If the idea of ​​taking a road trip in North America appeals to you, consider exploring the Canadian Rockies. Home to impressive national parks, this area is famous for its captivating scenery and diverse attractions, especially when it comes to outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. Find out where to go and what to see with our guide.

If you want to see as much stunning scenery as possible, take a loop from Vancouver to some of the country’s most celebrated national parks, including Banff and Jasper. This will give you the opportunity to travel iconic roads such as the Icefields Parkway, as well as discover the landscape that makes this region of Canada such a popular and exciting place to discover.

Vancouver to Banff

Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and spend a day or two taking in the local sights. This is a great way to relax on your road trip and of course see some of the attractions that Vancouver is famous for. Riding the San Francisco-style streetcars is a particularly good option, as you can listen to commentary on the sights you’re traveling through and jump off to explore any that interest you.

Once you’re done discovering the delights of Vancouver, your road trip adventure can really begin. Drive through the Coastal Mountains and Manning Provincial Park to reach Penticton, a beautiful city situated on Okanagan Lake. Known for its vineyards, magnificent beaches and sunny climate, this region is a lovely place to spend the night before continuing on your journey.

You will have the opportunity to explore this landscape the next morning, before driving along a beautiful road to the Revelstoke area for another overnight stop. Starting your journey to the first of the major national parks on our itinerary the following day, you will travel through Glacier National Park. This beautiful reserve is filled with towering mountains, picturesque alpine meadows and dense forests; simply driving through it is one option, and certainly a scenic one, but if you’re a keen walker, it’s worth landing here and tackling some of its 700 miles of walking trails. You can then continue your journey to Banff.

Banff

Banff is both a historic national park – the first, in fact, to be established in Canada – and a lively tourist town. The park is a massive 6,641 square kilometers and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the Rockies, so there is no shortage of things to do and see. It’s worth thoroughly researching the various activity options and best places to see before you travel, as there is simply too much variety, but visiting Bow Falls and hiking in the popular Lake Louise resort are two options you should definitely consider. .

Jasper

Your next destination will be Jasper, another absolutely stunning national park. However, the drive from Banff, more specifically Lake Louise, to Jasper is just as exciting, as you’ll be traveling along the famous Icefields Parkway. This world-renowned highway is 230 km long and is home to unforgettable mountain scenery. If you have time, it is well worth organizing a stop to explore a little more in depth; At Peyton Lake, for example, you can take a ride on the Columbia Icefield.

After arriving in Jasper, it’s a good plan to spend a full day exploring the local sights. If you have a keen sense of adventure, you can try activities like whitewater rafting on the Athabasca River, while those looking for something a little more tame may prefer a Maligne Lake boat cruise. Depending on the tour you choose, this could include a stop at Spirit Island, which has a fabulous lookout point that promises great scenery. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to a host of fascinating creatures, including bears, deer, and bighorn sheep.

Jasper to Vancouver

Leaving Jasper, you can go through Yellowhead Pass and reach the 100 Mile House. Once upon a time, this was a popular stopping point for travelers seeking their fortune during the gold rush. Today, it’s best known for ranching, and it’s a great place to spend a few nights and relax.

Continue to Whistler, where you can take advantage of this famous resort’s excellent range of activities. These cover everything from canoeing and sailing to golf and hiking, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding something to suit your needs. Finally, complete your trip by driving back to Vancouver, from where you’ll catch your flight home.