Here is a quick rundown of our mid-summer Western Canada road trip from Vancouver to Banff. I will link articles to specific days if you’d like to read about a particular part of our trip in depth. I will start counting the days from our first full day in Vancouver (we arrived the night before).
Days 1 to 3: Vancouver
Day 1: We explored Granville Island and Downtown Vancouver, passing by the steam clock and Canada Place. Getting the most of the touristy things to see and do, as well as wandering in the less touristy and more quiet areas of the city. I recommend trying breakfast at the Wicked Cafe (come bright and early, as despite being a small café, it gets busy fast!) and lunch at Miku (supper is definitely an option too, however, that tends to be on the pricier side, so depending on your budget, you may choose).
We had supper at Tendon Kohaku, reminding me of my first night in Japan alone back in 2019. The food is homey and delicious, but be wary as you may feel a food coma come over you after the meal, hence why I recommend this place for supper.
Day 2: We visited Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Lonsdale Quay and Steveston Greenways. Nothing notable for breakfast, we went back to the Wicked Café (it was THAT good, yes!). Spend a few hours at the Classical Garden, but be sure to dress accordingly if it’s hot! We took a ferry then to Lonsdale Quay and had food from the small market-like area by the Quay and enjoyed the refreshing breeze outdoors. Finally, we went to Steveston Greenways for the afternoon/evening. We ate out at The Eatery, but had we redone it, I might have eaten somewhere by Steveston Greenway instead.
Day 3: We visited Jericho Beach in the morning, had lunch at Ramen Danbo on 4th Street and then headed out to Squamish, stopping on our way there to gather groceries so we could make on-the-go food for our hikes.
Day 4: Squamish (1h away from Vancouver)
We visited Shannon Falls, a very quick hike, and then went on our way to Stawamus Chief and hiked the first peak. Lunch consisted of sandwiches and food we’d gotten at the grocery store and we had supper at Taka Ramen + Sushi.
Day 5: Whistler
Breakfast at Sunflower Bakery Café was followed by our drive to Whistler and our small hike at the abandoned train crash site. Lunch was yet again sandwiches from grocery-bought food. We had supper at the Spaghetti Factory in Whistler village.
Day 6: Road Trip to Jasper
We made our way to Jasper, having cancelled our other plans to stay in Kamloops and other villages or cities in the area due to forest fires and the air not being safe to breathe. A quick stop was made at Kamloops for lunch at Tiger Ramen.
Day 7: Jasper National Park
We visited Maligne Canyon Hike in the morning and Edith Lake in the afternoon.
Day 8: Calgary
With no other plans, once again, we headed to Calgary and visited Calgary Zoo for the day.
Days 9 to 12: Banff
Day 9– Cave and Basin National Historic Site
We visited the Cave and Basin (although the cave itself was closed off due to COVID19), followed by a small visit to old mining ruins and finishing with a stroll in the Banff village and supper at Amu -Ramen Bar- (highly recommend!).
Day 10: Johnston Canyon Trail
Hiking in Johnston Canyon Trail was followed by supper at the vegetarian restaurant Nourish Bistro. For the hike, go there bright and early for a better experience!
Day 11: Banff Hot Springs and Lake Minnewanka
We went for a quick soak at the Banff Hot Springs followed by a light stroll (light considering everything else we have been doing!) at Lake Minnewanka. If there’s one lake I wouldn’t recommend missing, it’s definitely this one. Underrated when compared to Lake Morraine or Lake Louise, but definitely a must!
Day 12: Lake Louise
Going to Lake Louise early is key: get there late and risk not finding parking! We spent the day hiking up to the teahouse. Pack your lunch and lots of water! The views were incredible, but the crowds were intense!
This wasn’t the kind of trip one does to relax. We got home more exhausted than when we left, having walked and hiked over 150km in total.
The verdict? Exhausting but exhilarating! I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!
To see all the articles pertaining to the Western Canada Road Trip, click here!
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