Dreaming of neon lights, red-rock canyons, and glacier-carved mountains all in one epic road trip? The Casino & Canyon Drive between Nevada and Alberta delivers exactly that and it works just as beautifully in either direction.
Start in the electric glow of Las Vegas or the wide-open prairies of Calgary, then let the landscapes do the rest. Over 1,400 miles of dramatic scenery await: slot canyons, hoodoo spires, Yellowstone geysers, and the jaw-dropping peaks of Glacier and Banff. Best part? You drive one way and fly home while US Canada Auto Transport ships your vehicle back no backtracking required.
Ready to map it out and get your car-shipping quote?
Why This Route Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
Whether you’re heading north from the Mojave Desert or south from the Canadian Rockies, the journey stitches together some of the most photogenic corners of the American West and Canadian Rockies. You’ll trade casino marquees for crimson canyons, then swap high desert for glacier-fed lakes and endless Alberta sky.
Planning to move or spend an extended season in Nevada? Check out everything you need to know about car shipping from Alberta to Nevada rates, timelines, and seasonal tips included.
The Classic 7-Day Northbound Itinerary (Las Vegas → Calgary)
Here’s a proven route that balances driving days with wow-factor stops. Going south? Just flip the plan and enjoy the same highlights in reverse.
Day 1 – Las Vegas to Springdale, Utah (160 mi | 2.5 hrs)
Kick off with a final spin on the Strip, then escape to Zion National Park. The Zion–Mount Carmel Highway’s switchbacks and tunnels are pure driving bliss.
Day 2 – Springdale to Bryce Canyon (85 mi | 1.75 hrs)
Trade Zion’s sheer walls for Bryce’s fairytale hoodoos. Sunrise at Inspiration Point is worth the early alarm.
Day 3 – Bryce Canyon to West Yellowstone, Montana (420 mi | 7 hrs)
Longest driving day, but the scenery shifts from red rock to big-sky ranchland. Grab huckleberry pie in small-town Idaho.
Day 4 – West Yellowstone to St. Mary, Glacier National Park (200 mi | 5 hrs)
Enter Glacier and drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road (weather permitting). Turquoise lakes and hanging valleys everywhere you look.
Day 5 – St. Mary to Lethbridge, Alberta (220 mi | 4 hrs)
Cross the border at Carway/Piegan (usually quiet) and roll into the prairie wind of southern Alberta.
Day 6-7 – Lethbridge to Calgary (135 mi | 2 hrs) + Exploration
Detour to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, then finish in Calgary with a steak dinner and views of the Rockies you just left behind.
Full interactive route:
Google Maps: Casino & Canyon Drive – Las Vegas to Calgary via Zion, Bryce, Glacier & Banff
Want to tweak the stops, add an extra night in Banff, or detour to Great Basin National Park on the southbound run? Use our free Road Trip Planner to build your perfect route in minutes.
Border Crossing Tips (Both Directions)
- Carry a valid passport (or Enhanced Driver’s License for land crossings).
- The Carway/Piegan crossing (24 hours) is quieter than Sweetgrass/Coutts.
- No firearms, limited alcohol/tobacco, and declare all food.
- Winter travelers: check tire and chain requirements in Montana and Alberta.
Why Ship Your Car One-Way Instead of Driving Both Directions?
Driving the Casino & Canyon Drive once is magical. Driving it twice in two weeks? Exhausting. Shipping your vehicle home with US Canada Auto Transport lets you:
- Fly home relaxed (often cheaper than gas + extra lodging).
- Avoid winter mountain passes twice.
- Keep the adventure one-directional and stress-free.
Curious what readers loved about the reverse journey? Check out our companion guide: Alberta to Nevada (or Vice Versa): The Wild West Road Trip.
Ready for Your Casino & Canyon Adventure?
From the bright lights of the Strip to the quiet majesty of the Rockies, this route proves the journey really is the destination. Whether you start among the slot machines of Nevada or the cowboy spirit of Alberta, the memories are yours either way.
Map your stops, pack your camera, and let us handle the car when the trip is done.
Google Map link:
