Western Canada road trip
British Columbia to Alberta itinerary
A British Columbia to Alberta road trip is one of the world's great mountain drives, climbing from the Pacific coast at Vancouver through interior wine country and over the Canadian Rockies to Banff, Jasper and Calgary. Its centrepiece is the Icefields Parkway, regularly rated among the most scenic roads on Earth.
- Duration
- 7–10 days
- Distance
- 600 miles
- Start and finish
- Vancouver to Calgary (west to east)
- Best time
- June to September gives the warmest weather, open mountain roads and full access to the Icefields Parkway. September brings smaller crowds and golden larches in the Rockies; many high routes are limited by snow in winter.
Why drive the British Columbia to Alberta?
A British Columbia to Alberta road trip itinerary from Vancouver through the Okanagan and Rockies to Banff, Jasper and Calgary, including the Icefields Parkway.
- Drive the legendary Icefields Parkway
- Lake Louise and Moraine Lake's turquoise water
- Okanagan Valley wine country
- Walk on the Columbia Icefield glacier
7–10 days British Columbia to Alberta itinerary
Days 1–2
Vancouver to the Okanagan
Leave coastal Vancouver and drive inland to the Okanagan Valley around Kelowna, Canada's sun-soaked lake and wine country.
Day 3
Okanagan to Revelstoke
Continue east over the mountains to Revelstoke, gateway to Glacier National Park and the dramatic Rogers Pass.
Day 4
Yoho National Park to Lake Louise
Cross into Alberta via Yoho, stopping at Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls before reaching iconic Lake Louise.
Days 5–6
Banff National Park
Base in Banff to see Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola and the hot springs, with time for hikes and wildlife spotting.
Days 7–8
The Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Drive the Icefields Parkway past Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield to the wilder town of Jasper.
Days 9–10
Jasper to Calgary
Return south through the Rockies to Calgary, with an optional final stop in Banff or Canmore.
Planning tips
Buy a Parks Canada pass
Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Glacier require a Parks Canada pass. A Discovery Pass is best value if you are visiting several parks over a week or more.
Reserve Moraine Lake access in advance
Private cars are no longer allowed at Moraine Lake — you must book a shuttle or use a paid park-and-ride. Sort this before you arrive.
Drive defensively for wildlife and distance
Elk, bears and deer are common on mountain roads at dawn and dusk, and services are sparse between towns, so fuel up regularly.
British Columbia to Alberta FAQ
How far is it from British Columbia to Alberta by car?
From Vancouver to Calgary via the Rockies is around 600 miles (about 950 km). Most travellers spread it over 7 to 10 days to enjoy the national parks along the way.
What is the best route from British Columbia to Alberta?
The classic route runs Vancouver, the Okanagan, Revelstoke, Yoho, Lake Louise, Banff, the Icefields Parkway and Jasper, finishing in Calgary.
How many days do you need for a BC to Alberta road trip?
Seven to ten days is ideal. It allows time for the Okanagan, several days in Banff and Jasper, and a relaxed drive along the Icefields Parkway.
When is the best time for a British Columbia to Alberta road trip?
June to September offers the warmest weather and full access to the Icefields Parkway. September brings fewer crowds and autumn colour in the Rockies.