Vancouver to Calgary 5 – An extremely scenic, classic, route in the beautiful provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, that combines high mountain peaks with the rugged ocean coast. The main focus of this route is the Canadian Rockies National Parks (Jasper, Yoho and Banff) and the Vancouver Island (including Pacific Rim National Park), in addition to the picturesque cities of Victoria and Vancouver.
Day 1 – Land in Vancouver and enjoy half a day in the city
Lodging location: Vancouver
Day 2 – Enjoy a day in Vancouver
Lodging location: Vancouver
Day 3 – Take the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Swartz Bay (near Victoria) and spend half a day in Victoria, 1.5 hours ferry ride plus 1 hours drive
Lodging location: Victoria
Day 4 – Drive to Tofino and enjoy the afternoon around Tofino, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Tofino
Day 5 – Spend the day around Tofino and in Pacific Rim National Park
Lodging location: Tofino
Day 6 – Enjoy the morning in Tofino, drive to Nanaimo and take the ferry to Horseshoe Bay to, 2.5 hours ferry ride plus 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Horseshoe Bay (near the ferry dock)
Day 7 – Start driving north to to Rockies. If you have time visit Wells Gray Provincial Park, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Clearwater
Day 8 – Continue driving north and on the way go on boat tour near the small town of Blue River and visit Mount Robson Provincial Park, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Jasper
Day 9 – Visit Jasper National Park
Lodging location: Jasper
Day 10 – Drive south along the Icefields Parkway through to Banff National Park, enjoy hikes and attractions along the way, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Lake Louise
Day 11 – Visit Yoho National Park
(Try reserving a spot on the bus to Lake O’hara located in Yoho)
Lodging location: Lake Louise
Day 12 – Travel and hike in the Lake Louise region of Banff National Park and drive to the town of Banff (directly or through route 1A) and enjoy activities around this picturesque town, 1 hour drive
Lodging location: Banff
Day 13 – Drive to Calgary and Fly Home, 1.5 hours drive
– In order to fill this route with content – see our and West Canada destinations page, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
