Renton, WA → Banff, AB
388 mi · 7h 46m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Fog expected
Renton
55°
48.7°
39°
Area K (The Arrow Lakes)
43°
Banff
44°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 388 mi · 7h 46m
Weather
🌫️ Fog
39°F, wind 14 mph
Rest Stops
20
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
6 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Silver Lake Rest Area (closed) 🚻 🪑
- ● Smokey Point Northbound Rest Area 🚻 🪑
- ● Pilot Travel Center
Normal Traffic
17 construction zones along route — no other incidents
17 Construction Zones on Route
The northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 44th Street will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 29. A signed detour will be in place.
The northbound I-405 off-ramp to eastbound I-90 will be closed nightly from 10:30 p.m. – 4:30 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Friday, Oct. 2. A signed detour will be in place.
The eastbound I-90 off-ramp to Factoria Boulevard will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Friday, Oct. 2. A signed detour will be in place.
The Southeast Eighth Street on-ramp to northbound I-405 will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 30. A signed detour will be in place.
The Northeast Sixth Street HOV on-ramp to southbound I-405 will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Friday, Oct. 2. A signed detour will be in place.
The 70th Street on-ramp to northbound I-405 will be closed nightly from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m., starting the night of Monday, Sept. 28 to the morning of Friday, Oct. 2.
+ 11 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via Coal Creek Parkway Southeast → I-405 North → I-5 North → SR-539 North → SR-546
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
Othello - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Portia - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Box Canyon - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Coquihalla Great Bear Snowshed - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Zopkios Northbound - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Zopkios Southbound - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Larson Hill - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Comstock - N
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Helmer Lake
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Hwy 5 at Hwy 97D northbound
Coquihalla, BC · NB
Hwy 97D at Hwy 5 - NE
Coquihalla, BC ·
Hwy 97D at Hwy 5 - SW
Coquihalla, BC ·
Rest Stops Along Your Route
20 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 20
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Sep 27: Heavy rain expected near Area K (The Arrow Lakes) - consider afternoon departure
- 🌫️Sep 24: Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Renton, WA to Banff, AB covers 388 miles in roughly 7h 46m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 20 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Sep 29
62° / 55°
No precip
Tomorrow
Sep 30
62° / 50°
No precip
Thu
Oct 1
65° / 47°
No precip
Fri
Oct 2
63° / 51°
No precip
Sat
Oct 3
67° / 49°
No precip
Sun
Oct 4
66° / 51°
No precip
Mon
Oct 5
72° / 54°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
Renton, WA
55°F
Wind: 11 mph
Banff, AB
44°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Renton, WA to Banff, AB
The 388-mile drive from Renton, Washington to Banff, Alberta takes approximately 7h 46m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Washington into Alberta, connecting Renton and Banff. Covering 388 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Renton to Banff
For medium-distance drives like this 388-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 388-mile drive from Renton to Banff takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Renton to Banff?
The drive is approximately 388 miles and takes about 7h 46m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Sunday, Oct 4 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Renton to Banff today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Renton to Banff route?
Yes, there are 20 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses BC 5. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
Related Driving Guides
10 Essential Winter Driving Tips for Long Road Trips
Planning a winter road trip? Here are the essential safety tips to help you navigate snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.
🧊Black Ice: The Invisible Killer on Winter Roads
Black ice forms when rain or melting snow refreezes on cold road surfaces. Here's how to spot the conditions that create it.
🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
Explore More Routes
More routes from Renton
More routes to Banff
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in WA
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner