Must see places between Vancouver and Calgary?

Question

Hi, does anyone have suggestions on how to spend a 2 weeks holiday going from Vancouver to Calgary in August? We haven't planned much yet, besides a day trip to Seattle and "wanting to see cowboys" in Calgary ;-) For the rest, we rely on inspiration and suggestions from friends. We know we will enjoy the drive and the scenery either way.
Is it worth going to Victoria island for a day trip or do you need to spend more time there? Vancouver island? Whistler, Banff, Jasper? Are there chances to spend a day horse back riding along the way?
Any ideas are much appreciated.
Thanks
Anja

Answer 1

If you are going to cross to Vancouver Island, and the city of Victoria, give it a couple of days -- and use one of the northern routes for further scenery.

If you have even more time, consider the Sunshine Coast. You take two ferry rides northwards from Vancouver -- Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, drive from Langdale to Earl's Cove, then ferry from Earl's Cove to Saltery Bay, and then a short drive from Saltery Bay to Powell River, where a ferry crosses 4x daily to Comox on the upper part of Vancouver Island. You then drive down the coastal highway all the way to Victoria. Lovely trip. See B.C. Ferries for more info.

In the mountains, the hot springs pool at Radium Hot Springs is a hidden gem in a narrow mountain valley. From there you can drive up and over the mountains for a different approach to Banff.

At Revelstoke, there is the scenic highway up Mount Revelstoke -- don't miss this trip.

And be sure to detour off the Trans Canada Highway (west of Banff) into the Yoho Valley to see Takkakkaw Falls -- a truly spectacular sight and easy to approach!

And, of course, drive up to Lake Louise too -- preferably in early morning or late afternoon when the lake is apt to be completely still and give an amazing reflection of the mountains and glacier.

The ultimate, if you have time, is the Icefield Parkway from Bannf north to Jasper. One of the great scenic roads of the world!

Answer 2

Here's the same answer I have given to others. :)

In Revelstoke there are a lot of wonderful places to stop.
West of Revelstoke is the Enchanted Forest - wonderful place!

East of Revelstoke is the Mount Revelstoke National Park. Skunk Cabbage Trail, Giant Cedars Trail, Meadows-in-the-Sky Parkway (which is more then worth a stop!!)

Golden, BC is known for a lot of adventurous fun. White water rafting, hang gliding, etc.

You'll go over Rogers Pass. There is an interpretive Centre at the top of the Pass. Makes for a nice stop.

Then you get to Yoho and Banff National Parks.

Takakaw Falls is awesome and definately worth your time to drive in. You've probably never seen anything like it. :)

Just north of Banff is Lake Minnewanka. There is a place for picnics and swimming. A ghost town (Bankhead) to stop and walk through (an old coal mining facility). If you drive around the loop you are almost guaranteed to see wildlife - usually elk and big horn sheep. Sometimes bear.

If you drive west from Banff you'll find Highway 1A - It runs between Banff and Lake Louise. You'll need to stop at Johnston Canyon. A beautiful walk up to the falls!

Lake Louise is a wonderful stop as well. The lake and glacier are beautiful and it's an easy walk walk around the lake.

On the drive up to Lake Louise you'll see a turn off for Morraine Lake. It's my favorite place in the mountains.

Oh, in Banff - I love the Christmas Store. :)

Plus I would suggest you head to Jasper. The Icefield Parkway is the most scenic drive anywhere. Stop at the Glacier and take a Snowcoach ride up onto the glacier and go for a short walk up on top.

The trip to Jasper is worth a couple days at least as there are a number of wonderful places to stop if you can.

You may have some trouble finding cowboys here in Calgary in August. *grin* About the only time you'll see that is in July during the Stampede. However, there are a few guest ranches you could stay at in Alberta. I've put the link below.

Answer 3

Must See Places In Vancouver

Answer 4

Hi.

I would definately make stops in Banff, Lake Louise, Hope, and any of the smaller towns in the Rockies are always great. There is horseback riding available (Day, and overnight) in Banff.

Vancouver Island is great, as is Victoria.

I would stay in Banff for at least 1 or 2 nights, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.