3-week roadtrip in Western Canada

Do you want to be sure to see everything? You love seeing stunning landscapes? Do you have 3 weeks of vacations you don’t know what to do with? This itinerary is made for you!

Get to see the all the gems of Western Canada: the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island, the famous Inside Passage between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy… You’ll feel like at the world’s end.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in 3-week road trip to Western Canada:

• Stroll around the Granville Island Public Market to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s local culture
• Admire the wonderful natural gem that Cathedral Grove is in Campbell River
• Hike along the beautiful North-Coast Trail in Port Hardy
• Go on an excursion to observe whales from Prince Rupert
• Look at the fossils of Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park in Smithers
• Visit the Native-American village of Ksan in Prince George
• Try out the must-sees of Jasper National Park : the SkyTram and the Lake Maligne 
• Marvel at the gorgeous landscapes of the Rocky Mountains at Banff National Park
• Feel the adrenaline rush when rafting down the Illecillewaet river
• Snowshoe in winter, horse ridding in summer, Whistler has many activities to offer

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary for the 3-week road trip in Western Canada

Vancouver > Campbell River > Port Hardy > Prince Rupert > Smithers > Prince George > Jasper > Banff > Revelstoke > Whistler

Some practical information before your road trip to Western Canada

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip to Western Canada is between may and september. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there are less chances of bad weather. More information here.

You can’t visit Western Canada without trying its seafood, British-Columbia’s specialty! Make sure you also taste the delicious fruits, you can especially find them during summer.

Contents : 3-week road trip in Canada

1- Vancouver – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
2- Campbell River – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
3- Port Hardy – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
4- Prince Rupert – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
5- Smithers – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
6- Prince George – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
7- Jasper – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
8- Banff – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
9- Revelstoke – Stop 9 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada
10- Whistler – Stop 10 of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada

3-week itinerary in Western Canada : step by step

What to do in Vancouver?

The perfect blend of city and nature to start this 3-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Stanley Park, one of the biggest urban park of North America. A spectacular view over the ocean and mountains.
• Granville Island Public Market, one of the best marketplaces in Canada with amazing cheese, fruits, pastries and fish shops.
• English Bay Beach, an astonishing urban beach, bordered by palm trees.
• Vancouver Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum also hosting international exhibitions. It is nowadays a major actor in Vancouver’s art scene.
• Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a lovely and intimate garden where turtles swim around and might even come and see you. A real peaceful heaven in the heart of the city.

What more to do in Vancouver?

• Looking for thrills and unique experiences? We’ve found the perfect activity for you, a panoramic seaplane flight over Vancouver. It’s sure to be a sight to behold!
• Is your sporting side coming back to life in this city? Then it’s time for an electric bike ride around Vancouver!

Where to sleep in Vancouver?

• Mid-range: Only 1km from the centre, the Times Squares Suites hotel will satisfy you! Take advantage of its suites which are real flats, fully equipped with a washing machine and a balcony, and giving a view on Vancouver.
• High-end: Want to spend a night in one of Vancouver’s most legendary hotels? If so, it’s the Fairmont Waterfront. Just a 5-minute walk from the Gastown district, enjoy its outdoor heated pool, contemporary decor and well-equipped suites!

What to do in Campbell River?

Salmon’s world capital, this second stop of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada holds its share of adventures.

• Try out the traditional way of fishing salmon.
• Explore Cathedral Grove, the provincial natural park. Hike through the over 800-year-old giant pine trees.
• Hit the road towards the Western part of the island and enjoy the wonderful landscapes.

Where to sleep in Campbell River?

• Mid-range: The conveniently located Anchor Inn and Suites offers comfortable rooms. The Campbell River Museum is a 2 minute drive away and the Campbell River Common shopping centre is less than 10 minutes away by car!
• High-end: The Comfort Inn & Suites will make all your dreams come true. Just 2 minutes from the pier, enjoy 24-hour service, a gym and comfortable suites.

What to do in Port Hardy ?

For this third stop of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada, live the perfect adventure surrounded by wilderness, on Vancouver Island. 

• Take a hike on the North Coast Trail and you will feel like you’re the only one in the world !
• Rent a kayak and row along the islands’ rocky shores and creeks.
• You could even use the skills you learned on the Campbell River and try catching salmon !

Where to sleep in Port Hardy ?

• Mid-range: Stay at the Glen Lyon Inn, with its friendly staff, ocean-view bar and restaurant, and well-equipped rooms. You’ll also find tours to observe local wildlife within a 5min walk.
• High-end: The Kwa’lilas Hotel welcomes you less than 10 minutes’ walk from the waterfront and Port Hardy town centre. With its traditional style, this hotel has everything to charm you!

What to do in Prince Rupert?

Before getting to Prince Rupert enjoy the journey across the iconic Inside Passage, known as one of the most beautiful cruises in the world. Experience an outstanding 15-hour ferry cruise and get to see whales, dolphins and gorgeous landscapes.

This 4th stop of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada is the world’s third deepest natural ice-free port.

• Whale observation. Go on day-trips and get to see marine mammals just a few meters / feet away.
• Museum Of Northern British Columbia. Discover largest variety of British Columbia’s Native American tribes art as well as its cultural and natural heritage.
• Explore Prince Rupert’s port, one the the biggest on the west coast. You’ll get to see huge cruise liners stopping in the city, along with other boats. You should also go to the Terminal Altin Interpretive center to get to know about this port and its functioning’s history.

Where to sleep in Prince Rupert?

• Mid-range: Located in downtown Prince Rupert, the Black Rooster Guesthouse offers contemporary furnished rooms and flats. On-site yoga classes and bicycle rentals are available.
• High-end: Located in the centre of Prince Rupert, the Crest Hotel features a beachfront restaurant and hot tub. Next door is the Adventure Tours facility, which offers whale and bear watching tours. All rooms have a view of the city or harbour. A pair of binoculars will be provided so you can enjoy the view from the large windows!

What to do in Smithers?

Staggering mountains views are awaiting in this stop of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada.

• Go to Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park, great place for fossil observation.
• Visit the Smithers Art Gallery, a provinicial museum displaying local artists’ artworks.
• Take part in the Bulkley Valley Exhibition, a festival occurring at the end of august. Come and discover the cowboy lifestyle on a wide-open area. You could even get to see rodeos, farm animal races and even more !

Where to sleep in Smithers?

• Mid-range: Enjoy an authentic Canadian experience at the Silvern Lake Trail Bed and Breakfast. You’ll receive a warm welcome and a delicious homemade breakfast in the morning. To top it off, there’s an outdoor hot tub and a stunning view of Kathlyn Glacier and Twin Falls.
• High-end: The Stork Nest Inn is less than a minute’s drive from the Trans-Canada Highway. This makes it a strategic location! Plus a gourmet breakfast is served every morning so enjoy!

What to do in Prince George?

This stop of the 3-week road trip in Western Canada is one of the biggest urban centres of Northern British-Columbia.  

• Go to the Native American village of Ksan. Walk through this historic village and you’ll feel like you are few centuries back in time.
• If you feel like you need greenery, go to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Relax in this park after a long day of driving, you could go biking along its trails or let your kids play in the dedicated playgrounds for example!
• Do not miss the Ancient Forest Trail (Chun t’oh Whudujut), a forest with a humid microclimate. Take a lovely hike through its giant trees.

Where to sleep in Prince George?

• Mid-range: Canadas Best Value Hotel has an on-site restaurant. Only 2 kilometres from Treasure Cove Casino, the hotel offers spacious rooms, you won’t be disappointed!
• High-end: Located on a 125 hectare ranch in Prince George, Woodhouse Cottage offers private cottages! In addition to the spectacular setting, there are hiking trails nearby.

What to do in Jasper?

A wild and authentic National Park. It is one of the gems of this 3-week road trip in Western Canada.

• Head to Miette Hot Springs, discovered in 1909. Enjoy a 40° C / 104°F – pool surrounded by mountains.
• Take the Skytram cable car in Jasper. Up Mount Whistlers, enjoy a gorgeous 75 km / 46 mile radius view.
• Do not miss Maligne Canyon, a narrow canyon thats 50 meters / 164 feet deep.  Cross the canyon on one of the 6 bridges and explore one of the many trails.

What more to do in Jasper?

• Get your family’s thrills on a rafting trip in the Athabasca Falls.
• Take in the tranquil scenery, watch wildlife and navigate the beautiful Maligne Lake on this perfect  day-trip to see the highlights in a few hours.
• For animal lovers, there are tours that focus on respectful wildlife viewing in the national park. So don’t hesitate to join in, whether your trip is in summer or winter.

Where to sleep in Jasper?

• Mid-range: Jasper Downtown Hostel offers accommodation in downtown Jasper. You’ll be staying in comfortable rooms or dorms just a few 100 metres from the city centre.
• High-end: Back to hotel excellence! The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge features an award-winning golf course, 8 on-site restaurants and a 930 sqm spa. The Marmot Basin ski area is also 30km away. All rooms are fully equipped, so it’s worth the diversions!

What to do in Banff ?

This city in the middle of a natural park will surely become one of the highlights of your 3-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Fairmont Banff Springs, iconic building built in 1888. Enjoy a coffee or cocktail in one of its four lounges.
• Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, over a century-old museum. Discover objects and artworks dating back to the 1800 up to today. Learn about Banff and its pioneers’s through its permanent exhibition.
• Banff National Park, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. Go discover a wild nature and astonishing landscapes.

What more to do in Banff?

• Making this road trip as a couple? Then add a romantic touch with a sleigh ride!
• Your adventurous spirit is back? Don’t hesitate to go for a hike at the Ice Canyon.

Where to sleep in Banff?

• Mid-range: Want to be cut off from the world between the Rocky mountains and be in a unique setting? Then the Banff Boutique Inn is for you! With its proximity to the city centre while being in the middle of nature, and its decoration that only this establishment has.
• High-end: Still from the same brand but that’s because they’re so great! The Fairmont Banff Springs offers swimming pools, ski resorts nearby … In short, everything you need to relax and enjoy!

What to do in Revelstoke ?

Vacation resort in the Rocky Mountains, Revelstoke is a great stop of this 3-week road trip in Western Canada.

• Go to Revelstoke dam, a popular tourist attraction. It’s one of the biggest dam in British Columbia, we recommend going during summer / spring.
• Do not miss Mount Revelstoke National Park. Drive through the Meadow in the Sky parkway (26km / 16 miles) and enjoy the forests, pines trees and subalpine flowers. Hike on the Giant Cedar trail to discover over 500-year-old trees.
• For a little thrill, you can also go rafting on the Illecillewaet River.
• Glacier national Park. Take the Trans-Canada Highway and go through the park. Stop at the Roger Pass discovery center and learn about the complex British Columbia railway network.

Where to sleep in Revelstoke?

• Mid-range: For those who like comfort, modernity and a city centre atmosphere, book the Regent Hotel Revelstoke. With a range of facilities and a great view of the mountain, it’s the perfect hotel to pamper yourself after a day of exploring!
• High-end: Indulge yourself with a stay at Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast. This is the perfect accommodation for nature lovers who prefer to be away from the city centre. Beautifully decorated, serving a delicious breakfast, with comfortable rooms, this bed&breakfast has it all!

What to do in Whistler?

Lovely mountain village, perfect to end this 3-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Discover a ski resort with over 200 slopes and go to Lost Lake, where 25 slopes begin.
• Rent snowshoes and go hiking surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.
• Visit Whistler Olympic Park, sumptuous immaculate snow where the 2010 Olympic Games took place.

What more to do in Whistler?

• Bring out your inner child and take a tour of 5 zip lines in Whistler!
• Do you love horses? Then spend a full day riding in the mountains of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains.
• What would a trip to Whistler be without a float plane ride? Don’t panic, we’ve got just the ticket! Fly over the Whistler Valley and get a 20 minute scenic flight.

Where to sleep in Whistler?

• Mid-range: For a mid-range hotel, you can still get access to small gems like the Mountainside Lodge, 550 metres from the Whistler and Blackcomb lifts. Each suite has a gas fireplace and a well-equipped kitchen.
• High-end: Enjoy Four Seasons excellence for a night! Four Seasons Resort Whistler offers a heated outdoor pool, 3 hot tubs and an 8 minute walk to the Whistler Blackcomb lifts! Rooms also offer mountain, forest or courtyard views.

Learn more about your 3-week road trip in Canada…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country by clicking here.
• Book a car rental at the best price, by this website we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-weeks road trip in Western Canada? We recommend you this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences!