The Rocky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on earth.
And what better way to experience them than on a road trip?
If you’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Banff here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
First be sure to plan your route in advance.
The Rocky Mountains are a vast and wild place and there are a lot of different ways to get from Vancouver to Banff.
Decide in advance what kind of scenery you want to see and what kind of driving you’re comfortable with.
Second make sure your vehicle is in good condition and up for the challenge.
The Rocky Mountains are no joke and the last thing you want is to break down in the middle of nowhere.
Third pack wisely.
The Rocky Mountains can have changing weather conditions at any time of year so be prepared for anything.
Pack plenty of warm clothes food and water and make sure you have a good map of the area.
Finally relax and enjoy the ride.
A road trip through the Rocky Mountains is an unforgettable experience so savor every moment.
Vancouver To Banff Distance:
On a car the distance is 9 hr 6 min (846.9 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 E.
Road Trip From Vancouver To Banff: Gas Stations On The Way
Ready for the epic road trip? Vancouver to Banff is one of the most popular routes for road trippers in Western Canada.
The journey takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the world and there are plenty of gas stations along the way to keep your tank topped up.
Here are a few of the best gas stations to stop at on your Vancouver to Banff road trip:
1.
Chevron Hope BC
This Chevron is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway making it the perfect stop for gas before you head into the mountains.
Hope is a beautiful little town so take some time to explore before you hit the road again.
2.
Petro-Canada Revelstoke BC
Revelstoke is another great town to stop in for gas and to stretch your legs.
The Petro-Canada here is conveniently located just off the highway and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby if you need a break from driving.
3.
Shell Lake Louise AB
Lake Louise is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alberta and the Shell gas station here is the perfect place to fill up before you explore the area.
The station is located right in the town centre so you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
4.
Esso Banff AB
The journey ends in Banff one of the most beautiful towns in all of Canada.
The Esso gas station here is located right on Banff Avenue the main street in town so you can easily walk to all the shops and restaurants.
Whether you’re driving to Banff for the first time or the hundredth make sure to stop at these gas stations along the way.
With such beautiful scenery you’ll want to make sure your tank is full so you can enjoy the drive!
How To Hire A Car For A Road Trip From Vancouver To Banff
If you’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Banff you’ll need to rent a car.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right car for your trip:
- Decide what size car you need.
If you’re traveling with a group of people you’ll need a larger car.
If you’re traveling alone or with just a few people a smaller car will suffice. - Choose a car that’s comfortable for you.
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the car so make sure it’s comfortable for you to drive. - Choose a car that’s fuel-efficient.
You’ll be doing a lot of driving so you’ll want a car that doesn’t use a lot of gas. - Choose a car that’s reliable.
You don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere so choose a car that’s known for being reliable. - Shop around for the best deal.
Renting a car can be expensive so shop around to find the best deal.
When you’re planning a road trip from Vancouver to Banff follow these tips to choose the right car for your trip.
Road Trip From Vancouver To Banff: Attractions To See On The Way
On any road trip from Vancouver to Banff there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained along the way.
Here are some of our favorites:
1.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge – Vancouver
This atmospheric bridge spans 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River on Vancouver’s North Shore.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions and it’s easy to see why.
As well as the bridge itself the park is home to a series of forests and Treetop Adventures perfect for getting your nature fix.
2.
The Okanagan Valley – British Columbia
The Okanagan Valley is one of British Columbia’s most scenic regions and it’s well worth a detour on your way to Banff.
The valley is known for its award-winning wines so be sure to visit some of the many vineyards in the area.
Other highlights include hiking biking and golfing in the stunning Okanagan scenery.
3.
Lake Louise – Alberta
One of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park Lake Louise is a must-see on any road trip from Vancouver.
The lake is famous for its azure waters and picturesque mountain backdrop and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area from hiking and canoeing in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
4.
The Columbia Icefield – Alberta
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest expanses of ice in the Rocky Mountains and it’s an impressive sight to behold.
Located in Banff National Park the icefield is easily accessible via the Icefields Parkway and there are a number of guided tours available if you want to learn more about this unique environment.
5.
The towns of Banff and Jasper – Alberta
Last but not least don’t forget to explore the towns of Banff and Jasper located in the heart of Banff National Park.
Both towns offer a wide range of shops restaurants and cafes as well as plenty of activities and attractions to keep you entertained.
Road Trip From Vancouver To Banff: What Hotels To Stay In?
The drive from Vancouver to Banff is one of the most scenic in North America.
The route takes you through the spectacular Rocky Mountains past pristine lakes and glaciers and through some of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
There are a number of different hotels you can stay in along the way depending on your budget and preferences.
Here are some of our top picks:
If you’re looking for a luxurious option the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a stunning property located right on the shores of Lake Louise.
The hotel offers a variety of room types to suit all budgets as well as a range of amenities including an outdoor pool spa and restaurants.
For something a little more affordable the Banff Springs Hotel is a historic property located in the heart of Banff National Park.
The hotel offers a range of room types and suites as well as a range of on-site amenities including restaurants a spa and an indoor pool.
If you’re looking for a more rustic option the Bow View Lodge is a cozy lodge located just outside of Banff National Park.
The lodge offers a variety of room types and cabins as well as a number of on-site amenities including a restaurant a hot tub and a sauna.