Embarking on a highway journey from Vancouver to Banff? Alongside the way in which, pay a go to to among the most fascinating locations in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies, from historic glaciers to beautiful mountain resort cities.
The 900km drive from Vancouver to Banff is broadly heralded as probably the greatest highway journeys in North America. Whereas following the route, you’ll cross by dozens of nationwide parks with snow-capped mountains, quaint resort cities hidden in scenic valleys, and pure wonders that embody huge glaciers, azure lakes, historic cedar forests, and wildlife starting from bald eagles to grizzlies (if you happen to’re fortunate).
A number of the greatest stops on a highway journey from Vancouver to Banff embody world-famous locations like Whistler and the Yoho Nationwide Park. However there are additionally loads of lesser-known hotspots to find, such because the laid-back mountain resort of Squamish and the rapids that traverse the city of Golden.
Whereas it’s doable to drive from Vancouver to Banff in round 9 hours, I advisable allocating not less than every week to finishing this epic highway journey. That approach, you’ll have loads of time to absorb the unbelievable sights on this superb route.
The most effective stops on a Vancouver to Banff highway journey
From the heritage museums of Kamloops to the Olympic Park of Whistler, listed here are 11 of my favorite sights and locations to go to whereas driving from Vancouver to Banff.
1. Stanley Park
Earlier than departing in your highway journey to Banff, put together your self for the pure wonders to come back by exploring Vancouver’s Stanley Park. Because of boasting picturesque landscapes that embody thick cedar forests, sandy seashores and pure vistas backdropped by Vancouver’s skyline, Stanley Park attracts upwards of eight million guests per yr.
Stroll alongside the park’s oceanside footpath to Prospect Level Lookout to absorb views of the coast and the well-known Lion’s Gate Bridge.
At Brockton Level, you’ll see 9 intricately carved totem poles which have been sourced from among the most distant areas of British Columbia. Hold your eyes peeled for wildlife equivalent to coyotes, beavers and even bald eagles – Stanley Park is dwelling to over 500 animal species.
Stanley Park is certainly one of many coolest issues to do in Vancouver.
When you’re in a rush in Vancouver, take a look at my information on the right way to see Vancouver in a day to benefit from your journey.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Only a brief drive from Vancouver is the fascinating Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the place highlights embody river and canyon views, a dense forest of Douglas fir timber and – because the title suggests – quite a few suspension bridges.
The park’s most well-known attraction is the 140-metre-long suspension bridge that spans the Capilano River, providing superb chook’s-eye views from a peak of 70 metres. You’ll discover extra suspended pathways constructed into the granite cliffs on the Cliffwalk attraction and within the tree canopies on the Treetops Journey. It’s scarier than it seems, and positively performs along with your thoughts to stroll over!
I like to recommend setting apart not less than two hours to find probably the most unbelievable sights and landmarks of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Don’t overlook to carry loads of water and bug repellent!
3. Shannon Falls
The primary waterfall you’ll go to in your highway journey from Vancouver to Banff is Shannon Falls. Cascading from a peak of round 335 metres, Shannon Falls is British Columbia’s third-highest waterfall.
From the freeway, it takes simply 5 minutes to succeed in the decrease viewpoint through a wood boardwalk. When you’re feeling adventurous, you may hike to the Higher Shannon Falls Lookout to catch a glimpse of the waterfall plummeting down a collection of cliffs from a excessive vantage level.
Whilst you’re right here, you may wish to observe the 11km Sea to Summit Path, which takes you from an elevation of 35 metres close to the coast to a mountain summit that rises 885 metres into the air. Keep in mind that the Sea to Summit Path takes a mean of simply over 5 hours to finish and is taken into account to be a difficult route (the views take some time greater than worthwhile). When you’d reasonably keep away from the stroll with out lacking out on the views, you may journey the Sea to Sky Gondola.
4. Squamish
Positioned about midway between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is an enthralling city with a laid-back ambiance, making it a perfect place to spend the night time after an extended day of driving. Along with an enthralling downtown space, Squamish boasts over 200km of climbing and mountain biking trails.
Within the city of Squamish itself, there are a large of array of espresso retailers, boutiques and eating places, to not point out a variety of public artwork shows that give the city a singular look. Each Saturday, the Squamish Farmers’ Market takes over the streets of downtown close to Cleveland Avenue, supplying you with a glimpse into native life and the prospect to fill up on scrumptious contemporary fruit and baked items.
After Squamish, your subsequent cease will likely be Whistler, although you may wish to pay a go to to the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park on the way in which. Right here, you may hike a kilometre into the forst to see the Brandywine Falls, which drops from a peak of 70 metres right into a bowl-shaped gorge. In contrast to the Shannon Falls, the Brandywine Falls drops straight into the gorge reasonably than down a collection of cliffs, giving it a very putting look.
5. Whistler
Hidden within the Fitzsimmons Vary of the Coast Mountains is the beautiful city of Whistler, dwelling to one in every of North America’s largest ski resorts. Whistler has been a hotspot with snow sports activities lovers for many years, notably since internet hosting the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
The most well-liked attraction in Whistler is the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, the place skiers can refine their expertise in 16 alpine bowls and alongside over 200 marked trails. The resort additionally boasts an array of pure wonders that embody three historic glaciers. Whereas quieter over summer season, the resort’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola stays open year-round, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Whilst you’re right here, you may wish to go to the 43-metre-tall Alexander Falls, which is located about half-hour south of Whistler. The Nairn Falls Provincial Park is simply 20 minutes away. There’s additionally a simple four-kilometre climbing route that results in the Practice Wreck, which has sat within the forest since 1956.
6. Kamloops
The small city of Kamloops will not be as properly often known as Whistler, however its pleasant locals, lovely pure splendour and interesting museums make it a worthwhile cease in your highway journey from Vancouver to Banff.
A few of my favorite museums in Kamloops embody the Secwepemc Museum & Heritage Park, which is devoted to the preservation of Secwepemc tradition, and the Kamloops Museum & Archives, which dates all the way in which again to 1937.
When you favor outside actions, you may glide down the slopes of the Solar Peaks Resort on skis, a snowboard or a canine sled. I as soon as visited Solar Peaks Resort on a piece journey, it was superior!
Or, you may drive simply over an hour to the Kamloops Lake, probably the most well-known of the area’s 100+ freshwater lakes that are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
While you wish to let off some steam, observe the Kamloops Wine Path by means of the vineyards of one in every of British Columbia’s latest wine areas.
7. Revelstoke
From Kamloops, the simplest and quickest approach to proceed your highway journey from Vancouver to Banff is to observe the Trans Canada Freeway. This route takes you all the way in which to Banff, and there are many superb locations to go to alongside the way in which, such because the mountain resort metropolis of Revelstoke.
Probably the most standard summer season sights in Revelstoke is the Pipe Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered curler coaster that transports you between glades, by means of a tunnel and over quite a few ski runs. Fancy a dip in a naturally heated pool? Go to the Halcyon Sizzling Springs or the Canyon Sizzling Springs. For the most effective views of Revelstoke’s mountain peaks, take a journey on the Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Revelation Gondola, which takes you to an elevation of 5,500 toes.
Whereas it’s doable to see the highlights of Revelstoke in half a day, I’d counsel spending an evening or two right here to be able to discover the Mount Revelstoke Nationwide Park. A number of the park’s most scenic climbing trails embody the Balsam Lake Path and the Heather Lake Path. You probably have time, observe the 15-kilometre Eva Lake Path and look out for wildlife alongside the way in which.
8. Golden
For views of snow-capped peaks, speeding rapids and huge glaciers, you merely have to cease within the city of Golden in your Vancouver to Banff highway journey. Apart from climbing, sightseeing and wildlife watching, standard actions right here embody snowboarding, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Regionally often known as The Coronary heart of the Parks, Golden lies in the course of six nationwide parks, making it a nature-lover’s paradise. Within the city itself, you’ll discover a wide range of tasty eateries, quaint retailers and historic websites. There are additionally loads of vigorous bars that provide loads in the way in which of night leisure.
Of all of the scenic climbing routes in and round Golden, my favourites embody the Lake of the Hanging Glacier and the Mummery Glacier. If visiting for the wildlife, discover the Northern Lights Wolf Centre to stand up cloes and private (as moderately doable) with majestic wolves.
9. Glacier Nationwide Park
Positioned on the outskirts of Golden, the Glacier Nationwide Park is a must-visit cease in your Vancouver to Banff highway journey. Whereas I extremely suggest spending the day on this lovely park, you may absorb among the area’s most spectacular views by driving by means of the park alongside Roger’s Move, which takes you thru alpine meadows and historic cedar forests, backdropped by views of jagged peaks.
Probably the most excellent options of the Glacier Nationwide Park is the Illecillewaet Glacier, which covers an space of ten sq. miles. You possibly can truly hike proper as much as the toe of the glacier, which makes for a singular picnic spot. Close by are the ruins of Glacier Home, which was a luxurious resort in the course of the Victorian period.
10. Yoho Nationwide Park
Whereas not as standard because the nationwide parks of Jasper and Banff, the Yoho Nationwide Park is equally as beautiful. Right here, you may uncover pure wonders equivalent to Canada’s second-highest waterfall, a number of towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies and wildlife galore – you may even spot a bald eagle if you happen to’re fortunate.
Probably the most lovely sights of the Yoho Nationwide Park is the Emerald Lake, identified for its distinctive inexperienced shade. You possibly can absorb views of the lake and its surrounding peaks by following the 5.2-kilometre Emerald Lake Path. Alternatively, you may take in the park’s pure magnificence by renting a canoe.
Different standard sightseeing spots within the Yoho Nationwide Park embody the Takakkaw Falls, the Laughing Falls and the Pure Bridge, which has been carved into an enormous slat of rock over 1000’s of years by the Kicking Horse River.
11. Banff
On the ultimate day of your highway journey, you’ll full your epic drive to the small mountain city of Banff, which is located within the coronary heart of one in every of Canada’s best-known nationwide parks – the Banff Nationwide Park.
There are many beautiful sights to behold within the nationwide park, from ski resorts to scorching springs.
Within the city itself, you’ll discover high-quality diners, charming bakeries and cafes, a choice of breweries, and reward retailers promoting distinctive native arts and crafts.
Essentially the most awe-inspiringly tall peaks within the Banff Nationwide Park embody the enduring Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Mount Temple. Apart from towering summits, Banff’s pure wonders embody the turquoise-coloured Lake Louise – some of the photographed lakes in Canada – and Moraine Lake, an azure physique of water surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Whereas the Banff Nationwide Park is a mecca for hikers, those that’d favor to preserve their power can absorb superb views of the park by driving alongside the Icefields Parkway, a 144-mile-long highway that connects Lake Louise to the Jasper Nationwide Park. The Columbia Icefield is positioned alongside the Icefields Parkway. From right here, you may embark on a guided tour to the Athabasca Glacier and the Glacier Skywalk.
The place will your Vancouver to Banff highway journey take you?
As you may see, the highway journey from Vancouver to Banff is among the most epic in North America. Alongside the way in which, you’ll have the prospect to go to dozens of nationwide parks bursting with snow-capped peaks, charming cities with pleasant locals, and pure wonders starting from glaciers and waterfalls to historic forests. The drive from Vancouver to Banff may solely take 9 or so hours, however you may wish to allocate not less than every week to this highway journey so that you’ve got time to go to all of the highlights on the route.
Have we missed any iconic or lesser-known locations that deserve a go to on a highway journey from Vancouver to Banff? Let me know within the feedback beneath.
Fast record of the most effective stops on a highway journey from Vancouver to Banff
- Stanley Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- Shannon Falls
- Squamish
- Whistler
- Kamloops
- Revelstoke
- Golden
- Glacier Nationwide Park
- Yoho Nationwide Park
- Banff