Are you planning a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver? Well, get ready for some breathtaking views, exciting adventures, and unforgettable experiences!
The journey from Calgary to Vancouver is around 970 km long and can take around 9-10 hours of driving time. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do and see along the way. Here are some ideas for your road trip itinerary:
Day 1: Calgary to Banff National Park
Stop 1: Start your journey early in the morning and head towards Banff National Park. It’s a scenic drive that takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Once you reach Banff, start exploring the town by visiting the famous Banff Avenue lined with shops and restaurants.
Stop 2: After exploring the town, head towards Bow Falls which is a short drive from Banff Avenue. You can park your car nearby and take a short hike to get closer to the falls.
Stop 3: Later in the day, visit Lake Minnewanka which is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains. You can go for a boat tour or enjoy a picnic by the lakeside.
Day 2: Banff National Park to Jasper National Park
Stop 1: Start your day early and head towards Jasper National Park which is around a 3-hour drive from Banff. Along the way, make sure to stop at Columbia Icefield which is one of Canada’s largest icefields.
Stop 2: After exploring Columbia Icefield, continue your journey towards Athabasca Falls which is located within Jasper National Park. It’s a beautiful waterfall that you can hike down to.
Stop 3: Later in the day, visit Maligne Lake which is known for its crystal clear turquoise water. You can go for a boat ride or hike around the lake.
Day 3: Jasper National Park to Whistler
Stop 1: On day 3, leave Jasper National Park and head towards Whistler which is around an 8-hour drive. Along the way, make sure to stop at Mount Robson which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Stop 2: Later in the day, stop at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park which is known for its stunning glacier-fed lakes. You can hike around the park and enjoy the beautiful views.
Day 4: Whistler to Vancouver
Stop 1: On your final day, leave Whistler and head towards Vancouver which is a short drive of around 2 hours. Once you reach Vancouver, visit Stanley Park which is one of Canada’s largest urban parks and has plenty of things to see and do.
Stop 2: Later in the day, visit Granville Island which is known for its art galleries, food markets, and street performers. You can also take a ferry ride around False Creek to get a glimpse of Vancouver’s skyline.
- To summarize,
- Day 1 – Explore Banff National Park
- Day 2 – Visit Jasper National Park
- Day 3 – Stop at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park on your way to Whistler
- Day 4 – Explore Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Granville Island
In conclusion,
A road trip from Calgary to Vancouver has plenty of things to offer. From stunning national parks to glacial lakes, you’ll experience some breathtaking scenery along the way.
Make sure to plan your trip well in advance and book your accommodations accordingly. With a little planning, you’ll have an unforgettable road trip experience from Calgary to Vancouver!