Where to Stay Between Vancouver and Banff (Road Trip Ready)

Wondering where to stay between Vancouver and Banff without adding stress to your road trip?

The full drive is doable in a day—but it’s a long one, and not exactly relaxing. Breaking it up lets you actually enjoy the journey, breathe in that mountain air, and stay somewhere that feels like part of the adventure—not just a bed for the night.

In this guide, I walk you through where to stay along the route, with three handpicked options in places like Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Golden.

Some are spots I’ve stayed myself—like a cozy lodge in Revelstoke where I once watched a summer thunderstorm roll over the peaks—while others are chosen based on careful research, recommendations from friends, and real-world travel needs: free parking, easy trail access, and a decent breakfast.

I’ve narrowed it down to thoughtful picks that make your road trip smoother, not more complicated—places that actually feel like part of the trip, not just a stopover.

Let’s get into it.

Map Overview + Route Snapshot

You’ll find these overnight stays align with my Vancouver to Banff 5–7 Day Itinerary, but the lodging tips here help you choose what’s actually worth booking—based on the driving distances, access to scenic stops, and how each place feels as a base.

Here’s the general route this post follows:

Vancouver → Hope → Kamloops → Salmon Arm (optional) → Revelstoke → Golden → Lake Louise → Banff

You can adjust your pacing depending on how many days you have. If you’re doing this drive in 5 days, you might combine a few sections. If you’ve got 7 or more, you’ll have time for detours and extra nights in places like Revelstoke, Golden, or Banff.

1. Hope, BC

If you’re starting your drive from Vancouver in the afternoon or want to break up your first day with a short drive and some easy sightseeing, Hope is a smart first overnight.

It’s quiet, walkable, and puts you right at the edge of the Fraser Canyon for a scenic morning drive.

You can take a short riverside stroll or explore some of the easy-access attractions around town — there’s more to this peaceful stop than most people realize, especially if you know what to look for like these relaxed things to do in Hope.

Top Road Trip Overnight Picks

Heritage Inn

• Consistent 3-star quality and central location
• Quick access to trails, restaurants, and fuel
• Ideal if you want a hassle-free overnight stop

Best for those who value convenience above all—this location puts you within walking distance of most things in Hope, including grocery stores and trailheads.

Evergreen Bed & Breakfast

• Reliable high ratings, quiet and cozy
• Included breakfast and garden setting
• Great for travelers who prefer a relaxed first night

Best for couples or solo travellers who want a quieter, more personal stay. It’s in a residential area just outside downtown but still only a short drive to local sites like the Othello Tunnels.

Kamloops

After a long stretch through the Fraser Canyon, Kamloops makes a practical and relaxing overnight stop. It gives you a soft landing between rugged canyon roads and the mountainous terrain ahead — with river walks, local cafés, and just enough downtown charm to keep it interesting without feeling overwhelming.

If you’re following this road trip over 5 to 7 days, this is the natural end point for Day 2. I share more about the town’s slower pace and cultural stops in my Kamloops post, but here are three stays that actually work for a mid-trip stop.

The Thompson Hotel
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Free parking and breakfast
• Walkable to downtown cafés and Riverside Park

Best for: Couples or solo travellers who want to stay central without breaking the bank. It’s close to the riverside trails, cafés, and casual dinner spots if you feel like stretching your legs after the drive.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Kamloops
• Free hot breakfast and parking
• Indoor pool with waterslide
• Easy highway access

Best for: Families or road trippers who don’t need to be downtown. It’s located in a quieter area just off the highway — perfect if you’re arriving late or heading out early the next morning.

South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre
• Peaceful riverside setting
• Mountain views and quiet surroundings
• Free parking and pet-friendly

Best for: Travellers who want a slower, scenic stay away from the city bustle. It’s farther from downtown, but if you don’t mind the extra 20-minute drive, the views and peaceful vibe make it worth it.

Revelstoke

By Day 3, you’re deep in the mountain transition zone—and Revelstoke is where the scenery starts to feel dramatic in that classic Rockies way. Tucked between the Selkirk and Monashee ranges, this small town is ideal for slowing down, getting good food, and catching your breath.

Whether you plan to spend just one night or linger a little longer, Revelstoke has lodging options that match the region’s nature-forward, active-but-relaxed feel. I go into more detail about what makes the town worth a stop in my Revelstoke guide, but here are the top places to stay depending on your style.

Glacier House Resort
• Secluded forest setting with mountain views
• On-site restaurant and indoor pool
• Easy access to trails and nature

Best for: Couples or travellers who want a peaceful, nature-first overnight. It’s a 10-minute drive from downtown Revelstoke, but that distance means dark skies, quiet nights, and a proper mountain escape.

The Explorers Society Hotel
• Rooftop hot tub and cozy lounge
• Boutique feel with local character
• Walkable to shops and restaurants

Best for: Design lovers or anyone who enjoys a little charm without losing the outdoorsy vibe. Located right in downtown Revelstoke, this one’s ideal if you’re exploring the Railway Museum or heading out for dinner on foot.

Coast Hillcrest Hotel
• Mountain views and full-service amenities
• Hot tubs and spa services
• Free parking and shuttle to town

Best for: Travellers who want hotel comforts without the resort price tag. It’s just outside town with easy access to both downtown and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, making it a good all-rounder no matter the season.

Golden

Golden might not have the big-name pull of Banff or Lake Louise, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s less crowded, more relaxed, and surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery — from the Columbia River to the peaks of Yoho and Glacier National Parks. Whether you’re taking a break after Rogers Pass or gearing up for a full day in Yoho, an overnight here gives you room to breathe.

The town itself has grown a lot in recent years, with local cafés, small galleries, and access to some of the best soft adventure options on the route. If you’re not quite ready for Banff crowds, Golden is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.

Winston Lodge
• Log-cabin style rooms with a cozy mountain feel
• Free breakfast and walking distance to Kicking Horse Resort
• On-site pub and easy hiking access

Best for: Travellers who want a rustic-chic stay close to nature but with a bit of comfort. It’s especially great if you plan to take the gondola at Kicking Horse or just want a quiet place tucked into the trees.

Holiday Inn Express Golden
• Free breakfast and reliable amenities
• Indoor pool and hot tub
• Easy access off the highway

Best for: Families, road trippers, or anyone who wants a fuss-free, consistent stay after a long day on the road. Not walkable to downtown, but ideal if you’re arriving late and heading out early.

Kicking Horse River Lodge
• Riverside setting with mountain views
• Mix of private rooms and hostel-style options
• Shared kitchen and community feel

Best for: Budget-conscious or solo travellers who still want a scenic and welcoming base. This lodge is a short walk from downtown Golden and perfect for those who want to connect with fellow road trippers.

Field (Optional Stop in Yoho National Park)

If you’re taking your time through Yoho National Park, Field is a peaceful and practical overnight option. This tiny community sits right in the middle of the action — close to Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and several of the park’s most scenic short walks. It’s quiet, authentic, and makes a great base if you want early access to popular spots before the crowds roll in from Banff.

Accommodations here are limited, but that’s part of the charm. Most are family-run guesthouses or small lodges, perfect for travellers who want a slower rhythm and a more immersive stay in the mountains.

Cathedral Mountain Lodge
• Timber-frame luxury cabins with fireplaces
• On-site restaurant and views of Kicking Horse River
• Short drive to Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls

Best for: Couples or nature lovers looking for a quiet, high-comfort base close to Yoho’s most iconic sights. This is a special-occasion spot with easy access to sunrise walks or quiet evenings by the fire.

Emerald Lake Lodge
• Located directly on the shores of Emerald Lake
• Charming lodge rooms with wood-burning fireplaces
• Fine dining, canoe rentals, and year-round access

Best for: Travellers prioritizing scenery and serenity. If you’ve always wanted to wake up to turquoise water and misty mountain peaks, this is the place. Just note that it’s a bit pricier and isolated — a true destination stay.

Field Guesthouse
• Simple, highly rated guesthouse in the heart of town
• Self-contained suite with kitchenette
• Walkable to the small village café and visitor centre

Best for: Independent travellers or anyone looking for a quiet night between Golden and Banff. It’s ideal if you want a base for hiking or photography, without the higher price tag of lakeside stays.

You’ll pass through Field anyway if you’re heading to Banff via Yoho — so even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s a great place to stop for a snack or walk around after seeing Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls. I often recommend this detour in my Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary, especially for travellers adding a 6th or 7th day to their route.

Lake Louise

If you want to stay right in the heart of the Rockies without the hustle of Banff, Lake Louise is a great choice. It’s smaller, quieter, and puts you closer to two of the area’s biggest attractions: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Staying here means you’re just minutes from sunrise canoe rides, early access to hiking trails, and a chance to beat the crowds without rushing.

There aren’t many hotels in Lake Louise, so options fill up quickly — especially in peak season. If you’re doing a 7-day version of the Vancouver to Banff drive, this is the perfect place to add a night before settling in Banff.

Top Places to Stay in Lake Louise

Lake Louise Inn
• Indoor pool, on-site dining, and ski shuttle
• Great location between the village and the lakes
• Rooms range from standard hotel rooms to suites

Best for: Road trippers who want comfort and convenience without going overboard on cost. It’s where I’ve personally stayed — and it’s within 10 minutes’ drive of both Lake Louise and the shuttle hub for Moraine Lake.

Post Hotel & Spa
• Upscale alpine lodge with fine dining
• Spa, indoor pool, and cozy wood interiors
• Short walk to Lake Louise village shops

Best for: Couples or luxury travellers planning a restful stay. You’re close to the trailheads but away from the highway noise — ideal if you’re planning a slower pace with spa time or wine by the fire.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Unmatched views of Lake Louise right outside your window
• On-site restaurants, spa, and lakeside activities
• Historic, full-service hotel with refined mountain charm

Best for: Special occasion trips or travellers who want a true Rockies icon. If you’re dreaming of sunrise over the lake or late-night views with zero driving, this is the spot.

Banff

Whether you’re ending your road trip here or using it as a base for nearby lakes and trails, Banff offers the widest range of accommodations, dining, and amenities along the Vancouver to Banff route. It’s a fully walkable town with shuttle access to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon, plus great cafés, museums, and forested riverside trails right in town.

If you’re coming off a week-long road trip, Banff is a great place to unwind, restock, and soak up those classic Rockies views before heading home or deeper into the national park.

Top Places to Stay in Banff

Banff Aspen Lodge
• Hot tubs and steam room on-site
• Free breakfast with house-baked goods
• Walkable to downtown shops and restaurants

Best for: Travellers who want a central stay without the high price tag. It’s great for couples or solo travellers — steps from the Banff Ave bus stop and ROAM transit for reaching the lakes.

Moose Hotel & Suites
• Rooftop hot pool with mountain views
• Spacious suites with kitchenettes
• Attached to Pacini, one of Banff’s best-loved restaurants

Best for: Families or longer stays — especially if you like having your own space but still want full hotel amenities. The location is quiet but just off the main strip.

Fairmont Banff Springs
• Iconic “castle in the Rockies” with luxe extras
• Multiple restaurants, spa, and historic grounds
• Overlooks Bow Falls and the Bow River

Best for: Special stays and history lovers — this hotel is a destination in itself. A short walk or shuttle ride from town, and close to forested trails and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Should You Stay in Banff or Lake Louise?

If you’re only picking one base in the Rockies, both Banff and Lake Louise have pros and cons — and the right choice depends on your itinerary, travel style, and how much driving you want to do.

This quick side-by-side comparison can help you decide:

Feature	Banff	Lake Louise
Best for	Walkability, restaurants, variety of stays	Quick access to lakes and hikes
Scenic vibe	Historic town nestled in a valley	Quiet alpine setting with postcard views
Transit options	ROAM transit connects to nearby parks and lakes	Shuttles required to reach Moraine Lake and parking fills early
Food & amenities	Dozens of cafés, groceries, takeout spots	A few hotel restaurants and one café — limited options
Good to know	Great for multi-day stays and slower-paced mornings	Can feel remote at night; dining is limited after dark

✳️ My take? If you’re driving in from Revelstoke or Golden, staying a night in Lake Louise can help you get an early start at the lakes. But if you want more flexibility, food options, and access to shuttles or transit, Banff is often the more comfortable base — especially if you’re staying more than one night.

5 vs 7 Days: How Many Nights Should You Plan?

If you’re debating how many days to spend on the Vancouver to Banff drive, the answer depends on your pace, interests, and energy levels.

• A 5-day trip works if you’re comfortable with longer driving days and want to focus on major highlights.
• A 7-day trip gives you time to slow down, stay in smaller towns, or build in rest days without skipping key stops.

If you’re travelling with older family members, prefer slower mornings, or want to do easy hikes or museum visits along the way, 7 days will feel a lot less rushed. But if you’re short on time and okay with 3–5 hour drives most days, 5 days can still be memorable and scenic.

Here’s how the two options compare:

Trip Length	5 Days	7 Days
Drive Time per Day	3–5 hours	2–4 hours
Overnight Stops	Hope, Kamloops, Revelstoke, Banff	Hope, Kamloops, Salmon Arm or Sicamous, Revelstoke, Golden or Field, Lake Louise, Banff
Best For	Tight schedules, experienced road trippers	Slower pace, first-time visitors, wellness travellers
What You Might Skip	Short hikes, cultural sites, relaxed mornings	Nothing — you’ll have time to fit in lakes, towns, and trails

✳️ Need help adjusting the itinerary to your timing? You can use my Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary as your base and trim or expand from there. It’s written to be flexible, with tips for both faster and slower-paced trips.

Planning Your Road Trip

What to Pack for a Trip Like This

You’ll cross everything from coastal rainforest to snow-dusted mountain passes — so packing for a Rockies road trip isn’t just about layering.

• If you’re planning lakeside stops like Sicamous, Field, or Lake Louise, this lake trip packing list keeps it light and flexible.
• Heading into the mountains for hikes, alpine drives, or forest walks? This mountain trip packing list covers the gear that actually makes a difference.
• If you’re driving this route in winter or plan to ski, snowshoe, or visit hot springs along the way, my ski trip packing list will save you from forgetting the cold-weather essentials.
  → You can also grab my road trip must-haves list if you’re brand new to longer drives.

When to Plan This Route

Timing can make or break this trip. If you’re hoping for glacier views, golden larch trees, or quiet roads through the parks, this post on the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies breaks it all down by season — no guesswork needed.

How to Plan Your Stops Day by Day

Need help shaping your route? My 5–7 day Vancouver to Banff itinerary matches each overnight stop with cultural sites, scenic trails, and local food breaks — so you’re not just driving point to point.

Where to Stay Once You Reach Banff

Banff has more than just hotel chains and souvenir shops. Whether you want a cozy inn with views or walkable access to downtown, I’ll break down the best places to stay in Banff by vibe and travel style.
(Coming soon – I’ll update this link as soon as the post is live!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Lodging Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

When I’m booking hotels for a BC or Alberta road trip, here’s what I actually look for:

• Free cancellation or no prepayment — Plans change, and I don’t like being locked in.
• Kitchenettes or at least a fridge and kettle — Makes it easy to heat up leftovers, brew tea, or toast a quick breakfast before hitting the road.
• Quiet location, easy parking, walkable if possible — After long drives, I appreciate staying somewhere calm, but still close enough to grab dinner without needing to drive again.

I usually compare listings on Expedia and Booking.com, especially if I’m not familiar with the town. The reviews and map view help me decide if a place feels right — and if it’s close to the kind of stops I care about.