western canada trip itinerary

Ultimate 2 Week Western Canada Road Trip from Vancouver: Itinerary, Tips & Map

If you have only one chance (and two weeks) to explore Western Canada, this is the road trip for you.

As well as including all of the ‘must sees,’ this two week Western Canada road trip itinerary features many of the contrasting landscapes that make this region so unique. Think temperate rainforest, desert and mountains, all in one road trip!

This road trip guide is shaped by 10+ years of experience living and travelling in British Columbia and Alberta. JR and I have tried and tested every single activity mentioned.

Filled with more than 6500 words of local knowledge and advice, this Western Canada road trip guide is intended to be used as a starting point for planning your trip.

Adjust the suggestions to your interests or add a couple of days in the locations that sound most appealing to you.

The guide includes a day-by-day overview of the entire two-week road trip itinerary, as well as planning tips to help save you money (and stress!) along the way.

Here’s what to expect:

Road trip itinerary at a glance

Need to know info.

• Vancouver to Whistler
• Whistler to Kamloops
• Kamloops to Valemount
• Valemount to Jasper
• Jasper to Banff
• Banff to Golden
• Golden to Revelstoke
• Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley
• Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

Camping details

• Alternative itineraries

More planning resources

Last updated January 2024 . This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, we may receive a small percentage of the sale.

14 day Western Canada road trip overview

Time to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Western Canada road trip!

This section of the guide provides an overview of the itinerary with a map and some important need-to-know information.

Before we go any further, let’s have a look at the entire 14 day road trip itinerary from start to finish.

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Whistler Day 3 : Whistler Day 4 : Whistler to Kamloops Day 5 : Kamloops to Valemount Day 6 : Valemount to Jasper Day 7 : Jasper

Day 8 : Jasper to Banff Day 9 : Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Golden Day 12 : Golden to Revelstoke Day 13 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

It is noticeable that the majority of this road trip is in British Columbia. I was tempted to call it the ‘ ultimate 2 week British Columbia road trip ‘ but decided that the inclusion of both Jasper and Banff made it a bit too inaccurate.

If the routing looks too fast for you, I suggest looking at the alternative itineraries noted at the bottom of the page

Travelling to Canada from Europe? While it is easier and faster to drive long distances in Western Canada compared to Europe, you may find that this itinerary includes way too much driving for your preferences. Again, I would suggest checking out the alternative itineraries section.

Please note that this post previously mentioned a two-night stay on Vancouver Island within the itinerary.

I have recently chosen to remove this recommendation primarily due to the high amount of ferry cancellations in 2023 ( more information and advice later in the guide ).

Western Canada road trip map

Use the below Google Map for orientation and planning.

Each of the suggested activities is marked on the map, with suggested accommodations in each town and city.

• The best time to drive this road trip is July to September . June is also a good time, though a handful of these activities may have limited accessibility
• This itinerary is relatively fast-paced . If you choose to do most of the activities listed, you will likely be busy all day. Need more downtime? Stretch this itinerary over three weeks or skip some of the activities
• The route and suggested activities are aimed at people who enjoy exploring nature and being active while on vacation
• I have suggested at least one short, easy hike/walk each day (7km or less) . Other hiking trails mentioned are aimed at keen hikers looking for longer, intermediate/difficult level routes
• Most of the overnight stops are in small towns. During the summer months, accommodation and dining availability and choice can be limited
• Advance reservations (6 months or more) are recommended for Whistler, Banff and Jasper in particular
• Before you head to Western Canada , learn how to avoid negative bear encounters and basic outdoor safety
• This itinerary focuses on free activities over paid ones. I have, however, mentioned half a dozen paid attractions which I think offer one-of-a-kind experiences
• Keep in mind that this road trip offers just a taste of the activities and hiking trails on offer in these locations. It is impossible to do everything in a 2 week road trip !
• When exploring , be sure to always Leave No Trace (dispose of trash properly, stay on established trails, don’t feed wildlife)
• A national park pass is required to visit Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Glacier and Revelstoke national parks (all mentioned in this guide). These parks are all covered by the same day pass
• Discover more tips and advice in our BC trip planning guide

Day by day road trip guide

Read on to discover a detailed breakdown of this 2 week Western Canada road trip itinerary, including where to stay and what to do each day.

Vancouver (Day 1)

Surrounded by temperate rainforest, mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a strikingly beautiful city.

The downtown area is located at the very end of what is known as British Columbia’s ‘Lower Mainland,’ with neighbouring cities (Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford) spreading out to the east.

Vancouver is the ideal place to get your bearings before starting your 2 week Western Canada road trip.

Best things to do in Vancouver

• One day isn’t a lot of time in Vancouver. Depending on the length of your journey to Vancouver, you may want to take this day slowly and not see/do that much
• The Vancouver Seawall around Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most unique features. It’s possible to rent a bike or just walk one section
• The Granville Island Public Market is a firm favourite for tourists and locals alike – arrive with an empty stomach!
• Of course, a scroll around downtown is essential. Gastown , Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, is one of my favourite areas, with cobblestone streets, galleries, cafes and boutiques
• If the downtown areas do not hold any interest for you, consider a trip to Grouse Mountain . Take the challenge to hike to the top via the Grouse Grind (2.5km with 800m elevation!) or ride the cable car. Spectacular views await at the top, plus rescued grizzly bears and a lumberjack show

Where to stay in Vancouver

Looking to stay downtown but want to pay less than $400/night? We’ve stayed at the Moda Hotel several times and enjoyed both the location and heritage building surroundings. The cheapest rooms are not very spacious but they have everything you need for a short stay.

On a stricter budget? I’ve heard great things about the YWCA Hotel . The location is fantastic, being walkable to everywhere downtown. The cheapest rooms have shared bathrooms.

It is important to know that there are no campgrounds in downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver to Whistler (Day 2)

Vancouver to Whistler driving distance: 121km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 45 minutes

Time to get out of the city! The drive to Whistler is a well travelled route though also incredibly pretty. Howe Sound borders the road on one side, with high cliffs and mountains on the other.

Best things to do between Vancouver and Whistler

• Shannon Falls is an ideal first stop to stretch and get your bearings. The waterfall is just a five-minute walk from the parking lot
• If you’re curious what lies at the top of the mountains, take the Sea to Sky Gondola to find out. Breathtaking vistas of the ocean and surrounding mountains await!
• The small town of Squamish is just a little further up the highway. The dramatic Stawamus Chief , a huge granite monolith, can be seen from downtown. Stop for an early dinner or to get food supplies
• Last stop before Whistler is Brandywine Falls. Allow 20-30 minutes to walk the easy 1km return trail to the viewpoint

Where to stay in Whistler

Whistler has a whole host of accommodation options to choose from. Booking as early as possible is highly recommended.

The Pangea Pod Hotel is right in the heart of the action of Whistler Village, but without the price tag of surrounding hotels.

Families and larger groups may like the Whistler Village Inn & Suites , which offers a number of different room configurations. The location is central but surprisingly quiet.

The closest provincial park campground to Whistler is Nairn Falls , around 25 minutes drive north on Highway 99. Another option is Alice Lake , which is in Squamish (40 minutes south). Reservations highly recommended.

Whistler (Day 3)

Whistler is one of North America’s largest ski resorts. But this mountain paradise is a wonderful summer destination as well.

This is particularly true if you love to hike as the winter lift system can be utilised for easy access into the alpine (almost zero uphill climbs necessary!)

Best things to do in Whistler

• After breakfast, board the Village Gondola to reach the peak of Whistler Mountain (2,181m). Take in the extraordinary views and then ride the Peak Express chairlift (Friday to Sunday only) to the Top of the World Summit (2182m). Top tip – buy your tickets online to avoid most of the line
• Return to Whistler Mountain to take the incredible Peak 2 Peak gondola to Blackcomb Mountain , where more alpine trails await. I’d recommend the easy Alpine Loop (1.4km). When finished, ride the Blackcomb Gondola back down to the village
• Cool off with a swim in Alta Lake . Note that parking is limited so walk or take the bus if you can (#10, #20, #25 BC Transit buses)
• In the evening, explore Whistler’s alpine-themed centre and take a photo with the huge Olympic Rings
• Looking for some downtime? Visit Scandinave Spa for some thermal therapy. Access to this adults-only outdoor spa is available without a reservation, though a waitlist does operate at busy times
• If they haven’t had enough excitement already, kids may love to try the longest zipline in North America

Here to hike? The premier alpine hike on Whistler Mountain is the High Note Trail . The 9.4km route begins from the Top of the World Summit and descends through rugged rocky terrain and meadows to finish at the top of the Village Gondola

Whistler to Kamloops (Day 4)

Whistler to Kamloops driving distance: 300km Driving time without activities : 4 hours

Highway 99 continues beyond Whistler and through the spectacular Garibaldi Ranges.

The lush mountainous landscape doesn’t last however, with the second half of this drive transitioning into a completely different (and much drier!) ecosystem.

The day finishes in the city of Kamloops, situated in British Columbia’s dry grasslands region.

Best things to do between Whistler and Kamloops

• Nairn Falls is a must-see, situated 25 minutes north of Whistler. The viewpoint is 3km return from the parking lot
• Enjoy morning coffee or lunch in Pemberton , a cute village surrounded by mountains
• If you’ve already secured a day pass (only possible two days in advance), stop to visit the famous Joffre Lakes . These turquoise-coloured lakes are very popular but rightly so. The hike is 500m one-way to the first lake, 4km to the middle lake, 5km to the upper lake
• Beyond Duffy Lake , the landscape starts to change dramatically. Stop in Lillooet to take it all in (pick up some treats from the bakery too!)
• There is a great viewpoint/rest area 30 minutes west of Kamloops

Where to stay in Kamloops

Kamloops has a wide choice of accommodation and eateries. An alternative overnight destination would be Clearwater. The drive would take around an hour and a half longer but would significantly reduce overall driving time the next day.

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

For upscale lodgings in the downtown area, book a stay at the Delta Hotel . The location is convenient for restaurants and also for departing towards Clearwater (your destination on day 5).

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

An alternative idea would be to drive directly to Wells Gray Provincial Park (more details below) and stay at one of the three campgrounds there instead.

Reservations are possible for both Clearwater Lake and Falls Creek campgrounds . We find Pyramid to be more conveniently located for waterfalls but it is first come first serve only.

Kamloops to Valemount (Day 5)

Kamloops to Valemount driving distance: 322km (+90km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 5 hours

The star attraction today is Wells Gray Provincial Park , a protected area just north of Clearwater (1 hour 30 minutes drive from Kamloopos)

Part of a volcanic field that started forming approximately 3.5 million years ago, Wells Gray is host to 40+ spectacular waterfalls as well as glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains and more.

The drive to Clearwater from Kamloops is pretty straightforward. Watch for the Canadian Mountaineer train on the parallel tracks!

On arrival, pick up lunch supplies and then head onto Clearwater Valley Road for 2-3 hours of waterfall chasing.

Best things to do in Wells Gray Provincial Park and on the way to Valemount

• The biggest waterfall in Wells Gray Provincial Park is Helmcken Falls (141m high!), which is located at the very end of the paved section of the road
• On the way there, stop at Spahats Falls (10 minute walk from the parking lot), Dawson Falls (900m return) and the Mushbowl (roadside)
• An optional stop is Moul Falls . It is accessible only via a 6km return hike. The first half of the trail is flat, wide and very easy. The second half is narrower and rockier, with the final approach to the waterfall featuring some short, steep slopes and a couple of staircases
• Beyond Helmcken Falls, the road is unpaved. If you want to continue, the Ray Farm Trail is 3km return (homesteading history, interesting mineral springs)
• The 1.6km return trip to Bailey’s Chute Trail combines both waterfalls and rapids
• After driving back to Clearwater, return to Highway 5 and continue to Valemount through the lush North Thompson Valley
• The drive between Clearwater and Valemount is pleasant, though there are not many easily accessible roadside activities

Here to hike? The best hiking trail in Wells Gray Provincial Park is the Trophy Meadow Trail . Providing quick access to the subalpine, it is one of my favourite trails in all of BC! The one downside is that the trailhead is located at the end of an unpaved road

Where to stay in Valemount

Valemount is a small village (pop 1052) with a surprisingly good choice of accommodation. There’s an excellent local brewery , a very popular Swiss-German bakery and an entry-by-donation museum .

Canadas Best Value Inn Valemount is a great no-frills option while the Comfort Inn & Suites offers more amenities and complimentary breakfast.

The most upscale place in Valemount is the Best Western Plus . If you’re looking for something a little more unique and local, try Valemount Mountain Retreat Guesthouse .

Valemount has several private RV parks . An alternative idea is to stay at one of Mount Robson’s provincial park campgrounds . I prefer Robson River over Robson Meadows, but both are good.

Valemount to Jasper (Day 6)

Valemount to Jasper driving distance: 123km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 30 minutes (+ time change)

The drive between Valemount and Jasper is wonderfully scenic, though it also features a time change. Prepare to lose one hour today!

Before leaving Valempount, be sure to check out the Swiss-German bakery if you haven’t already.

Best things to do between Valemount and Jasper

• Shortly after turning onto Highway 16 you’ll arrive at Rearguard Falls Provincial Park . A steep and short trail leads down to a number of viewing platforms of this thundering waterfall
• Around the next highway corner is the most spectacular view of Mount Robson , the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3954m). Stop at the Visitor Centre to get a closer look and view indoor exhibits about the mountain. There’s a good café as well
• The final stop of the day is beautiful Overlander Falls . Allow 30 minutes to walk to the main viewpoint and back
• Time change in mind, you’ll likely arrive in Jasper in the mid afternoon. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a stroll around the downtown area
• In the evening, consider the scenic drive to Pyramid Lake , where elk are commonly seen. Take a walk on Pyramid Island

Where to stay in Jasper

Accommodation in Jasper is high in demand. This combined with the small size of Jasper means that prices are high too. For these reasons, I would recommend booking accommodation in Jasper as soon as possible.

The Mount Robson Inn is a solid downtown accommodation pick. A wide range of room configurations offer particularly good value for families and larger groups. Breakfast is included with every stay and guests also have access to a hot tub. Whistler’s Inn is an ideal alternative for couples.

Campers have a choice of campgrounds in Jasper. We have stayed most often at Whistlers Campground , which was completely renovated a few years ago.

Wapiti Campground is located just down the road from Whistlers and is smaller. Both are only 5 minutes drive from town.

Jasper (Day 7)

Driving distance: 90km Driving time without activities : 2 hours

Jasper National Park is Canada’s largest, with the small town of Jasper at the centre of it all. With two nights here, you’ll be able to see some of the park’s most impressive sights and also enjoy the charm of the compact Jasper townsite.

Best things to do in Jasper

• With one full day in Jasper National Park, I would prioritise visiting Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake , both located on Maligne Lake Road (100km return)
• Allow 2 hours to walk the 5km loop along the rim of Maligne Canyon . It includes six bridges, numerous impressive viewpoints and even several waterfalls. Shorter loops are possible as well
• Continue the drive along Maligne Lake Road to the Medicine Lake Lookout
• At the end of the road is Maligne Lake itself. Pre-book a cruise to Spirit Island , one of Canada’s most iconic and spectacular sights. Yes, the cruise is super touristy but there’s no other way to see the true beauty of Maligne Lake quickly ( padd l ing to Spirit Island takes around 8-10 hours return).
• If you have extra time, consider taking a short drive along Highway 16 beyond Jasper. The road parallels the impressive Athabasca River

Here to hike? Get an early start and head directly to Maligne Lake. The Bald Hills loop is the best ‘bang for buck’ trail in this area, offering spectacular above treeline views of Maligne Lake. The return distance to the summit is 15km with 715m of elevation gain

Jasper to Banff (Day 8)

Jasper to Banff driving distance: 289km (+10km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 3 hours 30 minutes

Often cited as one of the best road trips in the world, the Icefields Parkway is a 230km long highway along the Continental Divide. It starts in Jasper and ends near Lake Louise, 60km west of Banff

The road is lined with towering mountains and immense glaciers, providing jaw dropping vistas no matter where you look.

There are numerous roadside viewpoints along the route, as well as hiking trailheads and picnic areas. Be sure to get gas and food supplies before leaving Jasper.

Best things to do between Jasper and Banff

• Driving the Icefields Parkway without stopping takes just less than three hours. To visit the below sights and stop at half a dozen viewpoints, allow four to six hours
• Our favourite roadside viewpoints are Crowfoot Glacier , Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lake , Weeping Wall , the Big Bend , Tangle Creek Falls and the Goats and Glacier Lookout (all marked on the road trip map )
• Athabasca Falls is a powerful cascade accessible within a very short walk of the parking area, optional side trail into the canyon (well worth the stairs!)
• Make a quick stop at Sunwapta Falls to see the almost roadside Upper Falls
• The Columbia Icefield  is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, with the Athabasca Glacier being the most accessible part. The easy Toe of the Athabasca Glacier  hike is 1.4km return
• The bright turquoise colour of Peyto Lake has to be seen to believed! The walk from the parking lot is uphill, just over 1km return
• Bow Lake is another great spot to stretch your legs during the latter half of the Icefields Parkway

Where to stay in Banff

While Banff is about double the size of Jasper, it also receives almost double the amount of visitors. The price of accommodation is usually a bit higher too. As with Jasper, I’d recommend booking as early as possible.

Our favourite downtown hotel is Moose Hotel & Suites . It is situated right on Banff Avenue, just a few minutes walk from a huge choice of restaurants, cafes and stores. One of the other highlights of the hotel is the huge roof top patio with hot tub.

There are a number of different campgrounds to choose from in the Banff area. Our preferred 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.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to staying in Banff, consider the nearby town of Canmore instead (still touristy but more of a local vibe, slightly lower prices). The Pocaterra Inn offers one of the best value stays in Canmore.

Budget not an issue? Consider staying in Lake Louise ! The Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the most iconic place to stay in the Rockies.

Banff (day 9)

There are so many different things to do in the picture perfect mountain town of Banff and surrounding Banff National Park .

For many people, spectacular Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are a priority. I would recommend visiting these lakes on your second full day here (day 10). Spend your first day exploring Banff and the immediate surrounding area.

Best things to do in Banff

• If you’re an early riser and loved Maligne Canyon in Jasper, consider an early morning trip to Johnston Canyon (30km drive from Banff). The 2.4km return hike to the Lower Falls takes less than 1 hour. Johnston Canyon is usually very busy between 10am – 3pm
• In the morning, explore the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive (24km). Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Walk on the shoreline of the lake or consider renting a canoe ($85/hour)
• Instead of returning directly to Banff, take a short detour to the Mt Norquay Lookout . It’s my favourite free viewpoint in Banff
• Feel like a hike? The 2km uphill trail to the top of Tunnel Mountain is well worth the effort (300m elevation gain) as it ascends the slopes of this prominent landmark to reveal a number of spectacular viewpoints over the Banff Townsite as well as Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley
• If that sounds like too much for you, reserve a spot on the Banff Gondola that ascends to the top of Sulphur Mountain . The views are simply spectacular. I’d recommend taking the bus (route 1) to avoid having to find parking at the gondola base
• Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown Banff . If the shopping area doesn’t appeal, take a walk along the Bow River to see the falls (close to the Fairmont)

Here to hike? It’s possible to ascend Sulphur Mountain by trail, rather than gondola. The 11km return trip includes 665m of elevation gain. My friend Leigh has written a comprehensive hiking guide . It is possible to take the gondola down instead of hiking, but there is a fee.

Banff (Day 10)

Driving distance: 133km Driving time without activities : 1 hour 30 minutes

Start your day with a visit to Banff National Park’s most famous lakes – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake . Please note that Moraine Lake is usually open from late May to early October only.

Since Moraine Lake is only accessible by bus and Lake Louise parking is very limited (and also $21/day!), there are two main options:

• Use the Parks Canada park-and-ride shuttle ($8) located at Lake Louise Ski Resort, 45 minutes drive from Banff. There are regular reservable buses to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with a Connector Shuttle.
• 8X Roam Transit bus from Banff to Lake Louise Lakeshore. This reservable express bus takes 55 minutes. The $25 Roam System Wide Pass includes access to the Parks Canada Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake

Best things to do at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

• In addition to spectacular lakeshore views, both lakes have great hiking opportunities
• Lake Agnes is a very popular destination from Lake Louise, 7.4km return with 390m elevation gain (allow 2 to 2.5 hours, note that it is uphill almost the entire way). A teahouse has been located at Lake Agnes for more than 100 years
• For a longer hike near Lake Louise, choose between the Lake Agnes/Big Beehive/Plain of Six Glaciers Loop (18km with 900m elevation gain) or a summit of Mount Piran (13km return with 900m elevation gain)
• In the Moraine Lake area, consider the Consolation Lakes trail . Starting just past the Rockpile, this 5.8km return hike features views of high alpine meadows, mountain peaks and the Quadra Glacier as well as plenty of pretty wildflowers and the two namesake lakes

Back in Banff, fill your afternoon/evening with any activities you may have missed yesterday. If you already purchased the $25 Roam bus pass, use it to take the bus to the base of the Banff Gondola (avoiding the need to walk or find parking!)

Banff to Golden (Day 11)

Banff to Golden driving distance: 146km (+56km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours

This day is all about Yoho National Park . In my opinion, Yoho is the most underrated park in the Canadian Rockies. Plan to leave the Banff area relatively early to make the most of the day.

Best things to do between Banff and Golden

• Make a quick stop at the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint . Depending on timing, you may be lucky and see a train pass through this impressive structure
• Parking can be a challenge at Emerald Lake after 11am, so head here next. Enjoy the views, rent a canoe ($90/hour) or walk the family-friendly 5.2km loop trail around the lakeshore
• On the way back to Highway 1, visit the Natural Bridge
• Turn east on Highway 1 and drive back to Yoho Valley Road . Please note, this road is 13km long with no services, no phone signal and several very tight switchbacks. Trailers and large RVs not permitted
• Takakkaw Falls , British Columbia’s second-tallest waterfall, is located at the end of Yoho Valley Road
• Back on Highway 1, head west towards Golden . If you have time, Wapta Falls is a worthwhile stop (3.2km return)
• Families and thrill seekers may prefer to check out the Golden Skybridge , host to Canada’s highest suspension bridges
• If you didn’t bring a picnic, Truffle Pigs in Field is the place to go for food in Yoho. It’s not cheap but it’s the opposite of a tourist trap, with everything is made from scratch, with quality ingredients. There’s ice cream too.

Here to hike? The Iceline Trail should be your priority today. Usually hiked as a 20km loop, the Iceline begins at Takkakaw Falls at the end of the Yoho Valley Road. Allow 7 to 9 hours

Where to stay in Golden

There’s much more to the small town of Golden than the assorted collection of motels, hotels, gas stations and fast food joints on Highway 1.

Take the signed detour and head downtown to discover heritage buildings, trendy bars and unique boutiques, all with the backdrop of the rushing Kicking Horse River and huge snow capped mountains.

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

If you’re on a tighter budget, 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).

For camping, consider the 72 site municipal campground , which backs onto the Kicking Horse River. An alternative is to stay at the Kicking Horse Campground in Yoho National Park but you’ll need to secure a reservation early.

Golden to Revelstoke (Day 12)

Golden to Revelstoke driving distance: 148km (+52km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours

Two more national parks are on the itinerary today – Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park . Your day will end in Revelstoke, British Columbia’s best up-and-coming adventure town.

Best things to do between Golden and Revelstoke

• Interested in the Golden Skybridge but ran out of time yesterday? Consider dropping by this morning
• Enjoy the mountain views from your vehicle on the drive to the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre in Glacier National Park. This informative centre is my favourite of its kind in the Rockies
• Stretch your legs on the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk (350m loop), which traverses a cedar and hemlock forest. I’d also recommend the Meeting of the Waters trail (3.3km loop) but it can be difficult to park
• Heading out of Glacier National Park, you’ll drive through a number of snowsheds , representing the huge amount of snow (14m!) received here in winter
• Entering Revelstoke National Park , consider stops at Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail (500m loop, was closed in 2022) and the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk (one short section open in 2023)
• Arriving in Revelstoke , you have some decisions to make. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is a 26km paved scenic drive into the alpine, with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints along the way
• If you’re travelling with kids, you may want to prioritise visiting Revelstoke Mountain Resort , home of the 42km/h Pipe Mountain Coaster (the only one of its kind in Western Canada)

Here to hike? There are so many options for this section! In Glacier National Park, choose between the Hermit Trail (6.4km return), Balu Pass (12.8km) or Abbott Ridge (15.6km). All three trails are very steep. In Revelstoke National Park, Eva Lake (14km) is an easier but still very satisfying day hike

Where to stay in Revelstoke

Perched on the edge of the Columbia River and surrounded by the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, Revelstoke is a beautiful outdoor playground.

Revelstoke has a great choice of accommodation. If staying downtown is appealing, book a stay at the wonderful Regent Hotel .

The stylish rooms in this heritage building are surprisingly spacious. Better still, the complimentary breakfast buffet is the best I’ve had anywhere in Canada.

Travelling with the family or a larger group? Look no further than the Swiss Chalet Motel . The property is a 10-15 minute walk to downtown, with exceptionally reasonable prices. I stayed in a two bedroom suite with close family and we all had plenty of space.

Campers should make an early reservation for the Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park. It’s not the most spacious national park campground but the convenience (10 minutes drive from town on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway) is hard to beat.

Other local camping options include Martha Creek Provincial Park and Blanket Creek Provincial Park .

Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley (Day 13)

Revelstoke to Kelowna distance: 197km (+5km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 2 hours 40 minutes

The interior of British Columbia is host to a spectacular landscape of dry valleys, lakes and grasslands.

This is the Okanagan Valley and besides being beautiful, it is also Canada’s second largest wine region.

Kelowna is the biggest city in the Okanagan Valley (pop 140k). If you think you may be craving city amenities by this point, consider a night here.

For me, Kelowna is just a bit too busy. This is especially true in the summer, when the hot Okanagan weather attracts thousands of people from all over BC to this bustling lakeside city.

Vernon and Penticton are small towns located to the north and south of Kelowna respectively. While there is still plenty to do around Vernon , we do prefer Penticton (our home town, so we are somewhat biased!)

Best things to do between Revelstoke and the Okanagan Valley

• Have any railway fans in the family? A trip to the Revelstoke Railway Museum would be a worthwhile stop before leaving town
• The drive along Highway 1 from Revelstoke to Sicamous has plenty of pretty sections but not many places to stop. One of our favourite rest areas is the Last Spike , a historical site celebrating the completion of the railway connecting eastern and western Canada
• Sicamous is an ideal location for a break. The D Dutchmen Dairy is a family operated farm selling homemade ice cream, cheese and milk. Note that it does get very busy around lunchtime
• Turn off Highway 1 and towards the Okanagan Valley on Highway 97A. The highway skirts Mara Lake (consider a stop at the provincial park of the same name for a swim!) before travelling through farmland
• Vernon is 150km from Revelstoke and is a potential overnight destination (see below). If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim at Kal Beach , a short hike ( suggestions here ) and a visit to Planet Bee Honey Farm
• Kelowna is another potential overnight destination. If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim in Okanagan Lake , a winery visit and a walk along the waterfront promenade
• Penticton is another potential overnight destination. If stopping here, my top three activities would be a swim in one of the lakes, a winery visit and a trip to Munson Mountain Lookout

Here to hike? The Okanagan Valley is usually very hot during the day in summer. I’d suggest an evening or early morning hike. In Vernon, check out Middleton Mountain . Knox Mountain is a great pick in Vernon. In Penticton, check out the KVR Trail from Vancouver Place to McCulloch Trestle

Where to stay in the Okanagan Valley

Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton offer a wide variety of accommodation options. Summerland and Peachland are great alternatives.

In Kelowna, our top pick is the Hotel Zed . This renovated motel boasts funky rooms and an ideal downtown location close to Okanagan Lake. It has easy access to Highway 97 as well.

My favourite place to stay in the Vernon area is Sparkling Hill , a luxurious adults-only spa retreat. For a quick overnight hassle-free stop, however, I’d suggest the almost brand-new Fairfield Inn & Suites .

In Penticton, the Lakeside Resort has the best location in town. Right on the waterfront, most rooms have views of the leafy downtown area or Okanagan Lake itself.

For camping, we like Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon and Bear Creek Provincial Park near Kelowna. An alternative is Okanagan Lake Provincial Park North near Summerland. Click for more suggestions.

Okanagan Valley to Vancouver (Day 14)

Kelowna to Vancouver driving distance: 390km (+20km sightseeing) Driving time without activities : 4 hours 30 minutes

It’s the last day of your 2 week Western Canada road trip! Time to head back to Vancouver. The journey will take around 5 to 7 hours, depending on chosen route/stops.

For a more detailed version of this road trip section, check out this Vancouver to Okanagan Valley road trip guide .

Best things to do between Kelowna/Vernon and Vancouver

From Kelowna or Vernon, the most direct route to Vancouver is via Highway 97 followed by the 97C, 5A, 5 and 1.

• The first part of the journey is pretty scenic, with wide open views of Okanagan Lake and then a plateau area. Be sure to get gas before leaving Kelowna as there’s only one service station on the 97C
• Merritt is the best place to stop for lunch/gas/snacks. If you want to stretch your legs, I’d recommend the Godey Creek Trail (1.9km loop). Please note that there is construction happening in this area
• My favourite place to hike on this route was Othello Tunnels near Hope, but it has been closed since November 2021 due to flooding
• A great alternative is Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park a little closer to Vancouver

Best things to do between Penticton and Vancouver

There are two routes possible from Penticton – the same highway combination as above or a similarly timed alternative via Highway 3.

• The Highway 3 route is scenic but slower. The road is more twisty and has more drop-offs
• I’d recommend driving Highway 3 over the Highway 97C/5 combination as there are more interesting places to stop
• The small town of Keremeos is the fruit stand capital of the Okanagan region – pick up some fresh peaches, apricots or cherries for your journey (season dependent)
• Princeton is the ideal place to get gas/coffee/lunch/snacks
• Take an extended break in Manning Provincial Park . Drive up to Cascade Lookout (open July to Sept, 16km return) for amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Rent a canoe or walk around Lightning Lake (5km short loop, 9km long loop)

Returning to Vancouver, you have the option to stay in the city again or overnight close to the airport (YVR).

We’ve stayed at various hotels around Vancouver Airport over the years.

The big chain hotels offer standard, reliable service ( Sandman Vancouver Airport , Holiday Inn , Travelodge ). A complimentary shuttle to the airport is usually provided and sometimes breakfast as well.

On the upper end, there is a Fairmont right in the airport (the convenience!)

I’m always surprised at the above-average pricing for the airport hotels and, for that reason, we sometimes choose to stay in the city instead.

The SkyTrain from downtown to YVR takes 25 minutes and costs only $4.45 (+$5 from YVR to downtown).

Western Canada road trip: Top tips

In this section, I will share some final thoughts about planning your perfect Western Canada road trip.

The best way to save money while touring Western Canada is to camp.

• National park campgrounds (Parks Canada) average $30-50/night plus $11.50 reservation fee
• Provincial park campgrounds (BC Parks) average $20-40/night plus $6/night reservation fee
• Private campgrounds average $30-70/night

The downside is that you’ll need your own camping equipment. An alternative option is to rent an RV, so you can sleep in your vehicle.

It is possible to buy relatively cheap camping gear and accessories at Canadian stores like Walmart.

A full set-up with an entry-level 4 person tent, sleeping bags (2), sleeping mats (2), stove and other essential supplies would cost around $500CAD.

The specific campgrounds mentioned in this Western Canada road trip itinerary are very popular and, as such, travellers should reserve in advance.

• Reservations for vehicle-accessible national park campgrounds usually open in January for the following summer. The exact launch dates are usually revealed during the preceding December. Parks Canada reservation website
• Reservations for vehicle-accessible provincial park campgrounds in British Columbia operate with a four month rolling window . So if you want to book for 7th August, the date will be available to book on 7th April. BC Parks reservation website

Alternative road trip itineraries

While we think the above 2 week Western Canada road trip itinerary provides a great overview of BC and Alberta, we know that may not be perfect for everyone.

This road trip route does involve a lot of driving and only short stays at each location.

The great news is that it is easy to adapt the routing to create your own two-week Western Canada road trip itinerary.

Two-week itinerary with Vancouver Island

When I originally put this itinerary together, it included a short stay on Vancouver Island.

As mentioned, I have since removed this suggestion as the current ferry situation would make it potentially stressful (too many cancellations/delays).

Ferry issue aside, I think my new 2 week itinerary provides better pacing, with shorter driving days. It also includes an additional full day in the Banff area.

For those interested, itinerary for my original 2 week Western Canada route looked like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Tofino Day 3 : Tofino Day 4 : Tofino to Whistler Day 5 : Whistler Day 6 : Whistler to Clearwater Day 7 : Clearwater to Jasper

Day 8 : Jasper Day 9 : Jasper to Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Golden Day 12 : Golden to Revelstoke Day 13 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

If Vancouver Island is on your bucket list and you still want to see everything else in this itinerary, I would recommend visiting Western Canada for a minimum of 16 days instead.

Follow the above outline but add an extra night on Vancouver Island (consider Parksville area) and stay in Kamloops and Valemount when travelling between Whistler and Jasper (rather than Clearwater).

Set on Vancouver Island but still want a taste of the Rockies and only have 2 weeks to spare? Check out this new BC Coast and Rockies road trip guide .

Two week itinerary without Jasper and Wells Gray Provincial Park

Not interested in going so far north (Clearwater/Jasper)? I would suggest the following itinerary.

Head directly to Revelstoke from Whistler via an overnight stop in Kamloops or Salmon Arm. Spend an extra night in Golden, the Banff area and the Okanagan Valley. Be sure to take the time to drive some of the Icefields Parkway.

This adapted itinerary would look like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Whistler Day 3 : Whistler Day 4 : Whistler to Kamloops/Salmon Arm Day 5 : Kamloops to Revelstoke Day 6 : Revelstoke to Golden Day 7 : Golden

Day 8 : Golden to Banff Day 9 : Banff Day 10 : Banff Day 11 : Banff to Revelstoke Day 12 : Revelstoke to the Okanagan Valley Day 13 : Okanagan Valley Day 14 : Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

Three-week Western Canada road trip itinerary

Have three weeks to spend on your Western Canada road trip? Excellent! The extra time offers much more flexibility and better pacing (less time driving!)

I would suggest an itinerary like this:

Day 1 : Vancouver Day 2 : Vancouver to Victoria Day 3 : Victoria Day 4 : Victoria to Tofino Day 5 : Tofino Day 6 : Tofino Day 7 : Tofino to Parksville Day 8 : Parksville to Whistler Day 9 : Whistler Day 10 : Whistler to Clearwater Day 11 : Clearwater to Jasper Day 12 : Jasper

Day 13 : Jasper Day 14 : Jasper to Banff Day 15 : Banff Day 16: Banff Day 17: Banff to Golden Day 18: Golden OR Revelstoke Day 19: Golden to Revelstoke (or extra night in Revelstoke) Day 20: Revelstoke to Okanagan Valley Day 21: Okanagan Valley to Vancouver

As you can see, this more relaxed itinerary includes a stay in Victoria (beautiful oceanside Vancouver Island city), an overnight stop in Parksville (lovely beaches, close to the ferry terminal) and extra nights in Banff, Jasper and Revelstoke/Golden.

Our 2 Week BC Coast and Rockies road trip guide features detailed descriptions of the Vancouver Island sections of the above three week itinerary.

The Best Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Routes: Highway 1 & Alternatives Canadian Rockies Road Trip Loop: Detailed 9 to 12 day Itineraries + Map

The Best Okanagan Valley Wineries: A Local’s Guide

What To Do in Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia

Complete Guide to BC Parks Camping Reservations

How to Stay Safe in the Outdoors

Bear Safety in Canada: What You Need to Know

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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

Sunday 28th of July 2024

Thanks so much for your guide. We followed it pretty much and loved every second. Unfortunately we were evacuated from Jasper so found ourselves covering the same route back and having to rethink our trip! We ended up spending 2 nights in Sun Peaks and 3 in Kelowna, avoiding the smoke and fires of Golden. We’ll be back to finish the tour one day and hope Jasper recovers! On our way to Vancouver tomorrow so hoping to make some scenic stops on route! Will recommend your tour to others.

Monday 29th of July 2024

Hi Victoria,

Wow, I am so sorry that you had to be evacuated from Jasper! I hope you don't have too much trauma from that experience.

I'm very glad you found this guide helpful and I hope your journey back to Vancouver (and beyond?) was straighforward!

Raymond Keenan

Sunday 7th of July 2024

Great Guide, we're close to 80yr old, so we won't be hiking great distances. We're going to hire a car in Vancouver, drive around, stay in Hotels - Motels, get back to Vancouver, then make our way back to Brisbane, Australia. Any suggestions would be very welcome! God Bless, Raymond Keenan. P.S. We'll be on our Honeymoon!

Monday 8th of July 2024

Hi Raymond,

Congratulations on your wedding! The great thing about this road trip is that there is plenty of roadside viewpoints and short, easy walking/hiking trails to explore.

For example - Malahat Mountain (roadside viewpoint), Kinsol Trestle (completely flat 2.5km return walk), Cathedral Grove (flat 1 to 3km loops), Tofino area beaches (flat sand), Ancient Cedars Loop Trail in Ucluelet (mostly flat 1km loop), Englishman River Falls (flat 400m return to the first viewpoint), Shannon Falls (mostly flat 400m return), Brandywine Falls (mostly flat 1km return), the Last Spike (roadside), Giant Cedars Boardwalk (500m return, potentially open mid summer onwards), Emerald Lake (almost roadside), Natural Bridge (roadside), Takakkaw Falls (mostly flat 700m return), Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint (roadside), Bow Lake (roadside) and the Mt Norquay Lookout (roadside).

Just to give you some ideas! And when I say 'mostly flat' I mean there may be a slight slope along one section. No hills.

Thursday 16th of May 2024

Hi Gemma, thanks again for your wonderful itinerary and excellent advice. We are following very similiar route to above but in reverse. After collecting RV in Vancouver we are driving to Merritt for one night before driving to Revelstoke for 2 nights. I had planned this journey going through Kamloops but note your route goes through the Okanagan Valley and Kelowna. Would you recommend this route as more scenic despite being slightly longer travelling?

Friday 17th of May 2024

@Gemma, Thanks for advice Gemma, and apologies for misunderstanding of double post! Bookmarked your site for constant referral during trip. Thanks again :)

I just replied to your comment on the other post - I'll copy and paste my answer here for anyone else reading.

The more straightforward route is certainly through Kamloops. The northern part (Highway 1 junction to Oyama) is very scenic, winding through farmland, rivers and several beautiful lakes. Kalamalka Lake is a highlight.

Between West Kelowna and Oyama, however, the highway is very busy with both local and tourist traffic. The road does cross Okanagan Lake and you get some views there. Kelowna is a big city and driving through it in summer can take a long time. It’s not the most pleasant driving experience either, especially as the highway is surrounded by strip malls. The detour would definitely take longer than 40 minutes.

The part between West Kelowna and Merritt is not out-of-this-world scenic, consisting mostly rolling hills. You'd need more time to see the scenic areas.

As a day trip detour, I wouldn’t recommend it unless there is something specific you want to see.

Saturday 20th of April 2024

Thank you very much for all the information! We are traveling from Greece and planning to follow your itinerary but we have one day less than the recommended. Which stop do you think that it's best to skip?

Hi Andreas,

As much as I love the Okanagan Valley (I live here!), I would skip it on this particular road trip if you don't have the time.

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thanks so much for this fantastic guide. I'm planning a trip in late May but was planning your route in reverse, starting in Vancouver and heading towards Banff, last stop Whistler. Is there any reason you prefer starting at Whistler?

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

No - you can drive this route in either direction. When it was originally written, the first few days involved a trip to Vancouver Island and it was logical to do that first (catching a ferry early in the morning vs. later in the day). Driving to Whistler first does mean you will, on a clear day, get a beautiful view of Mount Robson when travelling between Valemount and Jasper.

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Western Canada road trip

You want to see everything there is to see in Western Canada road trip ? You love nature and wide-open spaces ? Majestic mountains, vibrant blue water and dynamic cities ? You have 15 days of vacation to make an incredible road trip ? You will love this itinerary!

Take the glacier road , one of the most spectacular roads in the world, and enjoy Canada’s authenticity.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 2-week road trip to Western Canada :

• Go up the Calgary Tower to enjoy a beautiful view over the city
• Travel back to the 19th century when visiting the Fort Edmonton
• Try out the must-sees of Jasper National Park : the SkyTram and the Lake Maligne 
• Explore the marvellous Lake Louise and its surroundings while hiking or kayaking
• Admire the wonderful landscapes of Banff National Park while walking along the Bow River
• Taste the delicious local food and wines in Kelowna
• Snowshoe in winter, horse ridding in summer , Whistler has many activities to offer
• Live a once-in-a-lifetime experience when observing whales and orcas in Victoria’s waters
• Stroll around the Granville Island Public Market to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s local culture

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance !

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Itinerary for the road trip Western Canada 2 weeks

Calgary > Edmonton > Jasper > Lake Louise > Banff > Kelowna > Whistler > Victoria > Vancouver

Some practical information before your road trip to Western Canada

For this itinerary, we recommend  renting a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one , the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this 2-week road trip to Western Canada is between may and september . It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there are less chances of bad weather. More information here.

You can’t visit Western Canada without trying its seafood , British-Columbia’s specialty! Make sure you also taste the delicious fruits , you can especially find them during summer.

Contents: 2-week Western Canada road trip

1- Calgary – Stop 1 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 2- Edmonton – Stop 2 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 3- Jasper – Stop 3 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 4- Lake Louise – Stop 4 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 5- Banff – Stop 5 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 6- Kelowna – Stop 6 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 7- Whistler – Stop 7 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 8- Victoria – Stop 8 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada 9- Vancouver – Stop 9 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada

Itinerary in Western Canada 2 week road trip: step by step

Stop 1 Western Canada road trip: Calgary

What to do in Calgary?

Charming meadow city. 

• Glenbow Museum , excellent museum hosting History, art and pop culture exhibitions. Discover rug, shop counter and wagon reconstitutions.
• Calgary Tower , core piece of the city. Observe this concrete tower that has been making the Calgarians proud since 1968.
• Prince’s Island Park , a fresh and green island. Stroll around its many biking trails and relaxing areas. In the summer, you could even get to see a play in the outdoor amphitheater or enjoy an open-air folk concert.
• To learn more about Calgary’s history, first stop of this 2-week itinerary in Western Canada, we recommend doing a walking guided tour .

Where to sleep in Calgary?

• Mid-range: Spend your first night in Western Canada at the modern Alt Hotel Calgary . Conveniently located close to downtown, with clean, well-equipped rooms, it has everything you need to fight jet lag! If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a room with a view of the river.
• High-end: For even more comfort, choose the Hotel Le Germain and its dream suites. The hotel also has a gym open H24, a spa and even a restaurant with a crazy view (sky 360°… not bad!). All this in the heart of the city!

Stop 2 Western Canada road trip: Edmonton

What to do in Edmonton?

Discreet provincial capital.

• Art Gallery of Alberta , nonconforming art museum. Discover the Canadian identity through over 6000 authentic objects and contemporary artworks.
• Fort Edmonton Park , a historic site that will let you get a feel of 19th century lifestyle. Get on a carriage or the tramway and stroll around the park. or even try out the slot machines !
• Head-Smashed-In Bison Jump , North America’s oldest buffalo archeological site.
• Royal Alberta Museum , Western Canada’s largest museum. Learn about Alberta’s natural and cultural history.
• Alberta Railway Museum , has over 75 train-wagons and locomotives from the 19th and 20th century.
• In July and August, attend alternative theater festivals ( Edmonton International Fringe Festival ) and enjoy street performances around the city during the second week of July ( International Street Performers Festival ).
• Here too, we advise you to take a guided tour with a local , because it’s a great way to discover unsuspected places and anecdotes, and we love that! For those who prefer a bit more adventure, it is even possible to take a Segway tour .

Where to sleep in Edmonton?

• Mid-range: Close to the centre, the comfortable rooms at the Days Inn are ideal for exploring Edmonton during this stop of your 2-week road trip in Western Canada. The staff is friendly, professional and welcoming, good value for money!
• High-end: Located only 200 metres from the city centre, The Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton welcomes you in a modern and spacious building. The advantages of the establishment: the swimming pool/jacuzzi on the 26th floor, the quality of the staff, the location and of course the comfort of a 5-star hotel.

Stop 3 Western Canada road trip: Jasper

What to do in Jasper?

A wild and authentic National Park, it’s a must of this 2-week itinerary in Western Canada. 

• Head to Miette Hot Springs , discovered in 1909. Enjoy a 40° C / 104°F – pool surrounded by mountains.
• Take the Skytram cable car in Jasper. Up Mount Whistlers, enjoy a gorgeous 75 km / 46 mile – view.
• Do not miss Maligne Canyon , a narrow canyon that’s 50 meters / 164 feet deep.  Cross the canyon on one of the 6 bridges and explore one of the many trails.

What more to do in Jasper?

• Get your family’s thrills on a rafting trip in the Athabasca Falls .
• Take in the tranquil scenery, watch wildlife and navigate the beautiful Maligne Lake on this perfect  day-trip to see the highlights in a few hours .
• For animal lovers, there are tours that focus on respectful wildlife viewing in the national park. So don’t hesitate to join in, whether your trip is in summer or winter .

Where to sleep in Jasper?

• Mid-range: To restore your energy after a big day of adventure, stay at the Marmot Lodge with its large indoor pool. The style of the establishment creates a total immersion in the Canadian forest.
• High-end: Enjoy exceptional accommodation at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge by staying at a quintessentially Canadian hotel. The hotel’s setting is breathtaking, with a magnificent view of the lake and a swimming pool to boot. In short, go for it!

Stop 4 Western Canada road trip: Lake Louise

What to do in Lake Louise?

Most exquisite place in the Rocky Mountains. 

• Rent kayaks or canoes from the  Lake Louise Boathouse  and roam around the the ice-cold waters of Lake Louise.
• Go hiking or skiing around the too pretty to be true vibrant blue lake.
• Hop in the cable car that will take you up 2088 m / 6850 ft of Mount Whitehorn and enjoy an incredible view over Lake Louise.

Where to sleep close to Lake Louise?

• Mid-range: Just a 5 minute drive from the lake, the Moutaineer Lodge offers spacious and comfortable rooms. Great value for money for the location. Don’t hesitate!
• High-end: You prefer more luxury? Opt for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is just exceptional… As much for its rooms which are of an incredible comfort (the bathroom is just magnificent) as the view on the lake Louise. The food in the restaurants is delicious. We love: the gym, the pool/sauna/jacuzzi!

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Stop 5 Western Canada road trip: Banff

What to do in Banff?

A city in the middle of a natural park. 

• Fairmont Banff Springs , iconic building built in 1888. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail in one of its four lounges.
• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies , over a century-old museum. Discover objects and artworks dating back to the 1800’s up to today. Learn about Banff and its pioneers’s through its permanent exhibition.
• Banff National Park , in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.  Go discover a wild nature and astonishing landscapes.
• Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views. Tickets can be purchased directly.

Which activities in Banff National Park?

• The Bow River flows majestically through the park, passing through beautiful countryside. There are many different types of activities around the river, such as horse riding or a tour in a Big Canoe .
• If you want to see the mountains and the landscape from above, take a helicopter flight over the Rockies . This is sure to be an unforgettable part of your 2-week road trip in Western Canada.
• For the thrill seekers, we recommend rafting on the Kananaskis River .

Where to sleep in Banff?

• Mid-range: Check in at any time of the day or night at the Red Carpet Inn (open H24) and enjoy a good night’s sleep in warm, comfortable rooms. The hot tub will tempt you after your exhausting day. Plus, the hotel is close to the city centre.
• High-end: For more comfort and luxury, stay in one of the Rimrock Resort Hotel ‘s suites with a breathtaking view and enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, spa and beautiful mountain views.

Stop 6 Western Canada road trip: Kelowna

What to do in Kelowna?

Fertile valley covered in fruit trees.

• Discover  Okanagan Lake , a huge glacial lake : the biggest in the valley.
• Explore  Big White , British-Columbia’s second largest ski resort.
• Visit  Mission Hill Winery , a vast vineyard. Discover and enjoy red and white wine as well as rosé! It’s the perfect occasion to bring back a bottle-shaped souvenir of this 2-week road trip in Western Canada home!
• The town is quite famous for its good food, so we recommend you take a food tour to sample all the specialities, and discover some great places off the beaten track.

Where to sleep in Kelowna?

• Mid-range: Jacuzzi, indoor pool, spacious rooms, warm welcome and cleanliness are on the menu at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
• High-end: On the shores of Okanagan Lake, the Eldorado Resort welcomes you in a dream setting with its indoor pool, hammam, jacuzzi and gym. Some of the spacious rooms and suites offer a breathtaking view of the lake (on Booking, it is specified if the room has a lake view. This is THE advantage of the hotel).

Stop 7 Western Canada road trip: Whistler

What to do in Whistler?

Lovely mountain village and great stop of this 2-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Discover a ski resort with over 200 slopes and go to Lost Lake , where 25 slopes begin.
• Rent snowshoes and go hiking surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.
• Visit  Whistler Olympic Park , sumptuous immaculate snow where the 2010 Olympic Games took place.

What more to do in Whistler?

• Bring out your inner child and take a tour of 5 zip lines in Whistler !
• Do you love horses? Then spend a full day riding in the mountains of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains.
• What would a trip to Whistler be without a float plane ride? Don’t panic, we’ve got just the ticket! Fly over the Whistler Valley and get a 20 minute scenic flight .

Where to sleep in Whistler?

• Mid-range: In the heart of the town centre, the Pinnacle Hotel Whistler is located next to a shuttle bus stop to the ski slopes in season. The hotel also offers ski and snowboard hire. The rooms are equipped with baths/spas and are comfortable.
• High-end: A 2-minute walk from the gondola is the 5-star The Westin Resort . It has an outdoor pool, 2 jacuzzis and a spa. Choose a room with a view of the resort to fully appreciate your stay.

Stop 8 Western Canada road trip: Victoria

What to do in Victoria?

Young and dynamic provincial capital, there is always something to do in the stop of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Beacon Hill Park , overlooking the sea, this park displays a huge Native American totem. You will also be able to take part in victorian cricket game !
• Royal BC Museum , most informative museum of the region. Have fun and learn about natural history, an 1890 village’s life or a whool mammoth. Discover the permanent and temporary dinosaur or gold mining exhibitions.
• Fisherman’s Wharf , a wooden boardwalk. Follow the wharf and discover long houseboats, vintage shops and eat fish and chips in one of the very affordable restaurants.
• Craigdarroch Castle , exquisite manor highlighting Victoria’s historical wealth. Step in and get a feel of what life was like for the rich former residents, climb up the 87 steps and head up to the tower. You’ll get an exceptional view over the American mountains.

Which activities in Victoria?

• Whales and orcas can be seen off Victoria and Vancouver Island . For the well-being and respect of these large animals, we recommend a zodiac tour, as they are smaller boats, less noisy and less polluting, which is less disturbing for the underwater wildlife. We recommend this excursion by zodiac .
• Here too, gastronomy is queen , and the city is home to food from all over the world. So to discover the city and its secret corners, while tasting its specialities, we recommend this food tour .

Where to sleep in Victoria?

• Mid-range: Opt for an authentic stay at Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast . Located close to the city centre, in an Edwardian styled house, this accommodation is perfect for enjoying Victoria. Special mention should be made of the warm welcome and the delicious home-cooked breakfast.
• High-end: For more luxury, head to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel by the sea. We love it! The hotel has a spa and an outdoor pool to relax after a day of exploring. What we like: in-room kitchenette and terrace overlooking the sea.

Stop 9 Western Canada road trip: Vancouver

What to do in Vancouver ?

The perfect blend of city and nature to end beautifully this 2-week itinerary in Western Canada. 

• Stanley Park , one of the biggest urban park of North America. A spectacular view over the ocean and mountains.
• Granville Island Public Market , one of the best marketplaces in Canada with amazing cheese, fruits, pastries and fish shops.
• English Bay Beach , an astonishing urban beach, bordered by palm trees.
• Vancouver Art Gallery , a contemporary art museum also hosting international exhibitions. It is nowadays a major actor in Vancouver’s art scene.
• Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , a lovely and intimate garden where turtles swim around and might even come and see you. A real peaceful heaven in the heart of the city.

What more to do in Vancouver?

• Looking for thrills and unique experiences? We’ve found the perfect activity for you, a panoramic seaplane flight over Vancouver . It’s sure to be a sight to behold!
• Is your sporting side coming back to life in this city? Then it’s time for an electric bike ride around Vancouver !

Where to sleep in Vancouver?

• Mid-range: Set down your bags at the GEC Granville Suites Downtown for your last stop in Canada and enjoy a modern, designer hotel. The rooms are spacious and the location is ideal.
• High-end: End this trip on a high note with a stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and its rooftop pool. The hotel also offers a spa, Jacuzzi and gym. The staff are lovely and will put you up in your dream room with the great view of the bay.

Learn more about your Western Canada road trip…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country by clicking here .
• To book a car rental at the best price, we recommend  this website .
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend  this website .
• You are looking for a great travel insurance  for your road trip?  We recommend you this one !

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

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Western Canada in 3 weeks – Road Trip Plan from Vancouver to Canadian Rockies and Back

November 15, 2021

Table of Contents

I initially came to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa to do a road trip across the entire country. Since the visa allowed me a whole year for my stay I thought my plan should be manageable. 

I quickly learned it wasn’t. Canada is massive and unless I planned to spend the whole time behind the wheel sightseeing from the window of my car I quickly had to change my strategy.

I decided to shift my focus toward the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada, particularly the two most beautiful Canadian Provinces:  Alberta and British Columbia.   I spent over 14 months traveling between BC and Alberta. I’ve completed countless hikes and photographed many of the iconic spots in the Rockies. 

I have put together an  Outdoor Guide to the Canadian Rockies and Beyond  and with a clear conscience, I can tell you it will be your best online resource for planning your road trip across Western Canada. 

Know before you go

After seeing how popular Canada is in the summer, the number one piece of advice I can give you is to plan your trip well in advance.  Especially if your holidays fall within the busiest months of July and August. Often by January, many hotels are booked out for the summer.

As always my guides are completely free and if you find them useful, it would be awesome if you use the affiliate links provided in this post to book your accommodation, car rental, or motorhome. You are also welcome to share it with whoever might find it helpful. 

If you have any questions regarding the road trip plan or need advice, leave them in the comments! I always answer!

Vancouver – Canadian Rockies – Vancouver Road trip overview

The itinerary starts in Vancouver, one of the biggest transport hubs in Western Canada. It then heads north on the “Sea to Sky Highway”, stopping in Squamish and Whistler.

After spending a few days in the mountains it will take you into the Okanagan Valley, famous for wine and geothermal hot springs.

Afterward, it’ll be time to focus on the best part of the road trip – the Canadian Rockies. You will spend some time around quaint little mountain towns: Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise travel through the world-famous Icefields Parkway, and visit the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies – Jasper. 

On the way back west to Vancouver this guide will take you via Wells Gray Provincial Park and back along the Sea to Sky Highway to give you a chance to see all the things you didn’t manage to see on the way up.

How much time will you need?

Unless you plan on being in the car most of the time, I wouldn’t recommend trying to tackle this distance in less than two weeks. Three weeks however is in my eyes an optimal time. We all tend to rush through our lives, so giving yourself time to take it all in every once in a while will do you some good. 

If you have more time, consider  visiting Vancouver Island  or completing one of the awesome backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies . 

If this journey isn’t exactly what you’re after, I have also made itineraries for the  voyage from Vancouver to Calgary , or  Calgary to Calgary road trip focused solely on the Canadian Rockies.  

Vancouver – Canadian Rockies – Vancouver Road Trip Map

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

To hide/show different layers mark the check box next to the layer’s name. You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day

The Best Way to Travel Around Western Canada

Option 1: Rent a motorhome

Indisputably the best way to travel around Canada is in a Motorhome. With a camper, you’re never left with hotel bills and you’ll have the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time only having to pay small campsite fees.

When planning your road trip you can search through all the biggest campervan rental companies using the Motorhome Republic   booking search engine. A real-time saver. 

TIP: This itinerary travels in the region of 3,000 km. This information is important as you have to prepay for your kilometers if you rent a campervan.  

Option 2: Hire a compact car and stay in hotels

If you decide to rent a smaller compact car and bring your camping gear (or stay in hotels) use  Discover Cars  – It’s my go-to website when booking a car. 

If your motorhome doesn’t already include it make sure you buy a compulsory  Discovery Parks Pass  which costs ca. 150$ per vehicle and includes up to 7 people. The toll gate where you can pick one up is when you’ll be driving on the Meadows in the Sky Parkway as you enter Mount Revelstoke, National Park. 

Travelling in a motorhome? Here is what you should know about the campgrounds

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. 

I recommend campsites operated by Canada’s Park Authorities. Most of the campsites in the province of British Columbia are around 45$ per site per night.

Campsites in Alberta are slightly cheaper and you can expect to pay around CAD 40/per site per night. One site can fit up to 6 people so traveling in a group can be advantageous. 

In the peak summer months (July and August) you will find it very handy to book the sites at least 3-4 months in advance. The sooner the better. 

• 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
• All bookings in Alberta (outside of national parks boundaries) can be made on the  Alberta Parks Reservation Website

My recommended 3-week road trip itinerary from Vancouver to Vancouver

Day 1 -3: vancouver to whistler on the sea to sky highway.

If you’ve been following my website for a while you’ll know that I am not a city fan. I always design my road trips around nature. This one is no different.

Although I have heard good things about Vancouver I always tell anyone who plans a road trip and has a very limited time frame, to not waste it on cities. They are all similar after all. If you want to see cities with lots of history go to Europe. When you come to Canada focus on its beautiful landscapes! 

Your first venture will be the drive along the Sea to Sky highway. You will spend your first two nights around this area. This road will be your gateway to Squamish and Garibaldi Provincial Park, eventually ending in the resort town of Whistler.

I have gone into much more detail on the  Sea to Sky Highway in a separate post  outlining the best stops and activities to do along the way, as well as top picks for accommodation! 

Day 3-4: Whistler to the Okanagan Valley

From Whistler to the Okanagan it’s a 400 km/5 hour drive via the Pacific Coastal Mountains and the rolling hills and valleys of the Okanagan. You will continue northeast on Highway 99.

Two of my favorite stops along the way are Nairn Falls and the tiny Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. If you leave Whistler early you can plan a stop at either for a quick hike. You’ll be driving back the same way, so if you don’t have time to stop here on the way up, you can do so at the end of your road trip. 

Due to the microclimate and milder temperatures than the rest of the country, the Okanagan Valley with its countless wineries and fruit orchards became the Napa Valley of Canada. Purchasing fruit in the local markets along with wine tasting at one (or several) vineyards are some of the must-dos here. 

Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton are all cities in the Okanagan and boast many of the same attributes. They all lie on the shore of Okanagan Lake and each has its wineries and vineyards.

It’s a very relaxing place when you venture out away from the city centers, life moves slowly and it’s a nice chance to relax after exploring Whistler. Spoil yourself and book a tour around some vineyards. You can also  stock up on wine  and fresh fruit for the rest of your road trip!

Accommodation in Vernon (Night 3)

Fairfield Inn and Suites

For Luxury Fans

Sparkling Hill Resort

Day 4-5: Revelstoke and Glacier National Park

Your next destination after the Okanagan will be Revelstoke with a break in between for a soak in the hot springs. You will take 97 North first then Highway 6 East towards Nakusp.

It’s a stunning drive through hilly meadows. You can start to feel the earth around you getting bigger, rougher, and more jagged. This whole area has been created by the force of nature. One of them is the intense geothermal activity happening underground.

When driving from the Okanagan Valley to Revelstoke you should stop at the Halcyon Hot Springs or Nakusp Hot Springs for a chance to soak in the mineral-rich water. Nothing defines a “holiday” better than relaxing in a geothermal pool while gazing at the beautiful views ahead. Wouldn’t you agree?

On this section of the road trip, there are two ferry crossings both of which take you across Upper Arrow Lake. Both are free of charge and leave at regular intervals. The first, the Needles Ferry leaves every 30 minutes all day and the second the Shelter Bay Ferry leaves every hour finishing at midnight and starting again at 5 am. 

They both operate on a first come first serve basis and no prior bookings are required. 

After the second ferry crossing, it’s an hour’s drive to Revelstoke – the gateway to the Glacier National Park, where you will spend your 4th night.

Must-dos around Revelstoke

Meadows in the sky parkway.

The 26km parkway is a windy uphill drive that is home to many viewpoints and lots of wildlife. If you are not a hiker, this is your chance to summit a mountain without any effort.

Grizzly bears are a common sight near the summit and a myriad of hiking trails can be enjoyed at the top with incredible mountain vistas. Hint. Head there in the morning to skip the crowds and for the best chances to spot wildlife! 

The road is open from:

• 9 am – 5.30 pm between May 20th and June 15th
• 8 am – 5 pm June 16th to September 7th
• 9 am – 5 pm between September 8th and October 11th when it closes for the season winter season. 

Roger’s Pass

Another one of the stunning drives in British Columbia. Roger’s Pass is a famous mountain pass along Trans Canada Highway Number 1 across the  Selkirk Mountains in Glacier National Park .

You will be driving through it when heading to your next destination: Yoho National Park. Make sure you have your camera ready because, after each turn on this stretch of the road, your mouth will be opening wider! Oh, and we are just getting started! 

Accommodation in Revelstoke (night 4)

Regent Hotel

Best Western

Day 5-8: Yoho National Park & Lake Louise

Although Yoho National Park and Lake Louise are only a 20-minute drive apart, they are in two different provinces. 

Since accommodation in Yoho is even more scarce than in Lake Louise, my advice would be to base yourself there and explore from there. It will also save you from too many check-ins and checkouts! 

Best things to do in Yoho National Park and Lake Louise

Visit lake o’hara on a day trip.

If you have some determination in you, as well as tons of patience you absolutely should visit Lake O’Hara . I’ve been there twice already and it’s one of those places I plan on going back to in the upcoming year. Why? Because it’s freaking beautiful!

This fragile area is however subjected to limited visits and saying that the reservation system is a bit outdated would be an understatement. That’s why you will need patience to book your visit! If I sparked your interest in you check out my guide to Lake O’Hara. It will tell you how to score a spot and visit this region of Yoho National Park. 

Check out Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls 

There is no shortage of insanely blue and turquoise lakes in the Canadian Rockies and Emerald Lake is no exception. Where do you think it got its name from?  

As for the Takakkaw Falls. The whole picnic area at the base of the falls makes for a perfect lunch spot. If like me you are an avid hiker I would highly recommend squeezing in the Iceline trail in your itinerary. It starts near the base of the falls. Whenever I read any recommendations for  day hikes in the Rockies , the Iceline trail always scores at the top.

Hike around Lake Louise 

There are a lot of hikes in Banff National Park and some of the best of them are around the Lake Louise area. Plenty of companies offer guided tours too.

Whether you’re interested in an easy lakeside stroll or ticking off the summit of a nearby mountain I compiled  a list of my favorite hikes around Lake Louise  so you can get an idea of what you might fancy. 

Bear in mind that parking at Lake Louise is very limited and spaces often fill up before sunrise. Once they do the vehicles are turned around. It’s better to book a shuttle service with Parks Canada to ensure you get there stress-free.

See the World Famous Moraine Lake 

Moraine Lake is often the highlight for many visitors to the Canadian Rockies but take this as a warning. Only a few years ago during summer seasons, the parking lot at Moraine Lake or Lake Louise would fill up even before sunrise. This leads to traffic jams and overuse of the area.

TIP: Starting in 2023 , Moraine Lake Road will be closed to personal vehicles year-round. From June to mid-October, only Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Public Transit, and  commercial bus tours  are permitted to travel on the road .

This means you will need to plan if you want to include Moraine Lake in your Canadian road trip. Visit the Parks Canada website to learn everything about the shuttle service to Moraine Lake.

Accommodation in Lake Louise (Night 5, 6 & 7)

HI – Lake Louise Alpine Centre

Chateau Lake Louise

Day 8-10: Canmore and Kananaskis Country

You finally made it to the Bow Valley! I bet Whistler seems like a century away. Canmore is where I spent the majority of my time when living in Canada.

Call this place home for the next few days and thank me later! Don’t worry about driving past Banff either we’ll be visiting it on the way back up.

Canmore is also an ideal gateway into Kananaskis Country – an area in the Canadian Rockies that very few international tourists visit. 

Kananaskis Country is an amalgamation of over 10 provincial parks surrounding Canmore, many of which used to be inside the border of Banff National Park until its reduction in size in 1911. 

Things to do around Canmore

Scenic flight around mount assiniboine.

Due to the restriction on air traffic in the national parks, it’s not possible to do a scenic flight there, but because Canmore (and Kananaskis Country) lie outside of the national park boundaries flight options are available around here. 

If you’re unsure of where to go, my suggestion would be to do a scenic flight around Mount Assiniboine. Alpine Helicopters is one of the companies operating directly from Canmore. 

Check out some jaw-dropping hikes  

Canmore and Kananaskis Country are my favourite 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 , which was a whole year in the making. I didn’t want to miss anything.

Practice your photography skills  

If the idea of hiking makes you cringe and you are more into photography, I’ve also got an article on the  best photography spots in and around Canmore . Some of them don’t require any effort to get to!

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Unfortunately, wolves no longer inhabit the Bow Valley (Banff and Canmore), mainly due to irresponsible human activity. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rehabilitates and houses wolfdogs from all over North America, and it gives you a chance to learn more about these creatures.

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 illuminates the problem of rearing wolfdogs.

Accommodation in Canmore  (Night 8&9)

Blackstone Mountain Lodge

Solara Resort

Day 10-13: Banff & The Bow Valley Parkway

What’s next on the agenda? Well, pick up sticks and head 20 minutes along the Trans-Canada Highway to Banff. 

Banff National Park is as beautiful as they say, however to me personally the little town of Banff is a little overrated.

With a shopping strip on the main street, notorious summer traffic jams, and parking problems, it doesn’t really scream holiday. I sometimes wonder why would anyone want to travel halfway across the World just to go shopping. 

Maybe as a tourist, I’d view things differently but after being a resident of the Bow Valley for a while, my view is kind of skewed. 

Anyway, Banff is probably what you’ve been dreaming of when planning your trip to the Canadian Rockies so the last thing I want to do is to get you worried.

With a little bit of planning and booking your accommodation well in advance, you’ll have lots of fun here too! That’s why I’ve put together this itinerary. That handy piece of advice also goes for places like Whistler, Canmore, and Jasper.

Things to do around Banff

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 50 km stretch of road between Banff and Lake Louise is home to Morant’s Curve, Castle Junction, and my favorite – Johnston Canyon. The   Bow Valley Parkway is also one of  the best places to spot wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. 

Please note that 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.  

The best and most environmentally friendly way to explore the Bow Valley Parkway is by joining an e-bike guided tour connected with Johnston Canyon Walk.

See the best photography spots

Banff is a dream location for photographers and 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 .

The best time to visit the locations is as early as possible. The iconic photography locations close to Banff village are Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Surprise Corner, and the viewpoint up on Mount Norquay. 

Sulphur Mountain Gondola & Banff Hot Springs

If you didn’t get a chance to stop at Nakusp or Halcyon hot springs now is your chance. If you did, oh well you can always go again! The hot springs are located at the foot of the aptly named Sulphur Mountain.

The cost of the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountains is 62$ per person which personally I think is a tad pricey. If you’re able, give your legs some exercise instead.

A series of strenuous switchbacks for 5.5 km (3.4 mi), offer short glimpses through the trees of surrounding valleys but will be nothing compared to the view when you make it to the Upper Gondola Terminal on Sulphur Mountain. 

Save the visit to the hot spring for later! There is no better way to relax after some exercise than to soak in the hot springs.

Accommodation in Banff (Night 10, 11 & 12)

Banff International Hostel

The M oose Hotel

Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 13 & 14: The Icefields Parkway

It’s time for the Icefields Parkway! If you haven’t heard of it already you are up for a treat.  If you think what you’ve seen so far was impressive, wait for the Parkway!  This road is the cherry on top of the cake. I really mean it! 

The 232 km stretch of road connects Lake Louise and Jasper encompassing what the Canadian Rockies are about: glaciers, jagged peaks, and lakes with such beautiful colors, it will be hard for your mind to grasp it all!

I have created a  separate guide dedicated to Icefields Parkway , including the best places to stop and all campsites, hostels, and lodges you can stay at along the way.  

Do everything in your power to travel along this road for at least two days! 230 kilometers may not seem like a lot, especially in a country as big as Canada, but there are so many beautiful spots along the way, that it would be a shame to just only spend one day on it.  

Hint:  Accommodation on the parkway is very limited  so make sure to book as far in advance as possible! 

Day 14-18: Jasper National Park

Wow, so you’ve just completed what National Geographic called “One of the Most Spectacular Drives in the World”. How does it feel? Pretty good right? Well, there’s even more to come.

Jasper is a small town that lies on the northern point of the Icefields Parkway. Its picturesque streets are home to many restaurants and its location makes it a great hub to nestle down for a few days whilst you explore the area. 

Things to do in Jasper National Park

Take the skytram up to whistler’s summit  .

As well as Squamish, Whistler, and Banff, Jasper has its own gondola too. It costs CAD 45$ and offers spectacular panoramic views from the top. You can hike to the top but it’s a 1000m 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 . An 8 km return hike to a spectacular ridgeline offering even more extensive views. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Robson! 

Check out one of these excellent hiking trails around Jasper

Jasper National Park is the biggest of the 7 parks that are collectively honored with the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rockies and more area equals more hiking trails. Jasper has some of the best in the world.

There are so many  hiking trails in Jasper  that you’ll never be able to do all of them but you’ll certainly be able to give some of them a go. Some of the most popular ones in the area are the stroll along Maligne Canyon,  The Valley of Five Lakes, Bald Hills & Sulphur Skyline. 

Visit iconic photo locations

If photography is your cup of tea then Jasper has some seriously epic locations for you. Reflecting lakes, raging rivers and jagged mountains are common here but to make the most of your time in Jasper, read my article,  Where to get killer photographs in Jasper National Park.

Go kayaking on Maligne Lake or take a cruise to Spirit Island 

Spirit Island is one of those iconic locations in the Rockies that always appears on everyone’s Instagram feed. If you are looking for an easier way to get there, then a cruise is your answer. You can pre-book them online (if you are traveling in the high season booking in advance is a good idea).

Keen photographers will be saddened to hear that the cruises are not licensed to operate at sunrise or sunset. If you want to experience those times you have to get there via Canoe, Kayak, or a boat with an electric motor.

I hardly doubt any of us travel with one in their bag so I’ve gone more into the possibilities on my  multi-day paddling guide to Maligne Lake . 

The road leading from Jasper to Maligne Lake is also a stunner and black bears are a common sight here. 

Accommodation in Jasper (Night 14, 15, 16 & 17)

HI – Jasper

The Crimson

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Day 18-19: Jasper to Clearwater via Mount Robson

Heading west out of Jasper along Highway 16, you’ll pass the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. The visitor center is ideally located to snap a picture of it or get some last-minute trail information if you’re planning on doing  the Berg Lake Trail  – another awesome  multi-day hike in the Canadian Rockies .

Hiking or biking part of it, to Kinney Lake only, is an alternative for those with less time on their hands. 

The Waterfalls

The next stop – Clearwater is the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park. After checking into your accommodation or campsite you can visit one of the famous waterfalls along Clearwater Valley Road. The first of which is Spahat Falls, the second is Moul Falls and last, but certainly not least, the iconic Helmcken Falls.

Bears can often be sighted on these trails and at the roadside so keep an eye out for them. 

White Water Rafting

If you’re feeling adventurous then consider going White Water Rafting along the Clearwater River. The river has everything from Class 1 calm water to extreme Class 6 canyons. 

Accommodation in Clearwater (Night 18)

Dutch Lake Motel

Ace Western Motel

Clearwater Lodge

Day 19-21: Clearwater to Vancouver via Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

It’s finally time for the last leg of your awesome road trip! If you are running out of time you can follow Highway number 5 from Clearwater and join Trans Canada Highway 1 and be back in Vancouver within 5 hours. 

I recommend however to travel back the same way you came up, that is highway 99. The views along this road are way more spectacular.

If you haven’t stopped at Joffrey Lakes at the start of your journey you should certainly do it now. This tiny provincial park packs one hell of a punch! 

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 10 km return (6.5 miles) hike to the Upper Joffre Lakes should take around 3.5 hours to complete (even though at the trailhead it says it’s 4 hours one way!). It’s one of the top hikes in British Columbia so make sure you don’t miss out. 

You can stay your last night in either Pemberton or if your flight leaves early the next day, consider staying your last night in Vancouver.  

Accommodation in Vancouver (Night 20)

Hi – Vancouv er Central

L’Herm itage Hotel

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

That’s it! I hope you will have an epic time travelling through Western Canada. As always any feedback is welcome. If you have any questions about this itinerary leave a comment below. I am always happy to help out! You can also find a lot more information in my  Canadian Rockies and Beyond Travel Guide! 

If you want to extend this road trip, consider  visiting Vancouver Island  or completing one of these  awesome backcountry trips in the Canadian Rockies . Happy travels! 

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59 thoughts on “Western Canada in 3 weeks – Road Trip Plan from Vancouver to Canadian Rockies and Back”

We’ve just come back from a 3 week tour of the Rockies after spending 3 days in Vancouver. Our itinerary was broadly based on the places you suggested to visit so I just want to thank you for providing such helpful guidance. We fell in love with the majestic beauty of the place, particularly Lake O’Hara for which we were fortunate enough to get a shuttle ticket. We were gutted we couldn’t visit Jasper but had 4 days relaxing in a beautiful retreat in Kaslo in the Kootenays. Thanks again for such an inspiring blog.

Hi Mark! Thank you so much for your feedback. I am so glad to hear you had a great time, even if you couldn’t see Jasper. You are lucky to have scored the reservation at Lake O’Hara! It’s a special place for sure. I hope you revisit my blog again and find some other road trip suggestions for Norway or the Dolomites! 🙂

Hi Marta, Firstly thanks so much for all the information you have listed here. I just wondered if there was a good resource to view and find the relevant camping places along the route for if we were to hire an RV on our planned trip? Is there a website or something that could help me see those places?

Do you know a rough idea of costs to stay on campsites with an RV (probably a smallish one just for 2 people).

Thanks again, Sean

Hi Sean. Thanks for visiting! You can use Wikicamps. Campsites are around 40-50 bucks per night (depending if they are private or run by Parks Canada). However do bear in mind that if you travel in high season you will need to prebook your campsites in advance.

Thanks Marta, We’d be travelling in the second half of September, and into October. So also assuming the next question would be whether they are still open or not. Thanks for info on average costs as well. Cheers Sean

Hi Sean. Yes the campsites are still open then (some do close, but most will still be open).

Hello Marta, we planned to do a trip to Canada (and Alaska!) in 2019 (from Melbourne Aust.) but prostate cancer and covid killed that plan :(…. we are aged 77 yrs now and not very fit but want to start travelling again. I found your blog back in 2019 and had it stored in my files as part of our planning back then… We are now starting to think about a trip for 2025 in Sept/Oct covering the usual sights but also thinking we might drive to some of your quieter, less touristy places (we hate crowds!), however, there is no way we can “hike” anywhere perse’, gentle walks ok….. We are thinking about 3-4 weeks driving a car but don’t want to spend it all driving, so can we just ask what/where/how you would suggest we modify this 3 week plan knowing our restrictions, please?? thanks

Hi Alan! Thanks for visiting my blog and I am sorry to hear about your shattered plans but glad to hear you are on the mend and ready to start travelling again. Your question is really broad and hard to answer to be honest. I would probably just focus on spending more time in each town and take walks or guided trips (like wildlife watching or taking gondolas to viewpoints). Walking possibilities are endless in the Rockies. There are some really lovely walks around lakes (for example near lake Edith in Jasper) or along Kananaskis lakes near Canmore.

Hi Marta, Thank you so much for such a great plan. Myself and my boyfriend are hoping to rent an RV and do this trip between September 20th and October 10th. Would you think this would still be okay in an RV or will it be too late for campsites etc.

Hi Melissa. Thanks for visiting. Some campsites will be closed, but most will still be open, so you shouldn’t have a problem. It’s a lovely and quiet time and the autumn colours are beautiful. The only thing to keep in mind is that the nights can already get quite chilly. It would be good if your RV had some kind of heating system. Have a fantastic time!

Hi Marta! Thank you so much for all your helpful tips. We just came back home from the Canadian Rockies and had an awesome time! A small update: We wanted to drive the Bow Valley Parkway but it seems like the rules about the section between Johnston Canyon Campground and the Fireside Picnic Area have changed. According to the sign, the road was completely closed (except for bicycles) this year from May 1st to June 25th, so no time-based rule anymore. Carina

Hi Carina. Thanks so much for the feedback. I will make sure to update the post and let know the other travellers.

I am doing a trip in Canada in September, and I am keen to follow your amazing itinerary, however, I only have 2 weeks to do the trip. How would you suggest adapting this for that amount of time? I still need to start and finish in Vancouver.

Thanks heaps!

HI Josie. Thanks for following my plan. You could shorter the stay in Jasper, Connect the visit to Banff in Canmore and just stay for 3 nights in either (they are only 20 mins apart so you can still see all the sights by staying in one town). Also skip Okanagan and drive straight to Revelstoke. You can also shave off a day in Yoho and Lake Louise and do Icefields Parkway in a day. That will save you a few days. I hope that helps!

Thanks so much for putting this itinerary together. I will be traveling to Canada with my husband and 3 year old daughter from the 18th of September until the 12th of October (2024) and used your road trip plan as inspiration. We are flying in and out from Vancouver and what we love most about this trip is that it also added some time at the Okanagan. We are also very much citypeople and even though we are coming to see nature, we wanted to end in Vancouver to see the city.

We have planned to stay in Vancouver the last 5 days and we decided to stay at the Okanagan for a night more than your suggested itinerary. All the rest is directly copied from your plan. It has been a struggle though to find accomodation at Lake Louise and Banff and now we have found something in Field. I am wondering why you have chosen to spread the hikes in Banff between these to places and why you decided to do Canmore in between. I am trying to figure out if we could stay at Field twice instead, or maybe stay in Field longer the first time and then just stay longer in Canmore as well. It would then be 5 nights total in Field and 5 nights in Canmore (since your plan is 3 nights around Lake Louise, 2 nights in Canmore and 3 nights in Banff). I’m having a hard time figuring out where the best place to stay is for the best day hikes in Banff NP.

Hope you can help out 🙂

Hi Francesca. Thanks for following my itinerary! You can visit the sights in Lake Louise whilst staying in Field and you can also visit the sights around Banff when staying in Canmore. They are close to one another. I hope that helps!

I wish I had seen your posts before I started to explore Canada. I’m about to plan my 4th trip there and this time, it’s to repeat a road trip I did a few years ago from Calgary to Vancouver. I’ve already visited most of the places mentioned in your Vancouver – Calgary itinerary although I won’t mind revisiting some of those sites just because they are so spectacular and you just can’t enough of them.

Doing trail walks along the route was always the way we would explore places until last year when my wife broke every bone in her ankle in a bad accident during a trip to Europe. Unfortunately that’s the end of our hiking days 😢

However our travel plans continue, and I wanted to ask you for your recommendations for out of the way sights and hidden gems along the route from Calgary to Vancouver. The plan is to drive the journey in a rented car over 16-21 days staying in a combination of hotels and Airbnb. We have separate plans for Vancouver so this trip will just be one way.

The standard touristy attractions will not be a priority for me, and having already seen some of the Canadian Rockies, I know that walking is really the best way to appreciate what’s on offer. However doing hard or long walks is no longer possible and any walking trails you recommend would have to be manageable.

I would so appreciate your thoughts on this trip we’re planning to do. We don’t have any time constraints and if we need more than 3 weeks do this, that’s fine. For this reason too I won’t be pre-booking accommodation just because we won’t really know where we’ll be and for how long in a given location. Thanks.

Hi Peter. Thanks for visiting and I am sorry to hear about your wife’s accident. I do know many off the beaten path places but I am afraid they all require quite a bit of hiking to get to. It’s mostly multiday hikes. From my general experience anything that is beautiful and easy accessible is guaranteed to have many tourists nearby. I am afraid I won’t be able to help you much with your question but I do wish you a wonderful trip.

Hi, I am so impressed with your itinerary and am thinking of doing this during Fall (September/October) 2025. However, I would like to know if it is possible to catch the Northern Lights during this season. I visited Vancouver in 1986 (39 years ago travelling with a travel agency). My wish is to do it on my own road trip with my husband. Please advise. Many thanks for all your hard work.

Hi Violet. Thanks for your great feedback. Now to your questions. Whilst the northern lights do sometimes appear in the Rockies they are nowhere near as strong as in Northern Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories or Manitoba). Most of the time you only see a faint glow in the Rockies. Shooting with long exposure can catch the colours. The really strong Aurora happens very rarely in the Rockies. If your objective is to see the northern lights then go more North.

Hello Marta,

First of all thanks for sharing your invaluable experience with everyone! it’s such a detailed plan with all considerations! we also live in Vancouver and are planning to do this around June. Since I can work remotely, I want to plan a 60-day round trip in way I get to work 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) and take the other 3 to rest. Also, I will be doing this with my new TESLA Model Y, so there are some considerations around that, but as long as we take Trance Canada HWY we should be good! you have already shared a lot of great things here, I was wondering if you could help me plan better! Thanks again for your guide and information

Hi Alireza. You can send me a message via my trip planning advice page and we can take it from there.

As a first time visitor to Canada I appreciate the effort you put into this guide. I’ve saved it so I can reference it on the trip. Due to commitments back down under I can only visit in March, would most if the places you mentioned be open still? I’ll be in a campervan. Cheers

Hi. March isn’t an ideal time to travel. You should expect winter conditions in many places. March is still very much ski season. Most hikes won’t be accessible. Many campsites will be closed (for example along the Icefields Parkway). Can you still travel, of course you can, but just come well prepared, be comfortable driving in winter conditions and pack many warm clothes.

We are cruising from Australia over a 31 day period and arriving at Seattle on the 1st.May, and then Flying to Vancouver. We are planning an approx. 25 days of hiring a car and setting off immediately to Squamish/Whistler and back down to Okanagan, Revelstroke, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Wells Gray, back to Whistler and Vancouver. We then plan a few days on Vancouver Island and then head home. This itinerary is still being worked on with the various sites in each town and the duration. I have read your 3 week touring blog on this as well (Thank you so much) and as well as the many questions being put forward. Is this the best way to go, is first week of May too early to be travelling, I would add that we were planning to do the various walks to look outs /Water falls ,lakes ect but nothing too strenuous or dangerous. We were also unsure as to whether we should book hotel accommodation in advance…thankyou would appreciate any feedback…kind regards, John

Hi John. You can already travel the Rockies in May, but you might not be able to see everything. For instance Moraine lake road doesn’t usually open until Mid-May. You should be able to get hotels on the go as it is still very much low season. You can expect winter like conditions in high elevation places for example Icefields Parkway or Lake Louise but the valleys etc will be clear of snow. I hope that helps.

Hello Marta, I would like to ask you which one did you like more? The Canadian Rockies or the Dolomites? I would want to go to one of them this year but i don’t know which one to choose. If you would have to pick one, which one would you do again? Thank you very much.

Hi Sofie. I loved both for different reasons. I currently live in the Alps close to the Dolomites. I moved here to be closer to the Dolomites and I do love it, however sometimes I find it sad how developed the alps are. I swear if people could they would but a mountain hut every few hundred meters and a gondola to every summit. You don’t have that in the Rockies. There you can expect vast open spaces with not much civilization in sight. The Dolomites are certainly easier to travel around. The hut network makes it really easy to move across the mountains with very little on your back. In the Rockies I had to carry a 20kg backpack on my bag and all the food if i wanted to spend some time in tbe backcountry. The wildlife is also more amazing in the Rockies, but the wildfires can be horrendous and ruin your holiday. Dolomites win when it comes down to adventuring. The via ferrata network is just amazing. You need to ask yourself what your priorities are. If you are a solo traveller I think the Dolomites are much safer due to wildlife. I hope that helps!

first of all thanks a lot for providing all your knowledge here.

Me and my girlfriend want to do a trip like you suggested. We are coming from San Francisco by plane and need to chose the destination airport. Which city would be ideal to rent an RV from? I am sure this highly depends on the typical routes (Meaning if you want the best value option, try to do the tour in reverse, e.g. renting in Calgary vs Vancouver) – I hope this makes sense 😉

Many thanks once again for your help!

Hi Jonas. Thanks for stopping by. I reckon this is a hard question to answer. The GST is lower in Alberta if that’s what you are asking, but there are so many other things to consider that I reckon it might drive you crazy trying to find out the best deals + flights etc. You can either do Vancouver to vancouver trip or Vancouver to Calgary. Vancouver to Calgary is my favourite option because you starts at sea level and you leave the best for last (meaning the Rockies). I always tell people, once you see the Rockies a lot of other destinations won’t be as fascinating. I hope that helps a bit.

I’m thinking of traveling in the first three weeks of May. Is it too early for hiking? Are there specific routes you think are more appropriate? How about RV versus hotels? Any resources would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Sherry. Thanks for stopping by. May is still a bit early to hike. Although truth is you can find hikes at any time of the year. Lower elevation hikes, valley walks are generally doable year-round. Also trails that don’t cross avalanche terrain or are South exposed (here the snow melts a lot quicker). The official hiking season is around mid-June until the end of September. October is generally still ok to hike too. As for travelling in a motorhome. It’s doable if your camper is equipped with heating. The nights can still be cold. Also not all campsites are open in early May, but some already are. I did the Elfin Lakes Trail at the end of May. That can give you an idea how much snow there still is at higher elevations. Once again though in the valleys you will already have full on Spring. The great advantage of travelling at that time is the very small amount of tourists.

Fantasitic itinery which I am interested in following. However, I am struggling to understand exactly where you have stopped each night. Apologies if I am missing something obvious, but do you have a simple list of which town you stayed in each night so I can get an idea where and how long you stayed in each place?

Everything else is amazing and thank you for putting this together.

Hi Michael, under each location there is a subsection that is titled “accommodation in…. (night …) that way you know exactly where I was staying. If that section is missing like for example for night 1 and 2 that is because I am talking about spending time on the Sea to Sky highway and linking to another article. In that article you will find recommendation about where to stay or accommodation in along the Sea to Sky highway. I hope that explains it. Let me know if you have more questions 🙂

Hello We will be in Canada from May 13 th to June 3rd and would like to rent a RV to go from Vancouver to Calgary.

Our plan is to stay in Vancouver for 2 days and rent the RV. I am a little concern about the weather. Is it too soon to do the road trip ? Will it be too cold to stay in a RV ? Thank you for your response

Hi Mimi. Thanks for visiting. You should consider my Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary then. As for your question. It is fine to travel in the second half of May as long as hiking isn’t your main objective as some trails will still have snow on them. That doesn’t mean you can’t hike. You will just have to choose south facing trails, where snow melts quicker, valley walks or lower elevation hikes. Nights can be cool, but RV’s have heating systems in them so that shouldn’t be an issue. Day’s are already pleasantly warm. Mosquitos do start to be a burden during that time though, so definitely something to consider. I hope that helps!

Hi Marta, love this entire trip! We are planning on maybe doing this trip as closely as we can to your plan however we need to get it done in 16 days, is there parts of the trip which would more advisable than others to either skip or not spend as much time on? Love your site!

Thanks, Kyle

Hi Kyle. Thanks for visiting. I would recommend that you do a one way trip from Vancouver to Calgary (it’s possible to book a camper that way). Otherwise I would cut out the Okanagan Valley and from Whistler travel straight to Revelstoke. I would connect Canmore with Banff and stay in this area for 3 days instead of 5 as per my article. Also cut a day in Jasper NP. That will save you a few days alltogether. I hope that helps!

Are there hard copies of these itineraries available and how does one get them. I am interested in the 3week Canadian Rockies drive as well as the Vancouver Island drive.

Hi Charlotte. Thanks for visiting. I wish I could help further, but unfortunately I do not offer hard copies of these itineraries. The way I earn money through this blog is advertising, when I receive site visitors, like you. Hard Copies would basically take away my income.

My husband and I (doesn’t that sound very British!) are planning a three week RV road trip leaving on Aug 24 next year. I’m pretty certain we will do your suggested trip exactly but just wanted to check with you the amount of days in Jasper and Banff. We intend to do a lot of hiking but as we are by no means professional (we need to put some serious practice in between now and next summer) we will probably be doing more of the easier 5 hour ish day hikes that don’t require a degree in map reading. With this in mind is it still a good idea to spend that amount of time in both parks? I would really like to get some whale watching in too so am trying to see what we can fit in and what we could cut without missing out. And wish me luck getting tickets for the Lake O’Hara Bus!

Hi Mel! Thanks for stopping by. Wow you are really on track when it comes down to planning! Have you considered following my Vancouver to Calgary itinerary instead? It goes over 2 weeks and it will give you a few days to go to Vancouver Island too to see the whales. Starting in one spot and leaving from the other means a lot less driving and a lot more time to actually enjoy the ladnscape. I have itineraries for both. Just follow the links! If your objective is to hike then you really shouldn’t cut the days for JAsper and Banff NP.

Absolutely love your blog. So helpful and informative. We are planning on doing a route very similar to your 3 week roadtrip. We were originally planning on 3weeks in June 2024 however having read a bit more we’re wondering whether September might be a better option. We want to avoid the crowds of July and August but still want the decent weather and to be able to hike etc… Any advise on whether you would chose June or September?

thank you!!

Hi Emma. Yes if you can go in September. At the moment there is quite a bit of smoke in Jasper NP. It seems like the summer will already be quite smoky and filled with wildfires. Whilst September is still quiet touristy especially in main areas it is definitely a lot quieter then the summer holidays and school holidays. By September the skies are also usually clear and the wildfires subside. June is also terrible for mosquitos. If you were to travel in a campervan you would have to pack a lot of mosquito repellent 🙂 I hope that helps!

Your Knowledge of this beautiful country looks and sounds amazing . Myself and my wife are looking to take an epic adventure of western Canada for four weeks in May 23 for our joint 50th birthdays . Would the above be suitable. We are gonna hire a big camper van and travel and maybe finish on Vancouver island .wanna do as much as possible and see as much . Thanks

Hi Aaron. Sounds like an amazing journey that you are planning. You can combine this route with my Vancouver Island mini road trip guide . That will cover your 4 weeks. Let me know if you have any questions. Happy travels!

What an amazing and helpful website you’ve got. I’ve got a question. We have rented a motorhome for 6 weeks from 23 May – 6 July. We don’t normally like making reservations for campsites (or hikes) as we prefer deciding what we would like to do whenever we’re there. However, I’m starting to get a bit stressed when it comes to popular spots like Banff and Jasper. Do you think we need to book our stays for the month of June in advance as well? Takes a bit of the spontaneous go with the flow experience away.. Anyway, would love to hear from you! Keep up the good work!

Cheers, Stephana

thank you so much for this trip! it what I am going to base my holiday around! though we are camping/RV do you have any favorite camp ground or things we shouldn’t miss

thank you Lucy

Hi Lucy! Thanks for the great feedback. I really liked the Alice Lake campground near Squamish and I think campgrounds in the Kananaskis country are awesome too (for example the Upper Kananaskis campground). All in all I would say don’t miss Kananaskis country. To me it was even better than Banff NP. Luckily I do include it in my itinerary. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions! Happy travels!

Heya Marta!

Thank you for this AMAZING Blog you have created, it has given us so much information that we needed for our trip. We are hoping to plan our 3 week trip to Canada From June – July 2023 (hoping we haven’t left it too late to book flights/hotels/campsites etc) we are hoping to rent an RV for the entire trip I’m assuming insurance to drive vehicle is included in package on RV websites ? Do you have a rough guide or break down of cost of the trip would be ?

many thanks for your time,

Hi Steph. Thanks for stopping by and for your great feedback. Regarding the insurance, you usually are faced with several options when booking the RV, usually towards the end of the booking process, depending on the extent of the insurance, that you want to pick. Campsite bookings for next summer season usually open between November and January, so if I were you I would already start with the bookings as spaces are limited. As for the breakdown costs, it is really hard to tell and highly depends on the type of traveler you are, how many of you will be there, etc. RV rentals have skyrocketed after the pandemic, but so have hotel prices and everything else. Sadly. My rough estimate would be 200 CAD/two people including one meal daily in a restaurant, the other meals prepared by yourself in the van, campsites, and petrol. Activities, flights and RV would be extra

Thanks so much for your fab website. My boyfriend and I would love to drive a similar route to your Vancouver, rockies and back however we would love to go a bit further maybe up to Alberta and also do it in Winter. We would love a 4×4 with tent on roof type thing. I would love your advice with this as there isn’t much out there and want to be prepared.

Thank you so much. Eloise

Hi Eloise. Thanks for visiting. This road trip goes through both British Columbia and Alberta. Actually, most of the time is spent in Alberta, so it sounds like it would suit you right. As for driving and sleeping in a tent in the winter, it’s possible, but you really need to be prepared and know what you are getting yourself into. Most campsites are already shut, also it is bitterly cold, down to -30, -40 degrees. You will be faced with such issues as water tank freezing. You need to have a really good car battery, otherwise, you might wake up not being able to start your car in the morning. Some cars are equipped with special block heaters and you plug the cars in overnight to keep the battery warm and ready to start. Humidity can be a big problem in the tent in the winter, so your tent should be a 4 season one and your sleeping bag should be high alpine sleeping bags. If you are into this kind of thing and survival then go for it, but make sure you are also enjoying your trip along the way. Carrying snow chains might be useful. Also bare in mind that some roads are closed in the winter, the most prominent of all being the Moraine Lake road. You can however do other things like skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating etc. Let me know if you have more specific questions.

Hi Mart, came across your post and found it super useful. Big Thank You to your efforts. I am planning a Vancouver – Rockies mountains – Vancouver in 14 days in November this year. Will it be a good time to drive a motorhome or is it better off to rent a car to get around? I am concern about November being close to winter season and the road condition might be a little challenging for motorhome. What would be your advice? Thank you.

Hi Bryan! Thanks for your feedback. I would say rent a normal car, not a motorhome. I reckon the cut-off time for Motorhomes is September, after that the nights get frigid cold and the humidity that builds up in the vans becomes a big issue. I stayed in my van until the end of October and honestly I was over it. It was a daily struggle to even get dressed. Also, the campsites will be shut by then so you won’t have that many possibilities to recharge batteries etc. Go for a small car and hotels. You will enjoy it a lot more! I hope that helps.

Wonderful! We hope we can finally go this summer (it got canceled last year). We do 3 weeks with a motorhome, but my family also wants to visit Vancouver Island. What would you skip and how long would you say we need for Vancouver Island?

Hi Manouk. Sorry about your cancelled trip last year and fingers crossed it will happen this year! As for your question. I do have a 4 day mini road trip to Vancouver Island and then a two week road trip from Vancouver to Calgary which you should combine, that would give you a total of 3 weeks with a couple of days spare if you wanted to get back to Vancouver instead. You ca find them in the road trips category of my canadian rockies guide. Please let me know if that helps and if you have more questions!

Hi Marta, while preparing our trip I came across your website. A great source of information and inspiration! In May we will make a trip through western Canada with a camper. I was curious about the map with your route, but it seems that it is not shown?

Hi Leon! I have recently migrated my site and the maps didn’t migrate properly. I had to upload them back up manually and I am happy to report that they are up and running again! Let me know if you have any troubles seeming them! Thanks!

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Disclaimer:  The locations and hikes on this website have been researched by the author and are believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. The author can take no responsibility for any unforeseen circumstances encountered along the routes. Anyone following these trails or road trip itineraries should be aware of any danger that hiking and climbing bring and understand that they are solely responsible for their safety.

Copyright © In A Faraway Land 2024

Road trip Western Canada: the ideal 2 to 3 week itinerary

• January 17, 2024
• Canada , Itineraries , North America

Taking a round trip in Western Canada promises to be an unforgettable trip! You will drive through vast forests filled with wildlife, the most beautiful glacial lakes and the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We already did this trip twice and based on our own experiences, we have put together the ultimate 2 to 3 week itinerary through Western Canada. We made our road trip by ourselves with an RV and we chose to stay in and around the Canadian Rocky Mountains area because there is so much to see! In addition to the most beautiful sights, we then also give you practical information and which campsites we stayed ourselves. So you can start your road trip in Western Canada worry-free!

All you need to know for your road trip in Canada

When you travel around Western Canada, you will pass a lot of national parks. To visit these, you are required to have a Parks Canada Pass . For a road trip it is interesting to buy a Discovery Pass that is valid per vehicle. Such a pass costs $145.25 or about €99 and is valid for one year after purchase. You can purchase this pass locally in Canada when you drive into one of the national parks.

When traveling to Canada, you must also apply for an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) in advance. You can easily apply for this yourself online through the official website. This costs $7CAD and usually you get your eTA via mail within minutes.

In terms of accommodation, we strongly recommend exploring this country with a camper . In Western Canada, you have wonderful campsites in the national parks where you really feel connected to nature. The national parks, roads and campgrounds are adapted to large RVs and driving around with them works just fine! RVs in Canada also tend to be very luxurious and large enough for the whole family. We booked our camper with rentalcampers.com and can only recommend it! The team is ready to answer all your questions about camping in Canada. If you opt for an RV, be sure to book your pitch on time, as they are often full weeks in advance! All bookings can be made online through the Parks Canada Reservation website . In this article, we also list all the camp sites where we stood.

TRAVEL TIP : Not a fan of camping after all? Many people also rent a car and drive from lodge to lodge. You have wonderful accommodations in Western Canada, but be sure to book them early! On Booking.com you will always find a nice overview.

Once you begin your road trip in Western Canada, it is also important to pick up bear spray . During your trip there is a good chance you will encounter a bear, and although the chances of an attack are minimal, in some parks it is mandatory to carry bear spray and this also gives you a sense of security. This stuff is a kind of pepper spray that you can use in the unlikely event should a bear attack you. You can go get this at a store like Canadian Tire.

Read everything you need to know about camping in Canada here!

The ideal 2 to 3 week itinerary

Camper arranged? Visa applied for? Great, then it’s time to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains! This road trip begins and ends in the city of Calgary. We also give you the option to modify the route so that you end in Vancouver. Of course, you can modify and expand this itinerary as you wish.

Day 1: Calgary

The Canadian government requires travelers to spend the first night in a hotel after a long international flight before you can pick up your camper. Perhaps you are indeed tired after the long trip and this is a good time to take a break so you can start your road trip well rested! We ourselves stayed at Comfort Inn & Suites South which included an airport shuttle and breakfast. Another advantage was that this was right across the street from the RV rental!

If you will be traveling with a rental car, however, you can pick it up right away. At Sunny Cars you can easily book a rental car including insurance.

Day 2 – 3: Banff National Park

+/- 135 km ● 1h45 drive

Today you will pick up your camper and begin your Canadian adventure. While in Calgary, first go stock up on groceries and bear spray at supermarket chains such as Save on Foods and Canadian Tire. Afterwards, you drive towards Banff National Park where you are immediately treated to beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, drive along the beautiful Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road and be sure to get off at Cascade Ponds and Two Jack Lake, two beautiful spots you won’t want to miss. Keep your eyes open along the way, because chances are you’ll see a deer or bear walking along the road here! Afterwards, drive on toward one of Banff’s nature campgrounds where you can enjoy an afterglow with a cozy campfire. We recommend the Two Jack Lake campground or Mountain Village I campground.

On day two, you will wake up in the middle of the Canadian forests. With your RV, you have everything you need close to you! Get up, eat breakfast in nature and drive toward Lake Minnewanka , the longest lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Here you can hike toward Stewart Canyon or take a boat ride. Then drive on toward Johnston Canyon. Here you walk through a ravine where you can admire several waterfalls. End this day in the cozy town of Banff where you can sample local poutine! From the Mountain Village I campground you can walk Banff on foot, but RV parking is also provided in town.

Discover the best things to do in Banff National Park here!

Day 4: Yoho National Park

+/- 95 km – 1h10 drive

Once again, enjoy a homemade breakfast at the campground or have breakfast in the town of Banff. At Wild Flour Bakery you will find the delicious, homemade breakfast cakes! Afterwards, you will leave Banff behind and drive toward Yoho National Park. Here you have the beautiful Emerald Lake, where you can take a canoe trip. Float around and enjoy the surrounding snow-capped mountains. You can also hike around the lake: this is an easy 5.5 km walk. Afterwards, you drive back a bit, stopping at Takkakaw Falls along the way. These are the second largest waterfalls in Canada! If you have time to spare, you can also make a stop at Herbert Lake before driving on to your sleeping place for the day. Secure a spot at the Lake Louise Campground, that way you won’t have to drive far the next day.

Day 5: Lake Moraine & Lake Louise

Today is perhaps the highlight of this Western Canada road trip! Lake Moraine and Lake Louise are the two most beautiful lakes in Canada, and we can only agree. Get up early and drive toward the parking lot where the shuttle will be ready to take you toward Lake Moraine and Lake Louise. Start your day with a beautiful sunrise at Lake Moraine with its bright blue color. For this, when you arrive, turn left and walk onto the large pile of rocks, where you can find a spot to view the lake from above. Next, hike the Lakeshore Path that takes you all the way to the end of the lake and back, stopping here and there to take photos of this beautiful lake.

TRAVEL TIP: Since 2023, self-driving to Lake Moraine is no longer allowed. You can now only go there by shuttle or organized tour. This shuttle also runs for free between Lake Moraine and Lake Louise. Book your tickets early to ensure a seat. In the evening, you can take a shuttle from Lake Louise back toward the parking lot where you left your RV.

So after you visit Lake Moraine take the free shuttle towards Lake Louise. Around Lake Louise you have wonderful hikes for every hiking level! Our favorite was the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail . This 14.6-mile hike takes you all the way up the surrounding mountain range, offering ever-improving views of Lake Louise. Along the way, you’ll pass a 1927 teahouse where you can take a break. Another nice hike is the one to Lake Agnes Teahouse. At 7 km, this hike is shorter, but still quite spectacular. From Lake Agnes, you can possibly hike further towards Little Beehive. This is a short but steep uphill that takes you to a beautiful viewpoint over the lake.

In the evening, sleep again at Lake Louise Campground or, if you have energy left, at Silverhorn Creek Campground. We ourselves slept at the latter, which we personally found to be one of the most beautiful campsites during this entire tour. Conveniently, this is also just a 5-minute drive from Peyto Lake and the start of the Icefield Parkway that you will drive down the next day.

Day 6: Icefields Parkway

+/- 230 km – 2h30 drive

Today it is best to get up early again, because it will be a day full of impressions! After all, you are going to drive down one of the most beautiful highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway! This 230 km road takes you from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park. Your first stop is the world-famous Peyto Lake . Try to go as early as possible to get ahead of the crowds and be sure of a parking spot. From the parking lot, you walk in 10 minutes to the viewing platform over the turquoise-blue lake shaped like a wolf. This is one of the most beautiful stops along the Icefield Parkway, so definitely don’t skip it! Those who want can hike further from the viewing platform. For the best photos, it is best to turn right just before the platform and follow a small forest path to below the platform.

Afterwards, drive back a bit toward Bow Lake where you will have beautiful reflections in the water in the morning. Here you also have a small café where you can go for a coffee. Afterwards, you will begin your trek toward Jasper National Park. Other stops we think you should definitely not skip on the Icefield Parkway are: Mistaya Canyon, Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Creek Falls, Sunwapta Falls and the Athabasca Falls. At the Athabasca Glacier you have the Columbia Icefield , a large center where you can eat something and book an excursion to go on the glacier itself.

As you approach Jasper at the end of the day, you will also encounter some campsites. The Whistler Campground and Wapiti Campground are opposite each other and have a good location to further explore Jasper National Park over the next few days.

Icefields Parkway in Canada: discover the 10 most beautiful stops!

Day 7 – 8: Jasper National Park

The first week of your road trip is almost over. Today you can take it a little easier. Head toward the Valley of the Five Lakes in the morning. Here you have an easy 5 km hike that takes you past five beautiful lakes. Afterwards, you can head toward Lake Edith or Lake Annette for a refreshing swim. There are even small beaches here where you can lay down your towel or rent a SUP. In the afternoon you can park your RV for free in Jasper and explore the town. You can take the Jasper Skytram that takes you all the way to the top of Mount Whistler for spectacular views. Or go taste local beers at the Jasper Brewing Company.

The second day in Jasper National Park you will again rise early to catch the sunrise at Pyramid Lake. Rent a canoe and get out on the lake early to spot wild life on the shores of the lake! Afterwards, continue driving toward the Miette Hot Springs. This is an hour drive but well worth it because this is where one of the most beautiful hikes in Jasper National Park begins. The challenging Sulphur Sky Trail takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain in 4 km. It is a tough hike, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views. After the hike, relax your muscles at the Miette Hot Springs overlooking the mountains. In the evening, drive back to your campsite in Jasper.

Discover the best things to do in Jasper National Park!

Day 9: Maligne Lake

+/- 190 km – 2h45 drive

We stay another day in Jasper National Park and head toward one of the most photographed places in Canada: Spirit Island. From Jasper, drive along Maligne Lake Road toward Maligne Lake. Along the way you will first pass Medicine Lake where you have a chance to see the bald eagle . These environments are also home to many bears and moose, so keep your eyes open! Once you arrive at Maligne Lake, you can take a cruise toward Spirit Island . There is only one organization handling this, so early booking is again the message. You can buy tickets online here ! Those who want can also take a canoe to Spirit Island, but keep in mind that this takes at least 3 hours to get there, and then you have to go back as well.

After the boat ride, you can do one of the many hikes around Maligne Lake. A fun and easy hike is the 3 km Moose Lake Loop where you have a chance to see moose. Or make a stop at Maligne Canyon , hiking across several bridges that give you views of waterfalls. Afterwards, you will leave Jasper National Park behind and drive toward your next destination: Mount Robson Provincial Park, Canada’s second oldest provincial park. This park is not as touristy as Banff or Jasper, so we were able to reserve our campsite on the spur of the moment. We slept at the Robson River Campground.

TRAVEL TIP: When driving from Jasper toward Mount Robson, you cross a time line. In fact, you are driving from the province of Alberta to British Columbia. The clock then goes back 1 hour.

Day 10: Mount Robson Provincial Park

+/- 300 km – 3h45 drive

Waking up again to the sound of nature around you. Today is a longer driving day on the schedule, but before you begin the drive, dive into Mount Robson Provincial Park. From the visitor center, you can hike to the lesser-known Kinney Lake . This lake lies at the base of Mount Robson, which is the largest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. The hike itself is 15 km round trip, but easy to do without too many elevation gains. At Kinney Lake you have picnic benches for lunch, and the truly adventurous can also spend the night there by tent.

Admire Mount Robson, hike back toward the visitor center and start the long drive toward Clearwater Provincial Park. This park is known for its many impressive waterfalls. If you still have time to spare that day, be sure to visit Helmcken Falls . This is the largest waterfall in the park and is only a two-minute walk from the parking lot. Spend the night at Dutch Lake Resort Campground at the beginning of the park or opt for the Clearwater Lake Campground deeper into the park. We chose the latter option, so you can explore Clearwater Lake the next day and then drive out of the park past the falls. The last part of the road to Clearwater Lake Campground is unpaved, but quite passable with an RV.

Day 11: Clearwater Provincial Park

There is a lot to do in Clearwater Provincial Park! If you are staying at Clearwater Lake Campground, you can start your morning with a canoe trip on this lake. Because this is a less touristy place, it is much cheaper to rent a canoe here than in Banff or Jasper and you get to paddle longer! Venture out and watch the shores of Clearwater Lake in search of bears, moose and other wildlife. If you stay at the beginning of the park, you can go rafting on the Clearwater River. Adrenaline guaranteed!

Use the rest of your day to explore the remaining waterfalls in the park. In addition to Helmcken Falls, Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls are also worth seeing. Our favorite was Moul Falls, which you reach after a short one-hour hike. If you are in Canada in September, you can also see the salmon run at Baileys Chute in Clearwater Provincial Park. Here you can then see the salmon swimming against the current. In the evening, have dinner at the Hop ‘N’ Hog Smokehouse, a typical Canadian barbecue restaurant, before heading back toward the Dutch Lake Resort Campground.

Day 12 – 13: Glacier National Park

+/- 400 km – 4h30 drive

As in Banff, you’ll also find a Wild Flower Bakery in Clearwater, good to get some energy for today’s long drive. Along the way, you’ll pass the town of Kamloops where you can stop in or do some shopping. You then continue driving toward Glacier National Park where you will head back deeper into the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This park is also less well known than Jasper and Banff, but is certainly not inferior! Again, you are surrounded by beautiful scenery and imposing mountains, but it is less crowded here. Sleep at the Illecelliwaet Campground today and tomorrow. This campground operates on a first come, first serve basis. Booking in advance is not possible, so be sure not to arrive too late on the day.

From the Illecelliwaet Campground, Glacier National Park’s most beautiful hikes depart. This area is known for its many grizzly bears, and it sometimes happens that a hike is closed because of this. So be sure not to forget your bear spray when you go hiking! The Marion Lake trail (6.5 km), Asulkan Valley trail (15.8 km) and Glacier Crest trail (13.4 km) are some of the most popular hikes in the park. We did the Glacier Crest trail, a very challenging hike where you climb high over a ledge that overlooks the various glaciers of the Illecillewaet and Asulkan valleys.

Day 14: Kootenay National Park

+/- 330 km – 3h45 drive

Today you drive back toward Banff via Kootenay National Park on this Western Canada road trip. Again a longer drive, but this time your day will be split up with several stops in this beautiful area. From Glacier National Park, drive to Radium Hot Springs , which is your first stop. Give your muscles a rest and go for a relaxing afternoon in these thermal pools or continue on Highway 93S towards Banff. This highway goes right through Kootenay National Park and at every turn you are treated to mountain views, clear lakes and many Douglas Fir trees.

These are some stops in Kootenay National Park not to be missed:

• Sinclair Canyon: when driving on Highway 93S you will pass here anyway, as you will drive through this canyon.
• Olive Lake: a small lake with beautiful turquoise blue colors, a five-minute walk from the parking lot
• Floe Lake: this lake you reach after a 10 km hike (only), but is the highlight of the Kootenay National Park! The hike is relatively flat and you will be rewarded with this beautiful alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.
• Numa Falls: great stop that requires almost no effort to reach the viewpoint
• Paint Pots: after a short 1 km hike, you reach these mineral hot springs that have colored the surrounding earth with different shades of red, orange and yellow.
• Marble Canyon: this hike takes you through the canyon over several bridges that give you views of the Kootenay River racing below. Note the many wildflowers growing along the path.

After this day full of impressions, sleep back in the Banff area, in campsites such as Tunnel Mountain Village I or II.

Day 15 – 16: Kananaskis Country

+/- 120 km – 1h25 drive

The last stop on this road trip in Western Canada was the biggest surprise for us! Located at the base of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this area is once again surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Keep in mind that Kananaskis Country requires you to purchase an additional day pass of 15$ CAD per day. As you drive toward Kananaskis, you will pass the visitor center where you can purchase the day pass. Afterwards, continue driving toward the Interlakes Campground. Here you will spend the night and this is the ideal base for the most beautiful hikes in this area. Many people skip this area, making it much quieter than Banff or Jasper. At the same time, you have the same beautiful views here, so it is definitely worth taking this area on your tour! Kananaskis Country is also known for its many grizzly bears, so always be careful when hiking.

There are several wonderful hikes to do in the area, suitable for any hiking level. For example, the Windtower hike (10 km round trip) and the Tent Ridge hike (10.6 km round trip) are two well-known hikes that take you to beautiful views of the Spray Lakes. We ourselves did the hike to Rawson Lake (4 km round trip), a beautiful alpine lake hidden in the Canadian forests and surrounded by mountains. On our last day during our road trip in Canada, we also did the 4.5 km hike to Ptarmigan Cirque . Here we emerged onto an alpine meadow overlooking the many forests and mountains. Because we were there in September, the trees were already turning yellow, almost golden, which made a beautiful picture!

Day 17: Calgary

+/- 145 km – 1h55 drive

Your round trip in Western Canada is over! Time to drive back towards Calgary with a camera full of wonderful photos and a head full of great memories. Go on time to drop off your RV after which you can take an Uber or cab to the airport. If you don’t have your flight until the next day, you can stay at Comfort Inn & Suites South again. So you’ll pick up another good breakfast and have a free shuttle to the airport!

Ending your road trip in Vancouver

A popular alternative to taking this round trip in Western Canada is to end in Vancouver . You do this by driving on after Clearwater toward the famous ski resort of Whistler . In summer, you can take beautiful hikes there and take the Peak 2 Peak cable car, which is the longest unsupported cable car in the world. The glass floor that gives you a view of the valley below completes the experience.

From Whistler, you will then drive on towards Vancouver, where you will take the car ferry towards Vancouver Island . The landscape on Vancouver Island is completely different from what you’ve seen so far, with rugged coastlines and rainforest. On Vancouver Island, be sure to visit the hip surfer village of Tofino, enjoying Vancouver Island’s unique environment along the way. From Tofino you can book a whale watching tour, an absolute must! In fact, the ocean around Vancouver Island in the summer is full of whales, orcas, seals and sea otters. You can also take a whale watching tour like this from the pleasant city of Victoria.

Find out what the best stops are on Vancouver Island!

No time to visit Vancouver Island? Then end in bustling Vancouver . You can also book a whale watching tour from here. Furthermore, Vancouver is worth strolling through with its many skyscrapers and the cozy Gastown neighborhood. Or cycle through the vast Stanley Park with its impressive Lions Gate bridge. Moved enough this trip? Then discover one of Vancouver’s many hip dining spots, as this city is a true food mecca!

Find out what are the best things to do in Vancouver!

Best travel time for a road trip in Western Canada

It is important when planning your trip to consider the time period you are going. The best time to go to Canada is from June through September , with July and August being the high season. The advantage to going then is that you are most likely to have good weather, but it is also a lot busier. Especially for booking accommodations or campsites, you then have to get there on time, as some are full months in advance.

If you go in June then it is quieter, but there may still be snow on the trails and you may not be able to reach everything. We ourselves went in early September and loved it. The big crowds had subsided and all the snow had melted. In September, you do have more chance of a rain shower and it can be very cool at night.

Do you have any questions about this road trip inWestern Canada or have you been there yourself? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to [email protected]

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The Ultimate Canada Road Trip Itinerary: How To Spend 2 Weeks In Western Canada

Western Canada has been at the very top of my bucket list for years now, in particular the towering mountains of the British Colombia and Alberta provinces. These regions are known for being vast, wild and beautiful. They are home to rugged peaks, turquoise blue lakes, expansive glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife. There is so much to see that I absolutely recommend going on a road trip, to cover as much ground as possible during your trip. This itinerary focuses on Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Kananaskis, Banff and Yoho, however I will outline alternative options and ways you can modify the route. If you love the outdoors, hiking and nature then this is the Canadian road trip itinerary for you!

The Practicalities

Getting There:  From the UK you can get direct flights to Vancouver, but they are pretty expensive. A more affordable alternative you could explore is flying into Seattle and getting the train up to Vancouver. If you want to skip the Vancouver leg of this trip you could fly directly into Calgary, Alberta from London but there tends to be limited flight availability on this route.

Getting Around:  This is a road trip itinerary, so you will be needing a car. I highly recommend renting one which is four wheel drive and high clearance. Roads are typically pretty good in Canada but once you get into the wilderness they can get a bit rougher. It is better to be safe than sorry!

When To Visit:  The best time to visit this region is in the summer months of early July through to late September. Personally I find mountain weather is more stable in September, which the locals in Alberta confirmed is usually the case.

How Long To Stay : Canada is massive, like seriously humongous. Give it as much time as you physically can because there’s so much to see! I recommend a 2-week trip as a minimum. However, if you only have 10 days you could just focus on the Alberta leg of this itinerary and save Vancouver/Vancouver Island for another time.

Price:  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Canada isn’t cheap. The prices we experienced reflected those of the UK when it comes to meals, hotels, car rental, etc. So, be sure to budget accordingly. 

Top Travel Tips

• Make sure you purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This will allow you access to more than 80 Canadian destinations in 12 months, plus it mean you can avoid having to join the queues when you enter national parks.
• Pack for all weathers, no matter the season. It is the mountains after all! Even in the height of summer, the weather can switch from sunshine and blue skies to cold, cloudy and rainy in minutes. Take layers, waterproofs and suitable footwear. If you need guidance on what gear to take, check out my hiking kit guide here .
• Bear safety is a hugely important factor when you’re exploring the Canadian wilderness. It is essential to carry bear spray, make noise and stay vigilant. Check out the Canadian bear safety guidelines here . One thing to note is that bear spray cannot be taken on planes, so I recommend buying it once you get to your destination.

Itinerary Overview & Suggested Alterations

This itinerary is essentially split into two parts, the first section explores the mountains in Alberta and the second passes through Vancouver and Vancouver Island. 

• Day 1: Land in Vancouver
• Day 2: Explore Vancouver City
• Day 3: Travel to Kananaskis
• Day 4: Kananaskis
• Day 5: Kananaskis
• Day 6: Explore Kananaskis & Travel To Banff
• Day 7: Banff
• Day 8: Banff
• Day 9: Banff
• Day 10: Explore Banff & Travel To Yoho
• Day 11: Yoho
• Day 12: Yoho
• Day 13: Travel to Vancouver Island
• Day 14: Tofino, Vancouver island
• Day 15: Tofino, Vancouver Island
• Day 16: Tofino, Vancouver Island
• Day 17: Travel Home

This itinerary can be altered in various ways, here are a few suggestions:

• Skip staying in Yoho National Park. Instead, travel there from Banff for the day before continuing on to Jasper.
• Don’t travel to British Colombia at all. Instead just travel a little slower, continuing up to Jasper and the surrounding area, spending a few days there and then flying out of Edmonton.
• Drive from Alberta back to Vancouver through British Colombia, stopping off at Yoho National Park, Golden, Glacier National Park, Kamloops, Whistler, Squamish etc.

If I am 100% honest, if we could do this trip again we would have skipped BC and just focused on Alberta. Spending more time exploring the regions around Kananaskis, Banff and Jasper – and then travelling through British Colombia on a return trip. However, if you plan on going to Canada once, then the itinerary we did gives you a really great taste of a variety of West Canadian landscapes. 

The Itinerary:

Day 1 + 2: vancouver.

Vancouver city is well worth spending a day in as you travel through Canada. Despite it being large and densely populated, you can see that an effort has been made to preserve the natural features of the city which means there’s plenty of green space for you to enjoy. Here are a few of my personal recommendations:

• Explore Stanley Park. It is one of the world’s largest urban parks. You can either wander around on foot, or rent bikes and cycle along the seawall. There’s plenty of beautiful viewpoints and beaches where you can stop off and enjoy the scenery.
• Visit Granville Island. A hotspot for food and independent shopping. The Public Market is a great spot to find something to eat, or you can even take an organised food tour. 
• Eat in Chinatown. Vancouver is known for having incredible asian food, and Chinatown is where you can find the best of the best! I personally recommend Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie and Phnom Penh .
• Go to the Vancouver Art Gallery . A beautiful display of world class art, and a perfect spot to escape the rain which often hits the West coast.
• Explore Gastown. Gastown is one of the oldest parts of the city and a great neighbourhood to grab brunch, beer or a coffee. I recommend Revolver for coffee and Twisted Fork for brunch .

Accommodation : Victorian Hotel . Perfectly located near to Gaston and Chinatown.

Day 3-6: Kananaskis County

To get to Kananaskis County from Vancouver you can fly into Calgary and pick up a rental car. I recommend opting for a high clearance 4×4, and flying early in the morning so you can squeeze in an afternoon hike.

I’m just going to put this out there right now, the Kananaskis region of Canada was my favourite of the whole trip! It is wild, raw, rugged and peaceful. If you want to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Canadian mountains without the crowds, this is the place to do it. The main activity is hiking, so here are some of my favourite routes for you to check out:

The Best Hikes in Kananaskis County

• Smutwood Peak . My favourite hike of the whole trip! A spicy 18km route with 1000m of elevation up from the valley to the summit of Smutwood Peak, via incredible lakes and stunning views. It is a challenging climb and some scrambling is required near the top, but it is worth all the effort.
• Tent Ridge Loop. This 10km loop with 800m of elevation is short but challenging, you climb up to the stunning Tent Ridge and then circle around with non-stop views of the surrounding peaks and lakes.  Again, the route requires some simple scrambling and a head for heights. 
• East End of Rundle . This hike is only for those who are keen for a tough climb, as you will be ascending almost 900m in under 5km. The terrain is challenging, loose and scramble-y but the views at the top are nothing short of epic!
• Elbow Lake to Tombstone Lakes. If your legs need a rest, then this 20km trail with 600m of elevation is is a simple but rewarding route. It winds through a valley nestled between towering summits, passing by beautiful lakes and waterfalls, with multiple locations suitable for a scenic cold water swim. It is long, but it isn’t difficult. 
• If we had more time: We would have done the Ribbon Lake via Buller Pass route. 

Other popular hikes in the region include Rawson Lake & Sarrail Ridge, Wasootch Ridge and Mist Mountain (with the hot springs). I have to warn you though, most routes in Kananaskis County are pretty advanced so make sure you’re strong, fit, fuelled and capable before you set off. I recommend taking walking poles for all the hikes mentioned.

The Best Lakes & Wild Swimming Spots In Kananaskis County

If you’re interested in wild swimming, then there’s a whole range of stunning lakes you can take a dip in. Our personal favourite was Buller Pond, but you can also try Spray Lakes, Tombstone Lakes, Barrier Lake and the Upper & Lower Kananaskis Lakes.

The Best Accommodation in Kananskis County

I highly recommend staying at Mount Engadine Lodge . We had one of their glamping tents and absolutely loved it. The rooms are lush, the food is delicious and the location is ideal with lots of trails starting right from your doorstep. If Mount Engadine is full, then check out Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Village.

Day 7-10: Banff

When most people think of the Canadian mountains they think of Banff. It is perhaps the most well known area we visited in Canada and for good reason, it is absolutely breathtaking. There are towering mountains, turquoise lakes and endless glaciers as far as the eye can see! Here are my top recommendations of things to see and do in Banff:

The Best Hikes In Banff

It would be a crime to come to Banff and not hike! The National Park is absolutely covered with miles and miles of incredible trails and exploring them on foot is the best way to truly experience the vast wilderness of the region. Make sure you add these hikes to your hit list:

• Lake Louise. There are a multitude of hikes starting from the shores of the iconic Lake Louise. We did the Little Beehive Lookout route as we were short on time, it gives incredible views over the lake without being too strenuous. However if you can spend a full day on the trails then I recommend doing a loop of both Beehive viewpoints and the Plain of Six Glaciers.
• Lake Moraine. There are only a handful of hikes which start at Moraine Lake. I personally did the route to Eiffel Lake which was not only beautiful but really peaceful, we hardly saw anyone on the trail. A more popular and famous hike near Lake Moraine is up Sentinel Pass to see the larch trees which are a bright shade of yellow in the autumn months.
• Helen Lake & Cirque Peak. This was my personal favourite hike in Banff. I warn you – it is long, it is hard and it is seriously steep – but the views are absolutely out of this world. I would go as far as saying some of the best views of our whole Canadian trip! There are lakes and glaciers in all directions, it will honestly take your breath away.
• Mount Yamnushka. If you are a confident hiker and fancy an adventure, give this route a go. As with all hikes in Banff, the views are incredible. However the trail is steep, challenging and includes some chained scramble sections.
• Rockbound Lake. When we asked the locals for recommendations of hikes to get away from the crowds, this was the route we were told about again and again. The trail takes you up to an absolutely stunning lake and in the autumn season you will pass by bright yellow larches. 

The Best Lakes & Wild Swimming Spots in Banff

Banff is known for its iconic turquoise blue lakes, so make sure you don’t miss them!

• Lake Louise. One of the most famous lakes in Canada, and in my opinion the most overrated one. It is absolutely jam packed with people and you can only get some peace by hiking away from the shore. The being said, I do think hike up to the view from Little Beehive Lookout is well worth experiencing. 
• Lake Moraine. This is another super famous lake, but in my opinion it is well and truly worth the hype. The emerald blue waters, framed by 10 towering peaks is a sight you need to see! Just make sure you get there early in the morning so you can experience the reflection on the surface of the water. 
• Lake Minniwanka. This 13-mile long lake is one of the largest in the Canadian Rockies. You can wander around the lakeside trail, hop on a scenic boat ride or rent a kayak to explore it by yourself.
• Peyto Lake. This is perhaps the most bright blue lake of all the ones we visited in Banff! Peyto Lake is well-known for being the shape of a fox’s head, but I think the most incredible thing about this spot is how you can see the water flowing down from the glacier which feeds it. Absolutely stunning! While you’re there, check out nearby Bow Lake too. 
• Two Jack Lake. This scenic spot is popular with the locals but lesser known by tourists. It is perfect place to view sunrise or go for an afternoon swim.

In my opinion, the best lakes for an actual swim are often those which are located mid-hike such as Helen Lake, Eiffel Lake and Rockbound Lake. They are much more peaceful and really allow you to immerse yourself in nature.

One thing to remember when visiting Lake Louise and Lake Moraine is that shuttle systems are in place, since parking is either super limited or not available at all. I highly recommend booking your shuttle in advance. You can find more info about them here .

The Best Adventure Activity in Banff Climb

If you’re looking to try something new, then there is a recently established Via Ferrata in the peaks above the town of Banff. The Mount Norquay Via Ferrata has a range of different routes depending on your confidence and head for heights. It is perfect for those who are new to via ferrata and want to experience it in a safe way, as you will complete the route with an experienced guide.

The Best Scenic Drives in Banff

There are two main scenic drives that I recommend. 

• Firstly, the Icefields Parkway , a 145 mile long road that links Lake Louise to Jasper. As the name suggests, it is absolutely surrounded by endless glaciers and as a result, lots of beautiful lakes. You can drive part way up this to Peyto Lake and Bow Lake, or all the way along it if you’re going to Jasper. 
• Secondly, I recommend the Bow Valley Parkway . This runs parallel to the main highway which connects Lake Louise to Banff, and is a much more peaceful route with higher chances of spotting wildlife.

The Best Accommodation in Banff

We stayed at Basecamp Suites Banff , little self-contained apartments nestled right in the heart of downtown Banff. They have their own kitchens, which are super useful if you’re making your own breakfast and lunch before big days in the mountains like we did.

Day 11 + 12: Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is the smallest national park in the Canadian Rockies and is often overlooked by tourists, but I am here to tell you that it is well worth a visit. Whether you pop by for a hike (it is only an hour or so from Banff) or set up camp for a couple of days, you won’t regret it. It has all the same natural beauty as more popular destinations – epic waterfalls, gigantic glaciers and towering peaks – but without the crowds.

The Best Hikes in Yoho National Park:

To be honest, the main thing to do in Yoho is the same as all the national parks in the region, hiking! Yoho National Park is small but has plenty of trails, enough to fill at least two full days of adventures!

• Emerald Lake & Emerald Glacier. If you come to Yoho, you simply cannot miss Emerald Lake. It is an absolutely beautiful, you guessed it, bright emerald coloured lake surrounded by an amphitheatre of dramatic mountain peaks. Take a hike around the shore, and climb up to view the glacier which feeds it.
• The Iceline Trail & Yoho Valley Loop. In my opinion, this is the ultimate day hike in Yoho National Park. It climbs from Takkakaw Falls (the second highest waterfall in Canada) up the famous Iceline Trail (which takes you next to a series of glaciers), and then loops down past Lake Celeste and Laughing Falls before winding back through Yoho Valley floor. It doesn’t get much better than that!
• Paget Peak & Sherbrooke Lake. If you’re looking for a shorter route, check out this out and back trail . It gradually climbs up to the bright blue waters of Sherbrooke Lake before becoming steeper as it ascends to Paget Peak. As with all these hikes, the views at the top are out of this world!
• Lake O’Hara. Perhaps my biggest regret from our whole Canadian road trip is not making it to Lake O’Hara. It is renowned for being the most beautiful lake in Canada, but it is also notoriously difficult to get too. Access is super limited to protect the pristine nature of the region, and you need to get one of a tiny number of permits to ride the bus up to the lakeshore. We applied for permits on the day they released with no success. The other way to get up to Lake O’Hara is to hike the 11km bus route, which is an absolutely mammoth task considering once you get to up there, you’re going to want to do a whole other hike, before then walking back down the 11km road again. We didn’t quite fancy doing that! However, if you are luckier than us and manage to get a permit , then I recommend doing the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit .

The Best Accommodation In Yoho National Park

The ultimate place to stay in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake Lodge . It doesn’t get much better in terms of location – it’s perched on a private island quite literally in the middle of the iconic Emerald Lake. The restaurant prepares delicious food, there are plenty of wood-burning fire places and many rooms have balconies overlooking the lake. However, I will say that while the rooms are spacious they are rather outdated. For some that may add to the charm, for others you may crave something a little more modern. 

Day 13-17: Tofino, Vancouver Island

It is time for a change of scenery! Say goodbye to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Alberta, and hello to the wild coastal beauty of Tofino. Tofino is a small surf town located on the western coast of Vancouver Island, best known for its laid back vibe, thriving food scene and untamed beaches. It is the perfect spot to kickback and relax after a hard few weeks of hiking.

The Best Things To Do In Tofino

• Go Bear Watching. Tofino is an incredible place to see black bears from the comfort of a boat! The bears there have adapted to the coastal location and go foraging on the remote beaches in the area, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with them in the wild. On our bear watching tour, we also spotted hundreds of sea otters and seals too!
• Eat Delicious Food. Tofino has an absolutely thriving food scene, with plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from – just make sure you book in advance for any evening meals! Our personal favourite sports are Shelter, Shed, Wolf in the Fog, Kuma and The Pointe.
• Get In The Water. Tofino is surrounded by incredible coastal waters which are cold but beautiful. There are plenty of aquatic activities on offer, from surfing and bodyboarding through to kayaking and paddle boarding. Take your pick!
• Explore The Beaches. That’s what Tofino is known for after all! My personal favourite walk was from Tonquin beach down to Mackenzie. Other wild and rugged beaches to explore are Long Beach, Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay (as well as the lookout above it).
• Enjoy A Sauna. It can get a little soggy in Tofino, so a great rainy day activity is to rent out a sauna. We went to Tuff City Saunas and absolutely loved alternating between hot sauna sessions and cold sea swims. Another great option is the remote floating sauna at Tofino Resort.
• Take A Scenic Flight. If I could recommend one thing to do in Tofino above everything else, it would be this. The inlets, lakes and mountains surrounding this small coastal town are absolutely breathtaking when viewed from the air. There are many different flight paths to choose from, including one which takes you to a remote hot springs cove.
• Go Whale Watching. Tofino has a seriously long whale watching season, stretching from March through to late November. It is an incredible place to see grey whales, humpback whales, killer whales and so much more. We were lucky enough to see a group of four whales breaching, which was an absolutely incredible sight. 
• Go Hiking. If you can’t resist lacing up your boots, then there are a couple of challenging trails about a one hour drive from Tofino. Triple Peak and Cobalt Lake are routes which are steep, scramble-y and totally stunning. Just a warning though, you definitely need a high clearance 4×4 car to access the trail heads.

The Best Accommodation in Tofino

We stayed at the luxurious Wickanninish Inn and I would go as far as saying it is one of my favourite hotels I have ever stayed in. The service, the rooms, the food, the setting – it is all on a whole other level. The highlight was our gigantic bathtub, which overlooked the wild waves of Chesterman Beach. It was complete and utter bliss! However, it does come with a hefty price tag. So, a slightly more affordable accommodation option which I have heard incredible things about is The Shoreline .

Over the course of our Canadian road trip we racked up hundreds of kilometres of hiking, thousands of meters of elevation gain and countless memories of a lifetime. It truly was one of the best adventures I have ever been on. I was completely awe-inspired by the vast and wild landscapes of Canada, and I cannot wait for the day I return to explore them in even more depth!

If you liked this guide, check out my other road trip itineraries:

• Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary: The Mighty Five National Parks In Two Weeks
• Northern California Road Trip: Shasta Cascade, The Redwood Coast & Mendocino
• Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro – Two Week Road Trip Itinerary
• New Zealand 3 Week Itinerary: North & South Island
• Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula: Road Trip Itinerary & Travel Tips

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Spirit of Western Canada & the Rockies Road Trip

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INTRODUCTION

This compact Western Canada & Canadian Rockies road trip focuses on two of Canada's most beautiful areas – the scenic drive from Whistler to Sun Peaks Alpine Resort and the spectacular Rocky Mountain national parks.

Soak up turquoise lakes, rugged peaks and glittering glaciers, plus take your choice of tours in jasper and banff for a personalized experience..

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

Departing Vancouver | Departing Calgary

Day 1 Vancouver to Sun Peaks | 478 km/297 mi Enjoy the scenic journey from Vancouver to Sun Peaks with a stop in Whistler on the way. Highlights today include Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief Rock and Whistler Village before continuing along the Duffey Lake Road to see breathtaking views of Joffre Glacier.

Day 2 Sun Peaks to Jasper | 444 km/276 mi Follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson at 3954 metres, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon.

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 4 Jasper to Lake Louise | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 208 km/129 mi Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies

Day 5 Lake Louise to Banff | 62 km/38 mi Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.

Day 6 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the beauty of Banff National Park. Perfect for families, no paddling experience is necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.

Day 7 Banff to Calgary | 115 km/72 mi Today it’s time to say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic sights of the Rockies. Drive to Calgary to drop off your rental car and begin your journey home.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi Leave the Stampede City of Calgary for the short drive to Banff, a resort town renowned for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions Option 1. Banff Gondola Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the beauty of Banff National Park. Perfect for families, no paddling experience is necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.

Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise | 62 km/38 mi Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.

Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 208 km/129 mi Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies

Day 5 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.

Day 6 Jasper to Sun Peaks | 444 km/276 mi Today travel the ‘Yellowhead’ Route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains.

Day 7 Sun Peaks to Vancouver | 478 km/297 mi Continue to Lillooet, known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon. Leaving Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler where a stop is a must for a short stroll through this charming alpine resort before continuing to Vancouver. Highlights today include breathtaking views of the Joffree Glacier, Shannon Falls & Stawamus Chief Rock. Your magical Canadian Rockies adventure comes to an end upon your arrival in Vancouver.

Package Includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Sun Peaks
• 2 nights accommodation in Jasper
• 1 night accommodation in Lake Louise
• 2 nights accommodation in Banff
• Maligne Lake Cruise
• Jasper River Float
• Jasper Nature Walk
• Ice Explorer ride onto Athabasca Glacier + Glacier Skywalk
• Banff Gondola
• Lake Minnewanka Cruise
• River Explorer Canoe Tour
• Bow River Horseback Adventure

Hotel Information | Moderate Grade

• Sun Peaks Resort - Coast Sundance Lodge | Standard Room
• Jasper - Moderate Hotel | Standard Room
• Lake Louise - Lake Louise Inn | Summit Deluxe Queen Room
• Banff - Elk+Avenue Hotel | Standard Room
• Sun Peaks Resort - Sun Peaks Grand Hotel | Deluxe Room

Hotel Information | Superior Grade

• Sun Peaks Resort - Sun Peaks Grand Hotel | Deluxe Mountain Village View Room
• Jasper - Forest Park Hotel | Woodland Balcony / Alpine Standard
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Room
• Banff - Banff Caribou Lodge | Superior Room

Hotel Information | Deluxe Grade

• Sun Peaks Resort - Sun Peaks Grand Hotel | Deluxe Balcony Mountain Village View Room
• Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Deluxe Room
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Fairmont Lakeview Room
• Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Room

Hotel Information | Deluxe Plus Grade

• Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Premier Deluxe Room
• Lake Louise - Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Deluxe Lakeview Room
• Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel | Deluxe Mountain View Room

Not included:

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Arrange a call with a Canada Travel Designer and bring your vacation one step closer!

DATES & PRICING

Departs from Vancouver: Daily (Tour Code: Ex Vancouver SD10) Departs from Calgary: Daily (Tour Code: Ex Calgary SD11)

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Wineries & Spectacular Rockies Lodges of Western Canada Road Trip

Worked with Jennifer planning a road trip from the Calgary Stampede through Lake, Louise, Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks and finishing in Vancouver. We worked together using some of my ideas and many of her ideas. She booked most of our hotels, sight seeing venues and car rental. We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place and each hotel she selected was great and a little different from the one before. Thank you Jennifer for all your help. Will never forget this trip.

Anne New Jersey, United States

My family recently completed the 7-day self-drive tour of Western Canada. I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! Jennifer B. was absolutely fantastic helping me figure out how we wanted to customize our trip and making suggestions. She was always so patient with my many questions, too!The lodgings that this trip placed us at were more than wonderful. We particularly liked Deer Lodge at Lake Louise. It is a beautiful historic lodge, just a few minutes walk from the Fairmount. All aspects of the tour were problem-free, and I really feel that the cost of the tour was very reasonable, especially for the quality experience we had.I highly recommend Jennifer and Canada by Design to anyone who wants to visit Western Canada!!

Marlene Schillinger - Virginia, United States

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Western Canada Road Trips

Our tailor made itineraries pair the beauty of BC with the allure of Alberta, allowing you to explore the wide open road at entirely your own pace.

Combining the abundant wildlife of vancouver island, fascinating indigenous communities of coastal british columbia and breathtaking beauty of the canadian rockies, consider adding a rail journey to the drive for optimum relaxation and incredible sightseeing., begin by browsing the below and let us know if something inspires., we'll be happy to personalize any itinerary to include all the accommodation, activities and travel documents you need..

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"We did the "Rail & Drive Across Canada" with you & it was wonderful. A Bucket List dream come true!"

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" The whales very kindly decided to perform when I was whale watching. "

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"Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated. "

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"From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds. "

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"Paulina organized an awesome trip for us which included Vancouver Island and the Rockies."

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Western Canada Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary

I’m often asked what there is to see and do in Western Canada. I’ve lived in British Columbia (BC) all my life and have enjoyed many road trips exploring BC and Alberta. I’ve put together this guide to help with planning. This is a 6-night self-drive road trip that gives you the highlights of some of the most stunning and less crowded areas in Western Canada. I’ve driven this Western Canada Self-Drive Road trip myself many times, as I live in the area, so I am very familiar with places on this trip!

Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler

Day one will be packed with some gorgeous sightseeing opportunities. As you leave Vancouver, you will travel onto the Sea-to-Sky Highway as you make your way to Whistler . I recommend a stop at the impressive Shannon Falls and/or Brandywine Fall (pictured above) before continuing on to Whistler. When you arrive in the village, you can explore the village and you will have the option to take part in some extreme activities like the amazing zip-trekking through the forests that surround the village. There is also something for the very brave, a bungee jump in one of the gorges in the area. There is also the option to take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, where you will be wowed by the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There are also several hikes in the area and bike trails that you can explore. Your hotel is located at the base of Whistler Mountain, where you can enjoy leisure time, enjoy the hotel amenities, and explore Whistler Village. In the evening, there is also the option to participate in the Vallea Lumina, a multi-media night walk in pursuit of hidden wonders.

Day 2: Whistler to Sun Peaks Resort

Depart Whistler for Sun Peaks Resort. On the way, I recommend a stop at Joffre Lakes and a leisurely walk to the lower lake for some photo ops. Then, it’s on to Kamloops for lunch. There are many options in town, such as Casa Azul Mexican Restaurant , or you can enjoy lunch and wine tasting at Monte Creek Ranch Winery . You will then arrive at Sun Peaks Resort and check into the beautiful Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre .

After settling in enjoy an included excursion on the sightseeing chairlift. Once you reach the top at 6,000 ft elevation, you can explore the mountain, which has 18 hiking trails that range from relaxing strolls to exhilarating summits, all featuring magnificent wildflower displays. After this, you will have plenty of free time to enjoy the hotel amenities, including a big outdoor pool and have the evening at leisure to explore the pedestrian village of Sun Peaks Resort and sample some of the fine dining options the village offers. I recommend Sun Peaks Spa and The Great Canadian if you enjoy a good spa treatment. It’s Heavenly!

Day 3: Sun Peaks Resort to Jasper National Park

Depart for Jasper National Park. The first stop I recommend is at Spahats Falls near Clearwater in Wells Gray Provincial Park. This waterfall is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity. The cut in the mountain that the water has created over millennia is the funnel point for this gushing waterfall as it cascades down into the bowl below. If you want to spend a bit more time in Wells Gray Provincial Park, keep driving past Spahats Falls. Two more falls with easy access are Dawson and Helmcken (the most impressive).

Moving on, you can stop at Mount Robson before you reach the Alberta border, and on a clear day, this is one of the more impressive sights of the tour. That being said, even if there is some cloud around, it makes that photograph all the more mysterious. As you cross into Alberta, you will then carry onto the town of Jasper, where you will stay overnight. You will have free time to explore the town of Jasper and have dinner. I recommend dinner at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen. Seated on the patio, you’ll be beside the rushing water in Maligne Canyon. To walk off your dinner (or beforehand), you can explore the well-marked trails around the canyon.

Just a few of the great places to eat in Jasper!

Day 4: Jasper to Icefield Parkway to Banff

Today, you will have another early-ish start, as there is so much to see and do. After you enjoy breakfast in the hotel, I recommend a drive to Maligne Lake. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way and then there is the option of an additional cost to take a boat tour to one of the most photographed spots in Canada, Spirit Island. After leaving Maligne Lake, you will then travel to the turquoise beauty of Athabasca Falls and Bow Lake. This will be your first taste of the unique colours that the lakes and rivers have in the Rocky Mountains.

Next, you will drive down the famous Icefields Parkway, where you can glimpse hundreds of glaciers. You will stop at the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, where you will take a world-renowned Ice Explorer onto the glacier. Here, you can walk around, take in the beauty, and even sip of millennia-old water. You will get the feeling of just how fragile our planet really is while you are up there. Your accommodation will be in the Town of Banff for the next two nights at a hotel in downtown Banff’s heart. Suppose you’d like to add an extra night to your itinerary. In that case, I recommend staying at Glacier View Lodge and walking on the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk… plus enjoy the amazing cuisine designed by Executive Chef Terry Port at Altitude Restaurant before continuing to Banff.

Day 5: Banff

Following breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a day of exploring. You can start the day off with a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Here, you will take in the magnificent views of the valley and mountains surrounding the town of Banff before touring the townsite. Next, I recommend a stop for a stunning photo opportunity at Bow Falls before heading to the magical spires of the Banff HooDoos. You will then circle around to the Banff Springs Hotel, a site with many tales of ghosts, including the mystery of room 873. You will then have the rest of the day to navigate your way around this quintessential Rockies town. There are some fantastic shops for those needing retail therapy along Banff Avenue and well-marked paths running beside the turquoise Bow River, both on the town and golf course sides. Several optional activities can be booked for a discounted rate. These include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, canoeing, known as the Bow River float, hiking, caving, hot springs, fishing (early booking essential) and more. There are many dining options for you to choose from this evening.

For something unique, I recommend taking a tour of Banff in a replica vintage 1930s coach!

Day 6: Banff to Lake Louise to Revelstoke

Get ready for lake day! After breakfast and hotel check-out, head to the Rockies lakes. You will get to see Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake, three of the most beautiful lakes in the area. You will have plenty of free time to walk around the lakes or rent a canoe and head out across the lakes to see parts inaccessible by foot. Before arriving in Revelstoke, you will travel through Roger’s Pass from the lakes, a past steeped in history. You will stay overnight at the beautiful Sutton Place Hotel at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Enjoy the many resort amenities.

On your way through Golden, a must-stop is at the Golden Skybridge, which consists of two of the highest suspension bridges in Canada! You can have lunch and enjoy a kids’ play area with mini suspension bridges. There is something for all ages.

Day 7: Revelstoke to the End of Your Trip

Enjoy a lovely continental breakfast in the hotel. As you leave one mountain range, the Selkirk Range, and move toward the Coastal Mountains, there are many stops you can make along the way. The first recommended stop of the day will be at Craigellachie, the site of the famous Last Spike. This location is the historic meeting point of the east and west construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

As you travel into the Okanagan Valley, the desert region of Canada, you can stop at a local farmers market for lunch, followed by a cidery visit.

You can finish up the adventure with a stop at Othello Tunnels . These tunnels were cut from the granite cliffs in 1914 by the Canadian Pacific Railway connecting the Kootenays to the Coast. A total of five tunnels were cut out as part of the Kettle Valley Railway grade. The engineering effort it took to build this route was impressive, especially considering the limited infrastructure of the time. You will have the opportunity to walk through the tunnels and cross the cascading Coquihalla River. This area is also rich in film history, with several blockbuster film scenes shot at Othello Tunnels. You will be arriving back in Vancouver at approximately 8:00 pm after a week of amazing sights, fantastic memories and friendships that will last far into the future.

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A Day By Day Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s West Coast

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10 Underrated Small Beach Towns In Florida To Kick The Winter Blues

10 arizona road trips that are best taken in winter, this underrated arizona national park is set to be one of the most popular for 2024.

• Spend a full day in Vancouver exploring its highlights, including Granville Island Market and Stanley Park. Don't miss out on Lee's Donuts for breakfast at the market!
• Drive north from Vancouver to Squamish and take in the breathtaking views of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gthe ondola. Don't forget to walk across the suspension bridge!
• Visit Whistler, a charming ski village with plenty of shops and eateries. If you're there in the winter, don't miss the opportunity to ski at Whistler Blackcomb, one of Canada's best ski resorts.

Wondering what to do in 10 days in West Canada? This epic 10-day West Canada itinerary answers that question; it takes travelers all the way from the coastal capital of British Columbia to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Canada’s oldest national park, experience Vancouver’s fantastic gastronomy scene, and the charm of Banff town along the way.

To complete this itinerary, travelers should fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and pick up a rental car on day three. They can drop the car off in Calgary and depart from YYC. It's time to find out how to spend 10 days in Western Canada with this jam-packed Canadian itinerary that showcases many of the region's most stunning (and fun) spots and attractions.

Related: Local Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Incredible Days In Toronto, Canada

10 Day One: Arrive In Vancouver

On the first day of the trip, travelers can fly into Vancouver (YYZ) and take the airport train service into the city center. One of the best neighborhoods to stay in is Yaletown; this charming area is clean, safe, and full of delicious coffee shops and restaurants just steps from the front door.

After checking into their accommodation, travelers can spend the first evening of their trip having dinner in Gastown, one of the best places in Vancouver to visit . Gastown is Vancouver’s historic district, named for “Gassy” Jack, who opened the first saloon in the area in the 1800s.

Cobblestone streets and magical twinkling lights set the scene for a fun and atmospheric dinner at one of Gastown’s many delicious restaurants. Tacofino, MeeT, Gringo Gastown, and Nuba are all excellent choices.

• How To Get Around: SkyTrain
• Top Attraction: Gastown

9 Day Two: Spend A Full Day Exploring Vancouver’s Highlights

Spend a full day in Vancouver, experiencing the highlights of the city. Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at the Granville Island Market (don’t miss out on Lee’s Donuts).

Then, head over to Stanley Park and rent a bicycle. Cycling the seawall is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon!

• How To Get Around: TransLink
• Top Attraction: Stanley Park

8 Day Three: Rent A Car And Drive North To Squamish

On day three, travelers can pick up their rental car and drive the infamous Sea to Sky Highway north from Vancouver to Squamish. Upon arrival in Squamish, it’s worth splurging on tickets for the Sea to Sky Gondola.

The view of Howe Sound is breathtaking. At the top, there is a suspension bridge and hiking trails.

• How To Get Around: Rental Car
• Top Attraction: Sea-to-Sky Gondola

To save on accommodation during this road trip, book a campervan rental rather than a regular car. This combines the cost of accommodation and car rental into one, often lower, expense. Plus, there are great campsite views along the route!

7 Day Four: Discover The Charming Ski Village Of Whistler

After spending a night in Squamish, continue north to Whistler. This charming ski village is magical year-round and has plenty of shops and eateries inside the pedestrian-only village.

In the winter, go skiing at Whistler Blackcomb , one of the best ski resorts in Canada. Consider mountain biking at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the summer months.

• Top Attraction: Whistler Village

Related: 10 Tips For Hiking In Banff National Park For The First Time

6 Day Five: Drive To Kelowna

From Whistler, it’s a six-hour drive to Kelowna via Kamloops. Kelowna is located in the picturesque Okanagan Valley and is known for its many wineries and vineyards.

Upon arrival, explore the waterfront park or Kelowna City Park. Then, grab dinner at Salt & Brick or Raudz Regional Dining.

• Top Attraction: Kelowna City Park

5 Day Six: Explore Kelowna Wineries And Lake Okanagan

With a full day to explore Kelowna in beautiful British Columbia, travelers can start the morning on the water. Book a boat ride with Okanagan Luxury Lake Tours for a new perspective of Kelowna.

Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to tour the many wineries of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

• How To Get Around: Guided Tour/Transfer
• Top Attraction: Lake Okanagan

4 Day Seven: Drive To Banff & Explore One Of The Best National Parks In Canada

The morning of day seven starts with a 5.5-hour drive from Kelowna to Banff National Park. One of the most famous places to visit in Western Canada, Banff National Park is also the oldest national park in the country.

Travelers can stay in the town of Banff, or they can camp inside the park at one of the designated campgrounds.

• Top Attraction: Banff Town

Related: 10 Truly Unusual Experiences You Can Only Have At Banff National Park

3 Day Eight: Catch The Sunrise At Moraine Lake And Larch Valley Hike

Travelers should get up before the sun on day eight of their West Canada travel itinerary to catch the beautiful sunrise at Moraine Lake. The road to Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies closes during the winter (after Canadian Thanksgiving), so this option is only available during the late spring, summer, and early fall.

Get a spot at the viewpoint for sunrise over the clear blue waters and see the sun come up over the mountain peaks known as the “Seven Sisters”. After sunrise, embark on a hike through the Larch Valley.

• Top Attraction: Moraine Lake

The road to Moraine Lake is only open from Mid-May to Mid-October each year (for safety reasons). Be sure to check the status of the road closures before planning the trip.

2 Day Nine: Watch The Sunrise At Lake Louise And Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike

Day nine of the Western Canada travel itinerary follows a similar structure, but this time, travelers will get to see the sunrise over the famous Lake Louise. Prepare to be sitting among many tourists as the sun comes up over this alpine lake with stunning turquoise waters.

To feel like they have the lake all to themselves despite the crowds, travelers can rent a canoe and get out on the water for a half hour or a full hour. Then, hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse for lunch. In the evening, drive to Canmore to spend the final night of the trip.

• Top Attraction: Lake Louise

Related: Winter In Lake Louise: 10 Things Worth Braving The Cold For

1 Day Ten: Go Hiking In Kananaskis (Departure From Calgary)

On day 10 of the West Canada vacation itinerary, wake up in the charming mountain town of Canmore . Grab breakfast and coffee before heading for the mountains in Kananaskis.

Kananaskis Country has beauty to rival Banff and is home to many challenging trails and hikes . Pocaterra Ridge and Ha Ling Peak are especially famous routes. Spend a day hiking in this area before driving back to Calgary to catch a flight home.

• Top Attraction: Ha Ling Peak
• Destinations

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Ten jaw-dropping stop-offs on a Western Canada road trip

See stunning vehicular vistas and then take some time out at these amazing pit stops on a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary

Best seen on four wheels, Canada is blessed with enormous landscapes, wide, wild expanses and roads that wind straight through the middle of it all. To explore lakes, waterfalls, national parks and the jaw-dropping contours of the Rockies in Western Canada, rent a car or take an RV on the road, then eat, sleep and immerse yourself in spectacular scenery. Set off from Pacific-facing Vancouver and head inland towards Calgary . Each windscreen vista will be more spectacular than the last, and these ten essential pit stops along the way will help you make the most of it all. Just watch out for grizzlies.

RECOMMENDED:  Full guide to the  best things to do in Canada

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

10 essential pit stops on a western Canada road trip

1.  granville island public market.

The centre of Vancouver is almost entirely surrounded by salt water – walk the city’s seawall to see from Downtown’s glinting high rises to epic sunsets at English Bay. Then, take a ferry from False Creek to Granville Island Public Market to refuel. Eat your way around stallsselling local produce and street food, including salmon cured in maple syrup.

2.  Vancouver Island

Forget those four wheels for a second. While you’re on Canada’s West Coast, you’ll want to get out on the ocean to spot the whales that call Vancouver Island ’s waters their home. Jump on the car ferry over to the Island or book a day tour with Prince of Whales (a marine wildlife-spotting company, not a Trump Twitter gaffe) to watch for humpbacks, orcas and grey whales.

3.  Sea-to-Sky Highway

Leave Vancouver via the Sea-to-Sky Highway , so called because it takes you from the ocean’s edge to the alpine forests and snow-capped mountains in Whistler and beyond. Set off in late afternoon to watch the fjords and islands of Howe Sound transform as the light fades. Stop off in Squamish to ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for more breathtaking (and knee-wobbling) views.

4.  Mount Revelstoke National Park

Once you’ve made it through the desert-like landscape along Highway 99 and the Trans-Canada Highway past Kamloops, the roadsides sprout greenery and mountains appear on the horizon again. Stop in Revelstoke to explore its small but mighty national park. Drive the winding Meadows in the Sky Parkway and roll past tall hemlock trees to sub-alpine wild- flower meadows. Just remember, you’re in bear country now...

5.  Wapta Falls

Park up on the western side of Yoho National Park at the Wapta Falls trailhead. This hike takes you over knotted tree roots through a silent alpine forest until you reach Wapta Falls. This dramatic section of the rushing Kicking Horse River boasts a huge wall of water framed by fir trees and backed by mountains. Bonus points if its spray creates a double rainbow.

6.  Emerald Lake

No prizes for guessing where this stunner of a lake got its name. Surrounded by mountains, this glassy stretch in Yoho National Park is all rich hues of green and blue. You can hike around it, watching as the lake changes from translucent jade to deep turquoise, or slide out on to the surface in a kayak. It’s a popular place, but quieter than nearby Lake Louise – arrive early and you’ll feel like you’ve got it all to yourself.

7.  Columbia Icefield

Alongside the border between British Columbia and Alberta, the Icefields Parkway is one of the most incredible roads in the world, lined with craggy mountains, lakes and the wild animals of Banff and Jasper National Parks (bears, mountain goats and bighorn sheep). The star is the Columbia Icefield, where you can get close to ancient glaciers. Step out over the Sunwapta Valley on the Icefield Skywalk glass observation deck, or hike up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Don’t miss signs that mark how rapidly it’s been receding in recent years.

8.  Jasper National Park

Although you’ll say goodbye to your mobile phone signal on the Icefields Parkway , you can enjoy the feeling of remoteness once the sun sets thanks to a total lack of light pollution. Jasper National Park became a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 and is full of stellar opportunities to get an eyeful of stars. For the best views, head out to Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake or Pyramid Lake after dark to spot astral delights. You might even spy the Northern Lights.

9.  Maligne Lake

You’ll struggle to spot where water meets sky at Maligne Lake, an achingly pretty expanse that, on a calm day, makes a perfect mirror. You can set off on hikes from the edge of the lake, but the best way to see it is by boat. A 90-minute cruise takes you across to Spirit Island, a tiny land mass that might be one of the most snapped places in Canada. You can try to keep it off the ’gram, but resistance is futile.

10.  Banff Upper Hot Springs

All that hiking left you with aching muscles? Soothe yourself in steaming pools on the hill high above the picturesque town of Banff . The natural thermal waters have been attracting bathers since the 1800s and, when you’re immersed in the mineral-rich pool, it’s easy to see why. Don’t leave this alpine town without exploring: visit the castle-esque Fairmont Banff Springs hotel , which could easily be mistaken for the Grand Budapest.

Explore more of Canada

The 14 best things to do in canada.

• Things to do

Canadians are famously proud of their homeland and one jaunt through the Rocky Mountains or a stroll down Quebec City’s Rue Saint-Jean will show you exactly why. While it is far from possible to condense the wonders of the country into one list, here are 14 of the top contenders.

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How to Plan the Perfect Western Canada Road Trip

Published : April 05, 2023

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

iStockphoto.com/heller181

First Things First: The Logistics of Road Tripping in Canada

Before planning your Canada road trip, consider a few of the logistics.

• Can I drive in Canada with a U.S. license? - Yes, a valid U.S. driver’s license is accepted in Canada. Remember to also bring proof of auto insurance.

• Should I buy a national parks pass? - It depends on how many days you plan on driving through lands managed by Parks Canada. If your road trip involves seven or more days of travel in Canada’s national parks, you can save money by opting for a Parks Canada Discovery Pass (valid for one year) instead of paying the daily admission rate at park gates.

• Does AAA roadside assistance work in Canada? - Yes, AAA membership is honored in Canada through reciprocal arrangements with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), and roadside assistance is covered for road trips through Canada.

• Are passports required for car travel in Canada? - You will need a valid passport to cross a land border from the United States into Canada.

Top 5 Things to See on a Road Trip Across Western Canada

Whether this is your first time planning a road trip across Canada or your 20th, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the many things to see and do. Glaciers, mountains, coastal islands and vineyards—the varied topography of Western Canada offers seemingly endless possibilities to fill your road trip itinerary.Here are the top five things to do when road-tripping in Western Canada (plus links to the that will help get you there):

1. Drive the Icefields Parkway.

Allow plenty of time to cruise the Icefields Parkway (Hwy. 93), a scenic highway in the Canadian Rockies that parallels the Continental Divide. Snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, lakes, rivers and the massive Columbia Icefield are highlights of the drive, which stretches between jewel-toned Lake Louise and the town of Jasper. Allow at least three hours each direction—more if you’re planning to stop along the way. Keep in mind that admission fees are charged for driving through Banff and Jasper national parks.Tip: AAA’s includes the Icefields Parkway as well as Banff National Park and Jasper National Park , the two most-visited national parks in Canada. The Alberta Road Trip is easily reached from Calgary or Edmonton.

2. Soak Up Coastal Views on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

An easy day trip from Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy. 99) offers one of the most beautiful drives in Canada. The two-lane highway connects Vancouver with the resort town of , a winter sports mecca that hosted many events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.Tip: AAA’s will take you past snowcapped peaks and plunging river gorges on the way to Squamish and Whistler. Allow at least four hours to drive each direction.

3. Visit Victoria on Vancouver Island.

British Columbia’s capital city of is a popular cruise ship destination on Vancouver Island, but it’s also fun to visit by car (via a scenic ferry ride). The city’s charm is best experienced in spring and summer when its expertly manicured gardens are in full bloom. Castles and stately parliament buildings offer prime photo opportunities, and outdoor activities like whale watching and kayaking offer the chance to soak up the stunning coastal scenery and breathe the crisp ocean air.Tip: AAA’s makes a loop from downtown Vancouver out to Victoria. The trip follows the Trans-Canada Highway on Vancouver Island and includes two ferry rides across the Strait of Georgia. (Keep in mind that extra ferry fees are charged for longer vehicles and RVs). Allow at least 10 hours for the loop.

4. Sip Wine in the Okanagan Valley.

The fertile Okanagan Valley—flanked on both sides by impressive mountains—draws travelers to its wineries, fruit orchards, farm-to-table restaurants and fall festivals. Mild winters, hot summers and abundant sunshine make the Okanagan wine country an ideal year-round destination in south-central British Columbia.Tip: AAA’s is accessible from Kelowna, British Columbia, and from the U.S. border in Washington state. The one-way road trip takes you through Penticton and along the sandy shores of Lake Okanagan. Allow at least one hour each way.

5. Travel a Portion of the Trans-Canada Highway.

For the serious road tripper, the 7,821-kilometre (4,860-mi.) Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) offers an unforgettable east-west journey across all 10 provinces of Canada, from its western terminus in Victoria, British Columbia, to the eastern terminus in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. In Western Canada, the route passes through many major cities including Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina and Winnipeg, and provides access to scenic national parks like Mount Revelstoke, Glacier, Yoho and Banff.Tip: AAA’s Vancouver, Victoria and Coastal Vancouver Island Road Trip takes you near the western terminus of the TCH in Victoria. (A good photo op is the highway’s Mile Zero monument in Beacon Hill Park at the intersection of Douglas Street and Dallas Road.) Farther inland in British Columbia, the Fraser Canyon Scenic Highway traverses a north-south portion of the TCH. AAA’s Alberta Road Trip also includes a stretch of the highway from Lake Louise to Calgary.

Best Road Trips to Take in Summer and Fall

Summertime can mean big crowds in Canada’s national parks, especially on holiday weekends. To avoid the traffic jams, plan your road trip for the shoulder months of summer (June and September), or opt for scenic drives far away from the tourist hotspots. and Crowsnest Scenic Highway are two good options for summer road trips.

Fall is a great shoulder season for road trips as well, with lighter crowds and cheaper hotel prices.

Top Winter Road Trips

Is seeing the northern lights on your bucket list? Consider a winter road trip on near Whitehorse. The night sky is darkest in this region from late August to mid-April, which provides the ideal viewing conditions for the nighttime spectacle. You’ll need to prepare your vehicle accordingly for this road trip, as winter temperatures can be extremely cold.For winter adventures that aren’t quite as remote, hit the slopes around Whistler, British Columbia, via the .

Road Trips to See Spring Blooms

Spring arrives early (around March or April) in southwestern British Columbia, making it the perfect destination for an end-of-winter road trip. Expect to see plenty of colorful flowers on the Vancouver, Victoria and Coastal Vancouver Island Road Trip ; cherry blossoms make their appearance around Vancouver in April. Plan to stop at Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island for even more floral displays.

Start Your Next Vacation with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers—from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner , or browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips . Estimating fuel costs for your trip is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator , and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair . For printed maps, AAA TourBook guides and trip planning advice, visit your local AAA office .

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Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

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Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

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A Canadian Adventure: Itinerary for Western Canada

Planning a Canadian adventure for Western Canada is a daunting task due to the size of the country , but if you have two weeks (more is better of course), you can still see a lot of Western Canada.

Table of Contents

This Canadian adventure is a combination of cities and provincial and national parks. Since most visitors to Canada are interested in seeing both. This itinerary for Western Canada is loosely based on my recommendations for German friends who are coming to Canada for the first time. And eager to see as much of Western Canada as possible.

I also went to the same places on another trip. Up until Vancouver Island where we veered off onto other destinations for diving and whale watching. I was also in Victoria, Tofino, Ucluelet, and Sooke for another Canadian adventure.

Recommended Reading:  The Best Way to Experience Castle Provincial Park in Alberta

How To Travel On This Canadian Adventure

For this Canadian adventure, you will need a rental car. I just love road trips and public transportation is not nearly as good in Canada as it is in other parts of the world. Although it is possible to cut out a lot of the driving by flying from Calgary to Vancouver.

To make it an even more amazing trip, I would recommend driving to really experience Western Canada. And some of the interesting points of interest along the way. Not to mention the jagged peaks, forests, rock formations, and beautiful mountains that seem to go on forever.

Day 1:  Arrive in Calgary and stay in Calgary for one day.

I know that one day isn’t very long. But I lived in Calgary for 10 years and while I think it’s a nice place to live.

From a tourist point of view, I think there are more interesting places to spend your time, which is likely quite limited. I would recommend spending a day in Calgary checking out some of the more popular attractions.

My top picks would be Fort Calgary, Heritage Park Historical Village, and Canada Olympic Park. Walk up McHugh Bluff which for a spectacular view of the Bow River and downtown Calgary (ask the Tourist Information Office to point this out to you on a map).

Related Reading:  Things To Do in Jasper: The Top Attractions Not to be Missed

Recommended Reading:  6 Adventures In Whistler, British Columbia

Day 2: Drive from Calgary to Banff National Park. Discover Banff/Lake Louise for days 2 through 5

The drive from Calgary to Banff is 130km and takes around 1:30 hr. Three days is not even close to doing Banff and Lake Louise justice, especially if you are a hiker.

Here in Banff National Park is also a great place to see Polar bears! As of date 8 full-grown adult polar bears have been permanently relocated from the melting polar ice cap in the Canadian Arctic.

If you have more time you could easily tack on an extra week and also explore nearby Yoho National Park in B.C. from Banff as well. I would recommend staying in Banff rather than Lake Louise. Accommodations are usually cheaper in Banff and Lake Louise is just a short drive away.

The hikes you will want to do will really depend on your fitness level. Although, even if you are only a casual walker, you will still find plenty of trails for you. You can soak away your aches and pains in the Banff Hot Springs.

For trails check with the well-informed staff at the Banff Tourism Office.  Trail conditions are always changing or sometimes closed because of bear activity so it’s a good idea to check with the tourist office right before you go.  See our recommendations for a day hiking packing list.

Parks Canada Banff/Lake Louise  website is an excellent source of information on hikes in the area, bear activity, and safety.  If you’re in Banff for the wildlife, be sure to check out  Wild Adventures in Banff .

I have traveled a lot, hiked a lot in Banff, and live in Germany, but have still chosen to come back to Banff to get married – it’s truly that spectacular!

Related Reading:  The Best Hiking Journal and 7 Reasons You Should Keep One

Day 6:  Drive from Banff to Jasper along the Columbia Icefields Parkway

The Columbia Icefields Parkway is frequently referred to as the most scenic highway in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This part of the journey is 290 km and will take just under 4 hours.  The parkway is a leisurely journey as you take in the panoramic of peaks, many of which are over 3300m.

Be on the lookout for black bears, which sometimes can be seen by the road – another reason to drive slowly, as almost every year a bear is hit by a car on the parkway, but please don’t get out to take pictures (it happens every year).

You will also want to stop at the  Columbia  Icefields themselves, which are the largest icefields in the Rocky Mountain measuring 200 sq km! You can visit the information center (well marked) or take a tour of the icefields in a specially designed vehicle for driving over ancient glaciers.

Columbia Icefield Parkway is also home to two of the most sought-after waterfall ice climbing objectives anywhere. Attracting ice climbers everywhere to this unspoiled landscape.

I haven’t done the tour yet as I normally stay away from really touristy things, but will be doing it this summer on my honeymoon and think it will be a tour with taking as you are able to see the icefields from a vantage point that you wouldn’t see any other way.

Related Reading:  Things to Do in Yoho National Park: Why You Should Visit this Canadian Gem

Day 7 – 8:  Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is not as well known as Banff National Park, but perhaps because of that I always see a lot of wildlife in Jasper. The last time I was there I saw three wolves!

For hikers, spend more time in Jasper if time allows as in two days you will only begin to scratch the surface. Rocky mountains and spectacular views await. I could easily spend a couple of weeks hiking in Jasper.

For more information on things to do in Jasper see  Official Travel Site for Jasper National Park .

Day 9:  Drive from Jasper to Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia

The total driving distance is 317km, just under 4 hours.  You could save 1/2 day and drive straight to Vancouver missing Wells Gray Provincial Park, which is not well known outside of Canada, but I think it’s worth a stop, particularly for that reason.  Northern British Columbia is sparsely populated and from my experience, fewer people equals more wildlife.

I must confess that I’ve never been to Wells Gray, but my brother worked there for a summer and loved all the waterfalls and wildlife that he saw daily.  We’re staying there for one night on our Canadian adventure honeymoon this summer and already I’m wishing we could spend more time there.

If you get up early, you could arrive at Wells Gray in the early afternoon and get in a short hike in the afternoon, or better yet, stay for an extra day or two if you have time.  For more info see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Related Reading:  Georgian Bay Islands NP: why you need to visit this part of Canada

Day 10:  Drive from Wells Gray Provincial Park to Vancouver, then hop the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria .

Day 10 is largely a traveling day, but at least you will time to take in all the forests and peaks.  The drive from Wells Gray to Vancouver is just under 480 km, taking ~ 5:30 hours.

A ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is 1:35 minutes.  Be sure to book early through BC Ferries, especially since you are taking a car.

Related Reading: Yoho-Iceline Basecamp

Days 11 & 12:  Sightseeing in Victoria and the surrounding area

Victoria is known as Canada’s most English city and has the mildest climate of any city in Canada. A great place for active Canada Adventures!

There is no shortage of cultural events and sites, the famed Butchard Gardens, native Canadian history, wine tours, whale watching tours, and the list goes on and on. See  Tourism Victoria  for more ideas, or visit the informative Tourist Information Office once you’re in Victoria.

If you have more time, there is so much more to explore on Vancouver Island, I love the area of Sooke, a short 40km drive from Victoria and the Gulf Island is also a popular choice.

If you have longer, I would be remiss not to mention Tofino and Ucluelet. Tofino is 317km or a 5-hour drive from Victoria so you would need at least a few extra days, but for nature lovers, these two small towns are surrounded by fabulous hiking trails, surfing, and whale watching.

In fact, you could even plan an entire trip just by visiting places in Victoria and the surrounding area.

Related Reading:  Frank Slide: The Most Unique Hike in the Canadian Rockies!

Related Reading:  Vancouver: 9 Points of Interest for Nature Lovers

Day 12:  Take the Ferry from Victoria to Vancouver and take in the Sights of Vancouver until Day 14

One of my favorite things to do in Vancouver is to explore the city by walking. There are so many funky districts, each with its own flavor and feel.

Among my favorite things to do in Vancouver are going for walk by the Sea Wall, cycling in Stanley Park, and taking one of the many water taxis, but there’s so much more to do in Vancouver. See  Tourism Vancouver  for more info.

And there you have it, a two-week Canadian adventure! Have I left out lots of other interesting places?

Yes, definitely, Canada is a big place and there are so many wonderful places and amazing views to discover. Whether you’re a first-time traveler to a seasoned traveler, Canada is an absolute dream country to visit.

You’ll just have to make a second trip to  Hike to Stanley Glacier  or check out the vineyards of Kelowna or  Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.  May it be Waterton National Park, Grasslands National Park, or Mount Robson Provincial Park you wish to visit, there is just so much to discover here in the beautiful country of Canada!

What are your “can’t miss” destinations in Western Canada?

Although the itinerary was difficult to plan, especially taking into consideration how massive Canada is, but nonetheless it was successful. What would you add to your Canadian Adventure itinerary?

This post has been updated and republished.

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

Spanning 9,306km (5,780 miles) and six time zones, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. It’s home to rugged coastlines, vast prairies, dense boreal forests, towering mountain ranges, and upwards of two million lakes.

But what makes Canada special is its people. It’s a place that embraces its diversity and that encourages people to be friendly, caring, and polite.

Due to its large size, though, traveling across Canada can be a little challenging. Domestic flights are prohibitively expensive due to low competition and, outside of the eastern part, trains don’t go many places.

That means if you really want to see Canada, you need to drive.

To help you explore this amazing country, Chris Oldfield, our Canadian team member , helped create this suggested itinerary for a one-month road trip. It’s packed, since you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. However, it’s also not too rushed (though you can easily extend this out to six or eight weeks as well).

(Note: Canada is huge, and there are many routes and itineraries you can take. This one is by no means comprehensive but instead meant to give you a good overview and introduction to the main cities and sights.)  

Days 1-3: Vancouver, BC

It’s also the third-largest city in Canada, so there’s plenty to see and do while you’re here. There’s an amazing foodie scene here too.

Here are a few suggestions to help you start your trip off right:

• Visit Granville Island – Granville Island is a shopping district in the middle of the city. It’s also a hub for foodies. Explore the public market, grab a beer at Granville Island Brewing Company, and wander the cool shops. There are also galleries, some performing arts venues, and all kinds of events and festivals held here too!
• Enjoy the view from Grouse Mountain – Ride the gondola to the top, where you can enjoy the view over the metropolis and mountains. There are lots of trails for hiking in the summer and sections for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. You can also hike to the top (which takes 1.5–2 hours) and then take the gondola down for just $15 CAD.
• Relax in Stanley Park – Located in the heart of the city, this enormous park (a 400-hectare natural rain forest) is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. Its waterfront path right on the Pacific is a nice place to go for a stroll, swim, or bike ride. There are also sports fields here and over 20km of trails.
• Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge – This 450-foot long suspension bridge stands 230 feet high and offers views of the surrounding forests and trails. I don’t love heights, but it’s worth it for the view! Tickets are $54 CAD.

For more suggestions, here’s a detailed list of things to see and do in Vancouver .

Where to Stay

• Cambie Hostel Gastown – Located in the historic Gastown district, this hostel has comfortable beds, a small common room for hanging out, and access to The Cambie, the hostel’s bar.
• HI Vancouver Downtown – Tucked into a quieter part of town, HI Vancouver Downtown is in a good location for exploring the popular Granville and Davie Streets, which offer plenty of cafés, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping.
• Samesun Vancouver – With cozy pod beds, clean bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and free breakfast (including eggs and hot cereal), this is my favorite hostel in the city.

Here is my complete hostel list with even more suggestions!  

Day 4-5: Whistler, BC

In the summer, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, swimming, cycling, zip-lining, and bear watching. There’s also a 4.4km peak-to-peak gondola where you can enjoy the stunning mountain vistas that envelop the region.

Where to Stay Airbnb and Booking.com will be your best choices here. Book in advance, as they get booked fast!  

Days 6-8: Banff National Park, AB

Banff is home to two of Canada’s most picturesque (and most Instagrammed) locations: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. They are incredibly popular sights, so get there early to beat the crowds.

Beyond snapping some Insta-worthy shots, there is plenty of hiking to enjoy in the surrounding mountains. It’s a beautiful place to relax in a rustic lodge or cabin or go camping (you can rent camping gear if you don’t have any).

Be sure to spend some time in the town of Banff as well. It’s a touristy resort town but it’s also super quaint and charming.

Where to Stay Airbnb will be your best option if you’re on a budget. If you feel like splurging on a luxury resort or lodge, use Booking.com .

For camping, you can use this government website to book a site in the park.

Note : If you have more than a month for your trip, consider a stop in Jasper National Park before heading to Banff. It’s an extra nine-hour drive from Whistler but the natural beauty here is jaw-dropping (seriously, google “Jasper National Park” — it’s stunning!).  

Days 9-10: Calgary, AB

Here are a few things to see and do during your visit:

• Attend the Calgary Stampede – The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo. Expect chuckwagon races, bull riding, concerts, carnival rides, and endless fair food (deep-fried butter, anyone?). Tickets start at $18 CAD.
• Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park – Fish Creek sits along the Bow River and is perfect for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. In the summer, people come here to fish, swim, and barbecue. It’s a fun, relaxing place to get some exercise and enjoy the weather.
• Go brewery-hopping – Calgary has a huge number of brewpubs and small craft breweries. Citizen Brewing Company, Cold Garden Beverage Company, and Big Rock are some of my favorites. You can take brewery tours for around $25 CAD or do a brewery tour for around $90 CAD.
• Take in the view from Calgary Tower – Built in 1967, the Calgary Tower commemorates Canada’s Centennial. From the top, it offers an uninterrupted view of the Rocky Mountains. The observation deck has a glass floor that adds an extra thrill to your visit (if you like heights, that is). Tickets are $18 CAD.

For more suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide to Calgary!

• HI Calgary City Centre – This is the best hostel in the city. It’s newly renovated, has a full-equipped kitchen, includes towels, and the beds are comfy.

If the hostel is booked, use Airbnb . Be sure to book in advance if you’ll be here for the Stampede.  

Days 11-12: Regina, SK

Home to under 240,000 people, Regina is a small city that’s worth a quick visit. Here are some suggested things to see and do while you’re here:

• Visit the Royal Saskatchewan Museum – This natural history museum was opened in 1906 and is home to the world’s largest T. rex cast as well as an insightful exhibition on Canada’s First Nations. It’s an educational place to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
• Watch the Roughriders – The CFL (Canada’s answer to the NFL) is popular here as Regina is home to one of the league’s best teams, the Roughriders. If you’re visiting between June and November, catch a game at Mosaic Stadium and get rowdy with the locals! Tickets start at $32 CAD.
• Tour the Legislative Building – The Saskatchewan Legislative Building was built in 1912. It’s a National Historic Site and Heritage Property and is home to one of the tables used by the Fathers of Confederation when they drew up their plans to create a united Canada. Take a guided tour (they last around 30 minutes) and learn about the province’s history.

Where to Stay Airbnb and Booking.com will be your best choices here, depending on your budget and what kind of accommodation you’re looking for.  

Days 13-14: Winnipeg, MB

While it’s known for its harsh winters, Winnipeg has been working hard to evolve into a world-class city. Slowly but surely, it’s succeeding. Stop by for a day or two and check out some of the city’s best sights:

• See the Canadian Museum for Human Rights – This museum highlights the crises and evolution of human rights in Canada and around the globe. Opened in 2008, it’s the only national museum outside of Ottawa.
• Watch the Blue Bombers – For more CFL action, catch a Blue Bombers game. The team was founded in 1930 and is one of the best in the league.
• Explore the Forks National Historic Site – This urban park is a relaxing place to read or have a picnic. At the intersection of two rivers, it was historically significant for trade between indigenous people and Europeans, with human settlement going back as far as 6,000 years.
• Visit the Royal Canadian Mint – If you’re a collector or are just curious how coins are made, stop by the mint. It’s made over 55 billion coins for 75 different countries. Over 1,000 coins are made every second here! Tours are $8 CAD.

Where to Stay If you’re on a budget, try Airbnb first. If you’re looking for a hotel, Booking.com has the best rates.  

Days 15-16: Thunder Bay, ON

Tucked away on the edge of Lake Superior, Thunder Bay is one of the biggest cities in Northern Ontario. It’s just an hour from the US border and is one of the sunniest cities in Eastern Canada.

Here are some things to see and do while you’re here:

• See the Terry Fox Monument – In 1980, cancer-survivor Terry Fox set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. He did so on just one leg (he lost the other to cancer). He managed to run for 143 days straight (5,373km, or 3,339 miles) before his cancer returned and he had to call off his quest.
• Go hiking in Sleeping Giant – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located on Lake Superior and offers 80km of hiking trails, including both short day hikes and multi-day routes.
• Visit Fort William Historical Park – This park is where the reconstructed Fort William is located, a fur trading post from 1816. There’s a traditional blacksmith, cooper, and canoe builder, and you can interact with actors playing the various people you would have met here in the 19th century.

Where to Stay Airbnb doesn’t have many options here, but if you can find one, they start at $45 CAD per night. For hotels and motels, use Booking.com .  

Days 17-19: Algonquin Provincial Park, ON

There are several different campgrounds in the park, dozens of hiking trails, and over 1,500 lakes (it’s massive!). You can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore and go deeper into the park. Multi-day portages are possible too.

Even if you’re a newbie camper and don’t have gear, you’ll be able to rent what you need to have an enjoyable, relaxing getaway for under $50 CAD per day.

Days 20-23: Toronto, ON

There’s a ton to see and do here. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Relax on Toronto Island – Spend an inexpensive day at Toronto Island Park and enjoy the beach, play volleyball, have a picnic, and take in the view of the city from the water.
• Visit the ROM – The Royal Ontario Museum has thousands of artifacts and specimens spread over 20 exhibits. There are displays on dinosaurs, ancient China, indigenous Canadians, medieval Europe, ancient Egypt, and more. It’s the best museum in town and a fun place for kids and adults alike!
• Hit the beach – The beaches near Lake Ontario are a relaxing way to spend the day during the humid summer. You can stroll along the boardwalk, eat at one of the many restaurants, or rent a boat and head out on the lake. Some of the best beaches are Cherry, Woodbine, and Centre Island.
• Wander Kensington Market – This bohemian neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of alternative restaurants and shops. It gets quite bustling in the summer, and there are often free concerts too. It’s one of my favorite places to wander around!

For more suggestions as well as money-saving tips, check out my free guide to Toronto!

Where to Stay Hotels in Toronto are expensive, so use Airbnb if you’re on a budget. If you do want to stay in a hostel, Planet Traveler Hostel is the best in the city.  

Days 24-26: Ottawa, ON

Located four hours from Toronto , it’s is full of historic buildings and museums, and is just a short walk from Québec (Canada’s French-speaking province).

Here’s what I would focus on in Ottawa during your stay:

• Wander the Byward Market – This massive market is full of restaurants, shops, and open-air stalls. There is a lot happening all year round, though in the summer it’s bustling with fresh produce and many local artisans. If you’re looking for a souvenir or just want to people-watch, this is the place!
• Visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization – While technically not in Ottawa (it’s across the river in Québec), this world-class museum is one of the best in all of Canada. It does an amazing job of showcasing Canada’s entire history, including some insightful exhibitions on First Nations. There are lots of kid-friendly exhibits too. This museum shouldn’t be missed!
• Try a beaver tail – These are not actual beaver tails, don’t worry! They’re delectable desserts resembling a flat donut, made of fried dough and covered in all sorts of sweet toppings. They’re a must!
• Visit the Canadian War Museum – Canada is known as a peaceful nation, but it’s been involved in its fair share of conflicts too. This museum does an excellent job of highlighting Canada’s military history. It has exhibits on both world wars as well as modern conflicts Canada has been engaged in.
• Skate on the Rideau Canal – Every winter, the Rideau Canal is frozen over and turned into a massive skating rink that stretches for miles (it’s the longest skating rink in the world). If you’re visiting during the winter, you can rent skates for around $20 CAD if you don’t have your own.
• Ottawa Backpackers Hostel – This laid-back hostel has some of the cheapest accommodation in the city. The dorms are spacious, it’s social, and it’s right near the Byward Market.
• HI Ottawa Jail Hostel – This hostel is located in a former jail. The rooms are small (they’re former cells), but it’s an incredibly unique space — and a little spooky too!

Days 27-30: Montreal, QC

Personally, I think it’s one of the best cities in Canada. The Old Town looks like something straight out of medieval France, and the French-inspired cuisine and eclectic nightlife (especially the jazz clubs) leave little to dislike.

Here are my suggestions for things to see and do while you’re here:

• Wander Old Montreal – This is the most attractive part of town. It has cobblestone streets, and its historic gray-stone buildings date back to the 1700s. Some of the city’s finest museums and art galleries (such as the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History) are here too.
• Hike Mount Royal – For a view over Montreal, hike up Mount Royal (after which the city is named). You can also jog, picnic, or just people-watch around the park too. It’s a relaxing green space.
• Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica – This 17th-century Gothic Revival basilica has dual towers that are reminiscent of Notre-Dame in Paris. Its interior is stunning and full of religious paintings, colorful stained glass windows, and gold-leaf decoration. There’s also a 7,000-pipe organ. A 60-minute tour costs $15 CAD.
• See the Museum of Fine Arts – This huge museum has over 43,000 works of art. There are both permanent galleries and rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Admission is $24 CAD.

For more suggestions, as well as money-saving tips, check out my guide to Montreal!

• HI Montreal – HI Montreal is just a two-minute walk from the metro, offers both dorms and private rooms, and has a pool table. There’s also free breakfast and daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings!
• Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal – Located in the historic area of town and a short jaunt to the city center, it has an eclectic and artsy vibe. Free breakfast is included, and there are plenty of common areas for relaxing and meeting other travelers.

Here are some other great hostel suggestions too!

This is a packed itinerary, but with a month at your disposal, you’ll be able to experience the majority of Canada’s sights and cities without having to rush. With an additional 10-21 days, you can add more of Québec and the Maritimes, Canada’s rugged and picturesque east coast (or simply spend more time in the destinations above).

No matter what you decide, Canada is such a massive, diverse landscape and it truly has something for everyone. While this itinerary only covers a portion of Canada, it does give you a peek into just how awesome it is!

Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Canada? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Canada for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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3 Weeks In Canada Itinerary

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When I decided to go on a vacation in Canada, the planning was quite overwhelming. It’s such a big country and the places I wanted to see are so far apart from one another.

I mean, people who holiday in Canada probably just go for a week or two, but an entire 3 weeks is kind of a lot and sounds expensive. But my mind was set on it. What I learnt from my planning was really interesting. I even found out about places I’d never heard of but was really curious to visit.

Did you know that 77% of the world’s maple syrup is also being produced in Canada, particularly Quebec? That’s why this place will seem like a haven for maple syrup lovers. You bet they have a wide variety of maple syrup-flavoured treats.

Aside from that, Canada has around 2,000,000 lakes , which is why this country is perfect for people fond of bodies of water. So, what else could we see in Canada? It has rainforests, rocky mountains, fjords, crystalline glaciers and sweeping prairies – not to mention the spectacular Northern Lights.

Some exceptional sceneries in Canada include Cavendish Beach, which is well-known because of Anne of Green Gables . In these Queen Charlotte islands, travellers can experience summer festivals from June to August. You will also find totem poles and argillite carvings here.

Banff National Park also has glacier-fed waters that sparkle and an alpine backdrop. This place looks so picture-perfect that it is a shot straight out of a movie. These are only the tip of the iceberg in the areas you could visit in Canada.

While I only had 3 weeks in Canada, I actually managed to see so much. I visited a bit around late summer and managed to get up in the north where winter starts early.

ALTERNATIVE: 3 weeks in USA Itineraries

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO CANADA

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area, second to Russia. That’s why it would take a lot of time to visit and experience everything the country has to offer.

If you stay for three weeks in Canada, make sure that you choose the places you want to see the most and do the things you want to do to make the most out of your 3 weeks in Canada. It would also be helpful if the places are near each other.

Book your flight and accommodation early if you want to spend less . Here are other things you need to know before going to Canada.

Best time to go to Canada

Naturally, summer is the best time to go to Canada because you can go hiking, swim in glaciers and lakes, see fjords, lounge around on beaches, and have road trip s.

This season is also better for people who aren’t used to the cold because it would hinder your travelling if you are sensitive to cold temperatures. 

However, many activities could be done during the winter, including dog sledging, sleigh rides, skiing, ice hiking, ice hockey, fat biking, curling, and ice skating.

Who would forget hot springs, of course? This feels very relaxing and rewarding after being out in the cold for a long time. If hiking is in your travel plan , late spring or early autumn is a great time to do it in Canada.

Are 3 weeks enough for Canada

Canada is a massive country. Although there is a good railway system in most parts of the country, it’s not good enough to travel across different provinces in just 20 days

However, if you have three weeks to spend in Canada, with good planning, you will be able to visit 3-4 cities in 2-3 different provinces.

If you like it, then you have more reasons to come back next time. Perhaps a winter trip or a stunning spring adventure.

If you choose cities that are near one another, you can even rent a car and make your vacation a road trip.

Cost of a 3-week trip to Canada

Canada is not a cheap destination for a holiday, but it can be done if you know where to go, when to go, and where to stay. Accommodation will cost the most. Food and transportation are reasonable, while there are free walking tours (tip-based) that you can book. Here’s a budget idea:

For an affordable three-week trip to Canada, budget travellers can expect to spend around $80-$120 CAD per day on accommodation in hostels or budget hotels, meals at inexpensive restaurants or groceries, and local transportation, totalling approximately $1,600-$2,400 CAD for the entire trip.

Mid-range travellers may allocate $150-$250 CAD per day for comfortable hotels or vacation rentals, dining at mid-range restaurants, and occasional tours or activities, amounting to roughly $3,000-$5,000 CAD for three weeks.

For a luxury experience, travellers can budget $250-$500 CAD or more per day for upscale accommodations, fine dining, private transportation, and exclusive experiences, totalling $5,000-$10,500 CAD or higher for the entire trip.

Prices may vary depending on the specific destinations visited, season, and personal preferences. You should also remember that the main flight to and from Canada is not included in these estimations.

How to get around

In Canada, getting around as a tourist varies based on the region . In urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, public transportation including buses, subways, and trams is efficient and affordable.

For longer distances between cities, domestic flights are the fastest option, although they can be pricey. Train travel via VIA Rail is available in certain regions (not all), offering scenic routes but may not be the fastest or cheapest option.

There are also buses- which are the cheapest, but it’s only worth taking if the ride is no more than 8 hours.

Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas or national parks , providing flexibility and convenience, but it may not be necessary in cities with good public transit.

For exploring the cities, you can use the local metro, buses or ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Lyft, Facedrive, and TappCar.

Canada has one of the strictest visa policies. The government offers free visas to limited nationalities. This included anyone from North America, some parts of Latin America (Brazil, Chile, French Guiana), most parts of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand.

The visa is valid for up to 180 days. Visitors must get an eTA (electronic travel authorization). If you have a valid US tourist visa, you can also apply for an eTA if you’re from these countries , but you must arrive by air only.

Package tours

Avoid the hassle of planning transportation and booking hotels and tours by opting for a package tour. The tour company will handle everything for you. All you need to do is pack your luggage, book your flight to Canada, and show up.

In this way, you can actually focus on exploring Canada, soaking up the beauty, and relaxing. Take a look at each itinerary and see if it’s something that suits you.

Other basic travel tips

Just a quick blurb of tools I usually use when travelling anywhere in the world; car rentals, sites for hotels and accommodations, travel insurance (which is now required by many countries where COVID-19 should be covered), and tour booking sites.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE SPOTS IN CANADA

You may click the top-right icon to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN CANADA ITINERARY

The first portion that we would tackle in this itinerary for 3 weeks in Canada is the Western part. Since Canada is so big, we divided the areas into east and west. We even have a bonus portion wherein we discuss where you could go during the fall and winter. 

Itinerary #1: West Canada

Western Canada has four provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba . British Columbia is the most distinct in cultural, economic, and political matters among the four.

Some of the things you could do or places you could visit during your 3 weeks in western Canada include visiting the following:

• Summit of Mount Norquay
• Banff Gondola and National Park
• River rafting at Thompson River
• Vancouver Island
• Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
• camp or hike at Glacier National Park
• Camp at stunning Lake Louise or stay in a houseboat – here are the best things to do in Lake Louise
• Fairview Lookout
• Devil’s Thumb

If you want to have a road trip in Canada, you can drive through the Trans-Canada highway because you can pass by most of the places indicated here.

Vancouver for 4 days (BC)

You seriously wouldn’t run out of things to do in your 3 weeks in Canada because there’s just so much to explore. In Vancouver, for instance, you could visit the following:

• Join Gastown food tour
• Anthropology Museum
• Vancouver FlyOver
• Hike around the Grouse Grind
• City and Seal Boat tour
• Cycle around Stanley Park
• Grouse Mountain & Capilano Bridge
• Kayak in Deep Cove
• Book a Panorama Tour by Seaplane

If you want to slow down and truly feel like you’re having a vacation, you can have dim sum and find your zen in Chinatown. They have tons of Chinese gardens which incorporate Confucian and Buddhist traditions.

You can also visit Granville island via aqua buses. You can sip on premium teas, sample fine chocolates, hear buskers, and shop for organic produce on this peninsula. 

• Budget to Mid-range Accommodation: Samesun Vancouver or YMCA Hotel
• Luxury: Paradox Hotel or Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Glacier National Park for 3 days (BC)

Speaking of parks, another park you could visit is Glacier National Park. You could avail of guided tours in this place or do a mini-DIY hike.

Aside from that, you could also participate in ranger-led programs , backcountry camping, hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing and boating. Make sure to not miss to experience Ice Explorer and Skywalk .

Banff National Park & Canadian Rockies for 4 days (CB/Alberta)

There are tons of things to do in Banff National Park. It is the oldest national park in Canada, and you would see diverse species there, including lynx, moose, bighorn sheep, cougar, grizzly, and black bear.

You can also do horseback riding , hiking, climbing and skiing, and for those who like to wind down a bit, you can watch wildlife. Make sure to get your ticket and ride the Gondola and sleigh rides during winter.

Lake Louise is the most popular body of water in this area and is worth the visit and a must-visit. However, there are so many other lakes in Banff to explore and offer amazing scenery and fun activities.

Banff National Park is located in the Canadian Rockies. They were declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1984, along with three British Columbia provincial parks.

Still, there are other parks, including Kootenay, Jasper, Yoho and Waterton, which are not adjacent to the other parks.

• Affordable Accommodation: Banff International Hostel or Rundle Mountain Lodge or HI Castle Mountain Hostel
• Mid-range: Tamarack Lodge or Pocaterra Inn & Waterslide
• Luxury: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Blackstone Mountain Lodge

Calgary for 4 days (Alberta)

Calgary is only a 2-hour train ride or a 1.5-hour drive from Banff. It easily should be the next stop on your itinerary for Canada. Four days in this city is plenty.

It’s an ideal spot to take a break from heavy sightseeing, reflect on the places you just saw, and take it a little bit on the down low.

While in Calgary, you can still visit ample places and things to do, such as visiting the Calgary Zoo, getting on top of the Calgary Tower , going on a picnic at Prince’s Island Park if it’s warm enough, and exploring the Heritage Park Historical Village.

A few places to eat that are worth a visit are Cage Beano, Weeds Cafe, Holy Grill, NOtaBLE Restaurant, and Bridgette Bar for some drinks.

• Where to stay in Calgary : Park Inn by Radisson or Sandman Signature or HI Calgary Hostel

Winnipeg or Churchill for 4 days (Manitoba)

If you are visiting during winter, you have to go to Churchill. It is the world’s polar bear capital; more than 1,200 polar bears migrate through the area each year. This period only lasts from October to November, but aside from that, you could do many other things here.

During the winter season, you could avail yourself of dog sledge tours and chase for the Northern lights, while during autumn, you can enjoy the Beluga Whaleboat tours and bird watching.

On the other hand, Winnipeg is a good-sized city known as the “cultural cradle of Canada”, this is a fantastic spot to visit for people who love history and want to get to know the country more.

A few places you might want to check out:

• Canadian Museum of Human Rights
• Manitoba Museum
• Manitoba Legislative Building
• Royal Canadian Mint
• The Forks National Historic Site

For other fun things:

• Children’s Museum
• Assiniboine Park Zoo
• The Forks Market
• Winnipeg Art Gallery
• Journey to Churchill
• Where to stay in Winnipeg : The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel or Humphry Inn and Suites or Queen Bee Hotel

Winnipeg’s international airport makes it a perfect place to finish your trip. However, if you are heading to a less prominent city or country, there might be a connection in Toronto or even Vancouver, depending on where you are going.

Itinerary #2: East Canada

If you tell people that you’re going to visit Canada, they’ll most likely assume that you will see the West Coast because the scenery and landmarks are more well-known there. However, the East Coast also has its own charms.

It has twinkly lakes, thick forests, and log cabins, and the essential factor is there are way fewer people than on the West Coast.

You can also find Niagra Falls and Quebec in this region of Canada . Visit Quebec, a well-known city for producing maple syrup. There are tours that you can book to do some maple farm visits and tastings.

Toronto for 4 days

If you aren’t afraid of heights, you could try climbing up Toronto’s CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere:

• Try out EdgeWalk, an activity in which you’ll circle the CN tower while in a harness 
• Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which is located at the base level of CN Tower
• Royal Ontario Museum
• AGO – an art gallery in Ontario for museum and art enthusiasts
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• Shopping at St Lawrence Market consists of numerous flea and street markets
• Toronto Railway Museum
• Harbourfront Centre
• Queen’s Quay Terminal

Accommodations:

• Affordable Accommodation: Samesun Toronto or The Clarence Park
• Mid-range: The Rex Hotel Jazz or Home in Downtown
• Luxury: Hampton Inn by Hilton or One King West Hotel & Residence

Niagara Falls for 2 days

There are also a lot of things to do in Niagra Falls aside from appreciating the majestic view:

• Book a day trip to Niagara Falls
• Enjoy a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls
• Have a class C V-rapids
• Zipline to The Falls
• Visit their fashion outlet and even get a history lesson
• Near Niagra falls, you can visit Becker farms and Vizcarra vineyards, as well as Black Willow Vineyard and A Gust of Sun Winery and Vineyard
• Buy a hop-on hop-off Toronto bus
• Affordable Accommodation: Kings Inn or Glengate Hotel
• Mid-range: Vittoria Hotel and Suites or A Moment in Time B&B
• Luxury: Hilton Niagra/Fallsview or Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Ottawa for 4 days

Calling all ice skaters out there, you might want to consider going to Ottawa because it has the world’s largest skating rink, stretching for nearly eight kilometres – Canada’s Rideau Canal .

Canada has a famous delicacy there called Beaver Tai l, a deep-fried dough sold at kiosks along with the ice rink. Don’t forget to visit Petrie Island Beach if it’s warm enough. It is a must-try for travellers.

You can visit their numerous museums, watch sports matches and even visit the residence of the Canadian monarch. Rideau Hall is basically the equivalent of Buckingham Palace and is open to the public throughout the year.

They conduct free tours, which last for 45 minutes. It’s easier to get around if you have a hop-on-hop-off Ottawa bus pass .

Make sure you ride the famous Amphibious bus and join a night walking tour to learn more about the city.

• Affordable Accommodation: Ottawa Backpackers Inn or ByWard Blue Inn
• Mid-range: The Business Inn or Cartier Place Suite Hotel
• Luxury: Alt Hotel or The Metcalfe Hotel

Old Montreal for 3 days

Old Montreal is a Parisian-style quarter that has been restored in recent decades. There are tons of narrow streets and winding alleyways where you can find interesting shops and lovely restaurants.

For those who loves exploring downtowns, there are plenty of trendy cafes around Old Montreal that will make you feel like you’re in Europe.

Some of their attractions include:

• Clock Tower reminiscent of Big Ben
• Montreal Science Centre
• La Grande Roue de Montréal or Giant Ferris Wheel
• Notre Dame Basilica and the gardens of Place Jaques-Cartier
• Montreal half-day bus tour
• Take a walk at Rue Saint Paul, which is their oldest street, completed in March 1672
• Don’t miss out on the Traditional Ghost Walk
• Ride the MTL zipline
• Where to stay in Old Montreal : Maison Saint-Vincent or Hotel Gault or Auberge Alternative

Quebec City (Vieux-Quebec) for 2 days

Quebec City is a super vibrant place. However, Old Quebec is quite charming. Old Quebec is interesting in its own right. With 400 years of history, you can walk through many exciting sites in the birthplace of French North America.

One of which is Chateau Frontenac, which is the world’s most photographed hotel in person. The best way to explore this area is through a 2-hour grand walking tour with a local guide .

You can visit Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis as well, the governors’ residence from 1620 to 1834. Walk along the street of Petit-Champlain, filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, Quebec City artists and artisans. Last but not least is Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, which is the continent’s first catholic parish church.

While exploring Quebec City, visit Montmorency Falls with ride the Cable Car . There is also a famous Ice Hotel which you can visit without staying there. And, of course, visit Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac .

• Where to stay in Old Quebec: Auberge Saint-Pierre or Le Capitole Hotel or Hotel Le Saint-Paul

Nova Scotia for 2 days

One of the smallest provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer. If you have a few days left before leaving Canada, visiting this area will be worth visiting. So far, there haven’t been big “outdoor activities” listed on this itinerary, and Nova Scotia will amend that.

The name of it literally means “New Scotland”. Compared to many parts of East Canada, people in Nova Scotia mostly speak English.

The province is filled with national parks that are worth a visit. If it’s warm enough (and you are brave enough), you might try dipping in the lake and the ocean (no one will blame you if you don’t though).

A few places to explore:

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Kejimkujik National Park
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
• Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
• Explore Halifax through a segway tour
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – go on a guided tour
• Point Pleasant Park
• Peggy’s Cove – you can join a tour that includes a city tour of Halifax
• Where to stay in Nova Scotia: Hotel Halifax or Tru by Hilton

BONUS: Fall and Winter in Canada in British Columbia

Fall is an excellent time to visit Canada because the pleasant weather and miscellaneous prices are cheaper than in summer. The fall foliage in Canada is also quite spectacular. Aside from that, you can do tons of activities such as:

• whale watching
• hiking and camping

However, that doesn’t mean winter isn’t a good time to visit. 3 weeks in Canada during winter are perfect for those fond of various ice sports such as skiing, sleighs and sledging. Some plan on spending their winter holiday in Canada. Without further ado, here are some things that you could do during fall and winter in Canada.

During the fall season, you can enjoy the:

• Various colours of leaves at VanDusen Botanical Garden,
• Immerse yourself in art at the Vancouver Art Gallery
• Ride the ghost train or attend fright nights at the Pacific National Exhibition
• Festivals such as the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Vancouver Fringe Festival
• Watch a Canucks game
• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
• Ski and snowboard
• Ride the Bright Nights Christmas train located at Stanley Park
• Walk the seawall
• Shop at Riley Park winter farmer’s markets

British Columbia is quite different during the winter from summer. While in general, it is more laidback, British Columbia is filled with activities that would surely give you an adrenaline rush. Some of these include:

• Winter ziplining
• Heli-skiing
• Sky Gandola
• Snowmobiling and snowshoeing

There are tons of things to do in British Columbia during the fall season. These include visiting their waterfalls, hiking, buying seasonal vegetables at their farmer’s market, taking a tour of the rainforests, and bald eagle-watching, among others. You could ride the 2-peak gondola if you prefer a less active activity.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CANADA

Whether you want to see natural sceneries and historical sites, try out different foods, cross out a bunch of activities on your bucket list or learn more about their culture – there will always be a place in Canada that would excellently match your preferences. It is a vast country with tons of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

I hope that you found this guide on how to spend 3 weeks in Canada helpful.

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Decoding Rahul Gandhi’s US trip: Why is India’s LoP giving ammo to Khalistanis, meeting Ilhan Omar?

While Rahul positions his America trip as an extension of his political campaign at home, there are potential drawbacks to this strategy read more

Rahul Gandhi has gone to the United States and whipped up a storm back home. Two days have passed in his three-day trip, and already he has given BJP a bagful of ammunition to target him. During an interview with Edward Luce, the Washington DC-based Financial Times columnist and a Modi baiter whose unabashed fawning perhaps made even Rahul cringe in discomfort, India’s Leader of the Opposition made a series of controversial remarks that are unmoored from facts and represent rank distortion of reality. But that’s not the only occasion where he made such comments.

Rahul’s itinerary also included a diaspora event in Virgina, addressing students at University of Texas in Dallas and meeting American lawmakers, members of think tanks and media persons in Washington DC. The programme was drawn up by Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. These foreign jaunts are meant to serve a very specific purpose for Rahul.

Long at the receiving end of a sustained campaign from the BJP about the lack of his intellectual acumen, Rahul and his advisors have figured out a way to combat the pejorative image of a simpleton. The idea is that India being a post-colonial society, these foreign trips and hobnobbing with western intellectuals and members of academia will somehow elevate Rahul’s image back home and project him as a ‘thinker’. Sam certainly believes so.

Problem is, despite extensive tutorials on possible talking points, Rahul frequently exceeds his brief and conflates foreign platforms with domestic campaign trail. Discrediting Indian democracy while abroad, castigating India’s electoral process, belittling Indian institutions, projecting India as a deeply unequal society or mocking the prime minister before students at a foreign university may generate a few claps among the audience and headlines back home, but the behaviour is not only unbecoming of a senior politician who aspires for the top job, but immature and improper for the holder of a statutory post such as the LoP.

This isn’t, of course, to say that India is without its share of problems. Levelling unhinged allegations and projecting domestic political rivalries on foreign soil, however, doesn’t solve India’s problems, make India look strong or a mature democracy. It makes us look weak, divisive, and provides a handle to India’s adversaries, unless that is the plan.

India’s democracy and electoral system is dynamic, robust and thriving. We are an oasis of democracy in a tough neighbourhood. India’s institutions, despite myriad challenges, are performing better than many of its western counterparts. In America, where Rahul was busy denigrating India, a former president was the target of an elaborate lawfare by political rivals to stop him from running for office. The Democrats weaponised the judiciary and dragged Trump through lower courts via trumped up charges before the plan was busted by the US Supreme Court.

Rahul should introspect. His party ran an insidious, relentless campaign against the reliability of India’s EVM system ahead of the 2024 general elections but miraculously all charges evaporated into thin air when it emerged that Congress has improved its tally. There is a limit to chicanery.

While in America, Rahul cast aspersions on the sanctity of India’s electoral process, without providing any proof, and sought to undermine India’s autonomous institutions such as the Election Commission and even the judiciary. It was a torrent of misinformation and half-truths from the Leader of the Opposition.

He claimed that the BJP has “captured all institutions”, which seemed more of a self-projection from the leader of a party that made it a standard operating procedure to fill every institution with party loyalists, cronies and apparatchiks in its six-decade reign since the Independence and developed an intricate patronage-based network to run the administrative system.

While speaking to Luce, Rahul alleged that the BJP is out to “destroy the Constitution”. It was ironic coming from the leader of a party that inflicted Emergency on India, the only time since Independence that India’s democratic credentials have taken a hit.

And it was more than a little paradoxical to hear Rahul wax eloquent on Indian Constitution, since it was he as the Congress boss who tore to shreds at a press conference in 2013 an ordinance passed painstakingly by the Manmohan Singh government in Parliament on convicted legislators, undermining the prime minister’s authority in full public glare and embarrassing Singh just hours before he was scheduled to meet then American president Barack Obama in Washington DC.

A man of priviledge since birth, Rahul of late has fashioned himself as a social justice warrior. His fixation on caste has reached such epic proportions that he even wants reservations in Miss India competitions. He reckons that Congress’s good show during the general elections was owing to his personal charisma, and seems to believe that Congress managed 98 seats from almost a wipeout in 2019 due to his relentless focus on caste divisions.

The Congress strategy is to challenge the consolidation of Hindu votes through an overwhelming focus on caste divisions, and Rahul has been harping on caste inequalities and calling for a caste census to double down on that strategy. The Congress leader no doubt has hit a chord with a section of Indian populace who have been hard done by the K-shaped recovery post Covid, but highlighting India’s social inequalities on American soil is absurd.

As former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal points out, “In the US out of 759 billionaires only 9 are black. In aerospace engineering and general engineering at NASA less than 6% are blacks. Black Americans hold less than 1% of executive positions in Silicon Valley’s leading companies. As of February 2024, eight Black CEOs led companies on the Fortune 500 list, which is 1.6% of the total. According to the 2023 Faculty Development and Diversity report , out of the 581 total tenured faculty members in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in US universities only 6 percent of them identify as Black or African-American.”

Social justice is an ongoing project for egalitarian societies, and little is to be gained from political posturing on foreign soil except conveying a sense that “everything in India is bad.” And in fact, Rahul ends up remarking that he doesn’t want to live in an India “where 90% of people lack access to opportunities”. It is an unfortunate thing to say for an Indian politician, and an assertion unattached to facts, delivered sans data.

One may think that for a man aspiring to be the prime minister, such baseless denigration of the country on foreign soil may bring electoral consequences. That is not the case.

This is a zero-risk venture for Rahul. The only ones outraged by the Congress leader’s comments at the moment are the urban middle class who already don’t vote overwhelmingly for the Congress. The votebank that he pursues with his unhinged caste rhetoric couldn’t care less about what Rahul says in America to an American audience. If the Modi government goes after him for doing this, that will give Rahul the opportunity to play victim and consolidate his base. He may even earn some new middle-class voters. It is a ‘win-win’ strategy.

While Rahul is treating his America trip as an extension of domestic political campaign, there are some pitfalls to his strategy. One isn’t sure who briefs Rahul before these foreign trips, but his preparation shows glaring gaps and lack of information. Rahul claimed that China does not suffer from unemployment issues unlike India, or even the US. This is plain wrong. The Biden administration has delivered excellent job growth and Kamala Harris is running on that platform. And while India does suffer from that problem, China is no better.

China last year suspended youth jobless data in August 2023 after record high readings . It migrated to a new system last December when it tinkered with the record-keeping process and excluded those pursuing higher education, but still its youth unemployment rate soared to 17 per cent in July, the highest since the new system came into effect. Not knowing such basic facts makes Rahul look incompetent.

Rahul also made outrageous claims at the diaspora event in Virginia that Sikhs in India are not going to be allowed to wear turban, sport a kada or go to Gurdwaras. The outlandish nature of the claim apart, such insidious narratives give Khalistanis a lifeline to validate their propaganda against India, and the Khalistanis didn’t waste any time.

Canada and US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of banned Khalistani terror group SFJ (Sikhs for Justice), immediately came out with a statement, claiming that Rahul had “justified SFJ’s global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he stated: ‘Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurudwara’” and called the Congress leader’s comments on “existential threat to Sikhs in India” “not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history… and also corroborates SFJ’s stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan.”

This is unfortunate. An American think tank, Pew Research Center, in a widely cited survey in 2021 found that 95% of Sikhs are “very proud to be Indian” and “a vast majority of 70% say a person who disrespects India cannot be a Sikh.”

So why did Rahul make such a delusional claim? The charitable explanation is he was talking through his hat (though an LoP should know better) but Rahul’s comments assume darker proportions when we know, ironically through the statement put out by Pannun, that during his diaspora address many pro-Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance.

Imagine a Khalistani operative who openly calls for dismemberment of India, endorsing India’s Leader of Opposition’s statement! An even more worrying aspect is that India’s LoP delivered an address where Khalistani operatives were in attendance. This is a risk to national security, and it shows Rahul and the organizers in poor light.

But Rahul didn’t stop there. He met a bunch of American lawmakers on Tuesday including Ilhan Omar. For the de facto leader of India’s grand old party to be even in the same frame as Omar is problematic. The Congresswoman from Minnesota is a bona fide Islamist radical. She was ousted last year from US House Foreign Affairs Committee for making antisemitic remarks against Israel.

Omar has a chequered history when it comes to India. She has introduced multiple anti-India and Hinduphobic resolutions, visited Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in 2022 in a trip sponsored by Pakistan, has castigated India on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar issue and has generally been an anti-India busybody with a deeply antagonistic attitude towards Hindus. Rahul must have known that meeting such a lawmaker, whose visit to PoK triggered an acerbic response from the ministry of external affairs, would invite criticism at home.

What emerges from Rahul’s pattern of behaviour is that he is hitting at every faultline of this nation, taking a go at widening every fissure that challenges national integration and is pandering to every anti-India front in an attempt to keep the Modi government on backfoot. Rahul and his advisors hope that if Modi is kept busy in a perpetual firefight – caste unrest, Khalistani insurgency, terrorism in Kashmir – it could then be easier for Congress to show Modi as incompetent and facilitate Rahul’s road to power.

In doing so, however, the Congress dynast forgets that these ‘small fires’ may not remain small, and if unrest spreads on these fault lines, it may harm India’s India’s territorial integrity, impact national security and make it a crown of thorn for him.

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Road trips in Western Canada

Western conquest.

Explore the must-sees of Western Canada. The natural beauty of Vancouver Island, the waterfalls of Wells Gray Park and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Rockies will blow your mind!

The West by RV

From nights under the stars in Rocky Mountain campsites to the beauty of Vancouver Island, come and enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Canadian nature.

West with the family

Embark on unforgettable family adventures from Vancouver to the authentic charm of historic Hat Creek Village. Finish your road trip in style in the heart of the majestic Rockies.

Dream destinations

Discover breathtaking landscapes and majestic mountains in unspoilt wilderness. Each day offers a new dream destination for an unforgettable experience.

From glaciers to geysers

From glaciers to geysers, dense forests to endless meadows, this road trip crosses borders, soaking up the majestic grandeur of the Rockies from country to country.

Once in the West

Explore Western Canada from Calgary to the majestic Rockies, from Wells Gray to Vancouver, ending at legendary Lake Louise! An epic journey through the heart of Alberta and British Columbia.

Back-country roads

Travel the scenic backcountry roads from the comfort of your motorhome. At every turn, the diverse landscapes of the Rockies will leave you in awe!

Vancouver Island

Explore Vancouver Island, from the charming city of Victoria to the wild beaches of Pacific Rim. You won't remain indifferent to the authenticity of Telegraph Cove and the beauty of Quadra Island.

Wild refinement

Between national parks, towns and unexpected encounters, this mountain epic promises moments of pure emotion and wild adventure.

From the Rockies to Yellowstone

From the majestic Rockies to the mythical Yellowstone Park, nature reveals a show without borders, with exceptional landscapes and captivating natural diversity!

The best Western Canada tour

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The best time to go on a Canadian Rockies road trip or Eastern Canada adventure is during the summer months, between mid-June and mid-October .

The high touristic season is between mid-July and mid-August . There are a lot more travelers and the prices are higher.

From mid-September to mid-October , the trees are adorned with red, orange and yellow to offer quite a spectacle. You can sometimes still get nice temperatures. We call it the Indian Summer.

Whatever option suits your desire, make sure to check out our section " When to visit Canada ? " before booking your travel dates.

Driving in Canada

Before leaving for a road trip aboard your Canada car rental, it is best to be aware of the particularities of the Canadian highway code. We have gathered for you the most important information on our " Driving in Canada " page.

When should I book my Canada tour ?

The best time to book your Quebec road trip or Western Canada tour is to book at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability, especially if you plan to travel in July or August.

Indeed, if you book your Canada road trip at the last minute, you risk limited availability , not to mention that you can expect the most beautiful places to be full.

Finally, the earlier you book, the more money you will save . There is no good reason to wait before booking your trip.

Consult our section " When to book my trip? " to know more.

What is the Authentik roadbook ?

The Authentik roadbook is a fully personalized Canada travel guide tailored to your individual Canada tour . Your Authentik advisor will start preparing your roadbook as soon as you book your trip.

The roadbook can be delivered to your home prior to your departure or given to you upon your arrival in Canada.

See it as your  personal assistant that will help you discover the most beautiful places in the country so that you don't miss a thing on your trip with us.

See our " Roadbook " section for more information.

Which destination to choose between Eastern and Western Canada ?

Are you planning a Canada self-drive holiday  and hesitating between Eastern Canada and its warmhearted Quebec or a Canadian Rockies itinerary  ?

Consult our " East vs West" section to help you see more clearly.

Should I choose a Canada tour by RV or by car ?

You are wondering if you should explore our great outdoors aboard a Canada RV rental or a  car  ?

Both types of travel have their pros and cons.

And contrary to popular belief, it is not always true that an RV trip costs less.

Consult our section " Car or RV " to know more.

See all FAQs on road trips in Canada

Check out our comprehensive road trip FAQs or our practical information FAQs on traveling to Canada in general.