Are you ready for an epic road trip from Calgary to Vancouver through some of the most stunning landscapes in Western Canada? Here is our detailed Calgary to Vancouver road trip itinerary.
With almost 1000 km between Calgary and Vancouver, I recommend splitting the drive into at least two days when traveling with kids. But to really soak in the incredible scenery and attractions along the way, four days is the perfect time for this Calgary to Vancouver road trip.
You’ll see some incredible places from the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park to the quirky charm of the Enchanted Forest in Revelstoke. You’ll also get to explore the Gold Rush trail, go glamping in the Fraser Canyon, and even walk across a historic suspension bridge.
In this post, I’ll share our detailed 4-day itinerary to help you easily plan your Calgary to Vancouver road trip. The itinerary breaks up the long drive into manageable segments, allowing time to explore natural wonders, charming towns, and unique attractions along the way.
We did this drive many times over the past years. The first time was during our first cross-Canada road trip back in 2020.
💡 Note that a stop in Banff National Park isn’t included in this itinerary, the first stop being Golden, BC. So, if you want to explore Banff before heading to Vancouver, check out this 2-Day Banff itinerary.
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Calgary to Vancouver Itinerary Highlights
3 Valley Gap Ghost Town
Step back in time at the 3 Valley Gap Ghost Town. You can explore over 25 historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. This reconstructed pioneer town offers a glimpse into life during Canada’s frontier days. There is a blacksmith shop, a general store, and even a jailhouse. My kids loved discovering the old train cars and imagining life as pioneers.
Glamping at REO Rafting
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and comfort with glamping at REO Rafting. Nestled by the Nahatlatch river, the cozy canvas cabins offer stunning views and the soothing sound of rushing water. Each cabin has comfy beds and a private deck, making it a relaxing retreat after a day of outdoor fun. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort!
Bridal Veil Trail Park
Bridal Veil Falls Park is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs and take in stunning natural scenery. It’s a short and easy hike to the base of the falls. It’s a 1.0-km (0.6-mile) loop and is perfect for families. The view of the cascading 60-meter waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a quick and rewarding stop for nature lovers and a great way to break up a road trip!
📖 TL;DR? Here’s a recap of a 4-day road trip from Calgary to Vancouver
Day 1 takes you from Calgary to Golden (265 km), with stops to explore Yoho National Park’s Emerald Lake and Wapta Falls before ending in Golden.
On Day 2, you’ll drive from Golden to Salmon Arm (250 km), walking the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail and visiting the Three Valley Gap Ghost Town and Enchanted Forest en route.
Day 3 covers 318 km from Salmon Arm to Fraser Canyon, following the historic Gold Rush trail and concluding with a night of glamping.
The final day involves a 216 km drive through the Fraser Canyon to Vancouver, with stops at Hell’s Gate Airtram and other scenic points before reaching the vibrant coastal city.
Driving from Calgary to Vancouver Itinerary
Note that a stop in Banff National Park isn’t included in this itinerary, the first stop being Golden, BC. So, if you want to explore Banff before heading to Vancouver, check out this 3-Day Banff itinerary.
If you have a day or two to explore Calgary before heading west, here is what I recommend:
- Visit the Calgary Public Library in downtown Calgary. The architecture is amazing and there is a huge kids’ section.
- Enjoy the Olympic Plaza (You can ice skate in the winter)
- Walk on Stephen Avenue, do some shopping. Don’t miss the Devonian Gardens at the CORE Shopping Center.
- Find the Calgary Sign on Calgary’s +15 Skywalk at the Calgary TELUS Convention Center.
- Take the free C-Train to explore a bit more of downtown Calgary.
- Climb up the Calgary Tower.
Day 1: Calgary to Golden
🚗Driving Distance: 265 km (164 miles)
The first day takes you from Calgary to Golden. The drive is scenic, with the Rocky Mountains in full view. It’s the perfect start to your adventure.
You’ll drive through Canmore and Kananaskis Country and Banff National Park.
Your first big stop is Yoho National Park. Here, you can’t miss:
- Emerald Lake with its bright blue-green water. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch. It can be busy and parking may be full.
- Natural Bridge, a fascinating rock formation carved by the powerful Kicking Horse River, offers excellent photo opportunities.
- Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, stands at 373 meters tall. This stop is a must-see when exploring Yoho National Park, but note that the road closes in mid-October.
- Wapta Falls, is an easy hike that’s good for kids, and the waterfall is super impressive. It’s a 4.8-km out-and-back hiking trail.
End your day in Golden. Take a stroll downtown to stretch your legs after the drive. There are some cute shops and yummy restaurants to try out.
If you have an extra day or two in Golden:
- Spend a Day at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Don’t miss a visit to the Grizzly Bear Refuge.
- Get a Dose of Adrenaline at Golden Skybridge
- Discover the British Columbia’s wetlands at Columbia Wetlands Outpost
Day 2: Golden to Salmon Arm
🚗Driving Distance: 250 km
Begin your day exploring a bit of Glacier National Park (not the USA Glacier National Park in Montana) and Mount Revelstoke National Park:
- Hemlock Grove Boardwalk in Glacier National Park. This short 0.3-km accessible trail winds through a lush forest filled with hemlocks and ferns.
- Giant Cedars Boardwalk in Mount Revelstoke National Park. This short, easy trail takes you through an ancient forest of centuries-old giant cedar trees.
- Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Don’t worry – it doesn’t actually smell bad! This short, easy trail is great for spotting birds and other wildlife.
As you drive towards Revelstoke, you can stop to explore the quaint town and then make a stop at one of the following attractions:
- Revelstoke Railway Museum. Discover the rich history of Canada’s railways with vintage locomotives to interactive exhibits.
- Three Valley Gap Ghost Town. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, with old buildings and artifacts to explore. We visited in the summer and it was really cool. And a lot bigger than what it looks like from the outside.
- Enchanted Forest. It’s filled with over 350 handcrafted fairy tale figurines and structures from fairytales. There is also a 50-foot-tall treehouse—the tallest in British Columbia.
Finish your day in Salmon Arm:
- Take a walk downtown and along the waterfront and on the longest curved inland wharf in North America.
- Have dinner at the Night Café.
Day 3: Salmon Arm to Fraser Canyon
🚗Driving Distance: 335 km (208 miles)
Today you’ll follow Highway 1 and the Gold Rush trail. This route is full of history and beautiful views. Plan a full day for the drive.
💡 Note: For this itinerary, I suggest taking the Trans-Canada Highway the entire time, from Kamloops to Fraser Canyon, instead of driving on the Coquihalla Highway. It’s a bit longer but a much more scenic route. Another alternative would be to make a detour to Kelowna to enjoy the Okanagan Valley for a few days.
- Stop at Deadman Junction Ranch to see some real cowboys. It’s a replica of an Old West town. The ranch features structures such as a saloon, trading post, jail, and undertaker’s shop, all reflecting the late 1800s era. It doesn’t feel like you’re in Canada.
- Visit Ashcroft, Canada’s Only True Desert. Ashcroft is recognized as the only true desert in Canada, based on annual rainfall and water evaporation.
End your day with a unique stay at REO Rafting, where you can go glamping right by the river. It’s a fun adventure for the whole family! If you have an extra, book for a 2-night stay.
Day 4: Fraser Canyon to Vancouver
🚗 Driving Distance: 216 km (134 miles)
There’s a lot to explore before you reach Vancouver. Your last day of driving takes you through the amazing and dramatic Fraser Canyon:
- Ride the Hell’s Gate Airtram: It takes you across the Fraser River. At the bottom, you’ll find a suspension bridge, gold-panning activities, and a small museum. It’s exciting and educational for kids.
- Walk on the Alexandra Suspension Bridge: It’s an easy hike to reach this historic bridge, and the views are stunning.
- Visit the Yale Historic Site, an old gold rush town with a church and small museum. It’s a great place to learn about British Columbia’s history.
Before you hit the big city, make a final stop at Bridal Veil Falls Park. It’s a short and easy hike to the base of the falls. It’s a 1.0-km (0.6-mile) loop through the rain forest. The view of the cascading 60-meter waterfall is absolutely breathtaking.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Vancouver. The city is full of family-friendly attractions, like Stanley Park and Science World. Take some time to relax and enjoy this vibrant destination.
Bonus: Enjoy Vancouver (Ideally for 3 Days)
You made it! Vancouver is full of fun things to do for families. From Stanley Park to Granville Island, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone happy. Here is an example of what to do for a 3-day stay in Vancouver:
- Day 1: Waterfront, Gastown, and Stanley Park: Explore the Waterfront district; visit the Vancouver Convention Center to see the Digital Orca sculpture and enjoy harbor views. Stroll to Gastown; see the Gastown Steam Clock, which chimes every 15 minutes. Visit the Vancouver Lookout for a 360° city view. Head to Stanley Park; consider renting bikes to explore the park’s trails.
- Day 2: Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon: Arrive early at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park; explore the suspension bridge, Cliffwalk, and Treetops Adventure. Drive to Lynn Canyon Park; experience the free suspension bridge and enjoy hiking trails.Return to downtown Vancouver; explore local shops or dine at a family-friendly restaurant.
- Day 3: Granville Island and Sunset Beach: Take the False Creek Ferry to Granville Island; visit the Kids Market and Granville Island Public Market. Explore art galleries and enjoy street performances on Granville Island. Take the ferry back to Sunset Beach; relax and enjoy the sunset to conclude your trip.
Final Thoughts:
This road trip from Calgary to Vancouver has fun stops and beautiful sights. You’ll see beautiful places like Emerald Lake and ride the exciting Hell’s Gate Airtram.
Along the way, you’ll explore forests, visit a ghost town, and follow the historic Gold Rush trail. Each stop has its own story and amazing views.
The trip ends in Vancouver, a lively city by the coast.
