Calgary to Vancouver: Canadian Rockies & West Coast Hikes

Arrive in Calgary and begin the overland journey south to Waterton Lakes National Park, a drive that transitions from prairie grasslands to the abrupt front ranges of the Rockies. After setting up camp, the day's objective is the Bertha Lake trail, an 11km out-and-back. The route climbs through sub-alpine forest via 21 switchbacks, gaining elevation steadily. The reward is the view from the blue-green waters of the lake, looking back down the valley. The day finishes with a short walk into Red Rock Canyon to see its distinct geology before dinner at the campsite.

Today is a full-day trek on one of Waterton's signature trails. The choice is between two demanding but classic routes: the Crypt Lake Trail or the Carthew Summit Trail. The Crypt Lake hike requires a ferry to the trailhead and involves a steady climb that becomes strenuous above the treeline, featuring a steel ladder and a 60ft tunnel through the mountain—not for those with a fear of heights. Alternatively, the Carthew Summit traverse is a point-to-point hike past four alpine lakes, with views south into Montana's Glacier National Park. Both are 6-8 hour commitments on the trail.

Break camp for the drive north into Kananaskis Country, stopping in the small town of Longview for supplies. The destination is Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Canada, and the trailhead for the Ptarmigan Cirque hike. This is a short but steep 1.5-2 hour loop that climbs quickly from coniferous forest into an alpine meadow with spanning views of the surrounding peaks. The initial elevation gain is the main challenge; the rest of the trail feels comparatively gentle. From the pass, it's a short drive to the campsite for the evening.

The entire day is dedicated to hiking the Burstall Pass trail, a Kananaskis classic that takes 4-7 hours depending on pace and conditions. The route begins by moving past several marshy lakes and across braided streams before the real climbing begins. The trail punches up into a wide alpine meadow before cresting the high mountain pass. From the top, the views open up to the glaciated peaks of Banff National Park, including a direct line of sight to Mount Assiniboine on a clear day. The area offers options for rock scrambling for those with extra energy before the return hike to the trailhead.

After a final breakfast in Kananaskis, pack up for the short but scenic drive to the town of Banff. The afternoon is for exploring on two wheels. Options range from easy cruises on paved paths along the Vermilion Lakes or the Bow River to a longer ride on the 23km Legacy Trail. For those seeking more technical terrain, numerous mountain biking trails branch out from the townsite. After the ride, it's another hour's drive north to the campground at Lake Louise to set up for the night.

A day trip into neighboring Yoho National Park is required to access one of the Canadian Rockies' premier day hikes: the Iceline Trail. This is a demanding 7-9 hour loop with substantial elevation gain. The trail climbs high onto a bench of glacial moraine, running parallel to the Emerald Glacier with constant, open views of several glaciers, icefalls, and the Yoho Valley below. The landscape is rugged and starkly alpine. After completing the loop, which passes the base of Takakkaw Falls, it's a one-hour drive back to the Lake Louise campground.

The day starts with a 4-5 hour hike up Fairview Mountain, which looms over Lake Louise. Though it appears imposing, a well-graded trail makes the 1,000m of elevation gain manageable for strong walkers. The views begin early, looking across to Saddleback Mountain and down into the Bow Valley. After the descent, make the one-hour drive back to Banff for a free afternoon. Options include renting a canoe on the Bow River, riding the Banff Gondola for panoramic views, or simply exploring the town on foot before returning to Lake Louise for the night.

A major transit day connects the two halves of the route. The morning begins with the overland journey from Lake Louise back to Calgary (approx. 2.5 hours), retracing the path from the mountains to the prairies. From the Calgary airport, a short flight crosses British Columbia to Vancouver. After arriving and navigating to the hotel, the rest of the day is free to get a first taste of the city, perhaps with a walk through Stanley Park or the historic Gastown district.

Today involves a classic West Coast journey across the Strait of Georgia. Take the ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island, a scenic crossing that lands near Victoria. From there, it's an overland drive to Sooke. The afternoon is for a 3-hour hike in East Sooke Regional Park. The trails here offer a mix of challenging, rugged coastline and lush Pacific rainforest thick with moss and ferns. The path follows rocky bays and tide pools, offering a first immersion into the island's wilderness before setting up camp for the night.

After a one-hour drive from Sooke, the day is spent on a section of the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. This is a full 8-hour day on a notoriously rugged coastal path. The trail traverses dense, old-growth forest, dropping down to beautiful pebble beaches before climbing back into the trees. Expect to navigate mud pits, slick roots, and slippery suspension bridges. The effort is rewarded with a sense of true coastal wilderness, with the sound of the surf as a constant companion. A return transfer brings you back to the Sooke campsite in the evening.

Today is a break from structured hiking. Use the day to rest and recover at the campsite or explore the Sooke and Victoria area at your own pace. Optional activities focus on the surrounding coast and waters. Possibilities include sea kayaking along the shoreline, joining a whale watching tour out into the strait, or renting a bicycle to explore the local roads. A trip into the city of Victoria offers a change of pace with its historic architecture and cafes.

It's a multi-stage travel day heading back to the mainland. The morning starts with a 2.5-hour drive to Cowichan Bay for a sea kayaking excursion on the open ocean. Afterward, the journey continues north to Nanaimo to catch the ferry back to the mainland at Horseshoe Bay. From the ferry terminal, the final leg is the spectacular drive up the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish, a route carved into the cliffside with views over Howe Sound. Arrive in Squamish in the evening to set up camp.

Today's objective is the Stawamus Chief, the massive granite monolith that towers over Squamish. This is a steep, challenging 4-7 hour hike that is more of a scramble in places, involving ladders and chains to ascend the granite slabs. The trail begins with an immediate, heart-pounding incline through the forest before breaking out onto the rock. You can aim for one of three distinct peaks. The reward from any of them is a commanding view of Howe Sound, the town of Squamish, and the peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park to the north. Refuel at camp after the descent.

The day is dedicated to a long hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park to the Elfin Lakes. This is a 22km round-trip trek that takes about 6 hours of moving time. Unlike the Chief, the trail is on a wide, well-graded path that climbs steadily but not steeply through the forest before opening up into expansive subalpine meadows. The route offers continuous views of the surrounding mountains. At the destination, two small lakes provide a perfect spot for lunch. One lake is for swimming—an icy but refreshing dip—while the other is reserved for drinking water.

A day trip to Whistler provides access to its high alpine terrain via the Whistler Gondola. From the top of Whistler Mountain, set out on the High Note Trail, a 9.5km loop that takes about 4 hours. The trail contours around the backside of the mountain, offering the most scenic views of the vibrant, aquamarine Cheakamus Lake far below, as well as Black Tusk peak. After descending through alpine meadows and looping around Harmony Lake, there's free time to explore Whistler village, with options like the Cloudraker Skybridge or the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, before returning to Squamish for a final campfire dinner.

After a final breakfast at the campsite, break camp and begin the 2-3 hour drive from the Squamish area back down the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver. The route ends upon arrival in the city, with onward flights best booked for 4:00 PM or later to allow for transit time.