concrete jungle. Do yourself a favour, and don’t waste your time there.
Once you’ve picked up your rental and stocked up on food, try to hit the road as soon as possible.
Day 1-3: Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway
Distance: 122 km / 76 mi
For the first leg of the journey head north from Vancouver on Route 99 and start your journey on one of the most scenic roads in the entire country, the famous Sea to Sky Highway.
This road will be your gateway to Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park, eventually ending in the resort town of Whistler. In a separate post, I went into much more detail on things to do on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Accommodation in Whistler (Nights 1&2)
If you travel in a Motorhome, stay at the Alice Lakes Campground near Squamish, Whistler RV Park close to Brandywine Falls, or Riverside Camping and RV Resort. The latter is the closest to Whistler.
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
- Spacious and well-equipped rooms
- Washer and dryers are free to use
Top Rated
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre
What guests loved about it:
- Lovely outdoor pools and hot tubs
- Some rooms have fireplaces
Days 3-4: Whistler to Jasper via Joffre Lakes, Wells Grey, and Mount Robson Provincial Parks
Distance: 740 km / 460 mi
From Whistler to Jasper it’s a 740 km trip so to spare you from a continuous and tiring drive I decided to split the distance between 2 days.
There are plenty of dramatic mountain vistas along the way and it would be simply impossible to cover them all in such a short amount of time. Below I have enlisted some of my favorite spots for nature enthusiasts.
Things to see along the way between Whistler, Clearwater & Jasper
Pemberton and Nairn Falls
Distance from Whistler: 33 km / 20.5 mi
Pemberton is only 30 minutes away from Whistler and it’s a cheaper alternative for those on a tighter budget or those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Nairn Falls – a stop between the two towns is a ferocious set of several cascades, especially spectacular when seen from the lower viewing platform at the end of the trail.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Distance from Pemberton: 31 km / 19 mi
Drive one hour northeast of Whistler along Highway 99 and you will find yourself in heaven – Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.
The first Joffre Lake, framed spectacularly below the hanging Matier Glacier, is only a 5-minute walk from the trailhead car park. The next two lakes are a bit harder to get to, but worth every effort.
The 10km return (6.5 miles) hike to the Upper Joffre Lakes should take you around 3.5 hours to complete.
It’s not only one of the best hikes around Whistler but one of the top hikes in British Columbia so make sure you don’t miss out.
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Distance from Joffre Lakes Provincial Park: 362 km / 225 mi
Clearwater, your stop for the 3rd night, is the gateway town into Wells Gray Provincial Park – host to some spectacular waterfalls:
- Spahat Falls: it can be reached after around 10 minutes of heading north on Clearwater Valley Road. It’s a short 5-minute walk to the observation deck.
- The second, 25 minutes from Clearwater, is Maul Falls, which is the smallest of the falls and the furthest to get to (5 km/3 miles, 2 hours walking). It is the most unique waterfall as you can walk behind it. Remember to wear waterproofs if you want to get close.
- Helmcken Falls is 55 minute’s drive from Clearwater and it is the most impressive one.
Clearwater Road is one of the best spots to get a glimpse of some Canadian wildlife, especially early in the morning when black and grizzly bears are grazing at the roadside.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Distance from Clearwater: 231 km / 144 mi
From Clearwater continue north along Highway 5. After around 220km you will turn onto Highway 16 toward Jasper. Soon after the turnoff, you will be greeted by the view of the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies – Mount Robson.
The Mount Robson visitor center will be a perfect lunch stop before you continue to Jasper. I took the photo above right next to it!
If the weather is good you can also attempt to hike along the Robson River to Kinney Lake. It’s a 14km return, mostly a flat hike that shouldn’t take longer than 4 hours.
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra few days to spend in Canada, consider doing the complete Berg Lake Trail, which starts right near the Mount Robson visitor center. It’s one of my favorite multi-day hikes in the Rockies.
Accommodation in Clearwater (Night 3)
TIP: If you follow this Vancouver to Calgary road trip in a campervan, you will go slower. In that case, consider breaking the journey between Whistler and Jasper into two nights. Stay the first night at the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite in Lillooet and the second at the Canoe River or the Robson River Campground.
Best Value
Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls
What guests loved about it:
- Very clean and new hotel
- Self-contained rooms with kitchenettes
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
- Great glamping experience
- Serene location amongst nature
Day 4-6: Jasper National Park
Distance from Mount Robson: 87 km / 54 mi
Welcome to Alberta – Canada’s most beautiful province, at least in my eyes. The town of Jasper and the national park which surrounds it are home to some colossal scenery.
With sharply jagged mountains and crystal turquoise lakes, it is best to call this great place home for a couple of nights.
Things to do in Jasper National Park
Explore the Maligne Lake area
A boat cruise on Maligne Lake is one of the most popular activities in Jasper National Park. The classic cruise lasts 90 minutes with a short break at Spirit Island with the opportunity to snap a photograph.
If you have an extra day to spare and are feeling adventurous, consider booking a night at Fisherman’s Bay Campground, it’ll be an exhilarating paddle and will give you the chance to be at Spirit Island at either sunrise or sunset.
An experience that no commercial company can offer. You can also just rent a canoe and paddle around the lake for an hour or two.
Go for a hike
Jasper National Park is huge compared to all other national or provincial parks in Western Canada. Naturally, with all those mountains, there are a lot of hiking trails. Some can take several hours and some several days.
You could even head into the backcountry for a few months without running into another soul. But let’s not get carried away!
For more realistically achievable hikes take a look at my hiking recommendations in Jasper National Park.
Soak in the Hot Springs
The Miette Hot Springs cost $16.50 per adult which is a steal. They consist of 2 hot pools and 2 cold pools. I dare you to jump into the cold one after you’ve been soaking in the hot tub for too long. It’s an awesome feeling!
The hot springs are right next to the Sulphur Skyline trailhead so if you’ve done the hike this will be the perfect way to relax afterward.
If you haven’t done the hike you don’t deserve to go in. Just kidding, go ahead and relax, you’re on holiday after all.
Take the Skytram up to Whistler’s Summit
As well as Squamish or Whistler, Jasper has its gondola too. Jasper Skytram costs CAD 62.95 and offers spectacular panoramic views from the Whistler summit.
You can also hike to the top but it’s 1000 meters elevation difference from the town. I haven’t yet attempted it.
Once at the top you can continue by foot another 200m in elevation gain to the summit of Whistlers Mountain or try the Indian Ridge hike. It’s a 14km return hike to a spectacular ridgeline offering even more extensive views. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson.
Look for a perfect photo opportunity
If hiking isn’t your thing, maybe photography is. I’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful spots to photograph in Jasper to help you see the most jaw-dropping vistas.
Join one of the many great outdoor adventures in Jasper
Jasper is the adventure capital of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you would like to go on a morning wildlife safari or an afternoon whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River or get a bird’s eye view of the Rockies from a helicopter flight, it’s all possible here.
Accommodation in Jasper (Night 4 & 5)
The two best campsites in Jasper for Motorhome travellers are Whistlers and Wapiti. Both are operated by Parks Canada, and both are very popular! Make sure to prebook it well in advance.
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
- Well-stocked kitchen for self-cooking
- Great central location
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
- Great location right on the banks of the Athabasca River
- Cute rooms
Day 6-7: The Icefields Parkway
Distance: 230 km / 143 mi
If you’ve heard anything about the roads in the Canadian Rockies, you’ve probably heard that the Icefields Parkway takes the top spot. You can easily spend an entire holiday just driving up and down. I know I could.
Jasper lies at the northern point of the Icefields Parkway (93N). Lake Louise marks the southern point. During your drive down, just past the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre, you’ll be in entering Banff National Park.
There is so much to see along this road that I have broken it down in a separate post of all the things to do and see on the Icefields Parkway in order from Lake Louise. Since you will be driving it in reverse you have to look at the list from bottom to top.
The majority of travelers spend only one day on the Icefields Parkway, but in my opinion, you should spend at least two days exploring it. Don’t miss out on the Columbia Icefield Explorer tour. It will give you a chance to hike on an actual glacier.
Accommodation on the Icefields Parkway (Night 6)
My favourite campsite on the Icefields Parkway is the Waterfowl Lakes Campground. For more options, view my Icefields Parkway post, where I enlisted all campsites along the route.
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
- Clean and functional kitchen
- Great value for money and location
Top Rated
Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
What guests loved about it:
- Friendly and dedicated staff
- A rustic place far from the madding crowd
Day 7-10: Lake Louise
We just finished driving down the Icefields Parkway and are now in Lake Louise – a little town in the mountains and home to possibly the most famous lake in the World – Moraine Lake (pictured above).
Best things to do around Lake Louise
During the summer Lake Louise becomes a beehive of activity. A myriad of popular hiking trails around Lake Louise makes it a great place for anybody who loves the outdoors as much as I do.
There isn’t much directly at Lake Louise Village. It’s got a small overpriced supermarket, a few fast-paced coffee shops, and an information center. The nearby surroundings, on the other hand, are what makes this corner of Banff National Park so famous.
See the World famous Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is one of the many postcard-worthy photography spots in Banff National Park.
Its turquoise waters are incredibly framed beneath the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks. The first time I stood in its presence I had tears in my eyes! Damn, you ninjas cutting onions!
Moraine Lake is a short 20-minute drive from Lake Louise Village, but it gets intensely busy during the summer holidays. Nowadays only official shuttle services or guided tours can drive up to the Lake.
You can just take a stroll along the shoreline to get to the famous viewpoint or venture a bit further out onto some famous trails in the area such as Larch Tree Valley, Consolation Lakes, or Wenkchemna Pass.
NEW FOR 2023: Due to constant roadblocks caused by traffic Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles starting in the 2023 season. Make sure to pre-book a shuttle directly with Parks Canada or a day trip operated by a private company.
Explore the hiking trails around Lake Louise
Another popular lake thanks to the famous Chateau built right on its shore. Personally, I am not a huge fan of it, because it attracts ridiculous amounts of tourists, however, a little bit of effort will transport you into another world.
Consider completing a few of the incredible day hikes around the Lake Louise area to understand what I am talking about. My personal favorite is the hike up Big Beehive & Mount Saint Piran.
Visit the nearby Yoho National Park
As soon as one national park ends, the other begins. That’s the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park is slightly underrated in comparison to its neighbor Banff National Park. However, in my eyes, it is even more beautiful!
Yoho is only 30 minutes west of Lake Louise. It’s home to Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls – Canada’s 3rd highest waterfall, as well as the famous Lake O’Hara region. If you want to escape the crowds at Lake Louise – this is your best bet!
Accommodation in Lake Louise (Night 7,8 &10)
There are two RV campgrounds directly in the village: The soft-sided and hard-sided Campgrounds. Both are operated by Parks Canada. They do book out far in advance.
Other alternatives are the Kicking Horse Campground close to Field or Protection Mountain Campground both are ca. 20-minute drive from Lake Louise.
Best Value
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre – Hostel
What guests loved about it:
- Amiable staff
- Great for meeting other travellers
Top Rated
What guests loved about it
- Great location, a 15-minute walk from Lake Louise
- Rustic lodge feeling
Day 10 -12: Banff and the surrounding area
Distance from Lake Louise: 57 km / 35 mi
Canada’s beloved resort town – Banff. Much like Whistler, Banff is very affluent. If only I had enough money to buy a house here! For now, I will have to stick to my camper.
The Must-Do’s In Banff
Sulphur Mountain
If you are looking for the best panoramic views of Banff village, the summit of Sulphur Mountain indisputably takes the top spot.
To get to the top you can either book a gondola ride or hike. A series of strenuous switchbacks, along the 5.5km (3.4 mi) long trail, offer short glimpses through the trees of surrounding valleys.
You’ll ascend 700m (2,300ft) and it’ll take around 2 hours one way but the views of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain are well worth the effort.
I’ve done this hike in the winter and stood up on the top photographing the sunset in what felt like -100 degrees!
The Banff Hot Springs
Conveniently located near the lower gondola terminal, just like the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, are a treat after the journey down.
They are owned and operated by Parks Canada and at around 16 CAD are a much-deserved bargain. Whilst not as nice as the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper they are still a must-do in Banff, just try to avoid rush hour in the late afternoon.
See the best photography spots
Banff is a dream location, fantasized about by many because of its incredible geological features. I defy any itinerary not to include it. Its quaint high street gets pretty crowded in the summertime and so do many of the photography spots in Banff.
Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, or the viewpoint up on Mount Norquay should be on every photographer’s list.
Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway is a shorter version of the Icefields Parkway, but don’t worry. You won’t be left high and dry in the awesome views department.
The 50km stretch of road between Lake Louise and Banff is home to Morant’s Curve, Castle Junction, Johnston Canyon, and more wildlife than you’ll be able to shake a stick at.
The highlight for me is visiting Johnston Canyon but make sure to get there early. Not only because the morning light coming through the trees and shining upon the falls is a sight to behold, but because it gets pretty busy during peak hours. Providing the weather is good of course!
Important! From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometer section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. This is to ensure the area remains a high-quality home for wildlife. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road at any time.
Other great activities around Banff
Accommodation in Banff (Night 10 & 11)
There are a few campsites once you arrive in Banff, which you’ll be able to call home for the next few days. My favorite, due to its location and beautiful views, is the Two Jack Lakeside campground.
However, if you want to be closer to the town center you should go to the Tunnel Mountain Campground.
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
- Beautiful decor
- The welcoming smell of the fireplace
Day 12-14: Canmore & Kananaskis Country
Distance from Banff: 25 km / 15.5 mi
Canmore is a town that I hold very close to my heart. Why, you may wonder? It’s where I was based in Canada during my research for this guide. It’s also the gateway to Kananaskis country – my favourite area for hiking in the Rockies.
Canmore is only twenty minutes east on the Trans Canada Highway, away from Banff. It is much more subdued and far less touristy.
What not to miss around Canmore
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Unfortunately, wolves no longer inhabit the Bow Valley (Banff and Canmore). Mainly due to irresponsible human activity.
Check out the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary It’s a non-profit organization that rehabilitates, and houses, wolfdogs from all over North America.
Although the animals in the sanctuary aren’t strictly 100% wolf, some of these wolfdogs are extremely high content and impossible to tell apart. It’s a fun activity for people of all ages and really shines a light on the problem of rearing wolfdogs.
Look for Moose and other wildlife near Mount Engadine Lodge
Engadine Lodge is one hour (38km) down Spray Lakes Road south of Canmore. Its picturesque interior with original features and Hudson Bay blankets make it a very pleasant stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
On the way there you’ll drive past many of the locations where movie star Leonardo DiCaprio acted for “The Revenant” and where Anthony Hopkins helped make “The Edge”.
The Moose Meadows is right next to the lodge and as the name suggests, is a great place for spotting Moose and other wildlife.
Visit these famous photography and hiking spots
Canmore and Kananaskis Country are my favorite places to hike in the Canadian Rockies. I know I am repeating myself, but seriously guys, they are just too good not to share!
Check out my post about the best hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis Country that was a whole year in the making! I just didn’t want to miss anything.
If photography is more your thing then I’ve also got an article on the best photography spots in and around Canmore.
Other great activities in Canmore
Accommodation in Canmore (Night 12 & 13)
I recommend the Bow River Campground and the Spray Lakes West Campground near the Spray Lakes, with the latter being my preferred choice.
The Spray Lakes site is around a 20-minute drive from the town centre on the Smith Dorien highway (gravel road).
The views next to the campground are some of the best you will get. However, if you want to be closer to the town, Bow River Campground should be your choice. The downside? It’s a bit close to the highway, and it may be a bit noisy.
Best Value
What guests loved about it:
- Well-designed spaces
- Very clean and well-organized
Top Rated
What guests loved about it:
- Well-appointed, clean, and modern
- Beautiful and well-stocked units
Day 14: Drive to Calgary
On the final leg of the epic journey take the Trans Canada Highway (1) east from Canmore for just over an hour to Calgary, where you can drop off your rental and catch your flight home.
I hope that this itinerary will help you with planning your Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip. Let me know how your trip goes! I want to hear all about it.
As always please feel free to like, share or comment below with any questions you may have. I always respond!
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Hi! What are your thoughts on this trip in the first two weeks of April? I realise we can’t do some of the activities due to the weather but is a trip like this still viable?
Hi Suzanne. Yes, you can travel to the Rockies year round, but hiking will be limited to valley walks. There is still lots of snow in the mountains in April. Moraine Lake doesn’t reopen until May, if that’s one of your must-see spots. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta! We loved your blog and have been using it as a guide for our Canadian honeymoon in Sept/Oct this year :). We’re from Australia so this is all very new to us! We were originally looking at travelling from Vancouver to Kelowna as a first stop and then straight up to Jasper so we have more time there. We’re in Canada for 10-12 days, so wondering if you think Jasper is 100% worth it, or if Kelowna would be a great stop instead to spend more time in Jasper / Banff area?
Thanks!
Liana
Hi Liana. Thanks for visiting and for your lovely comment. Kelowna is lovely and has some great wineries, but if you want the mountains, don’t waste your time in Kelowna and follow this route instead. Jasper is amazing. It has been affected by the fires a lot, and lots of trees burn out, but the amazing mountain views are still there.
Hi Marta,
I absolutely love your website, it really resonates with me and it’s a great find for us as we’re planning a 3 week trip to Canada at the end of June. I completely agree with you in that I don’t want to spend any more time than necessary in a city. I want to enjoy as much outdoor time as possible, I am super keen to do strenuous, multi day hikes, kayaking and camping. Ideally away from the crowds, immersed into beautiful nature and wildlife.
I’ve got two questions for you: if you had three weeks – would you fly into go Calgary and solely explore the Rockies or fly into Vancouver and end in Calgary, but spend most of the time in the Rockies?
And, would you really recommend travelling by RV or would it be better to hire a 4×4 and camp out? I just think with that we would be able to get to remote places off the beaten track?
I’d really appreciate your thoughts!
Thanks
Linda
Hi Linda! Thanks for your great feedback. I am a big fan of slow travel so I would go for Calgary to Calgary. That way you give yourself some spare time should the weather be bad on some days and you can also book a few multiday backpacking trips, which I would highly recommend.
As for your other question, there is no need for a 4×4. You cannot go off road within National Parks. You have to stay on designated roads and those are fine to drive on in any type of car.
I hope that helps!
Thank you for this wonderful and inspiring post! Canada has always been on our travel list, and your experience makes it even more tempting. We’re planning to go next August with our two little ones (2 and 5 years old), so I was wondering if you think this trip would be feasible with young kids. Did you come across family-friendly activities and accommodations? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Nicola. Thanks for visiting. In theory, yes it is possible to do this itinerary with kids, but if you want to be in a more relaxed pace and spend more days in each location then I strongly recommend just focusing on Calgary to Calgary (I have an itinerary for that too). That way you cut out a lot of driving and can relax more. There are always family friendly activities to do everywhere.
Hey Marta,
Thanks so much for this helpful guide! It has really helped me see where is worth stopping off.
My partner and I are looking at doing an extended ‘honeymoon’ in Canada later this year (we’re from the UK). We are super keen to visit Vancouver and Vancouver Island and a lot of the destinations between Vancouver and Calgary. Originally we were looking at flying into Calgary, driving through to Vancouver via this route, and then onto Vancouver Island.
Due to timing restrictions we will need to begin our trip approx. 13 October, and as avid skiiers we’re both gutted at the idea of missing out on skiing in Canada!
I suppose I have two questions! The first is, would it be dangerous to drive this route (Vancouver to Calgary) in mid-late November when a lot of the ski resorts open? Would it be too icy or snowy on the main roads?
The second is, if we did decide to start in Calgary and just leave skiing for another time, what 3/4 places would you recommend stopping en route to Vancouver? We’d probably look at taking about 10 days to get from Calgary to Vancouver 🙂
Thanks so much,
Molly
Hi Molly. Thanks for visiting. Winter doesn’t surprise the road services in Canada. They are very well prepared for it and the roads are very well maintained. People travel there during ski holidays all the time. With that said, of course you need to take extra caution when driving in Canada during that time.
2) I think Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper And Whistler would be my top destinations. I hope that helps!
We are an active couple that are planning a 10-12 day road trip in Southern Canada. We walk but are not into rough terrain hikes. We would like to see the beauty of the countryside, wildlife, and have a moderate budget. Should we start in May or the first part of June? We do not want crowds. Should we start at Vancouver or more in the center? We will rent a car and stay in hotels Thank you
Hi Dean. I would recommend that you look into my Calgary to Calgary trip. It is much more slow paced. If you want to avoid the crowds and will only stick to easy valley walks then you can go as early as the second half of May. I hope that helps!
Your website is fantastic! We’re heading to Canada next May. Unfortunately we only have a week to get from Calgary (where we’re hiring a car after getting the Rocky Mountaineer to Lake Louise and Banff) back to Vancouver. Would like to drive part of the Icefields Parkway but is it worth going all the way to Jasper given the fires last summer? Then planning to head to Golden and Revelstoke via Emerald Lake, and on to Vernon and Kelowna, Whistler and Vancouver. Is this doable? We’re Australian, so distances don’t worry us too much – we just want to be able to stop and look at things along the way. Thinking maybe one night Canmore, then either Sunwapta Falls or Jasper, then a long day through to Golden or Revelstoke? Then Vernon and Whistler? Can leave Whistler out this time – I’m sure we’ll be back! Cheers Ingrid
Hi Ingrid. Thanks for your great feedback. If I only had one week I would use it all for the Rockies and then just reserve the last day to drive from Golden or Revelstoke back to Vancouver. Icefields Parkway is a must-do, but if you think you will be back then you can just focus on Kananaskis, Banff, Yoho and Glacier NP this time. I hope that helps!
Hello Marta,
Thank you so much for such an amazing blog.
We want to do all the itineraries you have on your blog.
I would like to ask you which month would you advise to do a 1 full month Vancouver to Vancouver trip to the Rockies (Whistler, Jasper, Banff, Yoho): July or September??
We know that july it will be more busy than september but the temperature will be warmer, but the most important thing for us is that we can do the hikes without any problems of wildfires and closure because of snow for example.
We would prefer to go in July but i read on your blog that you recommend september.
Because we were thinking of starting in Whistler, we would be by Banff after 15 september and we are afraid that the weather will be very cold to sleep in the camper van. What’s your experience? And also we could maybe do the trip also in reverse from Calgary to Vancouver, then we would be begin september by de Banff en Yoho region earlier with maybe better weather.
What do you think?
Again thank you so much for putting all this information together.
It helps a lot of people like us.
Big thanks.
Best regards,
Ana
Hi Ana. Thanks for visiting. A really important thing to take under consideration in July (apart from the crowds) are the wildfires. Unfortunately in recent years they have just become a regular thing and quite often the views are covered with a thick layer of haze. It is very unfortunate. Yes, the nights in September can be cold so if you don’t bear with the cold too well just stay in hotels. The days are still pretty warm and it is totally fine to hike. If you rent a campervan that is equipped with a heater you can heat it up in the mornings and be nice and toasty. I hope that helps!
Hi,
Travelling from Australia next May. Doing cruise first and then 2 week driving trip starting in Vancouver and ending in Vancouver.
Feeling that Jasper is a bit too far in the time we have.
Looking to cover Squamish/Whistler area then heading up to Revelstoke area, Lake Louise and Banff and then back again to finish with two days in Vancouver. Thoughts??
Should we try and include Jasper and just scale down the 3 week itinerary that you have shared.
Love reading your blogs.
Hi Rebecca. If you have two weeks I would suggest that you follow my itinerary from Vancouver to Calgary and modify it a bit, leaving two days at the end to get back to Vancouver on the quickest way which is along the highway no. 1. You can make a stop in Revelstoke at the end then drive from Revelstoke to Vancouver on the last day. That itinerary does include Jasper and Icefields Parkway which I believe are a must see.
Hi Marta, Thank you for a lot of intresting tips. We are going to do your trip in October. Do you think that it will all ready for turism? What about weather – October it is a raining month?
ps. are you polish?
Hi Maria. October is definitely already what is considered a shoulder season. I wouldn’t recommend doing this trip in a campervan. Hotels plus regular car will be better because the nights are already cold. With that said October is still fine for travelling and a lot of the hikes are still accessible. As for the rain it’s a hit and miss but the rainiest month is generally June. PS. yes I am polish.
Thank you for this great blog.
We are in the early stages of planning. We are a family of 5 children aged 7/10/12. Would you say over all an RV or car/hotels would be cheaper?
We are quite good at budgeting and travelling cheaper but trying to way up costs- especially as having 3 children can often be a pain when trying to stay in hotels!
Thank you!
Emma
Hi Emma. Thanks for visiting. If I were to guess I would say the campervan will be cheaper for a group of 5, particularly in July. Hotels have gotten really expensive. Campervans do require a lot more gas and the cost a lot more to rent then regular cars, but the nice thing about campervans though is that you just carry your home with you so you don’t have to pack and unpack every other day. With kids in tow this is probably a hassle. Another cost effective thing for you would be to stay in hostels. There are some in the Rockies and even along the Icefields Parkway. You can rent a whole dorm to yourself which will give you privacy. If you want to cut the costs a little more I would also recommend travelling slower and doing lesser distance. My Calgary to Calgary trip might be more appealing to you.
I have just spent a lovely evening reading this blog. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, Marta! It’s made our RV trip much easier to plan.
My partner and I will be renting an RV from Vancouver to Calgary in 3 weeks time from September 23rd to October 7th. One question I have (which I know is unpredictable), is about the weather. Is it best to pack layers and waterproofs and leave the shorts at home? We are also visiting Montreal before we fly over to Vancouver to pick up the RV which I’ve heard is warmer than the west coast. Would just like some advice on what to pack as I’m limited on space.
Again, thank you so much!
Katie
Hi Katie. Thanks for visiting and for your great feedback. Yes, September and October bring much cooler weather with it so I would suggest going with warmer layers. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta,
My husband & I have been glued to your website, everyday for a week now ! Thank you for your insightful accounts. We are so inspired that we have decided to do your 14-Day Vancouver-Calgary road trip in mid-Sept 2024, coming all the way from equatorial SE Asia. We plan to use the links that you have provided to book our car & accomodation.
We read that at some places on the itinerary, we may be so fortunate as to see Aurora Borealis in the night sky! Would you be so kind as to suggest the ideal spots and timings for the chance of such sightings, please ? This experience would definitely be the icing on the already gorgeously-promising Canadian-trip cake ! Thank you !
Hi Em. Thanks for visiting my site. I couldn’t ask for a better feedback. Now to your question. To be able to see Aurora in the Rockies there needs to be a very strong sun flare activity. Jasper is known as the dark sky reserve (although currently Jasper has been affected by big wildfires and has been closed for a few weeks. You need to check current reports to see if it already opened.
There are also website where you can monitor sun activity. There were some big solar storms recently which allows to see the aurora in the Rockies, but for that you need what’s known as G2 or G3 kind of storms. If you want more chances to spot aurora you can fly to Whitehorse (in Yukon) or Yellowknife in Northwest territories for a couple of days. I hope that helps!
Dear Marta
we liked your plan very much and planned our trip according to your recommendations.
We were supposed to start the road trip on the 29 of August and were supposed to arrive at Jasper by 1 of September.
We are worried that do to wildfire we will not be able to arrive or proceed.
What you would suggest?
Hi TSVI. At this stage it is hard to say whether the businesses will reopen, but I wouldn’t loose my hope yet. They are trying to open things up asap because a lot of people rely on income from tourism. If however the businesses and the park still remains closed you can reroute and from Kamloops take the route to Golden then enter the Rockies via Yoho NP. I hope that helps!
Hi, As part of 4 week trip through Canada we did a van trip based on yours; 2 couples in a 30′ motorhome, it was fantastic.
What we did find was that such a vehicle was not allowed in certain parking / hiking areas on the Icefield and Bow Valley Parkway. Where motorhomes were allowed to park, whilst there may be allocated parking areas for us, inconsiderate car drivers parked in these spots, with the exception of Lake Minnewanka, there were no Parks Canada staff around to police this. My advice, get going early.
Peyto Lake was beautiful, again, a nightmare parking with inconsiderate tourist having total disregard to those in motorhomes. The other issue that really astounded us, being Australian we wanted to be good tourists, was the total lack of of respect many others had for the sites that we visited, for many it appeared to be about how many photos I can get for my Instragram account.
Some additional tips
Don’t fall in to the trap that we did that by having a Parks Canada Discovery Pass you can get in to Joffre Lakes, it is a provincial park run by British Columbia and you need to book a few days in advance to get one of the 500 passes per day that are available.
Always check in at information centres before you head out. We were at Spahat Falls, they had a sign saying Helmcken Falls were closed, so we did not go. Later at the info centre back in Clearwater we were told that Helmcken Falls were actually open. Dawson Falls is also spectacular.
If you do the Maligne Canyon hike, stop at Bridge 5, don’t worry about going to bridge 6, it is a waste of time as all you are doing is walking to a car park.
Athabasca Glacier, forget the ice Explorer Adventure, do the half day Icewalks Tour.https://www.icewalks.com/tours/half-day-tours.
Hi Frank! I am so glad to hear you had a fantastic time. Thanks so much for your extensive feedback. I hope it will help other travellers.
Marta, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! we have used your site for our New Zealand and Dolomite trips and were so grateful. We have planned on taking the Vancouver to
Calgary road trip this September. Questions to help our planning. September brings a fairly high chance of bear encounters. I suspect that with the other tourists on the trail it might not be too big a problem. However, knowing that we are fit elders in our early 70’s, I am thinking that bear spray should be a must. do you agree? More importantly, we are aware that the mobile phone coverage can be spotty and non existent. In the past we have relied on mobile phone wifi extenders but they are very expensive to rent
in Canada. Being proficient at ancient paper road maps and having down loaded the hiking maps before hand, what are you thoughts at needing mobile service. We actually had an incident on a road trip to rural Ireland and had to wave down a passing motorist, who called for us from the next town. It was however, a bit nerve racking waiting for hours by the road not knowing when help would arrive. Your thoughts would be welcomed. my best, herb
Hi there. I am so glad to hear you keep revisiting my site and this time you are going to Canada.
As for your questions. Bear encounters on trails are very rare and most trails enlisted in my itineraries are well walked so wildlife stays away. I have encountered bears on trails 3 times and each of those times it was super early in the morning (right after sunrise) and deep in the backcountry. We were the first ones on the trail.
Bear spray is non-negotiable. I always had it on me. It is just a standard equipment for hikers in the Rockies. As for mobile phone coverage, yes it can be poor. I suggest that you invest into the Garmin Inreach Mini sattelite communication device. I hope that helps!
P.S. Next year, Norway? 🙂
Hi Marta,
Me and My mum are going to be doing this trip from mid July till end of July. What time is best to set off in the morning to see everything on your list?
Thanks
Hi Niaz. I am afraid even if you were to stay up all night you won’t be able to see it all:). I Love to photograph sunrises and golden hour so I am usually up really early (sometimes 5AM), but you are on holiday so take it easy.
This looks so great! I’m wondering if you have the itinerary in an excel document at all?
Hi Sal. I am glad you found it helpful. Unfortunately I do not have it in Excel.
Dear Marta, I’m so pleased that I stumbled across your fabulous, informative website. I’m envious of how much time you spend in such spectacular scenery! We will spend 16 days traveling between Vancouver and Calgary in late July and early Aug. We will spend a few days in VC with friends and then start a road trip (via Whistler, Banff and stops in between). We can’t do both the wine area and Jasper due to time and are trying to decide whether to go to the Okanagan valley for some heat and a change in scenery or whether we’ll regret not seeing Jasper and the Icefields Parkway, despite having 10 days in the mountains. What would be your advice please Marta? We really appreciate being able to ask! Thanks so much, Ruth
Hi Ruth! Thanks so much for your amazing feedback and sorry for late reply. I just got back from a trip:)
Now to your question. I am a big mountain junkie so I would take Jasper over Okanagan any day.
Hi!
We are going to Vancouver for a week with cousins and then planning on roadtripping to Calgary. We would leave on a Saturday and fly home from Calgary the following Sunday. Is that enough time? If so, what would you recommend we eliminate from the itinerary?
Thank you for your help,
Karen
Hi Karen. Thanks for visiting. Yes you can drive from Vancouver to Calgary in a week but you would have to prioritize. I would probably just take the main highway 1 from Vancouver straight to Lake Louise stayed there for 3 nights and explored the area, then I would head to Canmore for the remaining time and explored the area around there. If you don’t plan on any hikes then you can follow the road trip as per article and stop in each location for 1 night only before moving on. If you need any help adjusting itinerary I do offer Trip planning Advice.
Hi Marta, I love this Blog it is amazing!
I will be travelling to Canada with my Husband and 8 year old Daughter and we would like to do your Vancouver to Vancouver trip in 12 days (I know tight) We would love to do it in an RV, I am just about to book but we would book from the 24th of September to the 8th of October this year, is that too late in the year for an RV or should we hire a Car?
I really appreciate your help.
Kind Regards Lisa
Hi Lisa. Thanks for the amazing feedback. It is possible to travel in an RV during those times however you have to take under consideration that the nights are already cold (the temperature can drop below freezing overnight). If you van has a heater or if you bring extra sleeping bags with you then that’s no problem. I have camped in my van even in January, it really comes down to being prepared. I hope that helps!
Hi Marta what a wonderful website I’m certainly going to follow your two week road trip. My question is we will start in Vancouver and need to finish in Vancouver so at the end of your two week itinerary how do you suggest we get back to Vancouver. Thank you again for your wonderful travel advice !
Hi Virgnia. Thanks for your great feedback. I would suggest that you check out my Vancouver to Vancouver trip which you could squeeze into two weeks.
What a wonderful post!
How easy / treacherous / crowded are the roads from Whistler to Kamloops and then on to Banff in late July and early August?
(My travel partner is recommending driving round trip from Vancouver to Whistler and back to Vancouver, and then flying the Calgary to then drive to Banff, but your blog suggests we’d be missing a lot of beatiful sites). What do you think?
Hi Ray. Thanks for visiting. The roads from Whistler to the Rockies are quieter than the ones in the Rockies. If you plan on driving in the Rockies then you can definitely manage to drive from Vancouver to the Rockies. The thing is no matter how time you’ve got you won’t be able to see everything so I reckon what it will boil down to in your case is how much time you actually have.
Thanks! We’ve decided to drive and enjoy as much of the region as possible!
So far, we’re allocating a week for *this* visit. (I have a feeling we’ll want to come back!) All the best!
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to go back after visiting the Rockies. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Hi Marta, just wanted to send a huge thank you towards you! I am planning our road trip and your route and especially the map is so super helpful! Also other articles about what to do between Whistler and Jasper. Thank you and keep doing what you’re doing:-) Tina
Hi Tina. Thanks so much for your amazing feedback! I really appreciate it and I hope you have a wonderful trip in Canada.
Hi Marta
Awesome article! Our family are travelling to Canada (from Australia) in June and, because of your recommendations, have changed our original plan and will be following this route instead. Just one question: we’re hiring a campervan and your article says that the route is around 2000ks, but Google maps it out at around 1300. Was that a typo, or are you adding in extra ks for trips off the main route? Obviously, we have to buy Km packs from the camper hire people, and not sure how much to purchase.
Many thanks!
Colin
Hi Colin. I am so glad to hear you found my itinerary useful. Yes if you won’t be doing any side trips then it will be 1300 km, but every place you will be visiting you will probably be doing side trips which can be up to 100 km in a day and the kilometres do add up quickly. I hope that helps. I would really appreciate if you use my affiliate link when booking a campervan. Happy travels!
Thanks Marta! Just booked a camper through your link (well, at least paid a deposit and requested a vehicle). Oh, and also a coffee – Cheers!
Hi Colin! Amazing thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it. I hope you have an amazing time travelling in Canada.
This guide is great!
I’ve got 14 days, flying into Vancouver and out of Calgary. Do you think I’d have time to do Vancouver Island too, or would you say it’s too much?
I like mountains and nature, my number one place in the world is Switzerland for that reason, and Canada looks even more dramatic!
Hi Arran. I honestly think that would be pushing it. It’s a long drive from Vancouver to Calgary and there is so much to do and see over there. Leave Vancouver Island for another time. In comparison to the Rockies it is not nearly as exciting. I hope that helps!
I absolutely love this post! Me, my partner and another couple planning to come next and do this trail (or very similar) from England. This may sound completely daft I have such a fear encountering a bear! But I really don’t wanna miss this opportunity to hike these beautiful trails. I know you have to be cautious, but have you ever had any problems? Thanks xx
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for visiting my site and for your lovely feedback. First of all which hike do you have exactly in mind? You said you plan to do this trail, but I actually mentioned many trails in the itinerary 🙂
As for the bears, I totally understand your fear. I was the same before my very first hike in the Rockies. Luckily my fears soon dispersed. Meeting a bear on busy trails is rather unlikely. They are actually quite timid and shy away from humans. They prefer to stay away. I did run into bears on 3 occasions, one included an encounter with a sow with her two cubs. That was the scariest one. The other two times when the bears realised we are there, they quickly run away. I was actually quite surprised by their reaction. The reason I had so many encounters is that I was often the first person on the trails, very early in the morning when the bears were still active. The trails where I met bears were also deep in the backcountry, in places that could be reached over a day or two hiking. As I said encountering a bear on a busy trail is unlikely. With that said carrying a bear spray, hiking in a group and making noise is essential. All in all though don’t get the ‘bearanoia’ get the best of you and just enjoy the beautiful nature in Canada.
Antes de nada, debo de agradecer y valorar enormemente el gran trabajo que has realizado en esta web. Nos ayudó en infinidad de ocasiones en nuestros viajes!
Eres un ejemplo a seguir y siento una gran admiración!
Estoy planeando un viaje para Septiembre 2024 a Canada, y quiero alquilar una coche con tienda de campaña en el techo, como hicimos en Islandia. Sabes de alguna compañía que realice este tipo de alquiler? Es Islandia son muy habituales, pero en Canada no consigo encontrar ninguna compañia.
Muchas gracias!!
Hola Víctor. Muchas gracias por su hermoso comentario. Entiendo Español demasiado, pero hablar y escribir es mucho más difícil, así que utilicé ayuda del Traductor de Google.
Mire el sitio web de Pacific Backroader. Alquilan camiones con tienda de campaña en el techo. ¡Espero que eso ayude!
Perfecto! Me servirá de ayuda, pero esto me obliga a realizar el viaje Vancouver – Calgary – Vancouver, y quisiera iniciar el viaje en uno y acabar en otro. Seguiré buscando.
Por cierto, gracias por tus blogs de vias ferratas en Dolomitas, convertiste a esta pareja en unos fanáticos de las ferratas!
Un saludo!
Lo siento que no haber podido ayudar más. Espero que encuentres un coche adecuado. Me alegra mucho saber que te gusta mi blog. Yo también soy un fanático de las vías ferratas. ¡Bienvenido al club! 🙂
Hello,
I am planning my trip through Canada. I have a furry friend traveling with me. I saw that you have Jasper. Did you have him while you did your roadtrip? Any dog friendly advice you can share?
Hi Cede. Thanks for visiting. I got Jasper after I lived in Canada, but I met plenty of dogs on trails in the Canadian Rockies. If you want to do a multiday trek with a dog then look into the Rockwall trail. There is one rule you have to follow when hiking with a dog in the Rockies, you have to keep your dog on a leash at all times due to widlife.
Hello Marta
Firtsly thank you for your information you have provided.
I have spent the last two hours reading your blog and will need a lot more time to fully extract the information for our plnned trip from Vancouver to Calgary, two weeks duration starting last week in June 2024 using a campervan. We have two questions.
1. Would we have time to visit Vancouver island without missing any of the highlights.
2. When hiking on the trails, (with snacks/picnic) how do you enjoy the hike without worrying if a bear is sniffing you out for their lunch?
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for leaving the feedback. I am stoked to hear you liked the post. I worked very hard recently to update it. Now to your questions. It depends. Potentially yes you could visit Vancouver Island first drive to Tofino and back in 3 days then spend the rest following this itinerary but if your plan is to hike instead of just spend most of your time driving then I wouldn’t recommend it. You can’t see it all in 2 weeks.
2. Don’t let Bearanoia get a hold of you 🙂 Spotting a bear on a trail is very uncommon. Most of the trails I recommend are well-hiked trails with many other hikers on them so bears stay as far away as they can. They are more scared of you than you are of them. With that said you still need to take precautions. Always carry a bear spray in a spot where you can reach it quickly. In some areas like Lake Louise sometimes there is a restriction where you have to hike in a group of 4. In that case, you can just team up with other people at the trailhead. I’ve done it before. During the 15 months I spent in the Rockies I run into bears 3 times and each time was when I was in a deep backcountry which required a couple of days of walking from civilization. It was also very early in the morning (i hike for good light) when the trails were still very empty of other hikers. The first time it happened when the bear spotted us it turned around and ran away so quickly that I couldn’t believe how fast the bears can run :).
Hi Marta,
Much like the other people who commented, I was googling the top places and activities to do from Calgary to Vancouver and I stumbled across your blog posts (which are amazing by the way). Originally my partner and I were planning a two week trip from Calgary to Vancouver and back, our plan was to explore the Rockies and Vancouver island and everything beautiful in between. To me (a Canadian) the quantity of driving seems quite normal but to my European boyfriend, it’s a little too much for 2 weeks, so now we’re planning to spend 3 to 4 weeks (basically all of July). So… I have some questions for you, if you have the time to answer them, it would be greatly appreciated on our side 🙂
1. We were thinking about renting a van but realized it would be the same price to buy an old used one and just sell it after. I know you recommend renting a van in your post but do you have any experience buying and selling one? If yes, how did it go?
2. I don’t really know how to phrase this, I don’t want to seem insensitive or seem. Our interest comes from a place of appreciation and admiration for Indigenous culture, history, and ways of living. We would really like to participate in some immersive Indigenous cultural learning/experiences such as fishing, hunting, arts and crafts (moccasins/beading etc), have you come across any local Indigenous businesses you would recommend and that we could support?
3. As we would be turning your two-week itinerary into three to four weeks, are there any places or activities you recommend (outside of what you’ve already mentioned in your blog)?
4. What were some of your biggest challenges during your trip?
That’s all of my questions so far 🙂
Vanessa & Jules
Hi Vanessa! Thanks for stopping by. I actually had the conversation about how differently we Europeans perceive distances from Canadians or Americans. I think it’s really interesting. To be fair though I am a big fan of slow travel myself so I am glad you decided to make your trip longer to be able to stay longer in places you are about to visit.
As for your questions. I did buy a minivan but I stayed in the Rockies for 15 months, so having no car would have been impossible. Because vanlife became so popular in the last few years, the demand for vans is really high which means the prices really went up. Besides buying in the midst of summer would add up to the cost. I also don’t think it’s as easy to buy a van and then sell it quickly at the end. Unless you are actually planning to do it soon and then drive to Vancouver/Calgary from wherever you are based in Canada then I don’t see a point. Getting it registered in Alberta or BC, getting insurance and so on and so forth might steal a lot of precious time that you have set aside to travel.
As for the second question, unfortunately, I am afraid I won’t be able to help you out here. I was actually very surprised how little of the indigenous culture was present in the Rockies. No. 3 I do have a Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary that goes for 3 weeks plus another 4 day trip for Vancouver Island, so maybe you should look into that. If however, you are doing Vancouver to Calgary then I would say really take your time and stay longer in each place to be able to really appreciate it.
4. I think the biggest challenge for me was the weather. I am sure you might be aware of how common the wildfires are in the Rockies and July is the prime month for them to start due to afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains. The wildfires bring a lot of haze with them and have a massive impact on air quality. It affects hiking possibilities. That’s why I often say on my blog that I think September is the best time to travel around the Rockies, especially since there is a lot less human traffic and the smoke and haze are usually gone in September. Of course, it’s not every year that the wildfires are bad, but for the past few years this was a very common occurrence.
I hope this helps a bit. Do let me know if you have more questions! I keep my fingers crossed that you have a wonderful trip!
Hi Marta
I have stumbled across your website and it looks so wonderful, thank you.
We would like to do a months trip to this area of Canada so your itinary is a great place to start to plan. We were hoping encompass a few days of skiing. From your experience would this work or are we jeopardising the rest of the trip by having to take the trip in April?
Thank you
Hi Denise. Thanks for stopping by. I would say plan the trip for a later date (august or September for example). Skiing conditions aren’t great towards the end of April, it’s mostly slush, and then for the rest of the trip you won’t be able to do much as a lot of the hikes won’t be accessible, some attractions, like Moraine lake, don’t even open until mid-may. In my honest opinion, it isn’t worth it. Go skiing another time and do a road trip through the Rockies when the weather is optimal! I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Great site & recs!
Hi,
I’ve never been to Canada. I know, I know! I have lived in Seattle for 7 years now. I want to plan a 10 – 14 day round trip road trip starting and ending in Seattle. I’m just beginning planning this trip. What is the furthest point I can get to before looping back? Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Lisa
Hi Lisa. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t worry, we all tend to travel to faraway places before visiting places close to us. I’d recommend that you have a look at my Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary and plan 2 weeks for it making some adjustments (for example you can cut out Okanagan Valley and connect your Banff and Canmore stay). As for your question, it really depends. You can easily do the whole trip that I am recommending here https://inafarawayland.com/western-canada-road-trip-plan/ but it is going to be quite a bit of driving. I have noticed though that we Europeans perceive distances differently than Americans or Canadians because for us everything is super close and if it is 2 or 3 hours away then it is at least a weekend trip, whereas a Canadian would consider it a day trip 🙂 Anyways have a look at the itinerary I shared and try to narrow it down to two weeks.