The Banff-Jasper Loop: Skip the one way rental?
For a long time there has been a rivalry between BC and Alberta highlighted by which mountains are the best… Which has the most to offer to people visiting? What peaks are the most grandiose? Which hockey teams are the best? And most importantly, which province is the best in Western Canada? ;)
The truth is that without each other, your Canadian camping road-trip wouldn’t be the same (BC is far better and that’s a fact. I’m just a people pleaser sometimes haha). Alberta has some of the most impressive mountain faces in the world and the Icefield parkway between Jasper and Banff is one of the best drives you’ll find. On the other hand, BC has every climate and landscape you can think of. Deserts, rainforests, oceans, and of course a butt ton of mountains! My goal of this post is to highlight one of the best road-trip loops in North America and by far the most popular with my renters.
If you are interested in renting a Q Campervan for a trip like this, please use the button below to check availability. Your dream road-trip awaits!
Fred in the Canadian Rockies!
One Way Campervan Rentals
Before I highlight the route that I believe is the best option for those wanting to visit Western Canada. I should explain a question I get all the time! “Do you offer one way rentals from Vancouver to Calgary?” or the inverse “Calgary to Vancouver ?”. The answer… Yes! but for an extra fee. Logistically it takes a lot to make a one-way trip happen. Some companies have locations in Calgary and Vancouver (Q Campervans does not) which makes this possible, but they still charge a one-way fee. When I explain the cost of the one-way fee in a Q Campervan, I then proceed to encourage the Banff-Jasper loop from Vancouver as an alternative. There is so much to explore, so why only go one direction and miss half of it? If renters have already booked their return flights home from Calgary, I suggest a connecting flight from Vancouver. It is only a 1 hour flight and relatively cheap (commonly under $100/person). Below are some flight prices (from Vancouver to Calgary) during peak summer months. Thus, if you’ve already booked your flights home from either city, it’s actually very affordable to skip the one way fee, do the loop, and fly back to connect to your flights. This makes the Jasper-Banff loop even more attractive for those that were initially seeking to do a one-way rental. Of course, I have a slight bias. I would love to have you rent a Q Campervan from Vancouver… but if you keep reading, you’ll see why doing a loop can be a perfect plan for you!
Flight prices from Vancouver to Calgary viewed on Expedia on July 17/2025
Last thing to note. If you are on a time crunch and only have 3-6 days to visit BC/Alberta, I would warn you that to see everything below may be difficult. Canada is a huge country. Expect large amounts of driving. The Banff-Jasper loop from Vancouver is ideal for travellers that are going to be on vacation for 7 days or more. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing to each spot and being drained from too much driving per day. For example, if you take the fastest route from Vancouver to Banff, it is a 9 hour drive. If you have a week or more to split up the driving, it is perfect. Less than a week, it may be a bit much. It may also depend on how much you want to see and what your stop preferences are.
Top destinations
If you are wanting some advice or inspiration on what are the best places to see in Western Canada and USA (not only the Jasper and Banff loop), here is a link to the top destinations in Q Campervan’s opinion!
A renter’s photo of the Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Classic Banff/Jasper Route
The Banff-Jasper loop is probably the most common route that my renters take when visiting the Rocky Mountains and the interior of BC. Depending on the detours you make, it will be about 2000-2200 km in total. Although there can be slight variations, it is a solid map that will give you some of the best driving and attractions to see along the way. One should note that there are plenty more places that are worth pulling over for (not highlighted with a letter in the above map), but when I made this map on Google, it limits you to 10 destinations.
Of course every loop is reversible. You can start by going north to Squamish and Whistler or go east towards the Okanagan. Personally, especially for my international renters, I recommend going to Squamish first. Most of them have just gotten off a plane or are still jet lagged, so it’s nice getting something stunning relatively quickly into your trip. Within 30 minutes you’ll be met with the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This is one of the most impressive highways in the world. On the other hand, if you go east, it will take about 2 hours before you hit the mountains. Click here for a great blog post for detailed information on this section of the loop.
Viewpoint from the Lions Binkert trail above the Sea to Sky Highway at Sunset.
You’ll want to spend a 1-3 days in Squamish/Whistler. The Chief, Sea to Sky Gondola, Garibaldi Lake, Peak to Peak Gondola, Wedgemount Lake, Nairn Falls, and Joffre Lakes are some notable stops. Realistically, you won’t be able to see everything here. Whistler is a world class destination (similar to Banff) and the hikes and scenery are endless.
“Walter” along Green Lake in Whistler
After Pemberton, there may be smaller stops, but you’ll probably want to continue till you get to Clearwater. If you are needing to stock up on groceries and supplies, its worth stopping in Kamloops. It’s the last big city for a while and will have everything you need. After Kamloops the cell service will be extremely limited on highway 5. When you get to Clearwater, I’ve had several renters go white water rafting. There is a couple companies in the area which all have great reviews. Another popular destination is just north of Clearwater called Helmcken Falls.
Helmcken Falls near Clearwater
Click here is another solid blog post on what to explore and see during your time along highway 5 from Barriere to Valemount. Please note that Q Campervans does not allow off-roading, so plan accordingly.
As you approach Valemount, some of the most impressive mountains will really start to make their presence felt. Although a small town, there is so much to do. The most iconic place to visit is Mount Robson. Nearby hikes/walks include Overlander Falls, Rear Gaurd Falls, and Moose Lake. You may find it handy to rent a 2 person inflatable kayak or paddleboard from Q Campervans for all the lakes you’ll visit ;). Click here to read more about other things to do in Valemount.
Q Campervan “Big Blue” with Mount Robson in the background
Jasper is next on the list. In 2024, a huge wildfire went through the area and devastated the landscape. It isn’t what it used to be, but still stunning and in the process of recovering. Given that the fire had such an impact on the community, I would highly recommend supporting the community with your tourism. Hiking will be less busy, wildlife will be easier to spot, and campsites will be easier to find availability. A few places that should be definite stops here are Athabasca Glacier (Columbia Icefield Skywalk), Horseshoe Lake, Maligne Lake, and Sunwapta Falls. Regardless of the fires, the Icefield Parkway is insanely gorgeous and needs to be a part of your road-trip. Here is a great blog post that shows what Jasper looks like post-fire and gives further insights for your planning.
View from the Q Campervan “Lenny” in Banff
As you make your way down the Icefield Parkway, you’ll soon reach Banff. Banff is famous for so many reasons and it will be busy! If you are looking to miss the crowds, try to visit in the shoulder seasons. Otherwise, you will certainly need to be proactive in booking your campsites and arranging shuttles to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Like Jasper, the places to visit seem somewhat endless! Johnston Canyon, Banff Gondola, Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Emerald Lake, Tunnel Mountain, and Lake Minnewanka. That’s just a few examples, but the hikes and mountain peaks to explore are literally endless… It’s hard to go wrong. Also! Don’t forget to drive 30 minutes down the road to Canmore, where the crowds are a little quieter. Grassi Lakes, Ha-Ling Peak, Mount Rundle, and Grotto Canyon are great areas/hikes near town.
A Q Campervan renter photo of Emerald Lake
Golden is next on the list! Definitely not as busy as Banff, which makes it perfect for authentic nature exploring. Known for being an adventure town in the rockies, you’ll find many activities to satisfy your adrenaline craving. Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and skydiving are a couple of activities that are offered here. Must stops include the Golden Skybridge, Cedar lake, Wapta Falls, and Thompson Falls to name a few. Click here for a blog post for restaurants and attractions that are only short drives around town.
The first Q Campervan every “Henry” (no longer available) with the Golden mountains in the rear.
View from “Big Blue” at Waitabit Creek Campground just outside Golden (Donald).
Revelstoke is the last “big mountain” town in the rockies. Personally one of my favourite places, it has some of the best hiking in BC. Potentially the best spot for relatively easy hikes and stunning views is the Mount Revelstoke National Park's Meadows. There are several trails that meander through mountain meadows ending at beautiful spots like Eva and Miller Lake. Begbie falls, Sutherland Falls, and Big Eddy Bluff trail are a couple short hike options. Finally, there are many things to do on the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The Pipe Mountain coaster, lift access mountain biking, and tons of hiking trails near the top via the gondola.
View at Eva Lake on the Mount Revelstoke Meadows.
The rest of your trip will be making your way back to Vancouver through the Okanagan valley and Manning Park. Not known for their mountainous peaks, but instead for their vineyards and wineries, lakes, and lazy rivers. There is no shortage of places to see. Kelowna is one of the bigger cities in BC, but spots like Penticton, Osoyoos and Salmon Arm are slightly less populated. You can float down the Okanagan River Channel, hike Apex trail, and visit the Mission Hill Family Estate for some wine.
A short drive away is Manning Park, which is a very underrated place to visit. Nature attractions include Sumallo Grove Trailhead, Lightning Lake, or Cascade Lookout. You can rent canoes, go horseback riding or simply jump in the rivers and lakes! Here is a great post about the best things to do during your time in the park.
Finally, pack your stuff up because you’ll be back in Vancouver ready to return your rental van in about 1.5 hours in Vancouver (Port Moody). :)
If you are interested in some alternate road-trip routes in BC and Alberta, then I’ve created 2 other maps below.
