Vancouver to Whistler to Banff
Sea-to-Sky Highway to the heart of the Rockies.
This route climbs from the Pacific through the Sea-to-Sky corridor, threads the dry interior plateau around Kamloops, then punches through Yoho and Banff National Parks into the Rocky Mountain spine. You cross climate zones in a single afternoon — temperate rainforest to alpine — and end at the most photographed lakes in Canada.
Flying in? This route starts in Vancouver — pick up wheels at the airport.
Rent a Car in VancouverBest Time to Drive
June to September when the high passes are clear of snow.
How Many Days
3-4 days to actually enjoy the stops.
Where to Stay
Whistler on night one, Kamloops or Revelstoke on night two, Lake Louise or Banff on arrival.
Drive this route
A rental car, stops to sleep and roadside cover.
The route, stop by stop
- 1
Shannon Falls & Sea-to-Sky Gondola
60 kmA 335-metre cascade just off the highway, then a gondola ride above Howe Sound.
- 2
Whistler
120 kmMountain village, Peak 2 Peak gondola and alpine hikes — the obvious first overnight.
- 3
Lillooet & Cache Creek
300 kmThe green rainforest gives way to dry grassland and hoodoos as you turn inland.
- 4
- 5
Yoho National Park
650 kmTakakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake — the quieter Rockies, before the crowds of Banff.
- 6
Lake Louise & Banff
850 kmFinish at the turquoise icon and the lively town of Banff.
