Road Trip from Calgary to Vancouver: 3 Best Routes (MAP)

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

Banff, where to stop on road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver via Calgary — Beautiful Banff. Photo credit: Louis Paulin from Unsplash.

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

Winston Lodge in Golden BC Canada, road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Winston Lodge (Booking.com)

Coast Hillcrest Hotel in Revelstoke BC Canada, road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Coast Hillcrest Hotel (Booking.com)

Hilltop Inn, Where to stay between Calgary and Vancouver — Hilltop Inn (Booking.com)

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)

Kelowna wineries, where to stop on road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Okanagan Valley wineries. Photo credit: Dina from Unsplash.

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.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa BC Canada, road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Harrison Hot Springs Resort (Booking.com)

Rosewood Hotel Georgia Vancouver BC Canada, road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Booking.com)

House rental in Vancouver Canada, road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — House Rental (VRBO.com)

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

Glacier Skywalk on Icefields Parkway in Alberta Canada, where to stop on road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Glacier Skywalk. Photo credit: Andy Holmes from Unsplash.

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

Tekarra Lodge Jasper, scenic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver — Tekarra Lodge (Booking.com)

Pyramid Lake Resort in Jasper, scenic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver — Pyramid Lake Resort (Booking.com)

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, scenic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver — Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Booking.com)

Day 2 of SCENIC Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Kelowna

Okanagan Valley BC Canada, where to stop on road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Okanagan Valley. Photo credit: Mike Benna from Unsplash.

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.

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna BC Canada, scenic road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Delta Grand Okanagan Resort (Booking.com)

Manteo at Eldorado Resort in Kelowna BC Canada, scenic road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Manteo at Eldorado Resort (Booking.com)

House rental near Kelowna BC Canada, scenic road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — House Rental (VRBO.com)

Day 3 of SCENIC Drive from Calgary to Vancouver: Whistler

Lookout in Squamish BC Canada, where to stop on road trip from Edmonton to Vancouver — Squamish BC. Photo credit: Jack Nagz from Unsplash.

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.