10 BEST Vancouver to Banff Tours By Train, Bus, and Shuttle!

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It’s a pretty long way from Vancouver to Banff, but instead of flying, you can turn the journey into an epic road trip through the Canadian Rockies. And the best part is, you don’t even need to drive yourself! 

A multi-day road trip through remote areas can be pretty time-consuming to plan. This is why we recommend taking the hassle out of it with a tour where all the stops and accommodations are organized for you. All you need to do is enjoy the journey!

We’ve both spent years living in and exploring the Rockies, and Bailey is a local, having grown up in Edmonton. So we’ve gone through these tours with a fine-tooth comb and selected the ones that visit the best spots and are run by reputable companies. Whatever your preferred travel style, there’s a tour on this list that can deliver you a memorable road trip through this beautiful part of the world!

How Far is Banff from Vancouver?

Pretty far! 

Banff is 848 kilometers (527 miles) from Vancouver. It would take you 9.5 hours to make the drive all in one go, but of course, you really can’t drive that far without stopping – especially when you’re in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! We recommend breaking the journey up across a few days and taking time to explore the stunning natural sites along the way. 

If you’re visiting other areas in the mountains, we’ve written about several tours of the Canadian Rockies. But in this article, we’re focusing on the tours that begin in Vancouver and stop or end in Banff.

As you make the journey between Vancouver and Banff, you’ll pass through so many different landscapes and experience the incredible diversity of the Canadian Rockies. Actually, you’ll see three different mountain ranges on the drive: the Coast Mountains, the Columbia Mountains, and the Rocky Mountains. 

In fact, one of our favorite things about the drive from Vancouver to Banff is the opportunity to experience the stunning mountain passes, such as Rogers Pass and Kicking Horse Pass. These beautiful mountain passes also offer tons of opportunities to see wildlife, like elk, moose, and bears – so keep your eyes wide open! 

You’ll also travel through wine country as you pass through Fraser Valley and Okanagan Valley, visit the outdoorsy cities of Kamloops and Revelstoke, and pass through Mount Robson, Glacier, and Yoho National Parks. 

There is SO much to see that we could go on and on all day, but the point is, that this route showcases Canada’s incredible natural beauty, and the best way to see it all is on an organized tour!

10 Best Tours to Banff from Vancouver

1. 2-Day Tour (Start in Vancouver, End in Banff)

If you’re an adventurous traveler who’s short on time, we think this 2-day tour from Vancouver to Banff is for you! 

On day one, you’ll leave Vancouver and head out to Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, where you’ll enjoy a short guided hike through the rainforest to check out the beautiful waterfall. There’s a stop for lunch in Hope, and if you’ve got time we recommend heading to the Blue Moose Coffee House for one of their delicious wraps or baked goods! 

After driving through the Coastal Mountains, you’ll arrive at Skaha Lake, a spot where we love to go paddleboarding on the calm water. The final stop of the day is in Kelowna, where you’ll go for dinner as a group at the famous Kekuli Cafe to try local Indigenous cuisine, including bannock bread – yum!

You spend the night in a hostel in Kelowna in dorm-style accommodation before heading to Revelstoke to go kayaking on the lake. And finally, you’ll be on the home stretch as you drive over the gorgeous Kicking Horse Pass or Vermillion Pass (depending on the time of year) into Banff National Park.

We think that this tour is a fantastic way to experience the epic beauty of British Columbia and Alberta, and it’s a budget-friendly way to make the trip as it starts at only $599 CAD per person. That price includes all listed activities, dinner and breakfast, and a night of accommodation. This itinerary hits all of the important stops, but it’s still time-efficient! 

And for solo travelers, we think this is a great way to meet new people while also enjoying an epic road trip – nothing bonds you faster than staying in a hostel together! The tour departs every Wednesday from mid-May to early October, as well as on Saturdays during the peak summer season, so bear that in mind when planning your trip. 

Reserve your spot on this 2-day tour here!

2. 4-Day Tour (Start and End in Vancouver)

This bilingual tour (English and Mandarin) is perfect for those who want to start and end in Vancouver. We actually did this tour when we were living in Vancouver and we had a great time! Although the Rockies make you want to stay forever, 4 days is a good amount of time to spend exploring, plus you get to see a ton of great places along the way. 

On the first day of the tour, we stopped in the Fraser Valley for a wine tasting – good thing we weren’t driving! Next, we visited Kelowna before heading on to Salmon Arm. I actually lived in Salmon Arm for a few years so I loved that I got to come back to this beautiful city on the tour. I even learned some new things about the area from our knowledgeable guide!

On day two, we headed to Banff, but first, our guide took us to must-visit destinations like Yoho National Park, Bow Falls, and Lake Louise. That evening we had free time to explore Banff which was so much fun! I recommend ending the day with a pint of craft beer at Banff Ave Brewing Co, or a delicious cocktail at Park Distillery – make sure to try the Mountain Joe shaft!

The third day is all about exploring the iconic Icefields Parkway, with stops at the Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier. We chose to do the Ice Explorer Tour which took us right out onto the glacier! Another option would be to do the Glacier Skywalk to enjoy the panoramic mountain views from 280 m (919 ft) high. The last night was spent in Revelstoke before heading back to Vancouver the following day.

This tour operates from the end of May to mid-October and starts at $999 CAD per person for double occupancy, or $1,649 CAD for single occupancy. The price doesn’t include meals or additional activities (like the ones on the Icefields Parkway), so make sure to budget extra for that. You can also message the tour provider after booking to inquire about the buffet-style meal package if you’d like!

Book your mountain adventure online here!

Related Read: If you’re craving another adventure, make sure to check out these tours from Vancouver to Victoria!

Important Update: Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper experienced severe wildfire damage. Limited services and attractions are available around Jasper and in Jasper town. Please refer to Jasper National Park’s page as well as this list of what’s open in the town of Jasper for updates before planning your trip.

3. 4-Day Vancouver to Calgary (One-Way Bus Tour)

If you’re looking to see more of Western Canada, this one-way tour is for you! The itinerary takes you from Vancouver through Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway, and Banff before ending in Calgary. I love this tour because it brings you to some of the best places in all of Alberta!

Day one does have quite a lot of travel time involved. Spending 8.5 hours on the road is a lot, but we think this tour splits it up nicely with stops in Hope, Kamloops, and the jaw-dropping Mount Robson Provincial Park. 

And don’t worry, because day 2 is when the adventure truly begins! You’ll get to hike at Maligne Canyon, marvel at beautiful Athabasca Falls, and visit the Columbia Icefield. I highly recommend you purchase the optional Ice Explorer tour, because standing on the glacier is such an unforgettable experience. Then, you’ll wrap up the day with beautiful views over Peyto Lake, which is one of the prettiest lakes in Banff! 

The third day of the tour is focused on Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake, which are essentially the holy trinity of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have the opportunity to ride up the Banff Gondola for incredible views and walk along Johnston Canyon.

The day finishes with a visit to Moraine Lake, which is a very special place for us because it’s where we got engaged! Make sure to walk to the top of the Rockpile to snap some unbelievable photos. 

We love that this tour ends in Calgary because it has the well-connected Calgary International Airport, making it easy to fly to your next destination. Or, stay and check out some of the fun things to do in Calgary.

The price of the tour varies depending on the number of people in a room. If you’re booking 4 people in a room it’s $1,509 CAD per person whereas a single person would pay $2,225 CAD. This includes transport, breakfast, accommodation, and National Park fees, but extra activities and food are on your own dime. The tour only departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, so plan accordingly. 

Click here to reserve this 5-star tour now!

4. 4-Day Vancouver Bus Tour (Start and End in Vancouver)

This 4-day tour is another round trip, so it’s a good option for those wanting to head back to Vancouver afterward. Despite it being relatively quick, you’ll still get to see the Rockies in all their glory with a trip along the Icefields Parkway, and a full day to explore the beauty of Banff National Park! 

The itinerary is basically the exact same as the tour above, visiting all of the must-see places such as Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, and Banff. One of our favorite things to do is rent a canoe at Moraine Lake to get out on the turquoise blue water. And make sure to take one of these epic hikes around Lake Louise while you’re there!

This tour differs from the previous one because it heads back to Vancouver on day 4 instead of going to Calgary. It’s a long day of driving, but luckily you’ll make some stops along the way in Revelstoke and Kamloops. Plus you’ll have lots of time to look through all of your incredible photos from the trip!

Bear in mind that this tour only departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer months. It costs between $1,415 and $2,161 CAD, depending on the size of your booking, and includes transport, park fees, hotel accommodation, and breakfast in the morning.

This tour books up quickly, so secure your spot here!

5. 4-Day Tour from Vancouver (End in Vancouver)

This 4-day tour breaks up the traveling nicely, so it’s perfect for those wanting to maximize their time outside of the bus! It’s also great value for money, especially for groups, but more on that in a moment. 

On day one, you don’t travel all the way to Banff but rather stay overnight in Salmon Arm. This allows you to spend more time exploring the stops along the way, including a wine tasting at Grizzli Winery, next to the beautiful Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

Then, on day two you’ll go through Revelstoke to see the Last Spike, a historical site marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. After that, you’ll drive through Yoho National Park and into Banff to go up the gondola. That’s followed by a hot spring soak at the famous Banff Upper Hot Springs. We absolutely love hot springs and this is one of our faves, so if you share that sentiment, read about the best hot springs in Alberta here! 

Then, on day three, this tour visits not only one, but three national parks – now that’s a hat trick! You’ll start off by visiting Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park, and then explore the blue lakes and active glaciers in Glacier National Park. And as if that weren’t enough, you’ll also stop in Yoho National Park on your way back to either Salmon Arm or Revelstoke. Finally, the last day of the tour wraps up with a visit to a ginseng farm in Kamloops and a scenic drive through the Fraser Valley. 

This tour is a really affordable option – for a group of four in one room, it’s only $553 CAD per person, which includes transport, your room, and your gondola and hot springs admission. Not bad! 

Please note that this is a bilingual international tour with a large majority of guests being Mandarin-speaking and it only runs on select Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

Book this 4-day budget trip here!

Related Read: After your big adventure in the Canadian Rockies, you deserve a celebratory pint at one of Vancouver’s best breweries!

6. 5-Day VIA Rail tour from Vancouver to Calgary

Having driven through the Rockies multiple times, we wanted to try something different, and this train tour did not disappoint! We got the most stunning views of the mountains while on the 800 km (497 miles) train journey from Vancouver to Jasper – it was such a fun and unique experience!

If you want to stop and explore places on your way to the Rockies, I’d recommend doing one of the driving tours instead of the train tour because once you’re on the train in Vancouver, it doesn’t stop until Jasper the next day. The first night of the tour we spent sleeping on board the train, which was nice because we got to the mountains faster and had much more time for exploring!

The next day in Jasper we spent the afternoon exploring as we pleased. We went for a lovely walk around Pyramid Lake. There were also some optional activities that you could add to this trip, like a Sky Tram or a motorcycle tour.

Just be aware that you’ll need to book any additional activities at least 7 days before your tour departure. It’s best to contact the tour operator when making a booking and see what’s available each day.

On day 3, we boarded a bus that took us through the Icefield Parkway to Banff, but not before stopping at some of the most beautiful spots in Jasper, including Maligne Lake. We opted for this cruise to see Spirit Island, which is one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. We learned so much from our guide about the lake’s spiritual significance to Indigenous people. 

Day 4 was spent exploring all of Alberta’s postcard-perfect lakes, including a visit to Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. On the last day, our guide took us to many of Banff’s highlights including the gondola, Hoodoos Trail, and Johnston Canyon. 

This tour departs on Mondays and Fridays during the summer, and prices start from $1,345 CAD per person for quadruple occupancy. Just make sure to budget extra for activities and meals!

Book your train journey online here!

7. 5-Day Rockies Camping & Wildlife Photography Tour (Starts and Ends in Vancouver)

One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rockies is to camp! We love this adventurous camping and wildlife photography tour because it’s a 5-day experience that is all about enjoying the great outdoors. 

When we took this tour, I didn’t have much photography experience, but our expert guide, Nafees, taught me so much about how to use my DSLR and smartphone camera! He also has over 20 years of experience camping in the Rockies and it really shows. No matter how much camping experience you have you’ll be well taken care of.

One of the best things for us, though, is that there are no more than 5 people max on this trip. We met some great people who we are still friends with to this day!

On day one, we visited Mount Robson Provincial Park, where we had the chance to photograph amazing animals like elk, moose, and bears. Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie, because your guide will have plenty of tips! The following day, in Jasper, we hiked the Sulphur Skyline Trail, which offers 360-degree mountain views, and went for a recovery soak at Miette Hot Springs afterward. 

This tour visits all of the iconic stops along the Icefield Parkway, in Yoho National Park, and in Banff. What makes this tour unique though is that it includes many hikes such as part of the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail, which is one of my favorite hikes ever!

This company specializes in nature photography tours and is super passionate about what they do, so if you’re an adventurous soul who wants to make the most of your time in the Rockies, you’ll love this tour as much as we did. This 5-day tour starts and ends in Vancouver and has daily departures year-round (you even get to snowshoe during the winter)! It costs between $1,550 and $1,939 CAD per person depending on the size of your group, and don’t worry, accommodation upgrades are available if you don’t want to camp! 

Book this tour here and enjoy free cancellation up to 48 hours before you go!

Related Read: Sometimes the weather in the mountains doesn’t cooperate – but we’ve got you covered! Check out the best things to do in Banff when it rains here.

8. 5-Day Luxury Tour (Starts and Ends in Vancouver)

If you like organized tours that give you luxury and lots of free time to do your own thing, then this 5-day Rocky Mountains tour is perfect for you! 

On the first day, you’ll stop for lunch in Kelowna and then participate in one of our favorite activities – a wine tour! That evening is spent at your hotel, the beautiful Revelstoke Mountain Resort, where we recommend taking the sightseeing gondola to the summit for some surreal views! 

The following morning, you’re expert guide and driver will take you through the scenic Rogers Pass to Emerald Lake, then onto Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake (if it’s open). A group dinner in Banff is included on the second night, too, which is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over some yummy food. 

On day 3, you get an included gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, plus a guided visit to Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, and Banff townsite. Then, you’ll have the afternoon and evening free to explore downtown Banff independently.

Things only get better on day 4 with a trip down the Icefields Parkway to see the Athabasca Glacier before stopping in Jasper for dinner and then making your way to a beautiful resort in Blue River. On the final day, you’ll see the majestic Spahats Falls and grab some lunch in downtown Kamloops before arriving back in Vancouver in the evening.

This tour departs on Mondays between May and October. The price ranges between $1,891 and $3,091 CAD, depending on number of people per room. It’s definitely a little pricier than some of the other tours we’ve mentioned, but we think it’s worth it due to the fantastic accommodation and spectacular itinerary which is perfectly paced.

Book this premium tour online here!

9. 6-Day Private Tour (Starts and Ends in Vancouver)

All of the tours we’ve mentioned so far have been shared tours, but with this private tour, it’ll just be you and your group hitting the road!

One of the things we love about taking a private tour is that they can be tailored to your interests, so you can ask your driver to add in stops and customize it to your liking. On the drive from Vancouver to Jasper, we recommend stopping at Bridal Veil Falls or Chilliwack in addition to the usual stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park.

The second day is spent exploring Jasper. If you’re looking for travel inspo, read our guide to the best things to do and places to eat in Jasper. Luckily, the cruise we took at Maligne Lake was one of our favorite activities here, and it’s included in this tour! 

We love that the next 2 and a half days are spent exploring the Icefields Parkway and Banff National Park. Don’t forget that camera because you’ll visit countless lakes and gorgeous Instagrammable areas – it wouldn’t be a trip to Banff without seeing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake of course!

What’s unique about this tour is that it also stops in Golden. Make sure to visit the suspension bridge there – it is the highest in all of Canada! In all likelihood, you won’t want this tour to end, but on the final day, it softens the blow of heading back to Vancouver with time to explore Revelstoke and a tasting at the sustainable Monte Creek Winery. 

This tour is ideal if you’re traveling in a group and have the budget for a private experience. The price varies widely depending on the number of people who book (minimum 1, maximum 11), and includes transportation, park fees, the wine tasting, and your guide, but you’re responsible for the cost of food and other activities.

It’s worth noting that the price doesn’t include accommodation. If you don’t want the hassle of organizing that yourself, you can message the tour company through Viator after booking and ask them to help. 

You can check prices and book your private tour here!

10. 8-Day Roundtrip Tour (Starts and Ends in Vancouver)

If you’ve got a little more time to explore the Rockies, this 8-day roundtrip tour covers the area perfectly. We find that this itinerary is fun and well-thought-out for the adventure-minded traveler!

For example, it includes a paddle boarding excursion on Skaha Lake to break up the journey from Vancouver to Kelowna. You’ll also have the chance to go canoeing in Revelstoke before enjoying a free evening. I love getting outdoors and moving on road trips, which is exactly what this tour is all about.

Our favorite thing about this tour is that it splits the drive along the Icefields Parkway across two days, which is what we always recommend doing if possible. This way, you can really take your time to explore all the destinations along this beautiful road, such as Mistaya Canyon, the Columbia Icefield, and Waterfowl Lakes. 

You also get an entire free day in Banff, so you can do exactly what you like! We created a whole blog dedicated to things to do in Banff here. We suggest riding up the Sulphur Mountain gondola, soaking in the hot springs, or tackling one of the amazing hikes. 

We also love that on the very last day of the tour, you get to visit some underrated sites before heading back to Vancouver. I found one of the most memorable stops was the Tuckkwiowhum Village, an Indigenous heritage site where you’ll get a guided tour with a Knowledge Keeper. 

Tours leave on Wednesdays or Saturdays from May to early October. You can book this tour with or without shared dormitory accommodation, so you can decide what suits you best. The cost including dorm-style accommodation starts at $2,029 CAD, which we think is fantastic for everything this tour includes!

With a medium-sized group of around 24 people, it’s a great way to make some new friends. In fact, this tour company is known for its fun dynamic, so we’d recommend this tour for adventurous travelers who are nervous about navigating the Rockies on their own! 

Book your 8-day adventure here, with free cancellation up to a week before!

Other Things to do while you’re in Vancouver

For more activity ideas, check out all the fun things to do and see in Vancouver here. If you prefer the Reader’s Digest version, we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations below:

• Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee you’ll see whales!

• Hiking – There are a ton of amazing hikes in and around Vancouver. We love wandering the trails near the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge or if you’re making the drive towards Squamish, check out The Chief.

• Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-tos. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour that takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants in Gastown.

• See Granville Island – Granville Island has such a fun energy and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through the streets seeing the street performers or checking out the famous Granville Public Market. If you’re short on time or want a stress-free stop, there are some Granville Island tours we love like this VIP market access tour where you’ll get to sample all the best food!

• Explore Kitsilano – One of our favorite areas in all of Vancouver is Kitsilano. This suburb is super trendy and has many cute stores, cafes, and restaurants that are well worth checking out. On top of that, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver and the perfect place to relax. It’s also our favorite place to watch the sunset.

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!

Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.

You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.

I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.

For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $232 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!

The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $

The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants and attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side (part of the fun when you’re staying cheap, though!).

It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!

For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!

Thanks for reading!

I hope this blog has helped you find the perfect tour from Vancouver to Banff. We know you’ll have a great time exploring the magical Canadian Rockies!

If you’re headed to BC soon, be sure to check out some of our other articles detailing travel in British Columbia. And if you’re ending your tour in Alberta and are wondering what to do next, check out our Alberta guides here. We have lots of ideas for places to see and things to do – no matter what season you visit!

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