15 Day Best of Canada’s West Motorhome Itinerary

Arrive in Calgary and make your way to Downtown, where you’ll be spending your first two nights in a hotel. You can get out and explore the city sites. Head up to the viewing platform of the Calgary Tower, stroll along the Bow River, and wander through Prince’s Island Park. There’s also a zoo in Calgary so, if you’re travelling with the kids, you’ll have a great day out. Or, if you want an adrenaline rush, try downhill karting at to the Olympic Park, just 20 minutes’ out of town.

This morning, you’ll collect your motorhome and start your adventure. You’ll have 10 days to explore the Rockies and make your way west to Vancouver. If it’s a clear day, you’ll even be able to spy the distant Rocky Mountains as you drive out of Calgary – a truly amazing sight.

It takes just over an hour to reach Banff but, as you’ll have your own motorhome, you can go at your own pace and pull over whenever you feel like it. Why not stop off in Canmore to stock up on supplies? Or, if you come across one of Alberta’s 600 lakes, you can park up and go for a walk. And, once you reach Banff National Park, you’ll find plenty to do. Stroll around the charming town of Banff, admire Lake Louise and walk to Lake Moraine. Enjoy a gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain, soak in the soothing Banff Hot Springs, or simply park up and take in your surroundings.

After a couple of days in Banff National Park, head further north along Highway 1 on the Icefields Parkway, which leads to Jasper. There are a number of campgrounds along the way, so you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to park up.

We’d recommend heading to Athabasca Glacier – the most-visited glacier in North America – where you can discover the glacier onboard the Ice Explorer bus, or take a guided hike. And, when you reach Jasper, it’s worth booking a Maligne Lake Cruise. You can sail out to Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat, and is Jasper’s crowning jewel.  

Leave Jasper behind and drive through the magnificent scenery – you’ll have Wells Gray Provincial Park on one side and the Columbia Mountains on the other. Your destination is the charming town of Clearwater, in the heart of the Rockies. Be sure to stop off at Blue River on your way and enjoy a river safari – you might even be lucky enough to spot some bears roaming around. If you’re after a true outdoor wilderness camp, then book a parking spot at Helmcken Falls Lodge & RV Park, right at the entrance to Wells Gray Provincial Park. You’ll need to book in advance, as spaces are very limited here. Alternatively, there’s another RV camp in Clearwater.

As you continue through the Rockies, the scenic road will take you to Kamloops, about 90 minutes’ away from Clearwater. Kamloops is a relatively large town – considering its remote location in the mountains – so there’s a selection of campsites on offer. While you’re here, you could enjoy some retail therapy, delicious meals and even go kayaking on Kamloops Lake. If you’re a keen angler, head to the mountain’s rivers to see what you can catch. Spring and autumn tend to be the best times for fishing.

Hit the road again and head to Whistler. This four-hour drive is worth the effort, as you’ll see some lovely scenery on the way. Follow the Thompson River out of Kamloops to Cache Creek, then carry on to Highway 99. You’ll drive through Pavilion, Lillooet and eventually reach Pemberton, where you might want to stretch your legs. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is a great place for a little break, while Pemberton itself has lots of shops and restaurants.

Once you’ve left Pemberton, you’ll be on the home stretch as it’s just a 30-minute drive to Whistler. It’s worth staying a few nights in this alpine town, as there are endless activities on offer. You can enjoy mountain views on the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, hike in search of wild bears, go zip-lining, or try white-water rafting. There’s also a fantastic golf course right next door to one of Whistler’s main campsites, Riverside Camping & RV Resort.

You’ll need to drive 75 miles to Vancouver to return your motorhome – and the Sea to Sky Highway is a brilliant finale to your road trip. You’ll travel through Garibaldi Provincial Park, before reaching the quaint town of Squamish. You could stop off at Shannon Falls. It’s the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, and the falls are just a 10-minute walk from the parking area. As you approach Vancouver, you’ll be able to see Lions Bay and the Straits of Georgia.

Once you’ve returned your motorhome, check into your hotel and spend some time exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver. You’ll have two days in which to visit Stanley Park, eat your way around Granville Island, go whale-watching, or head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Your Western Canada adventure comes to an end today. If you have an evening flight, why not spend some more time exploring before heading to the airport?

If you want to extend your time in Canada, talk to our Travel Specialists about adding on some time in Vancouver Island. Or you could even stop off in Toronto on the way home and visit the majestic Niagara Falls.