From the coastal mountains in Vancouver to the glaciers and turquoise lakes in Banff National Park, Western Canada is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Driving from Vancouver to Banff is one of the most epic road trips in Canada. With so many spectacular sights and stops along the way, it really is a bucket list trip.
If you’re thinking of doing your own Vancouver to Banff road trip this year, I’ve put together the ultimate travel guide. This detailed 2-day itinerary covers everything you need to plan your own adventure, including the best driving route from Vancouver to Banff and must-see stops along the way.
I’ve also included suggestions on how to extend this 2-day road trip from Vancouver to Banff in case you have more time and are looking for a longer itinerary. You’ll find recommendations on where to stay along the route and a ton of great things to do in each location.
At the end of the itinerary you’ll find a map with the driving route and all of the places in this guide. To save the map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in Google Maps.
BOOKING / If this article helps you travel, please consider booking your trip via the links on this page. This means I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep the blog running. Thank you in advance for your support – Steph
2-Day Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Vancouver to Revelstoke
(via Hope and Kamloops)
Day 2
Revelstoke to Banff
(via Golden, Emerald Lake, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake)
Planning your ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip
The best time to drive from Vancouver to Banff
Although the Canadian Rockies are magical all year round, the best time to do a road trip from Vancouver to Banff is in the summer (June to September). There are a few reasons for this:
- In the summer months, the weather is warmer and most of the roads and hiking trails are open so it’s the best time to explore the parks.
- The lakes don’t usually thaw completely until June so if you want to see the turquoise lakes you should aim to go between July and September when the colours are most vibrant.
- From mid-September to early October, the larches turn golden for a couple of weeks, lighting up the landscapes and lakes they surround.
From October to April, the Rockies are transformed into a striking winter wonderland. It’s a lovely time to visit the Rockies but weather conditions can make driving more dangerous. There are often snowstorms and avalanches which results in last-minute road closures and detours which can add hours to your journey.
I wouldn’t recommend driving from Vancouver to Banff in winter but if you do decide to, make sure you check the road conditions and ensure your car is suitable for winter driving. The Icefields Parkway is open year-round; however, you need to plan ahead as restaurants, accommodation and gas stations are closed from November to April. Snow tires are also mandatory from November to April along the Icefields Parkway.
Renting a car for your Vancouver road trip to Banff
If like me, you don’t have your own car, hiring a car can be a dreaded task. I personally use Auto Europe as it’s really easy to use. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. Click below to check prices in your home currency.
Depending on your travel plans, you could hire a car in Vancouver and drive to Banff and back. However, if you don’t want to drive both ways you could drop the car back in Calgary, and then fly back to Vancouver.
Do you need a 4×4?
If you’re planning to drive from Vancouver to Banff without any off-road detours, I would suggest saving some money by booking a 2WD instead of a 4×4. The roads are accessible and well maintained so you really don’t need a 4×4 for this trip unless you plan to go down any back country roads.
Driving to Banff from Vancouver: Practical Information
Please remember that you are visiting National Parks and there are certain precautions you need to take. Many of the places on this Vancouver to Banff drive are in the wild so make sure you are prepared.
- To visit the National Parks, you’ll need to buy a Parks Pass which contributes to the upkeep of the parks. There are ticket booths along the highway and at the park entrances. You don’t need separate passes for different parks; you can visit all the National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay) with the same pass. A day pass costs $10 CAD per person per day and is valid until 4pm on the day after purchase.
- If you’re planning a few trips around Canada over the next 12 months, it may be more cost effective to buy the annual Discovery Pass. It gives you unlimited admission to over 80 destinations across Canada and is valid for one year. It costs $72.25 for adults or $145.25 for a family or group. You can find more information on the Parks Canada website.
- Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles during your time in the park. These are guidelines to help you plan, prepare and explore the outdoors more responsibly. They include staying on the designated trails, not touching or removing any natural objects, packing out all your trash, and respecting wildlife.
Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1
It’s a long drive from Vancouver to Banff so it’s a good idea to split the drive across two days. A lot of people choose to stay in Kamloops which is just under 4 hours’ drive (354 km) from Vancouver. You could also stay at Salmon Arm (461 km) or Revelstoke (565 km).
This 2-day itinerary is based on my last road trip from Vancouver to Banff where we stayed overnight at Revelstoke. By stopping in Revelstoke, you’ll have a shorter drive the next morning. This means you’ll have more time to explore Yoho National Park and stop at the iconic sights.
Vancouver to Hope
161 km – 2 hours
The first section of this Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary will take you through the lovely Fraser Valley. Home to beautiful waterfalls, lakes and hiking trails, it’s a beautiful part of British Columbia. On this itinerary, you won’t be stopping until Hope as it’s a long drive to Revelstoke. However, if you want to spend some time exploring the area, you could choose to stay overnight in the Fraser Valley and continue to Revelstoke the next day. This is also a good place to stay if you’re leaving Vancouver later in the evening and need to stop sooner than Revelstoke.
Extending your trip: Exploring Fraser Valley
What to do if you have longer in the Fraser Valley
There is an abundance of hikes and beautiful lakes in the Fraser Valley. Chilliwack is a great base if you want to explore the area and is a great weekend getaway from Vancouver.
Lindeman Lake
Head to Lindeman Lake for a short but steep hike to a stunning turquoise lake. If you want a more challenging hike, continue on to Greendrop Lake or do the trail to Flora Peak or Goat Ridge. Other notable hikes near Chilliwack include Mount Thom, Mount Cheam and Elk Mountain.
Bridal Veil Falls
If you’re looking for a gentler hike, Bridal Veil Falls is a short drive away. The trail takes you through the forest to the iconic and beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. The waterfall was named after the way that the water cascades down the rocks, creating a ‘veil-like’ effect.
Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake is a beautiful spot for fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and swimming. There are four campgrounds as well as a large day-use area for picnics and boating. If you want to camp but like a bit of luxury, Cultus Lake is a great option as it has fantastic facilities.
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is a small town located on the southern shore of Harrison Lake. It’s home to Harrison Hot Springs Resort where you’ll find ancient mineral springs. You can stay at the resort or just go for the spa and hot mineral pools.
Where to stay in the Fraser Valley
The Royal Hotel
Located in downtown Chilliwack, this historic inn dates back to 1908. The rooms are comfortable and fitted with hardwood floors, vintage furniture and claw tubs.
The Vedder River Inn
If you want to base yourself closer to some of the outdoor activities, check out the Vedder River Inn. It’s 2 km to Chilliwack Lake Road which takes you to Chilliwack and Lindeman Lakes, and 5 km from Cultus Lake. The rooms are modern and have all the comforts you need.
HARRISON HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
For a relaxing getaway from Vancouver, consider staying at Harrison Hot Springs Resort. It’s a 28-minute drive from downtown Chilliwack and means you’ll get exclusive entrance to their deluxe hot springs pools.
Hope to Kamloops
203 km – 2 hr 25 mins
The pretty town of Hope is the gateway to British Columbia’s interior. It’s also the start of the Coquihalla Highway which runs through the mountains north to Kamloops. The drive from Hope to Kamloops is beautiful but the highway can be dangerous as it’s very exposed. The temperatures can plummet the higher you climb and the weather can change very quickly, especially in the winter when the roads can become snowy and icy. There is little road lighting along the highway so I recommend driving this section in daylight.
Othello Tunnels
Located in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, just east of Hope, the Othello Tunnels are one of Canada’s engineering marvels. They were built to complete the Kettle Valley Railway and connect the Kootenay region to the coast. Although the railway is no longer in use, the tunnels are a popular biking and hiking route, especially in the summer months. Unfortunately due to the severe storms and flooding in November 2021, the Othello Tunnels were badly damaged and are currently closed.
Merritt
Merritt is located in the beautiful Nicola Valley and is a good place to stop to stretch your legs, get some gas and pick up some snacks on the way to Revelstoke.
Extending your trip: Exploring the Okanagan
If you have an extra day or two, spend some time exploring the Okanagan. This region is home to numerous wineries, beautiful valleys and scenic lakes. Instead of continuing on to Kamloops, once you reach Merritt, take the 97C to Kelowna and Lake Country instead.
What to do in the Okanagan
Wineries
There are over 40 wineries in the area where you can taste the local wines while enjoying beautiful views. 50th Parallel Estate, Arrowleaf Cellars, Gray Monk Estate Winery and Summerhill Pyramid Winery are some of my favourites.
Lake Country
The drive from Kelowna to Vernon will take you through the quaint and rural Lake Country. The views of the three lakes (Okanagan, Wood and Kalmalka) and the rolling hills filled with vineyards and orchards are absolutely stunning.
Hiking
It may be known for its wineries, but Kelowna also has some great hikes which offer incredible views. Knox Mountain Park, Bear Creek Provincial Park and Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park have a network of hiking trails worth exploring.
Where to stay in the Okanagan
Manteo at Eldorado Resort
Located next to Rotary Beach Park, Manteo at Eldorado Resort offers beautiful beachfront accommodation. It spans 7 acres and features indoor and outdoor pools, signature restaurants and stunning valley views.
The Cove Lakeside Resort
The Cove Lakeside Resort is situated in West Kelowna just a short drive across the bridge to downtown Kelowna. It has all of the resort facilities (pools, spa, recreational activities), along with warm hospitality and is also pet-friendly.
Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa
If you’re planning a special trip and want a bit of luxury, Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa is the perfect option. It’s a health and wellness resort which overlooks the beautiful Okanagan Lake. The resort is equipped with aromatherapy steam rooms, saunas, infinity pools, hot pools, and even an indoor pool with underwater music! Wondering why it’s called ‘Sparkling Hill’? Swarovski crystals feature throughout the hotel’s design!
Kamloops to Revelstoke
212.5 km – 2 hr 33 mins
Stop in Kamloops for a cup of tea or a coffee and get gas and anything else you need before starting the last stretch of this day 1 itinerary. This section of the drive from Vancouver to Revelstoke is really pretty so you’re in for a treat. You’ll drive along the highway overlooking Little Shuswap Lake and Big Shuswap Lake, past Salmon Arm and Sicamous, through the historic Craigellachie, before arriving at Revelstoke.
Shuswap Lake
Named after the Shuswap Indians of the Great Salishan Family, Shuswap Lake is the ultimate summer destination. You can hike, camp and fish at the lake, but it’s the water sports that make this lake such a hot spot. Windsurfing, paddling and water-skiing are all available at Shuswap Lake due to its sheer size. You can also rent house-boats and take off with a group of friends for a few days.
Craigellachie
This historic spot is where the last spike was driven into the Canadian railway in 1885, finally connecting the east to the pacific west coast. The Last Spike at Craigellachie site is located along the Trans-Canada Highway 1, between Sicamous and Revelstoke. If you love rail history then make sure you stop here to learn more about the history of the railroad.
Overnight in Revelstoke
Revelstoke is nestled between the rugged Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges, close to Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks. This mountain town is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding due to its incredible snow conditions. Yet, unlike some of the larger ski towns in BC and Alberta, Revelstoke (or Revy as the locals call it) has retained its small town charm.
Due to time constraints, we only spent the night in Revelstoke to break up the drive. If you arrive early enough, explore the Giant Cedars Trail. Located just outside of Mount Revelstoke National Park, the Giant Cedars trail is a great way to stretch your legs on a Vancouver to Banff road trip. It’s a short (0.32km) and beautiful walk which takes you past giant cedar and Hemlock trees. Due to seasonal snow melt, this trail usually closes from October to May.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Quartermaster Eatery on 1st Street. They work with local producers and farmers and make everything from scratch in house. The food is wonderful and the service is warm and personal. It’s a lovely spot to relax before the start of your Canadian Rockies road trip and enjoy some craft cocktails and local beers and wines.
Extending your trip: Exploring Revelstoke
What to do if you have longer in Revelstoke
Depending on how many days you have for your road trip from Vancouver to Banff, you could stay for an extra day or two and explore the local area. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, there are so many amazing things to do in Revelstoke:
Ski or snowboard at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
There’s no doubt about it – Revelstoke is a dream destination for snowboarders and skiers. It’s one of the best ski resorts in Canada so if you’re planning a winter road trip, you’ll want to spend a couple of days at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Get lost in the Enchanted Forest
If you’re planning a Vancouver road trip to Banff with kids then this is a great place to explore! The Enchanted Forest has whimsical cottages, fairy lights and mystical woodland creature. It’s a popular spot with children and adults alike! This magical attraction is all thanks to a retired couple who decided to create a real-life fairy-tale back in the 1950s.
Hike the local trails
Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to so many gorgeous hiking trails. Upper Summit Trail and Broken Bridge Trail are both easy trails which can be done in under an hour. For a more intermediate hike, try Inspiration Woods Loop Trail, or if you want something more challenging, the 7-hour long Jade Lakes Trail offers stunning views.
Where to stay in Revelstoke
Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke
Basecamp have some incredible properties in the Canadian Rockies for adventure travellers who want a modern hotel experience. The newest addition is Basecamp Revelstoke – a lovely boutique hotel close to downtown Revelstoke. The hotel has a number of simple and clean apartments and suites, as well as two shared roof top hot tubs with gorgeous mountain views.
The Regent Hotel
The Regent Hotel is an elegant and historic landmark hotel in downtown Revelstoke. It’s one of the oldest family-owned and operated hotels in Canada and dates back to when Revelstoke was a flourishing railway town. Today, it’s got all the modern comforts you need, including a sauna, hot tub and fitness centre.
Alpine Inn & Suites
If you’re only staying in Revelstoke for one night and want to keep costs down, Alpine Inn & Suites is simple but very comfortable. It has everything you need for the night, including a fridge, microwave, kettle and good Wi-Fi. It’s also in a great location, not too far from the town but close enough to get on the highway quickly the next morning.
Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary: Day 2
Wake up early and spend the day at some of the most beautiful lakes in Yoho and Banff National Parks. You’ll start at Emerald Lake before continuing your road trip to Banff, stopping at picture-perfect Lake Louise and the iconic Moraine Lake along the way.
Revelstoke to Golden
148 km – 1 hr 45 mins
The drive from Revelstoke to Golden is absolutely beautiful and was one of my favourite parts of our road trip from Vancouver to Banff. You’ll drive through Glacier National Park and pass towering mountains and glaciers. Make sure you fill up on gas and have food and water before you leave Revelstoke as there aren’t any services until you reach Golden.
Glacier National Park
Not to be confused with America’s Glacier National Park in Montana, this is one of Canada’s first national parks. The park is home to hundreds of beautiful glaciers (hence the name), the most well-known being the Illecillewaet Glacier.
You could easily spend a couple of days hiking and exploring Glacier National Park. If you want to extend your trip and see more of the park, there are a few different campgrounds which are easily accessible from Highway 1. They’re close to many of the popular trailheads such as Hermit Trail, Bear Creek Falls, Abbot Ridge Trail and Perley Rock Trail. Due to the park’s terrain, a lot of these hikes are steep and quite challenging. You can find all of the up to date trail information on All Trails.
Rogers Pass National Historic Site
Rogers Pass is another notable spot along the way to Golden. In 1881, the Canadian Pacific Railway was established to connect eastern and western Canada. It was a difficult task and required extensive engineering to construct a railway through the numerous mountain ranges which were prone to heavy snows and avalanches.
One of the most difficult areas for the engineers was the Selkirks. Major A.B. Rogers was an American railway engineer who managed to find a way through these mountains and by doing so, overcame one of the last obstacles facing the railway. If you’re interested in the history of the railroad and have time, pop into the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre where you can learn more about the significance of Rogers Pass.
Golden
Golden is surrounded by six of Canada’s most beautiful national parks; Yoho, Glacier, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Mount Revelstoke. The Golden Skybridge is Golden’s newest attraction. It opened in May 2021 and is already a popular stop for anyone driving from Vancouver to Banff. At 426 feet above the canyon, it’s Canada’s highest suspension bridge and offers breath-taking views of the Rocky and Purcell mountain ranges.
There are actually two bridges – the Lower Skybridge and the Upper Skybridge – as well as a treetop play area for kids, a canyon challenge course, and a thrilling zip line. Golden Skybridge is open from May to October and is a great place to stop on this road trip if you aren’t scared of heights!
Golden to Yoho National Park
64.9 km – 52 mins
Continue along highway 1 to the next stop on your Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary – Yoho National Park. Named after a Cree word meaning “wonder and awe”, Yoho National Park is just that. It’s a dramatic wilderness full of rock walls, waterfalls and towering mountain peaks.
Spend the morning at the park’s most famous spot, Emerald Lake. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain, Emerald Lake truly lives up to its name.
Discovered back in 1882 during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the lake was named after its emerald-coloured water. Emerald Lake is the largest of the 61 lakes in Yoho National Park and is a wonderful place to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. If you have time, there is an easy 5.2 km walking loop around the lake’s shoreline that offers some gorgeous views.
Emerald Lake’s water is most vibrant in early summer due to the high amount of glacial silt that flows into the lake from the surrounding mountains. The lake is situated high up in the mountains so it tends to freeze in November and doesn’t thaw until early June.
Extending your trip: Exploring Yoho National Park
What to do if you have longer in Yoho National Park
There are so many wonderful things to see in Yoho National Park that it’s worth adding an extra day onto your Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary if you can. That way you can stay overnight and explore more of Yoho National Park.
Field
The village of Field is the only community inside of the park. It’s also where you’ll find the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre. Pop into the Visitor Centre to check on the latest trail conditions and get an overview of the park. It can be tempting to skip this when you don’t have a lot of time, but the staff are very knowledgeable and can help you plan your day based on the weather and trail closures.
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is a lovely natural rock formation close to Emerald Lake which sits on the Kicking Horse River. The bridge formed slowly over time as the water carved away the softer stone at the bottom of the waterfall. Today, the water flows through the bottom instead of over the top rocks, creating a ‘bridge’. There is a great viewing platform where you can see the bridge and get some photos.
Wapta Falls
There is no shortage of waterfalls in Yoho National Park! Wapta Falls is the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River at 30 metres high and 150 metres wide. You can easily access the waterfall via a short and easy 2.4 km (1.5 mile) forest trail.
Takakkaw Falls
Wapta Falls may be the largest waterfall in Yoho National park but Takakkaw Falls is the tallest. In fact, at 384 metres tall, it’s one of the highest in Canada. The word ‘Takkakaw’ is from the Cree language and means ‘wonderful’ or ‘magnificent’. If you have time to visit the falls, you’ll see why it got its name! To get to the falls, walk along the short and accessible trail from the parking lot and you’ll soon reach the waterfall.
Where to stay in Yoho National Park
Emerald Lake Lodge
Located on a private island on Emerald Lake, the lodge is the perfect mix of luxury and nature. There is limited cell phone service so if you’re looking for a place to disconnect then Emerald Lake Lodge is the place to stay. The rooms are located in cabin style buildings and have their own balconies or patios where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, Cathedral Mountain Lodge is a dreamy place to stay. It’s located in the Kicking Horse River Valley and is surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains so you literally have nature on your doorstep! The cabins have stone fireplaces and a rustic ambiance. Breakfast is included and you can also enjoy the complimentary canoes.
Canadian Rockies Inn
The Canadian Rockies Inn is another lovely place to stay. Located in Field, it’s an adults-only property with affordable rooms in a cozy cabin. The property has a king suite, deluxe king room and a 2-bedroom suite.
Yoho National Park to Lake Louise
37.1 km – 32 minutes
Once you’ve finished exploring Yoho National Park, it’s time to head to Lake Louise. If you’re planning to do all of the ‘day 2’ stops in one day like we did, aim to leave Yoho National Park by 12pm. Although it’s only a short drive to Lake Louise, you want to leave plenty of time to explore.
With a soaring mountain backdrop, brilliant turquoise water, and the impressive Chateau Lake Louise perched on the shore, Lake Louise is an iconic destination. There are so many things to do at Lake Louise. You can simply relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lakeshore, or if you have time, you can explore some of the hiking trails in the area. On this 2-day Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary, squeezing in a hike may be tight but you can walk around the lake and even rent a canoe from Lake Louise Boathouse. I’d also suggest wandering into Chateau Lake Louise for afternoon tea in the Fairview Restaurant or for a cocktail at Alpine Social.
Extending you trip: Exploring Lake Louise
What to do if you have longer at Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a destination in itself so a lot of people like to add on an extra day to their road trip and stay overnight. Here are a few lovely things to do if you have the additional day at Lake Louise:
Fairview Lookout (2 km round trip)
This is a short, uphill hike (100 metres elevation) which takes you to a unique viewpoint looking down over the lake and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Lake Agnes Teahouse (6.8 km round trip)
This trail leads to a quaint, European-style tea house which overlooks the pretty Lake Agnes. From here, you can continue on to Little Beehive and Big Beehive which offer stunning panoramic views of Lake Louise and the Bow Valley.
Plain of Six Glaciers (10.6 km round trip)
This is a more moderate/ difficult trail which takes you up past a lovely tea house to the back of the valley where you’ll get stunning glacier views. Please be aware that the area has a high concentration of bears so it is always best to check with the tourist office before setting off on any trails.
Where to stay in Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Offering panoramic views of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in the Canadian Rockies. It truly is the place to unwind and indulge. Take advantage of the tranquil spa facilities, heated indoor pool and the numerous elegant dining venues.
Lake Louise Inn
Located in the village of Lake Louise (a 10 minute drive from the lake), this is a great option if you’re staying overnight. Lake Louise Inn has a lovely indoor heated pool, hot tubs and two great on-site restaurants. The rooms are located in cabin-style blocks and have beautiful views of the mountains. You can choose from a range of hotel rooms, suites and condos with full kitchens.
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre
HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre is a great affordable option if you wish to spend some time in Lake Louise. It’s not your typical hostel either – it has a sauna, library, café and a cozy fireplace to warm up after a busy day outside. The hostel has a mix of dormitories, double rooms and family rooms.
Lake Louise to Moraine Lake
14.3 km – 1 hour
Moraine Lake is the last lake of the day, and is one of my favourite lakes on this Vancouver to Banff road trip. Known for its vivid turquoise blue water, the lake is surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks and was once immortalised on Canadian twenty-dollar bills.
Located high in the mountains, the lake often remains frozen until late May or June. Moraine Lake Road is generally open from late May/ early June to mid-October depending on the weather conditions. The car park is quite small so there is traffic control measures in place which means you might not always be allowed down the road. If you plan to go for sunrise or sunset leave plenty of time to get down the road.
There is plenty to see and do at Moraine Lake. You can take a stroll along the shoreline, hike one of the beautiful trails, and even go canoeing. Moraine Lake Lodge offers canoe rentals from mid-June to mid-September which allows visitors to paddle around the lake.
Moraine Lake to Banff
71.6 km – 1 hr 42 mins
After watching the sun set at Moraine Lake, get back in the car and drive to Banff. It’s a lovely drive with all the mountain ranges on either side and usually takes just under 2 hours.
Once you arrive in Banff, check into your hotel and head down Banff Avenue for dinner. There are lots of great restaurants to choose from but a few of my favourites are Eddie’s Burger, Park Distillery and Pacini (located in Moose Hotel & Suites).
There is so much to see in Banff but here are a just a few ideas to add to your Banff itinerary:
Explore the local trails
There are lots of lovely walking trails which start from the town. Bow River Trail and Hoodoos Trail are two short and relatively easy trails.
Shop on Banff Avenue
There are some lovely gift shops and local craft stores on Banff Avenue. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s nice just to walk along the avenue and soak in the atmosphere. If you don’t mind getting up early for sunrise, you can get some stunning shots of an empty Banff Avenue with Cascade Mountain in the background.
Visit Vermillion Lakes
This network of expansive lakes is a lovely spot for a picnic. There are lots of benches and docks where you can enjoy the views and maybe even spot some local wildlife.
If you’re looking for more ideas and inspiration for your trip to Banff, I’ve written a detailed guide to Banff. It’s a 4-day itinerary but you can easily modify it depending on how long you plan to stay in Banff.
Where to stay in Banff
Moose Hotel & Suites
Moose Hotel & Suites is located on Banff Avenue, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the heart of downtown. The rooms have beautiful views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and they even have rooftop hot pools with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.
BANFF CARIBOU LODGE
If you want to stay in the heart of Banff, this mountain lodge is a great choice. Located on Banff Avenue, Banff Caribou Lodge is only a 10 minute walk to all the shops and restaurants. It’s a beautiful hotel with a hot pool, steam room and a gym. I’ve stayed here three times over the past 2 years so I think that’s a testament to the hotel and staff!
A GOOD NITE’S REST B&B
A Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast is a family run Bed & Breakfast located on Marten Street just behind Banff Avenue. It is very homely and managed by a lovely family who go above and beyond to make your stay as memorable as possible. Wifi and breakfast are included and the rooms are very comfortable which we needed after a busy day hiking!
Vancouver to Banff ROAD TRIP LOCATIONS
I’ve mapped out the best driving route from Vancouver to Banff, along with all of the stops mentioned in this itinerary to help you plan your own trip. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title so you can use it to plan your own itinerary.
Driving from Vancouver to Banff: Final Thoughts
The drive from Vancouver to Banff truly is spectacular. You’ll pass through some of British Columbia’s most dramatic scenery and there are plenty of scenic stops along the way. Although this is just a 2-day itinerary, you can easily extend your trip and spend some time in the Fraser Valley, Okanagan region and Revelstoke on your way to Banff.
I hope this Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary helps you plan your own adventure. As always if you have any further questions, please let me know in the comments below. If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure you pin it to Pinterest so you can read it again later as there’s a lot of information here!
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vancouver and Banff, check out the following guides:
- The prettiest Instagram spots in Vancouver
- A guide to Banff National Park
- Where to find the best photo spots in Banff National Park
Love from Steph
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