Summary
Look, there’s no beating around the bush! We’re totally in love with all the best places in Canada. Not only is it completely vast, with beautiful national parks and vibrant cities like Vancouver and Calgary, it’s also filled with the best road trips with Alberta and British Columbia being no exception. In fact, there’s a heap of places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary that you really can’t miss.
Being one of the more popular road trip routes between the two provinces, a drive from Vancouver to Calgary is a fantastic way to experience an epic taste of what western Canada has to offer.
After visiting British Columbia and Alberta multiple times, we finally decided to take the plunge and drive between the two cities. In winter, of all months!
The first thing to note is that winter conditions can be challenging once you venture inland. Therefore, ensure you have the correct tires on your rental car before setting off. We made an oversight between “all-weather” and “snow tires,” which meant a detour back to Vancouver.
Avoid this mistake by planning with your rental company in advance and don’t get caught out like we did.
That said, regardless of the time of year you visit, you’re guaranteed a treat with epic places to see. After all, British Columbia and Alberta really spoil you in this aspect! You’ll find yourself pulling over constantly for pictures and exploration.
To assist you in exploring this stunning area, we’ve curated a list of some of the best places to see on a drive from Vancouver to Calgary. All points are tried and tested to help save you countless hours searching for key stopping points along the way.
Have the best time exploring Canada and drive safely!
1.) Vancouver
One of our favorite cities in all of Canada, Vancouver is a special place to visit in beautiful British Columbia.
You see, Vancouver is a city bursting with lively neighborhoods and a plethora of delicious eating spots.
Take time to explore the city center, and consider watching a thrilling ice hockey game (this was where we experienced our first one).
Moreover, embarking on a guided bike ride tour across Stanley Park is a must. Don’t forget to visit the numerous art galleries in the area as well.
2.) Grouse Mountain
If you’re visiting Vancouver, you certainly don’t want to miss Grouse Mountain… even if skiing isn’t your thing!
At Grouse Mountain, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country trekking, and the seasonal events that occur throughout the year.
Moreover, even if you go to watch the sunset over Vancouver in the distance, you won’t be disappointed.
To access it, you can take a taxi or include as a stop to optimize your trip during your journey from Vancouver to Calgary.
You can easily add a visit to Grouse Mountain into your schedule before embarking on your road trip from Vancouver to Calgary.
3.) Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful area to explore if you want a more relaxed experience along an unspoiled coastline, offering quaint little villages with numerous camping and RV sites, especially if you’re traveling in a motorhome.
Don’t expect vast mountain ranges in this coastal area, but rather appreciate the unspoiled dense forests with charming little villages perfect for a lunch break or a drink (for non-drivers at Persephone Brewing Company, which we thoroughly enjoyed).
4.) Squamish
Around a 60-minute drive from Vancouver, Squamish is a perfect stop for a visit lasting roughly 2-3 hours. This makes it an easy stop before you continue your drive along Highway 99 to Whistler.
At this location, you can take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, hike the various trails, or simply soak in the views of the surrounding mountains. It’s an incredibly stunning spot at any time of the year.
