Located at the confluence of the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is a natural wonder. If you're looking for a laid-back city to visit while vacationing in Canada, Vancouver is a great place to start. Road trips across British Columbia are a great idea, whether you live in Vancouver and want to get away from the city, or if you're just visiting and want to see some of the area's beautiful scenery. Vancouver is located in the southwest part of Canada, which makes it easy to visit some of the nation's most beautiful islands, as well as travel farther into the country along winding mountain routes. Here are some of the best road trips you can take from Vancouver.
Best Day Trips from Vancouver
If your idea of the perfect day trip from Vancouver involves paddling, Deep Cove, which is only 20 to 30 minutes away, is the ideal location. Bring a kayak! If you do not have a kayak of your own, you may borrow one from any of the local kayak rental shops. Then, take in the breathtaking vistas of the west coast mountains as you sail through the cove's quiet waters. Once you are done, you may also trek up to Quarry Rock to round off your day. Reward yourself with delectable goodies from the bakeries in the region before driving back!
Squamish is a worthwhile day trip from Vancouver and is more than just a pit stop on the route to Whistler. Once a peaceful mining town, Squamish is now a haven for daring travelers looking to experience the rush that comes from kiteboarding and other outdoor pursuits like rafting and adventure hikes. If you have a few days, unplug and relax in nature at any of the riverside cabins in the vicinity. Tourist attractions in the area include the Britannia Mine Museum.
Drive 45 minutes further from Squamish to arrive in Whistler, a world-class resort town. Along with wonderful hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and other activities, the area is home to excellent full-service hotels and a variety of resort stores. Restaurants range from delectable food trucks to acclaimed fine dining establishments. There is something for everyone, whether you want to spend a leisurely afternoon by the lake or ride one of the longest ziplines. The village and the lake both offer a variety of lodging options, so take a few days to unwind!
Road Trips from Vancouver
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Kootenays offer everything from wilderness excursions to luxurious mountain resorts. A week is more than enough time to thoroughly explore this area, which is located southeast of Vancouver and includes four mountain ranges, four national parks, and 75 provincial parks. Additionally, this charming area is home to several top-notch coffee shops, eateries, brew pubs, and distilleries. You can enjoy naturally spring-fed hot pools at a number of locations in the Kootenay region. If you forgot your own towel, you can also rent one here.
One of the most popular road trips from Vancouver is to the Okanagan Valley. This region is well-known for its fruit orchards and abundance of wineries. It also has a large number of lakes! So, whether you want to go swimming, boating, or paddle boarding, no lake is too far away. The Kettle Valley Steam Train, which takes guests on a 90-minute train ride over the valley, is ideal for children. Also, go fruit picking at one of the numerous orchards! There are several lodgings accessible around the valley. You may easily spend a few days relaxing here before returning home.
If you were unable to make it to Europe this year, do not fret! Visit Das Biergarten in Leavenworth. Approximately 5 hours away, drive to a community that has been totally designed after a Bavarian hamlet amid the breathtaking Cascade highlands. It is a spot where you can guzzle an absurdly large beer and chow down on sausages delivered by lederhosen-clad staff. In short, a paradise for beer lovers! Continue on to Lyndon, Washington to see windmills with Dutch influences and Dutch culture.
Scenic Drives near Vancouver
Drive the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which spans 158 miles and includes beautiful beaches, lush green forests, vineyards, and eateries. As you leave Vancouver, you will drive through Sooke, a culinary hotspot where you can also visit the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. Continue on to the surf beaches to catch some waves before venturing into the southwest coast. Eventually, you'll arrive in the Juan de Fuca Strait, where you can explore the Marine Trail. This route can be done in three days.
Drive from Vancouver to Tofino! This 188-mile travel also includes ferries. This magnificent passage connects the vast metropolis to the massive seas. On your way to the Canadian surf capital, you'll board a boat bound for Vancouver Island. You may drive directly through massive old-growth trees here. Stop a dozen places along the way for wonderful walks, endless lengths of sand, and consistently breathtakingly beautiful views. Make stops along the way at the Ucluelet Aquarium and the MacMillan Provincial Park.
Drive the full Coastal Circle Route if you have up to a week to explore. It takes you along the eastern half of Vancouver Island and down its famous Sunshine Coast. This trip can last anything from a few days to a week and includes at least four boat rides; more if you stop at some of the smaller islands along the way. Galleries, studios, quirky tiny artists' communities, lovely gardens, fascinating First Nations sites, vineyards, organic farms, and two huge cities are among the highlights of this seaside tour. This breathtaking adventure will take you around 351 miles in total.