Best Canadian Rockies Tours from Vancouver

Best time from Vancouver to the Rockies

The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is during the summer months of June-August. This is when the climate is warm enough for outdoor activities like hiking, and all the attractions are open. However, this is also peak season, and you will encounter larger crowds.

To see the maple leaves, visit in the fall, September-October, when there are fewer crowds, but some of the high-altitude areas will be closed. The winter months of November-April are more suitable for those who enjoy skiing, and there are many top ski resorts in the area.

Popular stops on the Rockies tour from Vancouver

From Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains, you'll cross from British Columbia to Alberta. Some of the most popular locations on the Canadian Rockies tour include Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Yoho, and Waterton Lakes National Parks.

Among these national parks, there are many more iconic attractions of Canadian Rockies. Examples include Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefields, and Athabasca Falls. You can also visit Peyto Lake, Bow Falls, Emerald Lake, and the vast Maligne Lake.

How to get to the Rockies from Vancouver

By car: the distance from Vancouver to Banff is approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles), which takes about 8-10 hours. The most popular route is the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Highway 93.

By train: You can take the Rocky Mountaineer, which goes from Vancouver to popular destinations like Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper. Since it's a daytime train, you'll be able to enjoy the scenery better. The ride to Banff or Lake Louise will be up to two days.

By bus: bus companies like Rider Express offer direct service, for example, from Vancouver to Banff in 12 hours and 10 minutes. Bus tours of the Canadian Rockies from Vancouver are also a more affordable way to get around.

By plane: the flight time from Vancouver to Calgary is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then drive from Calgary to Banff in 1 hour.

Plan your journey duration and itinerary.

Depending on your schedule, there are different duration and route options from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies. Trips typically range from 2 to 14 days, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. And here are the most popular duration options:

3-day Canadian Rockies tour from Vancouver

The 3-day itinerary allows for a quick experience of the exciting and iconic locations of the Canadian Rockies. The focus will be on Banff National Park and its main attractions, such as riding the Banff Gondola and viewing Lake Louise.

5-day Canadian Rockies tour from Vancouver

5 days gives you the opportunity to have a full exploration, which includes Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. The best itinerary is to start your journey from Jasper National Park, where Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon are popular locations. Afterwards, experience the Ice Explorer at Columbia Icefield, visit Laughing Falls and Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint in Yoho National Park, and follow the road to Banff National Park to see Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon.

7-day Canadian Rockies tour from Vancouver

7 days boasts a broader itinerary covering more sights and a more relaxed pace. See panoramic views of Banff from the Banff Gondola, and go to iconic attractions Johnston Canyon and Bow Falls. There's still plenty of time to explore the town of Banff. Follow the Icefield Parkway to the Columbia Icefield and observe the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer. Continue the journey at Jasper National Park and take a cruise on Maligne Lake for lake views. You can also have a wonderful time in Waterton National Park, Cameron Falls, and Buffalo Paddock, which can give you a special experience.