deebers

We are landing in Van and staying for three days and then driving slowly back to fly out of Calgary. Our last day is with friends in Banff. We need amazing ideas for Monday to Thursday Driving trip from Van to Banff including Okanagon. HELP!!!!!!

tomfuller

I would look at a train/bus trip to get to Banff by way of Jasper then rent a car in Banff. Drive your big circle and then drop the car where you got it to avoid a drop off fee. From Banff use the service to get to Calgary airport. http://www.airportshuttleexpress.com/Jasper.htm
I don't know much about drop off fees in Canada, but they are usually avoided in the US.
I love the ViaRail Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper.

laverendrye

Well the suggestion to take the train to Jasper and continue to Banff by bus is one way of doing it, but the OP has asked to include the Okanagan, which the train will miss. As well, it misses the incredible scenery along the Trans-Canada from Revelstoke to Lake Louise. (The expensive Rocky Mountaineer train does follow this route). In addition, the cost of the train alone(coach class) will certainly exceed the drop off fees for a rental car. Add on the costs of the bus from Jasper to Banff and the shuttle to Calgary airport from Banff.

My suggestion, then, is to rent a car and drop it at Calgary airport. From Vancouver, head east on the Trans-Canada (Hwy1) to Hope and then follow Hwy 3 east to Osoyoos. Continue north on Hwy 97 and stop for the first night perhaps in Penticton or Kamloops or one of the smaller towns along the way. The next day, head north on 97 to Sicamous and rejoin Hwy 1 to Banff.

I'm not sure whether you meant to take from Monday to Thursday to reach Banff, but if Thursday is your last day in Banff (ie returning home from Calgary on Friday, this would give you a couple of days in the Banff--Lake Louise area.

If you mean to take four days from Vancouver to Banff I can offer other suggestions to include more stops and longer routes.

deebers

We are leaving Vancouver on Monday and have a reservation in Banff Thursday. We are not leaving Calgary for home until midnight Friday. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

laverendrye

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Day 1: Vancouver to Penticton or Kelowna via Hwys 1, 3 and 97
Day 2: Penticton/Kelowna to Field or Lake Louise via Hwys 97 and 1
Day 3: Field/Lake Louise to Jasper
Day 4: Jasper to Banff

or

Day 1: Vancouver to Vernon via Hwys 1, 5 (Coquihalla) 97C (Connector) and 97.
Day 2: Vernon to Revelstoke via Hwys 6, and 23
Day 3: Revelstoke to Columbia Glacier via Hwys 1 and 93 (o/n at Glacier View Inn
Day 4: Columbia Icefield to Banff

These itineraries include the Okanagan, which you want to visit (#2 misses the southern Okanagan) , the Trans-Canada from Revelstoke to Lake Louise, and the Icefields Parkway (in whole or part). If you haven't seen the latter two, they are essential in my opinion.

deebers

Thank you so much!!!!! We are here in Vancouver now, leaving on Monday for one of your two suggestions. Can't wait.

rockymountainguide

Day 1 Vancouver to Kelowna AM departure via BC-1 E, BC-5 N and Okanagan Connector/BC-97C E into Kelowna 393 km,4 hours 46 mins . Afternoon and evening Orchard and winery tour, overnight Kelowna.

Day 2 Kelowna to Jasper is a big day, travel Okanagan Hwy/BC-97 N and Southern Yellowhead Hwy/BC-5 N, 604 km,7 hours 46 mins, this route takes you through Mt Robson Provincial Park, overnight Jasper.

Day 3 Jasper, Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake and a must do Maligne boat cruise to Spirit Island. Then back to Jasper and maybe the Jasper Tram and overnight Jasper.

Day 4 Jasper to Banff only a 3 1/2 hour drive but give yourself the entire day lots to see on this day. The link here shows you the Icefields parkway and its highlights.
http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide...s-parkway.html

Finish in Banff

Enjoy what ever route you choose!

deebers

Thanks to all for your wise counsel. We decided on Vancouver to Osoyous. We stayed there and then went through Penticton and Kelowna. Saw amazing winerys and then on to Revelstoke. Staying in Revelstoke tonight and still deciding on tomorrow. We are staying in Banff on Thursday night and home to Ontario FRiday night after the icefields.