8-Day Adventure from Vancouver to Alberta: Nature, Culture, and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Explore Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Medina Cafe

Enjoy a delicious brunch featuring Mediterranean-inspired waffles and locally roasted coffee to energize for your day.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Stanley Park Seawall

Cycle or walk along the scenic 9 km Seawall loop offering stunning views of Vancouver’s skyline, mountains, and ocean.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Granville Island Public Market

Savor fresh local produce, artisan foods, and international cuisine at this bustling market perfect for diverse taste preferences.
CAD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Vancouver Aquarium

Discover marine life and interactive exhibits, highlighting conservation efforts in the region, open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
CAD42, 2h

4:00pm

Gastown Walk & Shopping

Explore Vancouver’s historic district featuring cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and the famous Steam Clock.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Dine on sustainable seafood with a creative West Coast menu in the stylish Yaletown area, open until 10:00 pm.
CAD70, 1h30m
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Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops

Kamloops, Canada on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cartems Donuterie

Grab some gourmet donuts and espresso for a tasty start before the drive, open from 7:00 am.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Kamloops

A roughly 4-hour scenic drive through the Fraser Valley and into the interior plateau region offering picturesque landscapes.
Fuel approx. CAD50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Brownstone Restaurant

Enjoy local Canadian fare with views of the Thompson River in a cozy atmosphere.
CAD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kamloops Wildlife Park

Meet native wildlife such as bears, cougars, and wolves in a naturalistic setting; park open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
CAD15, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into accommodations, rest, or explore local shops.
Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Grotto Woodfired Pizza

Casual dining with exceptional wood-fired pizzas and craft beers, open until 9:00 pm.
CAD25, 1h
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Day 3: Kamloops to Jasper National Park

Jasper, Canada on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at the urban bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee before the longer drive ahead.
CAD15, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Jasper National Park

Approximately 5-hour drive passing through beautiful mountain terrain offering photo opportunities along the way.
Fuel approx. CAD60, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch in Jasper town centre

Try Jasper Brewing Company for casual pub fare with craft beer selections, open noon to 9:00 pm.
CAD25, 1h

2:30pm

Maligne Canyon hike

Explore this breathtaking limestone gorge with easy hiking trails and spots for stunning photos, accessible year-round.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Check into a local lodge or hotel and unwind after the drive and hike.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tekarra Restaurant

Upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients and regional game specialties, open until 9:00 pm.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Explore Jasper Park

Jasper, Canada on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bear's Paw Bakery

Start your day with artisanal baked goods and fresh coffee in Jasper.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Maligne Lake Boat Tour

Take a 90-minute guided cruise to Spirit Island, a famous and picturesque spot within Jasper National Park. Tours typically begin at 9:00 am and run until late afternoon.
CAD75, 2h

11:00am

Explore Maligne Canyon further or visit nearby trails

Explore additional trails or viewpoints around the Maligne area for wildlife spotting and nature photography.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Jasper Pizza Place

Enjoy hearty pizzas and casual meals perfect after a morning outdoors.
CAD20, 1h

2:00pm

Athabasca Falls visit

Visit this impressive waterfall with accessible viewpoints and walking paths, open year-round and free entry.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Banff National Park

Begin the approx. 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Banff via the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic highways.
Fuel approx. CAD40, 4h

8:00pm

Dinner in Banff at The Maple Leaf

Enjoy refined Canadian cuisine and extensive wine selections, open until 10:00 pm.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Discover Banff

Banff, Canada on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Whitebark Cafe

Locally roasted coffee and fresh breakfast fare to start your day near downtown Banff.
CAD18, 45m

9:00am

Banff Gondola Ride

Ascend Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies, open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
CAD65, 2h

11:30am

Walk around Lake Minnewanka

Scenic lakeside stroll or short boat tour, perfect for nature lovers seeking peaceful vistas.
Free (boat tours extra), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bison Restaurant

Dine on locally sourced meats and produce with a rustic mountain ambiance.
CAD45, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in natural thermal waters surrounded by mountain scenery, open 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
CAD9.50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Banff Avenue

Browse shops, galleries, and cafés along Banff’s main street in the early evening.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Eden Restaurant

Upscale dining experience with a focus on organic, seasonal ingredients, open until 9:00 pm.
CAD70, 1h30m
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Day 6: Banff to Calgary

Calgary, Canada on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee near Banff before departure.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Calgary

Approximately 1.5-hour drive east crossing the Canadian Rockies and foothills.
Fuel approx. CAD20, 1h30m

10:00am

Calgary Zoo visit

Explore the zoo's extensive wildlife exhibits and conservation projects, open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
CAD39, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Charcut Roast House

Experience hearty Canadian dishes with a modern twist in downtown Calgary.
CAD40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Calgary Tower

Take in panoramic city views from the observation deck, open 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
CAD18, 1h

3:30pm

Walk in Prince's Island Park

Relax and enjoy the green space along the Bow River in the heart of Calgary.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check into hotel and rest

Prepare for the evening and upcoming day.
Varies, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at River Café

Fine dining located in Prince's Island Park featuring seasonal Canadian cuisine, open until 10:00 pm.
CAD65, 1h30m
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Day 7: Calgary City Highlights

Calgary, Canada on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Analog Coffee

Artisan coffee with light breakfast options in a trendy setting.
CAD12, 45m

9:00am

Glenbow Museum

Explore exhibits showcasing Canadian history, Indigenous art, and contemporary culture, open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
CAD18, 2h

11:30am

Walk through Stephen Avenue Walk

Historic street lined with shops, eateries, and public art installations; ideal for a mid-morning stroll.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Una Pizza + Wine

Creative wood-fired pizzas paired with fine wines in the vibrant downtown core.
CAD30, 1h

2:00pm

Heritage Park Historical Village

Step back in time with this living history museum representing Western Canada’s past, open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
CAD33, 3h

5:30pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax before your last evening in Calgary.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ten Foot Henry

A vegetable-forward menu with playful dishes and communal dining style, open until 10:00 pm.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure day

Calgary, Canada on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at OEB Breakfast Co.

Known for creative breakfast plates with locally sourced ingredients.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Last minute souvenir shopping

Visit local markets or shops nearby your accommodation for souvenirs and gifts.
Varies, 1h

11:00am

Check out and transfer to Calgary International Airport

Allow ample time for your departure flight procedures.
Taxi approx. CAD50, 1h
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