This is part 2 of my two-week road itinerary from Vancouver to Calgary. If you’d like to go back to part 1 click the link or follow one at the end of this post!
Vancouver to Calgary road trip map
I am reposting the map of the road trip. If you click on the top left of the map you will find separate layers marking the route, photography spots, hikes, points of interest and campsites.
To hide and show different layers just click on the check box next to the layer’s name. You can also click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I have marked. I will be talking about them as I break the itinerary down day by day.
Day 7-9: Lake Louise
At the end of Part 1, we just finished driving down the Icefields Parkway and are now in Lake Louise – a little town in the mountains and home to possibly the most famous lake in the World – Moraine lake (pictured above).
During the summer Lake Louise becomes a beehive of activity.
A myriad of popular hiking trails around Lake Louise makes it a great place for anybody who loves the outdoors as much as I do. There isn’t much directly at Lake Louise Village.
It’s got a small overpriced supermarket, a few fast-paced coffee shops and an information centre. The nearby surroundings, on the other hand, that’s a completely different story!
Best things to do around Lake Louise
Take your time exploring the area around Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Moraine Lake is one of the many famous postcard-worthy photography spots in Banff National Park. Its turquoise waters are incredibly framed beneath the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks. The first time I stood in its presence I had tears in my eyes! Damn you ninjas cutting onions!
Moraine Lake is a short 20-minute drive from Lake Louise Village, but it gets intensely busy during the summer holidays. Arrive as early as possible. Sometimes the parking lot fills up as early as 7 AM! I am not kidding!
The Lakeshore stroll offers fantastic views with a minimal effort ratio. It’s a 2.4km (1.4 miles) flat return walk, which only takes 40 minutes. For the classic postcard view of the lake, you will need to walk for 15 minutes from the car park.
Once you are done here head over to Lake Louise. Another popular lake thanks to the famous Chateau built right on its shore.
Personally, I am not a huge fan of this lake, because it attracts ridiculous amounts of tourists, however, a little bit of effort will transport you into another world.
Consider completing a few of the incredible day hikes around the Lake Louise area to understand what I am talking about. My personal favourite is the hike up Mount Saint Piran and the Larch tree valley.
IMPORTANT! due to the limited parking at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, a new booking system for the shuttle service is being introduced from the 2020 summer season. It opens on April 1st 2020. For more information go to the Parks Canada website.
Visit the nearby Yoho National Park
As soon as one national park ends, the other begins. That’s the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Yoho National Park is slightly underrated in comparison to its neighbour Banff National Park. However, in my eyes, it is even more beautiful!
Yoho is only 30 minutes west of Lake Louise. Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls – Canada’s 3rd highest waterfall, as well as the famous Lake O’Hara region – one of my favourite backcountry trips in the Rockies are just a few of the highlights here. If you want to escape the crowds at Lake Louise – this is your best bet!
Accommodation in Lake Louise (Night 7 & 8)
Day 9-10: The Bow Valley Parkway
Lake Louise accommodates quite a handful of epic locations but believes me there’s even more to come. Can you handle it? For the next portion of this journey, leave the Trans Canada Highway behind and head onto the more relaxed Bow Valley Parkway (1a).
From Lake Louise, it’s a right turn just on the other side of the highway overpass. It’s one of the best roads where you can spot wildlife in the Canadian Rockies.
The Bow Valley Parkway is a shorter version of the Icefields Parkway, but don’t worry. You won’t be left high and dry in the awesome views department.
The 50km stretch of road between Lake Louise and Banff is home to Morant’s Curve, Castle Junction, Johnston Canyon and more wildlife than you’ll be able to shake a stick at.
The highlight for me is visiting Johnston Canyon but make sure to get there early. Not only because the morning light coming through the trees and shining upon the falls is a sight to behold, but because it gets pretty busy during peak hours. Providing the weather is good of course!
Please note that From March 1st to June 25th, travel is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17-kilometre section of the parkway from Johnston Canyon Campground to the Fireside Picnic Area. This is to ensure the area remains a high-quality home for wildlife. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road at any time.
Accommodation on the Bow Valley Parkway (Night 9)
Day 10-12: Banff and the surrounding area
At the end of the Bow Valley Parkway is Canada’s beloved resort town – Banff. Much like Whistler, Banff is very affluent. If only I had enough money to buy a house here! For now, I will have to stick to my camper.
There are a few campsites once you arrive in Banff, which you’ll be able to call home for the next few days. My favourite, due to its location and beautiful views, is the Two Jack Lakeside campground.
However, if you want to be closer to the town centre you should go to the Tunnel Mountain Campground.
The Must Do’s In Banff
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
The cost of the gondola is 62$ per person which personally I think is a tad too pricey. If you’re able, give your legs some exercise instead. A series of strenuous switchbacks for 5.5km (3.4mi), offer short glimpses through the trees of surrounding valleys but will be nothing compared to the view when you make it to the Upper Gondola Terminal on Sulphur Mountain.
You’ll ascend 700m (2,300ft) and it’ll take around 1-2 hours one way but the views of Mount Rundle and Cascade mountain are well worth the effort. I’ve done this hike in the winter and stood up on the top photographing this sunset in what felt like -100 degrees!
The Banff Hot Springs
Conveniently located near the lower gondola terminal, just like the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, are a treat after the journey down.
They are owned and operated by Parks Canada and at around, $7CAD are a much-deserved bargain. Whilst not as nice as the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper they are still a must-do in Banff, just try to avoid rush hour in the late afternoon.
See the best photography spots
Banff is a dream location, fantasised about by many because of its incredible geological features. I defy any itinerary not to include it. Its quaint high street gets pretty crowded in the summertime and so do many of the photography spots in Banff.
The best time to visit the locations is as early as possible to beat the crowds or later on in the evening to watch the sunset whilst everyone else is having dinner.
Vermillion Lakes, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner or the viewpoint up on Mount Norquay should be on every photographer’s list.
Accommodation in Banff (Night 10 & 11)
Day 12-14: Canmore & Kananaskis Country
Canmore is a town that I hold very close to my heart. Why you may wonder? It’s where I was based in Canada during my research for this guide. It’s also the gateway to Kananaskis country – my favourite area for hiking in the Rockies!
Canmore is only a twenty-minute drive east on the Trans Canada Highway, away from Banff. It is much more subdued and far less touristy.
It has also seen a lot of new development recently, as it doesn’t have to adhere to the building regulations that all towns in the national parks do, also meaning slightly lower prices.
The two campgrounds that I would recommend are the Bow River Campground (26$ per site) and the Spray Lakes West Campground near the Spray Lake Reservoir (26$ per site), with the latter being my preferable choice.
The Spray Lakes site is around a 20-minute drive from the town centre on the Smith Dorien highway (gravel road).
The views next to the campground are some of the best you will get. If however, you want to be closer to the town, Bow River Campground should be your choice. Downside? it’s a bit close to the highway and it may be a bit noisy.
What not to miss around Canmore
The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Unfortunately, wolves no longer inhabit the Bow Valley (Banff and Canmore). Mainly due to irresponsible human activity. Check out the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary for a chance to learn more about these creatures.
Although the animals in the sanctuary aren’t strictly 100% wolf, some of these wolfdogs are extremely high content and impossible to tell apart. It’s a fun activity for people of all ages and really shines a light on the problem of rearing wolfdogs.
It’s a non-profit organisation that rehabilitates, and houses, wolfdogs from all over North America.
Look for Moose and other wildlife near Mount Engadine Lodge
Engadine Lodge is one hour (38km) down the Spray Lakes Road south of Canmore. Its picturesque interior with original features and Hudson Bay blankets make it a very pleasant stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
On the way there you’ll drive past many of the locations where movie star Leonardo DiCaprio acted for “The Revenant” and where Anthony Hopkins helped make “The Edge”.
The Moose Meadows are right next to the lodge and as the name suggests, are a great place for spotting Moose.
Visit these famous photography and hiking spots
Canmore and Kananaskis Country are my favourite places to hike in the Canadian Rockies. I know I am repeating myself, but seriously guys, they are just too good not to share!
Check out my post about the best hikes in Canmore and Kananaskis Country that was a whole year in the making! I just didn’t want to miss anything!
If photography is more your thing then I’ve also got an article on the best photography spots in and around Canmore.
Accommodation in Canmore (Night 12 & 13)
Day 14: It’s time to say goodbye to this
Eventually, your road trip has to come to an end. I know, it sucks! I’ve been there more than once. I’m sure you’ve had an incredible time and won’t be able to stop thinking about the places you’ve visited for many years to come.
On the final leg of the epic journey take the Trans Canada Highway (1) east from Canmore for just over an hour to Calgary, where you can drop off your rental and catch your flight home. Once you get back make sure to let me know how it went! I want to hear all about it!
I hope that this itinerary will help you with planning your Canadian Road Trip. As always please feel free to like, share or comment below with any questions you may have. I always respond! Check out my Canadian Rockies and Beyond Travel Guide for more hiking, backpacking and photography inspiration!
I’ll appreciate it if you use the affiliate links provided in the itinerary. Each time you book something using the links I get paid a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you!
To go back to part one click on the button below. Vancouver to Calgary Itinerary Part 1
Useful websites for planning your trip
Below are some links that will become useful for planning your road trip, which I have mentioned before:
- Motorhome Republic – A great search engine for renting a Campervan or Motorhome
- Discover Cars – If you are after renting a smaller car
- Booking.com – For booking hotels
- Wildlife Guide – Tips on when and where to spot wildlife
- Parks Canada – Up-to-date information about campsites, trails & any wildlife warnings
Hi Marta,
Thanks for your fantastic guide. We are renting a motorhome in mid May and spending just over 3 weeks travelling from Vancouver to Calgary. Your guide does not mention campgrounds to stay at. Are there plenty of them and easy to find along the way?
As we have more time than your road trip, where would you suggest we spend more time?
Are there any extra places we could go to with our extra time?
Thanks
Hi Nichola. Thanks for visiting. Yes, there are quite a few campsites along the way. Check out some of my other links for example guide to Icefields Parkway where I enlist all campsites. Also, have a look at the map at the start of the post. Click on the button in the top left corner of the map and a menu will pop up. Once of the layers are the campsites which I marked on the map.
I would definitely recommend adding a day or two around Whistler and the Garibaldi Lakes Provincial Park as well as all the spots in the Rockies, so an extra day in Jasper, Lake Louise Banff and Canmore. There is so much to do there a lifetime isn’t enough to cover it all. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Thanks for the fantastic guides – your website is above and beyond anything else I’ve seen. We have 11 days and were planning to do something like this route but also thought Vancouver Island looked amazing. Do you think it’s feasible fitting in Vancouver Island or should we just make the most of our time between Vancouver and Calgary?
Hi Jamie! Thanks for your awesome feedback. I really appreciate it. If you want my honest opinion I would say just stick to Vancouver to Calgary route, otherwise you will spend way too much time driving and sitting in your car instead of actually getting out into the mountains and exploring. Yes Vancouver Island is nice, but the Rockies are freaking amazing and I promise you, that you won’t regret maximizing your time there! Let me know if you have more questions! happy travels!
I love your review on Vancouver to Calgary 2 week road trip – looks like I will only have 10 nights – can you recommend which bits to miss out or shorten for this timeframe?
Hi James. Thanks for stopping by. I would simply connect the stay in Banff and Canmore and also take a day off in Jasper. Let me know if I can help any further!