Road Trip Across British Columbia & Alberta: Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper & Banff - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver (British Columbia), Self-Guided Tour of the City

Welcome to Vancouver! This bustling coastal city is fringed by the Pacific Ocean and backed by the Coastal Mountains. Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your downtown accommodation. When you're ready, head out on a self-guided tour. A good introduction to the city is Granville Island, which you can access by driving or taking a scenic ferry ride across False Creek. Stroll the Granville Island Public Market to browse the stalls filled with gourmet delicacies such as local cheeses, freshly baked goods, and artisanal chocolates.

Explore the island's thriving art scene next and browse the galleries and studios that showcase everything from pottery and glassblowing to painting and jewelry. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade dotted with outdoor patios and street performers, then rent a kayak to paddle along the creek and admire the city's skyline. In the evening, eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the water or head to Gastown, the city's historic district. Grab a bite to eat at one of the trendy restaurants, and don't forget to stop at the Gastown Steam Clock, which chimes every 15 minutes.

Day 2: Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Explore Chinatown

Start your day with a guided visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you'll find incredible rainforest and treetop trails just a 15-minute drive outside the city. Your journey starts with the 450-foot (137 m) long suspension bridge above the Capilano River. After conquering the bridge, the park has an array of walking trails, treetop adventures, and interactive exhibits that showcase the region's flora, fauna, and First Nations culture. Don't miss the Cliffwalk, a series of cantilevered walkways clinging to the granite cliffside.

Traverse a maze of narrow bridges, staircases, and platforms and enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest and canyon. You can even catch glimpses of the river below through the sections of glass flooring. Afterward, return to the city, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Head to Chinatown, one of the largest in North America, to wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese shops and stroll the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. You'll also find plenty of great eateries here for a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Drive to Whistler via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Free Afternoon

Today, you'll hit the road for a two-hour drive to Whistler, home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Though the city is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain, it offers year-round adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain biking, hiking, and ziplining. Drive along Highway 99, better known as the "Sea-to-Sky Highway," as the road takes you from the Pacific Coast to towering alpine heights.

If you want to stop en route, consider Stawamus Chief Mountain or Shannon Falls Provincial Park for a hike or Squamish to ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola. Arrive in Whistler and relax at your hotel, or book into the Scandinave Spa. Afterward, stroll the pedestrian-only Whistler Village and settle in at one of the local restaurants for a bite to eat. 

Day 4: Free Day in Whistler, Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Enjoy a free day to explore Whistler at your own place. A good place to start is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest unsupported cable car span in the world. Aptly named, the gondola connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, so you can choose to depart at either peak. Glide 2.7 miles (4.4 km) across the sky, looking out at snowcapped peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows. If you want to take advantage of the snow in winter, the Blackcomb terminal is best for skiing or snowboarding.

If you're visiting in summer and want to go hiking, end at the Whistler Mountain terminal to access trails such as High Note Trail or the Harmony Lake Loop. From here, you can also walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge, one of the world's highest and longest suspension bridges at 1,427 feet (436 m). 

Day 5: Drive to Kamloops, Follow the Scenic Kamloops Wine Trail

Explore more of the Sea to Sky Highway today as you set off on a five-hour drive to Kamloops, a charming city that sits at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. On the way, stop at the lovely town of Pemberton, home to three iconic provincial parks: Joffre Lakes, Birkenhead Lake, and Nairn Falls. After a stretch of the legs, continue northward, where you'll pass through the scenic Duffy Lake Provincial Park. Pause for a picnic beside the tranquil waters of Duffy Lake or go on a scenic hike down one of the park's many trails. 

As you near Kamloops, you'll be greeted by rolling hills, rugged canyons, and tranquil rivers. Freshen up at your hotel, then explore the city at your own pace. The area is renowned for its wine, and a drive along the Kamloops Wine Trail will reward you with lush vineyards and award-winning wineries. Sample delicious wines made from locally grown grapes, including aromatic whites, robust reds, and crisp rosés, while enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the evening, return to the city for dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the river. 

Day 6: Explore Kamloops, Mara Canyon Trail, Lac Du Bois Grasslands 

Lace up your hiking boots this morning and follow the Mara Canyon Trail through the dramatic canyon carved over millions of years by the waters of the South Thompson River. Traverse the rugged terrain in search of geological formations like towering hoodoos formed by a volcanic eruption 50 million years ago. On the way, you may spot wildlife like deer grazing in the meadows or birds of prey soaring overhead.

If the moderate 2-3 hour hike isn't for you, visit the Lac Du Bois Grasslands Protected Area instead. You'll find several trails to choose from and may be fortunate enough to spy black bears, coyotes, or mountain lions in the grasslands. Bird spotting is a given, and the area is home to species like meadowlarks, Western bluebirds, and red-tailed hawks. Those who want to skip hiking altogether can spend a day fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding on one of the many lakes and rivers in the region, including Kamloops Lake and Shuswap Lake.

Day 7: Drive to Jasper (Alberta) via Yellowhead Highway, Relax in the Miette Hot Springs

Bid farewell to British Columbia as you set off on a five-hour drive to Jasper, a charming town nestled in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Drive through picturesque valleys and towering mountain ranges along the scenic Highway 5, also known as Yellowhead Highway. There are plenty of great places to stop en route, such as Valemount, where you can enjoy lunch with a view, or the nearby Mount Robson Provincial Park to see the highest peak in the Rockies. Go for a short hike down one of the many trails to spot glacial lakes, ancient forests, and alpine meadows.

Complete the drive to your Jasper accommodation, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. If you want to unwind after the long drive, head to the Miette Hot Springs in the east end of Jasper National Park. Soak in the hot, mineral-rich waters surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. In the evening, return to town and stroll along Connaught Drive to discover several excellent dinner options, from casual diners to upscale bistros. If you haven't tried poutine yet, Canada's national dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, now's a good time.

Day 8: Maligne Lake Cruise, Self-Guided Tour of the Jasper National Park

Start your day with a cruise across Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, stretching over 13.7 miles (22 km). On board, glide past towering peaks, including the iconic Mount Edith Cavell, the snowcapped Queen Elizabeth Ranges, and Spirit Island, a picturesque islet adorned with dense pine forests. Disembark and follow the short path around the islet to different observation decks for panoramic views of the glacial lake and towering peaks. After 1.5 hours on the water, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

You'll find plenty of hiking options in Jasper National Park: from leisurely strolls along tranquil lakes to challenging ascents up rugged mountain peaks, there's a trail suited to every skill level, and you may spot elk, moose, or even bears. In the evening, you could go to the Jasper Planetarium for a self-guided tour and telescope experience. Start by learning about local constellations, the northern lights, and the Milky Way before heading outside to look through the largest, most powerful telescopes in the Rockies.

Day 9: Drive to Banff via Columbia Icefield Excursion, Ride the Banff Gondola

This morning, you head to your final Canadian destination, Banff, a wonderfully scenic town in the heart of the Rockies. On the 3.5-hour drive, stop at the Columbia Icefield for a guided excursion across the 10,000-year-old sheet of ice—a great option if you visit between May and October before it gets too snowy. Board the Ice Explorer, a massive all-terrain vehicle, and learn about the history and geological forces that shaped this frozen landscape. You'll have the opportunity to step foot onto the glacier's surface to take pictures and admire the frozen wonderland.

After the tour, continue to your hotel, where you can freshen up before riding the Banff Gondola. Ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, and you'll be treated to panoramic views of towering mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, and sparkling glacial lakes. At the summit, visit the Interpretive Centre to learn about the area's natural history and geology. Go for a stroll around the surrounding boardwalks or scenic trails for sweeping views, or grab a bite to eat at the mountaintop restaurant's outdoor patio.

Day 10: Guided Tour of Banff, Sunsets & Stars Evening Walking Tour

Your penultimate day in Canada starts with a five-hour tour of Banff's landmarks, starting at the Fairmont Banff Springs. This UNESCO-listed hotel was designed to resemble a Scottish baronial castle. Admire the hotel's turrets, stone walls, and commanding hilltop presence before continuing to Bow Falls, where the mighty Bow River cascades over rugged rocks. Your next stop is the Surprise Corner Viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of lush forests, the azure river, and the castle hotel you visited earlier.

End the tour at the glacial Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Go on a leisurely walk along the shoreline or book a boat tour to explore the lake's hidden coves. In the evening, join a sunset and stars walking tour within the national park. See the sun dip below the horizon, transforming the sky into hues of orange, pink, and gold, then follow your guide down the trails lit only by your headlamps and look out for nocturnal creatures like owls, coyotes, and foxes. Don't forget to look up to see the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights.

Day 11: Drive to Calgary, Depart

Your road trip draws to a close today. After a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute sightseeing in Banff, make the two-hour drive to the airport in Calgary. Along the route, enjoy scenic views of towering mountains, pristine lakes, and dense pine forests. Depending on your flight time, you could stop in Canmore to see the Three Sisters Mountains towering over the town and enjoy lunch with a view. Arrive at the airport, and you'll drop off your rental car and head inside for your flight home. Safe travels!