Top 10 Best Road Trips from Vancouver BC

Vancouver is surrounded by beauty—but sometimes, what you need is to leave the city behind, pack a few snacks, and head for the open road.

The best road trips from Vancouver aren’t just about getting to the end point. They’re about the views, the small towns, the quiet rest areas, and those unplanned stops that become the highlights of your trip.

After spending decades driving these routes—sometimes solo, sometimes with my mom or a friend, and always with a slower pace in mind—I’ve mapped out the road trips from Vancouver that make the journey just as rewarding as the destination.

Whether you’ve got a long weekend or time for a full Canadian Rocky Mountains escape, these are scenic, practical routes I’ve actually done and recommend—from the quiet forests near Hope to winding drives through Revelstoke and ferry-hopping toward Powell River—with soft adventures, nature breaks, and interesting stops worth pulling over for.

1. Vancouver to Powell River

Distance: ~170 km + two ferries
Time to allow: 3–4 days
Best for: Slow travellers, ferry lovers, and people craving coastal calm
Best time to go: April–October for clearer skies and trail access

This circle route takes you from Vancouver to Langdale (Gibsons), through the Sunshine Coast, and up to Powell River—a peaceful, artsy town with easy nature trails, lake access, and historic spots like the Townsite district.

• Ride two scenic ferries (Langdale and Earl’s Cove; Saltery Bay and Comox if continuing to the island)
• Visit Willingdon Beach, Inland Lake Trail, or hike a short section of the Sunshine Coast Trail
• Enjoy vegan-friendly cafés and coastal takeout you can eat on the pier

2. Vancouver to Tofino

Distance: ~285 km + ferry
Time to allow: 3–5 days
Best for: Nature lovers, storm watchers, and soft adventurers
Best time to go: May–October for beach weather, November–February for storm season

In the movie “One Week,” Tofino embodies the edge of the world, a place where reflection meets adventure. The journey there, with its wild landscapes and serene beaches, becomes a turning point that invites introspection amidst nature’s beauty.

Tofino isn’t a hidden gem, but the journey there still feels remote and wild in all the best ways. From the ferry ride to Vancouver Island to the winding Pacific Rim Highway, this trip rewards you with rainforest, beaches, and local culture the whole way through.

• Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, then drive to Ucluelet and Tofino
• Stop in Cathedral Grove to walk among ancient Douglas firs
• Visit Long Beach, Chesterman Beach, and the Rainforest Trail

3. Vancouver to Hope, BC

Distance: 150 km
Time to allow: Half-day or full day (overnight optional)
Best for: Day trippers, history buffs, and nature lovers who don’t want a long drive
Best time to go: Spring through fall (for Othello Tunnels and waterfalls)

Hope feels like the gateway to canyon country. It’s a great first step if you’re not ready for a multi-day trip but still want dramatic scenery and meaningful stops.

Walking the Othello Tunnels | Must-See Stop in Hope, BC

Watch this video on YouTube.

• Walk through the Othello Tunnels (seasonal)
• Eat your takeout by the Fraser River
• See dozens of wood carvings downtown
• Add Bridal Veil Falls or Yale Historic Site on the way

📍 Things to Do in Hope, BC

4. Vancouver to Merritt

Distance: 270 km
Time to allow: 1–2 days
Best for: People who want quiet nature, fewer crowds, and underrated scenery
Best time to go: Late spring to early fall for warm weather and open landscapes

Merritt’s not a typical tourist stop—and that’s why I like it. There’s space to breathe, scenic drives without traffic, and a historic downtown that feels grounded.

• Visit the Coldwater Hotel or find local murals
• Walk along the Nicola River or picnic in Rotary Park
• Detour to Nicola Lake or Quilchena for open views and fresh air

📍 Things to Do in Merritt, BC

5. Vancouver to Kelowna

Distance: ~390 km
Time to allow: 2–3 days
Best for: Wine-loving or wine-free travellers, lake seekers, and people who love warm-weather getaways
Best time to go: May–October for hiking, beaches, and outdoor patios

Kelowna often gets pegged as a wine destination—but even without alcohol, it’s a fantastic road trip option for vegan eats, beach walks, and lakefront views. This route gives you options: go straight up Highway 5 and 97C, or take the slower, scenic route through the Similkameen Valley and Highway 3.

• Stop in Hope or Princeton to break up the drive
• Visit Knox Mountain Park or hike the Myra Canyon Trestles
• Grab food from local plant-based spots and take it to the waterfront

📍 Is Kelowna Worth Visiting? Here’s Why It’s One of BC’s Best Destinations
📍 Driving to Kelowna? Here’s the Most Scenic Way from Your City

6. Vancouver to Kamloops

Distance: 350 km
Time to allow: 2–3 days with stops
Best for: Culture seekers, solo travellers, and those interested in Indigenous history
Best time to go: Year-round, but fall is ideal for fewer crowds and cooler hikes

Kamloops offers a blend of desert hills and river parks. It’s a good base for a soft adventure stop, with quiet walks, art galleries, and access to nearby trails.

• Take the scenic Fraser Canyon route if you’ve got extra time
• Visit Riverside Park or stroll downtown
• Learn more about Secwépemc culture through local shops and centres

📍 Is Kamloops Worth Visiting?
📍 Drive From Vancouver to Kamloops

7. Kamloops to Revelstoke

Distance: 215 km
Time to allow: 1–2 days
Best for: Nature lovers, waterfall seekers, and those who prefer smaller towns over big resorts
Best time to go: Summer to early fall (for hiking, views, and clear driving conditions)

This stretch is underrated. With alpine towns, calm lakes, and quiet forest trails, it’s the kind of drive that actually lets you slow down and enjoy each leg.

• Spend the morning in Sun Peaks and enjoy the alpine trails
• Take a break in Salmon Arm along the wharf or the butterfly garden
• Stretch your legs at Margaret Falls or Tsútswecw Provincial Park

📍 Things to Do Between Kamloops and Revelstoke
📍 Sun Peaks Summer Activities
📍 Things to Do in Salmon Arm

8. Vancouver to Revelstoke

Distance: 565 km
Time to allow: 2–4 days
Best for: Slow travellers, photographers, and mountain town wanderers
Best time to go: Late spring to fall (unless you’re experienced with winter driving)

This is one of my favourite routes because of how varied it is. Waterfalls, tunnels, lakes, and alpine views make the drive to Revelstoke anything but boring.

• Combine with stops in Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, and Salmon Arm
• Grab local vegan eats in Revelstoke and stroll downtown
• Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park for boardwalk trails and summit views

📍 Vancouver to Revelstoke Drive
📍 Is Revelstoke Worth Visiting?

9. Vancouver to Banff

Distance: ~850 km
Time to allow: 4–6 days
Best for: Nature photographers, Rockies lovers, and anyone craving epic mountain scenery
Best time to go: Late spring to early fall for mountain views and accessible trails

This is the classic western Canada bucket list road trip—but it doesn’t have to be a rush job. With stops in Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Yoho National Park, the drive to Banff becomes a journey in its own right.

• Visit Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, and Lake Louise along the way
• Plan overnight stops to avoid burnout
• Ideal route for using my Mountain Trip Packing List

📍 Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary
📍 Where to Stay Between Vancouver and Banff

10. Vancouver to Calgary

Distance: ~1,000 km
Time to allow: 4–7 days
Best for: Road trip lovers who want to see both mountains and prairie landscapes
Best time to go: June–October for the most accessible routes and weather

This route lets you take the scenic BC route to the Rockies, but ends with a totally different vibe in Calgary—a city that mixes cowboy history with modern art and vegan-friendly eats. It’s a great choice if you want to fly one way or extend your adventure eastward.

• Follow the same route to Banff, then continue to Canmore and Calgary
• Add stops in Golden or Yoho National Park
• Useful for planning: Ski Trip Packing List, Lake Trip Packing List

📍 Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip Guide

Vancouver Road Trips Comparison Table

Route	Distance	Days	Best For	Best Time
Vancouver to Hope	150 km	½–1 day	Quick nature trip, tunnels, Gold Rush history	Spring–Fall
Vancouver to Merritt	270 km	1–2 days	Quiet, scenic high-country drive	Late Spring–Fall
Vancouver to Kamloops	350 km	2–3 days	Culture, nature parks, offbeat city breaks	Year-round (Fall ideal)
Kamloops to Revelstoke	215 km	1–2 days	Waterfalls, small towns, soft hikes	Summer–Early Fall
Vancouver to Revelstoke	565 km	2–4 days	Nature stops, relaxing pace, scenic detours	Spring–Fall
Vancouver to Kelowna	390 km	2–3 days	Lake views, warm weather, food scene	May–October
Vancouver to Powell River	170 km + ferries	3–4 days	Ferry adventure, quiet coast, small towns	April–October
Vancouver to Tofino	285 km + ferry	3–5 days	Rainforest, beaches, storm watching	May–October (or winter for storms)
Vancouver to Banff	850 km	4–6 days	Mountain lovers, national parks, photography	Late Spring–Fall
Vancouver to Calgary	1,000 km	4–7 days	Extended Rockies road trip with a city finish	June–October

Budgeting for Your BC Road Trip

Gas, ferries, hotels, park passes—it adds up quickly if you’re not prepared. I’ve broken down real tips and cost-saving strategies in this guide to help you plan smarter, not cheaper.

📍 Budget Road Trip Tips: How to Save Without Sacrificing Fun

Planning Your Road Trip From Vancouver

Once you’ve picked your route, it’s worth sorting out a few key logistics—especially if you’re coming from out of province or renting a vehicle.

• Travel insurance: Even for domestic road trips, I recommend having health travel insurance if you’re crossing provincial lines. Unexpected medical issues, out-of-network clinics, or emergencies in remote towns can add up fast.
• Rental car insurance: If you’re booking a car, check whether you’re already covered through your credit card or personal policy. If not, it’s worth adding full coverage during checkout on sites like Discover Cars for peace of mind.
• Connectivity: I use Airalo eSIMs when I’m driving through areas with weak service or travelling close to the US border. It’s especially handy for international visitors or anyone on limited plans.
• Navigation: Download offline Google Maps for regions like Merritt, Revelstoke, or the Sunshine Coast. Service drops are common along Highway 1, Duffey Lake Road, and in mountain corridors.
• Park passes: National parks (like Yoho or Banff) require a Parks Canada pass. Some BC Parks also charge day-use fees—check ahead to avoid delays at trailheads.

The more you prep now, the more you’ll enjoy those unplanned lake breaks, roadside viewpoints, and café detours later.

What to Pack for Scenic Drives and Mountain Getaways

Whether you’re heading to the lakes, the mountains, or across the Rockies, the right gear makes all the difference. I’ve created detailed packing lists based on the kind of trip you’re taking:

• 🏔️ Mountain Trip Packing List
• 🌊 Lake Trip Packing List
• 🎿 Ski Trip Packing List
• 🚗 Road Trip Vehicle Packing List

I also recommend choosing accommodations with a kitchenette if you want to bring your own meals or warm up leftovers on the go.

FAQ: Vancouver Road Trips

Driving Tips for BC Road Trips

• Give yourself more time than Google Maps suggests. Between traffic, rest stops, and spontaneous viewpoints, the drive often takes longer.
• Check road conditions on DriveBC, especially in spring and fall when closures and construction are more likely.
• Keep snacks and water in the car. Some stretches between towns are surprisingly remote.
• Refuel early. Don’t count on there being gas stations at every major intersection—especially between Merritt and Revelstoke.

More Getaways from Vancouver

1. Squamish, BC
2. Whistler, BC
3. Pemberton, BC
4. Sunshine Coast, BC
5. Victoria, BC
6. Tofino, BC
7. Kamloops, BC
8. Manning Provincial Park, BC
9. Okanagan Valley, BC
10. Thompson-Nicola Valley, BC