Road Trip From Calgary to Vancouver: Your Driving Itinerary
The road trip from Calgary to Vancouver is a beautiful drive through some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes. Most of your drive is through the Canadian Rockies and to be honest, is truly a unique experience with stunning views. It’s something that every person needs to do at least once in their life.
I recently did this road trip, as we headed to Mayne Island, so I’m providing this itinerary so you can plan your Calgary to Vancouver road trip and follow the best scenic route with unforgettable stops along the way.
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How long does it take to drive from Calgary to Vancouver?
Without any long stops or traffic delays, expect your Calgary-Vancouver road trip to be approximately 11-12 hours. If you want to do the drive straight through – you can do so! We made it from Calgary to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal (south of Richmond) in 14 hours – but that included 2 – 2.5 hours of stops along the way.
You can choose to break up your drive and stop and enjoy these places along the way, or do the drive straight through. It all depends on what your plans are for your road trip to Vancouver.
Note: All distances and times listed are as accurate as possible. Be prepared that there is a good chance that you may encounter traffic or construction along your drive. Ensure you factor this into your full travel time.
Leaving from Calgary
Driving from Calgary to Vancouver, you’ll be covering a driving distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers. The journey begins in Calgary, Alberta where you can stock up on essentials before hitting the road. This road trip from Calgary to Vancouver is long, so ensure you are prepared. I created this road trip packing list for my trip to Wyoming, but feel free to download it and use it for this trip!
Calgary to Banff
Distance: 127 kilometers
Driving Time: 1.5 hours
The first leg of your Calgary to Vancouver road trip itinerary takes you to west along Highway 1 to Banff. As you leave Calgary, the highway quickly gives way to the rolling foothills and eventually the Canadian Rocky Mountains. If you are planning any stops on your road trip, you must get a national parks pass to visit any of the National Parks on the way.
During the first part of your trip, you may want to stop in the charming mountain town of Canmore, located just before you enter Banff National Park. Canmore is right off the highway so it is easy access for a quick coffee stop. If not, keep driving through.
Stopping in Banff is always a must-visit destination if time allows. If you can factor it into your trip, plan to spend at least one day in Banff, as there is lots to see and do in this iconic town.
Banff to Lake Louise
Distance: 58 kilometers
Driving Time: 45 minutes
Continue your drive from Calgary to Vancouver by heading to Lake Louise. Known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is a highlight of your trip if you choose to stop. However, if you plan to factor in a stop at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you must plan accordingly as the lakes are closed to personal vehicles year round.
Lake Louise to Golden
Distance: 85 kilometers
Driving Time: 1 hour
Passing Lake Louise, you continue on Highway 1 and cross into British Columbia and enter Yoho National Park. I highly recommend stopping at Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, which is worth the detour off the highway. The drive to the waterfalls is beautiful and the short walk is a great way to take a washroom break and stretch your legs.
Once done, continue on the highway to Golden to stop for gas and grab a bite at Bacchus Cafe, Four Points Books. This was a hidden gem we found just off the highway and every time we go to BC we always stop here now. The drinks and food are amazing. You may have to wait a few minutes for your order, but there’s lots of books to check out while you wait.
TIP: Buy one of their amazing sandwiches, as it can cover you for two meals while you continue your road trip to Vancouver.
Depending on your vehicle, you may be okay to not get gas in Golden and keep driving to Revelstoke. We were driving an SUV, so we were able to get gas in Revelstoke. This ensured we didn’t have to stop for gas again until we got to Abbotsford.
Golden to Revelstoke
Distance: 148 kilometers
Driving Time: 1.5 hours
From Golden, your road trip from Calgary to Vancouver continues through Glacier National Park and Rogers Pass. As you drive along the highway, you will see many turnouts to rest areas and short hikes, if you want to explore more. If you are just learning to hike, these are great little trails to break up your drive and if your furry child is joining you, the stops give them some exercise as well.
I recommend checking out the Hemlock Boardwalk in Glacier National Park. A bit further down the highway is also Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Mount Revelstoke National Park which is also another short hike you can explore.
If you choose not to do any of these stops, you can keep driving through to Revelstoke for a gas stop or keep going.
Revelstoke to Sicamous
Distance: 70 kilometers
Driving Time: 1 hour
The drive from Revelstoke to Sicamous is quite scenic as you slowly start to leave the mountains. A short drive from Revelstoke brings you to Sicamous. Known as the houseboat capital of Canada, it’s a fun place to explore if you have the time. The one place you MUST stop is D Dutchmen Dairy. Every time I have ever drive to BC, I always stop for ice cream. Be prepared that if it’s a peak time in the summer, you will have to wait in line. But I promise it is worth it!
Sicamous to Kamloops
Distance: 106 kilometers
Driving Time: 1.25 hours
Driving from Calgary to Vancouver, you will continue along Highway 1 to Kamloops. If there’s anything you need to buy, you could stop here and stretch your legs. However, you should be okay with fuel, but you know your vehicle, so you can decide if you need to refuel or not.
Kamloops to Hope via the Coquihalla
Distance: 204 kilometers
Driving Time: 2 hours
Once you enter Kamloops, this is where you need to pay attention, as your best option is to get off Highway 1 and take Highway 5 which becomes the Coquihalla Highway. If you stay on Highway 1, though very scenic, it will add an additional 1.2 hours to your drive.
Driving the Coquihalla Highway is an adventure itself. It is known for its high speeds and beautiful scenery. It gradually works its way up to 120 km/hour. This was my first time driving it and it was a treat!
Hope to Vancouver Area
Distance: 154 kilometers
Driving Time: 1.5 hours
The final leg of your Calgary to Vancouver road trip takes you through the Fraser Valley and into many of the bustling areas of Vancouver. I highly recommend that on your way through Abbotsford, you stop and refuel your vehicle. Abbotsford has lower gas prices mainly because they do not have the Translink tax that Vancouver has, and also due to its competitive location close to the US border.
This last section of your trip will vary depending on where your final destination is. Your best option is to reset your google maps as soon as you are in Hope (with WiFi signal) to take you to the address of your destination in Vancouver. With so many things to do in Vancouver, you can now take a rest before starting to explore the area.
Tips for Driving From Calgary to Vancouver
Road Trip Essentials
Before you embark on your Calgary to Vancouver itinerary, make sure you have these essentials:
Download your FREE complete packing list now to start preparing for your road trip
Final Tips For A Successful Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip Itinerary
A road trip from Calgary to Vancouver is a perfect blend of nature and adventure through some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes. Each leg of the drive from Calgary to Vancouver offers an experience in itself, making it one of the best road trips you can take. Enjoy the journey and the beautiful things you see along the way.
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