Discover a set of natural landmarks in this Seattle to Banff Road Trip
Seattle to Banff is definitely one of the most exciting road trips I’ve ever been on! This route seamlessly weaves the splendours of two incredible nations, the USA and Canada, treating you to breathtaking scenery, mesmerizing natural marvels, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an array of national parks These timeless attractions continually captivate, making it an essential adventure to add to your travel bucket list.
While there’s so much to see between Seattle and Banff, I thought of creating a comprehensive guide that will accommodate all useful resources to orchestrate this road trip. In this guide, you’ll find the best-recommended routes, suggested pit stops, accommodation options, and an extensive catalogue of activities and guided tours, which will help you gain a brief understanding.
Planning Tips for Seattle to Banff Drive
Best Route to Reach Banff from Seattle
When journeying from Seattle to Banff, you have various route options, allowing flexibility based on your preferences and available time. The swiftest route takes you northward through Canada, spanning a distance of 606 miles and requiring 11 hours of uninterrupted driving.
An alternative choice is the I-90 E route, spanning 639 miles and requiring around 12 hours of travel time. Yet, for this particular road trip, we recommend against this option. The reason being, that there are fewer viewpoints and noteworthy stops along the way in comparison to the Trans-Canada Highway.
Driving Times for Seattle to Banff
The driving times for the Seattle to Banff route may vary depending on the route you choose:
- North Route (Trans-Canada Highway):
- Distance: Approximately 606 miles
- Driving Time: About 11 hours (non-stop)
- South Route (through forests):
- Distance: Approximately 725 miles
- Driving Time: Around 13 hours and 30 minutes (non-stop)
- I-90 E Route:
- Distance: Approximately 639 miles
- Driving Time: Approximately 12 hours
It’s important to note that these driving times are approximate and based on continuous driving without any stops or detours. Actual driving times may vary depending on factors such as road conditions, traffic, weather, and breaks taken during the journey.
How to Rent a Car
To rent a car for your Seattle to Banff road trip, I suggest Rentalcars.com. I’ve personally used their service and have found it incredibly affordable compared to other rental operators. With maximum safety assurance, you can be sure of booking the right vehicle for your entire journey.
Seattle to Banff Road Trip Map
Here’s a driving route map (including stopover stops) –
Seattle to Banff Road Trip Stops
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring peaks, glacial lakes, ancient woodlands, and cascading waterfalls. This concealed gem within the U.S. emerges as an increasingly sought-after destination with each passing year.
Remarkably underrated, particularly among hikers and backpackers, this national park finds it difficult to compete with its counterparts like Olympic or Rainier National Parks. However, I feel it’s one of the unique & unspoiled gems of the country, which needs a little more admiration from travellers.
Lodging | Where to stay around North Cascades National Park
Interestingly, North Cascades isn’t a place you can merely traverse by car to catch sight of its landmarks. n fact, you might effortlessly navigate Highway 20 through the park and scarcely realize you’re within the confines of North Cascades. So basically, if you really need to hit the top sights of this park, you will need to get off the highway.
If you decide to spend a night in the park, here are some of the top things to check out –
1. Go Day Hiking
If you’re an avid hiker (like me), you simply won’t get enough of the hiking opportunities this national park presents. With numerous trials of all difficulty levels, you could spend your whole day wandering through the forests exploring scenic vantage points.
Some of the best hikes of this park are often busy during the weekends, since Seattleites like driving up to the park as a day trip. But, if you’re here on a weekday, then it’s quite possible to have the trail to yourself.
You can check this detailed guide on some of the best hikes in North Cascades National Park. However, I highly recommend checking out Blue Lake. It is one of the most gorgeous hikes within the realm of national parks, treating you to utterly breathtaking panoramas of the Cascades. With a round-trip span of 4.4 miles and a modest elevation gain of 1000 feet, it offers a relatively accessible experience, when compared to others.
2. Visit Diablo Lake Vista Point
North Cascades is home to a number of vantage points, but none of them could be compared to the scenic vistas Diablo Lake Vista Point offers. It’s one of the easily accessible vantage points of the park, so you could simply pull up your car and gaze at the stunning Diablo Lake below. It is best viewed during summers when the lake gleams with an iridescent vibrancy, offering a shimmering spectacle.
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is celebrated for its standing as one of the world’s most captivating cities. Situated on a peninsula, it finds itself encircled by regal mountains and glistening waters, all juxtaposed against the lush splendour of radiant rainforests. This striking dichotomy is a stunning counterpoint to the modern skyscrapers that grace the city’s skyline.
While the city might be crowded during the peak seasons of British Columbia, it still remains an enjoyable city. Thanks to its numerous art scenes, delicious restaurants, luxurious boutiques, historic districts, and bustling markets on which Vancouver thrives.
Accommodation: GEC Granville Suites Downtown | The Burrard | OPUS Vancouver
Ensure that you spend a good amount of time exploring the sights of Vancouver before heading north. Generally, a guided tour serves as the best introductory version to some of the city’s most famous attractions as well as hidden sights. It also saves up a good amount of time, as you don’t have to meander individually to any sightseeing.
However, if solo exploration is your thing then do visit these prominent landmarks in Vancouver: Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, and the Polygon Gallery. It’s not possible to cover all of them in a single day, but you could plan two to three days exploring the many sights of Vancouver.
Whistler, BC
Whistler, a premier ski destination in Canada, is a favourite vacation spot for both locals and visitors alike, attracting them throughout the year, be it summer or winter. As one of the most popular villages, Whistler experiences a high influx of tourists during peak seasons.
Encircling the village, the region is home to untamed rivers, crystalline teal lakes, sprawling forests, and majestic volcanic summits. Moreover, there’s only one main road, Highway 99 (commonly referred to as Sea-to-Sky Highway) interlaces the region’s various attractions and communities. This scenic route also stands as one of Canada’s most remarkable road journeys.
Accommodation: Pangea Pod Hotel | The Listel Hotel Whistler | Blackcomb Springs Suites
Some of the best things to do in Whistler, BC include –
1. Visit Whistler Blackcomb
The main highlight of Whistler is Whistler Blackcomb, an impressive ski resort boasting more than 200 trails, an extensive network of 37 lifts, and 17 mountain resorts. Spanning a vast area of 8,171 acres, Whistler Blackcomb offers an expansive playground for winter enthusiasts. It’s an amazing destination for you to indulge in activities like skiing, snowboarding, dog-sledding, ice fishing, ice climbing, and ice skating.
2. Ride Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Considered one of the best things to do in Whistler, riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a thrilling experience. It’s an elevated journey bridging the gap between two towering mountains. The approximate distance to get across is 4.4 kilometres, but it merely takes 11 minutes to complete the ride. However, even this time feels insufficient once you get used to the snow-cloaked peaks and lush coniferous woodlands.
3. Explore Hiking Trails
British Columbia stands distinguished for its abundant hiking trails, and Whistler is no exception. These pathways get you up close to some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes. Most of these trails are beginner-friendly, while few require moderate to excellent fitness levels. Some of the famous ones include the Garibaldi Lake Trail, Panorama Ridge Trail, Ancient Cedars Trail, Cheakamus Lake Trail, and Singing Pass Trail.
Kamloops, BC
Situated about midway between Calgary and Vancouver, Kamloops is a stunning mountain enclave, inhabited by around 100,000 residents. Boasting a flourishing winery culture and a desert-like climate, the town shares similar characteristics to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley.
However, unlike Kelowna, Kamloops is relatively quiet and an underrated destination to visit. But it still emerges as a base for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of scenic lakes, meandering rivers, and pristine trails to explore. Moreover, the town nestles in great proximity to the Sun Peaks Ski Resort, the second-largest of its kind in Canada.
Accommodation: Wingate by Wyndham | Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Here are some of the notable things to do in Kamloops, BC –
1. Go Skiing and Snowboarding
Spanning across 4,270 acres, Sun Peaks Resort is a paradise for all winter sports enthusiasts. Boasting an impressive 13 chairlifts and a network of 137 ski trails, catering to all skill levels from beginners to experts, the resort offers a plethora of thrilling activities to slide down the snow-clad mountains.
2. Try Delicious Beverages
Kamloops is also home to a selection of exceptional breweries, cideries, and distilleries catering to tourists with a taste for varied alcoholic delights. With multiple options to explore, one standout recommendation is Bright Eye Brewing. While I haven’t had the opportunity to sample all the choices, Bright Eye Brewing stands out for its diverse and innovative beer offerings.
3. Explore Kamloops Lake
Kamloops Lake is a truly stunning sight, covering the majority of the landscape. You can marvel at the lake through the hiking trails, but it’s even more fun if you canoe, kayak or paddle. The north shore boasts a convenient boat launch, and once you start kayaking, you’ll be treated to beautiful vistas of rocky beaches, unique hoodoos, imposing cliffs, and a plethora of other natural wonders.
Okanagan Valley, BC
Stretching across 180 kilometres, the Okanagan Valley is considered to be one of the best day trips from Kelowna. The region harbours lush orchards of peaches and apricots, along with a multitude of exceptional wineries. These vineyards sprawl across terraced hills, basking in the abundant sunshine that characterizes this region of Canada.
While Okanagan Valley is renowned for its sun-drenched summers with pristine freshwater beaches and hiking trails all around, its winters are not to be missed. The entire valley transforms into a haven for skiing enthusiasts, making it one of the must-visit stops on our Seattle to Banff road trip.
Lodging: These are the best accommodation options in Okanagan Valley, BC.
1. Visit Historic O’Keefe Ranch
Established in 1867, the Historic O’Keefe Ranch serves as a living testament to the ranching legacy of British Columbia. It’s one of the notable and must-see places of the Okanagan Valley. The ranch boasts an array of historic structures, both modest and grand, with few still open for your exploration.
Furthermore, you can take a guided tour of the O’Keefe family residence and pitstop at the General Store to relish a refreshing beverage. While there, don’t overlook the enchanting St. Ann’s Church—an esteemed wedding venue that still holds importance to this place.
2. Taste Okanagan’s Famous Wines
Arguably, the Okanagan’s most renowned feature is its impressive assembly of nearly 200 wineries dotting the landscape. I suggest exploring a handful of wineries situated across diverse terrains and terroirs. This way, you’ll delight in nuanced tasting experiences, as the grapes reflect their unique surroundings. Even if wine isn’t your indulgence, it’s still pleasing to visit these vineyards and wineries, that offer not only tastings but also breathtaking vistas and an all-around enjoyable experience.
Revelstoke, BC
Tucked in the eastern part of British Columbia, Revelstoke exudes itself as one of the best mountain towns in the region. Renowned for its allure, visitors flock to Revelstoke for the iconic Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The resort not only offers exceptional inbounds skiing but also boundless heli-skiing and cat-skiing experiences, solidifying its status as winter’s premier attraction in Revelstoke.
While this quaint town might not bask in the same limelight as its British Columbia counterparts, its dynamic outdoor spirit and vibrant community inject an amazing vibe. With art galleries, boutiques, amazing cafes & restaurants and craft liquor stores lining up the downtown street, there’s much to admire & love in this lovely town!
Accommodation: Swiss Chalet Motel | Basecamp Resorts | Grizz Hotel
1. Indulge in Hot Springs
Surprisingly, Revelstoke houses some of the best hot springs. Some may require you to drive a little away from the town, but it’s still worthwhile taking a dip in a natural hot spring. The one I visited was Canyon Hot Springs, which is located amidst the densely forested areas of a mountain. It’s only a 20-minute drive from the town and I found this place simply amazing. I’ll also suggest checking out Crazy Creek Resort and Hot Pools, Nakusp Hot Springs, and Halcyon Hot Springs.
2. Ride the Revelstoke Mountain Resort Gondola
Revelstoke Mountain Resort proudly boasts the loftiest vertical drop of all North American ski resorts, measuring an impressive 1,713 meters. During the summer months, you can embark on gondola rides ascending the slopes of Mount Mackenzie, which provides you with stunning vistas and accessible hiking trails.
While there, don’t miss the chance to explore the Glacier View and Revelstoke View lookouts, perched near the pinnacle of the Revelation Gondola. The Revelstoke View lookout, in particular, treats you to a magnificent town panorama.
Glacier National Park
Nestled in the northern reaches of Montana, mere miles from the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is known for its mountain getaways, unparalleled hiking experiences, and one of the most exceptional scenic drives on a global scale. It’s one of the best destinations to visit on our Seattle to Banff road trip.
Stretching across a vast territory spanning over 700 miles of hiking trails along with the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park boasts an abundance of adventure activities. Since it’s quite overwhelming for first-timers, here are some of the notable things to do during your travel.
Find out more | Lodging & Accommodations in Glacier National Park
1. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you’re short on time and you’ve got a couple of hours to explore Glacier National Park, then I highly recommend driving this epic route Going-to-the-Sun-Road. For such a fancy name, this drive truly leaves up to its expectations to be called one of the top scenic drives in the United States. It’s a 51-mile engineering marvel that winds and snakes through the monumental landmarks of the national park. The road also connects popular hiking trails, campgrounds, lodges and visitor centers.
Please note: Going-to-the-Sun-Road is closed during the fall and spring seasons due to harsh winters. The only time to drive this iconic route is between mid-June and early October.
2. Venture Grinnell Glacier Trail
The Grinnell Glacier Trail ranks among the favoured and easily reached hikes within Glacier National Park. Starting from Many Glacier Hotel, this 11-mile-long hike cuts through Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, further traversing into different viewpoints of the park. It ends at Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint at Upper Grinnell Lake from where you get to see the panoramic views of the entire mountain range.
3. Visit Hidden Lake Overlook
The Hidden Lake Overtrail Trail stands as another well-frequented path, offering accessibility to novice hikers. Unlike the Grinnell Glacier Trail, this route exclusively winds through the untamed expanses and verdant meadows of the national park. Furthermore, Hidden Lake Overtrail Trail offers more opportunities to spot American wildlife such as marmots, goats, bighorn sheep, and bears.
Banff National Park
Nestled amidst rugged mountains, Banff National Park stands as a veritable haven of glacial lakes and emerald-blue waters, painting an iconic tableau that defines Canada’s natural splendour. It’s a must-visit destination for all outdoor enthusiasts, especially for the ones making their way to British Columbia.
Encompassing a staggering expanse of 2,564 square miles replete with untamed terrain and wilderness, Banff proudly holds the distinction of being Canada’s inaugural national park. Interestingly, only four percent of this expansive park is accessible by road. So, you could simply imagine the sheer grandeur of this magnificent natural beauty.
Read | Where To Stay In Banff National Park
Banff National Park is a pristine playground for travellers visiting. The changing seasons bring in more dramatic colours that visually look so appealing. Though it’s a year-round destination, Banff is best visited during summers when alpine flowers bloom. While it might be crowded during the peak season, I suggest timing your visit either in June or September.
How many days is enough to visit Banff?
While 2 days suffice to cover the primary attractions, note that your schedule might be tightly packed, leaving little room for leisurely moments. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, then extending your stay to 3 or 4 days is advisable. This ensures a good balance between exploration and enjoyment.
On the other hand, there’s plenty to do around Banff National Park. From beautiful lakes to glistening glaciers, there’s a lot to marvel at. Below are some of the recommended activities to do if you’re visiting Banff for the first time.
1. Admire Banff’s Scenic Lakes
Banff National Park is home to vivid blue lakes that were formed over millennia by the majestic Canadian Rockies. These vibrant blue lakes and canyons truly depict nature’s enduring artistry. Lake Minnewanka, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, and Peyto Lake atop the Icefields Parkway are some of the destinations that are unmissable during your visit to Banff.
You can check some of these guided tours to these lakes below –
Alternatively, I suggest reading our Canadian Rockies Itinerary guide which details a comprehensive itinerary on how to visit the best attractions of Banff National Park.
2. Explore Hiking Trails
Banff is a paradisiacal destination for all adventure lovers. The extensive network of over 1,000 miles of hiking trails within the national park offers visitors to intimately experience the lush wilderness. The hikes in the region range from beginner levels to difficult ones, with the latter giving more fruitful rewards to unique hidden spots and viewpoints.
The best one I suggest to start off with is a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House in the Lake Louise area. Since its establishment in 1901, the historic Lake Agnes Tea House has been enchanting travellers with its offering of loose tea leaves for over a century. The hike cuts through the deep forests of Banff National Park and passes through short bridges and cascading waterfalls to reach the shore of Lake Agnes.
Alternatively, I also recommend venturing Plain of Six Glaciers which is one of the easiest and most accessible trails. It’s known for its panoramic views of the glaciers that surround Lake Louise, with far-sighted views of Mt. Lefroy, Mt. Victoria, and the Victoria Glacier.
Further Readings & Resources
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