Driving around Banff National Park in an electric vehicle (EV) seems like a utopia. Distances are too big to get around the park without getting stuck with empty batteries, and charging facilities are lacking. Or are they? In this post, we’ll go over all practicalities regarding driving around Banf in an EV.
Big-city industry and malicious environmental threats are more or less absent in Banff. But the millions of tourists in the park mostly visit the park driving cars exuding harmful gases. So how good would it be if everyone would drive an electric vehicle, right?
Sure, there are environmental and ethical issues regarding EVs (what to do with dead batteries and how and where do battery manufacturer get their resources for these batteries?). But the advantages of these vehicles are undeniable.
Banff has been adjusting to this development and has installed several EV charging stations. But where to find them inside the park and will these charging stations allow you to explore the entire park in an EV?
I’ve also included an extensive list of the charging stations on your way to the park to ensure you’ll actually get there.
All right, let’s have a look at all the ins and outs of Banff by electric car.
Charging Stations in Banff National Park
Over the years, Banff has installed several charging stations. Below you’ll find their locations and addresses. Please note that hotels’ charging stations generally can only be used by guests.
BANFF
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Bear B&B | 108 Otter Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 431 2997 | 24 hours |
| Banff Hot Springs/Gondola | 100 Mountain Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | not specified | 24 hours |
| Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity | 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 6100 | 24 hours |
| Banff Centre Parkade | 110 Julien Way | Level 2, J1772 | not specified | 24 hours |
| Banff Sunshine Village | 1 Sunshine Road | Level 2, Tesla | +1 403 – 705 4000 | 24 hours |
| Bear Street Parkade | 128 Bear Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 1110 | 24 hours |
| Best Western Siding 29 Lodge | 29 Lodge 453 Marten Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 762 5575 | not specified |
| Fairmont Banff Springs | 405 Spray Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403 – 762 2211 | 24 hours |
| 229 Bear Street | 229 Bear Street | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 866 – 379 0021 | 24 hours |
| Moose Hotel & Suites | 345 Banff Avenue | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403 – 760 8570 | 24 hours |
| Rimrock Resort Hotel | 300 Mountain Avenue | Level 2, Tesla | +1 403 – 762 3356 | 24 hours |
| 95 Banff Avenue | 95 Banff Avenue | Level 2, Tesla | not specified | not specified |
LAKE LOUISE
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Lake Louise | 111 Lake Louise Drive | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 403-522-3511 | not specified |
| Lake Louise Ski Resort | 1 Whitehorn Rd, Lake Louise | Tesla | – | 24 hours |
Roadtrips in Banff with an EV
Because charging opportunities in the park are still quite limited, you might fear being unable to drive to the park’s major attractions. Fear not, you can reach every major attraction, even with the Volvo mentioned in the graphic below. Below I explain why.
Ranges of Popular Electric Cars
If you’re unsure what your car’s range is, I’ve compiled a list of 40 of the most popular EV brands. It’ll give you an indication of how far one charge can take you.
The numbers in the graphic below are based on real-world values instead of the manufacturer’s claims.
Based on the numbers on this list, the average range of EVs is 438 kilometers (272 mi). All major Banff attractions are within a maximum range of 288 kilometers (179 mi). The latter is the distance from the town of Banff to Jasper to be able to drive the Icefields Parkway. If you’re staying in Canmore, this distance is 311 kilometers (193 mi).
If you want to know more about distances in the park, I highly recommend reading the post about the distances to all major locations and attractions.
What Determines the Range of an EV?
The bigger the range of your electric car, the further it can take you, obviously. So what determines the range of your vehicle?
The range depends on several things:
- The battery size (comparable to the tank’s contents in a diesel or petrol car)
- The battery condition: its capacity decreases with age. On average, the battery’s capacity drops more than 2 percent annually
- How much energy the car needs to run (consumption)
- The weather and your driving habits affect the range of your electric car
What Affects the Range of an EV?
Several factors come into play regarding the range of your EV. Generally, it’s tough to reach the manufacturer’s range average for your EV. Those numbers are based on the ideal situation and that’s hardly ever the case.
Factors that affect your electric vehicle’s range are:
- Speed: the faster you drive, the faster you drain your battery
- Driving style: if you like to accelerate as fast as you can, it’ll use up a lot of battery power, negatively impacting your range
- Load: The heavier you load your car, the more energy it needs to transport all that weight to your destination
- Temperature: Cold can have a sizeable impact on your vehicle’s range. We’re talking about a capacity loss of about 40 percent here. This one’s especially important to consider when visiting the park in winter. Temperatures can get really low. I’m talking about -20˚C (-4˚F) or lower here.
- Use of technology: want to heat your seat, use air conditioning or charge your smartphone while driving? It all eats battery power.
- Terrain: if you’re driving uphill, your car uses more power than on a flat road. So in Banff this is absolutely something to take into consideration.
7 Tips to Get More Mileage from Your EV
An electric car’s battery largely determines how far you can drive. In other words: it determines the car’s range. How do you get the most kilometers out of your battery? This is especially important when you intend to visit Banff National Park, where you’re likely to drive more considerable distances.
1. If you drive slowly, the battery will run out less quickly. So accelerate slowly, let go of the accelerator to reduce speed and drive 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) instead of 110 (68 mph) on the freeway.
2. Drive at the same speed as much as possible, without braking or accelerating. This is very easy with cruise control.
3. Many cars have an eco-mode in which the vehicle drives economically.
4. Inflate your tires every two months. Properly inflated tires make for a safer drive, use less energy, and last longer. Inflate your tires when you set out to drive to Banff.
5. Try not to use the air conditioning and heating too much. Both consume energy and negatively influence your range. Newer electric cars often have a separate heat pump for heating to make sure the electric motor isn’t burdened.
6. Remove the roof box, rack, or bicycle rack when you don’t need it. It reduces air resistance.
7. Let the car roll out to slow down. When you slow down like this, the battery is recharged. If you press down on the brake pedal (hard), it takes more energy to get going again than the amount of energy you recover.
Charging Stations on Your Way to Banff
The list below is probably as important as the list of charging stations inside the park, as it helps you reach the park (obviously). I listed them for three directions: Calgary, Jasper and Vancouver. For the latter option, I provided three different routes you can take. I also included the next available charging station in your destination’s direction.
Direction of Calgary
If you’re coming from the direction of Calgary, getting to Banff is pretty straightforward. The distance between the two places is ‘only’ 130 kilometers (81 mi). If you need to charge your vehicle before arriving in Banff, you can do so in Canmore, located at 25 kilometers (16 mi) from your destination.
Canmore
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Motorsports | 109 104 Bow Meadows Crescent | Level 2, J1772 | +1 403 – 609 2706 | 10am – 6pm (Tue – Sat) | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Blackstone Mountain Lodge | 170 Kananaskis Wy | Level 2, Tesla | +1 403 – 609 8098 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Tamarack Lodge | 1012 Spring Creek Drive | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877-505-2674 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Shops of Canmore | 300 Old Canmore Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| ATCO P2P | 718 7th Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Town of Canmore | 950 8th Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | 1 403 – 678 1500 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Bow Valley Trail | 1704 Bow Valley Trail | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Supercharger | 1719 Bow Valley Trail | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
| Petro Canada | 1731 Mountain Avenue | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 403 – 678 5644 | 24 hours | 26 km (16 mi) |
Direction of Vancouver
If you’re coming from Vancouver, you have three main routes to drive to Banff. Below, I listed all charging stations on the three routes you’ll find on your way. There are plenty of options on all itineraries, so it should be easy to reach Banff without worrying about your next charging possibility.
Please note that this route’s closest EV charging station inside the park is at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. If you’re not staying at this hotel, your next option to charge your car would be in Banff, which is 58 km (36 mi) further down the Trans-Canada Highway.
1. VIA HIGHWAY 3 ( 1128 km / 699 mi)
This is your longest option but perhaps the most scenic as well. It takes you through the south of BC and remains close to the US border for most of the journey. There are plenty of hotels along the way as you don’t want to drive this route in one day.
Hope
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klassen Rd, Supercharger | 19700 Klassen Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope, BC Ambulance Service | 999 Water Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Supercharger | 830-840 Fraser Avenue | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District of Hope | 349 Fort Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District Hall | 325 Wallace Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 604 – 860 0930 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| 4th Ave Parking-Charging | 412 Wallace Street | Level 3, J1772 Combo / CHAdeMO | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope and District Recreation Centre | 1005 6th avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Petro-Canada | 626 Old Hope Princeton Way | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 604 – 869 7288 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
Keremeos
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Village of Keremeos Municipal Hall | 704 4 Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 48 km (30 mi) |
Osoyoos
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaStella Winery | 8123 148 Avenue | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Osoyoos Golf Club | 12300 Golf Course Drive | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Avalon Inn | 9101 Main Street | Level 2, J1772 | not specified | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Supercharger | 8513 74 Avenue | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger / CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Gyro Park | 17 Park Place | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Watermark Beach Resort | 15 Park Place | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Osoyoos | 7906 Main Street | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Best Western Plus Sunrise Inn | 5506 Main Street | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Fortis BC | 6201 45th Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort and Spa | 1200 Rancher Creek Road | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
| Walnut Beach Resort | 4200 Lakeshore Drive | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 51 km (32 mi) |
Rock Creek
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Rock Creek Society | 1585 Victoria Street | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 288 km (179 mi) |
| FortisBC – Rock Creek Visitors Centre | 3990 Highway 3 | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 288 km (179 mi) |
| West Boundary S.C.A. | 3990 Highway 3 | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 288 km (179 mi) |
Creston
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce | 121 Northwest Boulevard | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 105 km (65 mi) |
| Town of Creston – Cook Street Parking Lot | 1102 Cook street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 105 km (65 mi) |
| Arrow Mountain RV Park | 1809 BC-3A | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 105 km (65 mi) |
| Supercharger | 1809 BC-3A | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 105 km (65 mi) |
Cranbrook
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockyview Place | 814 Innes Avenue South | Level 2, J1772 | +1 888 – 758 4389 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Cranbrook Public Parking | 38 Cranbrook Street North | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Ktunaxa Nation Government Building | 220 Cranbrook Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Cranbrook Recreation – Western Financial & Curling Centre | 1779 2 Street North | Level 2, J1772 | not specified | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Aboriginal Gathering Place | 2700 College Way | Level 2, J1772 | +1 888 – 758-4389 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| 941 Victoria Avenue North | 941 Victoria Avenue North | Level 2, J1772 | +1 888 – 758 4389 | 24 Hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Cranbrook Hyundai | 1126 Cranbrook Street North | Level 2, J1772 | +1 888 – 758 4389 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Cranbrook Hyundai | 110 Industrial Road 1 | Level 2, J1772 | +1 888 – 758 4389 | not specified | 36 km (22 mi) |
| 1500 Cranbrook Street North | 1500 Cranbrook Street North | Level 3, CHadeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Supercharger | 1500 Cranbrook Street North | Level 3, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
| North Start Motors ltd. | 1816 Cranbrook Street North | Level 3, J1772 Combo | not specified | not specified | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Aq’am | 7460 Mission Road | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 36 km (22 mi) |
Wasa
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hwy 95 Wasa Rest Area | 29 KM NORTH OF KIMBERLY | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 47 km (29 mi) |
Canal Flats
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Canal Flats Arena | 4925 Burns Avenue | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 52 km (32 mi) |
| Village of Canal Flats Municipal Office | 8866 Grainger Road | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 Hours | 52 km (32 mi) |
Invermere
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Parking Lot | 528 6th Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 Hours | 17 km (11 mi) |
| District of Invermere Municipal Office | 914 8th Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 342 9281 | 24 hours | 17 km (11 mi) |
| Invermere – Hwy 95, BC Supercharger | 548 BC-93 #95 | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 17 km (11 mi) |
| Copper Point Resort | 760 Cooper Road | Level 2, Tesla / J1772 | +1 855 – 926 7737 | 24 hours | 17 km (11 mi) |
| Eagle Ranch Resort | 9581 Eagle Ranch Trail | Level 2, Tesla | +1 250 – 342 0562 | 24 hours | 17 km (11 mi) |
Radium Hot Springs
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO LAKE LOUISE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Radium Hot Springs Centre | 4863 Stanley St | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, Level 2 J1772 | not specified | 24 hours | 130 km (81 mi) |
| Crescent Motel Radium | 5008 Highway 93 | Level 2, J1772 | not specified | not specified | 130 km (81 mi) |
2. VIA THE TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY (924 km / 573 mi)
This is your second-longest option. It follows the famous Highway 1, also known as the Trans-Canada Highway, and leads straight into Banff.
Hope
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klassen Rd, Supercharger | 19700 Klassen Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope, BC Ambulance Service | 999 Water Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Supercharger | 830-840 Fraser Avenue | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District of Hope | 349 Fort Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District Hall | 325 Wallace Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 604 – 860 0930 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| 4th Ave Parking-Charging | 412 Wallace Street | Level 3, J1772 Combo / CHAdeMO | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope and District Recreation Centre | 1005 6th avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Petro-Canada | 626 Old Hope Princeton Way | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 604 – 869 7288 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
Canyon Lanes
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Lanes Bowling – Boston Bar | 47555 Trans Canada Highway | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877-505-2674 | 24 hours | 45 km (28 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Boston Bar Canyon Lanes | 47585 BC-1, Fraser Valley A | Level 3, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 45 km (28 mi) |
Lytton
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest Inn Motel | 223 Main Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250-455-2334 | 7am – 11pm | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Kumsheen Rafting Resort | 1345 Highway 1 | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
Redhill Rest Area
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure | BC-1, Thompson-Nicola I | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, Level 2 J1772 | not specified | not specified | 21 km (13 mi) |
| East Pine Rest Area | Highway 1 | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 21 km (13 mi) |
Cache Creek
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Cache Creek | 1393 Quartz Road | Level 3 CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 83 km (51 mi) |
| Cache Creek Community Center | 1270 Stage Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 83 km (51 mi) |
| Cache Creek Visitor Information Centre | 1270 Stage Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | 1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 83 km (51 mi) |
| Sage Hills Motel | 1390 Cariboo Highway 97 | Level 2, Tesla, J1772 | +1 877 – 798 3752 | not specified | 83 km (51 mi) |
Kamloops
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petro Canada | 1885 Highway 1 West | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 778 – 471 5726 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Kamloops South | 1441 Hillside Drive | Level 3, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Wingate by Wyndham Kamloops – Tesla Destination | 1180 Rogers Wy | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| 7-Eleven | 1120 RogersWay | Level 3, ? | not specified | not specified | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Kamloops Visitor Centre | 1290 Trans-Canada Highway, | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger, Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Mercedes-Benz – Kamloops | 695C Laval Cres | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Thompson Rivers University – Parking lot F | 900 McGill Road | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Thompson Rivers University | 900 McGill Road | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Kamloops Recreation | 910 McGill Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel | 660 Columbia Street West | Level 2, J1772, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Mercedes-Benz – Kamloops | 695C Laval Cres | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Sun Life Financial | 280 West Victoria Street | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| 523 Columbia Street | 523 Columbia Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| The Hive | 121 5th Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Kamloops Airport Main Terminal | 3035 Airport Road | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Kal Tire – Kamloops | 788 Mount Paul Way | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 374 6258 | during business hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
| Peavey Mart Kamloops | 2121 East Trans-Canada Hwy | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 374 0717 | 24 hours | 57 km (35 mi) |
Chase
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Chase Chamber of Commerce | 400 Shuswap Avenue | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 52 km (32 mi) |
Salmon Arm
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Tire | 300 1151 10th Avenue Southwest | Level 3, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Petro-Canada | 915 Lakeshore Drive West | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 832 2744 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Salmon Arm | 321 Ross Street Northeast | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | not specified | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Podollan Inn | 1460 Trans Canada Highway Northeast | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm | 1090 22 Street Northeast | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Okanagan College – Salmon Arm Campus | 2552 10th Avenue Northeast | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Supercharger | 2701 11 Avenue North East | Level 3, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| Flo – Salmon Arm BC | 533 Avenue de la Montagne | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
| ARC Salmon Arm Gas Bar | 3100 10 Avenue Northeast | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 832 4457 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
Sicamous
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Hall – Library Wall | 446 Main Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 836 2477 | 24 hours | 20 km (12 mi) |
| Shell Canada Ltd | 1229 Eagle Pass Way | Level 3, unknown | not specified | not specified | 20 km (12 mi) |
| Best Western Sicamous Inn | 806 Trans Canada Highway | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 836 4117 | 24 hours | 20 km (12 mi) |
Malakwa
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Malakwa – Supermarket | 4270 Oxbow Frontage Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 54 km (33 mi) |
Revelstoke
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supercharger | 1925 Laforme Boulevard | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Revelstoke | 301 Wright Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Revelstoke | 1700 Victoria Road West | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Ramada Revelstoke | 1750 Trans-Canada Highway | Level 2, Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Shell Canada Ltd | 1840 Trans Canada Highway | Level 3, unkown | not specified | not specified | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Revelstoke Railway Museum | 719 Track Street West | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| Victoria Rd, BC Supercharger | 555 Victoria Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Revelstoke Visitor Centre | 301 Victoria Road West | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | not specified | 66 km (41 mi) |
| City of Revelstoke – First Street Parking Lot | 213 First Street East | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 66 km (41 mi) |
Rogers Pass
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Rogers Pass Discovery Centre | 9520 Trans-Canada Highway | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 | +1 866-338 3369 | 24 hours | 83 km (51 mi) |
Golden
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petro Canada | 1417 North Trans-Canada Highway | Level 3, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo | +1 250 – 344 9850 | 24 hours | 58 km (36 mi) |
| Shell Canada Ltd | 14 St North And Highway 1 | Level 3, unknown | not specified | not specified | 58 km (36 mi) |
| Golden BC, Supercharger | 1200 12th Street | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 58 km (36 mi) |
| Golden – Hwy 1, BC Supercharger | 1020 Trans-Canada Highway | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 58 km (36 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Golden – Memorial Park | 810 9th Avenue South | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 58 km (36 mi) |
| Leftwich Iron Works | 715 14 Street South | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 344 2964 | not specified | 58 km (36 mi) |
| Golden Village Lodge | 1439 Lafontaine Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 58 km (36 mi) |
Field
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO LAKE LOUISE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Field – Yoho National Park Visitors Centre | Trans-Canada Highway | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2, J1772 | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 31 km (19 mi) |
3. VIA THE COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY (851 km / 528 mi)
This is your fastest option from Vancouver. It follows Highway 5, also known as the Coquihalla Highway, and partly goes through the pretty arid central BC. I listed the three stations from Hope until Merritt. After that the route follows the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Kamloops. For those stations you can find all information under number 2, via the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hope
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klassen Rd, Supercharger | 19700 Klassen Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope, BC Ambulance Service | 999 Water Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Supercharger | 830-840 Fraser Avenue | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District of Hope | 349 Fort Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 833 – 231 3226 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| District Hall | 325 Wallace Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 604 – 860 0930 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| 4th Ave Parking-Charging | 412 Wallace Street | Level 3, J1772 Combo / CHAdeMO | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Hope and District Recreation Centre | 1005 6th avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
| Petro-Canada | 626 Old Hope Princeton Way | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 604 – 869 7288 | 24 hours | 199 km (123 mi) |
Britton Creek
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO NEXT STATION(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro – Britton Creek | Exit 228, Coquihalla Lakes Road | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo, level 2 J1772 | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 64 km (40 mi) |
Merritt
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO KAMLOOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Of Merritt – City Hall | 2185 Voght Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 378 4224 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
| Merritt Information Centre | 1950 Mamette Avenue | Level 2, J1772 | +1 250 – 378 0349 | not specified | 87 km (54 mi) |
| Baillie House | 2202 Voght Street | Level 2, J1772 | +1 855 – 900 7584 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
| BC Hydro – Merritt Visitor Center | 2202 Voght Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 866 – 338 3369 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
| Petro-Canada – Merritt | 3591 Voght Street | Level 3, CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 250 – 378 5811 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
| Supercharger | 3969 Crawford Avenue | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
| Merritt – Airport Rd, Supercharger | 3999 Airport Road | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 87 km (54 mi) |
Direction of Jasper
If you’re coming from the direction of Jasper, there’s only one location to charge up, and that’s in Jasper itself. It has (as of 2023) 5 charging station. You can find them in the table below.
Please note that this route’s closest EV charging station inside the park is at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. If you’re not staying at this hotel, your next option to charge your car would be in Banff, which is 58 kilometer (36 mi) further down the Trans-Canada Highway.
| CHARGING STATION | ADDRESS | NETWORK(S) | PHONE | OPEN HOURS | DISTANCE TO LAKE LOUISE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasper Train Station | 611 Connaught Drive | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | not specified | 24 hours | 236 km (146 mi) |
| Jasper Library | 500 Robson drive | Level 2, J1772 | +1 877 – 505 2674 | 24 hours | 236 km (146 mi) |
| Supercharger | 218 Connaught Drive | Level 3, Tesla Supercharger / CHAdeMO / J1772 Combo | +1 877-798-3752 | 24 hours | 236 km (146 mi) |
| Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre Jasper | 80 Connaught Drive | Level 2 J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 236 km (146 mi) |
| The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | 1 Old Lodge Road | Level 2, J1772 / Tesla | +1 877 – 798 3752 | 24 hours | 236 km (146 mi) |
Charging Stations Closest to Banff’s Park Boundaries
While there are only two locations inside the park where you can charge your EV, you have four options relatively close to the park’s boundaries. Those are Canmore, Field, Radium Hot Springs and Jasper. Just search for those places above and you’ll find the information you need.