Calgary to Vancouver: A Rocky MountainAdventure

16 hrs, 35 minsEst Driving Time

1273 kmTotal Distance

http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/itineraries/canada/calgary-to-vancouver

Overview

Road trips in Canada do not

come more spectacular than

this one. From Calgary, oil

city on the edge of the

prairies, to the stunning

Vancouver on the British

Columbia coast, every twist

and turn in the road reveals

more wonderful things to see

and do. From mountain

wilderness to waterways to

urban delights, this Calgary to

Vancouver road trip has it all!

A motorhome gives you the

opportunity to enjoy every inch, stopping to explore anything that catches your eye.

The total distance from Calgary to Vancouver on this route is more than 1,200 kilometres, with a

drive time of fourteen hours were you to do it in one go - but we’ve broken it down into easy legs so

you can take it all in. Pick up your Canada RV rental in Calgary, have a read of our Canada driving

guide and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure. All set? #LetsGoMotorhome!

Leg 1 Calgary to Lake Louise

02:00:00Est Driving Time

184 kmTotal Distance

Starting your Canadian road

trip in Calgary is a fun way to

get going. This city was built

on oil money and has a touch

of the wild wild west about it,

tempered with emerging and

interesting dining and cultural

scenes. No longer the bold

and brash urban explosion it

once was, Calgary has found

its feet as a great Canadian

destination.

Calgary

The CBD might be the city centre, but it is the inner suburbs and neighbourhoods which offer the

hidden gems of Calgary. Visit the many restaurants, bars and boutiques of 17th Avenue and

Mission, the diverse eateries of Forest Lawn, the eclectic Inglewood and “little Italy” in Bridgeland.

Prince’s Island Park in the Bow River offers some greenery, and Calgary Tower views of the city

and surroundings.

Perhaps the most famous rodeo in the world, the Calgary Stampede takes place at the Stampede

grounds in Victoria Park every July. If you can plan your trip around this event, we recommend you

do - it attracts more than one million punters each year and features not only rodeo events but a

parade, concerts, carnival rides, food stalls, agricultural competitions and a First Nations

exhibition. If you are hoping to catch the Stampede, make sure to book your RV rental early as all

visitor services tend to sell out for that period!

Families in Calgary have myriad options for things to do. Chief amongst these are the Calgary Zoo,

the second-largest in Canada with more than a thousand animals hailing from all over the globe.

Older kids (and parents) might also enjoy Heritage Park, one of the biggest living historical villages

in North America. The park spreads over 66 acres of land and boasts a working steam engine,

historical exhibits, a candy store, an old-fashioned amusement park and a paddlewheel boat.

Calgary’s many attractions could easily keep you interested for a few days - but remember that

even better things await you on the road! Pick up your RV rental in Calgary and start moving to find

out just what they might be.

Banff

The Trans-Canada highway heads westwards out of Calgary, across the plains and into the

mountains without much mucking around. The famously beautiful mountain resort of Banff is just

an hour and a half into the journey, a perfect stopping place - and you might want to stop for a few

hours or even a few days to take it all in.

The town is a centre of activity for all the things to do and see in Banff National Park, as well as a

destination in its own right. Small, walkable and charming, it offers the quintessential picture-

postcard views of quaint buildings with a stunning mountain backdrop, perfect in both winter and

summer. Close by you can visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs, a historic bathhouse, or take a ride on

the Banff Gondola which might just blow your mind with the vistas it offers. The Whyte Museum

of the Canadian Rockies is another great spot, and has entertainment for the whole family with a

range of interactive exhibits and events. Head out of town a little to see Lake Minnewanka, or take

advantage of the many walking trails and outdoor activities in the area.

Adventure seekers can make Banff their base to enjoy the myriad recreation opportunities in Banff

National Park. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and more are all

available, whether you opt for a guide or rent gear and go it alone. Not thrilling enough? You can

really get the adrenaline racing with some white water rafting or skydiving. Winter brings a host of

different but equally great things to do, skiing at the top of the list. There are five world-class ski

hills within a 40 minute drive: Sunshine Village, Banff Mount Norquay, Lake Louise, Nakiska and

Fortress Mountain. Dogsledding is another favourite, and operators like Howling Dog Tours

provide a fun and memorable snowy experience.

Castle Mountain

Tiny Castle Junction has a campground and some lodges for those travellers who want to visit the

area around the distinctive craggy Castle Mountain which is within sight of the village. We mention

it because it is a good spot for keen hikers - the trailheads for hikes to Silverton Falls and

Rockbound Lake are both located there.

Continue on the Trans-Canada Highway heading northwest and you’ll soon arrive in yet another

pretty mountain town: Lake Louise.

Calgary Banff National Park Banff Upper Hot Springs

Leg 2 Lake Louise to Jasper

03:35:00Est Driving Time

234 kmTotal Distance

Leg 1 Highlights

It’s all national parks, all the

time on this leg of the road

trip, which passes through the

rest of Banff National Park

and into Jasper National Park

to the north, another area of

incredible natural beauty.

With more than four hours’

driving time, this is a long one

- but there are very few spots

of civilizations along the way

to slow you down, just a

whole lot of amazing things to

see out the windscreen of

your motorhome.

Lake Louise

In the pretty Bow River valley on the Trans-Canada Highway lie Lake Louise the waterway and

Lake Louise the small town. Get off the highway and spend some time with both - you won’t regret

it! Lake Louise township lies along the river close by the main road, and there is a ski resort five

minutes’ drive to the northeast. Five minutes of driving in the other direction will get you to the

turquoise-tinted lake and the castle perched on its shore.

Though charming, the town does not have all that much to offer beyond the basic services - you’ll

probably want to head to the slopes if this is a skiing road trip, or to the lake in the summertime.

Whichever you are planning to do, you can base yourself at the Lake Louise Campground on

Fairview Road if you intend to stay a night.

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the aforementioned castle on the lake, and the imposing

building in conjunction with its ridiculously pretty mountain setting makes for a compulsory photo

op. You might want to stop for a memorable lunch overlooking the lake before exploring the area

on foot or by boat. Here, you are still in Banff National Park, so the typical range of outdoor

recreation activities are available - you can take your pick! Tourism operators and rental services

offer all you need for your favourite type of adventure, be it walking, riding, floating or flying.

Icefields Parkway

North of Lake Louise, you will get off the Trans-Canada and onto Highway 93 north, otherwise

known as the Icefields Parkway. This stretch of road is known as one of the most beautiful on the

planet, taking in mountain peaks, gorgeous river valleys, waterfalls and the amazing Columbia

Icefield.

Although just driving on the road itself offers plenty of scenery, you are sure to want to stop and

take it in, up close and personal. Pull over, make a cup of tea in the RV and enjoy being in one of the

world’s most beautiful places: the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Wildlife

spotting opportunities abound, and travellers might see bears, bighorn sheep, caribou, goats, elk

and other mountain inhabitants. Hiking is another way to get amongst the vast and awe-inspiring

nature, or snowshoeing in the winter months. Favourite trails include the Parker Ridge Trail, the

Bow Summit Lookout and Helen Lake which is found just north of Lake Louise.

Saskatchewan River Crossing is a tiny blip on the map along the parkway, but one of the only spots

of civilization you’ll come across on this stretch, so you might want to fuel up there if you’re running

low!

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is open only in the summer and is a great place to stop,

especially for families. The small museum and discovery centre look at the natural history of the

area and include a three-dimensional model of the ice field. Visitors can also depart on

“snowcoaches” from the centre to get onto the glacier and also see it from above on the cliff-edge

Skywalk walkway.

At the end of this beautiful stretch of road is Jasper, the last destination for this short leg.

Lake Louise Snow coach on ColumbiaIcefield

Jasper National Park

Leg 3 Jasper to Kamloops

05:00:00Est Driving Time

441 kmTotal Distance

Leg 2 Highlights

Once you turn off Highway

16 on this leg, the Yellowhead

Highway makes its way out of

the foothills to lakeside

Kamloops with some

wonderful scenery, and don't

forget to make some stops

along the way to see the

sights and maybe some

wildlife.

Jasper

Less frequented and more

remote than Banff, Jasper is otherwise similar to its southern counterpart, and also at the centre of

a national park by the same name. The town and surrounds have a number of RV camping spots, so

you can stay for a while and immerse yourself in everything that this unbelievable part of Alberta

can throw at you.

Of course, the more intrepid and adventurous travellers will not lack for amusement in and around

Jasper. Visiting the Jasper Adventure Centre on Connaught Drive is a convenient way to get

started, as it offers a wide range of excursions in any season. Canoeing, whitewater rafting,

snowshoeing, wildlife discovery tours, dogsledding and more are all available, offering plenty of

ways to experience the wilderness that is Jasper National Park.

The Jasper Skytram can take you up, up and away for the best vistas over the mountains and

valleys that you can get without a very long and steep hike. A “flight” in a gondola car takes seven

minutes and brings you from 1304 metres above sea level to the Upper Station 2277 metres,

where you will find a restaurant, a gift shop and bathroom facilities - if you can tear your eyes away

from the view.

To get an overview of the town itself and its history, walk the Jasper Discovery Trail. It is an eight

kilometre-long trail which includes a variety of educational boards, informative signs, some great

views of the town, and a range of different environments - paved sections close to town, forested

areas and some elevated sections with great views.

From Jasper, take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) across the border into British Columbia

and past Yellowhead and Moose Lakes to Tête Jaune Cache which lies at the junction with

Highway 5.

Tête Jaune Cache

Officially an unincorporated rural area, Tête Jaune Cache is not much of a town but does have

some interesting history. Its name is the French version of the highway which bypasses it - yellow

head cache - and it once housed loggers, pioneers, trappers, foresters and other entrepreneurs as

the head of navigation for many paddle steamers on the Fraser River.

Take the highway south to Valemount, where you’ll find a few more services to replenish your

stores, and then enjoy the mountain scenery and small towns as the landscape slowly flattens out.

Clearwater

Where the Clearwater River converges with the North Thompson River is the town of Clearwater,

a centre for outdoor adventure and often considered the gateway to the Wells Gray Provincial

Park. It has a rich First Nations heritage as home to the semi-nomadic Simpcw Peoples, and there

are aboriginal pictographs and archaeological sites in the region. There are a number of RV

campgrounds in Clearwater and nearby which can accommodate you should you wish to stick

around!

Many of the things to do which attract visitors to Clearwater are to be found in Wells Gray

Provincial Park, and a lot of them centre around the multiple lakes. Fishing, canoeing, swimming,

diving and rafting are all favourite pastimes. The park also boasts an extensive network of hiking

trails which range from the 45-minute Trophy Mountain alpine meadows walk, to an epic trek

along Skyline Ridge.

Barriere

A small and friendly community, Barriere is home to the North Thompson Museum where visitors

can learn about the river valley region and its history. Keen golfers will enjoy the beautiful

Yellowhead Highway Fraser River Wells Gray Provincial Park

Leg 4 Kamloops to Whistler

04:00:00Est Driving Time

299 kmTotal Distance

Chinook Cove golf course 3 kilometres north of town, and there are a wealth of waterways nearby

with some great fishing opportunities.

From there, it’s a short trip down the river valley to Kamloops!

Leg 3 Highlights

It’s back on the Trans-Canada

Highway for the first part of

this leg, and then a winding

journey on Highway 99 into

the Pacific Ranges to what is

arguably Canada’s most

famous ski resort. You might

think you’d be immune to

spectacular mountain scenery

at this point - but never

underestimate Canada’s

ability to constantly wow you.

Kamloops

This small lakeside city profits from lots of sunshine and friendly locals, making it a lovely stop on

your Canada road trip. The long and narrow Kamloops Lake is a centre of action in the

summertime, and the nearby Sun Peaks resort provides skiing in the winter. The city is known as a

golfing destination, with 13 courses in the area, so if you like to get out on the greens, Kamloops

might be a good place to find an RV park and stay a day or two.

After so much nature in the previous legs, you might be happy to find plenty of cultural activities

here in Kamloops. The city museum has three floors of permanent and travelling exhibits, and the

Western Canada Theatre, one of the leading companies in BC, has shows running throughout the

year. Kamloops plays host to many events including a large number of sports tournaments - in fact

it has cultivated a reputation as Canada’s “Tournament Capital.”

The younger travellers will likely love the Kamloops Heritage Railway. Spirit of Kamloops

railtours include the ride, entertainment, drinks and snacks, lasting an hour to an hour and a half. In

December, you can evoke that Polar Express feeling with a Spirit of Christmas railtour including

hot chocolate and carollers, and around Halloween there are Ghost Train rides complete with

characters and a chilling tale.

Cache Creek

The Trans-Canada Highway takes you past the end of Kamloops Lake towards Cache Creek, a

town with a distinct western feel and surrounded by working ranches. It is steeped with history of

the Cariboo, the intermontane plains region which was colonized very early on by pioneering

European settlers. Call in to the historic Hat Creek Ranch to find out what life was like during the

Gold Rush era.

Lillooet

Not long after leaving Cache Creek you will turn off the Trans-Canada Highway and onto Highway

99 which heads again into hilly territory. Near Seton Lake you will find Lillooet, a town occupying a

stretch of flat land beside the Fraser River. It was once the largest settlement in British Columbia

and the beginning of the Cariboo Trail.

In Lillooet you can explore some local history by taking a self-guided tour of the town’s “Golden

Mile of History” along Main Street. There are 14 points of interest to be discovered, including old

bridges, heritage buildings and more. Xwisten Experience Tours, based 6 kilometres north of

Lillooet, offers tours of the traditional fishing grounds and an archaeological village site of the

St’at’imc People, and includes an authentic BBQ salmon meal and a look inside a rebuilt pithouse.

Once you’ve seen what you want to see of small-town BC, get back in your RV and hit the highway.

Your next destination is an exciting one!

Kamloops Cariboo Region First Nations History

Leg 5 Whistler to Vancouver

02:00:00Est Driving Time

121 kmTotal Distance

Leg 4 Highlights

The road which will take you

on your way for this leg of the

trip is called the Sea-to-Sky

Highway, but you’ll be doing it

in reverse, coming down out

of the Pacific Ranges to meet

the tributaries of the Pacific

Ocean on which Vancouver is

built. Just as scenic as

previous parts of the journey,

these final miles make an

excellent last hurrah.

*If you're beginning your trip in

Vancouver, find your nearest motorhome rental depot here.

Whistler

If you’ve ever dabbled in snowsports, or even thought about it, it’s likely you have heard of

Whistler. This mountain resort, overlooked by Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, is a favourite

amongst snow bunnies thanks to its 8,100 acres of trails and runs over both peaks, buzzing après-

ski atmosphere and myriad things to do during the “winter wonderland” period.

The summer is also fast becoming a popular time to visit Whistler - in fact, it’s really a four-season

destination that you can enjoy during any month of the year. The spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola

links Whistler and Blackcomb peaks and operates in both seasons to give 360-degree views over

the village, the mountains, the glaciers and the forests. Other options for warm-weather Whistler

fun include hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife encounters. Scenic tours by helicopter or floatplane

are also available.

Some favourite scenic spots and easy hiking trails are those of Lost Lake and Alexander Falls. You

can follow the Lost Lake Nature Trail right from town to the lake and around it, a five-kilometre

loop. Alexander Falls require a bit of a drive south, and the viewing platform and picnic area are just

40 metres from Callaghan Road, near the Whistler Olympic Park.

It’s easy to find an adrenaline high in Whistler. The expert-level trails are a challenge for

adventurous skiers and snowboarders, and heli-skiing will take it up a notch even from there.

Ziplining happens year-round, and in the warmer months you can try out some white water rafting,

ATV tours, rock climbing or jetboating. The ultimate rush comes with Whistler Bungee, BC’s

highest year-round jumping venue with a 50-metre drop over the Cheakamus River.

Looking for a fun family day out? Whistler Tree Adventure Tours is a fantastic way to explore the

area for fearless young ones - it’s a network of bridges, platforms, ziplines, swings and boardwalks

suspended high above the ground. Courses are colour-coded for difficulty level. The towns’

friendly atmosphere and numerous entertainment options which can be tailored for all ages make

it perfect for family groups. The Family Adventure Zone at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is a

good place to start and houses mini-golf, a mini-luge and rock climbing walls.

You might be getting the idea that a day isn’t long enough to spend in this famously fabulous

mountain town! With so many things to do in Whistler, you’ll probably want to stick around for a

while and there are plenty of places you can do so. Whistler RV Park and the Riverside RV Resort

and Campground are both great spots to consider - just make sure you call ahead and book your

space!

Brandywine Falls

Not long after you depart Whistler, you’ll come across Brandywine Falls and Daisy Lake. The falls

are spectacular at 70 metres high, and can be seen at great advantage from the viewing platform.

Park at the signposted parking area and walk the 10-20 minutes to the first platform, then the

short distance to the second to take in not only the falls but also the beautiful hydro lake. The

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park also has a walkable section of the planned 180-kilometre long

Sea to Sky Trail.

Squamish

Your road trip will meet the sea at Squamish, which bills itself as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital

of Canada.” Here you can add to mountain, river and forest escapades the possibility of exploring

the waters of Howe Sound. Almost any outdoorsy activities you can think of are probably available

in Squamish, but there are also some more sedate options. The West Coast Railway Heritage Park

is a highlight for history buffs or trainspotters, and you can take a train tour of an underground

mine tunnel at the Britannia Mine Museum just ten minutes out of town. Still can’t get enough of

the scenery? Take a look at where the mountains meet the sea with a ten-minute ride up the Sea to

Sky Gondola.

Once past Squamish you will leave the “sky” section of the highway and enter the “sea” part. Here

Highway 99 hugs the coast of Howe Sound, offering coastal vistas and even a few beaches.

Vancouver

Your road trip finishes in Vancouver, the city that corners the market in cool. Sophisticated

urbanity and hip cultural attractions mingle with a breathtaking natural setting to make this west-

coast metropolis one of the world’s most livable (and visitable) places.

The CBD is the heart of Vancouver, but it has many vital arteries which pump plenty of life and

character into the surrounding neighbourhoods. Gastown holds a lot of the city’s heritage, some

fabulous architecture and a bustling Chinatown. Granville Island is home to the famous Public

Markets, and the trendy West End gives access to the beloved Stanley Park as well as some inner-

city beaches.

Eating and drinking are popular pastimes in Vancouver, and the city has some amazing restaurants

ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. It is also known for its breweries, and you could easily

spend a day or two visiting them all (just use public transport to do it). People watching on the

Vancouver Seawall is an easy way to get a feel for the place.

There are many events happening all the time in Vancouver, from sports games to cultural

festivals. Still have time to spare? The Vancouver Aquarium, boasting 9,000 water dwelling

creatures, should also be on anyone’s to-do list; the next item should be the well-regarded Museum

of Anthropology.

Vancouver and the surrounding area are wonderful for families, with plenty of options beyond the

Aquarium. Young people might enjoy a ride on the SeaBus catamaran from downtown Vancouver

to North Vancouver, the Kids Market on Granville Island, Kitsilano Beach, the interactive H.R.

MacMillan Space Centre, the Greater Vancouver Zoo and Playland amusement park at the Pacific

National Exhibition.

You might have plans to drop off your home on wheels before exploring the big city, but if you’d

rather continue to use it as a home base there are a plethora of places to park it for the night in

Greater Vancouver - the most central is Capilano River RV Park in Norgate. Whichever way you

choose to do it, Vancouver makes an excellent end point for an epic Canadian road trip!

Whistler Village Brandywine Falls Vancouver

Leg 5 Highlights