Embarking on a highway journey from Vancouver to Banff? Alongside the best way, pay a go to to a number of the most fascinating locations in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies, from historic glaciers to gorgeous mountain resort cities.
The 900km drive from Vancouver to Banff is extensively heralded as probably the greatest highway journeys in North America. Whereas following the route, you’ll go 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).
Among 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 attainable to drive from Vancouver to Banff in round 9 hours, I really useful allocating not less than per week to finishing this epic highway journey. That manner, you’ll have loads of time to take in the unimaginable sights on this wonderful route.
One of the best 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 points of interest 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 take in views of the coast and the well-known Lion’s Gate Bridge.
At Brockton Level, you’ll see 9 intricately carved totem poles which were sourced from a number of the most distant areas of British Columbia. Preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife akin to coyotes, beavers and even bald eagles – Stanley Park is dwelling to over 500 animal species.
Stanley Park is unquestionably one of many coolest issues to do in Vancouver.
In case you’re in a rush in Vancouver, take a look at my information on the right way to see Vancouver in a day to profit from your journey.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Only a quick 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 identify 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 wonderful 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 appears, and undoubtedly performs along with your thoughts to stroll over!
I like to recommend setting apart not less than two hours to find probably the most unimaginable sights and landmarks of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Don’t neglect 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 by way of a picket boardwalk. In case you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can 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 need to comply with 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 median of simply over 5 hours to finish and is taken into account to be a difficult route (the views make an effort greater than worthwhile). In case you’d somewhat keep away from the stroll with out lacking out on the views, you possibly can experience the Sea to Sky Gondola.
4. Squamish
Positioned about midway between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a captivating city with a laid-back ambiance, making it a perfect place to spend the night time after an extended day of driving. Along with a captivating downtown space, Squamish boasts over 200km of mountaineering 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 spread 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 possibility to replenish on scrumptious recent fruit and baked items.
After Squamish, your subsequent cease will likely be Whistler, although you may need to pay a go to to the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park on the best way. Right here, you possibly can 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. Not like the Shannon Falls, the Brandywine Falls drops straight into the gorge somewhat 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 gorgeous city of Whistler, dwelling to one in every of North America’s largest ski resorts. Whistler has been a hotspot with snow sports activities fans for many years, significantly 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 abilities 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 time, the resort’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola stays open year-round, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Whilst you’re right here, you may need 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 mountaineering route that results in the Prepare Wreck, which has sat within the forest since 1956.
6. Kamloops
The small city of Kamloops will not be as effectively often called Whistler, however its pleasant locals, stunning pure splendour and engaging 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 best way again to 1937.
In case you favor out of doors actions, you possibly can 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 possibly can 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 need to let off some steam, comply with the Kamloops Wine Path by way of the vineyards of one in every of British Columbia’s latest wine areas.
7. Revelstoke
From Kamloops, the best and quickest solution to proceed your highway journey from Vancouver to Banff is to comply with the Trans Canada Freeway. This route takes you all the best way to Banff, and there are many wonderful locations to go to alongside the best way, such because the mountain resort metropolis of Revelstoke.
Probably the most well-liked summer time points of interest in Revelstoke is the Pipe Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered curler coaster that transports you between glades, by way 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 perfect views of Revelstoke’s mountain peaks, take a experience on the Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Revelation Gondola, which takes you to an elevation of 5,500 ft.
Whereas it’s attainable to see the highlights of Revelstoke in half a day, I’d recommend spending an evening or two right here so that you could discover the Mount Revelstoke Nationwide Park. Among the park’s most scenic mountaineering trails embody the Balsam Lake Path and the Heather Lake Path. If in case you have time, comply with the 15-kilometre Eva Lake Path and look out for wildlife alongside the best way.
8. Golden
For views of snow-capped peaks, dashing rapids and huge glaciers, you merely have to cease within the city of Golden in your Vancouver to Banff highway journey. Apart from mountaineering, sightseeing and wildlife watching, well-liked actions right here embody snowboarding, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Domestically often called The Coronary heart of the Parks, Golden lies in the midst of six nationwide parks, making it a nature-lover’s paradise. Within the city itself, you’ll discover quite a lot of tasty eateries, quaint retailers and historic websites. There are additionally loads of energetic bars that supply loads in the best way of night leisure.
Of all of the scenic mountaineering 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 fairly attainable) 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 advocate spending the day on this stunning park, you possibly can soak up a number of the area’s most spectacular views by driving by way of the park alongside Roger’s Cross, 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 really 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 throughout the Victorian period.
10. Yoho Nationwide Park
Whereas not as well-liked because the nationwide parks of Jasper and Banff, the Yoho Nationwide Park is equally as gorgeous. Right here, you possibly can uncover pure wonders akin 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 stunning sights of the Yoho Nationwide Park is the Emerald Lake, recognized for its distinctive inexperienced shade. You possibly can soak up views of the lake and its surrounding peaks by following the 5.2-kilometre Emerald Lake Path. Alternatively, you possibly can take in the park’s pure magnificence by renting a canoe.
Different well-liked 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 hundreds 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 sizzling springs.
Within the city itself, you’ll discover high quality diners, charming bakeries and cafes, a collection of breweries, and reward retailers promoting distinctive native arts and crafts.
Probably 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 – one of the crucial 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 vitality can soak up wonderful 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 possibly can 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 possibly can see, the highway journey from Vancouver to Banff is without doubt one of the most epic in North America. Alongside the best way, you’ll have the possibility 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 need to allocate not less than per week to this highway journey so that you’ve 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 perfect 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
