The drive from Edmonton to Vancouver is one of Canada’s most scenic road trips, taking you through the Rocky Mountains, along rushing rivers and through small towns with unique attractions. You can make the trip in a very long day of driving, but the memories are made when you take the time to stop, explore and enjoy the journey.
I know this route extremely well.
Since 2008, I’ve driven it multiple times a year, round-trip, in every season, in a variety of vehicles and with every kind of road-trip companion, including kids. Over the years, I’ve discovered the best places to stop for scenery, snacks and places to stay along the way. I even know where to find the cleanest bathrooms and best rest stops.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your Edmonton-to-Vancouver road trip, including my favourite sights and tips to make the drive smooth and memorable.
Planning your Edmonton to Vancouver Road Trip
Distance and driving time
The distance between Edmonton and Vancouver is approximately 1,200 km. It takes between 12 and 13 hours to drive if you were to stop only for food, gas, and the washroom. If you have the time, I recommend doing it in two or three days, though there are still plenty of cool things to see if you do the long haul in a single day.
Best time to go
The best times to go are spring, summer, and fall, as road conditions will be the best and more businesses will be open along the way. However, if you’re a winter recreation enthusiast, you’ll enjoy frozen waterfalls and a couple of world-class ski resorts along the way. Just ensure your car has winter tires, an emergency car kit, and you’ve checked the weather and road conditions before departure.
Note: A stretch of this road trip travels along the beautiful North Thompson River. In winter, moisture from the river can create icy road conditions, so please drive with caution.
What to pack
Like any road trip, make sure you’ve packed lots of water and snacks. There are several places to stop along the way to fuel your car and your snack stash, but there are stretches up to 120 km with no services.
If you’re planning on doing some hiking along the way, pack bear spray. You’re in bear country here, and some areas are quite remote.
Regardless of when you’re travelling, you should have an emergency car kit (especially in the winter). You can find a great list of what to include in your winter emergency car kit here.
Route Overview: The Yellowhead is direct and scenic
The most direct route is to take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16-Highway 5) from Edmonton, which goes straight west and cuts a diagonal across British Columbia’s interior from Jasper National Park to Kamloops to Vancouver.
Should I take the Trans-Canada Highway?
You can take the route down to Calgary and over on the Trans-Canada Highway 1, but that will add an hour or two to your journey and the road construction on Highway 1 is generally terrible. They are currently twinning the highway in several long stretches, and it will be years before it is completed. Plus, this route is typically more popular with tourists. The traffic, combined with road construction, causes delays and frustration.
Over the years, I’ve done both routes and always prefer the Jasper-Kamloops-Vancouver route. It takes you through stunning Jasper National Park, mountain scenery and natural attractions that are a bit more off the beaten path. There is less traffic and fewer tourists. Plus, campsites are more readily available and accommodation is slightly less expensive on this route.
Top Stops and Things to See on your Edmonton to Vancouver Road Trip
Edmonton to Jasper
Travel along Highway 16 out of the city, through farmland and into the rolling boreal forest towards the foothills and Rocky Mountains. While this route is pretty straightforward and most do it in one go, there are some cool things to see along the way if you want to make the most of this stretch.
Edmonton to Edson
I don’t usually stop during this first short leg of the journey, but I did when I had an infant and then a toddler. Whether you need to stop or want to see something pretty, here are some suggestions.
Favourite places to stop:
- Pembina River Provincial Park: This riverside park is popular for hiking, wildlife viewing and river tubing.
- Wilmore Park: Quiet camping, canoe launch and a sandy beach on the McLeod River outside of Edson.
Cleanest bathrooms:
- Niton Junction Petro Canada
- Edson Rest Area: Flush toilets about 20 km east of Edson
Edson to Jasper
Again, most people might blast through to Jasper, but I’ve explored around Hinton and found a few gems worth checking out if you have the time.
Favourite places to stop:
- The Beaver Boardwalk: Explore the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk through the wetlands.
- Refuel at The Old Grind, our favourite coffee shop and lunch stop in Hinton
- William A. Switzer Provincial Park: Beautiful lakes and campgrounds for an overnight stop near Hinton.
- Stop in for a pint at the Folding Mountain Brewery, just east of the Jasper National Park gates.
Folding Mountain Brewery and Jarvis Lake in William A. Switzer Provincial Park
Cleanest bathrooms:
- Hinton Visitor Information Centre
- Folding Mountain Brewery (If you’re popping in to buy something)
Jasper
If you are breaking up your trip into a few days, Jasper is a must-stop-and-explore destination. As one of Canada’s largest national parks, this Rocky Mountain gem offers stunning scenery, outdoor adventures and a close-knit community that could use your support after the 2024 wildfires.
Stopping for an hour or two:
- Walk out into the mud flats of Jasper Lake
- Hike up the Talbot Lake Viewpoint (15 minutes, great views!)
- Get a treat at the Bear’s Paw Bakery
- Picnic at Pyramid Lake
Stopping for a day or two:
- Visit the Miette Hot Springs (closed in winter)
- Paddle on Pyramid Lake. Canoe rentals are available at Pyramid Lake Resort.
- Picnic and beach day at Edith or Annette Lake
- Explore the Icefields Parkway
- Take the Jasper Skytram up Whistler’s Mountain for panoramic mountain views
- Ski at Marmot Basin (winter)
- Ice skate at Pyramid Lake or Lake Mildred at Jasper Park Lodge (winter)
- Support local businesses by shopping and dining in Jasper
Cleanest bathrooms:
- Tidy outhouses along the highway at Jasper House and Pallisades pullouts
- Public bathrooms in town at 638 Connaught Dr in Jasper.
Where to stay in Jasper:
For hotels, I’ve stayed at both the Jasper Inn and Suites and the Forest Hotel a few times. Both have indoor swimming pools, which are fun for families with kids. Jasper Inn and Suites has rooms with full kitchens.
For camping, the Whistlers and Wapiti Campgrounds have reopened and offer electrical service and washrooms. Both of these campgrounds burned in the wildfire, so there are no trees. If you want private camping, Meitte and Snarring Campgrounds were untouched by the wildfires in 2024. For winter camping, the Wapiti Campground offers first-come, first-served parking-lot-style camping.
Book your campsite in Jasper National Park.
Jasper to Clearwater
Once you leave Jasper National Park, it’s not long until you cross the border into British Columbia. This stretch of the drive takes you past towering Mount Robson, the highest mountain in British Columbia, and along torquious-blue lakes, rushing rivers and lush forests. There are a few little quiet and quirky towns along the way, and nearing Clearwater, you’ll enter the gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park.
Jasper to Valemont – Mount Robson Provincial Park
Just at the BC border, you’ll enter Mount Robson Provincial Park and pass the iconic sign featuring a wood-carved mountain goat. This is one of my favourite BC Parks, with several places to stop and things to do.
Favourite places to stop:
- Check out Moose, Yellowhead and Lucerne Lakes
- Get a treat at the Mount Robson Cafe (closed in the winter)
- Hike up to Kinney Lake on the Berg Lake Trail (14km round trip)
- Reargaurd Falls: pretty falls just off the highway.
In Valemont, there are a few places to stop and stretch your legs or get a bite to eat. I recommend:
- George Hicks Regional Park: Have a picnic and view the salmon run in the late summer/early fall.
- Grab a coffee and a baked goodie at BoShay’s Bistro (Formerly The Gathering Tree Cafe).
Reargaurd Falls, Yellowhead Lake and the Mount Robson Cafe.
Cleanest bathrooms:
- Mount Robson Visitor Centre. If closed, there’s a seldom-used outhouse at the far end of the parking lot.
- Valemont Visitor Centre
Where to stay near Mount Robson and Valemont:
Near Mount Robson, you’ll find the Mountain River Lodge and a few private vacation rentals. In Valemont, the most reliably clean hotel is The Comfort Inn. Plus, it has a pool with a waterslide!
For camping, my favourite is Lucerne Lake if you can get a lakeside spot. Otherwise, Robson Meadows and Robson River both have large, treed campsites. There are 18 sites with electrical service in Robson River. Learn about Mount Robson Provincial Park Camping.
Valemont to Clearwater – Wells Gray Provincial Park
This section of the drive goes through several tiny towns, including Blue River, Avola and Vavenby. You’ll also drive along the North Thomson River and cross over it several times.
Favourite places to stop:
- Elenor Lake Park in Blue River: Sandy beach, swimming platforms, picnic areas and playground.
- Blue River Petro Canada: Stop for gas, fresh sandwiches, coffee and fresh donuts!
- Little Hells Gate Regional Park: A short hike with views of the Hell’s Gate Gorge.
- Dutch Lake Park: Sandy beach, playground and swimming area in Clearwater.
Clearwater is also the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, a true hidden gem of a wilderness destination tucked into the Caribou Mountains. It is off the beaten path and worth the time to explore on your Edmonton to Vancouver road trip! It’s most known for its 41 named waterfalls, including iconic Helmcken Falls. You’ll also find world-class hiking, pristine lakes and a network of world-class backcountry paddling. Access to the park is limited during the winter, but you can still reach Helmcken Falls. Whether you have an afternoon or a weekend, here are my favourite stops:
- Helmcken Falls: Plunging 141 metres into a canyon bowl, these falls are worth the drive.
- Dawson Falls: Walk through the rainforest to see the water fall over old lava rock beds.
- Paddle Clearwater Lake; canoe rentals are available.
- Swim in Lake Mahood
Clearwater Lake and Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park
Cleanest Bathrooms:
- Eleanor Lake Park in Blue River (seasonal)
- Blue River Petro Canada
- Clearwater/Wells Gray Park Visitor Centre
Where to stay in Clearwater:
If you want to stay in Clearwater, I recommend the Best Western Plus Gateway to the Falls. For something a little more budget-friendly, the Wells Gray Inn has clean rooms and a casual pub. My favourite spot, though rustic and not for everyone, is the Dutch Lake Resort and RV Park.
For camping, the Dutch Lake Resort and RV Park is a good choice if you need services, but it’s an RVs-parked-in-a-row type campground. The North Thomson River Park has unserviced, first-come, first-served campsites off the highway. You can also stay at one of the campgrounds in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
Clearwater to Kamloops
The landscape starts to change dramatically on this stretch of the route. Mountains covered in thick, lush forests give way to the sandy-toned, arid mountains and plateaus of the Okanagan. Drive through the remnants of a wildfire that swept through Barrier decades ago, and enter the hustle and bustle of the City of Kamloops.
Favourite places to stop
- Little Fort: Take a break at the pretty riverside rest stop or grab a burger at the High Five Diner.
- The Teniye Local Market in Barrier offers fresh produce, local goods and seasonal food trucks.
Kamloops is where the Yellowhead and Trans-Canada Highway 1 meet. It’s a small city, but a traveller’s hub with all the amenities and services. It’s a good place to stay the night, and if you’re travelling in the winter, Sun Peaks Resort is definitely a family favourite. My favourite Kamloops stops include:
- Kamloops Riverside Park: Playgrounds, beaches, sports courts and trails steps from downtown.
- Pick up a fresh sandwich and drink at Fratelli’s Foods, an authentic deli located downtown.
- Grab a pint of locally crafted beer at Embers Brewhouse.
- Ski at Sun Peaks Resort (winter)
Cleanest bathrooms:
- Jim’s Food Market – Little Fort
- Barrier A&W/Petro Canada
- Petro Canada on Powwow Trail, Kamloops
Where to stay in Kamloops
Unfortunately, I’ve stayed at a few motels in Kamloops that I can’t recommend, but my favourite stay here was at the Sandman Signature Hotel. It’s centrally located, near Riverside Park, and has an indoor pool. Sun Peaks Resort also has year-round accommodation and is a great home base for outdoor adventure.
For camping, I like to stop at Lac Le Juene Provincial Park, about a 40-minute drive southwest of Kamloops. It’s a quiet, pretty campground with a good swimming beach and fishing.
Kamloops to Vancouver
The final stretch travels along the Coquihalla Highway with a 120 km/hour speed limit! You’ll be doing a lot of climbing after Kamloops and again after Merritt, so make sure you have plenty of fuel. The Coquihalla is a scenic, high-mountain road, but it can get dicey in the winter and shoulder seasons, and conditions change fast!.
Safety Tip: Always check the weather and road conditions before you go, and note that winter tires are mandatory on this road between October 1 and April 30.
Kamloops to Hope
Between Kamloops and Merrit, you can also take the scenic route along 5A, which meanders through the beautiful Nicola Valley, past historic churches and along Nicola Lake.
Favourite places to stop
- Lac Le Juene Provincial Park: Rustic campground with a beach, picnic areas, and a swimmable lake.
- Monck Provincial Park: On Nicola Lake, this pretty park is perfect for camping or a beach stop.
- Britton Creek Rest Stop: This Coquihalla rest stop offers wifi, bathrooms and seasonal food trucks.
Once you descend from the Coquihalla Pass, the scenery starts to change. You’ll drive into an older temperate rainforest as you approach Hope and the Fraser Valley. Hope is one of our favourite places to stop along the entire route, and I often stop for the night if I have the time before battling the traffic of the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. Here’s what I like to do in Hope:
- Get a coffee and a bite to eat at the Blue Moose Coffee House
- Visit Memorial Park: A large central park with wood carvings, a playground and walking paths.
- Explore the Othello Tunnels at Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. (closed in winter)
- Rest and swim at Kawkawa Lake
- Stretch your legs with a riverside walk at Thacker Regional Park
Coquihalla River, Blue Moose Coffee House treats, Kawkawa Lake, and the Othello Tunnels.
Places to stay in Merrit and Hope
For hotels, Merrit has all the well-known hotel chains right off the highway, and my favourite and trusted choice is the Best Western Plus Merrit Hotel. I’ve never stayed in a hotel or motel in Hope, but there are several highly rated and affordable motels and B&Bs.
For camping, I stay at the Coquihalla Campground. It’s a privately owned campground on the river and offers treed sites, some of which are near the river. It’s clean, offers services, and the hosts are friendly.
Hope to Vancouver
You’re on the home stretch now on your Edmonton to Vancouver Road Trip, and the universe has saved the worst traffic and road construction nightmare for last! Driving through the Fraser Valley can be nice, as you’ll be surrounded by farmland around Chilliwack and Abbotsford. There are also a few holiday hotspots in this area, including Cultus Lake and Harrison Hot Springs. Getting through the Lower Mainland and into the city can be a bit hectic, and Google Maps can help you find the fastest route to your final destination.
Tip: Avoid rush hour! My advice is to avoid rush hour if possible while driving through the Lower Mainland, especially from Abbotsford westward. Traffic is the worst between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., roughly.
Favourite places to stop:
- Bridal Veil Falls: A short walk to a stunning cascade, just east of Chilliwack.
- Harrison Hot Springs: Drive 20 minutes off Highway 1 to visit Harrison Lake and its famous hot springs.
- Cultus Lake: Beautiful lake, beaches, amusement park, and water slides, 12 km from Chilliwack.
- Fuel up at gas stations off Whatcom Road for cheaper prices than in Vancouver!
Bridal Veil Falls and Harrison Lake
Places to stay
I have family and friends in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver, so I do not stay in hotels when I’m visiting. However, you can find places to stay in the Lower Mainland and hotels in Vancouver.
I have stayed in Harrison Hot Springs and recommend the Harrison Hot Springs Grande Motel. It’s clean and has views of the water. If you want to splurge, go for the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. For camping, you can book at Cultus Lake Provincial Park, but you will need to do so months in advance to get a spot. It’s popular!
Final Thoughts and Stops Map
I hope you find this detailed guide helpful as you plan your Edmonton to Vancouver road trip. This route is one of my favourite routes to travel in the country, and even after all these years, I still find something new to explore almost every time. Enjoy the scenery, stops and attractions, and if you discover something I missed in this guide, let us know and we’ll add it!
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