Road Trip: Driving from Calgary, AB to Abbotsford, BC

Are you planning a road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Abbotsford, British Columbia? Whether you're traveling for work or pleasure, knowing the fastest routes and estimated driving times can be helpful in planning your journey. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the different routes and driving times.

Fastest Route

The fastest route from Calgary to Abbotsford is via Highway 1. This route is approximately 850 km and will take approximately 10 hours to drive. During peak traffic times, such as rush hour or holidays, it can take up to 12 hours. If you're driving in low traffic times, such as early morning or late at night, you can reach Abbotsford in about 8 hours.

Scenic Route

If you have extra time and want to take a scenic route, you can drive through Banff National Park. This route will take approximately 11 hours and cover a distance of approximately 960 km. You'll drive through beautiful mountain scenery and have the opportunity to stop at various attractions along the way. During peak traffic times, this route can take up to 13 hours.

Alternate Route

Another option is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Kamloops, then take the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) to Abbotsford. This route is approximately 700 km and will take approximately 9 hours to drive. During peak traffic times, such as weekends or holidays, it can take up to 11 hours. In low traffic times, you can reach Abbotsford in about 7 hours.

Traffic Patterns

When planning your trip, it's important to consider peak traffic times. Rush hour in Calgary and Abbotsford typically occurs between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Holidays and weekends can also cause increased traffic. Low traffic times are usually early in the morning or late at night.

It's important to remember to take breaks during the long drive. Plan to stop every 2 hours to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab a snack.

Conclusion

There are different routes to take when driving from Calgary, Alberta to Abbotsford, British Columbia. The fastest route is via Highway 1, taking about 10 hours to travel. The scenic route through Banff National Park will take about 11 hours to travel. The alternate route via Kamloops and the Coquihalla Highway is about 9 hours to travel. Peak traffic times can add up to 2 hours to your travel time. Whatever route you choose, make sure to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the journey!