Overview

An incredible and must-visit route through the Rocky Mountains and beautiful British Columbia to the coast, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy this jaw-dropping adventure through some of western Canada’s most spectacular mountain passes, glacier-fed lakes and abundant vineyards and orchards.
Duration
14 DAYS
Distance
997km / 620mi
Start / End
Calgary / Vancouver
Region
Alberta, British Columbia
Print Page

Route - 997 km / 620 mi

Day Location Distance Duration
01 Calgary to Banff 127 km / 79 mi Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
02 --
03 Banff to Lake Louise 57 km / 35 mi Approx. 45 minutes
04 --
05 Lake Louise
06 --
07 Lake Louise to Yoho National Park 29 km / 18 mi Approx. 30 minutes
08 --
09 Yoho National Park to Revelstoke 172 km / 107 mi Approx. 2 hours
10 --
11 Revelstoke to Kelowna 198 km / 123 mi Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
12 --
13 Kelowna to Vancouver 390 km / 242 mi Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
14 --

Trip Details

Leaving the city of Calgary, begin your trip by driving through rolling foothills toward the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

As you approach Kananaskis country, keep your eyes open for Mount Yamnuska on your right-hand side. The Stoney Nakoda First Nation named the mountain Yamnuska, derived from the Stoney word “yamnathka” which means steep cliffs or “the flat faced mountain.” Arriving in Canmore, the iconic Three Sisters grandly welcomes you on the left-hand side as you enter the town. They’re known as Big Sister (Faith), Middle Sister (Charity) and Little Sister (Hope).

Following Highway 1 further west towards Banff, notice Mount Rundle, which extends over 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and overlooks both Banff and Canmore. The mountain’s neighbours include the Sundance Range, Sulphur Mountain and Goat Range.

Prior to arriving in Banff, make sure you’ve scouted out and reserved a spot for your evening stay. If you choose to overnight at Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack campground you can utilize local transit to visit downtown Banff, avoiding having to park in the town centre.

CanaDream Club Partners

The drive from Banff to Lake Louise is short, but there is much to see on this scenic route through the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Depending on how much time you spend in Banff, we suggest taking a short detour and driving to Peyto Lake before settling into Lake Louise for your night’s stay. About a 30-minute drive up the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is an impressive, glacier-fed lake that delights onlookers with different shades of turquoise because of the glacial rock flour.

Overnight at Lake Louise trailer campground (make sure to reserve ahead) before spending the next day taking in Lake Louise.

CanaDream Club Partners

Soaring mountain peaks meet majestic glacier-fed lakes where you can experience everything from fine dining to day hikes, canoeing and incredible gondola tours.

If have some leg power, consider doing the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. It’s a relatively easy hike, about 7.2 km or 4.5 mile return trip. You’ll need about 3 to 4 hours for it. When you reach the teahouse enjoy a cup of coffee and pie.

If hiking isn’t your thing, consider afternoon tea or a bite to eat at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise located right alongside the emerald lake. For those keen to spot grizzly bears The Lake Louise Gondola is one of the best places to do so. Awe-inspiring views and breathtaking animal encounters are guaranteed, so don’t forget your camera.
 

CanaDream Club Partners

A CanaDream must-see is sunrise at Moraine Lake. If you desire to take in the stillness and magic of the magnificent Valley of the Ten Peaks, early rising is a must and the perfect send-off before heading into British Columbia. Fun fact – the image of Moraine Lake is world-famous and appears on the reverse side of the 1969 and 1979 issues of the Canadian twenty-dollar bill.

The drive from Lake Louise to Yoho National Park takes less than an hour. Yoho National Park has three accessible options for overnight camping and spectacular trails and passes. Guided hikes are offered to the Burgess Shale fossils, an opportunity to explore the remains of an ancient sea in the sky.

It’s also a great idea to check in with our CanaDream Club app and explore our partners who offer deals for our Guests.

CanaDream Club Partners

As you begin your drive to Revelstoke, stop in Golden to replenish your cooler or have a cup of coffee. If you have an extra day or two, consider spending some time at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort where you can hike, downhill mountain bike or take an interpretive tour at their Grizzly Bear Refuge.

West of Golden you’ll be travelling through Glacier National Park, in the Selkirk Mountains through Rogers Pass. The pass is also used by the Canadian Pacific Railway and is a popular area for ski mountaineering, camping, hiking and mountain climbing.

Adventure beckons thrill seekers in the mountain town of Revelstoke. From paragliding and helicopter tours to dirt biking, hiking and golfing, there’s no shortage of activities in this mountain town. Cruise through our CanaDream Club app to scope out partners you’d like to adventure with. And not to worry, there’s plenty of places for a good cup of coffee or a craft brew for those who desire to sit back, relax and take in the chill mountain vibes.

CanaDream Club Partners

Leaving the spectacular mountains behind, today you’ll be heading into the Okanagan Valley known for its parks, vineyards and orchards. You’ll drive the winding roads along Eagle River through the towns of Sicamous, Enderby, Armstrong and Vernon. Stop and take in the view of Kalamalka Lake or venture down and go for a swim!

Arriving in Kelowna, its downtown area hugs Lake Okanagan and is close to more than 20 local vineyards offer ing wine tours and tastings. You have many options to overnight in this area with a range of campgrounds and RV Parks. As with all stops along this journey, reservations are strongly recommended. Be sure to have a look at our CanaDream Club app to explore places to stay and visit that offer special deals and rates for our Guests.

CanaDream Club Partners

On your final leg of this trip, you’ll be leaving the desert heat of the Okanagan and heading to the coast, travelling along the Trans-Canada Highway. Merritt is the first town you’ll drive by and, if you need to refuel, this is a good place to stop.

You’ll drive the Coquihalla Highway. Be sure to stop and admire the impressive views from the summit, the highest point on the highway, before arriving in the riverside town of Hope. For book lovers, pop into Baker’s Books in this small town where many of their second-hand books are just $2.

From Hope, you’re about 150 kilometers away from your final destination, Vancouver.

CanaDream Club Partners

Other Itineraries in Alberta and British Columbia