Next question-TC-1 from AB to BC

August but we've scrapped the idea. We have to rent a car because we'll be flying out and the it's cost prohibitive to pick up in Calgary and drop off in Vancouver. It's over $1k cheaper to fly between the two airports and rent cars at the two different locations.

Thanks for all the replies. Someday I will take that drive.

what season are you planning this drive? if its anywhere near winter i'd rethink the 1 day idea.you're looking at 4 mountain ranges between banff and the coast.expect crazy weather as well.in summer its beautiful ,fall and spring snowstorms are common through the mountains. snowtires are mandatory between oct. 1 and march 31.thats hwy 1,3 and 5. its a really nice drive any way you go.i've driven all of the routes many, many times.i live on the coast and travel around the province alot. its too bad you have to highball it.

Mapquest says about 500 miles. Judging by the responses here we may want to rethink and fly if time is an issue or slow down and take an extra day if we can. Very helpful responses!

That is a LONG 1 day drive. your better off to break it up and take 2 days so that you can enjoy the sites.

1 day, and a combo of some sights and speed.

There are a lot of different ways to drive from Banff to Vancouver the TC-1 is just one of them. What are you looking for the fastest route or is this a site seeing tour? How many days would you like to take to get to the Coast?
Soup

You have several choices to drive that route. All scenic, some more than others. The Trans Canada is not the fastest route, as the section between Kamloops and Hope passes through the scenic but rather twisty Thompson & Fraser Canyons. The alternative route is Hwy 5 between Kamloops and Hope, which is a four lane freeway.
Another alternative would be to take Hwy 97 down through the Wine & orchard country of the Okanagan. A bit longer and slower, but much of the road travels along the various lakes and you could stay on this road to Osoyoos and the 'Pocket Desert' before heading east towards the coast.
On edit, didn't see your first question! Note I didn't even mention Hwy 5 as 'dangerous'. In fact, much of it is kind of boring!

To put it simply very good.