Look, there’s no beating across the bush! We’re completely in love with all the very best locations in Canada. Not solely is it utterly huge, with lovely nationwide parks and vibrant cities like Vancouver and Calgary, it’s additionally full of the very best street journeys with Alberta and British Columbia being no exception. In reality, there’s a heap of locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that you simply actually can’t miss.
Being one of many extra well-liked street journey routes between the 2 provinces, a drive from Vancouver to Calgary is a good way to expertise an epic style of what western Canada has to supply.
After visiting British Columbia and Alberta fairly a number of occasions, we lastly determined to make the leap and drive between the 2 cities. In winter of all months!
Now, the very first thing we’d say is that this that wintery circumstances may be powerful when you enterprise inland, so ensure you have the proper tyres in your rental automobile earlier than setting off. We ended up making a mistake between “all-weather” and “snow tyres” which meant a detour again to Vancouver. Keep away from this by planning together with your rental firm prematurely and don’t get caught out like us.
That being mentioned, no matter what time of 12 months you go to, you’ll be assured a deal with of epic locations to see. I imply, British Columbia and Alberta actually spoil you on this entrance! You’ll be pulling over on a regular basis for pics and to discover.
So, that can assist you alongside your merry manner, we’ve popped a few of our greatest locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary. All tried and examined, it’ll hopefully prevent numerous hours in looking for the important thing stopping factors alongside the way in which.
Have the very best time exploring in Canada and drive safely!
1.) Vancouver
One in all our favorite cities in all of Canada, Vancouver is a reasonably particular place to go to in attractive British Columbia.
You see, Vancouver is a kind of cities that’s received a heap of buzzing neighbourhoods and yummy locations to eat.
Take time to discover town centre, watch a recreation of ice hockey (this was the place we noticed our first ever one).
Oh, and take a guided bike experience tour throughout Stanley Park and go to the Artwork Galleries, too.
If you happen to’re heading to North Vancouver, make sure you go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge (which has a reasonably lengthy historical past within the metropolis).
It’s very easy to accomplice this with a visit to Grouse Mountain and also you both do that as a full day journey or on one of many days you’re leaving Vancouver in your automobile.
In fact, you’re going to spend a while searching Granville Market and Gastown (with all their quirky eateries, stalls and indie outlets but in addition make sure you take a brief taxi experience from the centre to go to Savio Volpe.
They conjure up a few of Canada’s greatest Italian meals that we naturally gorged on.
Simply make sure you guide a desk prematurely, particularly on the busier weekends.
Learn extra: Our information to visiting the very best spots in Vancouver
2.) Grouse Mountain
Like I mentioned, when you’re visiting Vancouver, you kinda don’t wanna miss Grouse Mountain… even when you don’t ski!
Right here, you possibly can go snowboarding, snowshoes, cross-country trekking and see the seasonal occasion that goes on all year long.
Even when you go right here to observe the sundown over Vancouver within the distance. Now, to get right here, you possibly can simply seize a taxi to go to earlier than heading off in your drive from Vancouver to Calgary; however it’s additionally fairly simple to incorporate as a cease whenever you begin your journey.
Grouse Mountain is barely about 30-45 minutes from town centre itself, with loads of parking, too! Simply make sure you pack these windbreakers and gloves… the winds may be chilly in summer season and freezing within the winter months.
Learn extra: Exploring Grouse Mountain
3.) Sunshine Coast
Heading up the coast past West Vancouver, You’ll come throughout the automobile ferry from Horseshoe Landing to the Sunshine Coast (by way of Langdale).
Sunshine Coast is the sort of locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary when you’re wanting a extra chilled out and enjoyable exploring of a reasonably unspoilt shoreline with little villages with plenty of tenting and RV websites when you’re travelling in a motorhome.
Don’t anticipate any huge mountain ranges such as you is perhaps used to when considering of British Columbia (however don’t see that as a adverse). You see, this coastal space is completely unspoilt, densely forested with a scattering of quaint little villages to cease by for lunch or for a tipple (for the non-driver at Persephone Brewing Company, which we liked).
Additionally, the quaint city of Gibson is a gem. Make sure to cease off at Smitty’s Oyster Home the Public Market, vintage stalls and provincial parks for a ramble while driving the route. It’s so enjoyable and completely chilled.
Although, when you’re brief on time, you possibly can simply bypass the Sunshine Coast and carry up on the Sea to Sky Highway (Freeway 99) that heads in direction of Squamish.
Learn extra: Exploring the Sunshine Coast in Canada
4.) Squamish
Round a 60-minute drive from Vancouver, Squamish, with a go to lasting round 2-Three hours. This makes it a very simple stopping level to earlier than persevering with your drive up Freeway 99 to Whistler.
We liked heading up the Sea To Sky Gondola to discover the mountain trails on the high. Higher nonetheless, it’s nice to move up at any time of the 12 months.
We’ve been in each summer season and winter and the paths had been attractive in each seasons. Simply anticipate to put on snowshoes within the chillier months.
Sadly, the Sea To Sky Gondola has suffered two acts of vandalism with their cables being broken. So, test on their website for entry and openings to get to the highest.
After heading down from the towering mountains, head over to see Shannon Falls. Now, there are a number of trails to wander the provincial park however when you’re not feeling an extended path (just like the Stawamus Chief path), head over to this parking lot that’s a couple of minutes from the falls itself.
Straightforward and exquisite!
Learn extra: A day exploring Squamish
5.) Whistler
About 45-minutes past Squamish, Whistler is without doubt one of the most well-known locations to ski, significantly in Canada. Now, it may be just a little pricier than different ski spots in Canada however it’s received a heap of slopes that make it a must-visit place for any skiers.
Now, we didn’t take any skis with us on our street journey between Vancouver to Calgary, so we rented them as soon as we arrived. This made all of it a lot simpler.
One factor to notice, when you’re arriving within the peak snowy season, make sure you reserve your skis earlier than you arrive. They don’t have a tendency to completely promote out however it’s all the time greatest to be protected than sorry.
Most resort concierges can level you in the best course to your closest rental spot.
Identical to Squamish, we visited Whistler in each summer season and winter and liked each! Sure, within the winter you’ve gotten the chance for snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing (all, which we liked in Whistler), however you’ve additionally received a spread of epic issues to do in Summer season.
We headed out kayaking on the river of Golden Goals (aka, Alta Creek) that connects the Inexperienced Lake to Alta Lake. We booked our tour with Canadian Wilderness and it was a lot enjoyable!
Additionally, don’t neglect about visiting the Scandinave Spa which has a spread of heated swimming pools which are so magical within the chilly winter months. We spent a great few hours right here.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Whistler
6.) Solar Peaks
Round a 4.5 hour drive from Whistler, it is a journey you begin straight after breakfast to reach good and early within the sunlight hours. You see, after we did this drive (within the winter), the mountainous route (from Whistler to Kamloops, by way of Freeway 99) was fairly icy and blustery, so plenty of care is required when you’re not used to driving in these circumstances.
Give your self loads of buffer occasions so you possibly can take it gradual and seize your self some snow tyres if the climate circumstances worsen. Ask your rental place earlier than reserving and so they can advise on the proper tyres wanted on your route and season.
That being mentioned, when you’re travelling within the hotter months, this drive is a complete breeze (just a bit lengthy), simply pack some snacks!
We had essentially the most superb time in Sun Peaks (Canada’s second-largest ski spot), particularly for the slopes! You see, they appeared quieter than Whistler, giving us rather more snowboarding time (With out having to queue for ski lifts).
Additionally, Sunpeaks is a superb place to attempt your hand at ice fishing, too! Now, neither of us know the best way to fish however this was a extremely cool expertise which we liked.
Seems, I’m a professional at it too.
I caught a pure rainbow trout (which we popped again within the water). We headed out with Elevated Fishing Adventures and liked it.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in British Columbia
7.) Wells Grey Provincial Park
After spending a number of days in Solar Peaks, Wells Grey Provincial Park shall be your subsequent port of name. It’s a kind of unspoilt locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that’s completely lovely.
Round a 90-minute drive (from Solar Peaks), you’ll be capable of spend a half-day exploring the park earlier than persevering with ever-closer to Alberta. Now, the best strategy to get Wells Grey Provincial Park is to reach at their Visitor Information Centre that’s simply off the freeway. From right here, you possibly can test in with the rangers to see which routes are open and if there are any updates you might want to know earlier than exploring.
As soon as contained in the park, head straight over to Spahats Creek Falls which is effectively over 60 metres excessive! Although, certainly one of my absolute favorite waterfalls in all of Canada is Helmcken Falls, perched proper inside the park itself.
At over 140-metres excessive, Helmcken Falls is so iconic and exquisite at any time of the 12 months. Although, there’s something magical about seeing it surrounded by the snow peaks that kind at its base.
Plus, there’s additionally a heap of attractive trails round Moul Falls that’s beautiful on a extremely sunny day.
8.) Mount Robson Provincial Park
After a 150-minute drive from Wells Grey Provincial Park (by way of Freeway 5), head to the fringes of British Columbia at Mount Robson Provincial Park.
As soon as within the park, preserve your eyes peeled for Mount Robson, the best level within the Canadian Rockies. Although, to be sincere, you possibly can’t actually miss it. If you happen to’re searching for an extended and comparatively powerful hike, head out on the Berg Lake Path that stretches (there and again) round 27 miles. Simply bear in mind, this isn’t for the “new to mountaineering” sort of individual. It is best to have a great stage of mountaineering expertise behind you and go together with a information when you’re not completely certain.
If you happen to’re brief on time, cease by the Mount Robson Visitor Centre who can advise on the seasonally open trails to get a style of the park.
Now, we spent a number of hours right here and used it as just a little resting spot earlier than heading over to Jasper. That being mentioned, you possibly can simply spend for much longer when you’re actually wanting to move out on the unspoilt trails that line the park. It’s gorgeous.
Additionally, when you’ve received time, you too can head over to close by Chilly Hearth Creek to hitch one of many native dog sledging tours that head by means of the mountains.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Canada to go to
9.) Jasper
After spending a number of hours (or days) in Mount Robson Provincial Park, you’re going to observe Freeway 16 past Moose Lake to reach within the small city of Jasper.
Now, we’d suggest staying right here for round 3-Four days to get a great style of the world as there’s fairly a bit to see and do in Jasper. For us, it’s among the finest locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary, particularly because it’s a great anchoring spot to discover the broader Jasper Nationwide Park.
As soon as right here, head over to hike Malign Canyon and see its unbelievable frozen waterfall that’s completely superb. Additionally, make sure you take a drive as much as Pyramid Lake (in any season).
Within the winter months, you possibly can head out fat-biking throughout the frozen lake. A lot enjoyable… although, I can’t say my legs didn’t ache after!
Oh, and when you’re feeling like a problem, attempt your hand at mountain climbing with a information.
We spent an entire morning doing this and though it’s powerful (for learners like us) it was fairly enjoyable.
Simply make sure that to guide your tour prematurely, as they are often well-liked at sure occasions of the 12 months. We headed out with Rockaboo and it was nice.
If you happen to fancy giving your legs a relaxation, head up the Jasper SkyTram for some epic views hundreds of metres up!
Wanna squeeze in just a little extra ski time? Pop over to close by Marmot Basin for his or her powdery slopes. We liked the slopes right here and it’s such a pleasant and enjoyable space to ski.
Learn extra: The place to discover in Jasper
10.) Icefields Parkway
The primary driving route between Jasper and Banff, Icefields Parkway consists of Freeway 93 that’s completely simple to observe. For us, it’s one of many prettiest drives and one you possibly can’t miss while visiting all of the locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary.
One factor to notice, every time we’ve visited Alberta, we’ve all the time needed to postpone or delay or journeys down Icefields Parkway. This has been as a consequence of closures as a consequence of avalanche dangers. This does occur within the winter months, so all the time take this under consideration together with your timings. We needed to make a pretty big detour (including round 4-hours driving time) on our final journey.
That being mentioned, when you’re visiting exterior of the snowy season, you’ll possible not get any closures in any respect. Although, it’s all the time price remembering.
Alongside the way in which, there’s a huge quantity of stopping factors, trails and viewpoints that line the street itself. Truthfully, you’ll wish to cease round each twist and switch of the freeway – the views are spectacular.
As you meander between the Canadian Rockies, make sure you cease off in any respect the principle spots. We’ve added Google Maps hyperlinks to a few of our favourites, like; Sunwapta Falls, see the views at Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint, Tangle Creek Falls and the spectacular Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
11.) Banff Nationwide Park
After coming into Banff Nationwide Park (while nonetheless on Icefields Parkway) hike the paths at Mistaya Canyon and see the gorgeous upper viewpoint throughout Peyto Lake.
The latter is an enormous glacier lake that’s turquoise in color and a very simple discover when coming into Banff.
If you wish to see one thing just a little totally different, away from Banff, head simply off Icefields Parkway to go to Lake Abraham. It is a lake which is full of bubbles and fairly distinctive to see.
To take the stress off (and have an area professional at hand), we booked a tour to go to Pursuit Adventures Information. Selecting to go together with a information helps as they’ll deliver all of the ice cleats and snow grips on your footwear. Plus, will assist you discover the very best spots on the lake itself.
For a stunning deal with, guide your self into the Fairmont Lake Louise that, you guessed it, overlooks certainly one of Canada’s most well-known lakes.
We headed out on the paths round Lake Louise, ice-skated throughout the frozen lake and had the very best sleep (and gorge) overlooking the lake itself.
It’s bliss.
To work off a few of these energy at dinner, head on over to ski at Sunshine Village – It’s fairly simple to go for a day while staying in Banff itself.
If you happen to’ve received time, head out to see the Crowfoot Glacier, Hector Lake and go to Johnston Canyon for essentially the most unbelievable trails.
Oh, and to refill, get your self to Chuck’s Steakhouse for his or her big meat feasts.
You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: 1-week itinerary to discover Banff
12.) Canadian Rockies Helicopter tour (Canmore)
After spending time in Banff Nationwide Park and as you depart south-west you’ll come throughout the city of Canmore. It is a great place to swap your wheels for a experience within the sky! Yup, on a helicopter.
A helicopter tour over the Canadian Rockies is simply mind-blowing. The views are simply insanely good.
We went out with Alpine Helicopters and so they have a spread of excursions, lengths and costs so you’ll find the proper one for you.
If you happen to fancy preserving your ft firmly on the bottom, head out with Yamnuska Adventures to discover Grotto Canyon.
Right here you’ll get to observe the frozen panorama and even come throughout centuries-old First Nation pictographs that line the route.
We liked it and solely slipped a number of occasions. Ha!
Learn extra: Helicopter views over the Canadian Rockies
13.) Spray Valley Provincial Park
As you depart Canmore, drive south for round 60-minutes to Spray Valley Provincial Park. You see, it’s one of many locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary when you’re feeling like slowing the tempo down and chilling out.
Right here, you’ll be capable of test into the cosy Mount Engadine Lodge that’s nestled within the deepest countryside. It’s the sort of place that has no cellphone service, little wifi however plenty of appeal, roaring fires and loads of trails to take pleasure in nature of the area.
We spent a full day right here and it was such a soothing keep, particularly after all of the mountaineering, snowboarding and mountain climbing. A much-needed little bit of rest.
Learn extra: Our keep at Mount Engadine Lodge
14.) Calgary
After your large journey inside British Columbia and Alberta, you’ll lastly finish within the Albertan metropolis of Calgary. Although, don’t be fooled into considering all of it ends there – Calgary has so much going for it!
Firstly, make sure that to pop into our favorite restaurant, Native Tongues. This place is epic and serves among the tastiest Mexican meals in all of Canada. Plus, they make some killer cocktails which is nice after you’re finished with all that driving.
Alternatively, head over to Gorilla Whale – a Japanese-fusion restaurant that serves up a feast. We spent all night devouring their dishes. So good!
For among the greatest locations to see in Calgary, head on over to Studio Bell; the house of Canadian music and head to the highest of the Calgary Tower for these views.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Calgary
12 Greatest Issues To Do In Calgary
