21 Sep All Canadian Road Trip Tips: What to See Driving From Calgary to Vancouver
Are you planning a Trans-Canada road trip? Whether you’re planning a winter escape from Calgary to Vancouver (or vice versa!), or are already putting the pieces in place for a spring/summer, Western Canada is fortunate to have one of the most scenic routes to explore in North America. With endless sights to see, including the famous Rocky Mountains, hitting the road is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Alberta as well as BC’s interior up close.
Located in beautiful Salmon Arm, BC, Setters Pub is proud to offer locals as well as travelling visitors a delicious menu inspired by classic favourites. As the perfect pit stop on your way to/from Vancouver, you’ll find delicious daily specials, two daily happy-hour windows, and a friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to stay a while and unwind.
Below, we’ll cover a few of the MUST experience road trip destinations when driving between Calgary and Vancouver. Read on to learn more!
How Long is the Drive
On paper, it takes between 11-14 hrs of driving to get from Calgary to Vancouver (add on an extra 3.5 hrs or so if commuting from more northern locations like Edmonton), meaning that you have lots of options when it comes to deciding exactly how long you want to take. Those wanting to fast-track their drive can make the trip in as little as 5-6 days roundtrip, or, if you want to experience as much of the journey as possible, you can very easily dedicate a full two weeks to the trip. It all depends on how much you want to do and how comfortable you are staying in the car for long stretches!
Where to Stop Along the Way
One of the best parts of making a Trans-Canada road trip is that there’s so much to see! While there are countless places to stop along the way, some of our favourite locations include:
Canmore & Banff
Whether they’re your first stop on the way to Vancouver, or your last destination coming from BC, Canmore and Banff are two must-visit destinations. Go for a hike and explore through the Alberta Rockies, take a ride on the infamous Banff Gondola, and then hit the road again for your next destination.
Yoho, Golden & Revelstoke
As you cross the Alberta-BC border, you’ll find yourself in Yoho country, encompassing Yoho National Park, Golden BC, and Revelstoke. Known for epic ski runs, whitewater rafting and lots of outdoor adventure, this area of the region is perfect for families and thrill seekers of all backgrounds.
The Shuswap Region
We may be a little biased since we’re from Salmon Arm, but at Setters, we think that the southern interior of BC is one of the most underrated gems in the province. As a famous location for house boating, skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and so much more, there are countless ways to enjoy your time at Shuswap Lake. Salmon Arm is a perfect destination point to kick your feet up, take a moment to relax, and drink in the beauty of the region. Grab a pint and a bite at a trusted local restaurant like Setters before you head off on the final legs of your journey!
The Okanagan
Sample some of Canada’s finest pours in the heart of wine country as you continue on your way to or from Vancouver, and enjoy the full beauty of BC on display. While most routes will recommend you continue on highway 1 either to or from Calgary, fitting in Kelowna is a worthwhile side trip that makes sure you get the most out of your drive!
Settle In At Setters
Ready to hit the road? Don’t go hungry on your journey! Plan a relaxing pit stop in Salmon Arm and enjoy a mouth-watering menu that includes prime rib, fish & chips, perfectly cooked steak sandwiches and more! With the biggest patio in town and as the only pub with an attached liquor store (sample your selections from the comfort of our dining room), those who choose to stay a while will have plenty of reasons to celebrate the joy of a truly Canadian adventure on the road!
Want Delicious food with extra convenience? Order online and take your food to go!
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