Vancouver is the perfect starting point for unforgettable road trips. Whether you're heading into the majestic mountains, exploring wild coastlines, or crossing borders into the U.S., there’s a perfect itinerary waiting for you. Here’s a detailed guide to the best road trips from Vancouver, complete with recommended stops, day-by-day itineraries, and expert travel tips.
1. Whistler Getaway (2-3 Days, ~120 km One Way)
Why Whistler?
Whistler is a year-round outdoor paradise, offering world-class skiing, scenic hiking, and a lively village atmosphere. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this quick getaway is the perfect escape from Vancouver.
Route & Stops:
Vancouver → Horseshoe Bay → Shannon Falls → Sea to Sky Gondola → Brandywine Falls → Whistler
Itinerary:
Day 1: Scenic Drive & Stops Along the Sea-to-Sky Highway The journey from Vancouver to Whistler is as incredible as the destination itself. Start early to avoid traffic and make the most of the breathtaking stops along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99).
Horseshoe Bay (30 min from Vancouver) – A charming coastal village with great coffee shops and stunning ocean views. Take a quick stroll along the marina or grab breakfast at Butter Lane Bake Shop before heading out.
Shannon Falls (1 hour from Vancouver) – One of BC’s tallest waterfalls at 335m. A short, easy hike from the parking lot leads to spectacular views.
Sea to Sky Gondola (1 hour from Vancouver) – Ride up the gondola for panoramic views of Howe Sound and surrounding mountains, plus hiking trails and a suspension bridge.
Brandywine Falls (20 min before Whistler) – A quick 15-minute walk takes you to a stunning 70m waterfall, a must-see before arriving in Whistler.
Arrive in Whistler Village in the late afternoon, check into your hotel or campsite, and explore the lively pedestrian-friendly village. Grab dinner at Araxi, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, or enjoy casual eats at The Brewhouse. Day 2: Adventure & Relaxation in Whistler Wake up early and enjoy a full day of outdoor activities in Whistler. Whether you're visiting in winter or summer, there's plenty to do.
Winter Activities (December - March):
Skiing & Snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb, North America’s largest ski resort.
Snowmobiling through snowy backcountry trails.
Dog Sledding with experienced mushers through the Callaghan Valley.
Après-Ski at the Longhorn Saloon, a must-visit spot for post-ski drinks.
Summer Activities (June - September):
Hiking the High Note Trail – A scenic alpine hike with incredible mountain views.
Mountain Biking at Whistler Bike Park – One of the best bike parks in the world for beginners and pros alike.
Paddleboarding or Canoeing on Alta Lake for a peaceful nature escape.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride – The world’s longest lift, offering aerial views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Scenic Stops Before Heading Back If you have an extra day, take time to explore off-the-beaten-path spots before heading back to Vancouver.
Lost Lake – A quiet lake with sandy shores and scenic biking/walking trails.
Whistler Train Wreck Hike – A unique trail leading to colorful graffiti-covered train cars in the middle of the forest.
Alexander Falls – A lesser-known but stunning 43m waterfall located just 30 minutes south of Whistler.
Porteau Cove – On your drive back, stop at this oceanfront provincial park for a picnic or stargazing if you’re traveling at night.
Arrive back in Vancouver in the evening, completing an epic 2-3 day getaway to one of BC’s most beautiful destinations.
In the evening, unwind at the Scandinave Spa, an outdoor Nordic spa tucked away in the forest, perfect for soaking tired muscles after a day of adventure.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Winter for skiing, Summer for hiking & biking). Where to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (Luxury) | Aava Whistler Hotel (Mid-range) | HI Whistler (Budget).
2. Tofino Coastal Escape (4-6 Days, ~300 km One Way)
Why Tofino?
Tofino is the ultimate west coast adventure—think wild beaches, ancient rainforests, and epic surf spots. This Vancouver Island road trip is a must for nature lovers. Route & Stops:
Vancouver → Victoria → Cathedral Grove → Ucluelet → Tofino
Itinerary:
Day 1: Vancouver to Victoria – Exploring BC’s Capital Start your journey with a ferry ride from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Victoria. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours, offering stunning ocean views and a chance to spot marine wildlife like seals and orcas.
Things to Do in Victoria:
Butchart Gardens – A world-famous garden with incredible floral displays year-round.
Inner Harbour & Parliament Buildings – Walk along the scenic waterfront and admire the historic architecture.
Royal BC Museum – A great stop to learn about British Columbia’s Indigenous culture and natural history.
Fisherman’s Wharf – Grab fish & chips from Red Fish Blue Fish and watch the floating houses.
Stay overnight in Victoria and enjoy a relaxing evening by the waterfront.
Day 2: Victoria to Tofino – Scenic Drive Through Cathedral Grove
Wake up early and drive north towards Nanaimo, where you’ll catch Highway 4, leading through Vancouver Island’s old-growth forests and mountain ranges.
Must-See Stops Along the Way:
Cathedral Grove – Walk among 800-year-old Douglas fir trees in this breathtaking forest.
Little Qualicum Falls – A great place for a short scenic hike and waterfall views.
Coombs Old Country Market – Famous for its “Goats on the Roof” and delicious baked goods.
Ucluelet – A charming town near Tofino with rugged coastal hikes and fewer crowds.
Arrive in Tofino in the evening, check into your hotel or campsite, and enjoy a seafood dinner at Shelter Restaurant or Wolf in the Fog.
Day 3: Surfing and Beach Adventures in Tofino
Tofino is a surfer’s paradise, with long sandy beaches and consistent waves. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops in town.
Best Beaches for Surfing & Relaxing:
Cox Bay – The best spot for surfing, with consistent waves and great views.
Chesterman Beach – A local favorite, perfect for long beach walks and tide pooling.
Long Beach – The most famous beach in Pacific Rim National Park, known for its wild, untamed beauty.
If surfing isn’t your thing, explore the Tofino Botanical Gardens, take a scenic boat tour through Clayoquot Sound, or relax at the famous Hot Springs Cove (accessible by boat or seaplane).
Best Time to Visit: Spring - Fall (Winter for storm watching).
Where to Stay: Pacific Sands Beach Resort | Ocean Village Resort (Cabins) | Tofino Hostel.
Day 4: Exploring Pacific Rim National Park & Ucluelet
Spend the day exploring Pacific Rim National Park, a protected area with dense rainforests, dramatic coastlines, and incredible wildlife. Some must-do activities include:
Hiking the Rainforest Trail – A short loop through moss-covered trees and wooden boardwalks.
Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet – A stunning coastal walk with ocean views, lighthouses, and rugged cliffs.
Whale Watching Tour – Tofino is one of the best places in Canada to spot grey whales, humpbacks, and orcas.
Enjoy one last sunset at Chesterman Beach before settling in for the night.
Day 5: Kayaking in Clayoquot Sound & Indigenous Cultural Experiences
Tofino is deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and one of the best ways to experience this is through a guided kayak tour with a First Nations guide. Paddle through Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and learn about the land, wildlife, and local traditions.
Other things to do on Day 5:
Visit Eagle Aerie Gallery, showcasing the art of First Nations artist Roy Henry Vickers.
Take a boat trip to Meares Island and walk among some of the oldest trees in Canada.
Relax at Tofino Brewery and try a locally crafted beer.
Day 6: Return via Nanaimo & Final Stops
On the way back to Vancouver, take the same route through Highway 4, but consider these additional stops:
Englishman River Falls – A beautiful waterfall just outside of Parksville.
Nanaimo Harbour – Stop for lunch and try the famous Nanaimo Bar.
Departure Bay Ferry Terminal – Take the ferry back to Vancouver and end your road trip!
3. Banff & Jasper Loop Trip (10+ Nights, ~2,200 km Total)
Why Banff & Jasper?
This Rocky Mountain road trip takes you through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes, featuring glacial lakes, towering peaks, abundant wildlife, and charming mountain towns. This is the perfect trip for those who love the great outdoors, with endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and relaxation in nature.
Route & Stops:
Vancouver → Kamloops → Lake Louise → Banff → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Yoho National Park → Revelstoke → Return to Vancouver
Itinerary:
Day 1: Vancouver to Kamloops (~350 km, 4 hours)
Start your road trip heading east on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway). Make a few stops along the way:
Hope, BC – Famous for waterfalls and the scenic Othello Tunnels.
Merritt, BC – A great place for a quick bite before continuing on.
Kamloops – Check into your hotel and explore Riverside Park or Monte Creek Winery.
Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 2: Kamloops to Lake Louise (~500 km, 5.5 hours)
Drive towards the Canadian Rockies, stopping at:
Shuswap Lake – A peaceful spot for a morning break.
Rogers Pass – A scenic mountain pass with stunning views.
Yoho National Park – Stop at Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge.
Arrive in Lake Louise in the evening and relax at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or a cozy lodge.
Day 3: Exploring Banff National Park
Spend a full day in Banff, one of Canada’s most famous mountain destinations. Activities include:
Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House for stunning alpine views.
Riding the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain.
Exploring Banff Avenue, filled with shops, restaurants, and cozy cafés.
Relaxing at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Stay overnight in Banff.
Day 4: Banff to Jasper via Icefields Parkway (~290 km, 4 hours without stops)
Drive one of the most scenic roads in the world, stopping at:
Peyto Lake – One of the most photogenic lakes in Canada.
Columbia Icefield – Walk on the Athabasca Glacier.
Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls – Stunning waterfalls near Jasper.
Stay overnight in Jasper.
Day 5-6: Exploring Jasper National Park
Take time to explore Jasper, a less crowded but equally stunning park:
Maligne Canyon – A deep limestone gorge with waterfalls and bridges.
Spirit Island on Maligne Lake – Take a boat tour for jaw-dropping scenery.
Miette Hot Springs – The perfect way to relax in the Rockies.
Stargazing at Jasper Dark Sky Preserve – One of the best places for night sky photography.
Stay overnight in Jasper.
Day 7: Jasper to Revelstoke via Yoho National Park (~500 km, 6 hours)
Stop at Yoho National Park to see Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls.
Continue to Revelstoke, a charming mountain town known for its ski resort and relaxed atmosphere.
Stay overnight in Revelstoke.
Day 8-9: Exploring Revelstoke & Return to Vancouver
Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Relax at Halcyon Hot Springs.
Drive back to Vancouver, stopping at Salmon Arm or Kelowna for wine tasting.
Arrive in Vancouver on Day 10 and complete your Rocky Mountain adventure!
Best Time to Visit: June - September for warm weather, December - March for winter sports. Where to Stay: Fairmont Banff Springs (Luxury) | Jasper Park Lodge | Cozy cabins in Revelstoke.
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