Who knew that all it would take to get me to drive from Salt Lake City to Banff National Park in Canada would be a simple question from my friend Ashley?
“Birthday trip?”
“Yup.”
When she first asked, I didn’t even care where we were headed. We’ve had some pretty epic road trip adventures together:
Driving to Idaho to see the solar eclipse in 2017…
Testing our endurance driving the Extraterrestrial Highway in central Nevada (before the ridiculous “storm Area 51” hoopla)…
Getting caught in a snowstorm in the Tetons en route to Jackson Hole…
Needless to say we love road tripping together.
But to be honest, I never before considered driving from Salt Lake City to Banff. It seemed like an epic road trip and once we started to research and plan out our trip, I couldn’t help be get excited. We took Ashley’s dog, Haley, which made it even more special for Ashley’s 30th birthday adventure.
Related: How to Road Trip with a Dog
Now that we’ve returned from our whirlwind 6-day, 2,750 mile road trip, I can’t help but look back at our memories (and pictures) and smile. Are we crazy? Maybe. It was a quick trip, but packed with adventures that I want to share!
Read on for my ultimate Salt Lake City to Banff road trip itinerary!
Day 1: Start Your Salt Lake City to Banff Road Trip!
You’re off to Great Places!
Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way
First time on a road trip? Check out my comprehensive Road Trip Packing Guide!
Salt Lake City, UT to Arlee, MT
Try to hit the road as early as possible when heading north. The later in the day you leave Salt Lake City, the more likely you will hit some traffic. Plus, there’s nothing more beautiful than the morning sky at the start of a road trip.
You’ll want to stop for lunch and a bathroom break in the Idaho Falls area, approximately 3.5 hours into your drive.
Where we had lunch: Big Jud’s
Distance from Salt Lake City: 3.5 hours
Distance from Arlee, MT: 5 hours
What to get: a Big Jud and a basket of fries to split. Ashley and I can only eat half of the burger (it’s HUGE) in one go, so we had the other half for dinner once we reached our AirBnB. If you have room, get a scoop of their huckleberry ice cream, too!
Huckleberries are like blueberries, but sweeter. And purpler.
Me – describing huckleberries to Ashley like a champ
Head back into your car and head north towards Arlee, Montana.
Pit stop: Anaconda, MT, approximately halfway between Rexburg and Arlee. And yes, we stopped here simply because of the name! You could also stop in Butte, approximately 3 hours from Rexburg.
Where we spent the night: Jocko Valley Retreat, Arlee, MT. $95/night for a 2 bedroom lower level of a house, dog-friendly, complete with 20 acres of land, a hot tub, sauna, and plenty of walking trails. Can’t recommend this location enough!
Side adventure: Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
Location: 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821
Everyone needs a place for reflection, and Ashley and I happened to find the center for Tibetan Buddhist studies in western Montana. One thousand hand-cast Buddha statues adorn this small garden. Tibetan prayer flags wave merrily in the wind as you stroll around this hidden gem in the land of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. Definitely a cool place to get out, stretch your legs, and reflect.
Day 2: Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, Canadian Border Crossing, and Vulcan
Before you leave your wonderful resort in Arlee, make sure you check for bears! We were visiting in early October and bear sightings were frequent (Ashley: “I saw an eyeball staring at me from the bushes. Yeah, we were done.”).
Needless to say, we turned on more lights than we needed while loading up the car during the wee hours of the morning. And I carried a broom. Just in case. I’m a protector.
The bears this year are young and stupid. They haven’t even figured out the bird feeders yet.
Our AirBnB host upon our arrival
Flathead Lake
En route to West Glacier (where you’ll enter Glacier National Park), you’ll drive along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake. There are a few pull-offs if you want to hop out and take a few pictures, which I highly recommend.
Ashley and I happened upon the lake just before sunrise and it was magical…until I saw a dark shadow moving in the trees just beyond our car. We left immediately. No need to push our luck with the wildlife.
Distance from Arlee: 45 minutes
Distance from West Glacier: 1 hour
Glacier National Park
Depending on the time of year, your visit to Glacier National Park (NP) might be limited. Ashley and I happened to visit a few days after an unseasonably early snow storm, which closed off a portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Check conditions before you go, as weather can be unpredictable: here.
Glacier National Park Entrance Fees:
7 Day Permit: $35 ($25, November 1 to April 30)
Single Entry: $20 ($15, November 1 to April 30)
Annual Pass: $70 for one year from the month of entry
You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online, or you can purchase at the entrance to the park. If you arrive early in the day or during the off-season, purchasing at the little ticket booth upon arrival shouldn’t be an issue. If you’re planning a visit during the summer, consider purchasing online from recreation.gov.
Before arriving in the park, make sure that you have a full tank of gas, as part of the joy of Glacier NP is driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Upon your arrival into Glacier NP, follow the signs to visitor center and chat with the rangers. Find out which trails are dog-friendly, if there are any road closures, and where you need to be super bear-aware. It’s also a great place to use the restroom and take a few pictures.
Grab a map, either at the entrance or the visitor center and gear up. There are so many things to see and places to visit within the park: hikes, waterfalls, vistas, lakes, you can build your own adventure.
Ashley and I wanted to get out and walk around, although I wasn’t keen on a long hike, plus some of the park was closed to bear activity. Although we had bear spray with us (and would take it everywhere we went), I wasn’t too excited to have to use it.
Must do: Trail of the Cedars
The Trail of the Cedars is a semi-paved boardwalk stroll that is fully accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. We passed many groups with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, making a family-friendly stroll through the beautiful wilderness.
Length: Less than 1 mile
Difficulty: Super easy
Must do: Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
The highlight of Glacier NP is driving along the Going-to-the-Sun road, which runs through the length of the park. Along the way, there are oodles of places to stop, pull off, and get out of the car for some breathtaking pictures. Ashley and I decided that we would drive straight to the Trail of the Cedars and then hit all of the pull-offs on the way back.
As you’re driving along the road, don’t forget to look behind you. The views change in an instant and are awe-inspiring. Don’t rush your drive, follow the speed limit signage, and watch out for wildlife!
Things to keep in mind:
*Keep bear spray with you at all times. It goes without saying, but bears are wild animals and unpredictable.
*Watch your gas tank and be prepared. There’s a gas station just outside the West Glacier entrance and prices aren’t too badly inflated.
Salt Lake City to Banff: Canadian Border Crossing
Get your passports and paperwork ready, you’re going to the border! There are multiple points of entry into Canada, and which one you enter through will be dependent upon where you exit Glacier NP. Since Ashley and I had to head back out through West Glacier, we took Highway 89 north to the border.
Make sure you check that your border crossing will be open. Some of the busy checkpoints will be open 24/7, but not all. Ours was open 7am – 11pm, which wasn’t a big deal, but something to be aware of.
Vulcan, Alberta, Canada – Side Stop
Live Long and Prosper
Mr. Spock
Any Trekkies out there? Did you know there was a town in Alberta, Canada, called Vulcan? And that it has a cute little tourist spot called the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Center?
If you’re ready for a quick adventure, take the little side trip to Vulcan and check out their Star Trek-themed attractions and photo ops.
If you’re not used to being in the car for this long, consider leaving out this stop. No need to get burned out on your Salt Lake City to Banff road trip before you even get to Calgary!
Distance from West Glacier: 3 hours 45 minutes
Distance from Calgary: 1 hour 30 minutes
Day 3: Banff National Park, part 1
If possible, give yourself 2 days in Banff if you’re not camping in the park or staying close by. If you’re coming from Calgary, get up early in the morning and try to be out on the road before the sun is up to beat the crowds!
Your 2 days in Banff can be switched around, depending on the day and time of year you are visiting. Ashley and I chose to explore the southern portion of Banff on our first day. Day passes can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, so don’t worry trying to navigate the website, as it can be a little confusing.
Banff National Park Entrance Fees:
Single Entry Adult (18-64): $9.80
Single Entry Senior (65+): $8.30
Single Entry Child (up to age 17): FREE
If your Salt Lake City to Banff road trip is going to be extended and include other Canadian Parks, I’d consider purchasing the annual pass for $67.70. Or if you’re lucky, stay at an AirBnB that offers a National Parks Pass as incentive to stay at that location (like we did)!
Spend the day driving around Banff, following your map and the signs that dot the highway. There are so many beautiful hikes, lakes, waterfalls, and places to turn off and take everything in.
Keep in mind that you can go at your own pace. If you’re tired, stop and relax at a location. Have a picnic. Take some pictures and breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Unless you’re crazy, don’t push yourself too hard during your visit. Banff is huge and has so many nooks and crannies to discover, it’s difficult to try and squeeze it all in one day. Once you’ve hit your max, no shame in taking off.
Day 4: Banff National Park, part 2
Today is the day to head to the most well-known spots in Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, along with the Icefields Parkway!
Get up early and get to Banff early – I’m talking pre-sunrise early!
You’ll be battling tour busses full of people, a ridiculous parking situation, and more photographers you can imagine. Do yourself a favor and get into Banff early. You’ll have time to nap in your car later in the day.
Lake Louise
Anyone who has ever been to Lake Louise will tell you to arrive for the sunrise. While the lighting is a key element in this arrival time, the biggest issue is actually the parking situation.
During peak season, you’ll more than likely need to utilize the park shuttles. For more information, check out their website here for shuttle routes, locations, times, and rates.
Note: you’ll want to have cash on-hand for the shuttles and pets are not allowed.
Once you enter Banff, you’ll see signs directing you to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. I’d definitely recommend visiting Lake Louise first. Follow the signs to the parking lot and if you’re lucky enough to find a spot, take it. If not, head back down the road to the off-site parking lot and take the shuttle.
Tips for visiting Lake Louise:
*Don’t just stop at the first viewpoint where everyone else clusters around to get a good shot. There is plenty of space as you make your way around the lake.
*There are a bunch of hiking opportunities around the lake, so pack accordingly. Wear layers and bring plenty of water and snacks.
*Be aware of all of the photo shoots happening around you. It’s free entertainment. We watched a gentleman stupidly jump from rock to rock, and then slip and fall into the cold lake.
*Don’t be embarrassed to get all the pictures that you want. Everyone is there for the same reason – to see the beautiful lake and take a bazillion pictures. But once you get your shots, get out of the way so others can take their shots. There are only a few “key” boulders that stick out far enough into the lake to where you can appear alone.
Moraine Lake
After you leave Lake Louise, you’ll pass the parking turn-off for Moraine Lake on the right. If the small lot is full, you’ll be stopped at the entrance to the road and able to wait in line.
The workers at the entrance and within the parking lot are able to communicate and let more cars in as people leave, so don’t get discouraged if you have to wait.
(You can definitely take the shuttle from Lake Louise, but it won’t return to Lake Louise after.)
There’s a designated pathway that wraps along the lake. Don’t stop at the first viewpoint where everyone gathers. Edge closer to the glacier on the other side of the lake: you’ll have more room to move around.
Glaciers create their own kind of weather patterns, so the strong breeze coming over the mountains is going to be chilly. Make sure you’re wearing enough layers.
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway, or Highway 93, is a 230 km mountain road that runs between Banff and Jasper National Parks. The speed limits vary between 50km/hr and 90km/hr, but that can also vary depending on how many vehicles are on the road.
It’s possible to drive the Icefields Parkway in both directions, which is exactly what we did. If you’re going to drive it the entire length in one direction, plan on spending at least 3 hours on the road…more if you make any stops. Which is highly recommended.
Take the Icefields Parkway at a slow, steady pace. Many of the pull offs aren’t marked too far ahead, so you’ll want to be able to avoid swerving and annoying your passengers.
Tips for driving the Icefields Parkway:
*You will need a parks pass to drive the parkway, no matter what.
*Fuel up before embarking. There are a few options just before you enter the south entrance. There IS one fueling option along the way at the Saskatchewan Crossing, but since it’s so isolated, prices are higher than anywhere else.
*Bring plenty of food and water. There’s a large truck stop and restaurant/cafeteria at Saskatchewan Crossing and mediocre restaurants closer to the Athabasca Glacier and visitor center, but the food isn’t great and is overpriced. Bring your own snacks and get some poutine after you leave.
*As always, check road conditions before you drive anywhere in Banff. You’re in the Canadian Rockies at this point, which means a higher elevation and the threat of snow and storms is greater.
*The Icefields Parkway is a long stretch of highway. Make sure you calculate how long it will take you to return to your lodging at the end of the night before you travel too far.
Athabasca Glacier – Side Stop
Not exhausted yet with your Salt Lake City to Banff road trip at this point? Consider checking out the Athabasca Glacier, technically located in Jasper National Park!
If you’re wanting to get out and stretch your legs, you can hike up to the toe of the glacier for free. For more information, check out this website here. The path is well-marked and highly-trafficked, even during the shoulder season.
If you want a more fulfilling experience where you not only get to learn about glaciology, but ride in a unique Ice Explorer and play on an actual glacier in the Columbia Icefields, go on the tour. Seriously, we’re talking bucket list-worthy activity here. Check out their website for prices and times.
Day 5: End of Salt Lake City to Banff Road Trip Itinerary
Pack up your bags and get ready for another long drive back to Salt Lake City! You’ll definitely want to split up the drive into 2 days, unless you want to drive for 13+ hours straight, plus fuel and gruel breaks.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out some of the local attractions that Calgary has to offer. And snag yourself some maple candy, a few trinkets for the kids, and a magnet for your fridge!
If this Salt Lake City to Banff Road Trip Itinerary sounds like something you’d be interested in, let me know and I’d love to help you plan out your stops and stays!
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