Vancouver to Banff | Road Trip
- Justin Choquette
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
Over the years, I have taken dozens of road trips across North America, and one of my favorite drives is from Vancouver to Banff. In 2018, I embarked on my first solo road trip. After a year of working in the trades, I took my first vacation, and of course, I used that time to set out on my first multi-week solo adventure.
Little did I know that trip would change my life. It was the first time I had been truly alone, pushing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to meet new people. (I used to be quiet and hated meeting new people—the funny thing is, five years later, I’m the complete opposite. Hahaha.)
I captured photos that helped grow my accounts and land jobs with my dream clients. Since 2018, I have taken 294 road trips to Banff, ranging from quick weekend getaways to multi-week adventures. At this point, you could say I know a spot or two!
In this blog, I’ll cover must-visit locations, the best places to eat, where to stay, and hidden gems you can’t miss on this road trip.
Complete Trip Itinerary Below! :)
Day one
To get to Banff, you can either drive all the way there in one day or take two or three days to get there. Depending on the amount of time you have, I would recommend taking two to three days to get there; then, you won't miss anything. Day 1: Today will be the longest day on the trip. We will be driving 565km ( 6hr ) from Vancouver to Revelstoke. This will be the most tedious part of the trip, so I recommend getting this part done as soon as possible. No spots are worth stopping on this part of the trip.
Where to stay
Once you arrive in Revelstoke, you will have a few accommodations choices.
Free places to stay.
If you are car camping and are on a budget, I would recommend downloading the app called iOverlander. On a few trips, I have used this app and have found a few amazing car camping spots in and around the town of Revelstoke.
Hotels
If you want to spend the evening relaxing in a hot tub and cooking a homemade meal, I highly recommend staying at Basecamp Resorts. This is always my go-to spot. You can rent a luxury Suite which includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, etc., for around $150.00 a night.
Dinner
For dinner, you need to venture out into the town of Revelstoke. The town has that classic Canadian mountain small-town feel. From cozy cafes to casual fine dining, you'll find what you're looking for. My go-to spot is always The Taco Club; this place is a 10/10. Here, you'll find the best-tasting tacos on this side of the Rockies.
Day 2
Here’s your corrected and refined version with improved clarity, grammar, and flow:
Revelstoke to Emerald Lake – A Scenic Drive
Today, we’ll be driving from Revelstoke to Emerald Lake (2 hours 30 minutes). This is when you’ll get your first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains, so have your camera ready! I recommend starting at the crack of dawn to maximize your time for sightseeing and photography.
From Revelstoke, take the highway and head to Emerald Lake Lodge. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by one of the most beautiful hotels in the Canadian Rockies. If it fits your budget, I highly recommend spending a night here—it’s an unforgettable experience.
Once at Emerald Lake, you have a variety of options:
• If you’re in the mood for a relaxed morning, head to the lodge and enjoy one of the best meals of your life.
• If you’re looking for adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. Check AllTrails for a full list of routes suited to your skill level.
Continuing to Banff
If you plan to continue your journey to Banff (1 hour 5 minutes away), I recommend leaving Emerald Lake around noon. From here, you’ll begin to see some of the most stunning mountains in North America.
Important Notes:
• You’ll be entering a National Park, so keep your speed below 90 km/h—fines are extremely expensive.
• Drones are strictly prohibited in National Parks. Flying one here is illegal, and if you get caught, the penalties can be severe.
On your way to Banff, I highly recommend stopping at a few scenic rest areas along the highway—every single one offers an incredible view.
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
As you enter Banff National Park, follow the signs for Lake Louise. Take Exit 258 and drive up to the lake, where you’ll be greeted by a glacier-fed, alpine blue lake just a short walk from the parking lot.
Things to do at Lake Louise:
• Walk around the lake to get different views of the Fairmont Château Lake Louise (which looks like a castle).
• Feeling adventurous? Take a polar plunge into the icy waters!
• Rent a canoe for a relaxing paddle across the lake.
I’d normally recommend heading to Moraine Lake next, but unfortunately, vehicle access was closed in 2023. At the time of writing, I’m unsure of the best way to reach the lake without a lengthy hike.
Arriving in Banff
After exploring Lake Louise, hop back in your car and drive 40 minutes to the town of Banff. This marks the next phase of your unforgettable Rocky Mountain adventure!
Where to stay?
Camping in Banff National Park
Unfortunately, it is illegal to car camp outside of a designated campground in Banff National Park. You must stay in an official campsite, unless you’re willing to risk a hefty fine and potential ban from National Parks. If you think they don’t check—trust me, they do. I know multiple people who have received warnings.
Budget-Friendly Camping ($20–$75 per night)
If you’re looking to rough it, Tunnel Mountain Campground is a great option. It’s just a 5-minute drive from the town center, yet it feels like you’re deep in the mountains.
Pro tip: If possible, try to reserve a campsite on the perimeter of the campground. That way, you’ll wake up to breathtaking mountain views, illuminated by the first light of the day.
Hotels
Banff has a variety of hotels to choose from. Listed below are a few of my favourite locations
Mount Royal Hotel ( $224-$359 per night)
Located in the heart of iconic Banff Avenue, the Mount Royal Hotel is surrounded by some of the top restaurants and shops in the town, and if you want to experience the nightlife, this is the perfect hotel to stay in. The hotel offers a unique experience with there hot tub, which is located on the roof of the 100-year-old building and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges that tower over the town.
Elk + Avenue Hotel ($259-$349 per night)
Elk + Avenue Hotel brings an upscale twist to the classic mountain escape. Whether you're looking for a relaxing night away from it all or an action-packed getaway filled with adventure, our modern spaces effortlessly blend style and comfort to make you feel right at home as you explore the best of Banff.
BASECAMP SUITES BANFF ($299- $769)
BASECAMP SUITES is a hotel in Banff that offers a unique experience. If you are travelling with a group, I would recommend staying here as you are basically getting an entire apartment. The price is above the average hotel in Banff, but you do get a full kitchen, so if you choose to take advantage of this option, you will save a bit of money from eating out.
Evening activity
Once you have checked into your hotel, you can either head out to watch the sunset or head into the town for dinner. For dinner tonight, I highly recommend going to the restaurant called Farm & Fire. This is one of my favourite locations to dine in Banff, no matter which meal you go to. If you do go here for breakfast, ask if they have the cinnamon buns ( you won't regret it )
After dinner, if there is still daylight, head over to Two Jack Lake ( 15 min drive) to watch the sunset. On the way there, you may be treated with a sighting of wolves, elk or a moose eating in the field.
Day 3: A Perfect Day in Banff
If you’re a photographer, wake up at dawn and head to Vermilion Lakes to capture the sunrise. Vermilion Lakes is one of the most iconic photo spots in Banff, offering an unforgettable experience. The moment you arrive, you’ll see why it’s a must-visit.
After sunrise, head back into the town of Banff for breakfast. You can grab something quick from Tim Hortons or enjoy a sit-down meal at Farm & Fire.
Once you’ve eaten, return to your hotel and pack your bag—today, we’re going on a short hike to Johnston Canyon. This free and easy hike has little elevation gain, and the well-maintained trail makes it accessible to almost everyone.
As you hike, you’ll walk on iron catwalks bolted into the canyon walls, following scenic paths that lead over, under, and through limestone cliffs. At the end of the 1.2 km walk, you’ll pass through a small cave before coming face-to-face with a roaring waterfall, just meters away.
The hike back to your car takes about 30 minutes.
Scenic Drive & Exploring Banff
After your hike, take a scenic drive down the Bow Valley Parkway back to Banff. This route offers stunning mountain views, so take your time and soak in the scenery.
Once you return to Banff, spend some time exploring the historic town, checking out local shops, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Evening: Sulphur Mountain Gondola Experience
For the late afternoon and evening, we’re heading up Sulphur Mountain via the gondola ($60 per person). This is one of the most unique experiences in Banff, especially if you want to watch the sunset from a mountain summit.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of:
• Six mountain ranges
• The Bow Valley
• The town of Banff below
Watching the sun dip behind the peaks from this incredible vantage point is the perfect way to end the day.You must visit the Sky Bistro ( $19-$60), which offers a world-class dining experience above the clouds. Meals range from, or the Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen ($30-$50) offers an exceptional menu in a casual atmosphere.
Day 4: A Scenic Journey on the Icefields Parkway
Today is an early start, so pack some snacks and hiking boots—you’re about to spend the next eight hours driving down one of the most beautiful roads in the world and visiting the world-famous Peyto Lake.
Morning: Banff to Lake Louise (40-Minute Drive)
Begin your day by driving from Banff to Lake Louise. Once you arrive, fill up your gas tank—this will be the last gas station before Jasper, which is 233 km away. Note: There is no cell service on the highway, so plan accordingly.
For navigation, enter these stops into Google Maps:
1. Bow Lake (First stop)
2. Peyto Lake (Second stop)
3. Columbia Icefield (Final stop)
Stop One: Bow Lake
You’ve likely seen this lake in viral videos on TikTok or Instagram. Here, you can pull into the parking lot and take a short walk down to the lake to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
If you’re up for it, there are various hiking trails that start at Bow Lake, leading into the surrounding mountains.
Stop Two: Peyto Lake
This is the wolf-shaped lake that frequently goes viral on social media. Peyto Lake is one of the most famous lakes in Banff National Park, known for its vibrant blue waters fed by the Peyto Glacier, which is part of the Wapta Icefield.
The viewpoint is one of the most picturesque spots in Banff, making it a popular destination for photographers. Expect large crowds, especially during peak hours.
The trailhead to the Peyto Lake viewpoint is located just up the hill from Bow Lake on your left-hand side—keep an eye out for the turn-off.
Final Stop
From Peyto Lake, head back onto the highway and continue driving 80km (45 min) to the Columbia Icefields. Here you will get stunning views of the glaciers that encase the rocky mountains. If you are up for an adventure, you can book the Ice Explorer Tour ($85), which takes you up onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Food
If the restaurant is open,
you can grab a buffy-style dinner at the Altitude and Chalet restaurants which is located in the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre.
Day Five
Today is your final full day in Banff. To start off your morning, you must head over to Good Earth Coffee to grab a bite and a cup of joe.
For today's adventure, we're going on a boat ride around Lake Minnewanka. This is one of Banff’s most popular destinations. Here you will get treated to stunning views of the towering mountain peaks and glaciers that feed the lake.
To book your curies click here.
Dinner
One of my favourite restaurants in Banff is called Brazen, which is located in the historic Mount Royal Hotel. Meals range from $8-$59 MENU. If you do end up going here, I highly recommend trying the GINGER BEEF. Just thinking about it right now is making my mouth water
Star gazing
Before leaving Banff, you must sacrifice one night and head out to Vermillion Lakes and spend a few hours star gazing. If you are lucky, you may even get treated to the unique experience of seeing the Northern Lights.
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