Suggestions for stop-over between Vancouver and Banff

this is a nice spot between Merritt and Kamloops.

The Okanagan Valley has several lakes (Okanagan, Skaha, Osoyoos, etc). It has a semi-arid climate, so it's very different from both the Vancouver and the Rockies. Lots of vineyards, orchards, wineries and lakeside relaxation spots. Kelowna, Penticton, Naramata, Peachland, Summerland, and Osoyoos would all have lakefront accommodation. Touring the wineries is a major attraction, and you can easily explore that region in 2 days. It's about half way between the Rockies and Vancouver.

If you're looking for more of a forested atmosphere (as opposed to a sagebrush/vineyard/orchard atmosphere), there's always Shuswap Lake - a very large lake resembling an X-chromosome. Salmon Arm, Sicamous, and Sorrento are some towns in that area, and you could easily find lakefront cabins if you just wanted to get away and seclude yourselves.

http://www.crmr.com/emerald-lake-lodge.php</a> this is a stunning place en route to Banff, in Yoho Mational Park - Emerald Lake. You have to book ahead here.

I've been all the places mentioned except for Quilchena ... which is kinda a bit isolated.

Definitely stop off in the Okanagan ... #2 is right on the money. Yoho, while nice, is not that far from Banff. And Emerald Lake Lodge is fantastic but I understand books up, like a year in advance.

Nelson and area -- way nicer than the chokanagan or the shuswhap, although the driving southern route from Vancouver is somewhat longer than the #1. Check out Kokanee Glacier park just north of the city on Kootenay lake.

I had a great time in the Okanagan and would definately recommend a stopover. I stayed in a small town (pop 35000) that sits between two lakes.

http://www.penticton.ca/<BR><BR>Very popular in the US summer break, so book accommodation ahead if you can.

:)