british columbia road trip

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Inspiration

Planning the Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip

Kevin Miller / Getty Images 

British Columbia (BC) is the westernmost province in Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. In addition to mountains and coastline, forests dominate British Columbia's geography, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape to traverse by road trip.

Since the northern portion of British Columbia is largely unpopulated, extremely mountainous, and underdeveloped, the ideal tour would stick primarily to the province's lower portion. The two best options are to drive a loop from Vancouver, hitting the charming mountain villages that dot the Rocky Mountains along the way, or to spend your time touring Vancouver Island, known for its untamed, surf-centric beaches.

BC roads are, for the most part, well-maintained, safe, and clearly marked, but some routes are winding and mountainous. Visitors should be aware of weather conditions, especially between late October and April when snow, fog, and ice can affect the roads. Driving through the Rocky Mountains during this time is not advisable for inexperienced winter drivers.

Always check the weather forecast and the road report before traveling. For information on current road conditions, visit the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation . 

Basic Rules of the Road

Getty Images

Driving in Canada is very similar to driving in the U.S. Canadians drive in the right lane, like Americans, but they measure distances in kilometers instead of miles. Consider these regulations:

• Drivers may not use hand-held electronic devices while driving. Talking on the phone or texting could earn you a ticket for distracted driving, which can cost upwards of $350.
• International visitors may drive in BC for up to six months with a valid driver’s license from your country.
• Driving under the influence of any substance, such as alcohol or drugs, is illegal, even though marijuana products are legal throughout the province.
• Seat belts and car seats appropriate for the age and size of your child are mandatory.
• Common speed limits in BC include 30 kmh (20 mph) in a school zone; 50 kmh (30 mph) in built-up areas; 80 kmh (50 mph) on rural roads; and 110–120 kmh (70–75 mph) on major highways and expressways. The maximum speed limit in BC is 120 kmh (75 mph).

Planning the Logistics

If you plan to fly into Canada and rent an RV or car for your road trip, the most logical place to start is either in Calgary in the neighboring province of Alberta or in Vancouver. Seattle , a two-hour drive away from the Canada/U.S. border, would also be a convenient takeoff point for a drive around British Columbia. Flying into the U.S. instead of Canada can sometimes be more convenient or affordable. 

Calgary is a major airline hub that's about 118 miles (190 kilometers) from the BC border. If you arrive in Calgary and rent a car, you can make a splendid drive to Vancouver via Banff and Lake Louise, two of Canada's most stunning mountain destinations.

Camping is also an excellent option for accommodation during your trip; campgrounds in British Columbia are abundant and range in service level, from pit toilets and hand-pumped water to full washrooms with hot showers and electricity. If you plan to stay in hotels and lodges, it would be best to book far in advance, especially for summer.

Option 1: East of Vancouver Loop

Jenske Arts / FOAP / Getty Images

This trip option, east of Vancouver, can take between five and 10 days, depending on whether you include the eastern cities of Revelstoke and Golden in your itinerary. In any case, you'll first want to get from Vancouver to Whistler along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). This 750-mile (120-kilometer) route is extremely scenic, offering ocean views to one side and mountain panoramas to the other. At the end of it is the famous ski destination—Whistler—one of the best in the world and home to two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that hover a mile above the village. 

From Whistler, head northeast to Kamloops , (a four-hour drive). You'll see the terrain change from coastal mountains to near-desert. Worthwhile stops along the way include Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton, and Lillooet. The latter two towns were a hub of Gold Rush activity in the 19th century and are steeped in First Nations (indigenous) culture. But instead of staying in Kamloops, continue an hour past—still on the TransCanada Highway —to Salmon Arm, which is far more charming. 

If you have the time, continue east to Revelstoke and Golden, two of BC's most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies and home to some epic ski resorts. In this region, you can visit hot springs and provincial parks whose lakes are full of that azure-blue glacial water that Lake Louise is known for. Because of the mountainous terrain and limited roads, you'll likely want to head back the same way you arrived, on Highway 1. On the return, stop by places you might have passed the first time around, like Craigellachie and Sicamous, both sleepy-but-scenic resort and retirement towns.

At Sicamous, head south to Kelowna  (a two-hour drive), also known as the gateway to the Okanagan Valley and its wine region. Sporty travelers love the wide array of outdoor activities here: hiking, golfing, boating, and more. From there, drive down through Penticton to Osoyoos, stopping at any winery that appeals to you. Mission Hill and Quails Gate are two of the better known and visually striking wineries, but there are dozens of others. You're now on the way back to Vancouver along the very southern part of British Columbia. From Osoyoos, hop onto Highway 3, through Hope and then on to Vancouver, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. 

Option 2: Vancouver Island

Known for its rugged, diverse, and beautiful geography, moderate climate, and unhurried way of life, Vancouver Island sits just off the mainland of British Columbia. It's home to the provincial capital of Victoria, but not the province's most populous city, Vancouver.  Vancouver Island is fairly big, requiring about six hours to drive from its south end to its north end. It takes three hours to drive from Nanaimo (mid-island on the east) to Tofino (mid-island on the west) alone.

Victoria makes for a great stopover, with Butchart Gardens beckoning a half-day tour and Craigdarroch Castle requiring at least a few hours. There are plenty of museums to explore and whale-watching tours departing from here, too. After staying in Victoria for a night or two, road trippers can continue to Parksville (about a two-hour drive away) for sprawling, sandy beaches, then proceed for three hours to beautiful Tofino, a small coastal town with a major surf culture.

The hippie-ish town of Tofino is brimming with forests, trails, and beaches (that are slightly cold for swimming, but stunning nonetheless). It offers a diverse culinary scene and activities such as whale watching, black bear viewing, and sea kayaking. End your trip at the picturesque fishing village of Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill for a grizzly bear safari.

Related Articles

More related articles.

The Perfect British Columbia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Post summary: The perfect British Columbia Itinerary for a 5 day road trip from Vancouver to Whistler. Includes maps, places to stay, and a detailed day-to-day overview. (Last updated August 2022)

This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission of any purchase you make using my link, at no cost to you!

Arguably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Canada’s most western province boasts something to satisfy every type of adventurous spirit.

Crisp alpine air, vibrant moss in a lush northern rain forest, ghostly fog blanketing glacier capped mountain peaks. Crashing waterfalls, steamy hot springs, turquoise water, and the salty smell of the Pacific Ocean.

Those are the things that I love most about British Columbia. And I know you will love them too. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and written out our perfectly cohesive 5-day British Columbia road trip itinerary that’s guaranteed to make your adventure through this incredible province so unforgettable. .

Table of Contents

The Logistics

I was overly excited to start planning our British Columbia road trip. I scoured Pinterest, delved into the depths of every relevant forum I could find online and contacted everyone I knew who lived in the area in the hopes of scoring insider advice. My Google Maps were peppered with pins from all over the province: a few stops along the coast of Vancouver Island, Orca watching, road tripping back up through the city, then Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton to explore the alpine.

I took a deep breath and forced myself back into reality. There’s so much to see, so many options, so little time. So I recollected myself and settled on one small area. Fast forward a few days and too many cups of coffee later: I pinned some places we couldn’t miss, reserved a 4×4, and spoke with some locals. I finally had a tentative plan on how to make the most of our week around Whistler, British Columbia. .

The Route: Vancouver to Whistler (and beyond)

Our flight touched down in Vancouver at 10am. We picked up our rental car, stopped for Starbucks espresso and made last minute tweaks to our plan. Then, we headed straight toward Whistler. However, if you arrive in Vancouver late at night, you will want to add an extra day to spend the night in Vancouver and get your bearings before starting this road trip. 

This road trip route snakes northward up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton, and back down to Squamish , before ending with one last adventure in Vancouver.

DAY 1: BRANDYWINE FALLS TO WHISTLER 

Brandywine Falls was our first stop on our drive to Whistler. The parking area is easily accessible from the road, so it only made sense to let one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area give us a proper welcome to British Columbia.

Brandywine Falls Trail to the Upper Viewing Platform 

• Rated : Easy
• Distance : 1km, out and back
• Season : year-round
• Time needed : 30 minutes – 1 hour

Brandywine Falls is nestled within Brandywine Provincial Park, where it crashes 70m into the volcanic valley that its carved out over thousands of years.

We spent several hours admiring the falls from the viewing platform, meandering through the forest, and scrambling the trail to the base of the falls. 

Lush green moss, bright red pine bark, and the smell of earthy cedar hung in the air. The sound of frigid rushing water penetrated the silence around us. To say there was something magical about the forest at the base of the falls would be an understatement.

How to get to the base of Brandywine Falls 

You’ll have to do a bit of off-roading if you wish to adventure to the bottom of Brandywine Falls.

To find the trailhead, hike past the viewing platform. At the very end of the main trail, you’ll find an unmarked and unmaintained path in the trees to the left of the fence.

NOTE: The trail is rugged and dangerous . There used to be a rope to help you navigate the steepest sections, but the rope is no longer there. You’ll have to climb down the steep sections, find your way down an arduous scree slope, follow an unmarked trail through the forest to the river, and then navigate the slippery rocks up to the falls. This path is not safe and should only be left to those who are fit, experienced, and willing to risk injury.

Hike time to the base of the falls : 2-3 hours .

Where to stay in Whistler

Budget ($): HI Whistler Hostel and Pinnacle Hotel Whistler

Moderate ($$): Legends Condo Hotel and Whistler Studio Airbnb

Splurge ($$$): Pan Pacific Whistler Village  

DAY 2: JOFFRE LAKES

Joffre Lakes trail information (Lower Lake to Upper Lake)”

• Rated:  intermediate, some difficult steep sections
• Distance:  10km, out and back
• Time:  4-5 hours round-trip
• Season:  year-round
• Camping allowed : yes

If you’ve ever seen a picture of British Columbia, chances are you’ve seen Joffre Lakes – the series of 3 glacial fed alpine lakes with a bright powdery blue complexion.

Joffre Lakes is the single most popular hike around Pemberton, BC and I’ll admit I was nervous to visit. I’ve seen so many photos of this place plastered all over social media.

Would it live up to the hype? Would it be filled with people? How would I feel about it after having seen the turquoise lake from seemingly every single perspective possible?

Those were a few thoughts that floated through my mind as we took the scenic drive from Whistler to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.

But I am so happy we went, because it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. And I’m thrilled to report that photos on Instagram don’t even do it justice.

From the parking lot, we followed the trail directly to the first lake. Then, we climbed steadily into the alpine as the forest changed and the trail delivered us from one lake to the next. Each more beautiful than the last. Sparkling glaciers, thick alpine forests, chubby little gray jays, pikas, and twinkling crystal waters took our breath away.

The entire hike took us about 6 hours round trip, including stops for photos, icy lake swims (ok, just me), and making friends with the gregarious gray jays.

The majority of people stop at the second lake, but do yourself a favor and spend the extra 15-20 minutes to reach the upper lake. You won’t be disappointed.

NOTE: Please practice responsible wildlife tourism and do not feed the gray jays !

You’ll see many people feeding the jays in an attempt to entice them to land in their hands. Its not cool. Help to keep them wild by not teaching them to rely on human food. They’re naturally very smart, very curious birds and will come to say hello on their own if you sit still.

We were told by a local that the hike to Joffre Lakes resembles more of a queue than a hike through the forest in the summer months, as thousands of people flock to see the famous blue waters. But thanks to traveling in the off season, we arrived that October morning to a half-full parking lot and the three alpine lakes almost all to ourselves. 

The powder blue color of the water is seasonal, though. So do consider traveling here in the summer if you want to see it! 

DAY 3: NAIRN FALLS AND SLOQUET HOT SPRINGS

Stop 1: nairn falls.

Trail information:

• Rating: easy
• Distance:  3 km round-trip
• Camping allowed:  yes

Nairn Falls was not a planned stop on our itinerary, but more of a stop along the way from Whistler to Sloquet Hot Springs.

Nairn Falls is a brilliant green-blue waterfall that twists and weaves through a series of channels carved in the rock. From a beautifully constructed viewing platform, you can safely watch as the water crashes into a series of circular pools that are carved and polished by gravel carried down the river.

Located on our way north, we pulled off into the parking area under the impression that the falls were accessible from the road. Although not immediately accessible from the parking area, it only took us about 15-20 minutes to walk 1.5 km along the river to the falls.

Stop 2: Sloquet Hot Springs 

In the spirit of transparency, I’m not usually one to further publicize special places like this one. But honestly, if you’re game to put in the work to get here, then you deserve it.

The drive to Sloquet Hot Springs was long and exhausting. In hindsight, it would have been better to camp overnight at the springs instead of drive the 6 hours round-trip from Whistler in one day. 

But we were warned about the distance. In my research I came across a disclaimer on not to be fooled by the “measly 63km” from Pemberton to Sloquet Hot Springs. And they were right.

We found ourselves weaving along an unpaved logging road in the middle of the wilderness for close to 3 hours. There were no other cars along that lonely stretch of road and we watched nervously as we our cell phone service dwindled to nothing. 

We came close to turning around countless times, but thankfully we [stubbornly] persisted, because this stop was more than worth it. We finally arrived at the camp ground and hiked 1km through the forest, where we saw steam rising above the tree line.

Having arrived mid-afternoon, we joined a handful of other people lounging in the pools along the river. There’s ample room to spread out at Sloquet, with a few upper hot pools fed by a hot waterfall, cascading down into a series of smaller pools along the banks of the river.

We spent several hours rotating between the pools of varying temperatures and relaxing under the canopy of conifers. When the sun went down, we hiked out under the light of the milky way.

Sloquet Hot Springs Information 

Getting there:  Leave enough time for the drive. It takes about 3.5 hours to get there from Whistler. Download the map offline or be sure your GPS will work if you lose service. It would be smart to carry a satellite phone and other emergency essentials . Don’t attempt this drive without an SUV.

Cost and camping: $5CAD per person for use of the pools (cash only). Campsites are $15 and are first-come-first-served if you decide to stay the night. Note that the entrance money goes directly into maintenance of the area. Visit Sloquet’s website for the most up to date information.

Facilities: This is a natural area. Besides for a small changing wall besides the hot springs, there are no facilities near the hot springs. However, there is an outhouse at the top of the hill at the trail head, which is a short walk from the springs.

Nudity allowed: Yes. Clothing is optional here. Be mindful of nude soakers when you snap photos and be respectful of their choice (or even join them yourself, because when in Rome, amirite?)

DAY 4: SQUAMISH 

Squamish is a beautiful mountain town between the drive from Whistler and Vancouver, located at the north end of Howe Sound along the Sea to Sky Highway.

We dedicated one full day to exploring Squamish , since everything we wanted to do was in the same immediate area.

Stop 1: Shannon Falls 

the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Truly an impressive sight, this waterfall is easily accessible from the road. You can make it a quick stop or choose to spend more time and hike to the top.

Stop 2: Sea to Sky Gondola

Right next door is the admission to the Sea to Sky Gondola. This gondola wasn’t our first choice, but the other gondolas that provided access to different hiking trails were closed for the season.

The price of a round-trip ticket for the Sea to Sky Gondola is $55 per person, but turned out to be well worth it for the best views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you’ll find a suspension bridge, restaurant, and an array of hiking trails.

Stop 3: Squamish Chief

Otherwise known as “the Chief”, these three summits are among the most popular hiking spots in British Columbia. It took us several hours to summit the first peak, where we were shocked to find we were the only people on top. Whether it was because we arrived just before sunset or because it was the off-season, we’ll never know, but we were completely delighted given the popularity of the hike. 

We spent awhile on the summit, perched high above the sprawling views of Howe Sound. After that, we descended the same steep trail we followed on the way up.

Squamish Chief Trail Information

• Difficulty:  intermediate to difficult
• Distance:  11km
• Elevation gain:  6020 meters
• Time:  3-7 hours depending on your fitness level and number of peaks
• Season:  March – November

NOTE : the south peak (peak 1) is a decent climb with a 500m elevation gain. This peak offers the most rewarding views, so many people stop here. However, if you’ve got about 6-7 hours, a good fitness level, and plenty of energy, you can hike all 3 peaks in one day. .

READ NEXT:  What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

Where to stay in Squamish

Budget ($): Squamish Adventure Inn Hostel and Squamish Tiny Cabin

Moderate ($$): Midnight in Paradise Cottage and  Sunwolf Riverside Cabins

Splurge ($$$): Private Waterfront Cabin Airbnb and  Ocean View Tea Tree House

DAY 5: VANCOUVER

Like many people who are first drawn to Vancouver, I dreamed about one day visiting the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450ft suspension bridge hanging 230ft above the Capilano River. It’s been in magazines, on postcards, and all over social media. Like, did you even visit Vancouver if you didn’t visit Capilano?

The answer is yes .

Here’s why: we were immediately turned off by the (almost) $50CAD entrance fee , per person. Not to mention the advertisements for tour buses and 11am entrance hours. Paying $50CAD for an overcrowded bridge just didn’t seem quite worth it anymore.

But here’s the good news: Where we would have paid for probably 30 minutes at Capilano, we instead spent 2 hours exploring the wilderness around Lynn Canyon. Of course the suspension bridge wasn’t of the same caliber as that at Capilano, but to me, it was even more beautiful. It was also free, less touristy, and perfectly wild for being outside of a major city.

NOTE : the suspension bridge is still a suspension bridge. And, consequently, attracts many visitors regardless of the advertised popularity. So if you want uninterrupted photos on the bridge, test your patience waiting for the perfect shot, or get there early!

If you opt to visit here, allow time to explore the trails that will lead you to aquamarine swimming holes, waterfalls, and through an interpretive nature trail.

When you’re done here, then you’re only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver! .

Where to stay in Vancouver

Budget ($):   HI Hostel Downtown Vancouver and Olympic Village Condo

Moderate ($$):  Skwachàys Aboriginal Themed Lodge and Unique Gastown Loft

Splurge ($$$):   The Douglas and The Burrard

Final Thoughts

Two years ago I had vowed to return to Vancouver after a layover on a cheap flight to Hawaii . Through the plane windows, I had watched the a thick blanket of fog swirling over the mountains around the sound; the city skyline looming in the distance. I returned to British Columbia one year later when we hopped across the border to visit the emerald waters within Yoho National Park during a trip through Alberta. That time, I knew for sure that this province had a hold on me.The

And here I was. Back for a third time. Road tripping the seaside highways from Vancouver to Whistler, rooting myself in moments spent wandering through the Pacific Northwest rain forest, and being sure to take an extra deep breath of alpine air for the road.

There’s something seriously magic about this place. And, still captivated, I know I’ll be back again. .

Get this Vancouver Road Trip on Google Maps

Access the road trip itinerary on an interactive Google Map.  Access the map on Google Map here

How to Get Around for a British Columbia Road Trip

The best way to complete this itinerary is with a rental car. You don’t need a 4×4 to road trip between Vancouver and Whistler, but I do recommend one for visiting Sloquet Hot Springs.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

In my opinion, the best time to visit Vancouver, British Columbia is in the shoulder season, which lasts from April – early June and September – October. During these months, you will find great deals on accommodation and a lot of popular hiking trails will be nearly empty. Just be prepared for some rainy, chilly days.

However, if you don’t mind crowds and are willing to pay a bit more, summer is also a great time to for a Vancouver road trip. Long days and good weather are ideal for hiking and road tripping. 

Extend Your British Columbia Road Trip

Have more time to spare? Add another 5 days and extend your Vancouver road trip west onto Vancouver Island.

If you have even more time, add 7 days and drive east toward Alberta to visit Yoho, Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks. 

Read next: How to Spend 1 Day in Yoho National Park

Always Remember to Leave No Trace

The concept of Leave No Trace is built on seven core principles widely utilized for enjoying the outdoors responsibly and with sustainable, minimum impact.

The Leave No Trace principles apply to all outdoor activities – from the backcountry to local parks to your own backyard. Leave No Trace is based on respect for nature and other visitors. It’s also supported by scientific research conducted on recreation-related impact to our wild places.

In a collective effort to keep the beautiful places listed above wild and free for generations to come, please leave all areas better than you found them and practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

• Plan ahead and be prepared
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of your waste properly – carry out what you carry in
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts – be aware of campfire rules and regulations
• Respect wildlife! (Don’t feed the gray jays)
• Be considerate of other visitors

More for your Canada road trip

Traveling Banff on a Budget: Effective Ways to Save Money on Lodging, Food, and Transportation

1-Day Yoho National Park Road Trip Itinerary

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

Pins for your Pinterest

Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a travel photographer and content creator based near the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I’m also a millennial who works full-time, yet I still find ways to travel frequently without breaking the bank, because traveling is what makes me feel most alive. Now I help fellow travelers who also work 9-5 and are looking for ways to travel more with limited PTO.

Related Posts

Is Belize Safe To Travel To? 2024 Guide

Exploring the Beauty of Falls Creek Falls in Washington State

New Hampshire Road Trip: How to Spend 3 Days in the Seacoast Region of NH

Hi Jackie! I enjoyed your blog on the BC 5 day road trip. You really packed a LOT into 5 days!!!! Most of us who live in BC would do that in 1.5 weeks! If you get back to BC I highly recommend getting the paperback version of this book. The New B.C. Roadside Naturalist: A Guide to Nature along B.C. Highways. It’s by a geologist and points out all the interesting bits you are passing by the car window on your travels. BC has a very complex geological history, so it has produced many varied mini-climate zones. Another gem is the BC hot spring spots on FaceBook. Most are off of logging roads but are worth the visit and smallish hikes to access. BC has such a tiny population (other than Vancouver) that we love it when people have enough tenacity to visit all the out of the way places. Another gem is the water access only spots along the coast by eco-tourism “cruise” ship like the MV Uchuck (West coast of Vancouver Island) https://www.getwest.ca/cruises/schedule/ and the Aruroa Marine Link (East coast of Vancouver Island and remote mainland costal and First Nations communities) https://marinelinktours.com/routes/ . Hopefully your editor, sponsor, can fund your adventures on these visits back to BC. It’s well worth it! I sent my parent on both of these “cruises” in their 70’s. They LOVED it as it was not as ecologically sensitive and they got to see the “real” working coast of BC as well as meet some VERY well educated other guest: very influential (retired) ocean biologists and academics who made fascinating dinner guests!!! The food was fabulous – as fresh as it gets seafood every night, made by a very creative chef in a very efficient (aka super small) galley kitchen

“This list is fantastic! I’ve been looking for new car camping spots, and now I have an idea where to go. Thanks for the great recommendations!”

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

WANT TO SAVE MONEY TRAVELING?

Check out the travel resources →

Check out my list of reliable budget-friendly travel resources that are guaranteed to save you the most money, without compromising your experience.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841400792270379.

Get in touch

Contact Portfolio Let’s work together

Explore the blog

Destinations Guides and itineraries Travel planning tips

Let’s connect

Never miss an adventure, privacy policy | terms of service | disclaimer | by zazen designs.

Back to top

• FluenDay Language Learning: My Honest Review After Putting It to the Test
• Our Heymondo Review - Why We Always Get Travel Insurance
• Our Favorite 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel
• How to Start Teaching Abroad: Tips from Expert Georgie from Teacher's Friend
• Sync.com for Travelers: Our Hands-on Review After 3 Years
• Hiking with Kids: Essential Gear for a Fun and Safe Adventure
• Work With Us

The 10 Best Road Trips in British Columbia, Canada

Looking to hit the road for the best road trips in British Columbia?

We’ve lived in BC for over a decade now, and while we haven’t driven every highway in the province, we’ve definitely taken our share of drives around our beautiful province.

British Columbia is Canada’s most western province. It borders Alberta, and is known for its vast size and natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is world famous for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, as well as rocky beaches, ski resorts and natural beauty.

There are numerous highways and scenic drives in British Columbia that make for some genuinely spectacular road excursions no matter the season, with thousands of valley lakes, mountains, and a largely unknown north.

The best road trips in British Columbia will not only take you through some of the most scenic areas in the province but also in Canada. You can visit the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive along the west coast and hang out on beautiful beaches.

If you’re quickly looking for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver up to Whistler where you can ski or snowboard during winter months or go downhill biking in the summer.

Want to see salmon spawning or visit the Rocky Mountains in its rawest form? British Columbia has both.

Dreaming of warm mountain lakes in summer, natural hot pools year round and great hiking? BC has that in droves.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family on a road trip, or you just want to explore some beautiful sights with your friends, there’s something in BC for everyone.

So whether you’re a local wanting to broaden your range, on vacation traveling with family or friends, or just want to get away from it all, here are some of our favourite drives in BC that will take you off the beaten path and into nature’s playground.

The best road trips in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you have your own car or are looking to rent a vehicle, these are the best road trips in British Columbia to take in the beautiful scenery of this Canadian province.

If you’re in the mood for a guided tour, BC has plenty of bus tours available and if you want to see the province unfettered, traveling the province by motorcycle is an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance or want to check out the best things to see and do from Vancouver to Banff , this post has you covered.

The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes in BC, and for good reason. It’s located just north of Vancouver on the coast, and offers a variety of different options for hiking. This includes a section that goes right along the water with stunning views of mountains and ocean alike.

What does this have to do with road trips? Well, not only can you stop and hike the trail, but getting there is also a beautiful drive with tons of great coastal views and mountainous backdrops along the way.

A few highlights along this route include the 2 ferry crossings (the first at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with possibilities to see everything from whales to dolphins and even killer whales right from your vehicle. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and large animal sightings are common so keep your eyes open for any fauna in the area including moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.

If you want to continue your drive once you reach Powell Bay, you can take a ferry over to Vancouver Island where you’ll start your island adventure near Comox.

The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97

The Okanagan Valley is home to some amazing wineries and fruit orchards that have been around before BC was even a province!

Starting up around Vernon and continuing south down to Osoyoos you’ll see some of BC’s prettiest lakes starting with Kalamalka Lake that, depending on the season, can range from cyan to indigo.

As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 through Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the heart of BC’s interior, there’s tons of things to do with the family including hanging out along the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake (one of the few lakes in Canada to never freeze in the winter) and grab an ice cream before heading to the beach.

As you continue through West Kelowna (home to great vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll soon find yourself driving through towns named Peachland and Summerland (great names right!) before arriving in Penticton . Make sure to walk the boardwalk in town before continuing your drive south down to Osoyoos, the warmest city in Canada!

If you love vineyards and cideries, there are literally hundreds in the Okanagan Valley with many just off the highway so pick up a winery guide available nearly everywhere in the valley before you start your Okanagan BC roadtrip.

The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N

The stretch of highway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 things in abundance, beautiful scenery and infamous notoriety. The Coquihalla features gorgeous mountain rivers and some beautiful mountain vistas however it’s also the star in a show called Highway Thru Hell, depicting the sometimes hazardous conditions that can occur during the winter months. Since it is a high mountain highway through some unforgiving terrain, there is some merit to the legends but if in doubt, check out the Drive BC website and just pay attention to the weather.

That said, the Coq was originally built as a connector to speed up the route that the Trans Canada highway originally took as it made its way west. While the drive is indeed faster via the Coquihalla, the beauty of the drive is also unmistakable.

If you’re feeling the urge for a hot soak, veer off the highway near Bridal Falls to check out Harrison Hot Springs .

As you leave Hope via Highway 3 East (make sure your tank is full since the next gas station in Merritt is 120km or just over an hour away), you’ll quickly jump onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels just past Hope are worth a hike

As you pull into Merritt itself (most of the town is to the north of the highway), you can now choose to continue northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.

If you’re planning to drive right through either cities as you continue east, the drive south toward Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey however it is a prettier drive by far and takes you through several small towns and cities.

The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19

Though not officially called The Island Drive, navigating this section of Vancouver Island definitely fits the bill. As you leave Victoria, the Victorian architecture filled capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll pass quaint villages, pretty murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.

There are hundreds of places to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, hike or shop however there are a few wineries and cideries around Cobble Hill that are worth checking out. If you want a quick hike, it’s also worth checking the Kinsol Trestle just before Cobble Hill. It’s one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world and is amazing to see. It’s part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a popular hiking area.

Nanaimo is the next major city on the way north. It’s not a bad place to stock up supplies for your Qualicum Beach stay (if you’re planning a short vacay) and is also the other major ferry terminal if you want to hitch a ferry back to the mainland.

More great articles:

• Our Heymondo Review – Why We Always Get Travel Insurance
• 45 Great Jobs You Can Do While Traveling The World And How To Get Them
• How to Save Money When Traveling

As you continue north you’ll eventually reach picturesque Nanoose Bay and then Parksville, another major water side destination in its own right though the long sandy beaches along Qualicum Beach are usually what attract the crowds.

While in the region, make sure to check out the Goats on the Roof (literally) at the Old Country Market as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are great places to take the kids and hang out for a few hours.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99

Not many people who visit Vancouver, often ranked as one of the best cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their way up to Whistler, BC’s premiere ski destination. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is filled with gorgeous ocean and mountain views and passes through Squamish, an outdoor lovers playground.

With everything from rock climbing to Bald Eagle viewing tours in the winter (it held the largest eagle viewing count in the world at 3769 with around 1300 spotted most given years), if you like the outdoors then likely Squamish has something for you. Squamish is also home to the wonderful Sea to Sky Gondola, a year round engineering marvel that zips you to the top in comfort with plenty of trails on either landings.

As you drive into Whistler, it’s quickly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers destination with a myriad of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. After hitting the slopes, make sure to check out the town centre (known as The Village) with great shopping, restaurants and pubs open year round. Though we often think of Whistler as a winter destination, there are plenty of activities there happening year round.

Visiting in the summer? Check out  Porteau Cove Provincial Park , a popular scuba diving destination with artificial shipwrecks and reefs supporting a huge variety of marine life, such as octopus, lingcod and starfish just minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know how to dive? Take a course or explore the rocky beaches and go swimming in the ocean for a nice break from your road trip.

The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16

While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the vast majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a beautiful road trip through valleys and mountains, with a few great sites along the way.

As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, a great little city fronting the beautiful Thompson River and home to the BC Wildlife Park , you’ll pass wide open valleys that soon turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest part about this Kamloops to Jasper road trip is that the highway follows along the North Thompson River for a sizable portion of the drive, which makes for a great backdrop and gorgeous views.

Along the way, you can check out some amazing waterfalls or go whitewater rafting around Clearwater. If you don’t have time to check them out but want to stretch your legs, check out either North Thompson River Provincial Park right before Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are right along the highway and are easy to pull off into.

As you turn right (North) onto Highway 16 (known as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have another few places to stop with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park just on the right and then the Mount Robson visitor centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain in the Rockies) as a nice backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is often considered one of the top 5 best hikes in Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and wildlife spotting.

Pulling into Jasper, it’s easy to see why it’s touted as one of the best destinations in Canada. From the stunning water colors of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has plenty to see and do including Canada’s best Dark Sky festival .

If you have the time, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada less than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in gorgeous Wells Gray Park is just one of them. You can also check out both Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls while on the way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is around 45 minutes (44km) one way.

The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4

Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins

We only discovered this route a few years ago when visiting Port Alberni for the first time but it’s a quick, gorgeous drive through old growth forests and one of the prettiest walkways you’ll find on Vancouver Island.

Just as you pass picturesque Cameron Lake, past the halfway point of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This trail leads to the most accessible giant Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can walk the short number of trails under the shadow of giant Douglas-fir trees with some more than 800 years old.

Due to some severe windstorms over the years, some of the ancient trees have fallen and the park and trails are continually being monitored and repaired. Make sure you check to make sure it’s open if you decide to make the trip out there.

The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1

The Rocky Mountains are a some of the most mountainous terrain in the world however the drive through them is often a very pleasant experience. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is only 10km from the BC/Alberta border so the majority of this road trip takes place in British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain pass, see a few hot pools, look up at the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river in the country plus witness some of the best scenery Canada has to offer.

Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former train station hub and home to the great Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your way down a mountain, you’ll soon hit a series of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t want to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a quick 20 minute walk through some extremely large cedar trees.

Right after that you have Canyon Hot Springs resort with a nice set of hot pools and soon after that you’ll be climbing through Roger’s Pass, the highest point along Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada highway.

As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you can partake in like whitewater rafting or checking out the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline site. After Golden you have Field, a cute mountain town with nearby access to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and around 10 minutes off the highway.

Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll want to check out the gorgeous turquoise lake the town is famous next to stunning Chateau Lake Louise. There are some great hikes around the area and if you happen to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.

If you want to read about more things to do along British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, check out our ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide .

The Pacific Rim – Highway 4

Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal side of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some beautiful coastal roads, some old growth forests and plenty of sights along the way.

As you leave Port Alberni, a small city on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll quickly pass Sproat Lake, a 4 season area with lakeside cabins and camping sites popular with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you have Wally Creek. Right beside the highway with parking spaces, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off in the cristal clear blue water.

Continuing on you finally arrive at the coast. If you want to explore some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a great time to stop and grab a pass at the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you want a small detour, feel free to head south down to Ucluelet while first stopping off for a short walk around the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.

To the north and towards our final destination of Tofino, another great walk is the Rainforest Trail that is a wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock trees covered in moss.

Next you have the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny tourist town (Long Beach) on the edge of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near endless stretches of beach attract surfers year-round however most visit simply to watch the waves and walk the miles of sand.

Soon you’ll be at the end of your road trip and driving into Tofino proper. This cozy town on the edge of the world is popular with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer the population swells but it’s also a popular area year round with some great chefs and restaurants calling the town home.

Another popular surfing and beach spot in the area is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are plenty of inns and hotels in the area if you plan to stay for a few days.

The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A

Unfettered nature is the best way to describe this road trip through British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, relaxing hot springs, swaths of forests and a ferry ride are all highlights of this drive.

We first start in Nakusp, a nice beach village on the edge of the rather long Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp region is always busy in summer and has a gorgeous beach with clear water. As you head southeast out of town on Highway 6, you’ll soon be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village along the lake bank, you’ll soon be heading due east on Highway 31A.

As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll eventually reach Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region. If you want to stretch your legs, a quick walk along the Kaslo River Trail in town is a nice diversion and there’s a few good restaurants here as well. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes a great short pit stop with some nice little falls just off the highway.

Next we have Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favorite place of ours with some really nice hot springs and a heated hot springs cave. There’s also a delicious restaurant on site as well and if you stay in the hotel, the hot springs are included. Otherwise, they offer day passes for visitors.

After a lovely drive south along along Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour where it’s time to jump on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we continue down Highway 3A. The highway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way towards Creston so don’t worry about getting lost now. Creston itself is a valley town with a variety of amenities, hotels and restaurants plus a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (home of Kokanee beer) that gives brewery tours. If you’re there in summer, make sure to check out the wetlands at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre .

To get to Nakusp, you can either head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on highway 6. Either roads are great however the additional cable ferry ride from Needle to Fauquier is a great bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some great views and awesome lakes, namely Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake just off Highway 6 that are worth checking out as well if you have time.

Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N

Since no list is ever complete, we’ve decided to throw this last BC road trip in as a bonus. It starts in picturesque Comox.

In Comox you can check out the fisherman’s wharf or one of the numerous beaches such as Goose Spit Park. Kite surfing is a popular pastime here as well you’ll likely see some kites flashing by as you walk the many beaches.

Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll soon be arriving in Campbell River. The city is a very popular whale watching center as well as famously hosting grizzly bear tours. Either tour can be booked well in advance with several companies and some even guarantee a sighting or your next tour is on them. Another popular activity here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s large suspension bridge and waterfall as well as checking out the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.

Continuing past Campbell River (make sure you fill up before leaving) you have a lot of land to cover that includes a few rivers plus a lake before getting back to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and able to check out the many beaches and marinas plus a plethora of day trips to places like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a definite must if the weather is nice.

You can get to Comox from the mainland via a BC ferry from Powell River so if you’ve done the road trip there then this route is a natural progression of it. You can also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you plan to do this 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is a great way to relax and see everything along the way.

Final notes on the best road trips in BC

After having our home base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to see a large portion of it and can never get enough of the beautiful scenery, the friendly people and the wild beauty. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it gives you a few ideas of some of the best road trips in British Columbia and inspires you to visit and see the province for yourself.

Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to hear about it below. Safe travels.

Before travel to Canada this article is so helpful thank you 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The World As I See It

One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

• Canada / Travel

British Columbia Road Trip Guide & 4 Epic BC Road Trip Itineraries

by Bea · Published January 31, 2023 · Updated January 8, 2024

Vast landscapes, breathtaking natural beauties and abundant wildlife. The best way to experience it all is on a British Columbia road trip! British Columbia Canada spans an area of 944,735 km² and you likely won’t see everything in this westernmost province, so don’t even plan to. BC is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. The province is dominated by forests and lakes and is too beautiful of a place to rush through.

In this travel guide you find all the British Columbia road trip tips you’ll need to know before you go. Plus, the best driving routes so that whatever time you have for your visit, you can make the best of it.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing through these links I may make a small commission to help run this blog, at no extra cost to you. Thx!

Which season is the best for a British Columbia road trip?

Lots of factors make the summer months the most ideal time for a BC road trip. British Columbia in the summer is generally between May and September.

Summer days are long and the weather is generally warm and dry. This lets you enjoy the outdoors more and makes driving is easy, without any extreme weather conditions. Summer is the season to access high mountain trails and those wonderful alpine lakes. However, this makes summer the most popular and most expensive season too.

Between late October and April, drivers should be more cautious. Snow, fog and ice can affect driving conditions and the accessibility of the roads. Driving in the mountains in the winter is not recommended unless you’re an experienced winter driver.

If you decide to drive, your car needs to be prepared for winter conditions. Winter tires are a must, chains are recommended, and you need to be prepared for unexpected delays and sudden change of plans.

With that said, winter is the high season to visit the wonderful mountain ski resorts in BC. But Vancouver and most of Vancouver Island doesn’t get much snow. Instead, they get an extreme amount of rain. While you can have beautiful days in coastal BC in the winter, summer (especially July and August) guarantees a much drier and sunnier visit.

Where to start your BC road trip?

You’ll likely fly into Canada and rent a car (or an RV) for your road trip. There are three straightforward cities to fly to, and only two of them are in Canada. You can fly into Vancouver, Calgary (in the neighboring province of Alberta) and Seattle (in the USA).

Every BC road trip isn’t complete without visiting Vancouver , so you should start there. But Seattle is only about two hours’ drive away.

So, starting in Seattle is great for a longer West Coast road trip. The Calgary to Vancouver drive is roughly 12 hours. The scenic drive takes you to many of the world famous national parks in the Canadian Rockies.

Which are the best British Columbia road trip routes?

So, let’s see where exactly to drive. If you only have a few days, drive from Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. Or opt for a Vancouver Island road trip.

If you have one or two weeks, you can take a loop around the lower portion of British Columbia. Or you can drive from Vancouver to Banff.

The northern portion of the province is scarcely populated and underdeveloped. Plus, it takes a long time to drive there from Vancouver. For one or two week long trips, I recommend sticking to the southern portion of British Columbia. This area offers amazing parks, mountains and lakes than you can visit in a few weeks.

4 Epic British Columbia Road Trip Route Options

Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler Road Trip Itinerary

The Sea to Sky Highway is aptly named, as it truly takes you from the sea to the sky. The drive takes visitors from the scenic ocean views of Howe Sound to the snow-capped peaks of the coastal mountains.

Even if you only have one day, you can enjoy this drive on Highway 99 from Vancouver to Whistler. If you have 2 to 3 days, you can complete some of the longer hiking trails in the area.

If you visit the attractions of Vancouver before you begin your trip, Whytecliff Park is an ideal first stop on the Sea to Sky road trip. Located in West Vancouver, this small coastal park has a beach and a few elevated lookout points. Keep your eyes open for seals as they like resting on the rocks here, especially on Whyte Islet.

Further north, Porteau Cove Provincial Park is another great stop. It has a rocky beach, a pier and views of Howe Sound and the mountains towering above. As you head further north, you reach Shannon Falls. At 335 meters high, Shannon Falls is the third tallest waterfall in British Columbia. Plus, it’s just a short walk away from the roadside parking lot. This makes it one of the best short stops along the Sea to Sky Highway.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is also right by the road. It takes you from the highway up to the Summit Lodge within a few minutes. There you can enjoy the panoramic views over Howe Sound from the viewing platform. In addition, you can walk across the Sky Pilot suspension bridge or even go hiking.

Al’s Habrich Ridge Trail is our favorite trail in the area. The trail is a 7 km return hike that starts from the Summit Lodge. It treats you with wonderful mountain vistas all the way.

Stawamus Chief Provincial Park is the next stop. And it’s impossible to miss the giant peaks towering above the highway! Here, you’ll find one of the top hiking trails in Canada ! Conquering the First and Second Chief Peaks is a relatively short, but steep, challenging and rewarding hike. If you don’t have the time for hiking, simply stop at the roadside parking lot. From here you can marvel at the mountains directly above you.

Tantalus Lookout is definitely worth a stop. But you can only access it when you are driving southbound from Whistler to Vancouver. A left turn is forbidden on the northbound route. So, save it for your journey back.

Garibaldi Provincial Park is a stop for those who have time for long, exhausting, wonderful mountain hikes. Two great hikes are Garibaldi Lake Trail or the Panorama Ridge.

Brandywine Falls is another easy stop. With a few hundred meters walk to reach the viewing platform you can see Brandywine Falls. It’s a 70 meter tall beauty that flows over lava columns.

After Brandywine Falls, it’s about a 10 minutes drive to reach Whistler. You can stroll around Whistler Village, swim in Lost Lake or marvel at the color of Green Lake.

Optionally, continuing your journey to Pemberton allows you to experience a pretty mountain drive. Be sure to stop at Nairns Falls Provincial Park and One Mile Lake.

Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler Road Trip Details

Recommended length of road trip: 1-3 days

Route: Vancouver – Squamish – Whistler – Pemberton – Vancouver

Estimated driving time: 4.5 hours, about 306 km (there and back)

Southern British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary

This loop drive in southern British Columbia includes the Sea to Sky Highway, but also much more! Allow at least 10-14 days to experience it, because the driving distance is long. And there are lots of worthwhile stops on the way.

This scenic drive in British Columbia goes from Vancouver to Whistler, with all the stops described in the Sea to Sky Highway road trip above. In addition, the road trip from Whistler continues to Kamloops through Pemberton and Lillooet.

The mountainous landscape turns into a near-desert. Kamloops as a city doesn’t offer much to see, but you’ll find over a hundred lakes nearby.

As you carry on to Revelstoke, you get the mountain scenery back. The 26 km long Meadows in the Sky Parkway takes you straight up to the peak of Mount Revelstoke.

Revelstoke offers plenty of outdoor adventure activities. A few fun activities at Revelstoke Mountain Resort include the Pipe Mountain Coaster, mountain biking, and skiing.

Golden is your next stop! Plus, it’s a gateway to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. And arriving here, you reach the furthest destination in this route.

Now it’s time to drive back, but not on the same way. However, if you’re looking to extend your road trip, consider staying at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden.

Continuing your southern British Columbia road trip itinerary head south to Kelowna by the Okanagan Lake. Here you can explore the Okanagan Valley which is the most famous wine region in BC.

The drive continues to Osoyoos to find a true desert and the warmest freshwater lake in the Canada. Lake Osoyoos has average summer temperatures of 24°C.

Finally, get back to Vancouver via Hope. You can also stop in the unspoiled mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park or in Harrison Hot Springs.

Southern British Columbia Road Trip Details

Recommended length of road trip: 10 -14 days

Route: Vancouver – Whistler – Kamloops – Revelstoke – Golden – Kelowna – Osoyoos – Vancouver

Estimated driving time: 20.5 hours, about 1647 km (loop drive)

Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary

Vancouver Island is just off the mainland of BC, and it’s bigger than you’d think. So, the route I recommend here is not about everything you can see on Vancouver Island. But rather includes highlights of the island that you can see in a few days.

Start in the provincial capital, Victoria! Take a walk in the Inner Harbour and visit the Butchart Gardens. The gardens is a National Historic Site and is one of the best places to find cherry blossoms in Canada ! So, this British Columbia road trip itinerary is ideal in the spring.

Then drive to Nanaimo and Parksville, and head west towards Tofino. There are plenty of picturesque stops on the way.

Stops include Little Qualicum Falls, Englishman River Falls and the Hole-In-The-Wall in Port Alberni. You’ll drive through Pacific Rim National Park which means even more tempting stops!

If you’re keen to stretch your legs, you’ll find plenty of the amazing Vancouver Island hikes along this stretch. Take a walk on Long Beach, hike the short Rainforest Trail loops and chill out in Cox Bay.

Tofino is a small coastal town at the end of the peninsula. It has a hippie vibe and many surfers. Walk around in the lovely town center and harbor.

One of the best things to do in Tofino is hike the Tonquin Trail. This beautiful coastal hike leads to secluded beaches and awesome views.

Since Vancouver has ferry connections with both Victoria and Nanaimo, you can arrive in Victoria, then leave from Nanaimo at the end of your Vancouver Island road trip.

If you’re want add whale watching to your British Columbia road trip, Vancouver Island is a great place to do so. Try this Whale Watching tour that cruises through the Haro Strait in search of whales and other marine life.

Vancouver Island Road Trip

Recommended length of road trip: 3-5 days

Route: Victoria – Nanaimo – Tofino – Nanaimo

Estimated driving time: 7 hours, about 525 km

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, the famous road trip that connects Vancouver with Banff. Plus, the rest of the national parks in the Canadian Rockies. If you rent a car, I recommend picking it up in Vancouver and dropping it off in Calgary so that you don’t have to do the long drive twice.

First, head to Whistler on the Sea to Sky Highway. It makes your trip slightly longer, but the views are absolutely worth it. Then explore Southern British Columbia as you drive through Kamloops, Revelstoke and Golden. You’ll arrive in BC’s portion of the Canadian Rockies and the first national park of the adjoining four: Yoho National Park.

Yoho National Park is smaller than neighboring Banff. However, it has easily reachable, wonderful roadside attractions. Rent a kayak to explore Emerald Lake, which is named after its incredible color. Marvel at the rock formations at Natural Bridge. And walk to the roaring Takakkaw Falls, which is 373 meters high, in the Yoho Valley. Then drive further to reach Banff National Park and its world famous lakes, like Lake Louise.

A few other great stops to add in Banff National Park include the Banff Gondola for epic views. Plus, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon. You can stop in Canmore or continue on. Both the Trans Canada Highway and 1A take you through the scenic Bow Flats Natural Area. Both roads have a variety of beautiful scenic lookouts to stop at before arriving in Calgary.

Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Details

Recommended length of road trip: one or two weeks

Route: Vancouver – Whistler – Kamloops – Revelstoke – Golden – Banff – Calgary

Estimated driving time: 12.5 hours (1039 km)

I hope you enjoyed this road trip guide to British Columbia and all of its essential travel tips. With so many great British Columbia road trips, these route options offer the best way to travel around BC and see the top sights!

About the author: Bea is a passionate traveler, hiker and founder of In Love With BC. Her blog focuses on traveling and outdoor activities in British Columbia.

PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!

Tags: British Columbia Canada

You may also like...

Hiking El Bosque Encantado in Queulat National Park

April 13, 2017

 by Stephanie · Published April 13, 2017 · Last modified June 15, 2021

Louvre: Look Beyond the Art

January 27, 2017

 by Stephanie · Published January 27, 2017 · Last modified August 23, 2022

+21 Awesome Things to do in the Thousand Islands Ontario

August 2, 2023

 by Stephanie · Published August 2, 2023 · Last modified January 11, 2024

• Next story  +20 Best Things to do in Markham Ontario – A City Full of Culture, Fun & Food
• Previous story  19 Best Ontario Maple Syrup Festivals to Attend in 2024

Hey there, I'm Stephanie and am the gal behind The World As I See It. I have a passion for travel, hiking, and local travel in Ontario! Let me take you along on my journey exploring my own backyard - including Ontario small towns, cafes, and trails to cities around the globe. I hope you will be inspired to get out and explore your backyard and beyond!

TOP ONTARIO BLOGGER

TOP CANADIAN TRAVEL BLOGGER

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

British Columbia Itinerary – 7 days or 2 weeks

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

British Columbia is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in North America, with its towering mountains, flowing fjords, ancient forests, wine country and energetic cities. British Columbia is also massive, it can take several days to drive across it from north to south! Because of it’s size and geographic diversity, planning a trip can be a bit daunting. This article will help you prioritize and see as much as you can with either a 7 day or 2 week British Columbia Itinerary.

Can I visit British Columbia without a car?

When is the best time to travel to british columbia.

• 7 day British Columbia itinerary without a car
• 2 week British Columbia Road trip itinerary
• What to do if you have more time
• What to pack for British Columbia

Yes! However, it depends on what you want to do on your British Columbia itinerary.

Vancouver and Victoria are both very walkable and even if you have a car I recommend parking it and walking and making use of the fantastic public transportation. It will be a lot less frustrating!

Whistler is also easy to get to and around without a car. You can take a bus from Vancouver and then take the Whistler shuttle anywhere you want to go.

Rural areas of British Columbia are difficult to access without a car, so if you’re traveling car free I recommend sticking with Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.

You can also take the train from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies which has a stop in Kamloops in Interior BC. This is a gorgeous train ride although it is expensive.

British Columbia is a wonderful year round destination! Depending on what you want to do should determine the best time for your trip.

Summer is the busiest and most popular travel time. Most of British Columbia has long, sunny days, though it’s important to be prepared for rain any time of year, especially in Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Expect crowds and lots of people out hiking, paddling and camping.

Fall is a beautiful time of year with less crowds, except in the Canadian Rockies where it’s very crowded through October. Expect freezing temperatures at night in the mountains and the interior. Coastal areas and cooler and rainier, but not as wet as winter.

Winter is a popular time to visit and travel British Columbia. The mountains have incredible skiing (both downhill and cross country) and there are lots of other winter sports to enjoy. Driving is much slower and involves winter driving conditions. Roads are well maintained but can be treacherous at times or closed during storms. Winter is wet and gray in Vancouver and Victoria, though it rarely snows.

Spring is another good way to avoid crowds and is a bit less wet than winter in coastal areas. Spring can still be VERY wet so be prepared. Ski season usually wraps up in late March or early April and high country areas continue to have deep snow through the spring. Keep this in mind if you’re a hiker, since spring is not ideal for mountains hikes in BC.

7 Day British Columbia Itinerary without a car

This 7 day itinerary is designed for those who don’t want to deal with getting a rental car or driving on their British Columbia Itinerary. This whole trip can be done without a car! If you do have a car, this still makes for a wonderful trip (except for parking in Vancouver and the expense of taking the ferry, which you could skip if you’re driving and stick with the mainland). This chart is a summary, the details are below. If you do drive this route, give yourself plenty of time for all the stops along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.

Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place for this short, car free visit to Vancouver.

Related : Best things to do in Vancouver

Day 2 – Exploring Vancouver

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vancouver! I recommend starting the day in Chinatown for Dim Sum, which is a meal eaten around brunch time and involves lots of small plates to enjoy and share.

After that, take the bus to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (4 hours)

Today you’re heading to Victoria on Vancouver Island and British Columbia makes it really easy to do this car free! The ferry terminal is a ways outside of town (on both sides) but you can take a bus that takes you from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria without having to navigate lots of different busses on both sides (which is also an option, though it takes longer and is more complicated).

Head over here for all the scheduling and booking details for the bus and ferry trip to Victoria. The trip takes about 4 hours (including the very scenic ferry ride).

Depending on what time you arrive in Victoria, you will likely have time to wander around town and check out the inner harbor. For a longer walk with expansive views head out Dallas Road along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

I recommend staying in Victoria’s inner harbor, which puts you in the middle of everything and is very walkable. It’s also easy access to transit.

Related : Best things to do in Victoria

Day 4 – Exploring Victoria

Today is your day to explore the delightful and charming town of Victoria, which is also the capital of British Columbia.

In the morning, walk around town and down the shopping area of Government Street and take in one of Victoria’s excellent museums. I recommend the Maritime Museum or the Royal BC Museum.

In the afternoon, you need to have afternoon tea! This is an institution for generations in Victoria. I recommend skipping the very tourist oriented (and overpriced) tea at the Empress Hotel and instead have tea at Butchart Gardens. In my opinion, this is the best afternoon tea in Victoria . This also gives you the chance to explore world famous Butchart Gardens, which is really beautiful all year.

To get out to Butchart Gardens, you can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes. There are also tour buses you can take to get there which are a bit more expensive but get you there a little faster.

In the evening, make sure to stroll by the British Columbia parliament buildings, which have really beautiful white lights at night all year round.

Day 5 – Travel to Whistler

Today you’re heading from the harbors of Victoria to the towering mountains of Whistler . First, you’ll take the ferry/bus combo back to downtown Vancouver and then take the bus to Whistler. Learn all about the bus service to Whistler here . You will need to take the bus or Sky train a short distance from Pacific Central Station to Burrard to catch your Whistler bus. Plan on the journey taking most of the day.

Not only are you seeing the amazing islands and mountains of the Salish Sea from the ferry on your return trip, you’ll also be traveling up one of Canada’s most beautiful roads on the way to Whistler.

I recommend staying in Whistler Village which is very walkable and you can also take the shuttle around the Whistler area.

Day 6 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the stunning mountain town of Whistler! Make sure to enjoy some of Whistler’s incredible restaurants, no matter what time of year it is.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. If you’re a hiker, don’t miss out on the amazing hiking options here .

Whistler is also a wonderful place to take a hike or a walk, there are lots of places to explore close by. Alta Lake has kayak rentals if you want to explore the water in summer and you can snowshoe around it in winter.

If it’s winter, Whistler is a great place to ski! If you’re not a skier, you can enjoy the snowy wonderland on snowshoes too.

Day 7 – Return to Vancouver

Today you’ll take the bus back to Vancouver, which takes about two hours. Depending on the schedule the day you’re traveling, you might have more time to explore Whistler before you depart or Vancouver when you arrive.

Spend the rest of the day doing anything else you missed at the beginning of your trip in Vancouver before heading home.

Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary – 2 weeks

If you’re looking for an epic two week road trip adventure in British Columbia, here it is! You’ll want to park and take public transportation in Vancouver and Victoria, which are very walkable and have excellent transit. If you want to stay away from towns altogether, you can spend more time on the open road (driving around Vancouver Island instead of exploring Victoria for example). The chart provides a summary, with details below

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place and leaving your car parked. It’s easy to get around Vancouver without driving! If you choose to drive, know that parking in many locations can be a challenge.

After that, take the bus (or drive) to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus (or drive) to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown. Parking can be a challenge on weekends at Granville Island. Leave the car at your lodging if possible.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (3 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll get up and drive to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. While not technically required, I highly recommend getting a reservation for the ferry in advance if you’re bringing a car ( schedules and booking here ). It could take up to an hour to get there depending on traffic. Make sure to arrive 30-60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to sail.

The ferry ride is just over an hour and a half, with beautiful views of the mountains and islands of the Salish Sea around you.

Once you arrive at the Schwartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island, it’s about a 45 minute drive to Victoria.

I recommend staying in the inner harbor so you can walk to most things in town.

To get out to Butchart Gardens it’s about a half hour drive from the Inner Harbor. You can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes if you don’t want to deal with parking.

Day 5 – Victoria to Tofino (5 hours)

This morning you’ll get up and do some scenic driving on Vancouver Island to the town of Tofino , which faces the open Pacific Ocean. It’s a slow drive but absolutely beautiful and fully worth it to see the stunning surf of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks or exploring the beaches at low tide.

There are plenty of forest walks, waterfalls and beaches to stop at along the way to stretch your legs. Once you pass the town of Parksville, you’ll begin driving across Vancouver Island, going over a pass in the middle. You’ll pass the town of Port Alberni at the head of a long fjord.

When you are almost to Tofino, you’ll be near the town of Ucluelet which is another option for a place to stay on the west coast of Vancouver Island a slightly shorter drive.

Related : Best things to do in Ucluelet and Tofino

Day 6 – Tofino to Whistler (7 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll enjoy breakfast in Tofino (or Ucluelet) and perhaps fit in another beach stroll before starting your journey to Whistler. First off, you’ll retrace your journey back as far as Nanaimo (about 3 hours).

In Nanaimo, you’ll board a different BC ferry that will take you to the Horseshoe Bay terminal on the north side of Vancouver. Once again, you’ll want to have a reservation and arrive 30-60 minutes early. If you have enough time to explore the city of Nanaimo, make sure to get a Nanaimo bar!

It’s another scenic ferry ride across to the mainland that lasts about an hour and forty minutes.

When you arrive in Horseshoe Bay, you’ll be driving the almost unbearably beautiful Sea to Sky Highway for 100 km (60 miles to Whistler). While the drive is only an hour and a half, there are so many wonderful places to stop along this highway it is likely to take you much longer! At a minimum make sure to stop at Porteau Cove and Shannon Falls.

Related : 17 fun stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive

Day 7 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the beautiful town of Whistler! Whistler is world famous for it’s skiing (the Olympics were here after all), but there’s so much more to Whistler than just ski slopes.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. You’ll see mountains as far as you can see in every direction!

Make sure to take in some of Whistler’s excellent food as well.

Day 8 – Whistler to Kamloops (4 hours)

Today you’ll start your drive to Kamloops, which is a delightful town in BC’s sunny interior of wineries and agriculture! Kamloops is a perfect halfway point to break up the drive to the Canadian Rockies.

Make sure to give yourself time to explore the town of Kamloops as well as stop and taste some delicious BC wine.

Day 9 – Kamloops to Radium Hot Springs (5.5 hours)

Today you are heading to the Canadian Rockies! This post is about a British Columbia itinerary, although the Canadian rockies stretch across British Columbia and Alberta. Many people go straight to Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper. These are beautiful and extremely crowded locations. If you want a little more room, less people and a more relaxed experience, stick with Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park, which adjon Banff National Park and are every bit as stunning!

Related : Why you should visit Kootenay National Park

I recommend Radium Hot Springs as a base camp for your explorations in the Canadian Rockies, because it’s more affordable and less crowded than Banff and Lake Louise. There are a number of hotels in the town of Radium Hot Springs as well as vacation rentals and one of my favorite campgrounds ever, the Redstreak Campground. Redstreak Campground is operated by Parks Canada and is in Kootenay National Park. You can also walk from your campsite to Radium Hot Springs for your soak.

On the way from Kamloops to Radium, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. Make sure to stop at the Giant Cedars Trail in Mt Revelstoke National Park and Roger’s Pass.

When you arrive in Radium, make sure to go to Radium Hot Springs, which is my favorite of the Parks Canada operated hot springs. It is MUCH less crowded than the hot springs in Banff. Actually, I recommend doing this EVERY night while you’re in the Canadian Rockies

Day 10 – Exploring the Canadian Rockies

I suggest spending today exploring Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park. In Kootenay, make sure to stop at Marble Canyon, which is a relatively short walk and absolutely stunning. The drive through the park is breathtaking, even in moody weather. There are plenty of hiking opportunties here as well.

In Yoho, don’t miss gorgeous and internet famous Emerald Lake, with it’s towering mountains, perfect blue-green water and charming photogenic lodge. You can walk around the lake or rent a canoe here if you want to spend some time.

Takakkaw Falls is another fantastic stop in Yoho, if you’re up for the adventurous drive to get there!

Don’t forget to go back to the hot springs tonight!

Day 11 – More exploring the Canadian Rockies

If you’re up for braving the crowds, this is a good day to head to Banff and Lake Louise. I recommend going straight to the shuttle area on the highway for parking and get there as early as possible to see Lake Louise. Get there as early as possible as even the shuttle sometimes includes a long wait. Don’t even think about trying to drive into the Lake if you’re not staying there.

Lake Louise has plenty of hiking trails and canoe rentals to spend your day in and you can also go further up the road (again on the shuttle) to Morraine Lake, which is possibly even more beautiful!

If you’re not tired of crowds, head over to Banff and explore this charming mountain town. There are plenty of shops and restaurants as well as walks and hikes to keep you busy in Banff.

Day 12 – Radium Hot Springs to Nelson (5.5 hours)

Today you’re leaving the Canadian Rockies behind you to make your way back to Vancouver. You’re going to spend three days getting there so you can have some fun and not just be in the car all day. It is possible to drive straight from Radium to Vancouver in one day, which takes about 10 hours (without stops) and backtracks the same roads you’ve already driven.

On this British Columbia itinerary, we’re seeing new things on different roads on the way back!

On your drive from Radium to Nelson, I recommend going the slightly slower way that includes taking a short and scenic ferry across Kootenay Lake and a soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs (which has a super cool human made cave).

Nelson is only a short distance beyond Ainsworth. If you get there early enough to explore this quirky mountain town, you’ll enjoy it’s many shops and restaurants along the river.

Day 13 – Nelson to Osoyoos (3 hours)

Today you could drive all the way back to Vancouver, but I recommend taking your time to explore the agricultural heartland of British Columbia and taste more incredible wine. You’ll be going through mountains and forests to get there, but Osoyoos itself is very dry.

Spend some time enjoying Osoyoos Lake and wine tasting when you arrive.

Day 14 – Osoyoos to Vancouver (5 hours)

Today you’ll complete your British Columbia road trip by returning to Vancouver! Along the way you’ll head up and over the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea once again.

EC Manning Provincial Park is a wonderful place for hiking or picnicking. The mountains here are incredible and you’ll continue to see amazing views as you drive from Hope to Chilliwack over a high mountain pass.

Once you get to Chilliwack, you’ll be in the outskirts of Vancouver. If you are flying out, it makes sense to stay near the airport tonight so you’re ready to fly home.

Related : Complete guide to Winter in Manning Park, BC

If you have more time for your British Columbia Itinerary

If you have more time for your trip in British Columbia (lucky you!) here are a few ideas for how to spend it:

• Explore more of Vancouver Island , including the remote north end of the island
• Relax on the quiet and stunningly beautiful Sunshine Coast
• Go further up north along the Cariboo Chilcotin Highway
• Spend more time in BC wine country
• Visit even more hot springs !
• Spend more time in the Canadian Rockies
• Spend more time in Vancouver

Related : Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary

What to pack for your trip to British Columbia

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

The weather throughout British Columbia varies quite a bit, with the Vancouver and Victoria area being rainier with more mild temperatures year round. The BC interior is hotter in summer, colder in winter and sunnier and drier year round.

For both of these itineraries, I recommend being ready for rain or sun any day all year! The main difference for winter is to bring more warm layers on colder days. The most important thing is to have an excellent rain jacket and waterproof footwear any time of year in British Columbia.

If you’re doing your British Columbia itinerary in the winter, you might want to consider bringing snow boots as well as a puffy coat if you are leaving the Vancouver and Vancouver Island area.

For summer travelers, it can be rainy and chilly in the summer, but it can also get quite hot. Make sure to bring some light layers for hot days (or warm indoor spaces).

Some specific things I recommend packing for your trip to British Columbia include:

It’s probably not a surprise that the most important thing to consider in what to pack for British Columbia is an  excellent rainjacket . Make sure it’s actually waterproof and not a light windbreaker (although if you’re visiting late July through early September that would likely be adequate if you’re staying in Vancouver).

• Make sure it’s  waterproof  (I like Gore Tex material but it’s not the only option)
• Make sure it’s  big enough to fit over other layers  (especially in winter when you’ll need a warm layer underneath it). I always have a rainjacket one size bigger than other tops I own.
• Make sure it’s  long enough  – this is a matter of personal preference but I prefer one that is long enough to not ride up all the time, especially with layers on
• Get a  lightweight  one – Because rain happens at a wide variety of temperatures in British Columbia, I recommend getting a rain jacket without an insulating layer and getting a separate layer of warmth (like a fleece or puffy) . This will allow you to wear them separately. A light raincoat is also easy to bring in your bag for that sudden rainstorm

If you’re looking for a specific rainjacket to pack for British Columbia, I highly recommend both this  Marmot one from Amazon  and  this REI Co- op one  (also available in plus sizes!). Both of these are excellent rain jackets that are durable and reasonably priced.

Waterproof boots or shoes

This is particularly important in fall through spring. If you’re visiting late July through early September and staying in cities without doing any hiking, then you might be fine without waterproof footwear.

Lots of people wear rubber boots even on city streets when it’s raining, in particular the super popular Hunter rubber boots, which come in a variety of colors. I personally prefer Xtra Tuf Boots ( especially these beautifully patterned Salmon Sisters ones ) because they are also super comfortable for muddy hikes!

If you’re more interested in hiking boots or hiking shoes, that’s another great option for the footwear you pack for British Columbia and it’s totally ok to wear hiking shoes and boots in the city too. I personally recommend Merrells which I wear for hiking. I prefer  hiking shoes  to boots, but if you prefer the extra ankle support of  hiking boots then I recommend these .

In addition to shoes,  wool socks  will help keep your feet warm and if they get wet it’s not totally miserable! Bring lots of extra socks!

Other Essentials

A few other things I consider necessary (in addition to toiletries and person items) include

• Waterbottle – like much of the Pacific Northwest, people carry waterbottles and you can fill them up all over the place
• Umbrella – this can be really handy for summer days or surprise rain showers
• Resuable shopping bag – you can get this when you arrive if you don’t have one or don’t want to travel with it. Effective January 1, 2022 there is a plastic bag ban so you’ll want to have something to carry purchases with
• Layers – you’ll want to be comfortable in a variety of temperatures, so bring clothes you can wear separately or together on warm or cool days.

Privacy Policy

7 scenic drives through BC

Things to do

British Columbia is big and beautiful. Every corner of the province has some outstanding piece of nature, gorgeous panoramic view, or unique cultural experience that makes it worth visiting. But why stop at one?

There are a multitude External Link Title of British Columbia road trips that will bring you from one amazing stop to another. Whether you want to hit the road for a few weeks with friends, or need to cram in as much scenery as possible into a few days, here are seven road trip routes that show off the best of BC.

1.  The Sea-to-Sky Highway

That old saying that it isn't about the destination but the journey, starts to make sense as you drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway External Link Title . This stretch of winding road between Vancouver and Whistler really earns its name. With the blue waters on one side, soaring cliffs on the other, and nothing but open skies ahead of you, you really feel like you've left civilisation in your rear view mirror. The Sea-to-Sky passes by waterfalls, rivers, canyons, and mountains, as well as several towns, so keep an eye out for those "Tourist Attraction" signs. Finally, if you want to learn the First Nations history of the area while you're at it, there are also seven interpretive kiosks External Link Title , designed in the shape of cedar-bark hats, where you can read stories about the region's first residents.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 162 kilometres Time : < 1 day Essential stops : Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, the Stawamus Chief, Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

2. The Pacific Marine Circle Route

Have an appetite for a Vancouver Island road trip? A good choice for time-pressed foodies, the Pacific Marine Circle Route External Link Title packs in surf-tossed beaches, old-growth forest, BC's second-largest wine region, some of Canada's best restaurants, and all the delights of the province's capital, all within just a few hours of driving. Starting in Victoria, on Vancouver Island's southern tip, the route heads west, past the culinary hot spot of Sooke, to the big surf beaches of the southwest coast and the rolling vineyard-draped hills of the Cowichan Valley wine country. The panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait alone are worth the drive.

Starting point : Victoria Length : 255 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential stops : Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, BC Forest Discovery Centre, Totem Tour.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

3. Vancouver to Tofino

Rent an old Volkswagen bus, fill the roof with surfboards, and head out on a quintessential  BC road trip from Vancouver to Tofino External Link Title . This scenic drive brings you from the big city to the big waves. You'll leave Vancouver, hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island, and drive right through massive old growth forests on the way to the surf capital of Canada. Along the way you'll want to stop a half dozen times for incredible hikes, the sandy beaches that stretch on forever, and consistently breathtaking scenery.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 300 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential Stops : MacMillan Provincial Park, Ucluelet Aquarium, the Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

4. The Coastal Circle Route

You can look forward to seascapes, beaches, and driftwood all the way along the Coastal Circle Route External Link Title , which takes you up Vancouver Island's eastern shore and back down the famous Sunshine Coast. This trek includes at least four ferry rides -- more if you opt to explore some of the smaller islands on the way -- and can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Visit BC's artists and artisans in the studios where they live, work, and showcase their art. Galleries, funky little artsy towns, stunning gardens, intriguing First Nations sites, wineries, organic farms, and two major cities are all highlights of this seaside odyssey.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 560 kilometres Time : 3 to 7 days Essential Stops : Butchart Gardens, Comox Air Force Museum, Historic Lund Hotel, Sechelt.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

5. The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route

The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route External Link Title is really all about indulgence. The drive follows a visit to wine country with a tour of hot springs resorts. Starting in Golden, an outdoor adventure center in the Kootenay Rockies, this drive to BC's southeast takes visitors along the lakes and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, through Canada's only true desert, and past the peaks and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. Championship golf courses, lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking, historic towns, mountains resorts and, of course, hot springs and wineries, will make it tough to get back in the car.

Starting point : Golden Length : 1260 kilometres Time : 7 to 10 days Essential Stops : Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Yoho National Park, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Columbia Gardens Vineyard & Winery.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

6. The Hot Springs Circle Route

Seven days, seven hot springs. The Hot Springs Route External Link Title through BC's Kootenay Rockies region visits a string of natural pools, from lavish resorts to secret dips in the woods. Cruise through some of the world's most stunning lake and mountain scenery, with plenty of railway history, mountain resorts, wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure thrown in.

Starting point : Cranbrook Length : 851 kilometres Time : 7 days Essential Stops : Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

7. The Great Northern Circle Route

We saved the longest British Columbia road trip for last. The legendary Alaska Highway is the stuff of many bucket lists. It's also just the beginning of this odyssey through Northern BC and into the Yukon. The Great Northern Circle Route External Link Title is home to stone sheep, moose, grizzly and black bear, a natural hot springs pool, ancient totem poles, legendary fishing, glaciers, the Northern Lights, First Nations culture, and Fur Trade history. The route starts and finishes in Prince George, which has road and air access to the rest of the province.

Starting point : Prince George Length : 3,190 kilometres Time : 10+ days Essential Stops : Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Boya Lake Provincial Park, Bear Glacier, Salmon Glacier, Fort St. James National Historic Site.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Ready for your drive through BC? For maps, directions and more routes to check out, visit the Hello BC website.

No products in the basket.

A guide to planning a British Columbia road trip, Canada

Updated On 23rd February, 2024

If you’re planning a  British Columbia  road trip, this is the post for you.  Canada , along with  Australia , is without a doubt one of  my favourite places on earth.

There are so many epic reasons to visit British Columbia and in this blog post I am going to share the best things to do in BC, the adventures that stood out to me the most and the things I can’t wait to come back and explore next time (recommendations that we didn’t have time to fit in).

Canada for me is of those places that feel like home. I first went to  Edmonton  and  Jasper , followed by some time in  Banff in summer , and have recently been to  Vancouver Island  and  Vancouver city !

British Columbia  is Canada’s most western province and one that I recently got to dive a little deeper into when I headed out on a Hot Springs road trip through the Kootenay Rockies.   See the 7 day road trip itinerary here.

Other travel guides and posts on my blog that you may enjoy:

• The best things to do in Canada: The ultimate bucket list
• A guide to planning an epic British Columbia road trip, Canada

How to budget for a road trip through the Canadian Rockies

• A 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary
• The best things to do and see on Vancouver Island
• Exploring Vancouver during summer: A complete guide

See my ’12 photos that will make you want to visit the Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia’  here .

EXPLORE CANADA ON MY BLOG HERE

 www.explore-canada.co.uk #ExploreCanada

*This blog post has been bought to life and is sponsored by Destination Canada who hosted us for the trip. We were sent out on an itinerary put together and supported by Destination British Columbia to document and share this region with you. All photos and opinions are completely my own.

A guide to planning an epic British Columbia road trip…

Booking your flights….

In terms of airports, there are quite a few to choose from. However if you’re flying in internationally, you’ll want to go with Vancouver or Calgary (actually located in Alberta but a quick drive across).

It’s worth having a look on  Skyscanner  to see the price difference as it may be an idea to work your itinerary around the cheaper location if it’s significantly different in price. Otherwise work out your adventure route through British Columbia and  take a look at flights  after.

Check out flights on  Skyscanner here.

Here are my  top tips for surviving long haul flights!

Getting a visa…

Ahead of your trip, you’ll need to get yourself an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The Canadian Government website will take you through all the information, eligibility and application process – it’s super quick.

I got mine 3 days before I travelled from the UK and it came through to my email straight away. It cost $7 CAD.

Visit the website and get your ETA here.

Deciding what kind of trip you’d like…

British Columbia has  a lot  to offer and can cater for all walks of life. When I was in the Kootenay region I noticed an abundance of golf courses. Honestly, they were everywhere! I’d never have thought of Canada as a hot golfing location. If you like golf, you could fill an entire 2 weeks with courses that have a 360 pano of the mountains!

Things to look at and consider when planning your British Columbia road trip:

• The Powder Highway  (an epic ski road trip)
• A mountain, rainforest and inside passage  motorbike road trip .
• Sea-to-Sky highway
• The lakes and trails circle route
• The  ranchlands and rivers circle route.
• Check out all of the golf courses in British Columbia  here .

How long have you got to play with for your British Columbia adventure?

British Columbia spans an area of 944,735 km² lol, so whatever time you’re planning (even if you plan to move) is not going to be nearly enough to see  everything . British Columbia is also way too beautiful to rush through (you’ll be the only one pacing) so narrow down the kind of adventure you’re after and allow yourself time to take in the culture and energy. That’s half of the beauty. The way of life over in Canada.

I would suggest minimum of a week if you’re open to a suggestion. Two weeks would make for a dreamy road trip with enough time to stop and stay somewhere a little longer when your heart is captured (inevitable).

1-week British Columbia itineraries:

• Fly into Calgary, drive the  Hot Springs Route,  fly out of Calgary.
• Fly into  Vancouver , explore, take the ferry to  Vancouver Island , explore, fly out of Vancouver.
• 1 week Vancouver Coast and Mountains Road Trip up the Sea-to-Sky Highway via Squamish and Whistler to Pemberton
• 1 week head north on  Vancouver Island  from Victoria to Campbell River or Port Hardy for access to untouched wilderness and Indigenous culture

2-week British Columbia itineraries:

• Fly into Calgary, drive the  Hot Springs Route,  drive on to  Vancouver,  explore, fly out of Vancouver.
• Fly into  Vancouver , explore, drive to Whistler, ski, drive to Revelstoke and do  the Powder Highway route,  fly out of Calgary
• 2-week Vancouver and the Thompson Okanagan itinerary. Take Route 97 through BC’s famous wine and lake country and check out the Province buzzing farm-to-fork dining scene
• Fly into Calgary and enjoy all the snow adventure on  the Powder Highway route

15 best things to do in British Columbia:

1. you are in bear territory and seeing them in the flesh is one of the most magical experiences in the entire world..

The  first time I went to Canada  was in October and didn’t see any bears. Second time I went in July  (Alberta)  and saw one road side. Third time in British Columbia at the beginning of June we saw eight. I have a feeling our sightings were a combination of the timing, as they come out of hibernation to hunt, and the fact we were in the Kootenay’s driving the roads less travelled.

2. Carve your way through alpine bowls, rainforests and glaciers in one of these ski resorts.

Wild just got wilder. You’re not ready for this.  View the ski resorts on offer in British Columbia here.

Bear lovers should check out  this Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary , through Yoho, Banff and Jasper National Parks, where I got to visit a grizzly bear sanctuary.

3. There’s some serious Geothermal activity going on. Hello all the Hot Springs.

Spend a week going from one natural mineral pool to the next and leave feeling completely rejuvenated.  See my 7 day hot springs road trip itinerary here.

4.  You are in outdoor adventure heaven. British Columbia is all about getting outdoors and into nature.

Here’s just a few activities you can engage in:

• Kokanee Mountain Ziplines:  See website here.
• White n Wild Snow Mobiling Tours in Golden:  See website here.
• Off The Grid Wake Sports in Kelowna:  See website here.

Check out my  beginner’s guide to hiking here.

Here are 18 top tips for your first hike!

5. You won’t fall short of a brewery with a mountain view. I can assure you of that.

We went to a beautiful local one in Golden called Whitetooth Brewing Co. The sun was shining, the mountains were alive and we had 5 samples of the local brews on the outside bench seating. One of those moment where you’re like ‘this is life’.

6. The drives are next level. Think mountains, glaciers, bears, forests, national parks and lakes from the seat of your car.

You just cannot get better than this. You have to almost kick yourself back into a touch after a couple of days because the insane views become so ‘ normal’.  One thing the views in Canada are not, is normal.

7. Local produce is the finest kind. British Columbia heavily supports local production.

It was so lovely to see the same brands popping up throughout our British Columbia road trip as we ventured through the towns. Instead of the ‘big brands’ taking over every cafe, store and bar, we saw locally produced goods popping up everywhere. There are many towns that actually have laws to stop big chain stores operating in them.

Make sure you check out Stoke Cold Pressed Juice, Wild Mountain Chocolate and Kicking Horse Coffee whilst you’re in the region!

8. You can go whale watching.

YES YOU CAN! See my  guide to Vancouver Island here.

9. Vancouver is the perfect gateway for an epic Pacific North West road trip.

I’m basically hinting that you go on a 6 month sabbatical. Think big. If you’ve got the time there’s an abundance to explore up and down the  Vancouver  coastline! Why not plan a huge adventure!

Here’s my guide to Vancouver Island.

Here’s how to have the best time in Vancouver

10. The people are ridiculously friendly and seemingly always up for a good time or a conversation.

There must be something in the water or in the air. In fact, I think it’s because there’s nothing in the latter. Conversation and adventure at its purest.

11. You get beautiful sunny summers and seriously snowy winters. Mountain life in abundance.

Canada is a mountain lover’s dream!

Here’s my complete guide to Banff in summer.

12. Poutine and maple syrup.

The ‘Canadian’ must tries. It’s not a trip without them.

13. Wine regions in Okanagan Valley.

The Okanagan valley is somewhere I’m dying to get to. It’s known as the Tuscany of Canada and is where wineries meet lakes – one of the top wine regions in Canada.

14. Squamish, ‘the adventure capital’.

Another I’m yet to visit. Accessible as a day trip from  Vancouver  or great for a holiday in itself. Here you can bask amongst a wealth of activity including and not restricted to: rock climbing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, cross country skiing, bouldering.

15. The spirit bear is here!

The  Great Bear Rainforest  is the only place in the world where you can see the Kermode (spirit) bear. There are apparently only 400 of them left in the wild. The Great Bear Rainforest itself is the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, and has been called the Amazon of the North.

Visit the official British Columbia website  here  or search @hellobc #ExploreBC #ExploreCanada on Instagram to see more.

Have you been on British Columbia road trip?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

A guide to visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica

Exploring Australia with WMGT adventures

A 1-week itinerary for Sri Lanka

My Travelopo Villa in Mal Pas, Mallorca

A 10-day Roadtrip Itinerary for Kruger National Park

Koh Samui – Part 2. Island tour :)

A travel guide for Riga, Latvia

My MacBook Issues, Sibit & Why you shouldn’t always listen to Apple…

Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver – Kelowna – Revelstoke

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

We’ve taken our fair share of BC road trips from driving the famous Sea to Sky Highway to exploring the glorious Sunshine Coast . Our latest journey took us east to the interior of British Columbia from Vancouver through Kelowna and Revelstoke and what a beautiful drive it was.

If you live in Canada ( or getting ready to cross the border ) and are looking to explore your own backyard, a road trip to the BC interior is a must. Why? Well, read on to find out.

Table of Contents

Best BC Road Trip

We landed at Vancouver International Airport on a sunny day where we picked up our rental car. When driving through British Columbia, we usually recommend renting an SUV, but with sunny weather, we didn’t have to worry about snow so we drove in a humble sedan.

It may not have been the greatest for back roads, but it was good on gas which is a must with the high cost of fuel in Western Canada. You may also like: Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway

The BC Road Trip Begins

Planning a trip to British Columbia? Check out this list of the Best Places to Visit in BC

No BC road trip would be complete without spending time in Vancouver. We made our way to Davie Street to stay at the Sandman Suites. With a room on the top floor, we had one of the best views in the entire city. Davie Street is our old haunts from when we lived in Vancouver . Our old apartment was located at Beach and Denman and when standing on our balcony at the Sandman, we were thrilled to see the building still overlooking English Bay. Read more: Where to Stay in Vancouver – Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals By Area

With a central location, it was easy to walk around the city exploring all of its top attractions from Stanley Park to False Creek. We took a stroll along the waterfront revisiting all our favourite places in Vancouver for a day before our road trip began. Check out The Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street for rates and availability.

After checking out to move on to the BC interior, we hit the road with a half-day stop at Grouse Mountain. It had been years since we’ve been up the Grouse Mountain Gondola. With limited time, we didn’t tackle the Grouse Grind but instead joined a zipline adventure with Mountain Ziplines. This 5 dual-line circuit takes you over old-growth forests, lakes, and valleys and is an adrenaline-pumping good time! Visit Grouse Mountain Zipline to book your own adventure.

When you are up at Grouse Mountain, make sure to stop to see the resident grizzly bears, Coola and Grinder who were rescued as cubs in 2001. They were found near death and starving on the side of a road (in separate incidents) in the interior BC. After being nursed back to health, Grouse Mountain decided to donate a portion of land to the bears to live out their days in a sanctuary. It is truly an uplifting experience to see them enjoying a swim in the pond. Visit the Grouse Mountain Peak of Vancouver Website for details.

Vancouver to Kelowna

We finished up early afternoon and had a big drive ahead as we made our way to Kelowna, British Columbia. The four-hour drive is a scenic drive through rolling mountains and valleys. The weather turned a bit during our drive, so we bee-lined it to our hotel in Kelowna. Read more: Best Things to do in Kelowna British Columbia

The Sandman Hotel & Suites is located a bit out of downtown but has all the amenities you could want with an indoor swimming pool, gym, and two restaurants connected to the hotel. There is a shopping mall and Moxies within walking distance as well. With free parking, it was a great base for exploring the top attractions in Kelowna. Visit their website for rates and availability.

Kelowna is in the heart of wine country and one of the top things to do is to hop on the wine trail and explore the many vineyards. This is a superb place to stock up on wine for evening nightcaps at the hotels. 

We also spent an afternoon downtown strolling along its picturesque waterfront and enjoyed finding little gems like the Chinese Garden which is a quiet oasis in the centre of downtown.

Myra Canyon Trestles

The top attraction in Kelowna though is the Trestles cycling trail. Located about 40 minutes drive from Kelowna, the 24 km trail takes you along the old Kettle Valley Railway. This is an incredibly scenic trail that can be cycled or hiked. We hiked a portion of it and it was worth the drive. With 18 historic trestle bridges and two massive tunnels blasted through the rock, it is really an amazing sight to see. Worth noting is that the drive up to the trailhead is along a gravel road so take care with that car rental.

Kelowna to Revelstoke

After two nights in Kelowna, it was time to move on to the star attraction of our BC road trip, Revelstoke. A popular winter ski destination, Revelstoke has a ton of things to do in the summertime too! We stayed right at the resort at The Sutton Place which is located slopeside. Overlooking the gondola, we set out for three days of adventure. Read more about The Best Things to do in Revelstoke, BC – Besides Skiing

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

The Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a one-stop destination and you barely need to leave the resort. There is the Rockford Bar and Grill and La Baguette on sight for dining and there are plenty of shops including a liquor store. Plus, with all rooms having full kitchens, you can pack all you need to maximize times on North America’s longest vertical ascent. See their website for rates and availability.

Mountain Biking

Revelstoke has some awesome downhill mountain biking and you can rent mountain bikes and e-bikes on-site. Right now there are only intermediate and black diamond trails for mountain biking, but by next year they will have the green run open for beginners. Downhill mountain biking is a hoot and with very few uphill climbs, we were left to enjoy the feeling of letting gravity do its work. After learning how to ride the berms we settled into one great ride.

Play All Day Pass

One of the best things you can do at Revelstoke Resort is to purchase the play-all-day pass. This includes two rides on the Pipe Mountain Coaster, access to the Aerial Adventure Park, Axe Throwing, Disc Golf and hiking at the top of the gondola. We had a great time running from one adventure to another. Play All Day Passes start at $69. Check their website for more details.

Apres Adventures

The outdoor spa at The Sutton Place and its year-round heated swimming pool was the perfect ending to a day of adventure and we soaked in the tub soothing our tired muscles.

ATV Tour Revelstoke

I know we said that you never have to leave the resort in Revelstoke, but that’s not to say we recommend staying put the entire time! One of the best adventures we’ve ever had in British Columbia was the ATV adventure with Great Canadian tours. Since we were on a road trip, we had the freedom to drive to their office at the foot of Frisby Ridge at Glacier House Resort.

This ATV Tour was hours of pure adrenaline as we drove up technical trails to high mountain views. This tour seriously offers the best views in all of Revelstoke. What makes it more special is that barely anyone else gets to see these vistas. Since the roads are rugged, the only way to get to the top is by ATV and our guide Josh told us that nobody else really gets out here except for those taking their tour.

It’s a tour that is not for the faint of heart as you go up and down steep inclines and cling to mountain ridges, but it is worth every heart-pounding moment and by the time it ends, you’ll be wanting more. See their website for more adventures.

Before leaving Revelstoke, make sure to check out downtown. We enjoyed a delicious noodle bowl at Craft Beirhause and loved perusing its historic buildings. We then made our way to Mt. Begbie Brewing Co . to pick up some beer for the latter half of our road trip nightcaps at the hotel and were ready to move on to the final leg of our British Columbia Road Trip.

Revelstoke to Kamloops

Slowly making our way back to Kamloops, we had more time to stop at roadside attractions from Revelstoke.

Ghost Town 3 Valley Gap

The first being the old Ghost Town at the 3 Valley Gap. Even if you don’t go inside, this is a lovely stop to take in the views. Stroll through the 25 historic buildings dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s and make sure to stop at the lookouts to view the scene of 3 Valley Lake.

The Last Spike

Another must-stop on this drive is the Last Spike historic site. This was the location of the final spike in the CP rail line in 1885. Located at  Craigellachie near Eagle Pass, this was the ceremonial spike signifying the completion of this trans Canada railway that spanned from coast to coast.

The night was spent in Kamloops British Columbia. Checking into The Sandman Signature Suites located across from the beautiful Kamloops waterfront, we were within walking distance to downtown and the waterfront park. Our room overlooked the river and we had a full kitchen and living room to relax after a long road trip.

There is also a lovely indoor pool and outdoor terrace to bask in the sun. The Sandman Signature Kamloops has a Moxies and Shark Club restaurant onsite and they offer a boxed breakfast to take with you on your road trip. Rates, availability and more information here

We had stopped here in Kamloops once before on our Rocky Mountaineer train journey to take in its beautiful scenery. It is a good town to break up a BC road trip to the interior. One place to note is to get off the highway when approaching Kamloops and take the side road to view the nearby hoodoos. Not quite the hoodoos of Alberta , but it is a scenic drive.

Hope Tunnels

We checked out early from Kamloops because we really wanted to hit the Othello Tunnels in Hope, British Columbia. We never really made it to Hope when we lived in Vancouver, but always wanted to see it as First Blood, the first installment of Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo series, was shot here.

The Othello Tunnels reminded me of the Trestles of Kelowna. It is a series of tunnels and trestle bridges cutting through the mountains following a deep gorge. This was a feat of engineering as the 5 tunnels were blasted and built in 1914. It is just a 3.5 km round trip, but completely worth stopping to see.

And that completes our British Columbia road trip. If you want more time in Vancouver, now is the time to make your way back downtown. If you are ready to fly home, stay at the Sandman Signature Suites airport location where you can enjoy a fantastic steak dinner at Chop Steakhouse. This cool eatery has a chic urban vibe and it’s located on-site with an urban outdoor patio. We had our last meal in BC here and the service was excellent. See the location and menu here

So these are four amazing stops on a road trip to the interior of British Columbia. From the coast of Vancouver to the mountains of Revelstoke, there is so much to do in BC that an 8-day road trip barely scratches the surface, but it sure is a great time! Have you gone on a BC road trip? Where to next?

RSVP Rewards

As you know we love rewards programs and wanted to share some RSVP Rewards information with you. Two of Northland Properties’ most well-known brands, Sandman Hotel Group and The Sutton Place Hotels have joined forces to create a new loyalty program called RSVP Rewards. The program is free to join and members instantly unlock exclusive perks at over 60 Sandman and Sutton Place Hotels across Canada, The U.S., England and Scotland.

From complimentary upgrades and free breakfast to racking up points to pay for your whole trip, there are so many reasons to become an RSVP Rewards member. Not to mention that members save an extra 5% off select rates! Join today to get an instant 1,000 points added to your account – that’s the equivalent of $10 towards a future stay!

Northland Properties is a Canadian-owned and operated company with 57 properties across the country including Sandman Hotels and Sutton Place Hotels plus Grouse Mountain, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and restaurants like Moxies, Denny’s, and Shark Clubs. Nice!

Don’t forget to enter for our chance to win a two-night stay at any Sandman Hotel of your choice. Just head over to our Instagram post , and follow us @theplanetd and @sandmanhotels . Then tag someone you would like to bring with you! If you tag more than one person, you’ll get an extra bonus entry!(up to 3 extra tags for 3 extra chances). With the borders opening up, it’s a great time to visit Canada.

If you enjoyed this journey through British Columbia from Vancouver to Revelstoke, save it to Pinterest to help you plan your future Canada Travels.

Plan your next trip to BC with these Resources

• 26 Best Things to do in Vancouver, BC
• 14 Best Hikes in Vancouver to Enjoy the Great Outdoors
• Sunshine Coast BC – The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary
• 23 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
• Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway
• 14 Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
• The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide
• Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

25 Best Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick

A Boating Newbie on the Trent-Severn Waterway: Riding the River With Le Boat

Trent Severn Waterway With Le Boat – The Ultimate Guide

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

4 thoughts on “Best British Columbia Road Trip – Vancouver – Kelowna – Revelstoke”

Thanks For Sharing This Article With Us

Excellent article. I love this piece and thanks to you guys.

The information provided in this article is superb even motivational. I appreciate you sharing such a good post. Thanks

I enjoyed 4 road trips in BC this summer. Wish I’d read your article first. The 4 trips were: Vancouver to Lake Louise; Vancouver to Jasper National Park; Vancouver to Powell Rivet; and Vancouver to Oliver and Osoyoos.

Trending Destinations

Trending articles.

10 of the UK’s best stargazing escapes

10 of the best new wildlife trips for 2024

Where is Dune: Part Two filmed?

Destinations.

Sorry but no search results were found, please try again.

8 of British Columbia’s most spectacular road trips

With its glorious landscapes, pretty backcountry communities and wildlife around every corner, British Columbia is prime territory for a road trip…

With its glorious landscapes, pretty backcountry communities and wildlife around every corner, British Columbia is prime territory for a road trip. Make a beeline for the surf beaches, meander up into the mountains or experience the northern lights from behind the wheel with the province’s most spectacular drives.

1: Sea to Sky Highway

Stanley Park seawall with Downtown Vancouver (Destination British Columbia, Jordan Manley)

Without doubt one of British Columbia’s top scenic drives, the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) whisks you along the coast from Vancouver all the way up to the craggy peaks of Whistler. This stretch of road is true to its name, conquering the mountains in gentle curves with towering cliffs on one side, the ocean on the other and nothing ahead but sky. Along the way, you can pull up in Squamish to rock climb, windsurf or mountain bike along woodland trails. Make sure you don’t miss the Sea to Sky Gondola, which swoops you across Howe Sound to a trio of lofty viewing platforms.

Start and finish: Vancouver and Pemberton Distance: 163km Duration: 1 to 3 days

2: Route 97

Route 97 winding around Okanagan Lake (Shutterstock)

For a road trip of epic proportions, look no further than Route 97, North America’s longest continuous north-south highway. In Canada, it’ll carry you from the US border near Osoyoos up to Watson Lake on the boundary with the Yukon, passing through the Okanagan wine country and sprawling Kamloops. From here, the untamed wilderness of the north unfurls ahead of you as you head towards Watson Lake. It is without question one of the province’s greatest drives. Highlights of the route include plentiful roadside wildlife (like bison, elk, moose and bears), a refreshing dip in Lake Okanagan or paddleboarding on Lake Kalamalka, as well as the many roadside fruit stands piled high with seasonal fruit, including cherries, peaches and apples.

Start and finish: Osoyoos and Watson Lake, though it can be cut shorter to finish at Kamloops Distance: 1,343km Duration: 3 to 7 days

3: Vancouver to Tofino

Beautiful ancient trees in Macmillan Provincial Park (Shutterstock)

The route from Vancouver to Tofino, on Vancouver Island, will lead you from the big city to one of Canada’s best-known surfing towns. Unusually, this is a road trip that starts with a ferry crossing, as you’ll first have to sail across the strait to Nanaimo. Tofino lies to the west, but you should resist the call of the waves for as long as you can to make a few essential stops en route. The market in the community of Coombs is renowned for the small herd of goats nibbling the grass on its roof, while Macmillan Provincial Park is home to Cathedral Grove, an easily accessible pocket of truly enormous Douglas fir trees, some over 800 years old.

Start and finish: Vancouver and Tofino Distance: 303km Duration: 1 to 3 days

4: Powder Highway

A view of Rossland in the Kootenay Rockies (Destination British Columbia, Kari Medig)

If ski resorts and hot springs are your kind of thing, then the existence of British Columbia’s Powder Highway in the province’s south-eastern corner is going to come as welcome news. This legendary circuit carves out a route between the eight major ski resorts in the Kootenay Rockies, and offers a mix of options for all abilities: Panorama and Whitewater are family-friendly, for instance, while Revelstoke and Kicking Horse can thrill even the experts. At the half-way point, you can schedule a stop at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to soothe your muscles in its pleasantly warm pools.

Start and finish: Fernie Alpine Resort and Red Mountain Resort Distance: 1,300km Duration: 10 days

5: Yellowhead Highway

Motorcyclists riding through Nisg’a Highway on Route 16 (Destination British Columbia, Jong Sun Park)

Like the Trans-Canada Highway, the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) runs east to west across British Columbia, connecting the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains with Prince Rupert, the coastal gateway to the First Nations communities on Haida Gwaii and the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. The quiet route plunges deep into the wilds of northern BC, and is a favourite with motorcyclists and those eager to stray from the beaten path. When you reach Terrace, don’t miss the detour to Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, where you can visit First Nations villages and explore otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

Start and finish: Mount Robson Provincial Park and Prince Rupert Distance: 1,005km Duration: 3 to 5 days

6: Hope to Cache Creek

Hell’s Gate is the deepest, narrowest part of Fraser River (Shutterstock)

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is a whopper of a road, spanning 7821km east to west across all ten Canadian provinces. You’ll find around 1,039km of it in British Columbia, and one of the most interesting sections to tackle is the drive along the Fraser River between Hope and Cache Creek. This area played an integral part of the Gold Rush Trail in the mid-nineteenth century, when giddy prospectors made an abrupt beeline for Barkerville. You can follow the echoes of their boots north via Hell’s Gate, the deepest and narrowest part of the river, where you’ll also find a gondola tentatively crossing over the tempestuous waves.

Start and finish: Hope and Cache Creek Distance: 193km Duration: 1 day

7: Scenic Highway

The beautiful town of Harrison Hot Springs is well worth a pit stop (Shutterstock)

If you’re in Vancouver and eager to get out into the country for the day, the laidback Scenic Highway (Highway 7) is a good bet. Leave the city in your rear view mirror and adjust to life in the slow lane, tracing the river between rolling hills east to the small town of Hope. Along the way, you can stop off in the small community of Harrison Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the mineral pools. Once you arrive in Hope, work up an appetite for dinner with a hike along the Othello-Quintette Tunnels, which were originally built as part of the Kettle Valley Railway and pass over the roaring Coquihalla River.

Start and finish: Vancouver and Hope Distance: 128km Duration: 1 day

8: Pacific Marine Circle Route

The Pacific Marine Circle route starts and finishes in the capital city, Victoria (Reuben Krabbe)

This quiet circular route kicks off in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, before heading off on a coast-to-coast adventure between some of southern Vancouver Island’s highlights. You can start by heading west to the scenic town of Sooke, where it’s just a short drive to the gnarly rock formations of Sooke Potholes Provincial Park. Keep going and you can enjoy a dip in Cowichan Lake, before taking a tour of downtown Duncan’s 41 vibrant totem poles and zooming back to Victoria. Alternatively, catch a ferry at Mill Bay across to Butchart Gardens near the capital – it’s been dubbed Vancouver Island’s most beautiful shortcut.

Start and finish: Victoria Distance: 289km Duration: 1 to 3 days

For more information on travelling to British Columbia, please visit hellobc.co.uk or search #exploreBC

‘SUPER, NATURAL BRITISH COLUMBIA’ and ‘SUPER, NATURAL’ and all associated logos/trade-marks are trade-marks of Destination BC Corp.

Meet Peter Momoh Bassie, Sierra Leone’s top tour guide

World Tourism Day: How our privilege to travel can be a force for good

How to spend three days in Philadelphia

Explore more.

Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club, full of travel inspiration, quizzes, events and more

8 of the most spectacular BC roadtrips

The Canadian province of British Columbia is big. Like, really big. Bigger than California. Bigger than New Zealand. Four times larger than the UK and Ireland. There’s a lot of room to move in BC, and even more to see and do for the intrepid traveler keen on great road trips in British Columbia. The provincial highway system is vast and well-maintained, perfect for planning journeys on two or four wheels. Whether you’ve got a day, a week or a month, we’re highlighting 8 of the best BC roadtrips in Canada’s most western province.

8 Spectacular BC Roadtrips

1. sea to sky highway.

Vancouver to Whistler: 162 kilometers

One of the best drives in the world, the Sea to Sky Highway 99 shows off coastal British Columbia at its absolute finest. This beautiful roadway between Vancouver and Whistler begins in downtown Vancouver. It winds its way through Stanley Park, West Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay. Then along the deep blue Howe Sound fjord, past waterfalls, provincial parks, temperate rainforests and attractions. The Sea to Sky drive makes for a perfect day trip from Vancouver.

Stop for a visit and pan for gold at the Britannia Beach Mine Museum . Admire the spray of Shannon Falls, then take a ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola north of Squamish for an interpretive hike. Experience Indigenous culture with a First Nations tour guide. The views of Howe Sound, the Stawamus Chief, and coastal mountain peaks from the suspension bridge and viewing deck are unforgettable. 

Whistler’s small-town mountain vibe offer something for everyone in every season. Whether it’s epic skiing and riding in winter , or hiking, mountain biking or swimming in Lost Lake in summertime . And there’s no shortage of fine or casual dining for romantic dinners or family feasts whether it’s in Whistler Village or in Creekside .

Note: You can do the Sea to Sky Highway drive return-trip in one day.

Use the map below to search for hotel and short-term rental options

Bonus Drive: Duffey Lake Road 

Pemberton to Lillooet: 99 kilometers

Continue your British Columbia road trip past Whistler to Pemberton and head north along the beautiful scenery of the Duffey Lake Road . Driving from Pemberton to Lillooet on the Duffey Lake Road is well worth the journey. This winding open road passes through mountainous terrain and is part of the Discovery Coast Circle Route . The short drive climbs through narrow canyons overlooking rivers, past mountains, lakes and waterfalls. 

Popular attractions include Nairn Falls and  Joffre Lakes Provincial Parks, the latter having some of the busiest hiking trails and park areas in the province during summer. The road includes a few pullouts for wildlife viewing and photography but note that they’re too small to accommodate large vehicles like RVs.

2. Pacific Marine Circle Route

Victoria Loop 255 km

Vancouver Island’s Pacific Marine Circle Route is one of the most spectacular BC roadtrips. It combines the best of urban city life with the wild beauty of the Island’s southwest coast, and the rolling hills and lakes of the picturesque Cowichan Valley.

Moving west from the provincial capital Victoria , the route takes in the geologically significant Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, then winds along the sandy beaches fronting the Pacific Ocean. Stop to see the action at the surfing beaches of China, Sombrio and Jordan River. You’ll also pass the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and Port Renfrew , the trail head for the famous West Coast Trail.

While this BC road trip route can be done in one long day, we recommend an overnight stay in one of the beachfront cottages at Wild Renfrew. Have an outdoor adventure exploring the tide pools and sea life at Botanical Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Then head off-road to explore Big Lonely Doug and fellow giant fir and cypress trees in the emerald rainforest of Upper Avatar Grove. 

The scenic drive inland reveals rolling hills on route to Cowichan Lake, and attractions that include the BC Forest Discovery Centre, a self-guided First Nations Totem Tour Walk, and the vibrant and walkable downtown of Duncan. 

Make a pit stop at the seaside village of Cowichan Bay. Enjoy its small-town charms, including farm markets, the Wild Coast Perfumery, ice cream shops, many arts and crafts galleries and wine tasting at Blue Grouse Winery. 

The return home to Victoria can include a ferry diversion to Brentwood Bay from Mill Bay. And do stop and smell the roses, tulips and scores of other flowers and plants at renowned (and dog-friendly) Butchart Gardens.

3. Sunshine Coast Route

Vancouver to Lund: 198 km

The Sunshine Coast is less than 30 km (18 miles) from downtown Vancouver but the ferry ride to get there from the Lower Mainland sets the stage for what will be a leisurely tour of this local coastal landscape.

The entire drive to the end point of Highway 101 at Lund can be done in a day and involves two ferries, the first from Vancouver and second up the coast at Earls Cove. However, the pace of life on the Sunshine Coast invites travelers to savor the journey and enjoy its scenic drives with views of the Salish Sea, Texada, Lasqueti and Vancouver Islands.

Stop in to some of the quaint coastal towns like Sechelt, Secret Cove or Halfmoon Bay on your way to a second ferry at Earls Cove. Before departing, detour to Egmont and hike to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park to see an incredible natural phenomenon. Here, the Sechelt Rapids surge through the Narrows during a 3 m (10 ft) tide change twice daily. The change causes 200 billion gallons of water to explode upwards into standing waves and be sucked into churning whirlpools. This is a popular for experienced kayakers and surfers, and those who enjoy aquatic thrills.

Continuing north, the funky and historic town of Powell River awaits exploration. Sample the delights of BC’s Ale Trail with a craft brew at Townsite Brewing, or stop in for delicious pasta and pizza dishes at Culaccino Modern Italian. The road ends in tiny, historic Lund for a stay at the Lund Resort at Klah Ah Men. Don’t miss the cinnamon buns at Nancy’s and terrific fish and chips and amazing sunsets at the Boardwalk Restaurant before continuing a marine journey into Desolation Sound.

4. The Fraser Valley 

Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs: 122 km

Make the journey your destination and take the road less travelled into the Fraser Valley along Highway 7. This is one of the more relaxed and scenic BC roadtrips. From Vancouver, the route heads eastward towards Harrison Hot Springs , following the mighty Fraser River. The road winds past the crowded suburbs of Coquitlam and Maple Ridge, then opens up to a sprawling landscape of farms, forests and the smaller communities of Agassiz, Harrison Mills, and Harrison Hot Springs.

Discover charming cottages and an English-style manor house at  Rowena’s on the River , nestled along the Harrison River. Go back in time to BC’s rural past at the  Kilby Historic Site at Harrison Mills. Then venture to the village of Harrison Hot Springs in search of the elusive Sasquatch and the opportunity to soak in the healing mineral hot springs public pool. 

Stay at the Harrison Beach Hotel and enjoy views of Harrison Lake. Walk or bike the Lakeside Trail, pop into the Sasquatch Museum, and take a Circle Farm Tour of the region. Take a hike the spirit Trail or Heritage Walk, then dine on local food at these popular favorites, Muddy Waters Restaurant, Morgan’s Bistro or the German cuisine-inspired Black Forest Restaurant.

Return home via a different route, via Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway.

5. Powder Highway 

Cranbrook Loop: 1,104 km

This scenic highway in eastern British Columbia showcases the Kootenay Rockies in their winter finery. The  Powder Highway along BC Highway 95A connects eight major ski resorts, small mountain towns and hot springs. Of course, the best time to experience this roadtrip is during the winter months – the entire region is a wonderland for skiers and snow lovers.

Winding through mountain towns like Cranbrook, Nelson, Revelstoke, Golden , and Fernie, the Powder Highway is all about accessing the eight major ski resorts . These include; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, Kimberly Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Many of these resorts and mountain towns have access to the added bonus of hot springs (see below). These are the perfect après ski activity.

Few travelers have the entire winter to explore every mountain resort in depth, so it’s best to plan a trip to this powder paradise in sections over several winter seasons.

6. Hot Springs Route

Cranbrook Loop: 850 km

Starting in Cranbrook, in eastern British Columbia, the 850 km Hot Springs Route shares similarities of route and location to the winter sports-focused Powder Highway (see above). Driving the entire scenic loop through Creston, Nakusp, Revelstoke, Golden and can take seven days if you choose to stop and soak in the seven hot springs through the BC Canadian Rockies. Which of course, you must. I mean, seven days, seven hot springs, right? 

In addition to hot springs like Fairmont, Radium and Ainsworth Hot Springs , this route also showcases incredible mountain wildlife, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Stop in the village of New Denver on Slocan Lake, to visit the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre. This museum and National Historic Site is dedicated to the history of the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II.

7. Wine Country Route

Osoyoos to Vernon: 176 km

Discover the fertile Okanagan valley, home to British Columbia’s largest wine region and only desert. This Wine Country Route drive along Highway 97 showcases some of the warmest lakes in the country. Rolling desert hills dotted with wineries and neat rows of green vines.

Starting in Osoyoos, enjoy a refreshing dip in BC’s warmest body of water, Lake Osoyoos. Then tour the First Nations Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre . Pass rows of symmetrical grapevines and pull in for some wine tastings at Rust, Culmina, Checkmate, vinAmité and Road 13 along the the Golden Mile Bench between Osoyoos and Oliver. Be sure to stop at local fruit stands along the way. They’re great spots for snacks and seasonal produce like cherries, apricots and peaches during summer.

Keep a sharp eye out for the legendary Ogopopo in Lake Okanagan on route to Kelowna . Enjoy more wine tastings at Cedar Creek Winery or St. Hubertus. Sample craft cocktails and pizza at Jack’s Pizza, and hand-crafted artisanal gelato at QB Gelato . Vernon and Lake Country await at the top end of this route. Vernon has a walkable downtown, can’t-miss donuts at Ratio Coffee & Pastry, and many outdoor activities. Try paddle boarding and wake boarding on Kalamalka Lake . 

8. Northern BC Alaska Highway

Prince George to Whitehorse: 1,620 km

Prepare for epic vistas of lakes, trees, mountains and wildlife along BC Highway 97, better known as the Alaska Highway . This feat of engineering winds its way north, linking small towns and vast landscapes as one of the ultimate BC roadtrips. 

Starting in Prince George, the gateway to Northern BC, the road showcases the true vastness of British Columbia. Attractions include Mile 0 at Dawson Creek, the Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake, countless lakes and rivers. There’s Stone Mountain and Muncho Lake Provincial Parks, rolling hills, the northern Rocky Mountains, and towns like Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. 

Stop at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park to camp and soak in the nearby hot pools. They’re the second largest in Canada. As always, keep watch for the spectacular wildlife, including moose, wolves, eagles, bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears.

The highway crosses into the Yukon at Watson Lake, where travelers continue towards the territory capital of Whitehorse. This former gold rush town hosts a variety of arts, culture and natural attractions. Some of these include the MacBride Museum, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Miles Canyon basalt cliffs, the restored S.S. Klondike sternwheeler, and the Takhini Hot Pools.

Check out my friends’ Mike and Anne’s awesome road trip adventures if you’re looking to continue north for an Alaska road trip .

One last tip: If you’re driving a rental car, be sure to confirm with the rental car agency that you’re able to travel on your intended routes.

Pin for Later

Do you have a favorite driving route in British Columbia? Share it below.

Photo Credits: Claudia Laroye, Destination British Columbia

• Recent Posts

• Rishiri Island: Hokkaido’s surprising adventure paradise - September 12, 2024
• Christmas in Vancouver with kids: 11 festive holiday attractions - September 7, 2024
• 11 ways to enjoy a girls’ getaway to Quebec City in summer - July 26, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Best Road Trips From Vancouver

Top road trip destinations from vancouver.

🚗 850 km ⏱️ 9 hours, 10 minutes

Banff is nestled in a truly magical landscape in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With its crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking views left and right, Banff is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby, you can enjoy skiing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Traveling up Canadian Rockies, you will be treated to one stunning view after another as you drive through Revelstoke , Golden and Lake Louise . You can also visit the stunning Glacier and Yoho National Parks .

🚗 795 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Jasper National Park is a jewel in the Canadian Rockies offering unspoiled wilderness. Explore glacier-fed lakes, abundant wildlife, and scenic drives on the Icefields Parkway. This is the perfect destination to unleash your inner explorer and adventurer!

On the way to Jasper, make sure to spare some time to visit Kamloops and pretty parks like Pyramid Creek Falls and Mount Robson Provincial Parks .

🚗 65 km ⏱️ 50 minutes

Squamish is known as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," and offers a great mix of rugged landscapes ideal for rock climbing, hiking, and water sports. Are you ready to tackle the infamous climb to Stawamus Chief?

This is a relatively short but scenic drive on Sea to Sky Highway with beautiful views of Howe Sound. En route, you can visit Cypress Provincial Park and Porteau Cove Lookout .

🚗 2,060 km ⏱️ 21 hours, 10 minutes

Welcome to the "Entertainment Capital of the World"! From dazzling shows and luxurious casinos to Michelin-starred dining and high-end shopping, Las Vegas offers endless entertainment options.

On this road trip, in addition to being able to visit Seattle , Portland and Crater Lake National Park , you can make amazing detours to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite .

Grand Canyon National Park

🚗 2,640 km ⏱️ 27 hours, 30 minutes

One of the most beloved and most visited national parks in the world, the Grand Canyon is home to famous vistas and incredible hiking trails. You can admire the views from the top of the canyon rim or enjoy rafting at the bottom.

En route, you can also visit Seattle and Portland for an urban fix and trial your luck in the casinos of Reno before you arrive in Las Vegas .

🚗 970 km ⏱️ 10 hours, 30 minutes

Calgary is home to the famous Calgary Stampede, which takes place every July, and also offers access to the stunning Canadian Rockies, urban parks, and a growing food scene.

There is so much to see on this route, such as the rugged mountainous landscapes of Revelstoke and Golden to the stunning Yoho and Banff National Parks .

🚗 115 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

Victoria is easily accessible from Vancouver, and the capital of British Columbia is a historic city with a beautiful Old Town and some stunning buildings. Don't miss the iconic Butchart Gardens and the busy inner harbour.

Before taking the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria, we recommend spending some time at Deas Island Regional Park .

🚗 120 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Whistler is a premier ski destination in North America, but the town offers more than just winter sports. Summer activities include mountain biking, and exploring the village shops, restaurants, and spas.

Driving on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway , you can visit the beautiful Crystal Falls , the pretty town of Squamish and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park en route.

Los Angeles

🚗 2,190 km ⏱️ 21 hours, 30 minutes

The city of dreams, Los Angeles, is famously known as an entertainment hub, the glamour of Hollywood, its popular beaches, and fun theme parks, making it the perfect destination for the entire family.

On a drive of this scale following the Pacific Coast, you will have the opportunity to visit amazing places such as Seattle , Portland , San Francisco , Monterey and Big Sur .

Yellowstone National Park

🚗 1,525 km ⏱️ 15 hours, 40 minutes

Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world! Known for its geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone is also home to wildlife, including bison, wolves, and bears.

On the way to Yellowstone, we recommend making stops at the buzzing city of Seattle and the beautiful landscapes of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park , Spokane and Coeur d'Alene .

San Francisco

🚗 1,530 km ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and hilly neighborhoods. Explore the lively waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf and treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood.

As you drive south across the border into USA, you can take time to visit Seattle , Portland , have a picnic at S hasta Lake or detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park .

🚗 230 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

You will easily recognize the city's silhouette, thanks to the majestic Space Needle as you drive into Seattle. Pike Place Market is the place to be if you want to grab a bite and rub elbows with the locals.

On this relatively short drive, we recommend planning for stops at Bellingham , Little Mountain Park near Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields if you are travelling in the spring.

🚗 455 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Kelowna, nestled in the heart of British Columbia's wine country, is surrounded by scenic landscapes and beautiful lakes. The town itself is home to luxurious wineries and is a perfect summer getaway.

You will get to visit plenty of cute towns like Abbotsford and Hope and beautiful parks like Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park and EC Manning Provincial Park en route.

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Hope is located where the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers meet. This beautiful town is a gateway to several scenic valleys and parks and is also famous for its chainsaw carvings and as a filming location for numerous movies.

This is a short drive packed with things to see such as Fort Langley National Historic Site , Tanglebank Gardens in Abbotsford and Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park .

Portland, Oregon

🚗 670 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 25 minutes

Portland is best known for its pioneering artisan coffee shops, amazing food truck scene, and the vast Powell's City of Books. You will also find plenty of urban oases, such as beautiful parks and biking trails.

On this road trip to Portland, you can also visit Seattle , Olympia , make a detour to Olympic National Park and spend some time by the ocean in Astoria and Cannon Beach .

🚗 1,270 km ⏱️ 13 hours, 40 minutes

Edmonton is home to a lively arts and music scene, the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley, and the famous West Edmonton Mall. The city hosts popular seasonal festivals and is a great place to base yourself.

This adventure is the perfect mix of urban and natural with sights to see like Mount Revelstoke National Park , Golden , Lake Louise , Banff National Park and Calgary .

🚗 730 km ⏱️ 8 hours

Spokane is known for its beautiful riverfront park and historical buildings. The city is also a stone's throw from hiking trails, especially stunning in the fall, rivers, and ski resorts such as Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Great places you can visit on this road trip include the interesting Whatcom Museum in Bellingham , iconic urban landscapes of Seattle , and charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth .

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 2 hours

Pemberton is nestled among towering peaks and lush valleys, offers a peaceful escape from the city life. Known for its horseback riding, golfing, and hiking, Pemberton is a gem if you are looking for laid-back adventures in nature.

You will be treated to one scenic beauty after another on Sea to Sky Highway on this road trip and visit Squamish , Brandywine Falls and Whistler en route.

Golden Ears Provincial Park

🚗 55 km ⏱️ 50 minutes

Golden Ears Provincial Park is home to pretty forested trails, alpine lakes, and scenic campgrounds. A perfect day trip from Vancouver, this park provides a natural sanctuary for hiking and water sports.

On your way to the provincial park, you can also visit Burnaby Lake Regional Park and WildPlay Maple Ridge , perfect for a fun day out.

San Juan Islands

🚗 195 km ⏱️ 4 hours

The San Juan Islands in Washington State are an archipelago known for their stunning natural beauty and relaxed island lifestyle. Accessible by ferry, these islands offer unique experiences like whale watching and kayaking.

Take your time on this road trip to also visit Peace Arch Park , just across the border, the pretty city of Bellingham and Burlington .

Leavenworth

🚗 345 km ⏱️ 4 hours, 10 minutes

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offering a unique European experience in the heart of Washington State. Known for its festive Christmas lighting and Oktoberfest, the town provides year-round entertainment.

There is plenty to see on the way, too! We recommend visiting Bellingham , Mount Vernon , Wallace Falls State Park and Lake Wenatchee State Park en route.

🚗 660 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 50 minutes

Nelson is all about the outdoors and exploring things to do up and down Kootenay Lake. One of the best-known attractions is the Ainsworth Hot Springs. These naturally hot water springs attract a lot of visitors, so try to get here early.

To take in the beauty of the area during this road trip, some of the best places to visit are Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and EC Manning Provincial Park en route.

Longer road trips from Vancouver

🚗 2,550 km ⏱️ 29 hours

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is a great gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of Canada's far north. You might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights here and enjoy outdoor adventures like dog sledding, hiking, and fishing in untouched northern landscapes.

🚗 2,615 km ⏱️ 32 hours

Head to California and discover San Diego's laid-back charm and sunny skies. It is dotted with beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo great nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter.

🚗 3,530 km ⏱️ 40 hours

Anchorage is surrounded by rugged wilderness and some of the most dramatic landscapes. Here you can enjoy whale watching and glacier tours, as well as experiencing the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter for a truly magical visit.

🚗 4,600 km ⏱️ 43 hours

An impressive cross-continental drive will take you to Toronto, Canada's largest city. As you approach the city, take in the views of its famous skyline dominated by the CN Tower and then head to the downtown area to visit Nathan Phillips Square and CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Already have an account? Log in

The Ultimate Sunshine Coast BC Road Trip

• British Columbia / Canada / In the City / North America

Heading to the Sunshine Coast BC? We have your guide to the best stops here.

We started the morning in Portland, OR, but after a flight and ferry ride, we were in our own little slice of paradise. We explored the waters on a kayak, drove through beautiful forests, and ended the day with a beer in hand.

Thank you BC Ale Trail  and Sunshine Coast BC  for sponsoring this trip and post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 13, 2023

− − Content Menu

• About the Sunshine Coast and BC Ale Trail
• Best Stops Along the Sunshine Coast

Where to Stay

• Getting There via Ferry
• A Map to Help You Get Around
• Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning Checklist

More resources, about the sunshine coast bc.

British Columbia is full of jaw-dropping scenery. It’s a large playground for any outdoor enthusiast, but also home to amazing food and beer. We spent a few days exploring the BC Ale Trail along the Sunshine Coast taking full advantage of the scenery.

The BC Brewery Scene

The  BC Ale Trail  comprises of 15 individual regions that you can explore one at a time (or multiple in one trip of course). There are over 100 breweries spread out through this beautiful region with more being added each year.

But as any beer lover knows, it’s not just about quantity, but very much about the quality. Breweries from the BC win a third of annual Canadian Brewing Awards even though the province has less than 20% of the country’s breweries. That means the British Columbia brews some mean beer!

The Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

BC’s southwest coast is less than 18 miles (30 km) from downtown Vancouver but feels worlds apart. It is only accessible by BC Ferries or air, and the 110 miles (118 km) stretch is characterized by deep sea inlets and spectacular coastal bays. You can spend your time hiking, canoeing, scuba diving and mountain biking, or enjoy the beaches, riversides, and swimming holes. Then after you work up a thirst, you can head to one of the local breweries for a glass of award-winning beer.

Gibsons Landing

• Gibsons Public Market  – Enjoy local food, art, and entertainment at this community hub located in the heart of Gibsons Landing. It overlooks the harbor and marina and is open year round.
• Sunshine Kayaking  – One of the best ways to see and experience the area is from the water. You can kayak, take a sailing tour, or charter a fishing trip to see these pristine waters.
• Gibsons Tapworks  – This microbrewery has a focus on high-quality, easy to drink craft beer and a place for the community to gather. They have a killer trivia night!
• Persephone Brewing Company  – This is a microbrewery and 11-acre farm. They have an onsite hops farm and also grow other crops for their onsite restaurant, Farm to Feast.

Where to Stay:   Arcturus Retreat Bed and Breakfast  – Just 5km from Gibsons, enjoy a retreat at this great B&B with amazing views. It’s also within walking distance from the Langdale Ferry Terminal and Sunshine Coast Transit Route. Search more hotels in Gibsons Landing .

Roberts Creek

• Gumboot Cafe  – This establishment has been a local favorite for over 20 years. They focus on plain and simple, yet delicious food. They also host community events like art exhibits, improv nights, and live music.
• Community Mandala – Created in 1997, this mandala started as a way to paint over negative graffiti in the parking zone of the beach. Since then, it has turned into an evolving art piece that changes annually where the public can come contribute to the piece.

• Hangar Climbing Lounge  – This indoor bouldering gym is unique in that it gives their members 24/7 access. You can pick your own music and there is an honor system snack and beverage bar. Although it’s a small gym, it has a lot of fun, creative routes.
• The Lighthouse Pub  – If you’re looking for the local spot, then this is the place to be. It has amazing views of the marina and surrounding areas, and you can watch float planes land and take off.
• Basted Baker  – For anyone who gets bored ordering the same thing over and over again, this is your spot. The menu is always changing, but no matter what they are serving, they still focus on high-quality food.
• Sechelt Visitor Centre  – Stop by to get the most up-to-date information in the area.

Halfmoon Bay

• Smuggler Cove Provincial Park  – Used by rumrunners in the 1800’s, this is now a popular spot to hike and see the Sechelt Peninsula.

Madeira Park

• Oak Tree Market – Madeira Park is the main shopping center for the Pender Harbour region. Stop in to pick up any supplies you might need especially if you’re camping.
• Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park  – This is a beautiful park to explore, and if you visit at the right time, you can experience an amazing natural phenomenon. During extra large high tides, the flow of salt water switches, reversing the direction and power of the rapids. As a result, standing waves and powerful whirlpools are created, bringing in extreme kayakers and surfers from all over the world. We got to witness it at an XL high tide, and it was incredible!
• West Coast Wilderness Lodge: Inlets Restaurant  – Fresh seasonal cuisine paired with an overlook down a craggy bluff.

Where to Stay:  Backeddy Resort & Marina  – 600 feet of remote shoreline make this waterfront area a perfect place to play and stay. They even have amazing Geodesic Tents for a great glamping experience.

• Mount Daniel  – Facebook fans voted Mount Daniel the “Most Romantic” trail on the lower Sunshine Coast. This short but steep hike takes you to amazing views of the surrounding area.

Powell River

• Base Camp  – This cafe and eatery focuses on local cuisine and art. Try their pulled pork egg sandwich, which is off menu.
• Townsite Brewing  – This brewery is where BC’s only Belgian Brewmaster works and it’s the only brewery on the Northern Sunshine Coast. They name everything after local sites and languages.
• Costa Del So l – Get a mix of Mexican and Latin flavors using local ingredients. We loved their ahi tuna tacos so much that we had to get another order.

Where to Stay:  The Old Courthouse Inn  – Once home to the “courts,” jail, police station, and other Provincial Government Services, it is now a hotel located in the National Historic District and conveniently a block away from Townsite Brewing. We stayed in the Police Station room.

• Nancy’s Bakery  – Known for their cinnamon buns. Nuff said.
• Terracentric Coastal Adventures  – Hop onto a 21-foot rigid hull inflatable Zodiac Hurricane and sit back while they take you on a tour of the beautiful Desolation Sound.

• Gibsons Landing:   Arcturus Retreat Bed and Breakfast
• Egmont:  Backeddy Resort & Marina
• Power River:  The Old Courthouse Inn

Directions: Getting There via Ferry

The best way to see the Sunshine Coast is via car, and if you’re bringing a car, the  British Columbia Ferry Services  helps you get there. You also need to hop on a ferry to get from the Lower End to the North End of the coast. It’s the primary provider of ferry service in the province and one you’ll want to familiarize yourself with to get around. The two that you will take along the sunshine coast are:

• Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (40 minutes)
• Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay (50 minutes)

A few Tips when Planning a Ferry Ride:

• Check times online and be sure you have the correct date. The schedule changes based on the season.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to sailing. Reservations will be canceled if you don’t.
• A reservation is recommended during busy season (summer).
• You only pay for one direction of the ferry: Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, and Saltery Bay to Earl’s Cove. When you are traveling the opposite directions, there is no fee.
• On directions that don’t require reservations, get there early. During the summer, ferries will fill up. We arrived 1 hour to 1.5 hours ahead of schedule.
• The ferries take all vehicles, including bikes. Pets are also welcome.
• If you’re on foot or bike, you can hop onto the Sunshine Coast Connector, a bus that takes you from downtown Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast through to Powell River via select BC Ferry sailings.

Map of the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Essential Tips for First Timers

• When to Go:  The coast is mostly mild, although it can reach 32°F (0°C) in the winter and 90°F (30°C) in the summer. Summers are the busiest, which means everything is open, whereas Spring and Fall may have limited hours.
• How long you need:  We did the trip in 4 days and 3 nights, but it can be done in a weekend.
• Be flexible:  the Sunshine Coast has an island vibe, that includes how they run their businesses. Sometimes businesses will be closed or have limited hours. If you’re a planner, be prepared with a plan B or C.
• Pack Layers.  No matter what time of year you go, pack layers so that you can stay warm in the morning and evenings but shed your layers when it gets hotter in the day.
• Gibsons Visitor Centre
• Sechelt Visitor Centre
• Pender Harbour Visitor Information Centre
• Powell River Visitor Centre
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• More Breweries on the BC Ale Trail
• Explore Sunshine Coast BC
• Sunshine Coast Map
• The Sunshine Coast: From Gibsons to Powell River
• Sea Kayak Desolation Sound & the Sunshine Coast
• Lonely Planet: British Columbia

Have you heard of the Sunshine Coast? Which of these spots do you want to visit first?

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER

SEE More Canada Guides

GOLDEN SKYBRIDGE – CANADA’S HIGHEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE

ATHABASCA GLACIER COLUMBIA ICEFIELD GLACIER ADVENTURE

YOUR ULTIMATE VANCOUVER BC BUCKET LIST

25 UNFORGETTABLE THINGS TO DO IN NEWFOUNDLAND

15 CAN’T MISS THINGS TO DO IN QUEBEC CITY

JASPER NATIONAL PARK FIRST TIMER GUIDE

SUNSHINE COAST BC ALE TRAIL

YOUR ULTIMATE SUNSHINE COAST BC ROAD TRIP GUIDE

15 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO DO IN SQUAMISH BC

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN VICTORIA BC

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK GUIDE

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Traveling Canucks

Canada Family Travel Blog

The Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first time visitors

03/14/2024 By Traveling Canucks 12 Comments Categories: Adventures British Columbia National Park Travel Tips Trip Ideas Vancouver Vancouver Island Victoria Whistler

Vancouver Road Trip itinerary

As residents of Vancouver, we’re often asked about the best things to do in Vancouver . The next most common question is – what is the best road trip from Vancouver for first time visitors?

It’s a great question. You have plenty of options in British Columbia. Do you go east to the Okanagan or west to Vancouver Island  or north to Whistler and Pemberton?

In our opinion, British Columbia is the best place in the world to visit (and live). It’s a bold statement – I know. However, if you ask anyone who’s visited British Columbia, you’ll likely hear glowing reviews about it’s easy access to nature and endless outdoor adventure.

Today, we share what we believe is the best road trip from Vancouver for first time visitors. This 10 day road trip itinerary starts and finishes in Vancouver, with 1 day to explore the city of Vancouver. That said, we would encourage you to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Vancouver.

Before we get started, there are a few things to note:

• This Vancouver road trip is based on 10 days (add or subtract days based on your time)
• The road trip can be done in any season, but it’s best during the summer months
• This itinerary is designed for car driving with hotel accommodations, not camping. However, there are many campgrounds along this road trip route, if that’s your preference. Make campground reservations in the summer!

If you only have a few days in Vancouver, check out these  25 day trips from Vancouver .

Best Road Trip from Vancouver, Canada

Table of Contents

Skip ahead using the Table of Contents.

Day 1 & 2 – Explore Vancouver

Depending on when you arrive in Vancouver, you’ll want to spend your first two days exploring the city. There’s so much to see and do in Vancouver that two days is likely not enough time, but we want to stay within this 10 day itinerary. Add a few extras days at the end of the road trip if you have more time.

What makes Vancouver special is that it’s a vibrant cosmopolitan city surrounded by mountains AND ocean, which means there’s literally something for everyone.

In one day, you can hike in the mountains, relax on the beach, catch a show or professional sports game, dine at a variety of upscale restaurants and finish the night at Granville’s legendary entertainment district.

Here are the top things to do in Vancouver:

• Explore Stanley Park and ride bikes around its popular Seawall
• Walk across the bouncy Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver
• Take the tram to the peak of Grouse Mountain or hike the Grouse Grind
• See the iconic Steam Clock in historical Gastown
• Soak up the 360 degree views from Vanouver Lookout tower
• Shop, eat and be entertained at Granville’s Entertainment district
• Pick up some artisan goods at Granville Island Public Market
• Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery , Vancouver Aquarium and/or Science World
• Get outside! Vancouver is home to world class mountain biking, hiking trails, kayaking, whale watching, skiing and snowboarding.
• Witness orcas in the wild on a Vancouver whale watching tour
• Here’s a list of 25 FREE things to do in Vancouver

Related post: 25 Awesome Day Trips from Vancouver

Day 3 – Take the ferry to Victoria

The road trip begins on Day 3, when you catch a morning ferry from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Victoria). Check the BC ferry schedule here .

Plan to arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before your departure time. It’s wise to book a reservation ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling over a holiday weekend.

The ferry takes about 1.5 hours. The drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria is about 30 minutes.

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, head to Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour (see photo below). There are plenty of Victoria restaurants and cafes located here. The downtown area is very walkable.

Plan to spend your evening wandering around the Inner Harbour and charming downtown area.

Day 4 – Enjoy a full day in Victoria

There are a few places in this world that we will revisit again and again. Victoria is one of them. We love the city’s old town character and laid back vibe. Victoria is a relatively big city, but it doesn’t feel or act that way.

Things to do in Victoria:

• Hop on a water taxi and explore Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour
• Enjoy Royal Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
• Get educated at the Royal British Columbia Museum
• Take a horse drawn carriage tour around downtown Victoria
• Walk down Fan Tan Alley  in Chinatown, said to be the narrowest street in Canada
• Stroll through Beacon Hill Park  and watch the sunset from Finlayson Point
• Whale watching tour and/or visit the impressive Butchart Gardens

Related post: 20 Things You Should Do in Victoria

Where to stay in victoria.

We’ve stayed at the Magnolia Hotel , Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Best Western Carlton Plaza and we would recommend them. They are centrally located and family friendly.

Where to eat in Victoria?

You will not go hungry in Victoria. There are endless options for every type of cuisine. Being on the west coast, we’d recommend you dine at a seafood restaurant. The west coast is also known for quality sushi and Japanese cuisine.

• Fresh oysters and share plates at 10 Acres Commons
• Fish tacos and fish & chips at Red Fish Blue Fish
• Patio with waterfront views at LURE Restaurant & Bar
• Popular Brew pubs – Spinnakers , Swans Brewpub and CANOE brewpub
• Other favourites – Barb & Banker and Irish Times

Here’s a downloadable Victoria map pdf

Day 5 – Drive from Victoria to Parksville

Take it easy and enjoy a late breakfast in Victoria before driving north to Parksville, a popular beach town located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Parksville is famous for its long, sandy beaches that recede over one kilometer at low tide.

The drive from Victoria to Parksville is only 2 hours. However, there are plenty of fun road trip stops that you should check out.

• Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University (30-60 minutes)
• Take a hike in Goldstream Provincial Park (45-90 minutes)
• Split Rock Lookout on the Malahat Highway (10 minutes)
• See the world’s largest hockey stick and puck in Duncan (10 minutes)
• Check out the Murals of Chemainus (45-90 minutes)
• Optional – visit the Harbourfront Walkway in Nanaimo (60-90 minutes)

Where to stay in Parksville?

Parksville is a tourist driven town, so you have plenty of options for accommodations.

If you’re looking for an upscale experience, check out the  Tigh Na Mara Seaside Resort . You can stay in a private cabin or ocean view suite.

For budget accommodations, check out the Travelodge by Wyndham Parksville . This is where we stayed this past summer. It’s good value. The rooms are clean and updated, it has a pool and hot tub, and breakfast is included.

We’ve also stayed at the Ocean Sands Resort  and would recommend it. It’s less expensive than Tigh Na Mara and it has similar ocean front views.

Fun Fact – Vancouver Island is the largest Pacific island east of New Zealand.

 Low tide at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park  in Parksville

Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. This castle is featured in the X-men and Deadpool movies.

Split Rock Lookout on the Malahat Highway

The world’s largest hockey stick in Duncan, British Columbia.

The Murals of Chemainus on Vancouver Island

Day 5 – Drive from Parksville to Ucluelet

Before you hit the road, make sure you spend some time walking along the beach in Parksville . You can either visit Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park or the beach at Parksville Community Park (pictured above).

The drive from Parksville to Ucluelet takes about 2.5 hours, but you’ll want to make a few stops along the way.

The first stop you’ll want to visit is the Coombs Old Country Market , famous for its Goats on the Roof . The market is located about 15 minutes west of Parksville, so it’s an ideal location for coffee or an early lunch (depending on when you leave Parksville). See photos below.

After Coombs, continue west towards  Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park . This is a nice place for an easy forest hike to see waterfalls. There are 6 km of walking trails throughout the park.

Next on the road trip is a visit to MacMillan Provincial Park, home to the ancient Douglas fir in  Cathedral Grove . The highway splits the park, so you will drive right through it.

There is limited parking at Cathedral Grove and it can get quite busy, but don’t give up! This place is definitely worth visiting. Some of the trees are more than 800 years old and 9 metres in circumference.

Plan to spend about 45 minutes here.

After witnessing the incredible trees in Cathedral Grove , continue driving west to Port Alberni . This is an ideal spot to grab a quick lunch, fuel up your vehicle and restock your supplies.

The drive from Port Alberni to Ucluelet is about 1.5 hours. This stretch of highway is stunning, so make sure you have your camera handy.

You should arrive in Ucluelet by late afternoon.

After you check-in to your accommodations, head to the ocean to watch the sunset from either Big Beach or the Wild Pacific Trail. See photo below as evidence.

Here are maps for beaches in Tofino and Ucluelet .

Goats on the Roof at Coombs Market in the town of Coombs.

Day 6 & 7 – Ucluelet and Tofino

The towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are located on the northern and southern points of a peninsula that stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island. This is where you will find  Pacific Rim National Park , one of Canada’s greatest natural treasures.

I’m grouping these two towns together because you should visit both, but you don’t need to switch accommodations. Pick a spot and stay there for 3 nights, which will give you two FULL days in Tofino and/or Ucluelet.

It’s about a 40 minute drive from Tofino to Ucluelet, and vice versa.

Things to do in Tofino and Ucluelet:

• The beaches on the coast are home to the best surfing in Canada
• Sea kayaking through the pristine waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sound
• Cultural canoe tours and Bear watching tours
• See orcas and gray whales on a whale watching tour (March to October)
• Guided fishing excursions in the ocean or freshwater lakes
• Endless hiking trails in Pacific Rim National Park and Wild Pacific Trail
• Storm watching during winter months
• Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium and the  Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
• Scenic flight tour in a sea plane or helicopter
• Watch the sunset from the shores of Chesterman Spit

Where to Stay in Ucluelet

We stayed at the Big Beach BÄRN in Ucluelet and would highly recommend it. The views from the balcony are outstanding. Tell the host, Pete Raab , the Traveling Canucks sent you.

• For waterfront accommodations, check out  Black Rock Oceanfront Resort or Snug Harbour Inn .
• For less expensive accommodations, check out the Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina .

Where to Stay in Tofino

There are several beach resorts in Tofino. Over the years, we’ve stayed at a number of these beach resorts and would recommend the following:

• Best Western Tin Wis Resort on Mackenzie Beach. The restaurant here is good, too.
• Middle Beach Lodge on Mackenzie Beach
• Cox Bay Beach Resort  on Cox bay beach
• Pacific Sands Beach Resort on Cox Bay beach

Where to eat in Tofino and Ucluelet

• Visit the tasting room at Tofino Brewing Company
• Dinner in Tofino, visit Shelter Restaurant , Sobo Restaurant and/or 1909 Kitchen .
• Casual eats in Tofino, visit Surfside Grill ,  Wolf in the Fog ,  Wildside Grill and/or Tacofino .
• Dinner in Ucluelet, visit Norwoods Restaurant or Black Rock Resort.
• Casual eats in Ucluelet, visit the Cedar Grill, Ukee Dogs Eatery and/or Ravenlady Oyster Forte .

Related:  Sea kayaking the coast of Vancouver Island

Calm waters at the rugged Big Beach in Ucluelet

Big skies over the beach in Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino.

The above photo is low tide at South Chesterman Beach in Tofino.

Tofino Sea kayaking tour around Clayoquot Sound.

Harbour views from the town of Tofino.

Surfing at Wickaninnish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park.

Day 8 – Travel from Tofino to Whistler

Your time on the coast has come to an end. It’s time to trade the sandy surf for snow-capped peaks. You’ll want to get a good start to the day and be on the road by 10:00 AM. This is the longest travel day on this 10 day road trip from Vancouver.

Drive from Tofino to Nanaimo and take the ferry back to the Mainland, where you will continue to Whistler.

The drive from Tofino to Nanaimo ferry terminal takes about 3 hours. There’s typically a 3:00 PM ferry that you will want to catch from Departure Bay. It’s smart to make a reservation for the ferry crossing ahead of time. Arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour early.

Check the BC ferry schedule here .

The ferry from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) takes about 1.5 hours. When you disembark the ferry, drive on the highway until you see a turnoff that says ‘BC Ferries’ or ‘Horseshoe Bay’. It will be about 5-7 minutes before you see the signs.

You need to turnaround and head back towards the ferry terminal where you just came from. It’s a weird system. You will turn off the highway, take a left and cross the bridge across the highway, then left again so you can get back on the highway. This time you will be driving west/north, towards Whistler.

Use your GPS, just in case. You don’t want to actually return to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. You want to follow the road signs for Squamish and Whistler.

If you’re hungry, stop in the town of Squamish for dinner. There are several restaurants and fast food joints just off the highway. The total drive time from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler is about 1.5 hours.

You should arrive in Whistler around 7:00 PM.

Related:  Should you visit the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish?

The sundeck of the BC Ferries. That’s the Coastal Mountain Range in the distance.

Day 9 – Explore Whistler

Whistler is our happy place. We try to visit this alpine village every few months. It’s a four season resort, so there’s always something to do, regardless of the month or season.

You can easily spend a week in Whistler, so you’ll have to be selective with your full day. Do you want to hike in the mountains? Kayak on a freshwater lake? Indulge in a spa day or sit on a patio and relax?

Our recommendation would be to do the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience (gondola up the mountain, alpine hiking, suspension bridge, etc), have lunch at Christine’s On Blackcomb , then back to your Whistler hotel for soak in the hot tub or pool, then head to Whistler Village and find a patio for dinner. 

Things to do in Whistler:

• Take the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience – read more here . Give yourself 3 to 4 hours for this experience.
• Rejuvenate and relax at the traditional Scandinave Spa
• Golf at 3 different courses, including the impressive Nicklaus North Golf Course
• SUP or kayaking at Lost Lake, Alta Lake or Green Lake
• Downhill mountain biking and/or cross-country trail riding
• Zipline course, ATV in the mountains, white water rafting or bungee jumping
• Helicopter excursion or float plane sightseeing tour
• Bear viewing tour and/or nature safari
• Hike to stunning alpine lakes at either Garibali Lake , Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, Chekamus Lake, Elfin Lakes or Wedgemount Lake
• Here are a few more ideas for Whistler summer activities

Related post: 20 Things to do in Whistler this Summer

Where to stay in whistler:.

• For an upscale experience, stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler ,  Sundial Boutique Hotel  or  Four Seasons Resort Whistler .
• For accommodations in the heart of Whistler Village, check out the Pan Pacific Whistler Village , Crystal Lodge and Suites or The Westin Resort .
• For accommodation on a lake, check out Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler Creekside

Where to Eat in Whistler:

• Popular patios in Whistler Village are Garibaldi Lift Co or Longhorn Saloon & Grill
• For delicious brunch, check out Stonesedge Kitchen, Elements or Brickworks
• Looking something a little different, check out Sushi Village or Mongolie Grill
• For casual brewpub experience, check out Merlin’s Bar & Grill, Amsterdam Pub, Dubh Linn Gate Irish  Pub or Whistler Brewhouse

Here’s a Whistler Village map and Whistler Blackcomb trail map .

Walking across the new suspension bridge at Whistler Mountain.

The above photo is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park , located an hour north of Whistler.

Day 10 – Whistler to Vancouver

After one final soak in the hot tub and a delicious brunch in the Village, pack up your car and drive south to Vancouver. This is the final day of your epic British Columbia road trip. If you are flying home this day, plan for delays on the drive to the airport as Vancouver traffic can be quite heavy.

The drive time from Whistler to Vancouver is about 2 hours, but you’ll want to make a few stops along the way.

About 15 minutes south of Whistler is Brandywine Falls Provincial Park . See photo below. Keep an eye out for the signs, you might miss the turnoff if you’re not paying attention.

To see the waterfall, you will walk through a nice forest trail for about 15 minutes. Plan to spend about 45 minutes here.

Brandywine Falls, located about 15 minutes south of Whistler.

The next stop is Shannon Falls Provincial Park (pictured above) and Sea to Sky Gondola  in Squamish.

If you’ve got time, we recommend taking the gondola to the Sea to Sky Summit lodge. There are lots of hiking trails and viewpoints at the top of the gondola. You can also enjoy lunch on the patio at the lodge. The views from here are amazing.

If you’re tight on time, skip the gondola and visit Shannon Falls instead. The falls are only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot, so you’ll only need about 30 minutes here.

Road trip from Squamish to Vancouver

If you’d like to do a few more stops, consider the  Britannia Mine Museum in the town of Britannia Beach or walk on the old pier at Porteau Cove Provincial Park . Both stops are located just off the highway.

If the weather is nice, make sure you pull over at Tantalus lookout point to see the massive glacier on the Tantalus Range. The lookout is between Whistler and Squamish. Here’s the location .

Check out the Squamish Adventure Centre for things to do in Squamish.

Related post – 15 things to do in Squamish this summer

Mountain views from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola .

Where to stay in Vancouver

There are plenty of  hotels in Vancouver  to choose from, ranging from upscale five star hotels to backpacker hostels and everything in between.

• Most of the popular Vancouver tourist attractions are located in the downtown area. Consider this when selecting where to stay in Vancouver.
• Downtown hotels often require additional fees for overnight parking – sometimes as high as $40 per night. Consider this when booking hotels and car rentals.
• If you prefer to stay closer to the mountains, consider staying at the  Lonsdale Quay Hotel  or the  Holiday Inn North Vancouver .

British Columbia Travel tips and things to know:

• Pick up and return your vehicle rental at the Vancouver airport. Save up to 30% on car rentals here .
• If you visit during the winter, make sure you have snow tires for the drive to Whistler.
• Search for Vancouver hotel accommodations here . Most of the popular attractions are located in the downtown area. You may need to pay extra for parking – sometimes as high as $40 per night.
• Vancouver is Wifi friendly with over 550 locations. Look for a Free Wifi location .
• It’s wise to book reservations for the ferry to and from Vancouver Island, especially if you’re visiting over a holiday weekend. Here’s the list of holidays in BC . Check ferry schedule here .

Looking for more Canada road trips inspiration? Check out Road Trip Alberta and Road Trip Manitoba . 

Read more travel blog posts from Canada:

• 20 Things to do in Whistler this Summer
• 25 FREE Things to do in Vancouver
• Best things to do in Penticton with kids
• 8 Things to do in New Brunswick with kids
• The Best Things to do Along the Sea to Sky Highway
• Salmon fishing at Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River

Have you taken a road trip from Vancouver?

What did we miss? What would you add to this itinerary?

Leave us a comment below. Our readers thank you!

Related posts:

10/28/2018 at 9:55 am

I love this article! My family loves road trips and this looks like a fantastic one to try! There seem to be so many fun and different activities along the way. I appreciate all of the tips on where to stay and eat that you provide. Thanks for all of the information. We will definitely be putting it to good use.

11/02/2018 at 10:32 am

This is awesome! I live in Vancouver and really need to do more exploring in my own backyard. Sad to say I haven’t made it to most of these spots, which I guess is always the case with your own hometown. I guess I have to get to work! Ucluelet looks so pretty. And glad you made it to Porteau Cove; we were there this summer and it was beautiful!

11/21/2018 at 8:12 am

How beautiful! What stunning colours and variety. This certainly does sound like an amazing route!

11/21/2018 at 4:46 pm

I’m really hoping to get to Canada next year and this road trip looks like a pretty great place to start! The hockey puck and stick are on par with the “big” things we have in Australia – The Big Banana, The Big Sheep 🙂

11/25/2018 at 9:25 am

Nice photography and nice piece of article. A road trip is far better then any other mean of traveling as you can enjoy a lot more moments of happiness.

12/06/2018 at 7:21 am

Great details! I’m going to save this for our trip to Vancouver sometime soon! I think a campervan would be great to check out all of these places. Thanks for sharing.

06/02/2019 at 6:32 am

Just found this blog while getting ideas for a trip we have planned in July. So far we have 3 nights in Vancouver and a motorhome for 10 nights booked and were thinking we’d want to cover Whistler, Tofino, Victoria and places in between, so all you tips are great!

09/04/2019 at 7:01 pm

Oh your website is so wonderful. I’m planning a holiday for 5 from the other side of the world and it’s just so helpful to understand what’s possible in a day, and also what’s preferable. Travelling with kids just isn’t factored in to many travel blogs/advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together – you’ve saved me so much time and angst!

09/16/2019 at 12:01 pm

You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you found the post helpful!

07/31/2023 at 10:12 am

We’ve been planning a trip to BC for awhile and overwhelmed with all there is to do and see in that beautiful part of the country, so this article was particularly appealing. Great ideas and so thorough. You’ve condensed much of the information it’s taken me days to uncover into one source. So very, very helpful. Thank you.

07/31/2023 at 12:13 pm

Great! Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you found this post helpful. Let us know if you have any questions – we know this area very well.

08/19/2023 at 12:50 pm

As someone who also values the beauty of British Columbia, I have to agree that it’s a truly exceptional place to visit. The way you’ve highlighted the best of both worlds, with city life and natural wonders, is fantastic. I’m especially drawn to your recommendations for outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience in Whistler – those moments are what make a road trip unforgettable.

Thanks for sharing your local insights on where to stay, dine, and the hidden gems along the way.

Cheers, Femi.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yes - Subscribe me to your monthly newsletter!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Available until 4pm

• Book an appointment

Explore destinations

• Indian Ocean
• South East Asia
• Australasia & Pacific
• Central America
• North America

Tailor-made holidays and safaris full of extraordinary experiences and the same personal service you'd expect from Kuoni.

• South Africa

Visit your local store or make an appointment to get face-to-face advice from our friendly team.

We’re here to tailor-make a beach holiday that’s right for you

Incredible Family holidays from Kuoni, adventures your family will always remember.

All inclusive

Our hand-picked all-inclusive holidays include, boutique, family & wellness resorts.

Romantic honeymoon package you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

City breaks

Our hand-picked luxury city breaks in Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the USA

Romantic retreats and group get-togethers on our adults-only holidays

Safari Holidays

Let us take you on safari in Africa for the best animal viewing on the planet.

LGBTQ+

Romantic retreats or special occasions on our LGBTQ+ holidays

Multi-centre

Combine different destinations, resorts and tours for a dream multi-centre.

Enjoy the best of both worlds: a luxurious and out-of-the-way villa holiday at a resort

Spa & wellness

Handpicked spa & wellness retreats, pampering or activity holidays all tailormade by Kuoni

Create a tailor-made self-drive itinerary for a trip to immerse yourself in outdoor life.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view during one of our luxurious train journeys

Where to go when in the school holidays

Which is better: Mauritius or Maldives?

Explore Jamaica: our top multi-centre combos

The best things to do in Borneo

Secrets to planning the ultimate Californian road trip

Turquoise dreams: A guide to the Indian Ocean islands

Offbeat gems: The Caribbean's hidden treasures

What to do in Canada: the ultimate bucket list

Speak to one of our experts now about this offer

Call us on - 0800 092 4444

Or drop into your local Kuoni store to find out more

Call us on - 0800 294 9710

Call us on - 0800 294 9728

This room is on-request and we will seek to confirm it with our travel supplier.

To confirm this booking please call us now on 0800 092 4444

• North and Central America
• British Columbia

  Best of British Columbia Road Trip  

Travel into the wild

Take an incredible, self-guided loop of beautiful British Columbia

This road trip has everything from city bustle to serene tranquillity. One day, you’re cycling the seawall in Vancouver, and then you’re hiking in Whistler. Then you’re bear spotting in the wilderness. Then you’re fishing on the Campbell River. Then you’re surfing in Tofino. Then you’re having tea in a posh hotel in Victoria. It’s a trip that ticks off some of the unmissable highlights of BC – and you’ll want to come back for more.

Adventurers who love the outdoors

Recommended itinerary

A cultural treasure trove.

This cosmopolitan city on the water is known for its enviable lifestyle and a solid reputation for delicious food and its blossoming arts, theatre, and music scenes. The rosy-cheeked locals (fresh from escapades on the surrounding mountains and sea) speak highly of their beautiful city.

What to do in Vancouver

Explore the city and beyond.

Don’t leave Vancouver until you explore Granville Island, a creative hub of Vancouver and home to a beloved market. Take a floatplane flight to Vancouver Island or appreciate Vancouver’s coastal rainforest as you tiptoe across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Allow three days to explore the city or more if you also plan to visit Vancouver Island.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Fancy or frills-free.

As you’d expect from a city the size of Vancouver, there are plenty of places to stay. From the upmarket Rosewood Hotel Georgia and the Wedgewood Hotel to the DOUGLAS in the city’s newest district and architecturally iconic Pan Pacific Vancouver, there’s a hotel for every taste and budget.

An outdoor playground

The name and reputation of this renowned mountain resort are whispered in hallowed tones far beyond ski circles. It’s dominated by two looming mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb, linked by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola that whooshes visitors along an impossibly high wire. Pretty Whistler Village has all the feel of an alpine village, with gabled rooftops, plazas, and block-paved streets. \n \n

What to do in Whistler

How you’ll spend your days.

If you think Whistler is just about skiing, think again. Come summer, as many mountain bikers hit the slopes as skiers in winter. And even if you’re not quite as actively inclined, there are leisurely gondola rides, gentle ice skating, and easy hikes to enjoy. For proper R&R, luxury spas standby to ease away any lingering stresses with pampering treatments.

Where to stay in Whistler

The hotels to know about.

Check into one of the most famous hotels in the area – the gorgeous Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Or maybe you’ll prefer the down-to-earth accommodation of Summit Lodge or Crystal Lodge?\n\n

The Sunshine Coast

A four-hour drive and a ferry crossing bring you to one of British Columbia's most accessible wilderness areas, Egmont. This is your gateway to spectacular fjords, inlets, hiking, and wildlife.

What to do in Egmont

Go big on adventure.

Days are spent whizzing around the water on a zodiac or negotiating fast-flowing saltwater rapids. There are opportunities to kayak, hike, bike, or take a scenic floatplane tour to admire the scenery from above.

Where to stay in Egmont

Relax in a cabin.

The West Coast Wilderness Lodge cabins blend beautifully into their forested surroundings on British Columbia’s glorious Sunshine Coast. Some have sensational ocean views from a private deck, and while the rooms can’t be described as luxurious, there’s a charm and comfort to them that’s befitting of the location.

Campbell River

Cross to vancouver island.

Drive to Powell River, where you’ll board a ferry to Vancouver Island. In the North Central region, Campbell River has been dubbed Outdoors HQ. It’s a moniker that does it justice – there’s all manner of fresh air escapades here. But perhaps the one that brings it most acclaim is sports fishing. After all, all five species of Pacific salmon are found in the fast-flowing waters here.

What to do in Campbell River

Get outdoors.

This may be the world's salmon fishing capital, but if you’re not an angler, there’s still plenty to do. Explore the nearby Strathcona Provincial Park, which features hiking trails through old-growth forests and mountain ranges. Look out for kayaking and paddleboarding, and look up to spot eagles circling.

Where to stay in Campbell River

Riverside lodges.

Choose waterside accommodation that feels properly away from it all. It’s the scenery that makes a stay extra special in these parts – choosing a room with a view is unlikely to be a decision that’s regretted.

Tofino & Ucluelet

The wild west coast.

With the rainforest on one side and the Pacific on the other, these two towns share a similar stretch of rugged coastline on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

What to do in Tofino & Ucluelet

Get adventurous.

Numerous spectacular and often deserted wild beaches dot the coastline around Tofino and Ucluelet. Take a drive and hop from one to another, or head out searching for the whales and bears found in these parts.

Where to stay in Tofino & Ucluelet

Rainforest resorts.

The accommodations in these parts share a few things in common – a love of the outdoors, a relaxed approach, and local food, for starters. Whether you choose the surf-chic surroundings of Pacific Sands Resort or the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, you can expect a warm welcome and friendly company.

An idyllic little city

A four-and-a-half-hour drive brings you to Victoria at the southern point of Vancouver Island. Brits will feel a sense of familiarity here. Fish and chips are a menu staple, afternoon tea is touted as a necessity, and pubs and double-decker buses complete a London-inspired picture. But you don’t have to scratch hard to reveal an altogether more nuanced city beneath the surface of old British colonialism.

What to do in Victoria

City and coast.

Head out on a wildlife cruise searching for whales or explore the Butchart Garden – a designated National Historic Site of Canada. Grab a bike (or at least a comfy pair of shoes) and follow the Songhees Walkway, admiring the views.

Where to stay in Victoria

Choose a stylish stay.

Decide between the opulent Fairmont Empress and the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, or perhaps you’ll prefer the Inn at Laurel Point, perched on its own six-acre peninsula, or the waterfront beauty of Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. \n

Add a cruise

Set sail after your canadian adventure.

The majority of Alaska cruises set off from Vancouver so this itinerary can easily be added to a voyage northward. We work with a selection of handpicked cruise lines that operate round-trip and one-way trips along the majestic coastlines of British Columbia and the USA’s ‘last frontier’, including Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line. For more information, contact one of our Personal Travel Experts.

Sorry, your hotel is no longer available

Please check alternatives

Choose dates

{{store.searchDuration}} nights, {{formattedDate}}

Enter dates to check availability

{{ guestRollup || 'Enter guests' }}

{{ store.selectedAirport.text }}

{{ store.selectedClass.text }}

{{ store.selectedOccasion.text }}

Choose a departure date

{{store.searchDuration}} nights

Enter rooms & guests

• {{airport.text}}
• {{flightClass.text}}
• {{occasion.text}}

Checking prices & availability

{{term}}, {{formattedDate}} for {{searchDuration}} nights

• All ({{destinations.length + products.length + offers.length + inspiration.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=2" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==2}">Destinations ({{destinations.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=3" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==3}">Holidays ({{products.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=4" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==4}">Offers ({{offers.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=5" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==5}">Inspiration ({{inspiration.length}})

{{offer.savingText}}

{{offer.basedOn}}

{{article.title}}

{{article.description}}

{{availabilityProduct.length}} holidays in {{term}}

You may also like...

Talk to an expert today

Your dream holiday is just a phone call away

Mon to Sat: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: Closed

Visit your local Kuoni store

In-person, virtual or phone

Get face-to-face advice from our friendly team

Email enquiry

Tell us what you’re planning and let our experts help you with your holiday

Your travel plans

Tell us who is going with you, what airport you'd like to fly from and any other details we may find useful, such as if it's a special occasion.

Your details

We may need to call you to talk about your holiday plans. If we need to get in touch, when is the best time to give you a call about your holiday?

Kuoni will be sharing travel inspiration, offers and exclusive event invites with you. We take your privacy very seriously and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Your appointment

We're transferring you to our tailor-made specialists

From the multi-award-winning Kuoni