Vancouver to Columbia Icefield and Banff National Park 4-Day Tour

In the morning, we’ll pass through the town of Merritt before visiting a renowned local winery known for its rare VQA wines. Afterward, we’ll head to Kelowna, the fruit capital of BC, and continue on to the scenic Okanagan Lake. Our day will conclude with a return to Revelstoke.

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Itinerary:

Vancouver → Merritt (Pass by) → Kelowna → Winery → Okanagan Lake → Revelstoke / Salmon Arm
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Grizzli Winery/Summer Hill Winery

Grizzli Winery is located in the heart of the Okanagan region in Canada, surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes. The abundant sunshine and significant temperature differences between day and night contribute to the creation of wines with a distinct and exceptional flavor.

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Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is a stunning destination where algae and plant growth are generally limited. However, the shallow areas at both ends of the lake support the most abundant plant life. It’s definitely a must-see spot and well worth the visit.
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Hotel：Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm; Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm; Sandman Hotel Revelstoke; or similar
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In the morning, we set out for the majestic Rocky Mountains via Highway 1, traveling through the renowned Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Continuing our journey, we entered Banff National Park through the scenic landscapes of Yoho National Park.

Our next stop was the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, where we had the chance to ride an ice explorer onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier—experiencing the crisp chill of the ice and touching a glacier formed thousands of years ago. This unforgettable moment left us with lasting memories.

We then passed the serene Bow Lake and headed to the strikingly clear Peyto Lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views—another perfect spot for unforgettable photos. Our day concluded in the charming town of Banff, nestled in the heart of the Rockies.

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Itinerary:

Revelstoke/Salmon Arm → Glacier National Park (Pass by) → Yoho National Park (Pass by) → Banff National Park → Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by) →  Columbia lcefield → Bow Lake (Pass by) → Peyto Lake → Banff Town
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Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of Canada’s 43 national parks, spanning about 521 square miles of protected wilderness. Nestled within the Columbia Mountains, it also features the historic Rogers Pass. The park is known for its active glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and one of the country’s largest cave systems. Visitors can explore a rich variety of plant and animal life, making it a true showcase of Canada’s natural beauty.

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Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is nestled on the western slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where towering rock walls, stunning waterfalls, and soaring peaks captivate visitors from around the globe. Renowned for its incredible hiking and breathtaking scenery, Yoho provides a remarkable opportunity to experience Canada’s natural beauty and the grandeur of its alpine landscapes.
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Banff National Park

Banff National Park is renowned for its vibrant lakes, towering mountains, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. As Canada’s first national park—and the third established in the world—it holds a rich heritage and remains one of the most breathtaking mountain destinations on the planet.

Easily accessible and located near the untouched wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, Banff spans 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of stunning alpine terrain. The park is filled with dramatic valleys, rugged peaks, ancient glaciers, lush forests, wildflower meadows, and winding rivers. It’s a true showcase of what makes the Canadian wilderness so extraordinary.

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Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a remarkable remnant of a massive ice sheet that once shaped much of the Rocky Mountains’ landscape. Today, it spans approximately 325 square kilometers (130 square miles) and offers a truly awe-inspiring destination to explore. This vast expanse of ancient ice is not only a geological wonder but also a breathtaking highlight of the Canadian Rockies.

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Bow Lake

Bow Lake is nestled in the Canadian Rockies, about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). Located just half a mile from Crowfoot Glacier, it sits at an elevation of 1,920 meters (6,300 feet) and is one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park. Fed by the meltwater of Bow Glacier from the Wapta Icefield, Bow Lake offers a stunning setting for a relaxing picnic and unforgettable scenic views.
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Peyto Lake

Each summer, glacial rock flour flows into Peyto Lake, and the fine particles suspended in the water give the lake its striking bright turquoise color. This unique natural phenomenon has made Peyto Lake one of the most popular and photographed attractions in the park.

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Town of Banff

Banff is a picturesque resort town located within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. As one of the country’s top tourist destinations, it’s celebrated for its stunning mountain scenery and natural hot springs. Banff is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, scrambling, skiing, and year-round adventure.

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Hotel：Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino; or similar
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Bid farewell to the serene morning light in Banff as we begin the day with a ride on the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola. From above, take in breathtaking views of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel—also known as the “Castle in the Rockies”—as well as sweeping panoramas of Banff town and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Next, we head to the charming Lake Louise Village, nestled among snow-capped peaks and peaceful forests—an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a meal at your own pace.

We then visit the stunning Lake Louise, often called the “Sapphire of the Rockies,” where you can take in the lake’s peaceful beauty. Afterward, we continue to Moraine Lake, another glacial gem in Banff National Park, known for its calm, turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.

As the day winds down, we travel through Glacier National Park, admiring the magnificent scenery of Glacier Valley before arriving for an overnight stay in Revelstoke or Salmon Arm.

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Itinerary:

Banff → Banff Gondola → Bow Falls → Lake Louise Village → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Glacier National Park (Pass by) → Revelstoke/Salmon Arm

Tips：

Moraine Lake is open from June to mid-October; if the attraction is not open by then, the attraction will be canceled and the tour time of Lake Louise will be increased accordingly.
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Banff Gondola

Take a unique journey on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of six spectacular mountain ranges. This eight-minute ride offers breathtaking scenery in every direction, making it a must-do experience. On clear, sunny days, the gondola is the perfect activity for families, couples, and groups to enjoy together.

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Bow Falls

Bow Falls is a striking waterfall along the Bow River, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with nature up close. Known for its natural beauty, it also gained fame as a filming location in the 1953 Marilyn Monroe movie River of No Return. Let yourself be captivated by the powerful flow and scenic surroundings of this iconic spot.
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Lake Louise

Lake Louise, a picturesque hamlet within Banff National Park, holds a rich heritage as one of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations. Named after Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, this stunning location is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. With its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is truly one of the most famous—and unforgettable—vistas in the world.

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Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another breathtaking destination waiting to be explored. Often considered one of Canada’s most stunning hidden gems, it’s a must-see spot that promises unforgettable views and a truly magical experience.
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Hotel：Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm; Sandman Hotel Revelstoke; Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm; or similar

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Today, we begin our journey with a visit to the historic “Last Spike” at the Pacific Railway Memorial Park, commemorating the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Next, we head to Kamloops, known as the hometown of ginseng, where you can learn about this unique local specialty. We then continue to the historic gold rush town of Hope. After exploring, we make our way back to Vancouver, concluding our memorable adventure.

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Itinerary:

Revelstoke → The Last Spike → Kamloops Ginseng Factory → Hope → Fraser Valley (Pass-by) → Vancouver
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The Last Spike

The Last Spike was the final ceremonial spike driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) by company director Donald Smith on the morning of November 7, 1885. This quiet yet historic event took place at Craigellachie, where a small group of company officials and workers gathered to mark the completion of the transcontinental railway. More than just a construction milestone, the Last Spike came to symbolize the unification of Canada, representing a moment of national significance and unity in the country’s history.

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Kamloops Ginseng Factory

The Ginseng Factory, located in Kamloops, highlights why the city is known as the “Ginseng Capital.” Thanks to its pollution-free fertile soil and semi-arid climate, Kamloops has become the largest producer of American ginseng. During your visit, you’ll learn about the cultivation process of this valuable herb and discover its many health benefits and medicinal properties.
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Hope

Hope Town is a charming place to stroll and explore, offering stunning natural scenery and a sense of instant relaxation. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in everything this peaceful town has to offer.

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