Canada is one of those countries that simply inspires awe with its landscapes, the scale of which is hard to imagine until seen firsthand. The country not only lends itself, but almost demands to be visited by driving through parts of it, offering to its visitors the immense stretches of land that it holds.
British Columbia and Alberta are a road trippers dream with iconic scenic roads such as the Sea to Sky Highway, the Trans Canada Highway and the most beautiful road of all: the Icefields Parkway. To add icing on the cake this journey traverses some of the best national parks in the world in Jasper, Yoho, and Banff. It takes months to fully appreciate but even driving through and seeing along the way the towering mountains, the immense forests, and the serene turquoise lakes is enough to create an unforgettable trip.
crossing iconic roads such as the Sea to Sky Highway, the Trans Canada Highway and the most beautiful road of all: the Icefields Parkway. Stopping along the way in renowned national parks such as Jasper, Yoho, and Banff. Which is redundant:
even staying in the car
Canada is one of those countries that simply inspires awe with its landscapes, the scale of which is hard to imagine until seen firsthand.
It is the second-largest country in the world and has more lakes than any other country. Forests, glaciers, infinite coast lines, badlands, and shrublands cover the massive extents of this wonderful, and mostly uninhabited, part of the North American continent.
Much like the United States or Australia, the country lends itself and almost demands to be visited by driving through parts of it, offering to its visitors the immense stretches of land that it holds.
My brief visit to Canada was just that: exploring the forests, lakes, and world-famous national parks while on the road. I covered some of the most famous roads in North America: the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler, a miniscule part of the Trans Canada Highway going towards Jasper, and ending with one of the most beautiful roads I have ever been on: the Icefields Parkway cutting through perennial glaciers towards Banff.
Table of Contents
Overview
Type:
car 🚗
Accommodation:
hotels 🛏️
Length:
Duration:
Difficulty:
About
- Language: Both English and French are the official languages, and depending on the area, one will be more predominant than the other.
- Population: 37+ million (2019)
- Timezone: [UTC -9, UTC -4]
- Ethnic Make-up: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%
- Religion: 39% Catholic, 20.3% Protestant, 1.6% Orthodox, 3.2% Muslim, 1.5% Hindu, 1.4% Sikh, 1.1% Buddhist, 1% Jewish
- Political System: Federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Credit Cards: Much like in the US, credit cards are accepted almost anywhere and there are plenty of ATMs in case cash withdrawals are needed.
- Electricity: Socket type B, 120 volt / 60 hertz
- Tipping Customs: 10-15% in restaurants
- Haggling Culture: Not common
Trivia Pill
During Jacques Cartier’s first exploration voyage on the western shores in 1534, the French explorer met with local natives who invited him to visit their kanata (meaning their village).
Cartier took this to mean that kanata, or Canada was the name of the entire country.
Getting Around
Driving
First and foremost, the basics: Canadians drive on the right side of the road and use the metric system. As in other industrialized modern countries, the usual rules apply, such as pedestrians having the right of way, obeying speed limits, not driving under the influence, wearing mandatory seat belts, not using cell phones, etc.
As per common traffic rules with RHT, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right, except on roundabouts which are anticlockwise, with way given to those already in the roundabout (so to the left).
An IDP is not required to drive in Canada. That being said, a general rule is that the license must always use the characters that are used in the country, so in the case of Canada latin characters and if your drivers license is written with Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, or others you will need to an IDP.
Car insurance is also mandatory in Canada and lights are required to be switched on during the day in some provinces.
Speed limits
Speed limits range from 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h in rural areas, and 100-110 km/h on highways.
Roads
Highways are generally in excellent condition. However, the strong temperature changes between winter and summer generate a lot of strain, leading to potential potholes.
Toll roads
Most Canadian roads are toll-free. Currently, only the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island have tolls, specifically Ontario Highway 407 and 412, Cobequid Pass, Quebec Autoroute 30, and Confederation Bridge.
Scenic Roads
The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest national highway in the world and at 4,860 miles long, it is the fourth longest road in the world.
Given the wildness of the country landscape, it is a road trip paradise. The stretch between Calgary and Banff is considered one of the most beautiful drives and “nearby”, the Icefields Parkway, is also considered one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Wildlife & Roadkill
Similarly to Australia, given the vast natural landscapes and abundance of wildlife, special attention must be given to possible (and likely) wildlife near the roads. Especially around dusk, animals such as deer (or even worse, the enormous elk and moose) can appear out of nowhere and dart out in front of cars without much warning.
Trivia Pill
Churchill, Manitoba, is the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,”, with the bear population occasionally being higher than the human population.
Residents of Churchill leave their cars and house doors unlocked. This is to provide shelter to pedestrians in case of a potential bear attack.
They even have a “Polar Bear Jail,” where the most dangerous bears or those that tend to roam too much around the city are tranquilized, locked up, and released at the end of the season.
Over the last decade the bear population has seen a decrease of almost 30%.
Driving Etiquette & Quirks
As the cliché goes, the “kind Canadians” are also found on the road, and drivers are well-mannered and respectful.
It is frowned upon to pass stopped trams when they are loading and unloading passengers.
In British Columbia, it is illegal to drive in neutral downhill to save fuel.
Quebec is not part of this road trip however has some peculiarities, like braking suddenly without cause will add two demerit points to a Canadian’s driving record, and right turns on a red light are allowed (except in Montreal). Also, by law, road signs cannot contain English text.
General Info & Tips
Trivia Pill
Canada is the second-largest country in the world (after Russia) and has the longest coastline of any other country and the longest continuous international border.
Three Canadian islands are among the top ten biggest islands in the world and the country has the highest number of lakes. As a matter of fact, it has more lakes than all the other countries combined and if these were removed, the country would slip down in size to become the fourth largest in the world.
Safety
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world. It is more likely to have a bad encounter with a black bear (which is unlikely) than to be a victim of a violent crime.
Natural risks: Harsh cold weather and extreme temperatures.
Emergencies number: 911
Safety Indices
Seasons & Best Time to Visit
Being the second-largest country in the world, touching both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and having extensive mountain ranges, all kinds of climates can be experienced.
A best-time visit would entirely depend on the activities that one wishes to do. Home to some of the best ski resorts and generally the best winter sports locations in the world, winter may be ideal. On the other hand, the summer months are perfect for hiking in the mountains and visiting national parks and cities.
I did this road trip at the beginning of Autumn so enjoyed hikes through national parks with beautiful clear skies yet a tepid Sun.
Entry Requirements
Click the map to see details on visa requirements for each country.
Alternatively, input your passport citizenship and quickly see the requirements that apply to you:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Vancouver to Calgary via Jasper?
The total distance is approximately 1,200 km (745 miles), I recommend 10 to 14 days. You’ll want at least 3 days in Jasper and 3 days in Banff/Lake Louise to account for hiking, wildlife viewing, and the inevitable "viewpoint fatigue."
What are the "must-see" stops along the way?
- Whistler: Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for 360-degree mountain views.
- Mount Robson: The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (located just before entering Jasper).
- The Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93N): Consistently rated the most beautiful drive in the world. Stop at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Columbia Icefield.
- Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: The "postcards" of Canada. (Note: Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles; you must book the Parks Canada shuttle).
- Banff Townsite: For the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and a soak in the Upper Hot Springs.When is the best time for a road trip in British Columbia and Alberta?
July to September is the prime window for clear hiking trails and turquoise lakes.
Shoulder Season (June & October): Great for avoiding crowds, but be warned: high-altitude lakes like Moraine Lake or Peyto Lake may still be frozen in early June, and snow can fall as early as mid-September.
Winter Driving Note: If you travel between October 1 and April 30, winter tires (marked with the mountain snowflake symbol) are legally mandated on the Sea to Sky Highway and the Icefields Parkway.Is it safe to drive in the Rockies?
Yes, but you are sharing the road with massive wildlife and unpredictable weather.
Wildlife Safety: If you see a bear or elk on the roadside, do not get out of your car. It is illegal and dangerous. Stay in your vehicle, take a quick photo, and move on to prevent "bear jams."
Fuel: On the Icefields Parkway (232 km), there is only one fuel station at Saskatchewan River Crossing (open May–Oct). Fill up in Jasper or Lake Louise before starting.
No Cell Service: Large stretches of the Icefields Parkway have zero cell signal. Download offline maps and carry a basic emergency kit.What are the 2026 traffic rules for tourists?
Distracted Driving: Canada has zero tolerance for cell phone use while driving. Fines exceed $600 CAD and can include immediate roadside license suspensions.
Move Over Law: If you see an emergency vehicle or tow truck on the shoulder with lights flashing, you must slow down and move into the far lane.
Speed Limits: Limits are in km/h. National Parks are strictly patrolled, and speeding fines double in construction or wildlife zones.
Itinerary
Will all that said and done, let's move on to the itinerary
Drive Times Overview
This is more or less a breakdown of the stops with indicative distances and drive times.
| Route Segment | Distance (Approx.) | Est. Drive Time | Recommended Stops |
| Vancouver to Whistler | 120 km | 2.0 Hours | Shannon Falls, Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish) |
| Whistler to Clearwater | 425 km | 5.5 Hours | Joffre Lakes, Duffey Lake Road Views |
| Clearwater to Jasper | 320 km | 3.5 Hours | Helmcken Falls, Mount Robson (BC's Highest Peak) |
| Jasper to Banff | 280 km | 3.5 – 5.0 Hours | Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon |
| Banff to Calgary | 125 km | 1.5 Hours | Canmore (Three Sisters View), Kananaskis Detour |
Start: Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most important cities in Canada. The third largest in the country but the first when it comes to population density, it is a major economic hub in western America. Its port is the busiest in Canada and an important link with eastern Asia. This and other aspects make it a very cosmopolitan city, with strong Asian influences due to its proximity to China (dubbing the city Hongcouver).
It is one of the most expensive cities in the world and is considered also one of the most liveable.
The city is immersed in nature and considered a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its giant 400 hectares. Stanley Park and a short drive outside the city center allow one to go on hikes, ski in the mountains or hit the beach.
If you have time consider also a detour of multiple days to Vancouver Island to see the city of Victoria, Butchard gardens, Cathedral Grove, as well as the rest of the extensive island and its fjords.
Popular things to do and see
Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Gastown & Chinatown, Vancouver Art Gallery, Kitsilano Beach
Capilano Suspension Bridge
This pedestrian suspended bridge immersed in the forest just outside the city is a major tourist attraction. It stretches 140 meters long and is suspended 70 meters above the river.
Impressions
Being a simple suspended bridge, the more people traverse it, the more it sways, which arguably is part of the attraction, although I did not enjoy the people who would freak out from the fear of heights, those from the wobbling, and the “trolls” who would jump and sway to make the bridge oscillate even more.
Because of this, I simply traversed the bridge and spent much more time on the smaller ones in the forest, which were more enjoyable.
Sea to Sky Highway – Shannon Falls, Cheakamus Lake
The Sea To Sky Highway (Highway 99) stretches from Vancouver to Pemberton, just north of Whistler.
It is a very scenic route that winds between the surrounding forest and traverses the Shannon Falls provincial park with the eponymous waterfalls. Shannon Falls are the third tallest in Canada, standing at 335 m.
Past Squamish is another famous park, Garibaldi Provincial Park, which hosts Cheakamus Lake, a beautiful secluded lake traversed on both ends by the river by the same name.
Drive distance: 65km on the winding Sea to Sky Highway
Impressions
Shannon Falls was underwhelming because of the low amount of water and close proximity to the highway, making this a quick stop before proceeding.
On the other hand, the walk in the forest towards Cheakamus Lake was beautiful, with only one other couple of visitors encountered during the 1-hour hike. As stated before, I am used to hikes, but being a European, our forests are much more tame, and the bear warning signs on the way made me uneasy, and the sounds of nature were met with a different kind of attention.
That general concern was quickly swept away when I reached the secluded lake, where I spent a long time on the river bank and shore, taking a quick dip in the cold water. This was my first Canadian lake and I was simply amazed by its turquoise hue, the butterflies and fireflies flying everywhere, and since Cheakamus is traversed by the eponymous river on both sides, the constant gentle swaying of the water deflecting the sun rays.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Murrin Provincial Park, Sea-to-Sky Highway
Whistler
The small town of Whistler, located at only 670 m elevation, boasts North America’s largest ski area: Whistler Blackcomb.
Host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the hub of the town is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village. 670 m elevation but
Although the town attracts most people during the winter, spring and summer are also important seasons thanks to the hikes and water sports that can be done in the area. Temperatures, as expected, are around 0°C but in summer they can reach as high as 20°C, changing completely the landscape and activities that can be done in the area.
Drive distance: 60 km from Squamish on the winding Sea to Sky Highway.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Alice Lake Provincial Park
Whistler: Whistler Village, Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Lost Lake, Audain Art Museum
Impressions
Whistler is an amazing small mountain town with a vibrant village. I initially thought that during the summer it would have been a sort of ghost town but there are a ton of activities.
When I arrived at the hotel, I was offered pamphlets, which were basically the size of encyclopedias. Mountain biking, running and hiking trails, peak-to-peak gondolas, dining, all sorts of kayaking and canoeing activities by the lakes, wildlife tours, and more
I instead spent the single day in the village on the many patios, soaking up the sun and cool temperature, and observing the passersby and calm environment of the surroundings.
Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes are three famous lakes just outside Pemberton. The provincial park allows people to hike along the trail to reach the middle and upper lakes, each more spectacular and secluded than the previous.
As with many other glacial lakes, the rock flour in the water reflects blue and green waves, and gives the lakes a turquoise colour.
Drive distance: 90 kms, 1 hour
Impressions
Joffre Lakes are three famous lakes which showcase the typical aquamarine color given by the suspended glacial flour from the nearby mountains.
I skipped the other two lakes which are known to be better, if not for them being more secluded and leaving some of the visitors which do not want to do the hike behind, but my itinerary would have me go towards Kamloops which was a long drive.
The first lake was nonetheless beautiful – calm and peaceful and bathed by the warm summer rays.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Pemberton, Mt. Currie viewpoints, Duffey Lake Road
Joffre Lakes: Upper, Middle, Lower Joffre Lakes, Matier Glacier views
Duffey Lake
The road between Pemberton and Kamloops traverses the picturesque Duffey Lake and is overshadowed by Mt. Rohr.
The lake is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Drive distance: 15kms from Joffre Lakes on Highway 99
Between Pemberton and Lillooet lies the 100kms Duffey Lake Road.
I enjoyed this drive more than the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish, as the wonderfully paved road gently coasts the lake and has ample spots to stop and admire the large body of water and surrounding nature.
Popular things to do and see
Lookouts over Cayoosh Pass, Duffey Lake, Duffey Lake Provincial Park
Spahats Falls
Spahats is the First Nations term for bear.
The waterfalls stand at 70 meters tall and are located within a huge basin that was initially formed by deposits of volcanic rock from numerous eruptions from Trophy Mountain around 300,000 years ago. The Clearwater River then created a stream that, during the Pleistocene, froze, carving and scraping the layers of lava.
Drive distance: 220 km from Duffey Lake on Highway 99 towards the city of Kamloops.
Then north on Highway 5 for 135kms to Clearwater.
Impressions
Spahats Creek Falls was very surprising and after two days of long drives, this short stop filled me with awe. The observation deck on top of the cliffs of the immense canyon carved by the glacier allowed for a wonderful view of the entire gorge.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Lillooet, Pavillion Lake, Kamloops (BC Wildlife Park, Riverside Park, Kamloops Wildlife Park), Clearwater, Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park
Jasper
Like other national parks, there are a ton of things to do in Jasper National Park depending on the season, from icewalks and other excursions on glaciers or skiing in winter to hikes and wildlife watching and activities on the lakes and rivers such as rafting and canoeing in summer.
The town itself is the commercial and tourist center of the park and is a small mountain town with less than 5000 people. Most accommodations are small mountain lodges and cabins nestled within the surrounding forests.
Drive distance: 330 km from Clearwater (Spahats Falls) on Highway 5
Impressions
After another long drive, I arrived in the town of Jasper and saw on the way a massive wild fire.
After I reached my mountain lodge, I discovered that the fire had created a power outage in the entire remote village, which, surprisingly, was accustomed to such events, but very few places were equipped with a generator.
This created an ever-increasing panic around the surrounding places and the sparsely populated town became a mix between a ghost town and an end-of-the world scenario.
Initially, I found it slightly amusing to observe people in town. The Americans would stock up on their fundamental bags of ice. Locals, who were clearly more used to such events, immediately lined up at the gas stations. The few Asians and clueless tourists (including me) walked around with an expression saying “Seriously, is this also closed?”.
By the second day, when the lodge in which I was staying closed and I roamed around the whole area for 3 hours looking for my morning coffee (consuming and wasting in the process a lot of the precious gas that I had), things started to become less amusing.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Mount Robson Provincial Park
Jasper: Jasper National Park, Jasper townsite, Jasper SkyTram, Pyramid Lake & Patricia Lake, Athabasca Falls, Miette Hot Springs
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is approximately 22.5 km long and is the second-largest glacial-fed lake in the world.
As such, it is also famous for its turquoise waters because of the rock flour originating from the three glaciers visible from the lake. It hosts a small island known as Spirit Island and there are many boat cruises and canoeing activities done on the lake.
Drive distance: 25kms east of Jasper on Maligne Lake road.
Impressions
Maligne Lake is famous but I was unlucky with the weather as it rained the whole day and the place was swarming with flies. So not much to say here
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon
Maligne lake: Boat cruise to Spirit Island, Hiking trails (Bald Hills, Opal Hills)
Sunwapta Falls
Located between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, Sunwapta Falls originate from the melting of the Athabasca Glacier. Waterfall volume can be very high in the summer due to glacial melting.
Drive distance: 50 km south from Jasper on Highway 93 (aka Icefields Parkway).
Impressions
I moved to one of the few lodges that still had power and was a short walk from Sunwapta Falls. These waterfalls are small but very lively, with many layers and a huge amount of pouring water, creating a beautiful (and deafening) scene.
Popular things to do and see
Sunwapta Lookout, Upper and Lower falls hikes
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a beautiful road between Jasper and Lake Louise and the primary route that cuts the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.
It is a 230-kilometer-long drive that traverses both the Jasper and Banff National Parks and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Drive distance: Highway 93 is a 200 km long highway between Jasper and Banff.
Impressions
The Icefields Parkway is known for being one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world. My drive was initially “slightly” ruined by the anxiety of an empty tank and still to this day, I have no idea how I was able to reach the only gas station at 100 kilometers away with presumably 30 kilometers of gas left.
After filling up, I was able to enjoy the surroundings but unfortunately, I missed the stop at the Athabasca Glacier. Still, the title is well earned, as the scenic road was wonderful and well worth the deviation.
Popular things to do and see
Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier (glacier tours, skywalk), Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint, Saskatchewan River Crossing (services, viewpoint), Bow Summit, views of Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake, located within Banff National Park and standing at 1,860 m, is a large, 2.8km-long lake fed by Peyto Creek, which drains water from Caldron Lake and Peyto Glacier (part of the Wapta Icefield).
During the summer, a large amount of glacial rock flour flows into the lake, giving the lake a clear and bright azure color.
Drive distance: 90 km south from Jasper on Highway 93.
Popular things to do and see
Waterfowl Lakes
wolf headed lake
Impressions
By now, I was no stranger to azure lakes but Peyto Lake was otherworldly and unreal. There is a short 30-minute walk to the observation deck on a paved road and when I reached it, I thought that I had been transported inside a painting.
Despite being far away and not having that connection to nature as with other lakes, the beauty of the scene is simply breath-taking.
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Canada at 373 meters and resides within Yoho National Park. It is fed by the Daly Glacier, which is part of the Waputik Icefield.
Drive distance: 40kms south from Peyto Lake on Highway 93.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, Emerald Lake, Field town, Yoho National Park
Lake Louise
In the heart of Banff National Park stands the secluded Lake Louise, arguably one of the most famous lakes in the whole country. Also known as the Lake of Little Fishes, it is a famous destination for tourists and boasts the classical turquoise color given by the rock flour and
On one of its shores the beautiful luxury castle resort Châteaux Lake Louise, perched over the lake, provides even more scenery to the wonderful small lake.
Drive distance: 50kms south from Peyto Lake on Highway 93.
Impressions
I woke up quite early and initially went to another world-known lake, Lake Moraine, but the area was already swarming with visitors. Without much hope, I therefore went to Lake Louise and was confronted with yet another example of Canadian politeness when the parking attendant first of all apologized for the complete invasion of the park by visitors, then indicated a place where I could temporarily stop, and less than a minute later she moved from her spot and approached me, telling me that someone had left and indicating where I could park.
This small lake is also incredibly beautiful and the châteaux overlooking it only adds to the wonder.
Due to its fame, the place was invaded by visitors and it made little sense to walk around in the “traffic”, so I stopped on a bench and bathed in the sun, surrounded by passersby, as one would do in a park in the center of a large city.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Lake Moraine
Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise lakeside trail, Lake Agnes Tea House hike
Banff
Banff National Park is the oldest park in Canada. In its heart stands the mountain town of Banff.
Banff is a tourist town located at an elevation of 1400 meters, making it the community with the second highest elevation in the province of Alberta in the Rockies. Banff Park is the oldest in Canada.
Like many mountain towns, Banff has a very different character in winter and summer and offers varying activities and attractions depending on the season, with great hikes and trails in summer and excellent skiing opportunities in winter.
The town is very picturesque, with a beautiful city center and a lot of wildlife roaming around the outskirts (mostly moose and deer; bears were present once but no longer “visit” the area).
Drive distance: 90 kms, 1 hour
Banff is a beautiful mountain town.
The town center is wonderful, buzzing with visitors, souvenir shops, and chain restaurants, but also wonderful, immersed in the mountains. Outside of the main streets, I saw deer peacefully grazing.
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Bow Valley Parkway, Castle Mountain, Vermilion Lake
Banff: Banff Avenue (shops, restaurants), Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain views), Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Bow Falls, Whyte Museum
Bow Falls
Bow Falls originate from the Bow River, sourced from the Bow Glacier (part of the Wapta Icefield).
They are probably the easiest waterfalls to visit, being located right within the town of Banff.
Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta and is located just south of the Canadian Rockies at an elevation of 1045 meters.
Nicknamed Cowtown, this rodeo-mad city is one of the last frontiers of cowboy culture, hosting in the summer the Calgary Stampede, also known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Dubbed also the Sandstone City after a fire in 1886 burned much of the wooden homes to the ground and the city was rebuilt with sandstone from the banks of the Bow.
Calgary is an entry point to the nearby Canadian Badlands, which are not only scenic by themselves but also host the largest deposit of dinosaur fossils in the world.
Drive distance: 120kms east from Banff on Highway 1/Trans-Canada Highway.
on the way cochrane, Consider a day trip to Drumheller, for DINOSA, and the badlands, 150km east of Clagary
Popular things to do and see
Along the way: Canmore
Calgary: Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue & downtown, Glenbow Museum, Calgary Zoo, Prince’s Island Park, Peace Bridge
Closing Thoughts
This was almost a road trip in its purest form, with very few hikes and brief stops.
It was a sort of reconnaissance journey, trying to cross all the major parks: Garibaldi, Jasper, Yoho, and Banff, and this left me very little time to really enjoy and explore each area, but as I said in the introduction, I was in the mood to churn kilometers and traverse these immense landscapes.
I enjoyed doing this long traversal and making the long deviation north towards Jasper, passing by cities such as Kamloops, which arguably do not offer much, but the descent from Jasper on the Icefields Parkway was worth it, despite the anxiety over the lack of gas and cellular connectivity.
Now that I know what to expect, I would like to revisit all the places with more time, making a stop on Vancouver Island, which has a ton to offer, as well as go straight east on the Trans-Canada Highway and visit the areas surrounding Revelstoke, Golden, and Fields, which are also popular destinations.
