When most people think of the Rockies, America is usually what comes to mind. But the Rockies are a massive mountain chain stretching from New Mexico through a large portion of Canada.
Did you know that some of the tallest and most stunning peaks are actually in the Canadian section of the mountains? Yup! And, in addition, they’re not nearly as crowded during peak season so there’s plenty of pristine wildlife and wide-open spaces for you to enjoy. So if you are looking for an authentic travel experience that takes you off the beaten path and into some truly sublime nature than this RV adventure starting from Vancouver is the perfect choice for you.
Day 1: Vancouver
Vancouver is buzzing with activity. Britsh Columbia's largest and most diverse city is well worth exploring before you venture out into the mountains. You can discover the vibrant arts scene and local culture along with some truly great camping spots right outside the city. Take the ferry over to Capilano River RV Park. This upscale park blends modern touches and full amenities in a beautiful riverside environment. It’s definitely a slight detour definitely worth taking before you head out east to the Canadian Rockies!
Day 2: Vancouver - Sicamous
Now it’s time to really hit the road. Be sure to start on the early side as you’ll be cruising for about 5 hours today. You’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city and trade it for the scenic Canadian countryside driving through charming towns and villages with plenty of great places to stop for lunch along the way. By afternoon, you’ll reach the charming town of Sicamous which sits in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. At the Sicamous Sands RV Country Club, you can spend the night on the banks of Shuswap Lake. It’s the perfect place to cook up a little BBQ next to your RV and enjoy a truly relaxing night.
Day 3-4: Glacier National Park
You don’t have to drive far today to make it to one of Canada’s most beautiful places, Glacier National Park. The park spans nearly 1,400 square kilometers containing a huge collection of mountain peaks, lakes, rivers, valleys, forests, and so much more. You’ll have your choice of many amazing RV rental campgrounds here while you enjoy a huge range of activities. Hikers will love the enchanting climb up to Rogers Pass and while fishing fanatics will revel in the over 1,000 km of streams and 250 snow-fed lakes. With so much to do here, you should consider staying here for at least a week if you can fit it into your schedule.
Day 5-6: Glacier National Park - Banff National Park
Savor the drive today as your cruise through the Rockies and enjoy these panoramic vistas. You’ll want to stop often for photos or take a detour to enjoy one of the many incredible waterfalls. Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest protected wildlife region and has been around for over 100 years. Between Glacier National Park and Banff, it’s hard to choose which is more beautiful. But why do that when you can go to both! Banff offers even more of the great activities to enjoy including kayaking, ATV trail riding, guided nature treks, and more. Likewise, you'll have many great camping options. There’s nothing better than enjoying a day in the great outdoors then coming back to a cozy bed in your own RV.
Day 7: Banff- Jasper National Park
You’ll continue your tour of the gorgeous Canadian Rockies on one of the most incredible roads in North America. Heading out from Banff, you’ll drive on Highway 93. This road stays completely within the two national parks and offers an incredible array of mountain scenery. You’ll cross over rivers through rivers going up and down mountains passes. In no time at all, you’ll have at Jasper. Jasper National Park is the largest park in Canada encompasses a massive wilderness area full of lakes, glaciers, and peaks. You’ll be able to discover the subalpine forests and icefields as well as the animals who call the area home like bighorn sheep, bear, elk, and moose.
Day 8-9: Jasper National Park - Edmonton
Time to wrap up your exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Edmonton is just a short distance from Jasper National Park. Winding down from the mountains, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and scenic drive back into the charming city of Edmonton. After this week in nature in your RV, you’ll be ready to discover some of the fun urban activities of Edmonton such as the Royal Alberta Museum and the trendy restaurant and nightlife scene. If you have time, you can head further north to discover even more of the amazing Canadian Rockies or make a loop and head back to Vancouver where it all began.
