Road trip from Vancouver to Banff Day 1

Rental a car & Go to the dollarama

My friends and I rented a car in Vancouver, excited to explore the beauty of Canada. Before we hit the road, we made a stop at the dollar store to purchase a Canadian hat. We thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Canada Day and show that we were true Canadians. Plus, we needed something to prove that we were in Canada, right?

With our hats on and our car ready, we started our road trip on July 1st, which was Canada Day. It was an exciting time to be on the road, as we saw many other cars with Canadian flags and decorations. We drove through stunning landscapes, stopping at small towns and taking in the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

One tip I have for anyone planning a road trip in Vancouver is to rent a big car instead of an Evo. While Evo may seem like a convenient option, a big car provides more space and comfort for a long road trip.

Overall, From buying a Canadian hat to exploring the stunning Canadian landscape, we had an amazing time.

On the way to Banff on Highway

We left Vancouver at 8 pm, excited to embark on our journey to Banff. The drive took 9 hours, and we made three stops along the way to take a break and stretch our legs. Finally, at 5 am the next morning, we arrived in Banff, exhausted but thrilled to have made the journey.

The highway from Vancouver to Banff is very different from the highways in Japan. In Japan, highways have a lot of restaurants and places to take a rest. However, here in Canada, there are only a few restaurants and washrooms along the way. This can be a challenge for those who are not used to it, but it is also a unique experience that adds to the adventure of a road trip.

As we drove through the scenic route, we were captivated by the stunning natural beauty of Canada. The changing landscapes, from lush forests to snow-capped mountains, were breathtaking. We even spotted some wildlife along the way, including deer and elk.

Lake Louise In Banff, Alberta 

Here is the most beautiful lake in Banff Canada. 

On the day of our visit, all restrictions were lifted in Vancouver, and many people from British Columbia had come to visit the area. We saw a lot of number plates from BC, and it was clear that everyone was eager to travel again, even domestically. My friends and I were no exception, and we were excited to explore the beauty of Banff.

As we arrived at the lake, we were completely awestruck by its beauty. The view was absolutely stunning, and the water was crystal clear. We couldn’t resist taking a few photos and capturing the moment to cherish forever.

It’s important to note that although the water is beautiful, it’s not safe to drink. Make sure to bring your own water or purchase it from a nearby store to stay hydrated during your visit.

Hike Trail at Lake Louise In Banff, Alberta

We embarked on a journey to reach the top of the mountain, which was the hardest trail I’ve ever tried in my life. It took us 2 hours to reach the top, and along the way, we were attacked by mosquitoes. I highly recommend bringing mosquito spray to protect yourself from these pesky insects. We got bitten at least 10 times, and it wasn’t just on this trail; there were a lot of mosquitoes all over Banff lakes.

The view from the top was magnificent, and we saw a lot of people stopping halfway on the way to the top of the mountain. If you’re up for the challenge, I highly recommend pushing yourself to reach the summit. However, make sure to bring plenty of water, as the restaurant on the half-point sells water for $3 each.

During our hike, we had the pleasure of meeting Canadian people who had the experience of studying abroad in Japan. We were speaking Japanese when they looked at us and told us they could speak Japanese as well. We were amazed and had a great time hiking together halfway and taking a memorable picture.

Overall, hiking in Banff was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The view from the top was breathtaking, and meeting new people along the way made it even more special. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend giving this hike a try, but don’t forget your mosquito spray and plenty of water.

Morine Lake In Banff, Alberta

Moraine Lake, located in Banff National Park, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking lakes in the Canadian Rockies. The color of the water is a stunning shade of blue-green, which is created from glacial silt. The lake is surrounded by magnificent mountains and nature, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.

One of the best things about Moraine Lake is the ample parking available, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot to park your car. There are also several hiking trails in the area, with one leading to the top of a nearby mountain. It can take around two hours to reach the summit, but the view is definitely worth the effort.

Another popular activity to do at Moraine Lake is kayaking. While you can kayak in other places, Moraine Lake is widely recognized as one of the best places for kayaking. The daily hours for kayaking are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the last boat goes out around 4 p.m. Each canoe rental can accommodate 2-3 people and comes with a paddle, life jackets, and basic instructions.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the price per hour for canoe rentals was lower compared to

The canoe rental comes with basic instructions, making it perfect for beginners. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there are also kayaks available for rent.

The views from the water are breathtaking, as you paddle along the crystal-clear lake and take in the towering mountains that surround it. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bears, elk, and moose, which can often be seen grazing near the shoreline.

If you’re visiting Moraine Lake during peak season, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot on the lake. The parking lot fills up quickly, and the lake can get quite busy later in the day.

Overall, Moraine Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Banff National Park. With its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies.

Yoho national park  In Banff, Alberta

Takakkaw Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. With a height of 373 meters, it’s one of the tallest in Canada, and its name means “magnificent” in Cree. The falls are located in Yoho National Park, just a short drive from the town of Field, British Columbia.

But Takakkaw Falls is not the only waterfall in the area. Nearby, the chutes of Laughing Falls also offer a spectacular sight. The waterfall tumbles 30 meters from the Little Yoho Valley above, creating a continuous roar that can be heard from the Laughing Falls backcountry campground.

The Laughing Falls backcountry campground is a popular spot for hikers who want to experience the beauty of the area up close. The campground provides the opportunity for hikers to fall asleep to the steady sound of the waterfall and churning river. The campground is accessible by foot or bike, and has 11 tent sites and one group site.

The hike to Laughing Falls is a moderate 5.5 km round-trip hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Along the way, hikers will encounter stunning scenery, including old-growth forests, glacier-fed rivers, and panoramic mountain views. The hike is suitable for most skill levels, but sturdy footwear and hiking poles are recommended.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful camping experience, Takakkaw Falls and Laughing Falls offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Canadian Rockies. So why not plan your next adventure to Yoho National Park and discover the beauty of these stunning waterfalls for yourself?