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Along Canada’s main transportation route, TransCanada Highway 1, we’ll see amazing scenery as the route cuts through massive ranges and famous mountain passes.
Whether you’re driving eastbound to the Canadian Rockies, or westbound, leaving them and returning to explore Kamloops or on to Vancouver, there are recommended places of interest to stop, enjoy and break up the long stretches of highway driving.
We pass through Yoho, Glacier and Mt Revelstoke National Parks and there are several recommended very short walks and hikes to see giant cedars, alpine flowers and walk on lakeside wharves.
Highlights along the route include, Golden and the Kicking Horse River, Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park, Revelstoke, The Last Spike, Salmon Arm and then the almost desert-like landscape around Kamloops.
Drive on Hwy 1 from Kamloops or Lake Louise, or join anywhere along the route.
Allow 6 hours, possibly more with summer road construction.
500km, 310 miles
Banff National Park is famous for its turquoise glacier lakes, majestic mountain peaks and endless outdoor adventures. Banff is Canada’s first national park and millions of visitors come here every year for activities such as hiking, biking, skiing and camping.
Located around half way between Banff and Vancouver, Kamloops is a popular overnight stop. Kamloops is the second largest city in British Columbia’s Interior region and has over 100 lakes, mountain biking, golfing, skiing and every kind of accommodation option.
The most popular times to visit Banff are in summer from June to August, and in winter from December to March. The shoulder seasons spring and fall offer fewer crowds and more reasonable accommodation rates.
While it’s faster to fly, many people choose to drive from Banff to Vancouver. The Trans-Canada Highway 1 makes for a pleasant 10-hour drive along well-maintained roads, and you’ll pass through a number of towns along the way. Located near the halfway mark, Kamloops is about six hours from Banff and makes an ideal overnight stop.
Along the drive from Banff to Kamloops you’ll pass through Yoho, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. Highlights along the route include Golden, the Kicking Horse River, Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park, Revelstoke, The Last Spike and Salmon Arm.
Located around half way between Banff and Vancouver, Kamloops is a popular overnight stop and is around six hours and 310 miles from Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway 1.