Vancouver to Calgary – A Road Trip Across the Canadian Rockies

Are you on the hunt for an inspirational North American road trip vacation – then look no further than journeying through the gorgeous Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Whether you’re on a solo road trip or an adventure away with your friends and family, join us for this Canadian bucket list adventure of a lifetime. Traveling from Vancouver in British Columbia to Calgary in Alberta, we’ve created a roadmap of the incredible sights, sounds, and must-see attractions to experience along the way.

Day 1: Vancouver to Merritt

Where better to start our Canadian Rocky Mountains road trip than the panoramic lookout point of Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver, British Columbia. With sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline, the North Shore Mountains, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean behind you, Stanley Park Seawall makes the perfect launch pad after a cozy night’s sleep staying at the Best Western Plus Burnaby Hotel in Burnaby.

Jumping in the car with our route planner in hand, we set our compass for Merritt, British Columbia, on the first leg of our Canadian road trip through the Rockies. Perfectly positioned halfway to Merritt, we highly recommend stopping off first to see the Hope’s Othello Tunnels, the five former railway tunnels that have been carved through the 300-foot-deep Coquihalla Gorge.

An ideal spot to grab some lunch and stretch your legs, Hope’s Othello Tunnels also offers a spectacular, child-friendly walk that lasts about an hour with unbelievable views throughout. Then, heading up the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) towards Merritt just before dusk, be sure to enjoy your first night on the road with a great night’s sleep at Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel.

Day 2: Merritt to Kamloops

We start Day 2 off in Merritt with a stunning hike along the shoreline on the Coldwater River Trail.

This wonderful 1.3-mile stroll through the serene Nicola Valley is both pet and family friendly and makes for an excellent way to kick-start your morning before you head up to Kamloops along Highway 5A.

Continuing to marvel at Nicola Valley’s bounty of scenic locations, we definitely suggest taking a break to visit the beautiful Nicola Lake on route. Nicola Lake makes for an enchanting spot for a picnic; however, if you’re feeling adventurous, head down to the terrific team at Nicola Valley Paddle Company for a Stand‑up Paddleboarding (SUP) lesson and a sedate paddle on the water.

Fortunately, Highway 5A also happens to intersect a number of other lakes in Nicola Valley, so be sure to take advantage of the countless photo opportunities as you’re heading north to the city of Kamloops, British Columbia. Then, after an action-packed day discovering Nicola Valley’s idyllic lakes and rivers, secure a well-earned rest at the splendid Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops.

Day 3: Kamloops to Revelstoke

Before you head east along the Trans-Canada Highway (BC‑1 East), make sure you start the morning with a leisurely stroll down to Kamloops’ Riverside Park before enjoying a spot of shopping in the heart of town. However, don’t leave town without also trying the delicious lunchtime offerings at Kamloops’ favorite taproom at the impressive Bright Eye Brewing Company.

As the highway skirts along the picturesque lakes and mountainous surroundings between Kamloops and Revelstoke, one of the region’s other must-see attractions is Three Valley Gap Ghost Town. With over 25 historic buildings and the Railway Roundhouse museum gallery, Three Valley Gap Ghost Town provides visitors with an insightful glimpse at life during the Gold Rush in the late 1800s.

We end day three in the lush surrounds of the mountain town of Revelstoke in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. After a day out on the Trans-Canada Highway, make sure you get a sound night’s sleep when you book your stay at the outstanding Best Western Plus Revelstoke in Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Day 4: Revelstoke to Banff

Nothing quite beats waking up in Revelstoke than immersing yourself in the town’s breathtaking mountain scenery. Our top tip here of things to do in Revelstoke has to be to meet the brilliant crew at Apex Rafting for a morning of whitewater rafting or their sedate Columbia River Float experience.

After spending time on the river, you’ll be heading east again along the Trans-Canada Highway as you make your way towards Banff. Crossing the border from British Columbia to Alberta, this leg is the longest on our Canadian Rocky Mountains road trip, but one must-see attraction along the way has to be the magnificent Takakkaw Falls at Yoho National Park.

Located a short drive off the Trans-Canada Highway, the staggering beauty of the Takakkaw Falls is well worth detouring to come and see. Finally, as you pull into the world-famous ski resort of Banff, ensure you get a delightful night’s sleep at the marvelous Best Western Plus Banff International Lodge.

Day 5: Banff to Calgary

Our final day on our Canadian road trip through the Rocky Mountains sees you heading east again on the Trans-Canada Highway, but not before a relaxing soak in the astonishing Banff Upper Hot Springs. Here, let the hot mineral-rich waters of the natural springs soothe your body and soul as you take in the superb views of Rundle and Cascade Mountain peaks in the distance.

After a wellness-focused morning bathing in the hot springs, where better to cool off again than stopping in at MacKay’s Ice Cream in the town of Cochrane on the way to Calgary. Located in Cochrane’s Historic Downtown, the family-owned ice cream parlor has been serving an array of tasty ice cream flavors to residents and visitors alike for nearly 80 years.

As your unforgettable Canadian Rocky Mountain road trip comes to an end, our last port of call is to head to the top of the remarkable Calgary Tower to gaze westward towards Vancouver, from where the journey began. Be sure to also take in the sights and explore the vibrant city of Calgary, and end your road trip on a high by experiencing a great night’s sleep at the lovely Best Western Plus Village Park Inn in Calgary, Alberta.