7‑Day Canadian West Coast Road‑Trip (August)

Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver & City Exploration

Morning: Land at Vancouver International Airport and pick up the rental van. Settle in your accommodation in downtown Vancouver.

Afternoon: Stroll through Stanley Park, rent bikes and ride the Seawall for spectacular harbour views.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant in Gastown and admire the historic steam clock.

Day 2: Vancouver → Whistler (Sea‑to‑Sky Highway)

Morning: Depart early and drive the scenic Sea‑to‑Sky Highway, stopping at the Shannon Falls viewpoint.

Afternoon: Arrive in Whistler Village, explore the pedestrian‑only streets, and take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for mountain panoramas.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local eatery and optional night walk along the illuminated village promenade.

Day 3: Whistler → Kamloops

Morning: Take a leisurely breakfast, then head east on Highway 99 toward the Coquihalla Highway for a fast drive.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kamloops, visit the Riverside Park and explore the Kamloops Museum & Archives.

Evening: Gather for a BBQ at a local park or your accommodation, sharing stories of the day.

Day 4: Kamloops → Banff (Rocky Mountains)

Morning: Cross the provincial border into Alberta, driving through the dramatic canyon of the Yellowhead Highway.

Afternoon: Check into your lodge in Banff National Park and wander the charming Banff Avenue shops.

Evening: Relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs for a soothing soak under the stars.

Day 5: Banff & Lake Louise

Morning: Hike the popular Johnston Canyon trail, admiring waterfalls and limestone cliffs.

Afternoon: Drive to Lake Louise, rent a canoe or walk the Lakeshore Trail for iconic turquoise water views.

Evening: Return to Banff for dinner at a steakhouse and optional night‑time wildlife spotting.

Day 6: Banff → Jasper via Icefields Parkway

Morning: Depart early on the legendary Icefields Parkway, stopping at the Bow Lake overlook.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour onto the **Athabasca Glacier** at the Columbia Icefield, then continue to Jasper National Park.

Evening: Settle into Jasper, enjoy a casual dinner, and stroll the quaint town centre.

Day 7: Jasper → Calgary (Departure)

Morning: Visit the breathtaking Maligne Canyon for a short hike and photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Drive south to Calgary, stopping at the historic Fort Macleod if time permits.

Evening: Return the rental van at Calgary International Airport and board your flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Stanley Park – 3 hrs – $15 per person (bike rental)
• Gastown – 2 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
• Sea‑to‑Sky Highway (incl. Shannon Falls) – 2 hrs – $0
• Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola – 3 hrs – $65 per person
• Coquihalla Highway scenic stops – 1 hr – $0
• Riverside Park, Kamloops – 2 hrs – $0
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – 2 hrs – $12 per person
• Johnston Canyon hike – 3 hrs – $5 per person (park fee)
• Lake Louise canoe rental – 2 hrs – $30 per person
• Columbia Icefield Glacier Tour – 4 hrs – $80 per person
• Maligne Canyon walk – 2 hrs – $0
• Calgary airport return – 1 hr – $0
• Vehicle rental (7 days, 7 passengers) – – $1 400 total
• Fuel (approx. 2 500 km) – – $500 total
• Accommodation (mid‑range hotels, 6 nights, 7 rooms) – – $3 150 total
• Meals (average $35 per person/day) – – $1 715 total
• Grand Total Estimated Cost – – $9 302

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day in Banff to explore the Sunshine Village area or take a wildlife safari. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the detour to Jasper and head straight from Banff to Calgary, which saves about 5 hours of driving and one night of accommodation. Remember to book park passes and popular attractions like the Peak 2 Peak Gondola well in advance, as August is peak season.