Canada is massive – 1.6% larger than the United States. The Trans-Canada Highway, or TCH, reaches from one side of the country to the other, a journey of 4,654 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia, in the west to St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, in the east. For this Road Trip: Canada, we will explore the westernmost section of the TCH from Banff, Alberta, to Vancouver, traveling over 600 miles. If your goal is simply to get from point A to point B, expect to spend at least 10.5 hours on the road. If you want to explore the route and enjoy a taste of western Canada, it would be easy (and rewarding) to spend a week on this journey, with time added at each end.
The Trans-Canada is more like U.S. Route 66 than a major Interstate highway. While the Interstates were built by the U.S. federal government and maintain standard features across the country, the TCH has more variation from province to province. It is a super slab in some areas, a divided highway with four or more lanes in each direction. In others, it is still a two-lane paved road, just a step above its origins as a series of gravel paths. In most of the 10 provinces it crosses, the TCH has the designation of Trans-Canada 1, though not always. The highway always has a white-on-green marker with the banner “Trans-Canada” or “Transcanadienne” and a proud maple leaf at the center. Since the TCH officially opened in 1962 it has undergone updates and upgrades, evolving as all highway systems do.
Our starting point in Banff is the Best Western Plus Siding 29 Lodge. It is located in the heart of the village of Banff, which is surrounded by Banff National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Banff caters to all types of people, from rugged outdoors enthusiasts to opera lovers, from dog sledders to gallery shoppers. Check in at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, a world-renowned education, exhibition and performance space where you can discover new theater, music and visual arts. Hike the trails in the park and see an abundance of wildlife and plant life in this slice of the Canadian Rockies. During the winter, seek out one of the many dog sledding excursions and experience the uniquely Canadian sport of mushing.
We are on a road trip, so we reluctantly leave Banff behind.
Due to construction and road closures, we’ll detour from the TCH for BC 93, a fortunate bit of routing taking us across the Continental Divide and the border between Alberta and British Columbia, dropping down to Radium Hot Springs, a collection of public cool and hot pools. The Columbia River feeds the springs and natural geothermic forces provide the heat. Long touted for healing properties, the hot baths are restorative and relaxing for travelers on a Canadian road trip.
Refreshed, we leave Radium Hot Springs on BC 95 and head north to rejoin the TCH in Golden.
The city of Kamloops makes a perfect mid-point stop for the end of the first day of our road trip. Check in to the Best Western Premier Aberdeen Kamloops, a luxurious location in the heart of the city. Make time to tour the Kamloops Heritage Railway Park, where they preserve and display historic steam locomotives and train cars. Learn about the history of Canada’s railways through interactive experiences and live docents.
Film and television fans may experience an eerie sense of déjà vu in Kamloops, as the city and surrounding area have been used extensively as location shoots for Hollywood productions for decades. Many of the exteriors in the upcoming film “Jurassic World” took place in Kamloops, renewing the spotlight on this remote Canadian town. But Kamloops’ nickname, “The Tournament Capital,” has been earned thanks to the city’s Tournament Capital Centre, a multi-sport recreation and cultural facility which hosts over 100 tournaments per year in such diverse categories as track and field, swimming, table tennis and badminton. Catch the competition fever while you’re in town.
Driving down the TCH from Kamloops – almost literally down, as you leave the Canadian Rockies descending to sea level and the coast – the natural beauty of British Columbia spreads out along the roadway. Motorcyclists and auto enthusiasts treasure this section of road for its gentle sweeping curves, spectacular views and well-maintained surfaces. The TCH heads west out of Kamloops past Copper Creek and Savona, then takes a left to run due south at Cache Creek. At Lytton, the road skirts Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Center that is a great side trip. With spectacular peaks, open pine forests and subalpine meadows, the rich environment is sacred to the Nlaka’pamux people.
All road trips must end, but few conclusions are as satisfactory as arrival in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the world’s great cities. Best Western has multiple properties in Vancouver, but you’ll be drawn to the Georgian Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection in downtown Vancouver, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life.
Whichever Best Western® Hotels & Resorts property you choose on your journey, you’ll have quick access to endless possibilities.
