Canada: Vancouver & the Rockies in 7 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Vancouver’s waterfront plus the Rockies at their best: Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway.
CanadaNatureRoad tripHikingPhotogenic
Length7 days / 6 nights
CitiesVancouver, Victoria, Banff
CurrencyCAD Canadian dollar
Best time to goJun–Sep is prime Rockies season with lakes and roads open; winter is for skiing, with harsh cold and road closures.
Day-by-day overview
Day 1 Arrive in VancouverDay 2 Vancouver cityDay 3 Victoria day tripDay 4 To BanffDay 5 Lake Louise × Moraine LakeDay 6 Icefields ParkwayDay 7 Fly home
Day 1Arrive in Vancouver
10:00🚗 Transport
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport
Type / No.Flight
Visa-exempt air travellers need an eTA — apply on the official site.
14:00🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationDowntown Vancouver 🧭
16:00📍 Sight
17:30📍 Sight
19:00🍽 Food
Day 2Vancouver city
09:00📍 Sight
12:30🍽 Food
14:30📍 Sight
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Suggested time2.5 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
📸 Photo spot
18:30📍 Sight
Day 3Victoria day trip
07:30🚗 Transport
BC Ferries to Victoria
Type / No.Ferry / boat
LocationVictoria, BC 🧭
About 1.5 hours; book in peak season.
11:00📍 Sight
Butchart Gardens
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationButchart Gardens 🧭
🎟 Book ahead📸 Photo spot
15:00📍 Sight
18:00🚗 Transport
Day 4To Banff
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Check your ID, phone and belongings; most hotels will hold luggage.
09:30🚗 Transport
Fly to Calgary
Type / No.Flight
About 1.5 hrs; then 1.5 hrs’ drive to Banff.
13:00🚗 Transport
Pick up a car to Banff
Type / No.Rental car
LocationBanff 🧭
A Parks Canada pass is required.
⚠️ Heads-up
15:30📍 Sight
17:30🏨 Stay
Check in (add your hotel)
Type / platformHotel
Check-in / out15:00 / 11:00
LocationBanff 🧭
Book 4–6 months ahead for summer.
19:00🍽 Food
Day 5Lake Louise × Moraine Lake
06:30📍 Sight
Sunrise at Lake Louise
Suggested time2.5 hrs
TicketsFree
LocationLake Louise 🧭
Parking fills very early — use the official shuttle.
📸 Photo spot🚶 Lots of walking
10:00📍 Sight
Moraine Lake (official shuttle)
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationMoraine Lake 🧭
No private cars — book the shuttle or a bus.
🎟 Book ahead📸 Photo spot
13:30🍽 Food
16:00📍 Sight
Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain
Suggested time2 hrs
TicketsBuy on site
LocationBanff Gondola 🧭
📸 Photo spot
Day 6Icefields Parkway
08:00🚗 Transport
Drive the Icefields Parkway
Type / No.Rental car
LocationIcefields Parkway 🧭
Never feed wildlife; fuel stops are few.
⚠️ Heads-up
10:00📍 Sight
12:30📍 Sight
Columbia Icefield glacier adventure
Suggested time3 hrs
TicketsBook ahead
LocationColumbia Icefield 🧭
Usually summer only.
🎟 Book ahead📸 Photo spot
19:30🍽 Food
Day 7Fly home
08:00🏨 Stay
Check out
Type / platformHotel
Double-check passports, power banks and valuables.
09:00🚗 Transport
Drive to Calgary Airport and return the car
Type / No.Rental car
LocationCalgary International Airport 🧭
13:00🚗 Transport
Head to the airport and fly home
Type / No.Flight
Aim to reach the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight.
🎟 Book these before you go
- Day 3｜BC Ferries to Victoria: About 1.5 hours; book in peak season.
- Day 3｜Butchart Gardens
- Day 5｜Moraine Lake (official shuttle): No private cars — book the shuttle or a bus.
- Day 6｜Columbia Icefield glacier adventure: Usually summer only.
🌦 Monthly temperatures: Vancouver, Victoria, Banff
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver High / low | 7° 2° | 9° 2° | 11° 4° | 15° 6° | 18° 9° | 21° 12° | 23° 14° | 23° 14° | 20° 11° | 14° 7° | 9° 4° | 6° 1° |
| Banff / Rockies High / low | -4° -15° | 0° -12° | 4° -8° | 10° -2° | 16° 3° | 20° 6° | 23° 8° | 22° 7° | 17° 3° | 10° -1° | 1° -8° | -4° -14° |
(typical averages — check the forecast before you go)
FAQ
How many days does Canada: Vancouver & the Rockies in 7 Days take?
It’s planned as 7 days / 6 nights with 30 stops (13 sights and 5 meals). Copy it and add or remove stops to suit your pace.
What should I book in advance?
We recommend booking or buying ahead: BC Ferries to Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Moraine Lake (official shuttle), Columbia Icefield glacier adventure.
How do I make this template my own?
Tap “Use this template”, enter a name and start date, and an editable copy is created. Add your flights and hotels, adjust times and stops, then export a PDF or image to share.
Make it your trip
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Note: opening hours, prices, timetables and entry rules change often — check official sources. This page offers general suggestions, not bookings or professional travel advice.