11 days in Vancouver & Banff National Park Itinerary

Known as "Hollywood North," Vancouver boasts one of the largest film/television industries in the world, second only to Los Angeles and New York.

Get in touch with nature at Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Spanish Banks, take in the awesome beauty at Grouse Mountain, steep yourself in history at Yaletown, and wander the streets of Gastown.

For reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Vancouver driving holiday planner.

San Juan, Puerto Rico to Vancouver is an approximately 13-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Atlantic Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 4 hours. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from San Juan in December, with highs in Vancouver at 7°C and lows at 2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Thu) to allow time to travel to Banff National Park.

Among the world's oldest national parks, Banff National Park serves as a World Heritage-listed mecca for cyclists, hikers, skiers, bird-watchers, mountain climbers, and anyone else with a passion for exploring vast untouched wildernesses.

Escape the urban bustle at The Lake Louise Ski Resort and Sunshine Village. Venture out of the city with trips to Yoho National Park (Natural Bridge & Burgess Shale). The adventure continues: appreciate the extensive heritage of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, learn more about the world around you at Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, look for gifts at Banff Indian Trading Post, and explore the activities along Moraine Lake.

For where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Banff National Park trip maker site.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Vancouver to Banff National Park takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Vancouver to Banff National Park. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Vancouver in December: high temperatures in Banff National Park hover around -10°C and lows are around -19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can travel back home.