Calgary to Vancouver across the Rockies
10 days · June to September · road, scenic
- British Columbia and Alberta
- Heading west
- Mountains
- National parks
- Scenic drives
- Lakes
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A westbound summer drive on the Trans-Canada Highway through Banff, Golden and Revelstoke to the Pacific, good for a move or a long holiday.
Start where the prairies meet the Rockies. Calgary is the city to fly into or leave from, and Banff is the first big mountain stop, inside Banff National Park, with hot springs and lake views. Plan two nights here, since the town is a base for many short walks and an easy first lesson in mountain weather.
West of Banff the Trans-Canada Highway climbs over Kicking Horse Pass to Golden, then crosses Rogers Pass through Glacier National Park to Revelstoke. Allow time to stop at lookouts. Snow can arrive early or linger in spring and fall, so check road conditions outside of summer, and carry water, snacks and a warm layer on every leg.
Past Revelstoke the land drops and dries toward Kamloops, and from there the highway runs down to Vancouver and the sea. Book Banff and Vancouver rooms well ahead for July and August. If you are moving west with a loaded vehicle, the long last leg is the one to start early.
Stops
- Calgary Alberta, Canada1 night · Day 1
Start in the city and stock up before the mountains.
- Banff Alberta, Canada2 nights · Day 2 to 3 · How to get there from Calgary
Walk the town, soak in the hot springs and spend a day at a mountain lake.
- Golden British Columbia, Canada1 night · Day 4 · How to get there from Banff
A small mountain town on the Columbia River, with a ski hill above it.
- Revelstoke British Columbia, Canada2 nights · Day 5 to 6 · How to get there from Golden
A mountain town with a historic downtown, a museum and a ski area above it.
- Kamloops British Columbia, Canada1 night · Day 7 · How to get there from Revelstoke
A dry river city and a quiet overnight before the run to the coast.
- Vancouver British Columbia, Canada3 nights · Day 8 to 10 · How to get there from Kamloops
Walk the Stanley Park seawall, eat on Granville Island and end the drive at the sea.