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!!
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Contents
Calgary
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.
Banff
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!
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!
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!)
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!
Lake Louise
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!
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.
Bow Lake
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.
Peyto Lake
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!
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.
Jasper
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.
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.
Clearwater
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!
Whistler
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!
When everyone thinks of Whistler they imagine a big winter playground with world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Although true, Whistler has so much to offer in the summer as well. I actually ended up preferring the summer. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t miss:
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
This is an absolute must-do!
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a cable car that takes you the 4.4km between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in 11 minutes. The views are epic! Snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, alpine lakes and lush forests; you’ll be left speechless.
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.
Hiking
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.
Alta Lake
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.
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.
Vancouver
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.
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!
Gastown
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!
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. 🙂