Planning an exciting Vancouver to Banff drive? Here’s a complete guide to majestic mountains, scenic lakes, and charming towns! Rent a car and start your ride!
Hit the road on a thrilling journey from Vancouver to Banff! This epic drive spans around 942 kilometers, perfect for a week-long trip. Along the way, you’ll discover jaw-dropping landscapes and heart-pounding activities.
Ever wanted to hike through lush forests, or kayak on crystal-clear lakes? And how about exploring stunning waterfalls or marveling at towering mountains? Something is exciting around every bend! Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply crave the open road, this route promises memories you’ll cherish forever.
Vancouver
Pick up your rental car and start your journey in vibrant Vancouver! While in the city, take a walk at Stanley Park and explore the scenic Seawall, then head to Granville Island for a taste of local arts and delicious food.
Yes, don’t miss visiting the Vancouver Aquarium (CAD$42-$56.90 for adults) to admire the underwater gems. Capturing stunning panoramas from the Capilano Suspension Bridge should be also in your travel list! You can park your car at Stanley Park (Pipeline Road) for CAD$3.75-$4.25/hour. Aim for early mornings to avoid crowds.
👉 Tips for Drivers: Navigating the congested streets of Vancouver can be a challenge – try to avoid Granville Street, Georgia Street, and Oak Street from 7 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM.
Squamish
Next, Squamish awaits with its stunning landscapes. You can hike the iconic Stawamus Chief and explore the lakes at Alice Lake Provincial Park during your stay in the city. And yes, don’t miss to ride the Sea to Sky Gondola (from CAD$67.95 for adults and from $26.95* for kids) for breathtaking views.
Parking is free at the Sea to Sky Gondola lot (36800 Highway 99). Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
👉 Tips for Drivers: You’ll face limited parking at popular trailheads and attractions like the Stawamus Chief, so come in the morning to catch a free slot.
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
After driving for approximately 120 kilometers, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Joffre Lakes. You should take a 10-km round trip to see three stunning glacial lakes – the trail is free to access, but the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. The hike is moderately challenging, so wear sturdy shoes and pack plenty of water.
👉 Tips for Drivers: Parking fills up fast, which means you should arrive early to snag a spot in the main lot (Duffey Lake Road).
Salmon Arm
Welcome to Salmon Arm, a charming lakeside town perfect for a relaxing break. How can you spend time there? Stroll along the waterfront at Marine Peace Park, visit the local farmers’ market, or drive to Shuswap Lake. Also, you can soak in the history at the Salmon Arm Museum and enjoy a round of golf at the Salmon Arm Golf Club. Free parking is available at Marine Park Drive.
👉 Tips for Drivers: Limited signage and winding, hilly terrain require extra caution on the local roads.
Yoho National Park
You should look into Yoho National Park when driving from Vancouver to Banff. If you want to discover its natural wonders, set off to Emerald Lake, hike the Iceline Trail, and see the impressive Takakkaw Falls. The park entrance fee starts from CAD$11 for adults, while parking is available at Emerald Lake Road for free. Early mornings offer the best light and fewer visitors.
👉 Tips for Drivers: Parking is limited at popular attractions like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls, so arriving early is recommended.
Banff National Park
The next stop promises you multiple outdoor activities. Explore Lake Louise, hike Johnston Canyon, or soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. You shouldn’t miss exploring the Banff Gondola for panoramic views as well.
Parking can be challenging, so try the Park and Ride (Trans-Canada Highway, free) for easier access. A park pass costs CAD$17.50 for adults and CAD$15.25 for youths 3-17.
👉 Tips for Drivers: Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. The park is busiest in summer, so plan to arrive early to find a vacant parking spot.
Banff
Located just 4 kilometers from the park, the charming Banff town will be a perfect finish point for your road trip. You can wander along Banff Avenue for shopping and dining, or take a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain (from CAD$78, but will be cheaper if booked in advance). Also, visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and enjoy a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway. You’ll find free parking slots at the Bear Street Parkade (212 Bear Street).
👉 Tips for Drivers: Animals on local roads are quite common due to the town’s proximity to the national park – don’t speed and drive slowly through wildlife crossings to avoid incidents.
What rental car do you pick up for a road trip from Vancouver to Banff?
First, you may consider renting a midsize SUV such as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. These versatile vehicles offer extensive cargo space for your gear and the all-wheel-drive capability to tackle the mountainous terrain with confidence. Prefer a compact crossover – the Subaru Outback or Volkswagen Tiguan – if you want better fuel efficiency (about 7-8 liters/100 km) without sacrificing interior room. Need extra space? Upgrade to a full-size SUV such as the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse. Their roomy cabins and powerful engines make them ideal for long-distance drives.
Book a perfect car at Rental24h.com and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning landscapes of British Columbia and Alberta!
