If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting the open road with jaw-dropping mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildlife straight out of a nature documentary, then a Canada road trip through the west is basically your calling. Think Vancouver to Banff, through Jasper, and all the way across some of the most stunning national parks in the world. Forget boring highways—this is one of the best road trips in Canada (and probably anywhere, if we’re honest).
Ready? Let’s map out the perfect West Canada road trip route.
Why Choose a West Canada Road Trip?
Because it’s epic. Plain and simple. The Canada road trip west coast offers a little bit of everything: buzzing cities like Vancouver, mountain ranges that make your jaw drop (hello Rockies), and wide-open stretches of road where you’ll feel like the star of your own movie.
Some reasons you’ll love it:
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National parks galore – Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay are all waiting for you.
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Wildlife spotting – Bears, moose, elk… and that’s just on day one.
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Scenic drives – Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is hands-down one of the most beautiful drives on Earth.
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Adventure ready – Hike, kayak, camp, or just pull over for a thousand photo ops.
The Perfect Canada Road Trip Route (Vancouver to Banff and back)
Let’s break down a Canada road trip route that takes you from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Rockies. This is the classic Vancouver to Banff drive, with some detours you definitely don’t want to miss. Feel free to add or remove days wherever you want to spend more time!
Day 1–2: Vancouver
Start in Vancouver, one of Canada’s coolest cities. Before you even touch the road, explore Stanley Park, grab a donut from Lucky’s, and maybe cycle the seawall to get the legs moving. Stock up on road trip snacks here—you’ll need them.
Day 3: Vancouver → Kelowna (390 km, ~4.5 hrs)
Say goodbye to the coast and drive into the Okanagan Valley, Canada’s wine country. Kelowna is the perfect pitstop: wine tastings, orchards, and warm lakes to swim in. Not a bad first stretch, right?
Day 4: Kelowna → Revelstoke (200 km, ~2.5 hrs)
Revelstoke is small but mighty. This is your intro to the mountains—hike up Mt. Revelstoke National Park or try mountain biking if you’re feeling wild.
Day 5: Revelstoke → Banff (285 km, ~3.5 hrs)
The drive from Revelstoke to Banff is slightly longer, but if you didn't visit the Revelstoke National Park on your first day, it's a great stop on the way to Banff. Hike the Eva Lake Trail to try and spot bears, or drive right up to the top of Mount Revelstoke via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Many of the parks hiking trails start at the top of the mountain, but if you don't feel like hiking the drive and its stunning viewpoints is still very much worth it.
Day 6–7: Banff
And here it is: Banff. Arguably the crown jewel of Canada’s national parks. Take a couple of days to explore—canoe on Lake Louise, hike around Moraine Lake, or just wander Banff town with a maple latte in hand. Pro tip: wake up early for those iconic lake shots before the crowds (and buses) roll in.
Day 8: Banff → Jasper (via the Icefields Parkway, 290 km, ~4 hrs)
If there’s one drive you cannot skip, it’s the Icefields Parkway. Glaciers, waterfalls, endless mountains—it’s basically a screensaver come to life. Stop at Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield.
Day 9–10: Jasper
Jasper is wilder, quieter, and feels more off-the-grid than Banff. Think stargazing at Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, spotting elk in the town itself, or kayaking on Maligne Lake. It’s less polished than Banff, which makes it feel extra special.
Day 11: Jasper → Kamloops (440 km, ~5 hrs)
On your way back west, cut through the forests and valleys toward Kamloops. It’s a smaller city but a good halfway point to break up the drive.
Day 12: Kamloops → Whistler (300 km, ~4 hrs)
Whistler isn’t just for skiing—it’s a buzzing mountain town year-round. Hike, bike, or just chill in the alpine village atmosphere. Plus, the road here (Sea-to-Sky Highway) is spectacular.
Day 13: Whistler
Cruise down the Sea-to-Sky Highway back into Vancouver. Stop at Shannon Falls or Brandywine Falls on the way to stretch your legs and soak in a few last mountain views before rolling back into the city
Day 14: Whistler → Vancouver (120 km, ~2 hrs)
Cruise down the Sea-to-Sky Highway back into Vancouver. Stop at Shannon Falls or Brandywine Falls on the way to stretch your legs and soak in a few last mountain views before rolling back into the city
How Long Do You Need for a West Canada Road Trip?
The sweet spot? Take at least around 12–14 days. That gives you enough time to enjoy each stop without rushing. Technically, you could blast through Vancouver to Banff in two days, but you’d miss all the fun along the way (and that would be tragic). But, if you plan to do some serious hiking, explore the more off-grid places, you can easily make it a 3-4 week journey without getting bored of the epic landscapes.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
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Summer (June–August) – Warm, busy, and every lake looks like an Instagram filter. But book ahead—this is peak season.
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Fall (September–October) – Fewer crowds, golden larch trees, and still decent weather. A photographer’s dream.
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Winter (November–March) – Ski season. Banff and Jasper become snow globes. Driving can be tricky, so make sure you’re winter-ready.
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Spring (April–May) – Quieter, cheaper, and you’ll catch wildflowers and waterfalls at full power.
FAQs About a Canada Road Trip
Is driving in West Canada safe?
Yes—but keep your eyes peeled. Wildlife sometimes wanders onto the road, and weather can flip quickly in the mountains. Take it slow and don’t drive tired.
Can you camp along the way?
Absolutely. In fact, camping is one of the best ways to experience the parks. Book early though—spots go fast in summer.
Do you need a 4x4?
Not unless you’re going off-roading. A regular car is fine for all the routes mentioned here.
How expensive is it?
Canada isn’t the cheapest, but road tripping helps. Split fuel and camping with friends, cook some meals, and you’ll stretch your budget further.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance?
If you’re going in July or August, yes. Banff and Jasper fill up months ahead. Outside peak season, you’ve got more flexibility.
Final Thoughts: The Best Road Trips in Canada
If you want adventure, epic scenery, and the kind of memories you’ll still talk about in 20 years, a Canada road trip through the west is unbeatable. The classic Vancouver to Banff route is a must-do, but don’t be afraid to branch off and explore Jasper, Yoho, and beyond. Whether you’ve got a week or a month, the road (and the Rockies) are calling.
So grab your playlist, pack the car, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime. Canada doesn’t do things small—so why should your road trip?
Start planning your trip