Thinking about taking a Vancouver to Jasper road trip?
You’re in for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in the country — from coastal chill to alpine thrill in just a day (or more, if you’re doing it right).
But is it worth gunning it all in one go, or should you stretch things out for a proper adventure?
Let’s break down the ultimate road trip to Jasper.
Why Take a Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip?
Jasper is one of the most stunning destinations in Canada. But what exactly makes this place so special?
Firstly, it’s a breathtaking gem nestled in the Canadian Rockies. The area is famous for its vast wilderness, awe-inspiring mountains, and endless outdoor adventures.
Jasper National Park offers a tranquil escape with plenty of activities for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. It’s a perfect summer destination for those looking for something off the beaten path.
People who visit love it for:
✅ Relaxation and Serenity from the mountain air and wide-open skies
✅ Postcard Perfect views of peaceful lakes and untouched landscapes
✅ Wildlife encounters with animals like elk, deer, bears, and mountain goats
✅ A slower pace than more crowded mountain resorts like Whistler and Banff
✅ Outdoor adventures, like hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and skiing
This place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers. The only downside is the long drive from Vancouver—but trust me, it’s worth every mile!
Personally, I recently paired a visit with stops in Banff and the Okanagan Valley. For me, it was the ultimate Canadian summer getaway.
So, if you’ve got the time, knock a few more locations off your bucket list.
🗻 Looking for a mountain adventure closer to home? Check out our guide on how to get from Vancouver to Whistler for a mountain escape 90 minutes away.
💯 Jasper: The Must-Sees
Maligne Lake & Spirit Island
Maligne Lake is known for its stunning turquoise waters and Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
You can only reach Spirit Island by boat, which makes it even more special. There are a variety of packaged tours available, so it’s quite easy, even if you don’t have a vehicle.
I remember my boat ride there—it felt so surreal, surrounded by towering peaks and the stillness of the lake. The reflection on the water was mesmerizing, and it was a moment I’ll never forget.
✨ Don’t leave without: Taking a boat tour to Spirit Island for the perfect photo op.
The Jasper Skytram
The Jasper Skytram is the best way to see the Rocky Mountains in all their glory. You’ll take a cable car up Whistlers Mountain for a panoramic view that will take your breath away.
In 7.5 minutes, you will ascend over a kilometre in elevation to 2,263 meters (7,425 feet)—making it the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada.
I had to stop and catch my breath at the top—it felt like I was on top of the world. It’s an easy way to experience incredible mountain views without breaking a sweat!
✨ Don’t leave without: Taking the tram ride at sunset for magical views of the park.
Icefields Parkway
Driving along the Icefields Parkway is an experience like no other. This 232-kilometre stretch is considered one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
Every turn offers something new: glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic peaks. I remember pulling over at one of the viewpoints, and it was as if I’d walked into a postcard. You truly feel the power and beauty of nature here.
Guided tours are offered from Jasper and Banff that allow you to explore the Athabasca Glacier on a rugged ice explorer vehicle, before a stop at the amazing glass-bottom Glacier Skywalk. Highly recommended.
✨ Don’t leave without: Taking a tour of the Columbia Icefield to stand on a glacier!
White Water Rafting
For an adrenaline rush, nothing beats white-water rafting on the Athabasca River. As soon as you hit the rapids, the thrill takes over.
I did this once, and I couldn’t stop laughing the entire time. It’s not just an adventure; it’s a chance to bond with your crew while being surrounded by incredible scenery.
This grade 2 whitewater rafting experience is a great introduction to the sport and is suitable for beginners and intermediates alike.
✨ Don’t leave without: Taking the plunge and riding the rapids for a thrilling experience!
A Quick Side Trip to Banff
Banff is just over 3.5 hours from Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, and the contrast is worth the detour.
Where Jasper feels low-key and wild, Banff is more polished and buzzing. The city has more of a spa day vibe, if Jasper’s the backcountry hike. I found the town centre cuter than expected, with a European feel, and the food scene surprisingly fancy.
It’s got the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs, the stunning Lake Louise, and the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel that looks like a castle in the woods.
✨ Don’t leave without: Canoeing on Lake Louise or grabbing coffee with a mountain view in Banff Avenue Square.
📋 Looking to fill out your Banff itinerary? Check out our guide to the top things to do in Banff for more ideas.
Why Drive from Vancouver to Jasper?
First off, flying isn’t a great option.
The flight to Calgary takes just 1.5 hours, but you’ll still need to make your way to Jasper via HWY 1 and the Icefields Parkway—a 4.5 hour drive. Toss in the typical airport rigamarole, and you’re still looking at a day-long affair.
Furthermore, you’ll miss out on winding mountain highways right out of a car commercial, and that moment where you turn a corner and just stare.
This route has everything: thick forests, hot springs, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife crossings that make you hit the brakes (in a good way).
Here’s why I always vote for the drive:
- 🚿 You can pause for riverside breaks, mountain vistas and roadside burgers whenever it feels right
- 🏞️ Sidetrips to the Okanagan, Banff, and even Calgary can be added to up the adventure
- 🎧 Great for podcasts, playlists, and singing off-key with your road trip crew
- ✈️ Way cheaper for families or groups compared to buying multiple tickets for other modes of transport
Even if you’ve done it before, this drive keeps changing with the seasons — wildflowers in spring, golden larches in fall, frozen waterfalls in the winter. Always something new.
🛻 Need a rental car? Find the best prices in Vancouver from our partners at Rental Cars by clicking the widget below:
How Much Time Do You Need for a Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip?
If you’re just trying to get from A to B, you’re looking at about 8.5 to 9 hours of driving.
But that’s not really the vibe here.
Personally, to make a summer getaway out of it, I like to pair a Jasper road trip with visits to the Okanagan and Banff.
All in all, to actually see things, make memories, and not end the day with numb legs, I like to give it 5-7 days.
Don’t have that much time to spare? Then drop the trip to Kelowna and spend 4-5 days in the Rockies
🛑 More time = more side trails, hidden waterfalls, and those weird gift shops with surprisingly good coffee
📸 The best moments often aren’t planned — they just happen between gas stops
🧘♂️ Trust me, you’ll enjoy the trip more when you’re not racing the sunset
🧳 Looking for travel alternatives? Have a look at the 6 Best ways to get from Vancouver to Banff.
How Far is Jasper from Vancouver?
Here’s what the route looks like between Vancouver and Jasper:
📍 Distance: Approx. 800 km / 500 miles
🕓 Drive Time: 8.5–9 hours non-stop (but who does that?)
🌞 Best Time to Go: June to September — mountain roads are dry, views are wide open
🧳 Ideal Trip Length: 3–5 days, or longer if you’re visiting the Okanagan on the way
🛣️ Direct Route: Hwy 1 → Hwy 5 → Hwy 16 into Jasper
🗺️ Recommended Route: HWY 1 (Trans-Canada) → HWY 97 (to Kelowna) → HWY 1 (to Banff) → HWY 93 (to Jasper)
Even if you stay on the highway, the views are unreal. But some of the best bits? Just 15–20 minutes off the main road.
⏱️ Don’t have enough time to visit Jasper? Check out our guide to the top 15 day trips from Vancouver for travel options closer to home.
Road Trip Map: Vancouver → Jasper
You’ll want a flexible map on this one — Google Maps is a good base, but download offline maps too. Some areas drop signal fast.
Expect clear main highways, but know that the real magic happens on those slight detours to small lakes, old lodges, or blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it waterfalls.
Now, let’s talk stops 👇
Suggested Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip Stops
- Kamloops — Quick and easy — a solid halfway break. Riverside walks, art murals, and coffee shops. Caffe Motivo is a good pick. Best in early evening for that golden glow on the water.
- Kelowna — This laid-back lakeside city is the heartbeat of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. I like to stop here for a night or two to enjoy Kelowna’s world-class wine tasting, golden beaches, and u-pick orchards.
- Clearwater + Wells Gray Provincial Park — Now we’re talking waterfalls. Helmcken Falls is a must — no hike needed. If you’ve got time, grab lunch and gas here. This is also where the mountains start feeling close.
- Mount Robson Provincial Park — That first full view of Mount Robson? Goosebumps. If you’re into hikes, the Berg Lake trail (even just the first section) is unreal. Otherwise, just pull into the visitor centre and snap a pic.
- Valemount — Small town, big views. There’s a cool brewery called Three Ranges Brewing, and honestly, this is one of those spots I always find hard to leave. Also has EV charging and a decent grocery store.
- Banff — Jasper’s busier and more glamorous Rocky Mountain cousin. Home to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two postcard-perfect turquoise lakes. A trip up the Banff Gondola is a must for panoramic alpine views. A night or two here is a must.
🤠 Looking to explore Alberta further? Check out our Vancouver to Calgary road trip guide for more information.
Where to Stay Between Vancouver and Jasper
Kelowna
🏨 Central: Hotel Zed Kelowna
🏨 Quiet: Hillcrest Farm Market B&B
🏨 Boutique: The Royal Kelowna
Kamloops
🏨 Budget: The Plaza Hotel
💰 Mid-range: Sandman Inn & Suites
🌟 Unique: Coast Kamloops Hotel
Banff
🏨 Central: Banff Ptarmigan Inn
🌲 Quiet: Tunnel Mountain Resort
🎨 Luxury: The Fairmont Banff Springs
Jasper Arrival
🏨 Central: Jasper Inn & Suites
🌲 Quiet: Bear Hill Lodge
🎨 Luxury: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
📅 Summer books up fast — grab your spot early, especially if you want lakeside.
Best Campsites Between Vancouver and Jasper
Camping on this route is magic — you sleep under stars and wake up to silence (the good kind).
- ⛺ Kekuli Bay: Just outside Vernon, with lake views
- 🌲 Wells Gray Campgrounds: Close to waterfalls and trails
- 🦌 Wapiti Campground in Jasper: Big sites, good facilities, elk might walk through
📲 Reserve ahead — Especially June–Sept. Visit parks.canada.ca for more info.
Things to Know Before Your Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip
Some quick-hit wisdom from someone who’s done this stretch way too many times:
- ⛽ Fill up in Hope or Kamloops — some stretches are long with no stations
- 🗺️ Download offline maps — you’ll lose signal in parks and canyons
- 🧥 Pack layers — mountain weather can be sneaky
- 🧾 Book campsites, hotels, and boat tours ahead in summer
- 💵 Small bills for fruit stands and local crafts
Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip Essentials
Here’s what always rides shotgun with me:
- ⛽ Full tank + windshield fluid
- 🔌 Phone charger + backup battery
- 🥤 Snacks, water, more snacks
- 🕶️ Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- 🔦 Flashlight, wet wipes, jumper cables
- 🎧 Podcasts downloaded — signal’s unreliable past Kamloops
- 📴 Don’t count on Spotify — get those playlists offline
Tips for a Smooth Drive
You don’t need to overthink this trip — just be smart and stay chill:
- 🌅 Head out early — the morning light is unbeatable
- 🔁 Trade drivers when possible — some stretches are loooong
- 🧍 Plan to stop every 2–3 hours — even if just for a view
- 🧭 Be curious — detours lead to great stories
- 📸 Keep your camera ready — you’ll get zero warning before something gorgeous appears
Final Thoughts: Is a Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip Worth It?
Absolutely. This isn’t just a route — it’s an experience.
I’d visited Banff before, but Jasper is just built differently. The area just feels more raw and wild, and less crowded.
Visiting was an eye-opening experience for me. The raw beauty of nature, combined with the variety of outdoor activities, left me in awe.
One highlight was the tranquillity at Maligne Lake. It felt like I had discovered a hidden corner of the world that was all my own. My tip? Try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and experience the true magic of the place.
The only thing I would caution against is spending too much time in town. The Rockies are meant to be explored, so get out there and go rafting, go for a hike, or spend a couple of nights camping.
Vancouver to Jasper Road Trip FAQ
How long does the road trip from Vancouver to Jasper take?
About 8.5 to 9 hours non-stop, depending on weather and roadwork.
Is the road trip from Vancouver to Jasper beginner-friendly for drivers?
Yes — paved highways, good signage, regular gas stations.
Can I do the road trip from Vancouver to Jasper in one day?
You can, but 3–5 days gives you way more bang for your buck.
How far is Jasper from Banff?
Jasper is located 280 kilometres (174 miles) or a 3.5 to 4-hour drive along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93).
Is the road trip from Vancouver to Jasper possible in winter?
Yes, but you’ll need winter tires and should check weather reports first.
Are there EV chargers available along the road trip from Vancouver to Jasper?
Yes — Kamloops, Valemount, and Jasper have public chargers.
You might be interested in:
-
Wine Tasting in Kelowna: Tasting, Tours, & Tips
For visitors from BC and Alberta, wine tasting in Kelowna is the perfect excuse to hit the highway. Surrounded by over 40 vineyards, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful lakes, this picturesque city delivers big on both flavour and views. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend escape or a longer lakeside stay, Kelowna’s wineries make it […]
-
Planning a Day Trip from Vancouver to Whistler
A day trip to Whistler from Vancouver is one of the best ways to escape the city and experience the mountains. Whether it’s winter or summer, there’s always something incredible waiting: powdery slopes, scenic trails, or charming village vibes. But is a single day enough to see it all? Here’s everything you need to know […]
-
Top Things to Do in Banff: Your 2025 Adventure Awaits
Banff is the kind of place that feels straight out of a postcard, with snow-dusted mountains, turquoise lakes, and streets that smell faintly like pine and fresh coffee. There’s way more packed into this little town and park than most visitors expect. Wondering what the best things to do in Banff are without wasting a […]
No comments found.