Driving to Calgary from Vancouver Best Road Trip Routes

Thinking about driving to Calgary from Vancouver? Whether you’re planning an epic Canadian road trip or just need the fastest way to get there, this drive is packed with mountain views, national parks, and incredible stops along the way.

Having driven this route at least 10 times, I know exactly which stops are worth it, where to fuel up, and how to make the drive easier—especially in winter. While there are two main routes, not all are ideal—I’ll explain why Highway 1 is the best and what to expect along the way.

Let’s break down the best routes, must-see stops, and key travel tips to make your Vancouver to Calgary drive unforgettable!

1. 🛣️ Highway 1 vs. Highway 3: Which Route is Best?

Feature	Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy)	Highway 3 (Crowsnest Hwy)
🚗 Drive Time	~10-12 hours	~12-14 hours
🌄 Scenic Value	Gorgeous mountain views, lakes, and Banff National Park	More remote and rugged, but still beautiful in parts
🛣️ Road Difficulty	Easier drive, well-maintained & wide roads	Very winding, steep mountain roads, more tiring to drive
✅ Best For	Fastest, safest route with plenty of stops	Adventurous road trippers who want a different experience
⛽ Gas & Food Availability	Lots of gas stations & food stops (Kamloops, Revelstoke, Golden)	Fewer services, especially between Castlegar & Fernie
❄️ Winter Driving Concerns	More plowed & maintained, but can have closures	Risky in winter due to steep grades & fewer maintenance crews

There are two main routes when driving to Calgary from Vancouver: Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway). Both offer stunning mountain views, but they’re very different in terms of drive time, road conditions, and amenities.

If you want the fastest and safest route, Highway 1 is the best option, passing through Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Banff. Highway 3, on the other hand, is less travelled, more remote, and extremely winding, making it better suited for those looking for a scenic but challenging drive.

Don’t have a car for the drive? Check out Discover Cars for the best rates on Vancouver car rentals—perfect for tackling Highway 1 or Highway 3 with confidence.

2. Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway)

The Best and Fastest Route

This is the most direct and well-traveled route from Vancouver to Calgary, taking about 10-12 hours without stops.

It follows Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) through some of BC’s most scenic landscapes, passing Kamloops, Revelstoke, Golden, Banff, and Lake Louise before arriving in Calgary.

✅ Best for:

• Travellers who want the fastest and safest route
• Those who want plenty of gas, food, and accommodation options
• A mix of mountain views and convenient stops

❌ Not great for:

• People wanting a scenic backroad adventure (Highway 3 is better for that)
• Those who dislike mountain driving (there are high mountain passes)

Drive Time and Estimated Costs (CAD):

• Total Distance: ~970 km (~600 miles)
• Time Without Stops: ~10-12 hours
• Gas Cost: ~$120-$180 CAD (varies by vehicle & gas prices)
• Tolls: None
• Food/Accommodation: Available in major stops like Kamloops, Revelstoke & Golden

📌 Tip: Gas is typically cheaper in Alberta than in BC, and is cheaper outside of Vancouver. I usually fuel-up around Abbotsford rather than in the Metro Vancouver area.

🚗 Best Stops on Highway 1 from Vancouver to Calgary

1️⃣ Hope – First Stop Out of Vancouver

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~150 km (1.5 hours)

• Best place to grab gas, coffee, or a quick meal before the long stretch ahead
• Visit Othello Tunnels, a scenic 3 km (1.8 mi) trail through old railway tunnels and deep canyons
• Stop by Blue Moose Café for a coffee break before hitting the road

Hope is where the drive really begins. After leaving the busy Lower Mainland behind, the landscape quickly changes, and you’re officially on the Trans-Canada Highway. I always stop here for a coffee or snack before heading into the mountain passes.

Where to Eat in Hope (Vegan-Friendly)

🥪 Blue Moose Coffee House – Serves plant-based sandwiches, avocado toast, and soy/oat milk coffee options
🥤 Rolly’s Restaurant – Has a vegan veggie burger option (confirm availability)

2️⃣ Kamloops – Midway Stop for Food and Fuel

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~350 km (4 hours)

• The largest city before the mountains, making it a great refuelling stop
• Lots of fast food, grocery stores, and local restaurants to choose from
• Take a break with a short walk along the Thompson River or at Riverside Park

Kamloops isn’t the most exciting stop, but it’s practical. If you need to refuel, grab a meal, or stock up on snacks, this is your best option. If you want to stretch your legs, Kenna Cartwright Park has short scenic hikes right off the highway.

Where to Eat in Kamloops (Vegan-Friendly)

🥑 The Art We Are Café – Fully vegetarian/vegan-friendly café with soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and baked goods
🥗 Hello Toast – Has vegan breakfast options like tofu scramble and avocado toast

Salmon Arm and the Shuswap – Perfect Midway Stop for a Summer Break

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~475 km (5 hours)

✔️ Relax at Mara Lake or Shuswap Lake, both perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding
✔️ Stock up on fresh Okanagan fruit at roadside stands—peaches, cherries, apples, and corn
✔️ Stretch your legs with a short walk along the Salmon Arm Wharf, the longest wooden wharf in western Canada

If you’re driving to Calgary from Vancouver in summer, this is a must-stop spot. I’ve stopped here countless times on my Vancouver road trips, especially in July and August when the Okanagan peaches are at their peak.

My personal tradition? Pulling over at a roadside fruit stand, buying a huge box of peaches, corn, and garlic, and stuffing my trunk full of the best local produce. If you’re a nature lover, taking a break here before hitting the Rocky Mountains is the perfect way to break up the long drive.

Where to Eat (Vegan-Friendly):

• Shuswap Pie Company – Amazing vegan fruit pies and soups
• Ecotreats Cafe – Smoothies, plant-based wraps, and great coffee

🍑 Okanagan Valley – The Best Fruit Stands & Scenic Detour

📍 Optional Stop – 1-hour detour from Highway 1

• ✔️ Visit the charming towns of Peachland and Summerland
• ✔️ Stop at local fruit stands for freshly picked peaches, cherries, and apples
• ✔️ Take a break at Skaha Lake Beach for a swim before continuing east

If you have extra time, detouring through Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley adds a relaxing break to the road trip. The region is famous for its wineries, fruit orchards, and stunning lakes. Whether you stop for a quick snack or want to explore more, it’s a great addition to the trip.

🍑 Related post: Is Kelowna Worth Visiting?

3️⃣ Revelstoke – Mountain Town with Big Views

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~565 km (6-7 hours)

• One of the most scenic mountain towns along the route
• Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park for a short hike or a panoramic viewpoint
• Check out the Revelstoke Railway Museum to learn about the region’s railway history
• Family-friendly Enchanted Forest and Skytrek Adventure Park are great quick stops

Revelstoke is one of my favourite places to stop because it feels like a destination, not just a highway town.

Where to Eat in Revelstoke (Vegan-Friendly)

☕ Dose Coffee – Plant-based milks, avocado toast, grain bowls, and smoothies
🥑 The Modern Bakeshop & Café – Has vegan soups, sandwiches, and treats
🌮 Taco Club – Offers vegan tacos and burritos with fresh salsa and guacamole

4️⃣ Golden – Last Major Stop Before the Rockies

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~720 km (8-9 hours)

• The last major gas stop before Banff and Calgary
• Take in the views of the Columbia River Valley or walk across the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge
• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers gondola rides and a grizzly bear refuge
• Yoho National Park is nearby if you want to add an extra detour

Golden is a good place for an overnight stop if you’re not driving straight through. It’s also the point where the drive gets steeper and more winding, so it’s a good idea to take a break before tackling the final stretch through the Rockies.

Where to Eat in Golden (Vegan-Friendly)

🥗 Bluebird Café – Serves vegan sandwiches, smoothies, and dairy-free lattes
🥙 Jita’s Café – Has vegan wraps, curries, and plant-based breakfast options

5️⃣ Banff and Lake Louise – The Heart of the Canadian Rockies

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~850 km (9-10 hours)

• Visit Lake Louise, one of the most photographed places in Canada
• Explore Banff townsite for restaurants, shopping, and hot springs
• Take the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the Rockies
• Stop at Moraine Lake (seasonal) for its stunning blue waters

Even if you’re just passing through, Banff and Lake Louise are a must-see. If you only have time for one stop, Lake Louise is the most iconic, but if you have a bit more time, a quick meal or walk around Banff town is always worth it.

Where to Eat in Banff and Lake Louise (Vegan-Friendly)

🌱 Nourish Bistro (Banff) – 100% vegetarian with tons of vegan options (highly rated)
🍕 The Bear Street Tavern (Banff) – Offers vegan pizza and plant-based cheese
🥖 Laggan’s Mountain Bakery (Lake Louise) – Vegan soups, sandwiches, and baked goods

🏁 Final Stretch to Calgary

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~970 km (10-12 hours)

✔️ Mostly straight highway driving after Banff
✔️ Expect heavier traffic as you approach Calgary, especially near Canmore
✔️ If you have time, stop at Kananaskis Country for a quick scenic detour

Once you hit Calgary, you’ve officially crossed the Rockies and arrived in Alberta’s biggest city. Whether you’re here for the Calgary Stampede, the food scene, or just as a stopover, you’ve completed one of Canada’s best road trips!

More Articles to Help You Plan Your Visit to Calgary

• Celebrate Autumn With Fun Fall Activities in Calgary
• Winter in Calgary: Guide for What to Expect
• 11 Fun Winter Activities in Calgary
• What to Do at Heritage Park and The Best Time to Visit
• Why the Drumheller Royal Tyrrell Museum is a Must-Visit Spot in Alberta
• The Top 10 Beaches in Alberta That You Need to Visit
• Christmas in Calgary: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Cheer

3. Highway 1 Through Jasper and Icefields Parkway

What About the Scenic Route?

If you have extra time, you can extend your road trip by taking a more scenic detour through Jasper National Park and the Icefields Parkway. This adds 1-2 days to the trip but takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Canada, including:

• ✔️ Jasper National Park – Wildlife spotting, Maligne Lake, and Athabasca Falls
• ✔️ Icefields Parkway – One of the world’s most scenic drives, with stops at Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield
• ✔️ Banff National Park – A chance to visit both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake before reaching Calgary

📌 Want the full itinerary? Let me know what questions you have so I can put together the post:

🌲 ➡️ Join our community at BC Travel: Scenic Outdoor & Cultural Attractions to keep the conversation going, ask questions, and share your love for exploring British Columbia’s top outdoor and cultural experiences!🌲

4. The Southern Route from Vancouver to Calgary

Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) is the less common but more off-the-beaten-path route from Vancouver to Calgary. It’s windier and slower than Highway 1 but offers unique stops and a chance to see a different side of British Columbia.

✅ Best for: Road trippers who enjoy less touristy stops, scenic wine country, and unique small towns
❌ Not great for: Travelers who want the fastest route or prefer easy highway driving with frequent services

⏳ Travel Time: 14-16+ hours (without stops) – longer than Highway 1
💰 Cost (CAD): Gas (~$130-$180 depending on vehicle & fuel prices)

🛣️ Best Stops on Highway 3 from Vancouver to Calgary

1️⃣ Manning Park – Your First Mountain Escape

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~220 km (2.5 hours)

Stunning alpine scenery with hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife
Lightning Lake – Perfect for kayaking or a scenic picnic
E.C. Manning Provincial Park – Ideal for a short nature walk

Even though it’s not as well-known as the parks in the Rockies, Manning Park is a hidden gem worth stopping at. It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs, take photos, or have a peaceful lakeside lunch.

Where to Eat in Manning Park (Vegan-Friendly)

🌱 Pinewoods Dining Room – Offers vegan chilli, veggie sandwiches, and oat milk lattes

2️⃣ Osoyoos – Canada’s Only Desert and Wine Country

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~400 km (4.5 hours)

• Canada’s only desert! Unique landscapes with cactus, sand dunes, and warm weather
• Spotted Lake – A natural wonder known for its weird polka-dotted mineral pools
• Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre – Learn about the Indigenous Okanagan culture

Osoyoos is one of the most unique stops on Highway 3—it’s warm, sunny, and surrounded by some of BC’s best wineries.

Where to Eat in Osoyoos (Vegan-Friendly)

🍷 Nk’Mip Cellars – Indigenous-owned winery with vegan wines and plant-based charcuterie
🥗 Wildfire Grill – Offers vegan burgers, salads, and wraps

3️⃣ Nelson – BC’s Coolest Small Town

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~650 km (8-9 hours)

• Baker Street – A historic street with independent cafés and local boutiques
• Ainsworth Hot Springs – Relaxing mineral-rich pools with mountain views
• West Arm Provincial Park – Great for hiking, mountain biking, or a lakeside picnic

Nelson is charming, artsy, and full of personality. It’s a great place to spend a night or take a long break to enjoy its quirky small-town vibe.

Where to Eat in Nelson (Vegan-Friendly)

🥗 Pitchfork Eatery – Farm-to-table dishes with great vegan and gluten-free options
🍛 Outer Clove – Vegan curry, roasted veggie wraps, and dairy-free menu items

4️⃣ Fernie – A Mountain Town with Year-Round Activities

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~950 km (11-12 hours)

• Fernie Alpine Resort – Great skiing in winter and hiking in summer
• Elk River – Popular for rafting and scenic riverside walks
• Historic Downtown – A lively mix of art galleries, bookshops, and cozy cafés

Fernie is a fun and laid-back mountain town where you can grab a coffee, take a quick hike, or stay overnight for more adventure.

Where to Eat in Fernie (Vegan-Friendly)

🥙 The Loaf – Offers vegan pizza, salads, and grain bowls
☕ Beanpod Chocolate & Coffee – Vegan hot chocolate & locally roasted coffee

5️⃣ Crowsnest Pass and Frank Slide – A Historic Mountain Crossing

📍 Distance from Vancouver: ~1,050 km (13 hours)

• Frank Slide – Site of Canada’s deadliest rockslide with epic mountain views
• Crowsnest Pass – A stunning drive through the Rocky Mountain foothills
• Bellevue Underground Mine – Take a guided tour of an old coal mine

This is one of the last scenic stops before reaching Calgary, making it a great place for a final break and a quick history lesson.

Where to Eat in Crowsnest Pass (Vegan-Friendly)

🥗 Stone’s Throw Café (Blairmore) – Vegan soups, sandwiches, and great coffee

5. Winter Driving from Vancouver to Calgary

Road Conditions:

• The Rocky Mountains and mountain passes can experience heavy snowfall and icy roads, especially from November to March
• Highway 1 is better maintained and plowed more frequently due to higher traffic volume
• Highway 3 is quieter and more scenic but has fewer services and longer stretches without gas stations

Winter Tire Requirements:

• Winter tires or M+S tires are legally required from October to April on most BC highways
• Carry an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, and a flashlight

Things to Watch For:

• Unpredictable weather: Conditions can change quickly from sunshine to snow
• Avalanche-prone areas: Rogers Pass on Highway 1 has controlled avalanche zones
• Wildlife on the road: Deer, elk, and mountain goats are common near the Rockies

Best Winter Driving Tips:

• Check real-time road conditions on DriveBC before leaving
• Start early in the day to maximize daylight hours
• Avoid driving at night due to reduced visibility and wildlife activity
• Fill up on gas whenever possible—services can be far apart

Alternative Option:
If you’re not comfortable driving in winter, consider flying to Calgary and renting a car with winter tires instead.

Make sure your car is winter-ready! Pack tire chains, a portable jump starter, and an emergency roadside kit to stay safe in snowy conditions.

6. Road Safety and Things to Watch For

Wildlife on the Roads

• Deer, elk, bears, and mountain goats are common, especially in Rocky Mountain areas and remote highways
• Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, so stay alert and avoid speeding in rural areas

Unpredictable Weather

• Conditions can shift from sunshine to snow or heavy rain within minutes in mountain passes
• High-risk areas: Rogers Pass on Highway 1 and Allison Pass on Highway 3
• Always check real-time road conditions on DriveBC before leaving

Wildfires & Road Closures

• Wildfire season: Typically May to September, but can extend into October
• High-risk areas: The Okanagan Valley, Thompson-Nicola region, and Kootenays
• Highway closures due to wildfires are increasing every year, sometimes forcing major detours
• Check BC Wildfire Service & Alberta Wildfire updates before travelling
• If smoke is heavy: Roll up windows, set A/C to recirculate, and avoid outdoor stops if air quality is poor

Gas, Food & Services

• Highway 3 has fewer gas stations and food stops, so fuel up whenever possible
• Remote sections between Revelstoke and Golden on Highway 1 have limited services
• If travelling at night, some gas stations may be closed—plan accordingly

Avalanches & Mountain Passes

• Rogers Pass on Highway 1 has controlled avalanche zones, which can cause delays
• Check weather and road conditions in winter for potential avalanche-related closures

General Safety Tips

Start driving early in the day to avoid traffic and maximize daylight hours

Carry extra water, snacks, and a phone charger in case of delays

Speed limits vary—Highway 1 has sections up to 110 km/h, while Highway 3 has lower, winding roads

Travel Insurance

For peace of mind, consider getting travel insurance. I recommend SafetyWing for comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

Staying Connected

Stay connected with an Airalo eSim card. It’s an excellent option for international travellers who need reliable mobile data without changing physical SIM cards.

7. 💰 Budgeting for Your Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip

A Vancouver to Calgary road trip is an unforgettable drive, but costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. Here’s what to budget for:

• Fuel Costs – Expect to spend $120–$180 CAD on gas, depending on fuel prices and your vehicle’s efficiency. (Tip: Gas is usually cheaper in Alberta than in BC—fill up in Golden or Banff before reaching Calgary.)
• Accommodation – If you’re staying overnight, budget for $100–$250 CAD per night, depending on whether you opt for a motel, hotel, or campsite.
• Food & Snacks – Roadside restaurants can be pricey, so packing snacks or stopping at grocery stores in Kamloops or Revelstoke can help cut costs.
• Park Fees & Attractions – If you plan to visit Banff National Park, Yoho, or other stops, factor in park entry fees and activity costs.

Want to calculate the exact fuel costs for your trip? Use my road trip budget calculator to plan your expenses and save money along the way!

FAQs

Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

• Check road conditions and weather forecasts before leaving
• Start early in the day to maximize daylight hours, especially in winter
• Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can change dramatically along the route
• Book accommodations in advance if staying overnight, especially in summer
• If travelling in peak summer months, expect traffic congestion near Banff and Lake Louise
• Pack a reusable water bottle and snacks to avoid unnecessary stops
• Keep a small amount of cash, as some rural gas stations or cafés may not take cards

By planning ahead and being prepared, the drive from Vancouver to Calgary can be an enjoyable journey filled with incredible scenery and memorable stops along the way.