Often described as a bucket list road trip, the drive from Vancouver to Calgary is arguably one of the most scenic in the world. Because the road trip encompasses such a vast area, passes through multiple national and provincial parks, alongside having an endless list of things to see and do, planning the road trip can be rather overwhelming. This guide will be based on my three-week Vancouver to Calgary road trip which I did in July It will also call upon my two prior trips to Vancouver alongside advice which I have been passed down from residents of both Vancouver and Calgary.
I have suggested durations for each location which you can shorten or extend to fit your own schedule. You can also reverse the route if you are planning on starting in Calgary. Within the guide I outline everything you will need to know prior to departing, alongside a route suggestion, and a detailed google map which includes the must visit locations in each area and places to stay.
If you have any questions then feel free to drop me an email or a message on Instagram. I recommend spending at least 10 days on this road trip to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes which you will pass through. However, 10 days will still feel rushed as you'll likely spend a significant amount of time driving. If possible, aim for two to three weeks to enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace. The best time to complete this road trip is between the months of May and October late Spring and early Autumn.
This is because many business and campsites are only open during this period. The ideal months are July and August as there weather is the best, however this is when it will be busiest and your most likely to be affected by wildfires. Wildfire season is between the end of June and mid-August. And can have a significant affect on air quality, visibility, and can lead to trails, roads, and places being closed.
If you visit in May and June, the weather will be more unpredictable and there might still be a significant amount of snow on the mountains which may affect some of the activities and hiking you may wish to do.
