Is Canada on your travel bucket list? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Well known for being vast, wild, and beautiful; planning a Canada itinerary can be difficult (especially if you have limited time). There is A LOT to see from the West to the East Coast. After all, Canada is the second-largest country in the world! But for me, visiting the Canadian Rockies has long been a dream! So below you’ll find an epic 2 week Canada itinerary that discovers some of the best places to visit across British Columbia and Alberta…. Oh and did I mention it focuses on winter travel?
Canada Itinerary Travel Tips –
Is 2 weeks in Canada enough?
As briefly touched on above, Canada is huge and as such it’s impossible to see the whole country in 14 days. In truth around 4-6 weeks is needed to pack in all the best places to visit, so aim to give yourself as much time as physically possible!
This said, if two weeks is all you can spare, you’ll still be set for countless awe-inspiring moments! You just need to decide what you’d most like to see. For example, is it the coastal beauty of Eastern Canada’s Provinces like Nova Scotia, or perhaps historical cities like Quebec, Montreal and Toronto?
For me, the allure of Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains topped the list. Luckily, two weeks is an ideal amount of time to soak in the scenery, and discover the best of Western Canada.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Canada depends entirely on what you are looking to see and do, as each season influences the landscapes, wildlife and events/activities on offer.
Despite this, the summer months of July through to late September are seen as the peak tourist season in Canada. Long warm days mean more time to make the most of incredible hiking opportunities, white water rafting, and visiting turquoise lakes. It’s also the best time to spot bears and whales!
Winter on the other hand is the most magical time to visit Canada, as most of the country turns into a winter wonderland with spectacular ski resorts, majestic frozen lakes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like dog sledding become available. Winter can also be a less crowded time to visit popular cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
To summarise, there’s no bad time to visit! But, since the allure of pairing a ski trip with my Canadian adventure was too good to resist, the below 2-week Canada itinerary focuses on the winter season, but it could be tailored to the summer months as well!
What’s the best way to get around?
Canada was built for road-tripping! As such hiring a car is the perfect way to enjoy all the scenic landscapes to be found on your chosen itinerary. Alternatively, the country is home to some of the most epic train routes in the world, like the Rocky Mountainer, which provides another spectacular way to travel between Vancouver and Jasper.
This said, as you’ll be tight on time, adding internal flights to your Canada 2 week itinerary will enable you to spend more time in your favourite destination. For example, I flew from Vancouver to Calgary to maximise my time in Banff (as you’ll see below).
2 Week Canada Itinerary: Overview & Alternatives –
Now the travel tips are out of the way, let’s get into the fun bit; the itinerary!
My 2 week Canada itinerary features visiting two of the most famous cities in Western Canada (Vancouver and Calgary). It also delves deep into winter in Banff National Park, whilst leaving plenty of time for skiing on Whistler’s legendary slopes. As such, if you love skiing, the outdoors and epic adventures, then this Western Canada itinerary is for you! However, I’ve also outlined alternative options and ways to modify the route below!
Overview –
- Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
- Day 2: Explore Vancouver City
- Day 3: North Shore Mountains from Vancouver
- Day 4: Drive from Vancouver to Whistler
- Day 5: Skiing in Whistler
- Day 6: Skiing in Whistler
- Day 7: Skiing in Whistler
- Day 8: Travel to Calgary and onto Banff
- Day 9: Explore Banff National Park
- Day 10: Explore Banff National Park
- Day 11: Skiing in Banff
- Day 12: Skiing in Banff
- Day 13: Calgary
- Day 14: End in Calgary
Detailed 14 day Canada Itinerary –
Days 1-3: Vancouver
My Canada itinerary starts in the beautiful city of Vancouver (Canada’s third largest). Framed by the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains, it’s modern and vibrant, yet continuously connected to the surrounding landscapes. From this, there’s lots to see so the first two days of this itinerary are dedicated to exploring the city centre! Some of the best things to do in Vancouver include visiting Stanely Park, exploring historic Gastown, and taking in the views from the Vancouver lookout.
However, I’d recommend using the third day of your two weeks in Canada to head to the North Shore Mountains. The peaks are a staple of Vancouver life as they can be seen from all over the city and reached in just 30 minutes from the centre. In summer, countless hiking routes can be enjoyed on the mountains and in winter these turn into thrilling ski resorts!
With just one day to explore the North Shore, I recommend first visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can cross the world’s largest suspension footbridge before immersing yourself in an ancient Douglas fir forest.
Then head over to the base of Grouse Mountain to get the Skyride (gondola) up the mountain to “the peak of Vancouver”. From here you’ll be treated to unbeatable views of the surrounding region! There’s also a lot to do atop Grouse Mountain (depending on the season) such as visiting the Wildlife Sanctuary (home to grizzly bears), seeing the famous Lumberjack Show, and hiking or snowshoeing.
TOP TIP – It’s best to buy your tickets for the Capliona Suspension Bridge and Skyride in advance! You can visit both via public transport, car, or by booking an organised day trip.
Where to stay in Vancouver?
With only a few days in Vancouver, it’s best to stay within the downtown area. However, accommodation here is expensive! The Burrard seems to be an exception to the rule. It’s a stylish and comfortable place to stay that doesn’t break the bank! With a central downtown location, garden space and free bike hire I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and would highly recommend it for your time in Vancouver.
Day 4: Drive to Whistler
This Canadian Rockies itinerary from Vancouver really kicks off after the first few days of city living, as it’s onto Whistler, which quickly became my favourite destination of this itinerary!
The journey from Vancouver to Whistler is a busy route (especially in winter). However, this doesn’t mean it’s boring… The Sea to Sky highway provides stunning views as you head inland towards the mountains.
What’s more, the journey only takes around 2 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to delve straight into Whistler’s activities once you arrive. For example, I spent my first afternoon in Whistler Snowmobiling, which was an awesome and exhilarating experience!
TOP TIP – To travel between Vancouver and Whistler you can either hire a car (which tends to be the most convenient option) or opt to book one of the many shuttle services that run between the two locations. These tend to take a little longer but there are regular buses throughout the peak seasons.
Days 5-7: Skiing in Whistler
Once there, it’s time to spend a few days ticking skiing on Whislter’s legendary slopes off your bucket list…
Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the small village of Whistler is known worldwide. Colonizing two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb) it’s one of the largest and best-equipped ski resorts in the world! With over 200 runs and multiple terrain parks, I didn’t feel like I’d even scratched the mountain’s surface after three days, but had a fantastic time!
TOP TIP: Skiing in Whistler is expensive! Lift passes alone for one day average around $300 CAD. For the best deals, it’s advisable to book well in advance.
More than this, the town of Whistler itself is endearing, and a must-visit even if you don’t ski! I instantly fell in love with its alpine charm. Filled with amazing restaurants and stores, you can’t help but want to cosy up in one of its coffee shops.
Building on the above, Whistler is a hub for outdoor activities of all kinds! If you’re visiting in the summer months, mountain biking and ATV off-roading are extremely popular. You can even go ziplining across the mountain’s treetops at the Ziptrek park.
Another thing not to miss is the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Linking the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains it offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. There’s even a special glass-bottom gondola that provides a (slightly unnerving) bird’s-eye view straight down as you sail between the peaks.
TOP TOP – Tickets for the Peak 2 Peak gondola are cheaper to book online in advance. The price varies depending on the season but start around $107 CAD (if you have a lift pass you can ride the gondola for free).
Where to stay in Whistler?
As with Vancouver, accommodation in Whistler can be eye-wateringly expensive (especially during the peak skiing season). I chose to stay at the Pangea Pod Hotel, mainly due to its fantastic location in the centre of Whistler close to the ski lifts. However the service was also great, and despite feeling like a hostel (with shared bathrooms), the pods themselves are very well equipped with spacious double beds and lots of storage. Therefore, it’s certainly a great option for your own 2 week Canada itinerary.
Day 8: Travel to Calgary and onto Banff
Next up, we move from British Columbia to the stunning province of Alberta… Home to the Canadian Rockies. When you picture Canada, it’s the famous landscapes here which come to mind. It’s a lot to live up to, but the Rockies really were the highlight of my trip. So trust me, you’ll want to maximise your time in this wonderland, and flying between the two provinces is the best way to do that!
In this way, I flew from Vancouver to Calgary. Whilst it might seem like backtracking to head from Whitler back to Vancouver, the drive is short and more than worthwhile thanks to the variety of flight options available from Vancouver Airport. Meanwhile, Calgary is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Therefore, various airlines (such as AirCanada and WestJet) operate multiple daily flights between the two cities.
I recommend booking an early afternoon or late morning flight as this will allow plenty of time to both travel to Vancouver and then onwards, once you land, from Calgary Airport to the small town of Banff, which is nestled in the heart of the Rockies.
Don’t worry about missing Calgary as there’s time set aside later in this Canada winter itinerary to explore the city!
TOP TIP: Whilst it’s possible to explore the Canadian Rockies via public transport (check out these transfer options) I’d recommend hiring a car from Calgary Airport as this will give you the most flexibility to explore. It takes around one and a half hours to drive from Calgary to Banff and have your camera at the ready as the views are epic!
Days 9 & 10: Banff National Park
As briefly mentioned above, the small mountain village of Banff is home for the next part of this 2 week Canada itinerary. Its rustic high street boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole of North America, making it the perfect base for exploring the Canadian Rockies.
In town, you can indulge in a hot soak in thermal springs, go souvenir shopping, and enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants. Yet, you’ll want to spend most of your time here venturing out into the surrounding National Park…
Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canada’s first National park! Today it features over 1,000 glaciers, 400 mountains and 1,600km of hiking trails. Complete with awe-inspiring lakes, forests and wildlife, it’s a wonderland for nature enthusiasts and could well be the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited!
More than this, it’s a delightful year-round destination with so much to see and do in each season! As such you’ll have to plan your days carefully. For example, Banff is the ultimate summer playground and you’ll have to choose between spending the long days hiking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding or simply sightseeing.
Meanwhile, winter brings a snowy paradise with all the same sights to see (like the famous Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon) just with a magical coat of snow and ice. There are countless winter activities too like skiing, ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, snowshoeing, ice skating and (and my personal favourite) traditional dog sledging through the mountains.
Don’t miss my Banff in winter travel guide for tips and more things to do during the winter season. What I loved most about my time in Banff was simply taking in the dramatic scenery that is truly out of this world!
TOP TOP – Most of the top things to see in Banff National Park are a short drive from downtown Banff. As mentioned above, there is a pretty decent bus route through the park. Yet, with limited time having your own car is the best way to see as much as possible. I also recommend guided tours of highlights such as Lake Louise and the Banff Gondola.
Days 11 & 12: Skiing in Banff
There’s one winter activity in Banff which deserves dedicated time in my Canadian Rockies winter itinerary… Yep, you guessed it – Skiing in the National Park! There’s not one but three world-class ski resorts right on the doorstep of the alpine village. These are Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Mt. Norquay.
What’s unique about these three ski resorts is the views! From every run, you are set to enjoy stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains, and nowhere is better than Lake Louise, where several runs look down onto its namesake lake. Because of this, it’s a lot of people’s favourite resort. However, I enjoyed Banff Sunshine the most thanks to its European atmosphere and sprawling runs.
Together the ‘Big 3’ cover over 7,748 acres of skiable terrain. Therefore, much like in Whistler, it’s impossible to explore every inch of these mountains with just two days set aside for the slopes. Nonetheless, it’s still a bucket list destination to ski at and an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.
Top Tip: To access each of the resorts it’s best to purchase a Ski Big 3 pass. This is the most affordable and flexible option and it includes free ski shuttle services from downtown Banff. Remember to book as far in advance as possible for the best deals.
If you’re planning on visiting Canada in summer you could set aside these two days to instead hike some of the most popular routes in Banff National Park (such as Tunnel Mountain Summit or the Lake Agnes Trail). Or you could head further into the Rockies and discover the neighbouring Jasper National Park (see below). This is one place I was sad to miss on my own itinerary, but skiing in Banff was epic, and it’s always good to have a reason to go back!
Where to stay in Banff –
Banff has accommodation options to suit all budgets from hostels to 5* hotels. I stayed at the affordable (yet charming) Tunnel Mountain Resort. It has self-catering lodges that feel both cosy and modern. Ideal after long days out in the cold! The resort is located slightly out of town, but this means you get more for your money. Plus, a free local roam bus pass is included with bookings, making it super easy to reach the town centre and surrounding attractions.
Days 13 & 14: Calgary –
Last, but by no means least, the final stop on my Canada 2 week itinerary is Calgary, the biggest city in Alberta. Whilst it’s sometimes seen as just a jumping-off point to the province’s great national parks, the city is worth exploring, and there are plenty of things to do!
In this way, after driving back from Banff, I’d suggest spending at least one full day in Calgary. Rich in cowboy culture and musical heritage, top places to visit include the 190m high Calgary Tower, Heritage Park outdoor museum, and Studio Bell Music Centre.
On top of this, in the winter months don’t miss seeing an ice hockey game at the impressive Saddledome Stadium, where the Calgary Flames are sure to provide an exciting (and aggressive) match. Likewise in the summer, it’s more than worthwhile trying to plan your trip dates around the Calgary Stampede, a western-style rodeo, music, and arts festival all combined. It draws more than 1 million visitors each year, meaning the whole city swells and comes alive! It’s said to be the Greatest Outdoor Show in the world.
TOP TIP: Calgary is a great place to end a Canadian adventure as its international airport connects to most major cities worldwide.
Where to stay in Calgary –
I found Calgary accommodation to be far more affordable than all the other stops on this Canada itinerary! As such, I decided to treat myself to a stay at the lovely Alt Hotel Calgary East Village (especially since it was the last stop). The hotel was sleek and stylish with very modern rooms that overlook the Bow River.
Alternative Itineraries –
The one that’s a true Western Canada road trip –
If skiing is not your thing (or you’re planning on visiting Canada in summer) then fear not, as the above itinerary can be easily modified.
Firstly, swap the days in Whistler (days 5-7) with a drive to Kamloops (4 hours) to discover its flowing rivers and vast valleys. There’s plenty to see on the drive as well such as Nairn Falls and Joffre Lakes.
Next, rather than flying to Calgary, you can continue from Kamloops with another 4-hour drive to the astoundingly beautiful Jasper National Park. Spend a couple of days exploring here before heading onwards to Banff along the stunning Columbia Icefields Parkway.
NOTE – Jasper was devasted by wildfires in the summer of 2024 and some parts of the park remain closed. So it’s advisable to check the parks official website before travelling.
The one that includes the Vancouver Island –
Another alternative to my Western Canada 2 week itinerary is to hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island (rather than visiting Whistler). The island is massive at over 32,000 km² (almost half the size of Ireland), meaning you’d need around 2 weeks to fully explore… This said, with 3-4 days you’ll be able to enjoy the Islands capital of Victoria and explore much of the Saanich Peninsula.
Victoria happens to be the warmest city in Canada, so you can expect some quite pleasant weather whatever time of year you visit! With colonial buildings and a quaint harbour, the city is very charming! Yet (like most places in Canada) the wildlife on Vancouver Island is the real draw!
Highly recommended are whale watching tours from Victoria. You can see a wide variety of different species, including Orcas! Meanwhile, on land, the island has one of the most densely populated bear habitats in the world. With over 7,000 black bears, you’ll be sure to have an incredible encounter.
TOP TIP – A car is highly recommended on Vancouver Island as public transport is limited. You can book onto the car ferry between Vancouver and Victoria and the journey lasts around 90 minutes.
The one that includes vineyards –
If you’re able to extend your itinerary by a couple of days, then another option is to make a round trip back to Vancouver! This is particularly worthwhile if you’re visiting in summer as the Okanagan Valley awaits…
Rather than heading back to Calgary, drive onwards from Banff to Kelowna (5 and a half hours). This is the gateway to the Okanagan Valley which is home to countless orchards and wineries.
The scenery here is quite unlike anywhere else on the itinerary! With scented lavender fields, and vineyards sprawling out across the hillsides. As you can imagine, the valley is a hub for food and drink and the perfect place to spend a couple of days relaxing lakeside after a busy two weeks exploring!
The final day of your itinerary can then be spent driving back to Vancouver (4 hours) through the equally as pretty Fraser Valley.
♦♦♦
So there you have my complete Western Canada 2 week itinerary for winter (with summer alternatives). However you choose to spend your time in the beautiful country, you’ll be sure to leave wanting more, as the vast vistas, charming cities, and friendly locals make for the perfect travel destination!
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