Calgary to Vancouver 4 – An extremely scenic, classic, route in the beautiful provinces of British Columbia and Alberta (Canada) and in the state of Washington (USA). This route 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, Vancouver and Seattle.
Day 1 – Land in Calgary and drive to Banff, 1.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Banff
Day 2 – Enjoy a day of activities in the town of Banff and it’s surroundings and drive to Lake Louise (directly or through route 1A) located in Banff National Park, 1 hour drive
Lodging location: Lake Louise
Day 3 – Travel and hike in the Lake Louise region of Banff National Park, short drive
Lodging location: Lake Louise
Day 4 – Visit Yoho National Park, short drive
(Try reserving a spot on the bus to Lake O’hara located in Yoho)
Lodging location: Lake Louise
Day 5 – Drive north along the Icefields Parkway through Banff National Park and to Jasper National Park, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Jasper
Day 6 – Visit Jasper National Park, short drive
Lodging location: Jasper
Day 7 – Enjoy a day of activities in Jasper National Park, short drive
Lodging location: Jasper
Day 8 – Start driving west and on the way visit Mount Robson Provincial Park or go on a boat tour near the small town of Blue River, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Clearwater
Day 9 – Continue driving west towards the ferry dock to Vancouver Island, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Horseshoe Bay (near the ferry dock)
Day 10 – Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay) and drive to Tofino, 2.5 hours ferry ride plus 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Tofino
Day 11 – Spend the day around Tofino and in Pacific Rim National Park, short drive
Lodging location: Tofino
Day 12 – Enjoy a morning in Tofino and drive to Victoria, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Victoria
Day 13 – Visit Victoria
Lodging location: Victoria
Day 14 –Take the ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles and visit the northern part of the Olympic National Park, 2 hours ferry ride plus 1-2 hours drive
Lodging location: Port Angeles
Day 15 – Enjoy half a day in the northern part of the Olympic National Park and then drive, plus take a short ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to Seattle, 2 hours drive plus 20 minutes ferry ride
Lodging location: Seattle
Day 16 – Enjoy a day in Seattle
Lodging location: Seattle
Day 17 – Drive to Vancouver and on the way visit the Boeing factory, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Vancouver
Day 18 – Enjoy a day in Vancouver
Lodging location: Vancouver
Day 19 – Fly Home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Northwest USA and West Canada destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
