Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 3 Detailed Itineraries
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Doing a roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff is probably one of the best ideas, that has ever crossed your mind. It is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas I have ever done a roadtrip in, and I promise you will enjoy the journey as much as the destination! In this post, I have included 3 amazing itineraries with different lengths, so you can fit the trip into your specific time-frame – so read along!
I recently did an amazing roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff, visiting Kelowna, Revelstoke and Golden along the way. Although I plan my roadtrips around bucketlist destinations, I always make sure to include some impressive and fun stops along the way – and this roadtrip was no different!
Based on my experiences (and the things I learned along the way), I have created 3 amazing itineraries for your roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff with different lengths to fit your timeframe! The itineraries includes the time you spend exploring Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. So, as you see, you will really get to experience alot in a short amount of time!
- How Long Is A Roadtrip From Vancouver To Banff?
- How To Rent A Car From Vancouver To Banff
- The Best Things To Do In Vancouver Before The Roadtrip
- Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 6 Day Itinerary
- Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 9 Day Itinerary
- Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 12 Day Itinerary
- Valuable Ressources For Your Trip To Banff And Jasper
How Long Is A Roadtrip From Vancouver To Banff?
If you were to drive the entire stretch from Vancouver to Banff in one day, you would cover at least 850km of ground and drive for a minimum of 9 hours straight. This means that it is technically possible to do the whole drive in one day, assuming you are several people who can take it in turns to drive.
However, I would highly recommend spending longer on the drive, as there are so many amazing things to see along the way! Although Banff National Park is known for its stunning Canadian nature, you will also find contrasting and equally beautiful nature along the way, as well as quaint mountain towns, wine regions and more!
How To Rent A Car From Vancouver To Banff
If you want to do a roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff without your own car, you will need to rent a car from a company, that accepts one way car rental. This essentially means that you are allowed to pick up your car from one place and drop it off at another. For this specific roadtrip, it will likely be easiest to rent a car from Vancouver Airport to Calgary Airport, if you plan to fly out afterwards.
A great platform to use is Discover Cars, which allows you to compare prices from different rental companies. I also love that it shows ratings of the companies from users, so I can be certain that I am renting from a nice and reliable company on my roadtrips.
Note: If you want more tips on everything you need to know when renting a car, I have got the perfect post for you.
The Best Things To Do In Vancouver Before The Roadtrip
Since the following 3 itineraries begin as you leave Vancouver, I thought I would take a brief moment to mention some of the amazing things you might want to do in Vancouver before you leave. Vancouver really amazed me during my visit – although it is a large city, it is still surrounded by stunning mountains and entails so much beautiful nature within it. Don’t leave without walking or biking around Stanley Park, having a bite to eat at Granville Island, and experiencing Gastown at night! If you are tight on time, you can easily experience some of the best things in Vancouver with only one full day following this itinerary.
Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 6 Day Itinerary
With only 6 days to explore as much as possible from Vancouver to Banff National Park, you should be prepared for early mornings and jam-packed days. Even though I would have loved to stay longer at each place, I highly enjoyed the 6 days we got to spend in West Canada following this itinerary!
Day 1: Vancouver To Kelowna (390km – 4 hours 30 min drive)
A Vancouver to Banff roadtrip is not complete without a stop in Kelowna: the second-largest wine region in Canada. On your drive there, be sure to stop at Bridal Falls, Othello Tunnels and the Spotted Lake to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of Canadian nature!
Note: Be aware that there might be far between places to eat on some stretches of this drive. I recommend grabbing lunch in Hope either before or after visiting the Othello Tunnels!
Day 2: A Day In Kelowna
Kelowna has SO many fun and amazing things to do – you can read about some of them in my dedicated post to Kelowna here. With just one whole day in the area, you will have to prioritize what you want to do! Is it a wine tasting tour? Small hikes in the stunning natural areas around Kelowna? A relaxing day at the beach? Or biking across Myra Canyon?
Day 3: Kelowna – Revelstoke – Golden (350km – 4 Hours Drive)
Next on your roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff is Revelstoke and Golden. Along your drive to Revelstoke, you have the option of stopping at several beautiful and interesting roadtrip stops, including waterfalls and rivers. Stop for lunch in the quaint mountain town Revelstoke, and spend the afternoon exploring some of the best things Revelstoke has to offer, before heading to Golden for the night.
Day 4: Golden – Icefields Parkway – Jasper (310km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
In this 6 day itinerary, we are spending the night in Golden, so we can enter Banff National Park early the next morning. For the next two days, you will be exploring Banff National Park and Jasper National Park following this itinerary, which makes it possible to see most with limited time. This means you will be driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper while stopping at some of the biggest sights including Lake Morraine, Sunwapta Falls and Mistaya Canyon. And the ones you miss, you will see as you drive back to Banff on day 5! Check the post linked above for details on what to see.
Day 5: Jasper To Banff – Icefields Parkway (290km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
Wake up early on day 5 and grab some breakfast in the lovely town of Jasper, before heading out on the adventures of the second day of this quick bucketlist itinerary for Banff and Jasper National Parks! On your way to Banff, you will experience the breathtaking Athabasca Falls, the beautiful Medicine Lake, the impressive Maline Canyon and so much more!
Day 6: Banff To Calgary Airport (140km – 1 Hour 30 Min Drive)
On your last day of this roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff, it is time to return your rental car to the company at Calgary Airport, and head home – or onwards. If you have some time before your flight, be sure to check out some of the sights in and around Banff, such as the Bow River Trails, Cascade Ponds or the Banff Gondola ride!
Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 9 Day Itinerary
With 9 days to spend on your roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff, you will have time to spend a little longer at each destination, thus seeing and experiencing more along the way.
Day 1: Vancouver To Kelowna (390km – 4 hours 30 min drive)
A Vancouver to Banff roadtrip is not complete without a stop in Kelowna: the second-largest wine region in Canada. On your drive there, be sure to stop at Bridal Falls, Othello Tunnels and the Spotted Lake to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of Canadian nature!
Note: Be aware that there might be far between places to eat on some stretches of this drive. I recommend grabbing lunch in Hope either before or after visiting the Othello Tunnels!
Day 2: A Day In Kelowna
Kelowna has SO many fun and amazing things to do – you can read about some of them in my dedicated post to Kelowna here. With just one whole day in the area, you will have to prioritize what you want to do! Is it a wine tasting tour? Small hikes in the stunning natural areas around Kelowna? A relaxing day at the beach? Or biking across the Myra Canyon?
Day 3: Kelowna To Revelstoke (200km – 2 Hours 30 Min Drive)
Next on your Vancover to Banff roadtrip is the picturesque mountain town of Revelstoke. Along your drive to Revelstoke, you have the option of stopping at several beautiful and interesting roadtrip stops, including waterfalls and beautiful rivers. Arrive in Revelstoke for a late lunch and spend the afternoon exploring some of the best things Revelstoke has to offer. For example, you can enjoy some time in natural hot springs or chase the best waterfalls in the area. And if you are looking for a bit of adrenaline, why not either mountain bike or take a rollercoaster down the mountain?
Day 4: A Day In Revelstoke – Golden (150km – 1 Hour 45 Min Drive)
With a full day in Revelstoke, one of the best things to do is to explore Mount Revelstoke National Park. Drive towards the 26 km Meadows In The Sky Parkway to experience some of the most beautiful Canadian nature on your way to the top of the mountain road. On your way, be sure to stop at any lookout points, lakes and hiking trails that you like! Return to Revelstoke for some well-deserved lunch or afternoon snacks, and check out some of the many great things to do in Revelstoke in the afternoon, before taking the short drive to Golden, where you will be staying for the night.
Note: To enter the Meadows In The Sky Parkway, you need to buy a one day pass for the national park. This will cost you 10.5 CAD per person and can be bought at the entrance to the road from May until November.
Day 5: Golden – Yoho National Park – Icefields Parkway – Jasper (310km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
In this 9 day itinerary, we are spending the night in Golden, so we can enter Yoho National Park early in the morning. For the next four days, you will be exploring Yoho National Park, Banff National Park and Jasper National Parks to the fullest, driving the famous Icefields Parkway twice. Head out early in the morning towards Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, where you can get some beautiful sunrise shots and kayak on the bluest of waters. When you are done, head towards the Icefields Parkway and drive towards Jasper, stopping at Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon and Sunwapta Falls along the way. Don’t worry – the sights you don’t see today, you will see on the drive back to Banff on day 7!
Day 6: A Day Around Jasper
Enjoy a nice breakfast in the quaint town of Jasper, before heading out to explore some of the beautiful areas around. First, drive to Maligne Lake and take a cruise to the pictureque Spirit Island for some breathtaking nature. On your way back, stop at Medicine Lake Lookout Point, and head towards Maligne Canyon for an hour of hiking in breathtaking nature. You will have time to get some well-deserved lunch and rest in Jasper town too! In the afternoon, explore the area around Pyramid Lake, before taking the Jasper SkyTraim to the top of one of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Besides breathtaking views, they are famous for their amazing stargazing experiences at Jasper Planetarium!
Day 7: Jasper To Banff – Icefields Parkway (290km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
Grab some breakfast in the lovely town of Jasper, before heading out on new adventures on the Icefields Parkway! If you are keen to see some wildlife and haven’t yet, why not join a morning wildlife tour with guides, who know how to find them and watch them safely? On your way back to Banff, be sure to see any of the sights that you missed on your first drive. This includes the Goats and Glaciers Lookout Point, the breathtaking Athabasca Falls and the stunning Bow Lake. You might also want to do a glacier tour at Columbia Icefield – or explore Johnston Canyon on a 2 hour roundtrip hike!
Day 8: A Day Around Banff
On your final full day in Banff National Park, it is time to see the famous Lake Louise and Lake Morraine. As these are very popular, you might want to start your day out early here! You can also choose to spend this day on one of the amazing day hikes in the area, where you can experience the Canadian nature to its fullest! Or you can join a fun activity departing from Banff, such as a River Whitewater Rafting Tour, a Horseback Ride Tour at Bow River, or a guided hike with a tour guide.
Note: As of 2023, you cannot drive a private vehicle to Lake Morraine. Instead, you have to book a shuttle bus, which departs from Lake Louise Ski Resort, where you can park your car. Be sure to book these tickets in advance, as they are for specific time slots and sell out quickly! You can use the same ticket to get to both Lake Morraine and Lake Louise via bus.
Day 9: Banff To Calgary Airport (140km – 1 Hour 30 Min Drive)
On your last day of this roadtrip from Vancouver to Banff, it is time to return your rental car to the company at Calgary Airport, and head home – or onwards. If you have some time before your flight, be sure to check out some of the sights in and around Banff, such as the Bow River Trails, Cascade Ponds or the Banff Gondola ride!
Vancouver To Banff Roadtrip: 12 Day Itinerary
With 12 full days to spend on your Vancouver to Banff roadtrip, you are in for a real treat. Not only will you have enough time to explore each destination in depth, but you will also have time to take it at a slower pace and prioritizing your time as you wish.
Day 1: Vancouver To Kelowna (390km – 4 hours 30 min drive)
A Vancouver to Banff roadtrip is not complete without a stop in Kelowna: the second-largest wine region in Canada. On your drive there, be sure to stop at Bridal Falls, Othello Tunnels and the Spotted Lake to stretch your legs and enjoy a bit of Canadian nature!
Note: Be aware that there might be far between places to eat on some stretches of this drive. I recommend grabbing lunch in Hope either before or after visiting the Othello Tunnels!
Day 2: A Day In Kelowna
Kelowna has SO many fun and amazing things to do – you can read about some of them in my dedicated post to Kelowna here. With two full days in Kelowna, I recommend dedicating one of them to enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the city and the other for relaxation and a tour of some amazing wineries. As this is your first day, I recommend exploring the area, including Myra Canyon, Knox Mountain and West Kelowna.
Day 3: A Day In Kelowna
On your second day in Kelowna, I recommend enjoying downtown Kelowna in the morning with some amazing breakfast and a relaxing stroll along the water. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy some fun water activities or sunbathing on one of the beautiful beaches. And in the afternoon, why not join a winery tour to explore this stunning wine region to its fullest?
Day 4: Kelowna To Revelstoke (200km – 2 Hours 30 Min Drive)
Next on your Vancover to Banff roadtrip is the picturesque mountain town of Revelstoke. Along your drive to Revelstoke, you have the option of stopping at several beautiful and interesting roadtrip stops, including waterfalls and beautiful rivers. Arrive in Revelstoke for a late lunch and spend the afternoon exploring some of the best things Revelstoke has to offer. For example, you can enjoy some time in natural hot springs or chase the best waterfalls in the area. And if you are looking for a bit of adrenaline, why not either mountain bike or take a rollercoaster down the mountain?
Day 5: A Day In Revelstoke – Mount Revelstoke National Park
With a full day in Revelstoke, one of the best things to do is to explore Mount Revelstoke National Park. Drive towards the 26 km Meadows In The Sky Parkway to experience some of the most beautiful Canadian nature on your way to the top of the mountain road. On your way, be sure to stop at any lookout points, lakes and hiking trails that you like! Return to Revelstoke for some well-deserved lunch or afternoon snacks, and check out one of the many great things to do in Revelstoke in the afternoon, before taking the short drive to Golden, where you will be staying for the night.
Note: To enter the Meadows In The Sky Parkway, you need to buy a one day pass for the national park. This will cost you 10.5 CAD per person and can be bought at the entrance to the road from May until November.
Day 6: Revelstoke To Banff – Yoho National Park (290km – 3 Hours 15 Min Drive)
On day 6, head off from Revelstoke in the direction of Banff town. On your way, you might want to stop at one of the hot springs in the area, as well as Golden, to experience the stunning Golden Skybridge and grab a sandwich or snack for the road. Before entering Banff National Park, you will reach Yoho National Park, a smaller but equally beautiful part of West Canada. Be sure to stop by Emerald Lake, where you can enjoy those iconic views of crystalblue lakes and kayak in the stunning scenarie. This lake is often less visited than Lake Louise but equally as beautiful, which is why it is such a great stop! Spend the afternoon and evening admiring Banff town and having some delicious food at one of the many restaurants and cafés.
Day 7: A Day Around Banff
On your first full day in Banff National Park, it is time to see the famous Lake Louise and Lake Morraine. As these are very popular, you might want to start your day out early here! You can also choose to spend this day on one of the amazing day hikes in the area, where you can experience the Canadian nature to its fullest! Or you can join a fun activity departing from Banff, such as a River Whitewater Rafting Tour, a Horseback Ride Tour at Bow River, or a guided hike with a tour guide.
Note: As of 2023, you cannot drive a private vehicle to Lake Morraine. Instead, you have to book a shuttle bus, which departs from Lake Louise Ski Resort, where you can park your car. Be sure to book these tickets in advance, as they are for specific time slots and sell out quickly! You can use the same ticket to get to both Lake Morraine and Lake Louise via bus.
Day 8: Banff To Jasper – Icefields Parkway (290km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
On your next day in Banff National Park, it is time to drive on the famous Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park. There are plenty of things to see along the way – and don’t worry: you will have time to see what you miss on the way back! For this itinerary, I recommend stopping at Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon and Sunwaptha Falls, as well as Columbia Icefield for a guided tour, where you can walk on a real glacier!
Day 9: A Day Around Jasper
Enjoy a nice breakfast in the quaint town of Jasper, before heading out to explore some of the beautiful areas around. First, drive to Maligne Lake and take a cruise to the pictureque Spirit Island for some breathtaking nature. On your way back, stop at Medicine Lake Lookout Point, and head towards Maligne Canyon for an hour of hiking in breathtaking nature. You will have time to get some well-deserved lunch and rest in Jasper town too! In the afternoon, explore the area around Pyramid Lake, before taking the Jasper SkyTraim to the top of one of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Besides amazing views, they are famous for their amazing stargazing experiences at Jasper Planetarium!
Day 10: Jasper To Banff – Icefields Parkway (290km – 3 Hours 30 Min Drive)
Grab some breakfast in the lovely town of Jasper, before heading out on new adventures on the Icefields Parkway! If you are keen to see some wildlife and haven’t yet, why not join a tour with guides who know how to find them and watch them safely? And on your way back to Banff, be sure to see any of the sights that you missed on your first drive. This includes the Goats and Glaciers Lookout Point, the breathtaking Athabasca Falls and the stunning Bow Lake. You might also want to do a glacier tour at Columbia Icefield – or explore Johnston Canyon on a 2 hour roundtrip hike!
Day 11: A Day Around Banff OR A Day In Calgary
With 12 full days on this Vancouver to Banff roadtrip, you have enough time to adapt your days according to your wishes. Consider this 11th day a free day of doing exactly what you want. Are there any sights and experiences mentioned on the other days, that you couldn’t make time for? Do you want to simply relax in Banff? Go on another hike? Or maybe head to Calgary to explore the city for a day? The possibilities are endless, and I want to make it up to you to decide!
Day 12: Banff To Calgary Airport (140km – 1 Hour 30 Min Drive)
On your 12th day, it is time to return your rental car to Calgary Airport and head home – or onwards, depending your plans.
Valuable Ressources For Your Trip To Banff And Jasper
If you plan to visit Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, I have several valuable ressources for you! Learn from my experiences and mistakes to have the best possible trip from my posts below:
How To Visit The Canadian Rockies On A Budget (Banff & Jasper National Park)
Two Days In Banff & Jasper National Park: An Amazing Itinerary
Ultimate Packing Guide: Banff & Jasper National Parks (Summer)
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