An Epic 2-Day Vancouver to Banff Driving Itinerary

We undertook the drive in late March and went in a 4WD car outfitted with winter tires. Opting to visit Banff from Vancouver during the winter season has its perks, including smaller crowds, readily available hotel accommodations even for walk-ins, no national park fees, and pleasant weather with clear roads (towards the end of March). However, the downside is that some attractions and restaurants are closed, and the views may appear less vibrant and icy to some. To make a proper comparison, we decided we must plan another visit during the summer season. But winters are pretty fine and not too cold, especially the shoulder months (November and March).

Late March is an ideal time to visit, as the temperatures are mild and pleasant on the roads, except for the colder weather at Lake Louise and Banff (-12-15 degrees Celsius). Although we missed some of the spectacular summer views, the winter landscapes were mesmerizing with miles upon miles of frozen lakes and snow-clad mountains that looked truly breathtaking. Additionally, we were able to enjoy the unique experience of walking on frozen lakes, which was a highlight of the trip. While the winter views may be different from those in summer, they are equally stunning and worth experiencing.

Vancouver: Starting point

What To Do

The starting point of Highway 99 is in Vancouver, which is a bustling city located on the west coast of Canada. There are many things to see and do in Vancouver, such as visiting Stanley Park, the Granville Island Public Market, or taking a stroll along the seawall and spending some time at the beautiful David Lam Park (We saw so many Cherry Blossoms! More than I had in Japan.). For a quick city overview, take the Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off Tour which starts at 999 Canada Place Way and runs from 9:20 AM – 4:30 PM daily.

Renting a Car

We rented a car from the SixT outlet, conveniently located near Vancouver airport. They offered a range of sedans and SUVs from reputable brands like BMW and Mercedes. We opted for a Mercedes GLC, and the 3-day rental cost CAD 300 (USD 220), which included full car insurance with their Diamond Pack. Fuel expenses were additional and cost about the same as the 3-day rental. Also, the cost of the round-trip taxi ride to the airport was reimbursed.

Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops/Fraser Valley

Kilometres driven: 440 km
Time taken: 6 hours
Route: Highway 99 – Highway 97

Highway 97 connects Lillooet to Kamloops. It runs north-south through the interior of British Columbia and passes through many communities, including Cache Creek, Clinton, and 100 Mile House. Kamloops is located in the heart of British Columbia’s Thompson-Okanagan region and is home to many parks, lakes, and rivers, including Lac Le Jeune, Kenna Cartwright Park, and the South Thompson River. It is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and golfing

We stopped in Kamloops the first day because we were tired. The next day was going to be even longer.

Where to Stay

At every major city along the route, we found a Ramada or Best Western property which were cost-effective and well-located.

Day 2: Kamloops to Lake Louise/Banff

Kilometres driven: 730 km
Time taken: 8 hours
Route: Highway 5 – Highway 16 – Highway 93 (Icefields Parkway)

The Route Overview

Along this route, you’ll witness some of the most stunning scenery that you’ve ever seen. The long drive will be well worth it, especially when you reach the awe-inspiring ice fields. An icefield is a vast expanse of interconnected valley glaciers on a mountain mass, larger than alpine glaciers but smaller than ice caps and ice sheets. The Columbia Icefield in the Rocky Mountains between Jasper and Banff, Alberta is one of the most famous icefields in the world and among the easiest to traverse. Thankfully.

Ranked as one of the world’s top drives by Condé Nast Traveller, the Icefield Parkway is a 232 km double-lane highway that offers breathtaking views of rocky mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and sweeping valleys. In winter, everything is frozen, creating a true marvel to behold. You’ll want to stop at every viewpoint to take in the magnificent scenery, and while hikes may not be possible at most spots, it will still be well worth your time. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of avoiding the crowds.

From Kamloops, take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 5) north towards Barriere and then continue north towards Valemount.

In Valemount, turn left (west) onto Highway 16 and continue west for approximately 100 km (62 miles) to the town of Jasper.

In Jasper, turn right (north) onto the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and continue north for approximately 230 km (140 miles) to Lake Louise.

Along the way, you will pass through stunning mountain scenery and have the opportunity to stop at numerous viewpoints and attractions, including the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Peyto Lake.

Lake Louise and Lake Moraine

We stayed overnight at Lake Louise.

Experiencing the sunrise at Lake Louise is a breathtaking and unforgettable moment that should be on everyone’s bucket list. However, the winter temperatures in this region can be extremely low, but it doesn’t stop avid skiers from hitting the slopes and enjoying the snow-covered terrain. When it comes to catching the sunrise, Lake Moraine is another incredible spot that is not to be missed. Just a 20-minute drive from Lake Louise, it offers stunning views of the vibrant hues of the sunset reflecting off the frozen lake, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the ultimate luxurious stay in Lake Louise, the Fairmont Hotel is a great choice. It is one of the most prestigious properties in the area, boasting unparalleled views of the majestic Lake Louise, and providing guests with exceptional amenities and services. Even if you cannot afford to stay here, treat yourself to a fancy breakfast or an afternoon tea while taking in the stunning scenery.