4 Unique Itineraries for your Banff to Vancouver Road Trip

If you’re wondering what route to take on your road trip from Banff to Vancouver, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing four unique itineraries to drive that my family and I have done ourselves (except the last one… but it will happen soon).

Planning a Banff to Vancouver road trip? Whether you’re looking for the fastest way to the coast or want to slow down and explore some of Western Canada’s best sights, the route you take can completely shape your experience — especially with kids in the backseat.

This guide offers 4 sample itineraries, each with a different route and vibe. All are built with realistic drive times, family-friendly stops, and room to adjust. Each route offers a different experience, from 3 to 5 driving days. 

Ready to hit the road? Let’s find your ideal Banff to Vancouver road trip route:

• The Traditional – Via the Trans-Canada Highway: A direct and efficient route with short daily drives. Perfect for travellers looking to reach Vancouver quickly while still stopping at a few iconic spots along the way.
• Okanagan Detour – Through Coquilla Highway and Kelowna: For those who want to mix mountains with wine country, this route takes you through the sunny Okanagan Valley. Great for families who want warm-weather activities, lakeside stops, and farm-fresh eats.
• Scenic & Historic – Highway 3 (Crowsnest Pass): A quieter, off-the-beaten-path route full of mountain charm and historic towns. Ideal for travellers who want fewer crowds and a more local feel along the way and don’t mind the extra drive.
• Epic Mountain Drive – From Jasper through Whistler: A longer but stunning route that includes the Icefields Parkway, B.C.’s interior, and the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Best suited for those with time to explore and a love for mountain scenery.

How long to drive from Vancouver to Banff?

The distance between Vancouver and Banff will depend which route you’re taking. The shortest drive from Vancouver to Banff is using the Coquilla Highway through Kelowna (route #2 in this article), with a total driving distance of 868 km.

The longest route (though really scenic) is through the Crownest Pass (Route #3 in the article) and through B.C.’s Cariboo region (Route #4 in the article).

Choose the itinerary that fits your pace:

1. The Traditional – Via the Trans-Canada Highway

⭐ Best for: Road trippers who want to reach Vancouver and do the entire Trans-Canada Highway.

🚘 Total distance: 926 km

This itinerary is for those who want to get from Banff to Vancouver with the perfect balance between sightseeing and time. It follows the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) all the way, offering a direct route with short breaks in places like Revelstoke, Kamloops, and Hope.

The drive features incredible mountain and river valley views.

• Day 1: Banff > Golden 🚘 Driving distance: 139 km
• Day 2: Golden > Salmon Arm 🚘 Driving distance: 251 km
• Day 3: Salmon Arm > Fraser Canyon 🚘 Driving distance: 383 km
• Day 4: Fraser Canyon > Vancouver 🚘 Driving distance: 152 km

2. Okanagan Detour – Through Coquilla Highway and Kelowna

⭐ Best for: Families looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and lakeside relaxation.

🚘 Total distance: 868 km

You can add a scenic detour through the Okanagan Valley, known for its warm weather, fruit stands, wineries, and lake towns.

It’s a great balance of mountains and summer fun—ideal if you’re travelling with kids who love the water or want a taste of B.C.’s wine country along the way.

It’s also the shortest distance between Banff and Vancouver

• Day 1: Banff > Revelstoke 🚘 Driving distance: 283 km
• Day 2: Revelstoke > Kelowna 🚘 Driving distance: 198 km
• Day 3: Kelowna > Vancouver 🚘 Driving distance: 390 km

💡 The Coquihalla highway linking Kelowna to Vancouver is one of the most dangerous highways in the winter. There is ice and snow accumulation, even in the summer and sudden changes in the weather.

P.S. I recommend adding at least one day or two to Kelowna to enjoy Okanagan Lake and Valley.

3. Scenic & Historic – Highway 3 (Crowsnest Pass)

⭐ Best for: Travelers who enjoy scenic drives, history, and exploring places beyond the usual tourist trail.

🚘 Total distance: 1,128 km

This quieter southern route takes you off the main highway and through lesser-known gems like Fernie, Cranbrook, Osoyoos, and Manning Park. Expect mountain views, small historic towns, and peaceful drives with fewer crowds.

While it adds a bit of time, it offers a more laid-back experience filled with unique roadside stops and local charm.

• Day 1: Banff > Kimberley 🚘 Driving distance: 268 km
• Day 2: Kimberley > Castlebar 🚘 Driving distance: 258 km
• Day 3: Castlebar > Osoyoos 🚘 Driving distance: 222 km
• Day 4: Osoyoos > Hope 🚘 Driving distance: 247 km
• Day 5: Hope > Vancouver 🚘 Driving distance: 152 km

4. Epic Mountain Drive – From Jasper through Whistler

⭐ Best for: Adventurous travellers with time to explore mountain towns, wildlife, and epic scenery.

🚘 Total distance: 1,149 km

This route is all about the drive. Start with the Icefields Parkway, then head west through B.C.’s Cariboo region, the Lillooet area, and finish with the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway into Vancouver.

It’s a longer, more adventurous option filled with photo stops and dramatic landscapes.

• Day 1: Banff > Jasper 🚘 Driving distance: 288 km
• Day 2: Jasper > Clearwater 🚘 Driving distance: 317 km
• Day 3: Clearwater > Cache Creek 🚘 Driving distance: 230 km
• Day 4: Cache Creek > Whistler 🚘 Driving distance: 216 km
• Day 5: Whistler> Vancouver 🚘 Driving distance: 121 km

Final Thoughts

Driving from Banff to Vancouver is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and variety of Western Canada. From mountain peaks to lakeside towns and everything in between, this trip can be as quick or as scenic as you like.

Each of the four routes offers something different — whether you’re after the fastest way west, looking to sip your way through wine country, or craving epic mountain views.

With smart stops, manageable drive times, and plenty of family-friendly highlights, your road trip can be just as memorable as the destination itself. All that’s left to do is pick your route, load up the car, and hit the road.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the four routes:

• The Traditional – Via the Trans-Canada Highway: It’s a straightforward 926-km route, split into 4 driving days. It’s ideal if you want to reach Vancouver with shorter daily drives and a few classic stops along the way.
  
• Okanagan Detour – Through Coquihalla Highway and Kelowna: It’s the fastest route with only 868 km split into 3 driving days. It’s perfect for families who want to add a little summer fun. Think lake swims, local fruit stands, and warm days in B.C.’s sunny wine country.
  
• Scenic & Historic – Highway 3 (Crowsnest Pass): It’s a quieter (but longer) alternative that winds through small towns and historic sites. Great for travellers looking for a more laid-back and local experience.
  
• Epic Mountain Drive – From Jasper through Whistler: This route is packed with wow-factor scenery and it’s perfect if you plan to visit Jasper National Park. Includes the Icefields Parkway, B.C.’s rugged interior, and the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Best for those with time to spare and a love for mountain adventures.

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