vancouver to lake louise road trip
Drop-dead gorgeous Peyto Lake is the third most popular lake on the Icefields Parkway, and its easy to see why. With 120 years of skiing history, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is an icon of the Canadian Rockies. Overall a great experience. A fascinating place to visit for a few hours. Rainer make an appearance. If you want to break up the road trip from Vancouver to Calgary then Squamish is the perfect place to spend a night or two. My wife and I were staying at the Delta hotel downtown and it was a short walk to this park. Even something as simple as relaxing on the Lake Louise lakefront is sure to leave you in awe as you look out at the glaciers, mountain peaks, and clear lake! The ideal seasons to visit are late spring and early summer when the winter snow on the nearby mountains has melted and the falls are at their most powerful. Vancouver to Banff Drive 7 day itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, explore or head to Whistler Day 2: Whistler Day 3: Kamloops Day 4: Lake Louise (you can also do a half-day in Yoho National Park, and another half in Lake Louise as well) Day 5-6: Banff National Park Day 7: Calgary, car drop off and fly That helped figure out where and what certain displays were. Up to 50% OFF. Originally built in 1914, it was a dock for steamships that arrived when the Great Northern Railway began operation. 18 minutes off the main route, 48% of way to Lake Louise. Brit from Denver asked:Best time of the year to visit Lake Louise? Mountains reflect in this clear, green-hued lake with a hiking trail & boathouse for canoe rentals. The walk to the tunnels was pretty flat so most people should be able to do it. I can't believe I've never taken the time to visit and explore Fort Langley. A personal favourite of Chris, Peyto Lake is the most rich, vibrant blue lake in all of the Canadian Rockies. Starting from the Pacific Ocean, this road trip will take you through multiple national parks, mountain ranges, little towns, wine countries, waterfalls, and a lot more! Some people were collecting water in bottles and they were drinking it too. Travel Summary. You can stop by in Chilliwack on the way to pick up some honey, they are famous for it. Gorgeous waterfall with breathtaking view. Location: right beside the parking lot for the Icefields Discovery Centre, 105 km south from Jasper along Icefields Parkway (128 km from Lake Louise). That would be the aptly named Canadians, of course, who operate out of . This glacier fed lake is one of the most popular sites in Banff National Park, and we can guarantee youve probably seen a photo or two of it before. Emerald is the largest of Yohos 61 lakes and one of the parks most popular attractions, yet receives significantly fewer visitors than lakes in Banff National Park, such as the famous Lake Louise. If youre looking for a great park in Kamloops this is the place for you. It was built more than a century ago and is solely accessible to pedestrians now. We booked the Columbia Icefield Adventure tour which allowed us to travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a Athabasca Glacier where we enjoyed walking on the Glacier and learned lots of interesting facts about this glacier. There areplenty of hotelsto choose from here. Theyre a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying. On our first trip in 2013, we did Vancouver, Whistler, Lilooet, Valemount/ Mt Robson, Jasper, Banff, backtrack to Lake Louise and returned along Trans Canada through Kamloops back to Vancouver, It was fantastic! Feel free to check out some of our other guides before you go: FUN things to do in Stanley Park, Vancouver. by Wikimedia Commons user I only purchased 3 flavours and can't justify the cost of the ticket to go get more! The top cities between Vancouver and Lake Louise are Revelstoke, Bellingham, Friday Harbor, Kamloops, Vernon, and Golden. Wandering through the forest here is a complete escape from the bustling feel of the city. But every step of the way just kept up that initial surprise. You would only have to pay for a one-way gondola ticket to return down. Or get a full Vancouver to Lake Louise flight plan. Everyone is very helpful and knowledgeable! Re: Best route from Vancouver to Lake Louise. Very interesting when you are there. An audio guide fills you in on geology, wildlife and architecture. The only thing that really threw us for a loop was a self serve buffet bar for burger toppings. Peyto Lake, youre doing it from a high vantage point and a distance. The water in Emerald Lake comes from the melting snow on the surrounding mountains, which carry powdered limestone (also called rock flour), creating the lake's spectacular emerald color. Day: Icefield Parkway & Peyto Lake Overall a wonderful experience. The walkway is presented as an interpretive story, discussing such topics as hydrology, geology, biology, anthropology, and technology along the way, culminating at the very end with you finding yourselfsuspended 918 feet (280 m) above the Sunwapta Valley with nothing but a clear glass floor and railing keeping youthere. As I mentioned, its a great idea to spend a few nights in Kamloops if you have time. Its an especially popular activity with local Vancouverites, some even do this as their daily workout! Stopped there because of a recommendation of a friend. Described as wolf-shaped, the lake is fed by Peyto Creek and in turn is the origin of the Mistaya River. If you want to learn about culture and history, the Railway Museum of British Columbia is a terrific destination to visit. Last but not least, you cant go to Jasper National Park without visiting the famous Peyto Lake. The short but somewhat challenging hike up a narrow trail to the viewpoint dock is definitely worth it for the views and pictures! Peyto Lake is another stunning area in Banff National Park where you can kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard. As the largest body of water in Yoho National Park, the lake is also one of the park's biggest attractions. Read our blog aboutwhere to stay in Vancouverfor info about the best areas to base yourself and the top-rated hotels. With a camper, youre never left with hotel bills and youll have the opportunity to be Some stops worth mentioning include Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Glacier, Cirrus Mountain Viewpoint, Chephren Lake, and Bow Lake. The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, We don't ski. An amazing Structural engineering!!! Peyto Lake is another of Banffs especially turquoise lakes that is far less crowded than Lake Louise. An abundance of mid-level terrain on the front side of the mountain is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. A post shared by Revelstoke Mountain Resort (@revelstokemtnresort). The Yoho Valley Road leading to Takakkaw Falls 28 minutes off the main route, 11% of way to Lake Louise. Additionally, I was somewhat put off by the number of people wearing pants and long sleeve shirts on the slides and in all the pools. Its a nice walk on a long wharf that is high above the lake. Dont miss visiting this lake when you are visiting Banff. Jasper National Parks newest attraction, the Glacier Skywalk, opened earlier this year as part of several features at the Glacier Discovery Center. You can see various birds here too. I and my wife are both architects and it was amazing to see this structure just hanging there. Emerald Lake is just a few km off of the Trans-Canada Highway and is accessible to everyone who has a car. While there is a viewing platform (crowded with tour bus tourists) you are much better off hiking up to Bow Summit for a better view of Peyto Lake. This hotel also has a pool, free parking, and breakfast included. While it doesnt have super high ratings it is in an excellent location. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead (a 10 km/6.21 mi total hike there and back) and enjoy the easier descent and another look at these stunning lakes. Campsites are $13 CAD per person, each night, and must be reserved online in advance or at the Squamish Visitor Centre. Not only is Revelstoke one of the best ski resorts in British Columbia, but were also anticipating that the arrival of a new, prestigious golf course (from Cabot Resorts, no less) is going to put it on the map in the same way that Fairmont Resorts put Jasper and Banff on it. Although, if you want to talk about hardcore skiing, Kicking Horse is the place to be. Bit too many moghuls by mid-day but they were soft, powder moguls so can't really complain :D, 2950 Camozzi Rd, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S1, Canada. We did a package that included this and so happy we did! The midpoint and the top give way to beautiful scenic views of the U.S. Cascade and Olympic Mountains, and the Canadian Cascade Mountains by looking to the NW. There are multiple restrooms throughout and there's a spot at the end with picnic tables. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. One of the must-see stops along the Icefields Parkway is the strikingly blue Peyto Lake. After parking at the center, take a quick bus ride to the Skywalk. for $77 CAD on the Colombia River one of Canadas most famous rivers! Hike along Canadas first coast-to-coast railway route, which is now decommissioned. It's worth trying the highest elevation and longest run in Canada.this resort is also part of mountain collectives pass that you can get half price discounts from other partner resorts like sunshine or lake louise. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. To see Kamloops Lake from the water, take a boat trip around it. There are shorter routes for this road trip, however, this one is going to be the most interesting! Emerald Lake gets its name from the glossy and vibrant greens that are reflected off of the water. Amazing!! Vancouver to Vancouver Road Trip Map Below you can find the map of the whole itinerary. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Do a day trip to Yoho National Park, and visit the Natural Bridge over the Kicking Horse River and Takakkaw Falls, along with Emerald Lake! The water is a stunning deep greeny-blue colour and looks like glass on an overcast day. Its like you are seeing a labor of someones love brought to life. Revelstoke (6 answers) For a more laid-back activity, I highly recommend setting sail on the Howe Sound where you will be offered the chance to take the helm or learn how to trim the sails (balance them). The Columbia Icefield in the northern part of Banff National Park covers an area of about 200 square miles in the Canadian Rockies. The tour of the area generally takes three to five hours to complete. Aptly named, Emerald Lake is also brilliantly turquoise. Destinationless Travelis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Spoil yourself and stay a night at the Emerald Lake Lodge on the edge of the lake. Each lake on this list is special, but Peyto Lake was one of our favorites. Traveling with a dog or cat? The lakes striking blue colour comes from sunlight hitting the glacial silt of the lake, creating a bewitching blue that dazzles thousands of visitors every year. 43111 Trans-Canada Hwy, Boston Bar, BC V0X 1L0, Canada. Home Destination Guides North America Canada Road Trips 15 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Lake Louise, Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2023 By: Author destinationlesstravel, Categories Alberta, Banff, Canada, Destination Guides, North America, Road Trips. Travel itinerary guides. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it Not only are each of these destinations spectacular, but there are some very worthwhile stops and amazing hikes along the route as well! Stop into the Howe Sound Brewery or the Zephyr Caf for a bite to eat or a drink, both of which are lively local hangouts. It's really really busy here on weekends, especially late spring and early summer. Seriously, this app does it all! With that said, you need to take caution on single-lane highways especially, keep a lookout for wildlife, and drive to the weather conditions (especially in the winter months.). This type of pass is valid for one person for one day. You can even sit down. Another option is Coast Hillcrest Hotelis a highly rated hotel that offers guests a comfortable stay at a reasonable price. I cant say enough about this magical place. There are washroom facilities available here. 12:29 pm Lake Louise. Theres also a loop trail that travels around the lake to take in more of the scenery. Day Two: Maligne Canyon, Athabasca Falls, Athabasca Glacier White Rock is definitely worth the visit. Trekking to the point is also an option, albeit it is rather tough (almost 1,000 meters/3,280 feet in elevation gain!). In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. Beautiful blue waters of Peyto Lake look surreal and is an iconic viewpoint in Alberta. It ends in Lake Louise, Canada. Bellingham is a coastal city in Washington State, near the Canadian border. They also have their own pumpkin patch in fall. You can walk around the entire lake in approximately an hour, or snowshoe across it in the winter. A cliff-edge walkway leads to a semi-circular glass-floored platform, jutting out over a 280 metre drop to the rocks below. Worst part was a cheeseburger I ordered that I'm pretty sure wasn't meat(it was grey and slimy and tasted like freezer burnt cardboard) It inevitably found its way to the garbage after 2 bites. Observe the starfish on the U.S - Canada marker. 19th-century fur trading post offering interpretive exhibits & activities such as gold panning. Built in search to find the best places so you dont have to open 50 more tabs. You can book the tickets online and in advance to avoid the line ups at the discovery centre. Best time of the year to visit Lake Louise. Check out the Lillooet Museum to examine items from the Gold Rush era, or visit the Reynolds Hotel, even if you are not staying, at least grab a bite at their fantastic restaurant. Along the way, youll see three beautiful lakes, stream crossings, excellent views of the mountain range, a waterfall, and the Matier Glacier at the peak overlooking Upper Joffre Lake. With a total drop of 384 metres (1,260 feet), Takakkaw Falls is a sight to behold, even from the highway. Named for its stunning green waters, Emerald Lake is a remarkable lake thats coloured by the limestone and melting snow that runs off the mountain. Weve personally used SafetyWing for many different trips, and weve been reimbursed for countless expenses when weve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada in full when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive!). If you havent seen it, the lake is a stunning shade of turquoise, seen all over the web. I cant imagine anyone not loving this app! Illuminated dragon was really good so was the arch and dinosaurs. Deals of The Week: Hiking & Trekking! The paid parking is in effect from 7 am until 7 pm daily. Again, get an early start so you have ample time to make stops along the way. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | Photo Copyright: Mark Eleven Photography, Courtesy of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies. Soaring waterfall in Yoho National Park with dramatic vistas. We also spotted a secret canyon from the road and decided to go exploring on our own. Find the right tour for you through Lake Louise. 1745 Short Rd, Golden, BC V0A 1H1, Canada. It is located at the end of a road, off the Trans Canada Highway, just after the Hamlet of Field in the Kicking Horse Valley. Quieter than many of the lakes, it is the starting point for many wonderful hikes. Emerald Lake is located around 35 minutes from Lake Louise is largely considered one of the top attractions in Canada. Emerald Lake is one of the many magnificent lakes in and around Banff National Park. It can be visited on foot or in a Snocoach bus. Speaking of Thompson Valley, this area is also home to four wineries. Animals, playground, apple pie, apple slush, and ice cream are always great over there! The main lookout spot is just a short walk from the parking lot and it is even made to accommodate those with mobility issues. The most visited in North America, this celebrated, receding glacier offers guided tours & hiking. Driving from Vancouver to Lake Louise should take you 9 hrs 10 mins in normal traffic. This way, you can hit most of Canadas most popular Rocky Mountain towns including Whistler, Revelstoke, Golden, and then finally finish in Lake Louise. There is a Ice cream store and souvenirs store too. Takakkaw Falls is well worth a side trip if you happen to pass by Yoho National Park. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Theres a trail that circumvents the entire lake and if you plan ahead, you can rent one of the overwater cabins that back right up to the gemstone water. Slow down a little and enjoy the drive from Vancouver to Lake Louise stopping at some of the best places to visit in British Columbia and Alberta along the way. If youre traveling in a group or with family, you can buy a single-day admission for your entire vehicle (up to 7 people in one vehicle.). You can easily book a stay online on Booking.com! It was about a 45-minute drive from Lake Louise. Wear warmer clothes and defiantly try the glacier water you can kneel down and scope some water into your mouth WOW! It is unique compared to the other two in the sense that when you take photos of Overall, Ive had better experiences here in past years but maybe it was just an off day, the park has been kept up well with lots of new additions. Visitors of the Icefield Centre will be able to go on a glacier adventure. we had a coffee screamer and strawberry vanilla ice cream come. BEFORE YOUR TRIP; REQUEST A BROCHURE; CONTACT US; Call us toll Free. My tip - take the last trip out at 17.30, the crowd thins out and you have some place to breathe and move around, Highway 93, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. Lots of interesting things to see although one of the museum's was closed the day we went. At more than 250 metres high, this is among the tallest waterfalls in Canada and undoubtedly one of the most captivating. If you want to catch the cable car to the top you can, This region has some pretty stellar hikes if youre ready to get outside and get active. If you have a fear of highs you might have an issue with that. To be honest, the gondola ride is a lot of fun and well worth the $70 CAD the views are incredible and you get so high up! A real treat for "expert" skiers, however, I wouldn't recommend for beginners. Not the money we spent but the time we spent was not worth it! Those amazing picture postcard images that we always see and assume its just a piece of work created by Photoshop is, in fact, the real thing!. On this trip it was after an entire day of steady rain. You could also just sit back and enjoy the views and if you get lucky you might spot some wild orcas or dolphins. Afternoon: Vermillion Lake and explore the town of Banff If you're planning a road trip to Lake Louise, you can research locations to stop along the way. Bunch of different rescue animals to check out. There is also a little gift shop. Sample some of Fort Berens Estate Winerys award-winning wine. Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Vancouver. Kamloops is a Canadian city in British Columbia, where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. The average cost per night here is at least $1,000 CAD. Located just an hour from Vancouver, the falls are a perfect first stop where you can eat lunch, stretch your legs, and take in the sights of the beautiful falls! 4-Day Banff, Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies Tour from Vancouver Tour Code: 822-1348. Take your time and look over the candy and products you used to enjoy as a kid. In the city center, the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention contains hands-on science exhibits. Are you going straight to a hotel, or Peyto is famed for its unique turquoise-blue color, which is caused by glacial rock flour flowing into the lake during the summer months when the nearby glacier is melting. How long does the drive take from Vancouver to Lake Louise? Peyto Lake would be replaced by Waterfowl Lake if not available to visit and also during the maintenance period from Aug 19 to winter. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:45 pmdrive for about 55 minutes, 7:40 pm arrive in Lake Louiseeat at Lake Agnes Tea House You can book the Fairmont Chteau Lake Louise on Booking.com. The surrounding camping area is close to the lake and offers a variety of camp sites for a fee. For those with a big budget, you cant look past the Fairmont Chteau Lake Louise. The rock flour sediment enters the lake from the surrounding glaciers, to give it the uniquely beautiful turquoise color. The lake also boasts an unusual shape that is very memorable to every visitor. If there is one place that you absolutely must stop at on your road trip from Vancouver to Lake Louise, Revelstoke should be it! With that to our advantage, we pulled over to check out The Enchanted Forest. Also, buy the fudge. I braved the -30 degree cold morning to capture this winter scene and I spotted my first moose from far away!. 2) you can hike to the glacier on your own from the parking place. For even better views, you can take a short trail up to Bow Summit for an elevated, less crowded view. FYI drives of 4-5 hours doesn't get you very far in Canada. Vancouver is without a doubt one of my favorite destinations in BC, so be sure to give yourself a decent amount of time to explore the city. Only an hour drive from downtown Vancouver, this is one of the best local spots for outdoor activities. next trip! Plan your road trip with our guide to driving from Lake Louise to Banff! One of the most popular ways to reach Lake Louise is on a road trip from the nearby, equally pretty mountain town of Canmore, just a 50-minute drive away. It includedIce Explorer Touron the Athabasca Glacier, admission to theSkywalk,and return transportation to the Glacier Discovery Centre. The hotel sits on the shoreline of Lake Louise with epic views in the most stunning of locations. Theres no such thing as too many glacial-fed lakes, am I right?. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them. Read more: 10 Best Landscape Photography Locations in the Canadian Rockies. Access road closed during the winter. Make sure you check road conditions Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Source: There was one spot where the water accumulated and the paths available were limited and mostly swamped. A must visit place when visiting Banff and Jasper!! 2 Day Rail, Vancouver - Lake Louise. It was incorporated on June 28, 2010. West, above Kamloops Lake are clay hoodoos (or spires). A lovely park with an ancient bridge and beautiful waterfalls. Due to its turquoise water, unusual shape, as well as being super accessible, Peyto Lake is a very popular roadside stop along the Icefields Parkway. It is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in Banff National Park. The wolves were so amazing to be around. You can watch them through the fence nets. You can expect to pay about $226 CAD for thishalf-day whale-watching tour that includes tea and coffee as well as expert naturalists to teach you all about the whales and area. Loved exploring this historic site. The gondola costs $69.95 CAD per adult for a day pass. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while youre hiking. After paying entry fees (Cash only, so we used the ATM inside the centre) entered the centre. Campground is located at the top of the Takakkaw Falls road (approx. It seemed like a fairy tale in of itself. Vancouver-Hope-Kamloops-Revelstoke-Golden-Banff, Using the Coquihalla Or Via The Fraser Canyon (9 to 10 hours) This is the most common route between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary. Theresplenty to do in Squamishandlots of hotels and holiday homes to choose from. Not to mention the amazing restaurants, unique shops, bustling pubs, and intriguing cultural attractions. Breathtaking view. Too crowded, no room to move or take pics . There might not be many lifts but the lifts they have are extremely efficient, and services a huge amount of terrain. At Maligne Canyon, bridges will allow you to hike over blue cascading falls from the Maligne river and crazy rock formations. My partner and I vow to visit every year. I would say its one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet! 12, AB T1L 1J3, Canada. Located in Yoho national park,BC. eat at Lake Agnes Tea House. This glass-floored, glass-sided, open-air lookout and walkway is suspended high above the Sunwapta River opposite Mt Kitchener. Sunset here can be epic, and the weather here is generally different to the rest of the Icefields Parkway up until this point. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Large park offering water recreation on Alouette Lake, 3 campgrounds & extensive hiking trails. Enjoy the beauty ,nature,water, seagulls chirping , sea shore sound. Didnt NOT like the ice cream!! For the best views of Vancouver catch a cable car the 1,200 meters (3.900 feet) up Grouse Mountain or if youre keen for a workout complete the Grouse Grind to reach the top, this involves climbing up over 2,800 steps! It starts at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola (previously mentioned above), so youll need tobook gondola ticketsseparately. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. You can see the reflection of mountains. Exploring the Columbia Icefield can quickly create a whole new outlook on the majesty and wonder of an ever-changing world. Support local, man. Although its a one-and-done kind of location, you dont want to miss out on Peyto Lake as you travel through Banff. For a more luxurious option, try theSouth Thompson Inn and Conference Centre. The population was 2,162 at 2010 Census. Its free to visit and youll find a large parking lot when you arrive as well as bathroom facilities and picnic tables. Pause for photos at Peyto and Bow Lakes, and arrive in Lake Louise at sunset. Water-based rides & activities draw families to a park with slides, spray, tubing, hot tubs & more. The glacier is a 7-km (4-mile) tongue of ice flowing from the immense Columbia Icefield almost to the Icefields Parkway. You will see the stunning backdrop of Mount Burgess and Wapta Mountain. 5 minutes walk to the Downtown Fort Langley. Call into Salmon Arm for bird watching and hiking, 2 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Lake Louise. The best part is, it only cost $160 CAD!
vancouver to lake louise road trip