The short answer
This is Part 1 of a two-part Trans-Canada plan: Vancouver to Winnipeg in 10 days, about 2,470 km, with a rest day in the Rockies. Start on the west coast or start in Winnipeg. The overnight stops are the same either way.
Distances are approximate. Confirm them in a route planner, and check road conditions the morning you drive. Passes can close for weather, avalanche control, and wildfire.
Choose your direction
Vancouver to Winnipeg: 10 days, about 2,470 km
Starting on the coast puts the mountains first, while you and the rig are fresh, and finishes with easy prairie days. The prairies often have prevailing westerly winds, which can work in your favour heading east. Book Banff for about day 4 and 5.
| Day | Route | Approx. km | Overnight idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver to Kamloops | 350 | Kamloops area | Notes |
| 2 | Kamloops to Revelstoke | 210 | Revelstoke area | Notes |
| 3 | Revelstoke to Golden | 150 | Golden or Yoho National Park | Notes |
| 4 | Golden to Banff | 140 | Banff or Lake Louise campground (book early) | Notes |
| 5 | Rest day: Banff | Local only | Same campground | Hike, see Lake Louise, or rest |
| 6 | Banff to Dinosaur Provincial Park | 400 | Dinosaur Provincial Park, or Brooks for hookups | Notes |
| 7 | Dinosaur Provincial Park to Cypress Hills | 280 | Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park | Notes |
| 8 | Cypress Hills to Regina | 370 | Regina or Moose Jaw | Notes |
| 9 | Regina to Brandon | 360 | Brandon area | Notes |
| 10 | Brandon to Winnipeg | 210 | Winnipeg area campground or RV park | Notes |
| Total, 10 days | about 2,470 km | |||
Winnipeg to Vancouver: 10 days, about 2,470 km
Starting in Winnipeg gives you the long prairie days first and saves the mountains for last. Prevailing winds on the prairies are often from the west, so expect a headwind for much of the drive. The Banff nights fall on about day 5 and 6, so reserve those first.
| Day | Route | Approx. km | Overnight idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winnipeg to Brandon | 210 | Brandon area | Notes |
| 2 | Brandon to Regina | 360 | Regina or Moose Jaw | Notes |
| 3 | Regina to Cypress Hills | 370 | Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park | Notes |
| 4 | Cypress Hills to Dinosaur Provincial Park | 280 | Dinosaur Provincial Park, or Brooks for hookups | Notes |
| 5 | Dinosaur Provincial Park to Banff | 400 | Banff or Lake Louise campground (book early) | Notes |
| 6 | Rest day: Banff | Local only | Same campground | Hike, see Lake Louise, or rest |
| 7 | Banff to Golden | 140 | Golden or Yoho National Park | Notes |
| 8 | Golden to Revelstoke | 150 | Revelstoke area | Notes |
| 9 | Revelstoke to Kamloops | 210 | Kamloops area | Notes |
| 10 | Kamloops to Vancouver | 350 | Vancouver area campground or RV park | Notes |
| Total, 10 days | about 2,470 km | |||
Use the "Notes" links in the table to jump to details for each stretch.
Notes for each stretch
These are listed west to east. The table above shows which day each stretch falls on in your direction.
Vancouver and Kamloops (about 350 km)
Two main choices. The Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) is the faster mountain crossing, and many RVers use it. The Fraser Canyon route on Highway 1 is more scenic but narrower, with tunnels, so check your rig's height and length against current advice before you commit. Fuel up before the mountain sections.
Kamloops and Revelstoke (about 210 km)
The Trans-Canada follows the Shuswap lakes, a good place to stop for a swim, and a natural campground night if you want to shorten the day. Watch the weather in the mountain passes east of Sicamous, since snow can fall at any time of year.
Revelstoke and Golden (about 150 km)
The highway crosses Glacier National Park through Rogers Pass, with mountain grades and, in winter, avalanche control closures. You need a Parks Canada pass for Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. Use lower gears on the long descents, and fill the tank beforehand.
Golden and Banff (about 140 km)
Kicking Horse Pass takes you through Yoho National Park toward Banff and Lake Louise. A Parks Canada pass covers the national parks, and a Discovery Pass often works out well for several. Banff and Lake Louise campgrounds often fill in July and August, so book well ahead. If the Icefields Parkway is on your list, see our Icefields Parkway guide.
Banff and Dinosaur Provincial Park (about 400 km)
You leave the mountains at Calgary and cross onto the prairie. Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with camping among the badlands, and it is popular, so check availability early. If you prefer full hookups, Brooks has options. Our Alberta camping guide covers the booking systems.
Dinosaur Provincial Park and Cypress Hills (about 280 km)
Drive through Medicine Hat and turn off toward Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a forested upland that rises out of the plains, with lakes and several campgrounds. It is worth the detour and a good place to slow down.
Cypress Hills and Regina (about 370 km)
Long, straight prairie driving through Swift Current and Moose Jaw. Wind can be strong, and it affects fuel use and handling, so take it slowly. Saskatchewan does not change its clocks for daylight saving time, so check the time when you cross provincial lines.
Regina and Brandon (about 360 km)
An easy prairie day on the Trans-Canada, with towns and services at regular intervals. Good day to do laundry, restock, and check tires, since the next long hills are in the mountains or the Canadian Shield, depending on which way you are going.
Brandon and Winnipeg (about 210 km)
A short final run into Winnipeg, with plenty of services. If you are continuing east, Part 2 starts here: see Winnipeg to Halifax.
Tips for the whole route
- National park pass bought before the mountain parks, and displayed
- Campgrounds booked for the Rockies, and a flexible plan for the prairies
- Fuel topped up before mountain passes and long rural stretches
- Brakes, tires, and hitch inspected before you leave
- Wind and weather checked daily, especially on the prairies and in the passes
- Road reports saved for each province: DriveBC, 511 Alberta, Saskatchewan's hotline, and Manitoba 511
- Propane plan for any ferries, tunnels, or stops that need it (see our propane guide)
Time zones
You cross several. British Columbia is mostly on Pacific time, with the eastern part around Golden on Mountain time, Alberta is on Mountain time, and Manitoba is on Central time. Saskatchewan stays on Central standard time all year and does not change its clocks, which means it lines up with Alberta in summer. Plan check-in times with that in mind.
Drive the whole country
Part 1 ends in Winnipeg and Part 2 starts there, so the halves join end to end. Starting on the west coast, drive this guide first, then Part 2: Winnipeg to Halifax. Starting on the east coast, drive Part 2 from Halifax to Winnipeg, then this guide from Winnipeg to Vancouver. Together the two parts are about 6,150 km and 22 days of driving, before you add rest days.
Planning to leave the RV at one end between legs? Look for a secure lot near your stopping point, and see RV storage in British Columbia options if you need somewhere to keep it for a season.
If you are renting
A one-way rental usually costs more than a loop from one city, since companies charge drop-off fees. Ask about those fees, mileage, and cross-border rules up front. Our rental guide covers what to ask.
More route guides: Vancouver to Calgary by RV, Calgary to Vancouver by RV and Calgary to Banff and Jasper by RV.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive this route in either direction?
Yes. The itinerary uses the same overnight stops both ways. Use the toggle to switch between Vancouver to Winnipeg and Winnipeg to Vancouver, and the day numbers and distances update.
Can you drive across Canada in 10 days?
Not comfortably in an RV. This guide covers the western half in 10 days. The eastern half, from Winnipeg to Halifax, is a further 12 days in Part 2, so a full Vancouver to Halifax trip is about 22 days of driving before rest days.
Is the Coquihalla or the Fraser Canyon better for an RV?
Many RVers use the Coquihalla (Highway 5) for a faster mountain crossing and the Fraser Canyon (Highway 1) for scenery. The canyon is narrower and includes tunnels, so check your rig's size against current advice.
Do I need a national park pass?
Yes. You need a Parks Canada pass for Yoho, Glacier, Mount Revelstoke, Banff, and other national parks along the way, and a Discovery Pass often works out well if you visit several.
When is the best time to go?
Summer, from about late June to September, for open roads and full services. Mountain passes can see snow at any time of year.
Should I book campgrounds?
Yes, especially in Banff, Lake Louise, and other popular areas in July and August.
Official sources
Rules, fees, and services change. Check these directly before you travel.