Western Canada road trip

You want to see everything there is to see in Western Canada road trip ? You love nature and wide-open spaces? Majestic mountains, vibrant blue water and dynamic cities? You have 15 days of vacation to make an incredible road trip? You will love this itinerary!

Take the glacier road, one of the most spectacular roads in the world, and enjoy Canada’s authenticity.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 2-week road trip to Western Canada:

• Go up the Calgary Tower to enjoy a beautiful view over the city
• Travel back to the 19th century when visiting the Fort Edmonton
• Try out the must-sees of Jasper National Park : the SkyTram and the Lake Maligne 
• Explore the marvellous Lake Louise and its surroundings while hiking or kayaking
• Admire the wonderful landscapes of Banff National Park while walking along the Bow River
• Taste the delicious local food and wines in Kelowna
• Snowshoe in winter, horse ridding in summer, Whistler has many activities to offer
• Live a once-in-a-lifetime experience when observing whales and orcas in Victoria’s waters
• Stroll around the Granville Island Public Market to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s local culture

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

Looking for a longer itinerary ? Check out our 3 week road trip in Western Canada !

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Itinerary for the road trip Western Canada 2 weeks

 

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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 2-week 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.

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Contents: 2-week Western Canada road trip

1- Calgary – Stop 1 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
2- Edmonton – Stop 2 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
3- Jasper – Stop 3 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
4- Lake Louise – Stop 4 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
5- Banff – Stop 5 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
6- Kelowna – Stop 6 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
7- Whistler – Stop 7 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
8- Victoria – Stop 8 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada
9- Vancouver – Stop 9 of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada

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Itinerary in Western Canada 2 week road trip: step by step

 

What to do in Calgary?

Charming meadow city. 

• Glenbow Museum, excellent museum hosting History, art and pop culture exhibitions. Discover rug, shop counter and wagon reconstitutions.
• Calgary Tower, core piece of the city. Observe this concrete tower that has been making the Calgarians proud since 1968.
• Prince’s Island Park, a fresh and green island. Stroll around its many biking trails and relaxing areas. In the summer, you could even get to see a play in the outdoor amphitheater or enjoy an open-air folk concert.
• To learn more about Calgary’s history, first stop of this 2-week itinerary in Western Canada, we recommend doing a walking guided tour.

 

Where to sleep in Calgary?

 

• Mid-range: Spend your first night in Western Canada at the modern Alt Hotel Calgary. Conveniently located close to downtown, with clean, well-equipped rooms, it has everything you need to fight jet lag! If you’re lucky, you’ll even get a room with a view of the river.
• High-end: For even more comfort, choose the Hotel Le Germain and its dream suites. The hotel also has a gym open H24, a spa and even a restaurant with a crazy view (sky 360°… not bad!). All this in the heart of the city!

 

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What to do in Edmonton?

Discreet provincial capital.

• Art Gallery of Alberta, nonconforming art museum. Discover the Canadian identity through over 6000 authentic objects and contemporary artworks.
• Fort Edmonton Park, a historic site that will let you get a feel of 19th century lifestyle. Get on a carriage or the tramway and stroll around the park. or even try out the slot machines !
• Head-Smashed-In Bison Jump, North America’s oldest buffalo archeological site.
• Royal Alberta Museum, Western Canada’s largest museum. Learn about Alberta’s natural and cultural history.
• Alberta Railway Museum, has over 75 train-wagons and locomotives from the 19th and 20th century.
• In July and August, attend alternative theater festivals (Edmonton International Fringe Festival) and enjoy street performances around the city during the second week of July (International Street Performers Festival).
• Here too, we advise you to take a guided tour with a local, because it’s a great way to discover unsuspected places and anecdotes, and we love that! For those who prefer a bit more adventure, it is even possible to take a Segway tour.

 

Where to sleep in Edmonton?

 

• Mid-range: Close to the centre, the comfortable rooms at the Days Inn are ideal for exploring Edmonton during this stop of your 2-week road trip in Western Canada. The staff is friendly, professional and welcoming, good value for money!
• High-end: Located only 200 metres from the city centre, The Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton welcomes you in a modern and spacious building. The advantages of the establishment: the swimming pool/jacuzzi on the 26th floor, the quality of the staff, the location and of course the comfort of a 5-star hotel.

 

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What to do in Jasper?

A wild and authentic National Park, it’s a must of this 2-week itinerary 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 – view.
• Do not miss Maligne Canyon, a narrow canyon that’s 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: To restore your energy after a big day of adventure, stay at the Marmot Lodge with its large indoor pool. The style of the establishment creates a total immersion in the Canadian forest.
• High-end: Enjoy exceptional accommodation at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge by staying at a quintessentially Canadian hotel. The hotel’s setting is breathtaking, with a magnificent view of the lake and a swimming pool to boot. In short, go for it!

 

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What to do in Lake Louise?

Most exquisite place in the Rocky Mountains. 

• Rent kayaks or canoes from the Lake Louise Boathouse and roam around the the ice-cold waters of Lake Louise.
• Go hiking or skiing around the too pretty to be true vibrant blue lake.
• Hop in the cable car that will take you up 2088 m / 6850 ft of Mount Whitehorn and enjoy an incredible view over Lake Louise.

 

Where to sleep close to Lake Louise?

 

• Mid-range: Just a 5 minute drive from the lake, the Moutaineer Lodge offers spacious and comfortable rooms. Great value for money for the location. Don’t hesitate!
• High-end: You prefer more luxury? Opt for the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is just exceptional… As much for its rooms which are of an incredible comfort (the bathroom is just magnificent) as the view on the lake Louise. The food in the restaurants is delicious. We love: the gym, the pool/sauna/jacuzzi!

 

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What to do in Banff?

A city in the middle of a natural park. 

• 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’s 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.
• Take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views. Tickets can be purchased directly.

 

Which activities in Banff National Park?

 

• The Bow River flows majestically through the park, passing through beautiful countryside. There are many different types of activities around the river, such as horse riding or a tour in a Big Canoe.
• If you want to see the mountains and the landscape from above, take a helicopter flight over the Rockies. This is sure to be an unforgettable part of your 2-week road trip in Western Canada.
• For the thrill seekers, we recommend rafting on the Kananaskis River.

 

Where to sleep in Banff?

 

• Mid-range: Check in at any time of the day or night at the Red Carpet Inn (open H24) and enjoy a good night’s sleep in warm, comfortable rooms. The hot tub will tempt you after your exhausting day. Plus, the hotel is close to the city centre.
• High-end: For more comfort and luxury, stay in one of the Rimrock Resort Hotel‘s suites with a breathtaking view and enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, spa and beautiful mountain views.

 

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What to do in Kelowna?

Fertile valley covered in fruit trees.

• Discover Okanagan Lake, a huge glacial lake : the biggest in the valley.
• Explore Big White, British-Columbia’s second largest ski resort.
• Visit Mission Hill Winery, a vast vineyard. Discover and enjoy red and white wine as well as rosé! It’s the perfect occasion to bring back a bottle-shaped souvenir of this 2-week road trip in Western Canada home!
• The town is quite famous for its good food, so we recommend you take a food tour to sample all the specialities, and discover some great places off the beaten track.

 

Where to sleep in Kelowna?

 

• Mid-range: Jacuzzi, indoor pool, spacious rooms, warm welcome and cleanliness are on the menu at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
• High-end: On the shores of Okanagan Lake, the Eldorado Resort welcomes you in a dream setting with its indoor pool, hammam, jacuzzi and gym. Some of the spacious rooms and suites offer a breathtaking view of the lake (on Booking, it is specified if the room has a lake view. This is THE advantage of the hotel).

 

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What to do in Whistler?

Lovely mountain village and great stop of this 2-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: In the heart of the town centre, the Pinnacle Hotel Whistler is located next to a shuttle bus stop to the ski slopes in season. The hotel also offers ski and snowboard hire. The rooms are equipped with baths/spas and are comfortable.
• High-end: A 2-minute walk from the gondola is the 5-star The Westin Resort. It has an outdoor pool, 2 jacuzzis and a spa. Choose a room with a view of the resort to fully appreciate your stay.

 

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What to do in Victoria?

Young and dynamic provincial capital, there is always something to do in the stop of the 2-week road trip in Western Canada. 

• Beacon Hill Park, overlooking the sea, this park displays a huge Native American totem. You will also be able to take part in victorian cricket game !
• Royal BC Museum, most informative museum of the region. Have fun and learn about natural history, an 1890 village’s life or a whool mammoth. Discover the permanent and temporary dinosaur or gold mining exhibitions.
• Fisherman’s Wharf, a wooden boardwalk. Follow the wharf and discover long houseboats, vintage shops and eat fish and chips in one of the very affordable restaurants.
• Craigdarroch Castle, exquisite manor highlighting Victoria’s historical wealth. Step in and get a feel of what life was like for the rich former residents, climb up the 87 steps and head up to the tower. You’ll get an exceptional view over the American mountains.

 

Which activities in Victoria?

 

• Whales and orcas can be seen off Victoria and Vancouver Island. For the well-being and respect of these large animals, we recommend a zodiac tour, as they are smaller boats, less noisy and less polluting, which is less disturbing for the underwater wildlife. We recommend this excursion by zodiac.
• Here too, gastronomy is queen, and the city is home to food from all over the world. So to discover the city and its secret corners, while tasting its specialities, we recommend this food tour.

 

Where to sleep in Victoria?

 

• Mid-range: Opt for an authentic stay at Marketa’s Bed & Breakfast. Located close to the city centre, in an Edwardian styled house, this accommodation is perfect for enjoying Victoria. Special mention should be made of the warm welcome and the delicious home-cooked breakfast.
• High-end: For more luxury, head to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel by the sea. We love it! The hotel has a spa and an outdoor pool to relax after a day of exploring. What we like: in-room kitchenette and terrace overlooking the sea.

 

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What to do in Vancouver ?

The perfect blend of city and nature to end beautifully this 2-week itinerary 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: Set down your bags at the GEC Granville Suites Downtown for your last stop in Canada and enjoy a modern, designer hotel. The rooms are spacious and the location is ideal.
• High-end: End this trip on a high note with a stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and its rooftop pool. The hotel also offers a spa, Jacuzzi and gym. The staff are lovely and will put you up in your dream room with the great view of the bay.

 

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Learn more about your Western Canada road trip…

 

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

 

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

 

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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!