8 Amazing British Columbia Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
British Columbia (BC), Canada's westernmost province, is known for its striking beauty, high quality of life, and endless adventures. Home to gorgeous parks, trail systems, mountain ranges, and coastal viewpoints, it is easy to see why a road trip through any part of BC will fill your memories and your camera roll for years to come. Whether you love visiting top-rated wineries near Kelowna, observing the 海角社区 from the top of a mountain in Whistler, or surfing in Tofino, you will find everything you are looking for with only a tank of gas and an afternoon to spare.
Vancouver to Whistler
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is popular amongst locals and tourists alike, with tour bus companies offering rides several times a day. The drive only takes an hour and a half without stopping, though you will definitely see the value in pulling over to witness the incredible sights along the way.
Traveling along the Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish is the first major stopping point for many. The stretch of road between Vancouver and Squamish is stunning, winding along the mountains and overlooking the Howe Sound. In Squamish, there are several options for outdoor adventure and leg-stretching, including an adorable downtown area, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, and Shannon Falls Provincial Park.
Located between Squamish and Whistler is Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, a stunning spot where you can park and explore the whimsical trails that make it feel as if you have entered an enchanted forest. It is also home to the Whistler Bungee Bridge, a heart-pounding adrenaline-fueled activity for the most daring.
As you arrive in Whistler, there is an extensive list of activities, depending on the season you visit. In the summer, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is an exciting course with sections for all skill levels. Alta Lake, Green Lake, and Lost Lake Park are three options for lakeside relaxing and swimming if you are up for it. There is also the Cloudraker Skybridge at the top of the ski hill, accessible by a gondola ride and chairlift ride. In the winter, the ski hill comes alive with over 200 runs.
Victoria to Tofino
Victoria, also known as British Columbia's capital, is located on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, and while having a more low-key vibe than Vancouver, is still just as spectacular. A short ferry ride away from the mainland, Victoria is a fantastic starting point for adventures throughout the island, including the surfing hotspot of Tofino.
The drive to Tofino from Victoria takes just over four hours, running along Highway 1 towards Nanaimo before veering inland until you reach the western coast.
Just outside Nanaimo is Port Alberni, the perfect spot to take in the fresh air while indulging in a cute cafe or restaurant. As you continue onwards, Sproat Lake is not far and is home to two provincial parks, including Fossil and Taylor Arm. You then have the option to explore Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park or stop along the shores of Kennedy Lake.
Eventually, you will arrive at a crossroads that will give you the option to head to Tofino or take a left to the coastal community of Ucluelet. While Tofino is the more popular choice, Ucluelet is a great little detour for those in search of rugged coastlines, a vibrant art scene, and wildlife viewing.
Kelowna to Osoyoos
A wine enthusiast's dream, the drive from Kelowna to Osoyoos is lined with wineries, vineyards, and shops selling only the finest bottles. The area is known as the Okanagan Valley, the heart of British Columbia's wine production. The route between the two areas is also a beauty in itself, as you pass alongside three major lakes, including Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, and Osoyoos Lake. Total drive time without stopping is around an hour and a half each way.
The first major point outside Kelowna is Summerland, which is just before Penticton and is home to popular wineries like Lightning Rock and Haywire. In Penticton, La Frenz Winery offers stunning lake views, nestled at the base of the hillside. Poplar Grove Winery is closer to the lake, with expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and an on-site tapas restaurant.
Not far up the main road is Skaha Lake, as well as Okanagan Falls. A quick stop at Farm Gate Winery and Fruit Stand offers tourists the chance to purchase delicious BC fruit as well as bottles of homemade wine, or Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery provides a more luxurious experience.
Oliver, known as the wine capital of Canada, is surrounded by dozens of vineyards, wineries, and liquor shops. From the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery to the District Wine Village, there is no shortage of stops perfect for embracing the province's wine culture and seeing what puts Oliver on the map. As you eventually make your way into Osoyoos, the options don't thin out, as top spots like the Night Bird Estate Winery and Moon Curser Vineyards are right at your fingertips.
Vancouver to Hope
The journey from Vancouver to Hope runs along Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) and takes just under two hours. Passing by and through other cities such as Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, it can be a busy road to take, but the end result is spectacular.
For a blast to the past, a short detour off the main highway takes travelers into Fort Langley, a national historic site home to adorable shops, restaurants, and buildings. Further along and closer to Hope, you can decide to veer off the main path again to visit Harrison Hot Springs or the stunning Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park just off the highway. On hot summer days, the Bridal Falls Waterpark is a stellar spot to cool down with waterslides, a river run, and an on-site ice cream shop.
In Hope, walk the trails alongside the Fraser River or simply enjoy being surrounded by lush forests and mountains. A few minutes outside Hope is the Othello Tunnels, a collection of five decommissioned railway tunnels open for exploration.
Kamloops to Salmon Arm
Driving from Kamloops to Salmon Arm takes just under an hour and a half and is filled with natural beauty, from lush forests to mountain views. The route is Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway), the major roadway through Canada, and for this particular duration, it runs alongside the South Thompson River, which eventually links with the Shuswap Lakes.
The first major point of interest is Chase, an adorable lakeside town nestled on Little Shuswap. The downtown is home to cafes, markets, and trinket shops, with easy access to riverfront and lakefront parks. Not far up the road is the magnificent Shuswap Lake, a popular destination for house boating and lakeside living. Travelers can either admire the views from their car or get out and wander around the many roadside stops and marinas.
As you come into Salmon Arm, you can either spend your day enjoying the water or explore the unique areas surrounding the town, such as the Grass Roots Dairy Farm for homemade cheeses. If you are hoping to partake in water activities, there are fantastic options like the Salmon Arm Wharf for fishing, renting a boat from one of the marinas, swimming, or walking the trails along the shores.
Vancouver to Bowen Island
Vancouver to Bowen Island is the perfect day trip for Vancouver City residents wanting to escape into nature or for visitors wanting to explore the islands dotting the Pacific coast. A 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is an inexpensive getaway you can enjoy with or without a car, though a car is recommended since much of Bowen Island, other than the main town, is only accessible by vehicle.
The ferry docks in Snug Cove, with an assortment of restaurants and shops to visit. Bowen Island Pub and Tell Your Friends Cafe offer a unique spot to sit down and plan out your day, or just relax by the sea with a good drink. There is also a grocery store for those interested in picnicking.
Popular destinations around the island include Tunstall Bay, Cates Bay Beach, Killarney Lake, and Mt. Gardner. Visitors can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, and backpacking.
The first ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island leaves just before 6 am, and the last departure from the island is at 10:30 pm. Ferries go to and from the island over a dozen times a day as well, so you can easily plan your excursion within any timeframe.
Kamloops to Hope
Starting in Kamloops, this route stretches along the stunning Coquihalla Highway towards Vancouver. The drive takes just over two hours on a nice day, but fair warning, this stretch can be impacted by various road conditions in an instant. Driving it in the winter requires snow tires, and the highway can close without warning if the weather becomes too dire. The best time to make the trip is in the summer months, when the roads are dry, and all you have to worry about is enjoying the view.
Merritt is the first major stop outside Kamloops, which is nestled in the Nicola Valley. Its desert atmosphere and Western influence are noticeable, with the area being a popular ranching and farming spot for over a century. This is also your last chance to fill up on gas and get any essentials, as there is no gas station until Hope.
Once you leave Merritt, you will ascend into the mountains, and the magnificence of the Coquihalla begins. This stretch of highway winds alongside massive valleys, with expansive views of the ranges. With constant ascensions and dips, it is a thrilling adventure. The Coquihalla Summit Rec Area, also known as the Zopkios Rest Area, provides a spot to get out, take in the fresh air, indulge in a bathroom break, or set up a picnic near the forest. Near the end of the Coquillhalla is the must-visit CoquihallaCanyon Provincial Park, home to the Othello Tunnels.
Vancouver to Sechelt
Leaving from Horseshoe Bay, the ferry to Sechelt takes around 40 minutes, with the drop-off port being in Langdale, an area 25 minutes out from Sechelt. The ride passes through Howe Sound, a spectacular coastal paradise. The entire trip takes about two hours each way.
As the ferry docks, the drive starts on the Sunshine Coast Highway. Stopping in nearby Gibsons is optional but a cute pitstop, with popular spots like the Persephone Brewing Company.
The Sunshine Coast is another famous BC highway known for its views. It connects to beautiful parks such as Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, and Secret Cove Falls. In Sechelt, tourists can explore the vast amount of trails, whether through Burnett Falls Park, Kinnikinnick Park, or a dozen other options. As the day comes to a close, there are options to dine along the Sechelt Inlet with the Lighthouse Marine Pub or places closer to the main coastline, including Ocean Club and Bistro, and Twenty-Two Taphouse.
These drives, all under five hours, with a majority being only around an hour and a half each way, are perfect afternoon getaways from major cities in British Columbia. Whether you are hoping to sample some high-class BC wines and fruits, embrace the vast and untouched natural beauty of the province, play amongst the waves, or just take in the stunning scenery, these drives provide adventurers with ample opportunity to see why exploring beautiful British Columbia is on so many bucket lists.
