Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for more information and our Privacy Policy. Note that any pricing, operating hours, or other such information provided below may have changed since initial publication.
Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on March 22, 2024
There are two things for certain about the drive from Vancouver to Calgary (or in reverse, from Calgary to Vancouver). 1. It’s a long drive – approximately 1,000 kilometres and 2. It’s a very beautiful drive through the Canadian Rockies. Depending on the intent of your trip – whether you want to get there quickly or take your time and do some sightseeing (which we HIGHLY recommend) – we’ve got all the information you need below. No matter your route or itinerary, it will be an adventure and there are many photo stops and things to do along the way!
About the Route
We’ve outlined three routes from Vancouver to Calgary, one of the most scenic long-haul drives in western Canada. Each route has its own benefits.
Fastest Route from Vancouver to Calgary
The fastest route for a Calgary Road Trip is 1,038 km and will take about 12 hours and 15 minutes. Head from north Vancouver up Highway 99, the Sea-to Sky Highway, towards Whistler and then to Kamloops, where you’ll then get onto Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and follow it all the way to Calgary.
Alternate Route #1 from Vancouver to Calgary
This route is 1,074 km and will be similar to the same time as the fastest route. Following this route, you start on Highway 1 from Vancouver and head towards Hope. Next, you’ll turn onto Highway 3 until you reach the town of Princeton and from there, you’ll get onto Highway 5A north, continuing to Merritt. Here, you will then head north again on Highway 5 (the Coquihalla*), and it’s straight to Kamloops. After Kamloops, you turn onto Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) for a straight shot into Calgary. *Note that there may be tolls along the Coquihalla Highway.
Alternate Route #2 from Vancouver to Calgary
This route is slightly longer at 1,126 km and will take roughly 12 hours and 55 minutes. It will lead you from Highway 1 to Highway 3 to Highway 97 in Osoyoos, BC. The 97 will then take you through Kelowna, eventually turning into the 97A by Swan Lake. From the 97A, you’ll take Highway 1 in Sicamous, and you’ll stay on this for the rest of your drive, passing through Banff National Park before arriving in Calgary.
Travelling from Vancouver to Calgary
By Car
The best months to travel by car from Vancouver to Calgary are in the summer months, from June through September. Note that this will also be the busiest time on the highways and the most probable time for construction. Although, in winter time, there is less traffic, drivers run the risk of road closures due to storms or avalanches. It should be noted that winter tires or chains are mandatory (and necessary) on all vehicles to handle the conditions from November until April
If you are travelling by car on any of the suggested routes, start your journey early in the morning to make the most of driving in daylight, especially if the weather is not ideal and to avoid wildlife (there will be plenty to see on your drive). Fortunately, many places exist in Vancouver if you plan to hire a rental car. We suggest checking out RentalCars.com to peruse the best deals or book with whichever company you prefer.
Remember to be mindful of weather and driving conditions. While Alberta’s (and BC’s) highways are in great shape and well-maintained, snowstorms can wreak havoc for days at a time, and construction can slow things down in summer. We always suggest checking road reports (for Alberta and BC) before heading out.
By Bus
Rider Express is currently the only company offering bus service from Vancouver to Calgary. The trip takes 14 – 16 hours and a one-way ticket costs around $162.00. There are numerous stops along the way and three drop-off points in Calgary.
By Train
There is no direct train from Vancouver to Calgary. However, VIA Rail has partnered with Red Arrow to simplify trip planning, and it is possible to take the train from Vancouver to Edmonton and then the Red Arrow bus from Edmonton to Calgary.
The train journey from Vancouver to Edmonton is one of the most scenic trips in Canada and takes approximately 26 hours. Tickets for the train journey start at $200 for economy fares, and for a higher price, there are sleeper cars with meals included for more comfort.
By Air
There are plenty of daily Calgary flights to Vancouver. Air Canada and Westjet are the most popular airlines, but a few other airlines offer several nonstop flights per day, and they service transfers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Calgary International Airport (YYC). Direct flights take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. A taxi or Uber from the Calgary Airport to downtown takes about 30 – 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Flying by far is the fastest mode of transportation, but with so many road trip routes and beautiful scenery along the way, the drive is definitely worthwhile!
By Private Transfer
Urban Limousine offers top-class limousine transportation and provides service from downtown Vancouver to Calgary city centre. The price varies depending on the car type but ranges from $1,880 to $4,000.
Quest Limos also offers a luxury Vancouver to Calgary transportation service with a fleet of vehicles to choose from.
Ride Sharing
There are possible options for ride-sharing from Vancouver to Calgary, but it’s pricey. The extremely expensive trip is because it is difficult to find someone willing to drive that far.
You can find a way by hitching a ride via Poparide. Seats are sometimes available on the Vancouver to Calgary route, although you may have to be a bit flexible on your departure date in order to snag a seat.
Best Things to Do Along the Way
There is no shortage of options to make this road trip through the Canadian Rockies an epic journey. While it is possible to make the drive all in one (long!) day, we hope that you will opt to slow down and maybe split it into two. Enjoying some of the attractions en route will make it much more enjoyable.
Fastest Route – Things to Do
Whistler
If you haven’t already made it to Whistler while visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, then now is the time to do so. This resort town is most famously known for its skiing, but there are also many other things to do. Enjoy the number one rated experience year-round: the Peak to Peak sightseeing gondola. There are plenty of great restaurants, hiking and biking trails and even a zipline course in the summer!
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is certainly worth a stop, especially for a peek at its beautiful glacial lakes. A short walk from the parking lot will give you a stunning view of Lower Joffre Lake. This is a great spot for a picnic, as you really can’t get more scenic. Plus, if it’s a hot day, why not consider taking a dip?
Kamloops
We’re gonna guess you blew all your extra time at Whistler, but you’ll need another break anyway, as the city of Kamloops is another four hours west on the highway. There is much to do here for outdoor adventurers, but if you want a quick chance to stretch your legs, try the Tower Trail for some good exercise and even better views.
Crazy Creek Hot Pools
About 8 hours into your drive (just before you get to Revelstoke), we predict some sore muscles from all that sitting (and from the hike up Tower Trail if you made it). Plan to soak those muscles in the Crazy Creek Hot Pools! This is a quintessential experience of the Canadian Rockies, and the pools at this resort are open 365 days per year. Revelstoke is also a small mountain time with a BIG personality and a long list of things to do, so this could be a great place to spend the night between the two cities.
Glacier National Park
You are about to drive by three amazing national parks in a row, starting with Glacier National Park (not to be confused with the Glacier National Park in Montana). From hiking to sightseeing, this is a stop we highly recommend. If you decided to spend the night in Revelstoke to split up the drive, you could then spend a good half-day exploring here before the final 4-hour drive to Calgary. Note that you will need a Parks Canada pass to enter the park (and the others), but only if you plan on stopping. More info on passes can be found here.
Yoho National Park
Another essential stop is in Yoho National Park, especially at Emerald Lake. Some say that Emerald Lake rivals the more popular Lake Louise, and it is one of the main attractions in the Canadian Rockies. Spend a day on the lake by hiring a canoe or kayak to enjoy those blue-green waters, and if you have time, splurge and spend a night at Emerald Lake Lodge.
Banff National Park
The next stop you’ll want to make is in Banff National Park, especially seeing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before continuing on to the Banff townsite. In Lake Louise, there is plenty of hiking, canoeing, and exploring to be done, plus be prepared to be awed by the scenery. After, make your way toward Banff. as there are some incredible things to indulge in. Be sure to take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain and get a 360-degree view of the national park. If time permits, relax your weary road trip muscles in the Banff Upper Hot Springs before making the last little stretch of the drive into Calgary.
Things to Do – Alternate Route #1
Hope Slide
We recommend a brief stop to marvel at the Hope Slide. This historic landmark is easily reached during the first two hours of your journey. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and learn the history behind Canada’s second-deadliest rockslide.
While there are a couple of other things you could do on this route, we suggest continuing through Kamloops and following the suggestions for stops we made above in the fastest route.
Things to Do – Alternate Route #2
Kelowna
Depending on what you and your passengers enjoy, the beautiful city of Kelowna will definitely have something to offer. Known most famously for its vineyards, we suggest using this Wine Trail Guide to create your own tour. Or take on a section of the unique Okanagan Rail Trail to get the blood pumping after almost 6 hours of being cooped up in the car. This would also be a great place to spend the night to split the drive up over two days (another option is Vernon).
Splashdown Vernon
If you’re travelling with the family (or you’re just a kid at heart), consider stopping at this huge family waterpark. Splashdown Vernon features ten waterslides, an extra-large hot tub and extraordinary views of the Okanagan.
Like the other routes above, don’t miss Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Lake Louise, or the rest of Banff National Park!
Canmore
Canmore is one of the small mountain towns with plenty of charm. On the outskirts of Banff National Park, there are plenty of things to do and sights to see. Get your hiking boots on, as there are plenty of short, beautiful hiking trails. We highly recommend the Grassi Lakes Trail for a quick but beautiful trek with plenty of photo viewpoints. Afterward, find a charming cafe or patio to enjoy a coffee or beer and take in those mountain views before making your way to Calgary.
Arrival in Calgary
You made it!
Calgary is a constantly evolving city, and its prime location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring its diverse neighbouring regions. There are so many exciting things to do and to help you compile your perfect Calgary “to-do” list, take a peek at our suggested Calgary tours or our guide to things to do in Calgary.
Where to Stay in Calgary
Lucky for you, there are plenty of choices for great accommodations. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an experience or just a simple room – there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks:
Calgary Fairmont Palliser (Luxury)
The historic Fairmont Palliser is in the heart of downtown. Enjoy walking distance to some of the city’s most renowned shops, entertainment, and restaurants, and pamper yourself at the hotel pool and spa.
Hotel Arts (Mid-Range)
Hotel Arts is a stunning boutique hotel in downtown Calgary and is a must if you’re into the art scene. You can sit around the poolside, sipping cocktails and eating world-class food, and make use of its own commuter bike program to help you explore the city.
Best Value Inn (Budget)
Canada’s Best Value Inn is a perfect choice if you want to budget more for excursions. It’s close to the transit system and the Chinook Centre, which offers great shopping.
Want to see more options? Here is our definitive list of the best hotels in Calgary and our guide to Calgary Airbnbs.
Looking for more Calgary Resources?
