Seattle to Banff Road Trip with Itinerary and Map (2025 Guide)

Americans! We are here to help you. Dreaming of glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in North America? A Seattle to Banff road trip might just be the adventure you’re looking for and trust us, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds. Banff is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. There’s nothing quite like the glow of Moraine Lake at sunrise, the first glimpse of Peyto Lake after a short snowy trail, or the peace of watching elk graze by the road at golden hour.

Why trust us? Shrey lived in Seattle before moving to Vancouver so we have done this journey multiple ways, and in different seasons, even with our parents. We’ve learned all the best routes, stops, shortcuts, and scenic detours and we’re here to give you the ultimate blueprint for your own adventure. We’ve even worked remotely from Banff for a week, trading the office for mountain views. This isn’t just another generic itinerary. Our goal is to give you expert, trustworthy guidance for an unforgettable Seattle to Banff road trip, whether you’re a nature-loving couple, a family with kids or seniors, or even a digital nomad like us looking to work with a mountain backdrop.

So buckle up! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from why you should drive if you have the time, the best route options with a map, when to go, detailed itineraries and much more. Let’s hit the road to Banff!

Why Should You Drive Seattle to Banff

If you’re debating between driving vs. flying from Seattle to Banff, here’s our take: drive it if you can! The journey is an adventure in itself, and for us, it’s half the fun of the trip. Here’s why:

Epic Scenery at Your Own Pace: Flying gets you there faster, but you’ll miss all the spectacular landscapes enroute. You can stop at beautiful vineyards in Okanagan, pull over for photos of a glacial lake in BC, or take a spontaneous detour for viewpoints.
Flexibility and Hidden Gems: A road trip lets you discover off-the-beaten-path gems at your own pace. On our drives, we found a tiny family-run diner in Hope, BC with the best homemade apple pie, and stumbled upon a viewpoint of Mount Robson on a detour towards Jasper.
Cost Effective (especially for groups): If you’re traveling with friends, driving can be more budget-friendly. Split the gas costs, avoid pricey airfare per person, and you already have a car to get around Banff (saving on car rental there).
Comfort and Bonding: Road trips are quality time. You’ll have hours to chat, listen to your favorite playlists, and really get into the adventure spirit together. Some of our favorite travel memories are goofy car sing-alongs while driving through the Rockies.

Quick Overview of the Road Trip

How far is it from Seattle to Banff? Get ready for a substantial but doable drive. The approximate distance is around 1000 km (621 miles), in terms of time, that’s roughly 10 to 12 hours of driving without major stops. Of course, you’ll want to stop and enjoy sights, grab food, and rest, so we highly recommend splitting the trip into at least 2 days (as our itineraries below will show).

Planning a couples getaway? Don’t miss our guide to Romantic Hotels in Banff: 12 Dreamy Stays for Every Budget, featuring cozy lodges, luxury resorts, and hidden gems perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or mountain escapes.

Map

Two Routes for Seattle to Banff

There are two main routes from Seattle to Banff that we have driven, each with its own attractions. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Route 1: *I-5 + Hwy 1 (via Kamloops)*	Route 2: *US-2 + Hwy 97 (via Okanagan)*

Route Summary

Seattle → Abbotsford → Kamloops → Revelstoke → Banff

Seattle → Leavenworth → Osoyoos → Kelowna → Revelstoke → Banff

Total Distance

~950 km (approx. 10.5 hours drive)

~1,050 km (approx. 12 hours drive)

Road Type

Mostly highway driving, fast and direct

Mix of highways and scenic secondary roads

Best For

Speed, efficiency, spring road conditions

Scenic variety, wine lovers, slower-paced trips

Border Crossing

Sumas (near Abbotsford) – busy during the summers

Osoyoos – smaller crossing and often quicker

Overnight Stop Option

Kamloops or Revelstoke

Kelowna, Osoyoos, Vernon, or Revelstoke

Scenic Highlights

Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Coquihalla Summit

Leavenworth (WA), Okanagan Lake, wineries, orchards

Driving Experience

Smooth, high-speed, well-maintained highways

Slower but more diverse – orchards, lakes, mountain towns

Personal Notes

We’ve done this route in spring with one overnight stop

Our personal favorite for its scenic variety

Bonus Tip

Add a detour to Vancouver for lunch or overnight

Stop at a winery in Osoyoos or Kelowna for lunch with vineyard views

PRO TIP: Regardless of route, plan your driving segments to arrive at your nightly stop by late afternoon or early evening. Deer and wildlife are more active at dusk, and you want to avoid driving in the dark in unfamiliar mountainous areas.

Must-See Places in Banff and Jasper National Park

Lake Louise (the famous glacial lake with a Chateau on its shore)
Moraine Lake (our personal favorite, with surreal turquoise water and ten peaks as backdrop)
Banff Townsite (charming mountain town with shops, cafes and art galleries)
Sulphur Mountain Gondola (for a panoramic view)
Johnston Canyon (an easy walk to waterfalls)
Lake Minnewanka (great for a boat cruise or picnic)
Icefields Parkway (connecting Banff and Jasper)
Peyto Lake (brilliant blue wolf-shaped lake)
Crowfoot Glacier (spectacular views from Bow Lake)
Columbia Icefield (a guided walk on Athabasca Glacier)
Maligne Lake (and Spirit Island)
Athabasca Falls (most powerful falls in the Rockies)
Jasper town (a more laid-back rustic vibe)

If you have more time, check out this page to find out where else to go in BC for a longer trip.

YouTube Video

If you prefer video content – here are 2 videos that we made for our YouTube channel when we did a road trip from Vancouver to Banff!

Part 1 – Vancouver to Revelstoke via Kelowna (Okanagan)

Part 2 – Yoho, Banff and Jasper National Parks

Suggested Itineraries

We’ve crafted two high level itinerary options: a 5-day Itinerary for a quicker trip focused mainly on Banff. And a 7-day Itinerary for a more leisurely trip that adds Jasper National Park. They are both expandable to more days to fit in hiking, visiting smaller attractions or just for slower traveling!

IMPORTANT: You can no longer drive your personal car to Moraine Lake - make sure you have booked the Parks Canada shuttle or a tour shuttle!

Seattle to Banff 7-Day Itinerary (includes Jasper)

For those with a week, this itinerary allows a more relaxed pace. We did a similar 7-day trip two summers ago and it felt just right.

Seattle to Banff Longer Route Map — You can find the itinerary on our map here.

Day 1: Seattle → Kelowna

Drive: ~7 hours Seattle to Kelowna (about 350 miles/563 km) depending on border wait times.

Start your day early from Seattle to avoid traffic and take US-2 east toward Leavenworth.
Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style mountain town that makes for a perfect. Grab a coffee, wander through the alpine-inspired streets.
Continue your drive north on Hwy 97 to head towards Osoyoos, your border crossing into Canada.
You’re are now in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the scenery shifts beautifully to rolling vineyards and lake-dotted landscapes. Consider stopping for lunch at one of the many wineries along the way.
Head toward yours overnight stop at Kelowna, check into one of the many wonderful hotels and relax!

If you have more time and want to check out Canada’s iconic wineries for lunch or dinner with a view, check out our curated guide to the best winery restaurants in Kelowna!

Day 2: Kelowna → Banff National Park

Drive: ~6 hours (Kelowna to Banff town, ~300 miles/480 km).

Start your morning at Mission Hill Winery, one of the Okanagan Valley’s most iconic estates. You can do a wine tasting or simply wander the stunning grounds, soaking in panoramic views of the vineyards, lake, and surrounding mountains.
Prepare for a long drive, wonderful stops and views today. Head out on Hwy 97, join Highway 1 at Sicamous, and then drive to Revelstoke. Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Kalamalka Lake and the Three Valley Gap.
Grab lunch in Revelstoke and then make your way to Meadows in the Sky Parkway view point in Mt Revelstoke National Park.
Drive on to Yoho National Park (BC) to explore a couple of gems there
- Visit Emerald Lake first, it is aptly named – brilliant green water. You can walk the flat 3-mile loop around it (about an hour leisurely) or just take photos from the footbridge.
- If you are not short on time, you can head to Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. Take the 0.5-mile paved path to the base of the falls.
Next, drive to the last stop of the day, Banff town! By this time you are already marveling at the beauty of the rockies!

Day 3: Banff National Park – Explore

Rise early for Moraine Lake. Ride the shuttle for the first morning slot (~6am) if you want to catch the sunrise. If you are not an early riser, worry not. We’ve been to Moraine during sunset and it is just as spectacular!
You can do one of the two great moderate hikes: Rockpile Trail (short, to the viewpoint) and Consolation Lakes trail (easy 2.5 miles roundtrip to a peaceful lake away from crowds).
Now go to Lake Louise since you’re already in the area. Take a canoe out on Lake Louise if you wish (morning is calmer water). Or hike the Lake Agnes Trail (moderate uphill hike, 3.5 miles roundtrip) to the Lake Agnes Tea House for tea with a view.

Day 4 : Banff National Park – Explore

Start your day by driving the Bow Valley Parkway. Stop at Johnston Canyon for a quick hike. It’s about 1 hour round-trip to the Lower Falls and 2.5 hours if you go to the Upper Falls.
Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain next. The mountaintop boardwalk with 360° views of the Bow Valley is worth visiting.
Then, take a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka which is just 15 minutes from Banff. Hop on a boat cruise (~1 hour) to take in the vibe of this late. The cruise takes you out to see wild shorelines and you can learn about the submerged village beneath the lake.
If you were also able to fit some hiking in, soothe your muscles at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Finally, enjoy dinner in Banff town. End the night with a stroll under the lights of Banff Avenue, maybe grabbing a BeaverTail from a snack shop for dessert

Day 5 : Banff → Icefields Parkway → Jasper

Drive: ~3 hours (Banff to Jasper town, ~180 miles/288 km).

Start driving from Banff towards Jasper, via Icefields Parkway. Make a quick roadside stop at Bow Lake – it is gorgeous with Crowfoot Mountain looming above.
Continue north to Peyto Lake once you reach Peyto Lake Bow Summit parking and take the 10-minute walk to the viewpoint. You’ll be rewarded with an unreal view of Peyto Lake, a bright turquoise, wolf head-shaped lake far below.
Next, drive toward the Columbia Icefield. Stop at the Icefields Discovery Centre, from the parking lot you can see the Athabasca Glacier across the road. You can join the Ice Explorer tour onto the glacier (make sure you have made prior booking). It can be a bit pricey so you can opt out and do the Glacier Skywalk (a glass-floored observation platform over the valley) instead for panoramic views.
Last stop for the day, if you still have the energy, is Athabasca Falls. A short loop walk from the parking lot lets you see the spectacular falls from multiple angles.
Head over to Jasper town, you can spend time visiting shops (great local craft stores and an adorable bookstore) and getting some dinner!

Tip - Jasper can have spectacular starry skies due to limited light pollution (it’s a designated Dark Sky Preserve). If it’s a clear night, drive out a few minutes from town (such as Pyramid Lake) and look up - you might see the Milky Way.

Day 6 : Jasper → Kamloops

Drive: ~5 hours (Jasper to Kamloops town, ~275 miles/442 km).

This morning, you could drive to Maligne Lake, about 1 hour from town on a scenic road (likely spotting elk or even bears on the way). You can stop briefly at Maligne Canyon (a series of deep narrow gorges, a quick 20-minute walk to see a couple bridges is worth it).
An alternate option is taking the Jasper SkyTram – it whisks you up Whistlers Mountain. From the top station, a 1km trail leads to the summit with panoramic vistas of Jasper and Athabasca River valley.
After getting lunch in Jasper, start driving towards Kamloops. Stop along the way for some roadside views of Mt Robson.
Have dinner in Kamloops, and then check-in to your hotel.

Day 7: Drive Home: Kamloops → Seattle

All good adventures must come to an end, sadly. On Day 7, make your way back via Sumas border crossing. You have ~ 5.5 hours (292 miles/470 km) drive total depending on border wait times.

This 7-day itinerary gave you Banff and Jasper, plus the scenic drives in between – essentially the full Canadian Rockies experience. If you find something particularly enchanting, by all means slow down and enjoy the moment!

If you are interested to do short, easy hikes with a view then check out our blog post on easy hikes near Calgary!

You will need a Parks Canada pass for Banff and Jasper. You can buy it at the Banff entrance park gate or visitor center. 
The annual Discovery Pass often is cheaper than multiple single-day passes for 5+ days especially if you are travelling in group (and covers all Canada National parks).

Seattle to Banff 5-Day Itinerary

This 5-day plan is perfect if you want a taste of the road trip and Banff and Jasper’s top sights in a short time.

Who is this itinerary for? Short on time, want to see major highlights, road trip enthusiast!

Day 1: Seattle → Revelstoke

Drive: ~7.5 hours to Revelstoke (~420 miles/675 km).

Depart Seattle early (7–8am) to beat city traffic. Ensure your car’s fuel tank is full, and have your passports handy for the border. Take I-5 for route 1 via Abbotsford to Revelstoke.
Cross into Canada via Sumas (the border crossing itself usually takes ~5-10 minutes). Join the Trans-Canada Hwy 1, welcome to BC!
Along the way to Revelstoke stop at Shuswap Lake and Three valley Gap for beautiful views.
Drive towards Revelstoke, check into your hotel and relax after a long day driving!

Day 2: Revelstoke → Banff

Drive: ~3 hours to Banff town (~175 miles/285 km).

Grab breakfast in Revelstoke town and make your way to Meadows in the Sky Parkway view point in Mt Revelstoke National Park.
Enter Glacier National Park and stop near Bear Creek Falls for a short hike to the waterfall. Then via Rogers Pass descend towards Golden as enjoy the mountain views.
In Golden, head to Golden Suspension bridge for panoramic views.
Drive towards Yoho National Park and stop at Emerald Lake for beautiful views. Then head to the tallest falls in the Canadian Rockies, Takakkaw Falls.
Cross from BC into Alberta – you’re officially in Banff National Park once you pass the West Parks Gate.
Before reaching Banff town, consider a quick detour: take the exit for Lake Louise. If it’s not too late in the day and you have some energy, pop by Lake Louise in the evening.
After that, continue 45 minutes down the Bow Valley Parkway (or the main highway) to Banff town.
Congratulations, you made it! Check into your hotel. You’ll see Cascade Mountain towering at the end of the street. Wander Banff Avenue and have dinner!

Day 3: Explore Banff National Park

Rise early, because Moraine Lake is worth it. Watching the first light hit the ten peaks above Moraine Lake is pure magic – it’s one of our absolute favorite experiences. In case you aren’t a morning person, fret not. Head over at sunset, as the lake looks just as spectacular then.
Lake Louise in the morning is gorgeous as well. Walk the lakefront trail, maybe rent a canoe for a serene paddle on that mirror-like water.
Next, stop at Johnston Canyon around midday. It’s about 1 hour round-trip to the Lower Falls and 2.5 hours if you go to the Upper Falls.
Next take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain. The gondola will whisk you to a mountaintop boardwalk with 360° views of the Bow Valley.
After your midday activity, take a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka just 15 minutes from Banff. This large lake offers a different vibe – consider a boat cruise (~1 hour) that takes you out to see wild shorelines and learn about the submerged village beneath the lake.
After a day of activity, soothe your muscles at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Finally, enjoy dinner in Banff town. End the night with a stroll under the streetlights of Banff Avenue, maybe grabbing a BeaverTail (fried pastry) from a snack shop for dessert.

Day 4: Peyto Lake and Crowfoot Glacier

Since this is a 5-day trip, we aren’t staying in Jasper overnight, but you can sample a bit of Jasper National Park. Then we will start our return journey to Seattle.

Check out from your hotel and drive to Peyto Lake up Hwy 93 (about an hour from Banff town).
Just 5 mins before you reach Peyto Lake, you will see a viewpoint near Bow Lake. Stop here to see the amazing Crowfoot Glacier behind Bow Lake.
Once you reach Peyto Lake Bow Summit parking and take the 10-minute walk to the viewpoint. We encountered some late spring snow on the trail, so be careful. You’ll be rewarded with an unreal view of Peyto Lake, a bright turquoise, wolf head shaped lake far below.
If you started your day early, you might have time to drive up until Athabasca Glacier.
Drive towards Revelstoke (~3 hours from Peyto Lake, 165 miles/265 km) and stay the night there!

Day 5: Drive Back to Seattle

From Revelstoke begin your drive back to Seattle via Kamloops taking the same route back. This is the fastest route back, around 7.5 hours depending on border wait times. You will cross the border again at Sumas near Abbotsford and enter WA, USA.

To maximize time you can drive one-way, fly the other way in either of the itineraries. For example, drive Seattle to Banff, then after your Banff/Jasper stay, drop the car in Calgary and fly back to Seattle. (Rental car companies often allow different drop-off, but expect a drop fee for international one-way)

Where to Stay and What to Do Along the Way

Kamloops, BC (Best halfway overnight stop) ~5.5 hours from Seattle (depending on border wait)
- Recommended Stays:
  - Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre – economical with pool and hot tub
  - Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops – more upscale, central location

Revelstoke, BC (Alternative stop if you drive further) ~7.5 hours from Seattle (depending on border wait)
- Recommended Stays:
  - Revelstoke Lodge – budget-friendly, central location
  - Coast Hillcrest Hotel – beautiful views,more upscale
Kelowna, BC (Most popular midway stop via Leavenworth) ~7 hours from Seattle (depending on border wait)
- Recommended Stays:
  - Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort – upscale, right on the waterfront with boardwalk and park access
  - Hotel Zed – economical, fun, motel-style lakeside stay
Osoyoos, BC (Alternative early stop via Leavenworth) ~5 hours from Seattle (depending on border wait)
- Recommended Stays:
  - Spirit Ridge Resort – lake views, amazing resort facilities, and on-site winery
  - Holiday Inn Osoyoos – more budget-friendly, still central
Vernon, BC (Northern Okanagan stop if you bypass Kelowna) ~7.5 hours from Seattle (depending on border wait)
- Recommended Stays:
  - Sparkling Hill Resort – luxury wellness spa with panoramic lake and mountain views
  - Prestige Vernon Lodge – mid-range with a pool

Things to Do along the way

Vancouver Area (Optional Detour) – Stanley Park Seawall
- Waterfront stroll or bike ride with beautiful views
- Great for brunch/lunch with mountain views
- Vancouver deserves a trip of its own considering there are so many places to visit. Read our blog on best viewpoints in Vancouver if you have more time to truly explore Vancouver!
Hope
- Othello Tunnels (easy scenic walk if open – usually May–October)
- Hell’s Gate Airtram (if you detour via Hwy 1 through Fraser Canyon instead of Hwy 5)
Kamloops
- Riverside Park (picnic spot and water park if traveling with kids)
- BC Wildlife Park (wildlife park with animals native to the region)
Leavenworth, WA (Bavarian-style mountain town just off US-2)
- Grab coffee and a pastry at J5 Coffee
- Visit Icicle Brewing Company for great selection of beer
Okanagan Valley (Osoyoos → Kelowna → Vernon)
- Wine Tastings & Vineyard Lunches
  - Must visit – Cedar Creek, Mission Hill, Quails Gate
- Fruit picking in the Summer (cherries, peaches, and apples)
- Kalamalka Lake
- Shuswap & Mara Lake

Things to Do in Revelstoke, Yoho and Glacier National Parks

From Sicamous onward, Route 2 merges with Route 1 onto Highway 1, and both follow the same scenic mountain route all the way to Banff. Here are the best stops to make along this shared stretch:

Revelstoke
- Three Valley Gap (great mountain and lake views)
- Downtown Revelstoke (Dose Coffee is our favorite)
- Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park
- Mount Revelstoke National Park – Meadows in the Sky Parkway

Glacier National Park
- Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
- Bear Creek Falls (steep but a short trail)
- Hemlock Grove Boardwalk (easy, flat trail)
- Golden Skybridge (Canada’s highest suspension bridge)

Yoho National Park
- Emerald Lake (easy 1-hour loop trail or canoe rentals in summer)
- Takakkaw Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls, 10-min easy walk)
- Natural Bridge (unique rock formation by Kicking Horse River)

Best Spots to Eat enroute Seattle to Banff

One of our road trip rules is never pass up a chance for good food or coffee! The drive from Seattle to Banff has some fantastic eateries, from quirky roadside diners to charming cafés.

Route 1 – some of our favourite food stops

Vancouver, BC – If you decide to take this optional detour along Route 1, you’re in luck, the area is packed with fantastic options for food. Tasty Indian Bistro is our all time favourite Indian restaurant in Canada.
Hope, BC – Along Route 1 stop for a quick coffee break at the Blue Moose Coffee House.
Kamloops, BC – For dinner in Kamloops, The Noble Pig Brewhouse is a combo brewery and restaurant with tasty poutine, mac n’ cheese, and craft beers. There’s also Passek’s Classics Café (good for a hearty breakfast if you overnight and leave in morning).

Route 2 – some of our favourite food stops

Leavenworth, WA – If you take route 2 then you can stop and grab a schnitzel at Andreas Keller.
Kelowna, BC – Being a larger city, Kelowna has tons of dining options. Cactus Club Café on the waterfront is a great spot for lunch or dinner. Wine lovers might opt for a winery dinner at Mission Hill’s Terrace Restaurant or Cedar Creek’s Home Block Restaurant. Both are high-end but the sunset over vineyards is unforgettable (make sure you have reservations in advance). Grab a coffee and pastry at Bright Jenny Coffee before hitting the road again.

Some of our favourite food stops after both routes merge:

Revelstoke, BC – If you choose to stop here, The Village Idiot is a beloved pub with pizzas and sandwiches (its quirky ski-themed decor is fun). We also enjoy Modern Bakeshop & Cafe as they have the best cinnamon buns!
Banff Town: Bear Street Tavern for pizza and Tooloulou’s for breakfast are our go-tos. Trailhead Café in Lake Louise village has good coffee and breakfast bagels to recharge.
Jasper Town: Harvest Food & Drink serves a variety of dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Raven Bistro offers Mediterranean flavors, their falafel is a must try!

If you want a quick bite, Tim Hortons is a Canadian staple for coffee & donuts - you’ll find one practically at every highway exit in BC. 
A double-double (coffee with two cream, two sugar) and Timbits (donut holes) from Tims is almost a tradition for us during a road trip!

Fly-In Itinerary if Short on Time

What if you simply don’t have the time for a long road trip? Flying can be a smart alternative to still enjoy Banff/Jasper in a pinch. Here’s how you can structure a fly-drive trip and how many days you’d need:

Fly into Calgary (YYC): From Seattle, direct flights to Calgary are about 1.5 hours. Several airlines like WestJet, Air Canada, and Delta have daily flights. If you leave early morning, you can be in Calgary by mid-morning.
Pick up a rental car at Calgary airport: make sure to reserve one in advance. All major car rental agencies operate at YYC. Then it’s a straight shot of about 140 km (85 miles) – roughly 1.5 hours drive from Calgary to Banff via the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1).

How many days for a fly-in trip? We’d recommend at minimum 3 full days on the ground in Banff (not counting travel days). That would allow you to see the primary sights in Banff and Jasper National Parks

Here’s a Fly-in 4-Day Banff Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly Seattle → Calgary in the morning.

Pick up car, drive to Banff Town. On arrival (afternoon), check into your Banff hotel. Spend the rest of day exploring Banff town.
Ride the Banff Gondola in the evening to see a beautiful sunset. Have dinner in Banff Town and relax.

Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake.

Drive to Lake Louise early (or take the shuttle from Banff if you prefer not to drive). You can do the Lake Agnes Trail (total 7.4km) or canoe on Lake Louise.
Midday, use the Moraine Lake shuttle to visit Moraine Lake. Enjoy Moraine’s vistas; perhaps hike the Rockpile.
Stop at Johnston Canyon on the way back to stretch legs. In the evening, maybe soak at Upper Hot Springs.

Day 3: Icefields Parkway Day Trip.

Drive from Banff up Icefields Parkway on Hwy 93 as far as the Columbia Icefield (about 2.5h one-way). Stop at Peyto Lake viewpoint.
Continue driving to the Columbia Icefield and do the glacier walking tour if interested. You can also do the Skywalk instead.
If you drive further 45 mins, you can check out Athabasca Falls if time allows and you don’t mind a long day.
Head back to Banff town and relax in your hotel after a long day!

Day 4: Banff wrap up and fly back to Calgary.

This morning, drive out to Lake Minnewanka for a boat cruise or short hike to Stewart Canyon.
Late afternoon, depart Banff for Calgary airport. Drop off car, fly Calgary → Seattle.

With this plan, you can condense Banff and Jasper’s must-sees into a short trip. It’s certainly a quicker pace and you’ll miss the fun of the road journey up from Seattle, but sometimes time is the ultimate luxury.

Best Time to Visit Banff and Jasper

Banff and Jasper are year-round destinations, but late spring, summer, and autumn are the best times for a Seattle to Banff road trip. Here’s a season-by-season breakdown, with our personal experiences:

Late Spring in Banff (May to mid June)

Note that Moraine Lake does not open until after early June.
Pros: Fewer crowds and lower hotel rates than peak summer. Wildlife is very active – we have spotted bears grazing by the roadside in May.
Cons: Some attractions aren’t fully open until June. For example, higher elevation hikes or the Icefields Centre at Columbia Icefield open after mid-May.

Summer in Banff (July and August)

Pros: You can access all areas without seasonal closures. The trails are snow-free (except maybe some glacier hikes) and you can even camp comfortably. We’ve done two summer trips and loved the energy!.
Cons: Crowds, traffic and prices due to high season. Banff and Jasper get very busy; hotels book up months in advance and rates are highest. Popular spots like Lake Louise parking lot fills up by sunrise (literally).

Autumn in Banff (September to early October)

Autumn is a gorgeous time to visit Banff/Jasper. Our favourite time to go!
Pros: Fall colors! The larch trees usually peak in mid to late September. The crowds thin out and accommodations are cheaper. We did this trip once in the fall and it was spectacular.
Cons: Cooler temps and shorter days. By late September, nights are chilly (frost is common) and some seasonal tours wind down by mid-Fall.

Seattle to Banff drive in winter is a serious undertaking from November to April. The lakes are frozen and roads still have snow/ice through April especially in mountain passes. We personally prefer not to road trip that route until May.

Working Remotely and Exploring Banff National Park

One of the amazing things about the modern world is the ability to work from anywhere – even from a cabin in Banff! We’ve spent a week working remotely in Banff, and it was a dream come true. Here are tips if you plan to be a “Slomad” (slow travelling digital nomad) and work during your Banff stay:

Choosing Where to Stay (for Remote Work):

Accommodation with reliable internet: Not all mountain lodges have great Wi-Fi, so do your research. We opted for an Airbnb in Canmore town with high-speed internet which is 30 mins from Banff.
Consider a longer rental: If you’re doing a working trip, see if any local apartments or Airbnbs offer weekly discounts.
Co-Working Spaces & Cafés: You can find coffee shops in Banff with good internet or co-working spaces in Canmore(e.g. Cowork Canmore).

Scheduling Work and Logistics:

Ergonomics: If you’ll be working a lot, consider bringing a laptop stand and external keyboard/mouse for better posture.
Sync with Time Zones: If your job is on Seattle/Pacific time, note that Banff is Mountain Time (1 hour ahead). That actually worked in our favor – we could get an early hike or sunrise photo session in and still be back by 10am MT to start the workday at 9am PT.
Take advantage of “micro-adventures”: On lunch breaks, we’d walk a local trail or even drive up to Tunnel Mountain for a picnic with a view. Far better than eating at your desk!
Set Boundaries: It’s tempting to skimp on work when the mountains call, but find a balance. We scheduled one PTO day mid-trip to do more exploring (when we knew we couldn’t be reachable).

In summary, working remotely from Banff is absolutely doable and incredibly rewarding. For us, that blend of work and play was the best of both worlds. If you get the chance, try it!

Read our blog if you are a full time professional looking to travel and work remotely!

FAQs

Do I need a 4×4 or special car to drive from Seattle to Banff?

In late spring, summer and early fall, no – any standard car will do.

Are there enough gas stations?

Yes, on the main routes gas is readily available in towns. From Seattle to Kamloops/Kelowna, you’ll hit cities every few hours with gas. One stretch to be mindful of is the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper – there is only one gas station at Saskatchewan River Crossing

How do the border crossings work?

The US-Canada land border is usually straightforward. Ensure everyone in the car has a valid passport (your driver’s license/ Nexus card where applicable).

Will my US phone work in Canada?

It depends on your carrier/plan. Many providers like T-Mobile include Canada/Mexico roaming in their plans nowadays. Most providers often let you use your data/talk for an extra daily fee ($10-15/day). Check with your carrier. Download offline maps and it’s fine to be offline while in the wilderness and reconnect when back in hotel Wi-Fi.

Do I need reservations for things?

For peak summer, yes, reserve what you can. Key things to book in advance: Moraine Lake shuttle, campgrounds (if camping, Banff/Jasper campgrounds can book up when reservations open in spring). Book accommodations 3-6 months out for summer. Tours like the Icefield Glacier Adventure, Lake Minnewanka Cruise, and guided hikes can be booked a few weeks prior or when you arrive.

Any tips for avoiding crowds at the popular spots?

Go very early or late in the day. Sunrise and sunset are not only gorgeous times for photography, but significantly less crowded.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The Rockies are full of wildlife! Common sightings include elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, and black bears. Grizzly bears can be spotted but very rarely.

Can I drink the tap water in Banff/Jasper?

Yes – the tap water in Canada, including at parks, is safe and excellent quality. Banff’s water comes from mountain reservoirs and is very clean. So bring that reusable bottle and fill up from the tap or drinking fountains.

Final Thoughts

Our Seattle to Banff road trip adventures have been some of the most rewarding travel experiences of our lives. From the thrill of the open road as you leave the city behind for wild landscapes, to the first moment you lay eyes on Lake Louise’s turquoise water – these moments stick with you. We’ve shared our experiences, tips, and love for this journey in hopes that you, too, will feel inspired and well-prepared to embark on your own adventure.

Lastly, if you’re still on the fence: go for it. Seattle to Banff is doable, and oh-so-worth-it. Even our parents, who were initially skeptical about a “long car ride”, ended up absolutely cherishing the experience (and still talk about those easy scenic walks they enjoyed). Whether you drive, fly, or some combo, Banff will reward you with memories of a lifetime. Happy adventuring! 😉