Canadian Cascades to Rockies: A Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip

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Are you ready to explore the Canadian Cascades to the Rocky Mountains? Take this memorable 9-day road trip from Vancouver to Calgary that promises spectacular natural scenery and adventure! Hike, raft, climb and soak in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Canadian Rockies’ breathtaking landscapes. Experience breathtaking highlights of some of Canada’s national and provincial parks including glaciers, rocky peaks, alpine lakes and active wildlife. Buckle up, and let’s discover this magical part of Canada!

Two mighty mountain ranges

Before we start, let’s take a quick look at these two mighty mountain ranges and what they have to offer. Outdoors people, active travellers and photographers are all going to find an appreciation for these incredible landscapes.

Meet the Canadian Cascades

The Cascade Range is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire—the chain of almost 1000 volcanoes that circle the Pacific Ocean. These include those that line the west coast of North America. In the U.S. and Canada, the mountain chain is known as the Cascade Range or “the Cascades”. They reach from California in the south, up through Oregon, and Washington in the U.S., continuing into British Columbia, Canada in the north. For experiences in the U.S. Cascades, see these posts about day trips in Mt St Helens National Monument and Mt Rainier National Park.

Introducing the Canadian Rockies

The Rocky Mountains, aka Rockies, are the largest mountain system in North America. The range spans from western Canada to New Mexico in the southwestern U.S.A. The highest Rocky Mountains are in Colorado, U.S.A. but Canada’s Rockies are still very impressive. The highest of the Canadian Rockies is Mt Robson, visible from our route.

The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are together, UNESCO World Heritage Listed. This includes Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks along with several Provincial Parks. For experiences in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, see our itineraries for South Dakota, along with Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

How far is Vancouver to Calgary?

The fastest route between Vancouver and Calgary covers approximately 971-kilometers (604-mi), approximately 11-hours driving time. This route takes the Trans-Canada Highway via Kamloops, Golden and Banff.

Our itinerary will take you on a longer, scenic route, so you can enjoy destinations such as Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, Wells Gray Provincial Park and Whistler. Total driving distance is approximately 1,535-km (954-mi). This will take about 20-hours driving time in clear conditions. Spread across 9-days this averages a completely doable 2-3-hours driving per day.

When to road trip Vancouver to Calgary?

When planning your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary, it’s crucial to consider climate. The best time to embark on this adventure is during the summer months, from June to August, when the road conditions are generally favourable, and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Additionally, the longer daylight hours during summer allow for more sightseeing and outdoor activities, maximizing your road trip experience.

During this period, you can expect clear roads (in terms of snow), making your travel smoother and more enjoyable. The downside is that summer also attracts a significant number of other travellers. This leads to crowding in some of the most popular and accessible locations, as well as inflated accommodation prices.

However, if you prefer a quieter journey and cheaper (but not cheap) travel, consider this route during the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall. During these times, you can still enjoy relatively good weather conditions while avoiding the peak tourist crowds.

Keep in mind that winter road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountainous areas, so it’s advisable to avoid this season for a road trip from Vancouver to Calgary.

Flip it and reverse it

Vancouver to Calgary, or Calgary to Vancouver? It’s up to you. We initially wrote this itinerary as it is below: Vancouver to Calgary. However, when we checked flights prices, it was cheaper to fly to Calgary from our particular home base at the beginning of the week, rather than the end. So, we reversed the itinerary. The majority of travellers are going from Vancouver to Calgary, so you might find some savings in doing the reverse.

However, note that the greatest challenge you will find in planning this itinerary is getting a one-way rental car. Double check with your rental company that they offer pick up in Calgary or Vancouver and drop off in the other. At the time of our trip, Hertz was offering one-way rentals.

Vancouver to Calgary road trip itinerary

It’s time to delve into our detailed Vancouver to Calgary itinerary. All the activities we suggest are optional, as there are plenty of alternatives in each location to keep you busy. We selected a highlight or two for each destination which would give us a unique perspective on the incredible landscapes.

IMPORTANT NOTE

I thoroughly research, write, re-jig, test and re-jig again all the itineraries on Duende, personally. Unfortunately, in the middle of this trip we were among the 25,000+ people evacuated from Jasper National Park due to wildfires. Hence there are no photos of Jasper past Columbia Icefield in this post. Rest assured, I consulted with my favourite Canadians to get the tick of approval on our Jasper itinerary for the future.

For now (as of August 2024) the wildfires continue to burn and the National Park remains closed. Check the status here. Also, I have noted an alternate route in the relevant sections below.

Day 1: Vancouver Arrival and Sightseeing

Your road trip begins with your arrival in Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning mountain-backdrop and diverse culture. Take the day to explore popular attractions like cycling around Stanley Park, shopping the markets at Granville Island, and exploring the gritty, historic Gastown district. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or indulge in some local cuisine (sushi always a stellar pick in Vancouver) to kick off your adventure.

Driving distance: No driving required. Downtown Vancouver is extremely walkable, bike friendly and there’s plenty of public transport.

Overnight: Vancouver

Day 2: Vancouver to Whistler

Pick up your rental car as early as possible and head for the hills! Our day two destination is Whistler, a world-renowned mountain resort town nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains, part of the Cascade Range.

Take your time and enjoy a full day scenic drive from Vancouver to Whistler. Here are some suggested stops and detours for your trip:

• Barrett’s View or Cypress Lookout, for a panoramic view of Vancouver and beyond.
• Enjoy brunch at Horseshoe Bay, a small community on the North Shore of Vancouver.
• Porteau Cove Provincial Marine Park, offering views of the blue-green Howe Sound and beach access for various water activities.
• Shannon Falls Provincial Park for picnicking under an unusual waterfall, with views to Howe Sound and Stawamus Chief. The Park has picnic and bathroom facilities.
• Stawamus Chief or “The Chief” as it is known colloquially, is a popular rock formation for climbing and hiking, and is the subject of its very own Provincial Park.
• Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, offers a short walk to a beautiful waterfall just outside of Whistler. The Park has picnic and bathroom facilities.

Once you reach Whistler, immerse yourself in the alpine charm of the village and unwind in preparation for the adventures to come.

Driving distance: 140-km/87-mi, about 2-hours drive time.

Overnight: Whistler

Day 3: Whistler Exploration

Spend the day exploring Whistler’s outdoor playground. Purchase a gondola day pass to explore both Whistler and Blackcomb peaks. Both mountains have their own lift system to get up and down from Whistler village. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola bridges the two mountaintops. Do a full circuit to enjoy the views from all perspectives.

I recommend having a hearty breakfast before going to the top of Whistler. Experience the Cloudraker Skybridge and then set off on the trails for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Then take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across the valley to Blackcomb where you can enjoy a drink or lunch with a view.

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, Whistler offers a variety of trails to suit every preference. After a day of exploration, relax and recharge in the cozy ambiance of Whistler overnight.

Driving distance: Zero. Navigate Whistler on foot and by gondola.

Overnight: Whistler

Day 4: Whistler to Clearwater

Depart Whistler and head towards Clearwater, a charming town close to Wells Gray Provincial Park. This is the longest day of driving, so allow plenty of time to stop along the way.

If you have a spare 4-hours and can manage to secure a much-coveted pass, take a hike to the turquoise waters of Joffre Lakes. If you’re not one of the lucky pass-holders, never fear.

Lillooet offers the best place to stop for lunch along the way. From there you will track the Fraser River for about 30-mins. Take a moment to stop at the Railroad River Viewpoint and Railroad Tunnel Viewpoint for fantastic river canyon views.

There’s plenty more natural beauty where we’re going. Arrive in Clearwater and unwind in the peaceful surroundings.

Driving distance: 425-km/265-mi, approximately 5.5-hrs driving time.

Overnight: Clearwater

Day 5: Clearwater to Jasper National Park

Today is another longer driving day, so start early. Before we depart Clearwater, let’s take a peek at some of the waterfalls Wells Gray Provincial Park is known for.  Follow Clearwater Valley with stops at the following. Each set of Falls requires a short hike to reach a viewpoint:

• Triple Decker Falls, technically outside the Provincial Park, but worth the 20-minute hike in and out.
• Spahats Creek Falls and Shaden Viewpoint
• Green Mountain Viewpoint
• Dawson Falls
• Helmcken Falls, make the short hike into these spectacular Falls and then turn back toward Clearwater.

Grab an early lunch or something to take on the road with you and continue towards Jasper National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. Along the way take a rest stop at Mount Robson Park to stretch your legs and soak in the views of the tallest Canadian Rocky.

After dinner is a good time to soak away your day in the car at Miette Hot Springs. The popular Springs are usually quietest during their final opening hour of the day.

Driving distance: 409-km/255-mi, about 4.75-hours driving time.

Overnight: Jasper

Day 6: Exploring Jasper National Park

Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of Jasper National Park. Embark on a hike to the dramatic Maligne Canyon, marvelling at the sheer walls, fossil-studded rocks and rushing waterfalls of Jasper National Park’s deepest canyon. With six bridges across the Canyon, you can tailor your walk to your preferences, from 15-minutes to 3-hours.

Next up, discover the vibrant wildflowers on the Edith Cavell Meadows hike.

Driving distance: 77-km/48-mi, about 1.5-hours drive time.

Overnight: Jasper

Day 7: Jasper National Park to Lake Louise (Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefield)

Depart from Jasper towards Lake Louise along the iconic Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Make stops at the plethora of viewpoints along the way, including the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefields, where you can take a guided walk on Athabasca Glacier.

Note: There is lots of information on the web about walking to the toe of the Glacier yourself. Many people take this as a license to walk on the glacier. This is extremely ill-advised! Do you remember all the glacier hazards you learnt about in high school geography? Taking a professional guided tour means you’ll have the right gear, be led safely across the glacier and learn lots of cool stuff along the way. We booked our glacier trek with Ice Walks, and had a terrific experience!

Continue south to Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise lake and stunning mountain vistas. There are lots of stops and short hikes along the way. Our absolute favourite was Mistaya Canyon, don’t miss it!

Driving distance: 232-km (140-mi), about 3-hours drive time

Overnight: Lake Louise

Day 8: Lake Louise to Banff with Yoho National Park detour

Spend the morning exploring iconic Lake Louise and nearby Lake Moraine, two of the most photographed lakes in the world. Marvel at these jewel-hued pools embraced by colossal geology, their angular peaks softening into fanning scree skirts at the Lakes’ edges.

Due to overcrowding and limited parking, you will need to utilize the Parks Canada bus system to reach both Lakes. There are private buses, but the Parks Canada shuttle is most cost effective. You will need to reserve your timeslot well in advance or in the 48-hour window before your day at the Lake, when the second round of tickets are released. Find shuttle details here.

In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling river rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River outside the town of Golden. To get there you’ll take a gorgeous drive out and back through Yoho National Park. After your whitewater adventure, retrace your route to Icefields Parkway and turn southward at Lake Louise, towards Banff.

Driving distance: 173-km/108-mi, about 2-hours drive time

Overnight: Banff

Day 9: Banff to Calgary

Conclude your Vancouver to Calgary road trip with an exciting via ferrata experience – no rock climbing experience necessary! Make a thrilling ascent at the top of Mount Norquay, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Via Ferrata, Italian for “iron path”, is a climbing system utilising a series of steel cables, rungs, bridges and ladders that are permanently placed into a rocky mountain. Climbers wear a harness with two carabiners that attach to the various apparatus and limit any fall. This allows complete beginners like myself, to try their hand at rock climbing in a relatively secure environment.

Afterward, drive to Calgary, home of the legendary Stampede, to complete your itinerary. Here you’ll find plenty of transport options to get you to your next destination or return to your point of origin.

Vancover to Calgary road trip map

Alternate route during Jasper NP closure

While Jasper National Park remains closed, here is an alternate itinerary abbreviated below:

Day 1: Arrival and exploration of Vancouver.

Day 2: Scenic drive to Whistler.

Day 3: Full day in Whistler.

Day 4: Drive to Clearwater.

Day 5: Full day in Wells Gray Provincial Park. I recommend hiking the Trophy Mountain Meadow trail, especially if its wildflower season! Then take in all the waterfalls along the Wells Gray Corridor up to Helmcken Falls.

Day 6: Drive Clearwater to Revelstoke.

Day 7: Drive Revelstoke to Lake Louise enjoying drive through Glacier National Park and Yoho National Park en route. Optional stop to go whitewater rafting at Kicking Horse River.

Day 8: Half day in Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Drive to Banff.

Day 9: Half day in Banff. Drive to Calgary to finish.

I hope you enjoy all the mountain vistas, glacial landscapes, blue-green alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers this Vancouver to Calgary itinerary offers. Whether you’re an adventure traveller, happy hiker, photography enthusiast, or simply seeking an escape back to nature, this Canadian Cascades to Rockies route has something for you! Venture here for more Canadian travel guides and itineraries.

Peace, love and mountain time,

Madam ZoZo