Quick answer
The main route from Vancouver to Banff follows the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) through Kamloops, Revelstoke, Rogers Pass and Golden. It is about 845 km, based on Parks Canada’s figures of 760 km from Vancouver to Field and 85 km from Field to Banff. Most people take 2–3 days. From October 1 to April 30, winter tires or chains are required on most BC routes, including Rogers Pass.
The route
Vancouver → Hope → Kamloops → Salmon Arm → Revelstoke → Rogers Pass (Glacier National Park) → Golden → Field (Yoho National Park) → Lake Louise → Banff.
Distance: Parks Canada lists Vancouver to Field as 760 km and Field to Banff as 85 km (Parks Canada), about 845 km in total. Check DriveBC for current conditions and closures.
Suggested stops
Mount Revelstoke National Park
The Meadows in the Sky Parkway climbs 26 km toward the summit. It usually opens to the top from about mid-July to mid-October (Parks Canada).
Rogers Pass (Glacier National Park)
The pass sits at 1,330 m. Parks Canada runs avalanche control here: about 135 avalanche paths along roughly 40 km of highway, with about 100 hours of closures for avalanche control a year (Parks Canada). In winter, expect possible delays.
Yoho National Park
Stop at Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge near Field. See our Yoho guide.
Park passes
Driving through Glacier, Yoho and Banff without stopping doesn’t require a pass on the Trans-Canada, but you need one to stop. See Parks Canada passes explained.
Winter driving
- BC requires winter tires (M+S or mountain/snowflake symbol, at least 3.5 mm tread) or chains on most routes from October 1 to April 30; some lower routes end March 31 (BC government).
- Rogers Pass requires winter tires or chains October 1 to April 30 (Parks Canada).
- The Kicking Horse Canyon upgrade east of Golden (Phase 4) was completed on July 31, 2024 (Kicking Horse Canyon project).
Time zones (changed in 2026)
Both provinces stopped changing clocks in 2026:
- BC moved to permanent Pacific time (UTC-7) on March 8, 2026 (Government of BC). Some areas in southeastern BC, including Golden, use mountain time (Town of Golden).
- Alberta adopted permanent Alberta Time (previously Mountain Daylight Time) (Government of Alberta).
Driving east, you move your clock forward one hour between Glacier National Park and Golden. Check your phone’s clock as you cross.
Sample 3-day plan
- Day 1: Vancouver to Revelstoke.
- Day 2: Rogers Pass and Golden to Field and Lake Louise.
- Day 3: Yoho stops in the morning, then on to Banff.
Plan your Rockies trip
Before you leave Vancouver
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
