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Look, there’s no beating across the bush! We’re completely in love with all one of the 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 one of the best highway 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 fashionable highway 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 couple of instances, 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 will be robust when you enterprise inland, so ensure you have the right 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. Avoid this by planning together with your rental firm prematurely and don’t get caught out like us.
That being stated, 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 will help you alongside your merry approach, 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 trying to find the important thing stopping factors alongside the way in which.
Have one of the best time exploring in Canada and drive safely!
1.) Vancouver
One of our favorite cities in all of Canada, Vancouver is a fairly particular place to go to in beautiful 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 sport of ice hockey (this was the place we noticed our first ever one).
Oh, and take a guided bike journey tour throughout Stanley Park and go to the Art Galleries, too.
If you’re heading to North Vancouver, you should definitely go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge (which has a fairly lengthy historical past within the metropolis).
It’s very easy to companion 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.
Of course, you’re going to spend a while searching Granville Market and Gastown (with all their quirky eateries, stalls and indie retailers but additionally you should definitely take a brief taxi journey from the centre to go to Savio Volpe.
They conjure up a few of Canada’s finest Italian meals that we naturally gorged on.
Just you should definitely guide a desk prematurely, particularly on the busier weekends.
Read extra: Our information to visiting one of the best spots in Vancouver
2.) Grouse Mountain
Like I stated, should you’re visiting Vancouver, you kinda don’t wanna miss Grouse Mountain… even should you don’t ski!
Here, you’ll be able to go snowboarding, snowshoes, cross-country trekking and see the seasonal occasion that goes on all year long.
Even should you go right here to observe the sundown over Vancouver within the distance. Now, to get right here, you’ll be able to simply seize a taxi to go to earlier than heading off in your drive from Vancouver to Calgary; but it surely’s additionally fairly straightforward to incorporate as a cease if you begin your journey.
Grouse Mountain is simply about 30-45 minutes from town centre itself, with loads of parking, too! Just you should definitely pack these windbreakers and gloves… the winds will be chilly in summer time and freezing within the winter months.
Read 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 form of locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary should you’re wanting a extra chilled out and enjoyable exploring of a fairly unspoilt shoreline with little villages with a lot of tenting and RV websites should you’re travelling in a motorhome.
Don’t anticipate any huge mountain ranges such as you could be used to when considering of British Columbia (however don’t see that as a unfavourable). 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 beloved).
Also, the quaint city of Gibson is a gem. Be certain to cease off at Smitty’s Oyster House the Public Market, vintage stalls and provincial parks for a ramble while driving the route. It’s so enjoyable and completely chilled.
Though, should you’re brief on time, you’ll be able to simply bypass the Sunshine Coast and carry up on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) that heads in direction of Squamish.
Read extra: Exploring the Sunshine Coast in Canada
4.) Squamish
Around a 60-minute drive from Vancouver, Squamish, with a go to lasting round 2-3 hours. This makes it a very straightforward stopping level to earlier than persevering with your drive up Highway 99 to Whistler.
We beloved heading up the Sea To Sky Gondola to discover the mountain trails on the high. Better nonetheless, it’s nice to go up at any time of the 12 months.
We’ve been in each summer time and winter and the paths had been beautiful in each seasons. Just anticipate to put on snowshoes within the chillier months.
Unfortunately, the Sea To Sky Gondola has suffered two acts of vandalism with their cables being broken. So, examine on their web site 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 selection of trails to wander the provincial park however should you’re not feeling an extended path (just like the Stawamus Chief path), head over to this car parking zone that’s a couple of minutes from the falls itself.
Easy and delightful!
Read extra: A day exploring Squamish
5.) Whistler
About 45-minutes past Squamish, Whistler is among the most well-known locations to ski, notably in Canada. Now, it may be just a little pricier than different ski spots in Canada but it surely’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 highway 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, should you’re arriving within the peak snowy season, you should definitely reserve your skis earlier than you arrive. They don’t have a tendency to totally promote out but it surely’s at all times finest to be secure than sorry.
Most resort concierges can level you in the best path to your closest rental spot.
Just like Squamish, we visited Whistler in each summer time and winter and beloved each! Yes, within the winter you’ve got the chance for snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing (all, which we beloved in Whistler), however you’ve additionally received a variety of epic issues to do in Summer.
We headed out kayaking on the river of Golden Dreams (aka, Alta Creek) that connects the Green Lake to Alta Lake. We booked our tour with Canadian Wilderness and it was a lot enjoyable!
Also, don’t overlook about visiting the Scandinave Spa which has a variety of heated swimming pools which are so magical within the chilly winter months. We spent a superb few hours right here.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Whistler
6.) Sun Peaks
Around a 4.5 hour drive from Whistler, this can be a journey you begin straight after breakfast to reach good and early within the daylight. You see, once we did this drive (within the winter), the mountainous route (from Whistler to Kamloops, by way of Highway 99) was fairly icy and blustery, so a lot of care is required should you’re not used to driving in these circumstances.
Give your self loads of buffer instances so you’ll be able to take it sluggish 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 right tyres wanted in your route and season.
That being stated, should 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 wonderful time in Sun Peaks (Canada’s second-largest ski spot), particularly for the slopes! You see, they appeared quieter than Whistler, giving us far more snowboarding time (Without having to queue for ski lifts).
Also, 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 beloved.
Turns out, 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 beloved it.
Read extra: Best issues to do in British Columbia
7.) Wells Gray Provincial Park
After spending a couple of days in Sun Peaks, Wells Gray Provincial Park can 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.
Around a 90-minute drive (from Sun Peaks), you’ll be capable to spend a half-day exploring the park earlier than persevering with ever-closer to Alberta. Now, the best method to get Wells Gray Provincial Park is to reach at their Visitor Information Centre that’s simply off the freeway. From right here, you’ll be able to examine in with the rangers to see which routes are open and if there are any updates you must know earlier than exploring.
Once contained in the park, head straight over to Spahats Creek Falls which is properly over 60 metres excessive! Though, one in all 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 delightful at any time of the 12 months. Though, there’s something magical about seeing it surrounded by the snow peaks that kind at its base.
Plus, there’s additionally a heap of beautiful trails round Moul Falls that’s pretty on a extremely sunny day.
8.) Mount Robson Provincial Park
After a 150-minute drive from Wells Gray Provincial Park (by way of Highway 5), head to the fringes of British Columbia at Mount Robson Provincial Park.
Once within the park, maintain your eyes peeled for Mount Robson, the very best level within the Canadian Rockies. Though, to be trustworthy, you’ll be able to’t actually miss it. If you’re in search of a protracted and comparatively robust hike, head out on the Berg Lake Trail that stretches (there and again) round 27 miles. Just keep in mind, this isn’t for the “new to hiking” form of individual. You ought to have a superb stage of climbing expertise behind you and go along with a information should you’re not completely certain.
If you’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 couple of hours right here and used it as just a little resting spot earlier than heading over to Jasper. That being stated, you’ll be able to simply spend for much longer should you’re actually wanting to go out on the unspoilt trails that line the park. It’s gorgeous.
Also, should you’ve received time, you too can head over to close by Cold Fire Creek to affix one of many native canine sledging excursions that head via the mountains.
Read extra: Best locations in Canada to go to
9.) Jasper
After spending a couple of hours (or days) in Mount Robson Provincial Park, you’re going to comply with Highway 16 past Moose Lake to reach within the small city of Jasper.
Now, we’d suggest staying right here for round 3-4 days to get a superb style of the world as there’s fairly a bit to see and do in Jasper. For us, it’s probably the greatest locations to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary, particularly because it’s a superb anchoring spot to discover the broader Jasper National Park.
Once right here, head over to hike Malign Canyon and see its unimaginable frozen waterfall that’s completely wonderful. Also, you should definitely take a drive as much as Pyramid Lake (in any season).
In the winter months, you’ll be able to head out fat-biking throughout the frozen lake. So a lot enjoyable… although, I can’t say my legs didn’t ache after!
Oh, and should 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 robust (for newbies like us) it was fairly enjoyable.
Just ensure to guide your tour prematurely, as they are often fashionable at sure instances of the 12 months. We headed out with Rockaboo and it was nice.
If you fancy giving your legs a relaxation, head up the Jasper SkyTram for some epic views 1000’s 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 beloved the slopes right here and it’s such a pleasant and enjoyable space to ski.
Read extra: Where to discover in Jasper
10.) Icefields Parkway
The foremost driving route between Jasper and Banff, Icefields Parkway consists of Highway 93 that’s completely straightforward to comply with. For us, it’s one of many prettiest drives and one you’ll be able to’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 at all times needed to postpone or delay or journeys down Icefields Parkway. This has been resulting from closures resulting from avalanche dangers. This does occur within the winter months, so at all times take this into consideration together with your timings. We needed to make a fairly large detour (including round 4-hours driving time) on our final journey.
That being stated, should you’re visiting exterior of the snowy season, you’ll seemingly not get any closures in any respect. Though, it’s at all times value remembering.
Along the way in which, there’s a huge quantity of stopping factors, trails and viewpoints that line the highway itself. Honestly, you’ll need to cease round each twist and switch of the freeway – the views are spectacular.
As you meander between the Canadian Rockies, you should definitely 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 National Park
After coming into Banff National Park (while nonetheless on Icefields Parkway) hike the paths at Mistaya Canyon and see the gorgeous higher viewpoint throughout Peyto Lake.
The latter is an unlimited glacier lake that’s turquoise in color and a very straightforward discover when coming into Banff.
If you need to see one thing just a little completely different, away from Banff, head simply off Icefields Parkway to go to Lake Abraham. This is a lake which is full of bubbles and fairly distinctive to see.
To take the strain off (and have an area skilled at hand), we booked a tour to go to Pursuit Adventures Guide. Choosing to go along with a information helps as they’ll deliver all of the ice cleats and snow grips in your footwear. Plus, will provide help to discover one of the best spots on the lake itself.
For a beautiful deal with, guide your self into the Fairmont Lake Louise that, you guessed it, overlooks one in all Canada’s most well-known lakes.
We headed out on the paths round Lake Louise, ice-skated throughout the frozen lake and had one of the 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 straightforward to go for a day while staying in Banff itself.
If you’ve received time, head out to see the Crowfoot Glacier, Hector Lake and go to Johnston Canyon for essentially the most unimaginable trails.
Oh, and to refill, get your self to Chuck’s Steakhouse for his or her large meat feasts.
You’ll go away stuffed.
Read extra: 1-week itinerary to discover Banff
12.) Canadian Rockies Helicopter tour (Canmore)
After spending time in Banff National Park and as you depart south-west you’ll come throughout the city of Canmore. This is a superb spot to swap your wheels for a journey 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 variety of excursions, lengths and costs so yow will discover the right one for you.
If you fancy holding your toes firmly on the bottom, head out with Yamnuska Adventures to discover Grotto Canyon.
Here you’ll get to comply with the frozen panorama and even come throughout centuries-old First Nation pictographs that line the route.
We beloved it and solely slipped a couple of instances. Ha!
Read 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 should you’re feeling like slowing the tempo down and chilling out.
Here, you’ll be capable to examine into the cosy Mount Engadine Lodge that’s nestled within the deepest countryside. It’s the form of place that has no telephone service, little wifi however a lot of allure, roaring fires and loads of trails to get pleasure from nature of the area.
We spent a full day right here and it was such a soothing keep, particularly after all of the climbing, snowboarding and mountain climbing. A much-needed little bit of rest.
Read extra: Our keep at Mount Engadine Lodge
14.) Calgary
After your huge journey inside British Columbia and Alberta, you’ll lastly finish within the Albertan metropolis of Calgary. Though, don’t be fooled into considering all of it ends there – Calgary has lots going for it!
Firstly, ensure to pop into our favorite restaurant, Native Tongues. This place is epic and serves a number of the tastiest Mexican meals in all of Canada. Plus, they make some killer cocktails which is nice after you’re achieved 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 a number of the finest 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.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Calgary
12 Best Things To Do In Calgary
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