Are you planning a road trip from Calgary to Vancouver? This is SUCH a fun drive!
Deciding on the best route and where to stop on your Calgary to Vancouver road trip will depend on how much time you have, who you’re traveling with, and what you like to do. BUT, every route is beautiful and packed with fun things to do.

Here are the three BEST driving routes from Calgary to Vancouver:
- FASTEST: The shortest and FASTEST drive from Calgary to Vancouver is through Banff and Kamloops (975 km in 10.5 hours).
- SCENIC: The most SCENIC route from Calgary to Vancouver includes the Icefields Parkway to Jasper (1,200 km in 13 hours), and either Kelowna (adds 2.5 hours) or Whistler (adds 2 hours).
- RELAXED: Our favorite route is south through Crowsnest Pass and along the USA border (1,240 km in 14 hours).
How much does it cost to drive from Calgary to Vancouver? At today’s $1.50/L gas prices and Canada’s average fuel consumption of 8.9L/100km, this ONE-WAY drive will use 87L of fuel and cost $130, at least.
Also check out How To Plan a Road Trip You’ll LOVE in 7 Steps.
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. If you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
MAP of Best Driving Routes from Calgary to Vancouver
Below is a map to show you the three best road trip routes from Calgary to Vancouver, including stops.
Tips to use: Click upper left icon to show menu and hide specific routes.
1. FASTEST Road Trip from Calgary to Vancouver VIA Banff
Your shortest and FASTEST road trip from Calgary to Vancouver is 10.5 hours (975 km), which goes through Banff and Kamloops. You can do this drive comfortably in two days.
Where to stay between Calgary and Vancouver via Banff:
- Golden BC: Only 3 hours from Calgary and 7.5 hours from Vancouver. A great place to stop if you want to enjoy Banff or Golden.
- Revelstoke BC: About 4.5 hours from Calgary and 6 hours from Vancouver. The area is beautiful and the remaining drive is easy.
- Salmon Arm BC: Six hours from Calgary and five hours from Vancouver, with great places to stay for the night.
Day 1 of FASTEST Route from Calgary to Vancouver via Banff

On the first day of your fastest road trip route from Calgary to Vancouver via Banff, drive as far as Salmon Arm BC. Calgary to Salmon Arm is 6 hours (511 km). Below are great places to stop and stay along the way.
Where to STOP on Day 1:
- Banff: Stroll the main street shops of this pretty village. Stop at the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, take a dip in the hot springs, and ride up the gondola. Paddle on Lake Minnewanka. Hike Tunnel Mountain. Climb Mount Rundle with Via Ferratta, up ladders and suspension bridges. FUN!
- Johnston Canyon: An easy short walk beside a creek, ending with a pretty waterfall. It gets busy, but is worth the stop. Just past Banff, exit onto Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), which takes you right there. It meets back up with the highway after the canyon.
- Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: A beautiful, historic resort right on Lake Louise. Even if you’re not staying here for the night, it’s a beautiful spot to visit, with onsite dining overlooking the lake, spa and hiking trails past tea houses.
- Golden: An outdoors-loving paradise! Hiking, kayaking and river rafting in summer. Ice climbing, sledding and heli-skiing in winter. Also a great spot to grab a bite to eat.
- The Enchanted Forest (near Revelstoke): A fun family road trip stop in BC, perfect for kids to burn off energy. Climb BC’s tallest treehouse. High-five Captain Hook. Spy fairies on your magical walk through a lush forest. For the more adventurous, the neighbouring SkyTrek Adventure Park is full of rope challenges, wall climbing and ziplining.
Where to STAY between Calgary and Vancouver:
- Winston Lodge (Golden): A super cozy lodge near Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Features wood furnishings, private balconies, plush robes and onsite bar and bistro with craft beer. Price includes wifi and parking. If you can spare the time, it’s worth the 15-minute drive off the highway.
- Coast Hillcrest Hotel (Revelstoke): A comfortable hotel easily accessible from the highway, featuring a hot tub, sauna, day spa and onsite dining with mountain views. Price includes wifi and parking.
- Hilltop Inn (Salmon Arm): A pretty little resort, with a freeform outdoor pool, delicious restaurant and classy comfortable rooms. Price includes wifi and parking.
You may also like: Romantic Getaways NEAR Calgary
Day 2 of FASTEST Drive from Calgary to Vancouver via Banff
If you’re eager to reach Vancouver, the fastest route from Salmon Arm to Vancouver is through Kamloops and along Highway 5, at 5 hours (465 km). Tripadvisor has an audio tour to make the drive more interesting.
But if you’re up for a slightly longer trip, you have two MUCH prettier options.
- South on Highway 97A following Okanagan Lake past Kelowna and Penticton. Then, take Highway 3 to Vancouver. (570 km in 7 hours)
- West on Highway 99 through Whistler, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway. (530 km in just under 7 hours)

Where to STOP on Day 2:
- Kamloops: A great stop for food, drink, golf or a park stroll along the river. Visit the wildlife park. Take in the river views from local wineries. Explore a 2000-year-old village at Secwepemc Museum.
- Kangaroo Creek Farm (near Kelowna): Interact with kangaroos and other animals, including baby kangaroos! Lots of friendly staff give you animal-approved snacks. Cash only.
- Kelowna: Stroll along the waterfront park, beach, boardwalk and shops. Winery-hop with spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley. And explore Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park’s historic railway trails over trestles and tunnels.
- Penticton: Find more wineries, orchards, beaches and excellent food. Hiking, biking and golfing. Float down the Penticton Channel on a hot summer’s day. Penticton is a more laid-back experience compared to Kelowna.
- Harrison Hot Springs (along Highway 5): Located two hours east of Vancouver, this charming village is home to (you guessed it!) hot springs. Plus, beaches and promenades along the lake.
- Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park (along Highway 5): This lovely 197-ft drop over a smooth rock face creates a veil-like waterfall. A favorite waterfall in BC near Harrison Hot Springs.
Where to STOP in Vancouver:
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: An iconic 450-ft treetop suspension bridge, 230 feet above Capilano River. The area also has pretty trails and a thrilling cliffside walk. Located in north Vancouver.
- Stanley Park: Arguably the best waterfront views in Vancouver, with a 5.5-mile Seawall path and beach access. Also home to an aquarium, gardens, cafes and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.
- Granville Island: A fun, bustling place to visit, with cute shops, cafes and bookstores. Explore the market. Go pub-hopping. Check out the murals and galleries.
Where to STAY in Vancouver:
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (along Highway 5): Right on Harrison Lake, featuring three outdoor pools, indoor mineral pool and spa bath, restaurant and live music. Onsite marina with boat rentals. Price includes wifi. Located two hours east of Vancouver.
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia (downtown Vancouver): An exquisite luxury hotel, with excellent family-friendly perks. Features the Rose Bud children’s program, 52-foot heated indoor saltwater pool, spa, dining and lounge. Spacious rooms with heated bathroom floors and robes. Families will find connecting rooms and family suites.
- House Rental (Vancouver): Search VRBO for beautiful homes and apartments with views, including this bright 1-bedroom home blocks from Kits Beach.
2. Most SCENIC Road Trip from Calgary to Vancouver VIA Jasper + Kelowna or Whistler
The most SCENIC road trip from Calgary to Vancouver takes Icefields Parkway up to Jasper (1,200 km in 13 hours), and stops in either Kelowna (adds 2.5 hours) or Whistler (adds 2 hours).
Kelowna will take you through the gorgeous Okanagan Valley and Whistler along the famous Sea to Sky Highway. If you want to experience both, choose Kelowna on your way to Vancouver and then Whistler as a day-trip from Vancouver.
Where to STAY on the scenic route from Calgary to Vancouver:
- Jasper: 4.5 hours from Calgary, on the most beautiful mountain drive! Take your time along the Icefields Parkway and enjoy pretty Jasper.
- Kelowna: About 7 hours from Jasper and 4 hours to Vancouver. Along the way, stop at Wells Grey Provincial Park’s amazing (and easy-to-access) waterfalls.
- Whistler: 8.5 hours from Jasper and under 2 hours to Vancouver, along the famous Sea to Sky Highway. You’ll fill the day with breathtaking stops.
Day 1 of SCENIC Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Icefields Parkway

The first leg of your scenic route from Calgary to Vancouver takes you along the famous Icefields Parkway up to Jasper. It’ll take about 5 hours (400 km), plus lots of stops. Take your time! This is a drive others only DREAM of taking.
Where to STOP along Icefields Parkway:
- Peyto Lake (Icefields Parkway): Famous for its turquoise color. An easy walk to the viewing platform on the south end of the lake. For less touristy views and the highest point on the Icefields Parkway drive, keep climbing to Bow Summit Lookout. It’s only about 30-minutes round-trip.
- Glacier Skywalk (Icefields Parkway): Test your nerves on this glass-floored observation walk, 918 feet above Sunwapta Valley.
- Sunwapta Falls (Icefields Parkway): A narrow 30-foot wide and 60-foot high powerful waterfall, with two drops. About 15 minutes south of Athabasca Falls.
- Athabasca Falls (near Jasper): A spectacular waterfall that’s only 75 feet high but powerful, carving a short narrow canyon below. About 30 minutes south of Jasper.
- Maligne Canyon (near Jasper): A beautiful limestone canyon with waterfalls and walking trails. Also spectacular as an ice walk in winter. About 15 minutes east of Jasper.
Where to STAY in Jasper:
- Tekarra Lodge: Classy and cozy cabins with fine-dining, stone wood-burning fireplaces, trails and playground. Price includes wifi and parking. Conveniently near Jasper on the south end, with easy access to the highway.
- Pyramid Lake Resort: A more affordable resort experience, with lake activities, restaurant and hot tub. Price includes wifi and parking.
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: For the classiest of resort experiences, you’ll have to go with the Fairmont. Features an award-winning golf course, 8 restaurants, outdoor pool, and a 10,000 square foot spa. Price includes parking.
You may also like: Romantic Getaways Near Calgary
Day 2 of SCENIC Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Kelowna

This second day is another beautiful scenic drive from Jasper AB to Kelowna BC. It’s a 7-hour drive (600 km) through mountains, thick woods and then the lovely Okanagan Valley.
Another scenic route to Vancouver is through Whistler via Highway 99 (740 km in just under 9 hours). However, then you’d miss Kelowna. So, we recommend going to Whistler as a day-trip from Vancouver instead.
Where to STOP on day 2 of your scenic drive:
- Wells Gray Provincial Park (near Clearwater): The most iconic waterfall is Helmcken Falls (463-ft), the fourth tallest in Canada. It’s 45 minutes north of Clearwater and an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot. Along the way, stop at Spahats Creek Falls (246-ft) and Dawson Falls (300-ft wide). Guided canoe, fishing and horseback riding trips are also available.
- Kangaroo Creek Farm (near Kelowna): Interact with kangaroos and other animals, including baby kangaroos! Lots of friendly staff give you animal-approved snacks. Cash only.
- Kelowna: Winery-hop with spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley. Explore Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park’s historic railway trails over trestles and tunnels. And wander Kelowna’s waterfront park, beach, and boardwalk. Take your time, stopping in at shops, restaurants and bars along the way.
Where to STAY in Kelowna:
- Delta Grand Okanagan Resort (Kelowna): A terrific resort right on the boardwalk, with easy walking distance to Kelowna’s public beach, park, and downtown cafes and shops. Features in indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, spa, restaurant and wine bar, lounge, and adjoining casino and marina.
- Manteo at Eldorado Resort (Kelowna): A more private resort experience, 10 minutes south of downtown Kelowna. Features a private beach, boardwalk, movie theater, indoor pool, sauna, steam rooms, games room and restaurant. Enjoy meals and views from the lakefront patio. Variety of room options, including fireplace, balcony and 3 bedrooms. Price includes parking.
- House Rental (Kelowna): Search VRBO for the perfect home or apartment with lake views. Like this lovely 3-bedroom home just north of Kelowna.
Day 3 of SCENIC Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Whistler

You have two options for experiencing BC’s famous Sea to Sky Highway: skip Kelowna to drive from Kamloops to Whistler, or make it a day trip from Vancouver. I recommend the second option, so you experience both Kelowna and Whistler.
The final stretch of your drive from Kelowna to Vancouver via Penticton is 5.5 hours (460 km). Add 1.5 hours to continue to Whistler.
The first section between Kelowna and Penticton through the Okanagan Valley is gorgeous, as the road follows Okanagan Lake the entire way. In my opinion, Highway 3 is a prettier drive to Vancouver compared to going through Merritt.
Give yourself time to stop at orchards and markets you see along the road. Fresh fruit and PIES = the best BC road trip food!
Where to STOP:
- Penticton: Find more wineries, orchards, beaches and excellent food. Hiking, biking and golfing. Float down the Penticton Channel on a hot summer’s day. Penticton is a more laid-back experience compared to Kelowna.
- Harrison Hot Springs: Located two hours east of Vancouver, this charming village is home to (yup…) hot springs. Plus, beaches and promenades along the lake.
- Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park: This lovely 197-ft drop over a smooth rock face creates a veil-like cascade. A favorite waterfall in BC near Harrison Hot Springs.
Where to STOP in Vancouver:
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: An iconic 450-ft treetop suspension bridge, 230 feet above Capilano River. The area also has pretty trails and a thrilling cliffside walk. Located in north Vancouver.
- Stanley Park: Arguably the best waterfront views in Vancouver, with a 5.5-mile Seawall path and beach access. Also home to an aquarium, gardens, cafes and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.
- Granville Island: A fun, bustling place to visit, with cute shops, cafes and bookstores. Explore the market. Go pub-hopping. Check out the murals and galleries.
Where to STAY in Vancouver:
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (along Highway 5): Right on Harrison Lake, featuring three outdoor pools, indoor mineral pool and spa bath, restaurant and live music. Onsite marina with boat rentals. Price includes wifi. Located two hours east of Vancouver.
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia (downtown Vancouver): An exquisite luxury hotel, with excellent family-friendly perks. Features the Rose Bud children’s program, 52-foot heated indoor saltwater pool, spa, dining and lounge. Spacious rooms with heated bathroom floors and robes. Families will find connecting rooms and family suites
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler: A beautiful resort at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, with a spa, onsite classes, various restaurants and gorgeous views. Year-round shuttles to the village. Price includes wifi.
3. RELAXED Road Trip from Calgary to Vancouver VIA Crowsnest Pass
We prefer the road trip from Calgary to Vancouver through the Crowsnest Pass and along the USA border. This drive is more relaxing compared to Banff National Park, and takes you through pretty mountain villages and the gorgeous Osoyoos area.
But, it’s longer. This drive from Calgary to Vancouver via Crowsnest Pass takes 14 hours (1,240 km). You can comfortably do this drive in two days.
Where to STAY between Calgary and Vancouver via Crowsnest Pass:
- Rossland: A pretty ski village with cute cafes and shops, half-way between Calgary and Vancouver. Red Mountain has a fantastic resort hotel and chalets, and there are some cute places to stay right inside town, too.
Day 1 of RELAXED Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Crowsnest Pass
Driving from Calgary to Castlegar or Rossland is about 7 hours (625 km). This route takes you through rolling foothills, along mountain streams and quaint mountain villages. Although it’s mostly two-lane highway, there are plenty of passing lanes.
Below are great places to stop and stay on your relaxed road trip from Calgary to Vancouver.

Where to STOP:
- Frank Slide: Even driving past massive boulders will help you appreciate Canada’s deadliest rockslide that happened in 1903. Take the parallel historic route and stop at the interpretive centre.
- Sparwood: A short, fun stop, with the massive “Titan” dump truck. Take a picture inside the wheel, grab an ice cream, and continue on.
- Fernie: An outdoor lover’s dream, with skiing in winter and hiking and biking in summer. A great stop to grab lunch.
- Fort Steele: A well-preserved “wild west” town from the 1800s, with live performances and horse-drawn carriage rides. About five minutes off your route.
- Yahk: Stop at the iconic Two Scoop Steve ice cream shop, and see if you can meet the goats grazing on the grass roof!
Where to STAY in Rossland:
- The Josie: A charming boutique hotel at Red Mountain, with a restaurant, bar and shared lounge. Large rooms with sitting areas, cozy bathrobes and some with a balcony. Rent ski equipment and bikes. Price includes wifi.
- The Flying Steamshovel Inn: A tasteful inn right in Rossland, with a great restaurant, bar and billiards room. Price includes wifi and parking.
- Home Rental: Find your gorgeous mountain cabin at Red Mountain or eclectic home right in Rossland.
You may also like: Romantic Getaways in BC
Day 2 of RELAXED Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Osoyoos
This second day of your RELAXED road trip from Calgary to Vancouver winds through pretty villages and the gorgeous Osoyoos area. Plan to stop to enjoy the views, the orchards and the beaches.
Where to STOP:
- Osoyoos: A beautiful area with beaches, vineyards, orchards and mountains. Whether you prefer intense hikes, art galleries or culinary arts, you’ll love this area.
- Harrison Hot Springs: Located two hours east of Vancouver, this charming village is home to (you guessed it!) hot springs. Plus, beaches and promenades along the lake.
- Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park: This lovely 197-ft drop over a smooth rock face creates a veil-like cascade. A favorite waterfall in BC near Harrison Hot Springs.

Where to STOP in Vancouver:
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: An iconic 450-ft treetop suspension bridge, 230 feet above Capilano River. The area also has pretty trails and a thrilling cliffside walk. Located in north Vancouver.
- Stanley Park: Arguably the best waterfront views in Vancouver, with a 5.5-mile Seawall path and beach access. Also home to an aquarium, gardens, cafes and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.
- Granville Island: A fun, bustling place to visit, with cute shops, cafes and bookstores. Explore the market. Go pub-hopping. Check out the murals and galleries.
Where to STAY in Vancouver:
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa (along Highway 5): Right on Harrison Lake, featuring three outdoor pools, indoor mineral pool and spa bath, restaurant and live music. Onsite marina with boat rentals. Price includes wifi. Located two hours east of Vancouver.
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia (downtown Vancouver): An exquisite luxury hotel, with excellent family-friendly perks. Features the Rose Bud children’s program, 52-foot heated indoor saltwater pool, spa, dining and lounge. Spacious rooms with heated bathroom floors and robes. Families will find connecting rooms and family suites
- House Rental (Vancouver): Search VRBO for beautiful homes and apartments with views, including this bright 1-bedroom home blocks from Kits Beach.
So, which route will you take? What are you most excited to see and experience for yourself?
Share in the comments below!
Save this:

You may also like:
- How To PLAN a Road Trip You’ll LOVE in 7 Steps
- ROMANTIC Getaways Near Calgary and BC Getaways for Couples
- Fun Things to Bring CAMPING
Enjoy this post? SHARE with your friends!
Featured photo credit: Frank Mckenna from Unsplash.
Add a Comment