San Francisco to Banff, Ca.
 

Just in the "thinking stages" about our next trip maybe sometime late summer, early fall. Thinking about flying into San Francisco and driving up the coast to Vancouver, Can, then over to Banff and flying out of that area. Anyone done such a trip. Just did a quick "goggle map and it looked like aroud 1,000 miles from SF to Vancouver and then another 500 or so to Banff. That being said, would like help in early planning stages.
Is it crazy to think of this as a 2 week trip and if not, points of interest along the way, what to see, do, etc. Mostly interested this trip in things of nature, how many days we should spend where, etc. Many thanks for any and all help. Jean

While I like the entire area between SF and Banff, I think it would be very frustrating driving past all that Oregon and Washington have to offer in a hurry to get to the real "meat" of this trip -- Banff and Lake Louise, etc.

I see this as two separate two week (or longer trips). It would be a shame not to allow at least two weeks just to do northern California, Oregon, and Washington.

I'd honestly fly into Vancouver and keep this trip "north of the border". Two weeks will fly. You can incorporate Victoria as well as Vancouver, maybe up to Whistler if you want -- and of course the Canadian Rockies.

Although I usually find it costs a bit more to fly into Vancouver than SF, you'll probably save more than that on all that expensive gas driving those extra miles.

Definitely spend the 2 weeks in the Banff area. Are you looking to stay and do anything in Vancouver or are you just using that as an airport? If that is the case, I would consider flying into somewhere else. From Idaho up to Banff if quite scenic, or you could even just fly into Calgary. Two weeks in the Canadian Rockies will fly by so fast! Its a great trip that we have done several times and look forward to going again.

First, think about rental car one-way drop-off fees.

We did one way rental last fall and the price wasn't too bad, flew into L.V. and out of John Wayne, hadn't thought about pickup in US and drop off in Canada though, guess I do need to check on that. Thanks.

Mms, hadn't really thought much about trip yet, so don't know about Vancouver yet. My first thought was to do northern Ca, Or, and Wa. coast, then over to Banff. If we don't do that, would not have to do Vancouver, however, I do love Victoria, but have never seen Can. Rockies, Banff, Jasper, etc., just trying to get some feedback right now to see which direction to start researching.

I would fly into Calgary and rent a car and just do Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper
there is so much to see and do that could keep you busy for the whole 2 weeks - especially if you are active and like to hike or raft or fish or bikeride

I think you are trying to pack too much into two weeks and wont do justice to any of it

With Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, it seems one never gets to see it all the first time. However, I tend to agree with flying into Calgary, and out of Vancouver. I've also taken the summer day cruise from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. We drove from Jasper to Prince Rupert. The BCferry is a long day trip, but a restful, 15 hours.

Idaho to Banff sounds kinda interesting. Any thoughts on how to break this trip up and is two weeks to long, to short, etc. and late summer, early fall, when would be the best time? Also, does anyone know about renting care in USA and dropping off in Canada? Thanks, Jean

"Also, does anyone know about renting care in USA and dropping off in Canada?"

I think it's best to contact the rental companies for specific answers like that. It really varies by company .