Crossing Western Canada: A 6-Day Jaunt Thru Banff, Jasper, and Kamloops
So, you’re looking at perhaps seeing some of the very breathtaking landscapes Canada’s western side has to offer? A six-day excursion right from Calgary to Vancouver, which swings through Banff, Jasper, and Kamloops, very possibly could be just what the doctor actually ordered. We will look at the sights you’ll gaze upon and the experiences you can anticipate on this adventure. The important thing to see here is figuring out if this trip really fits what you are looking for.
Day 1 & 2: Calgary to Banff – Embracing the Rockies
The whole shebang kicks off in Calgary. As a matter of fact, that is a pretty big city. Now, you head right for Banff National Park, that’s where mountains suddenly appear and the air smells much crisper. Day one will usually involve getting settled and a tiny taste of Banff town. Now, the next day is about hitting spots like Lake Louise with that blue-green water. Oh, it’s also about seeing Moraine Lake with its crazy beautiful views. Don’t get me wrong, the scenery is beyond great; you will likely spend most of your time taking way too many pictures.
Things to do: Very likely, you will visit the Banff Gondola to get a little peak, explore the little town of Banff, check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Perhaps, you’ll grab a local craft brew, too it’s almost like chilling but with really pretty backgrounds.
Read our full review: Banff National Park Tour Full Review and Details
Day 3: Banff to Jasper – The Icefields Parkway Awaits
Getting to Jasper? So, get ready to roll on Icefields Parkway. It is very possibly one of those drives where the trip itself feels like, very like, half the fun. Waterfalls? Definitely. Glaciers? Definitely. Lakes? Yep, lakes. It’s an eyeful the whole way, that’s for sure. Get the cameras out, you may want to capture it all.
Main Attraction: A little visit to the Columbia Icefield. That’s where you can actually walk on a glacier and it’s pretty impressive, too. It is almost like stepping on a big, old icy giant.
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Day 4: Exploring Jasper National Park
Now Jasper isn’t just some place you pass through. As a matter of fact, it has its own vibe, more low-key than Banff. Jasper National Park? Get ready for some time there. You can check out spots like Maligne Lake, that happens to be incredibly scenic. The wildlife you might see, too, from elk to maybe, just maybe, a bear. But hey, keep your distance. We really wanna look at nature, not wrestle it.
Things you can do: Ride the Jasper Skytram for some way, way out-there views. Or how about a boat trip on Maligne Lake. You’ll have a very great vantage point and that photo taking thing will continue, likely.
Read our full review: Jasper National Park Full Review and Details
Day 5: Jasper to Kamloops – Interior BC Bound
You leave Jasper, so that means heading into British Columbia, and Kamloops is very likely the next main stop. The landscape very much shifts here, from mountains to something almost dryer and a little bit desert-like. Kamloops is a city near two rivers and it has a distinct feel compared to what you have already experienced in the Rockies.
Activities & Stops: Depending on what is on tap, you can perhaps visit the BC Wildlife Park in order to see some Canadian critters. You might also, just maybe, learn about the local First Nations culture. It all really depends on the tour schedule, very admittedly.
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Day 6: Kamloops to Vancouver – Coastal Finish
That, you see, is the last leg and a drive to Vancouver. The scenery shifts again to very, very green landscapes as you get closer to the coast. Once you hit Vancouver, it is almost like being back in a major city with all kinds of action. The tour very possibly wraps up here, depending what add-ons you select.
Things to expect: Views, views and more views. This section has a lot of diverse things going on, scenery wise. Plus, getting to Vancouver gives you a chance to explore. Why not go check Granville Island Market or just stroll the seawall in Stanley Park? Get that selfie, or twenty, too it’s almost like cementing the memories.
Read our full review: Vancouver Full Review and Details
