Vancouver is a bustling city with plenty of natural splendors close enough for an overnight trip.
There’s a lot to explore if you know where to look. But the possibilities can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the region.
Today, we’re highlighting three quick trips in the area to help you enjoy British Columbia’s greatest assets.
Let’s hit it!
What Makes Vancouver So Special?
With over 2.5 million people in the metro area, Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia.
It draws folks for all kinds of reasons. Many want to enjoy the perks of a metropolis while having easy access to the great outdoors. Others come here to take in the arts, whether that’s the ballet or one of the many world-class museums. And for some, the culinary scene is hard to beat.
There’s no wrong time to visit Vancouver, and each season has its own perks. Despite its latitude, Vancouver experiences mild winters. Snow days are rare, and spring blossoms appear as early as February. You’ll see more folks out walking and cycling through the city as the landscape turns green.
Summer is the time to take part in many annual festivals like the Celebration of Light. And when autumn sets over Vancouver, the trees change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Whenever you choose to visit, you’ll find a lot to love about the area.
Reasons to Explore British Columbia
Vancouver has it all, and it’s the perfect place to park your RV and take off for nearby overnight trips. Of course, a major metropolitan city isn’t the first destination that comes to mind for most campers. But it’s the perfect home base for many jaunts in the region.
After all, some places are simply easier to explore by car. Without having to tow your home or navigate winding mountain roads in a bulky Class A, you can enjoy the natural beauty without the stress. And British Columbia is packed with sights you’ll want to take in.
You’re bound to find something spectacular if you hop in the car and head in just about any direction.
Vancouver Island is west of the city. With emerald forests and unparalleled views of the Pacific, it’s a haven for adventurers. You can drive east to ski some of the best slopes in North America. Since the Coast and Rocky Mountain ranges flank Vancouver, outdoor recreation is never far. Folks craving true isolation can go north into Cariboo and other remote locations.
No matter which parts of British Columbia you choose to peruse, you’ll find striking scenery, friendly faces, and rich cultural resources.
Get started with The Beginner’s Guide to RVing in Beautiful Canada.
3 Fantastic Overnight Trips Near Vancouver
If you decide to RV in Vancouver, we suggest making time for an overnight trip or two to get a feel for the area and see the sights. Here are three highly-rated spots to check out!
Sea-to-Sky Scenic Highway
Spanning just over 100 miles, or 163 kilometers, Highway 99 stretches from Vancouver to Whistler. You can make the trip in about 90 minutes, but if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. Many folks take in the sights over a long weekend based in Whistler.
You’ll start out heading west on 99 until the road shifts north and hugs the Squamish River. You can make a pit stop in Horseshoe Bay for fresh seafood to fuel your trip. Then, you’ll come to Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a world-renowned scuba diving destination with tons of artificial reefs and shipwrecks. Even land-lubbers will want to stroll the rocky beaches.
Further north is the Britannia Mine Museum National Historic Site. Here, you can learn about the area’s mining exploits, pan for gold, and even take a train deep underground to see what life was like for early residents.
Next, you’ll reach the Sea-to-Sky gondola, a must-see attraction. As you ascend Mount Habrich, you’ll have incredible views of Howe Sound, cascading waterfalls, and the surrounding coastal forest. Each cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows and room for eight passengers. It can also accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
Once you get to the top, you can view the world below from three platforms, grab a bite to eat, or venture onto the adjacent hiking trails. The ride only takes about ten minutes one way.
From Squamish, continue on to Whistler. This is one of the premier destinations for winter sports on the planet. But it’s a four-season resort town. You’ll have plenty of activities to enjoy no matter when you visit. We suggest treating yourself to a royal stay at one of the town’s high-end lodges.
Coastal Circle Route
For a tour of Vancouver’s coastal communities, take a trip along the Coastal Circle Route.
Start your journey with a ferry ride from Sunshine Coast to Nanaimo. This outdoor playground is where you can paddle placid lakes or hike to the top of a mountain.
Then, head south to Sydney, known to many as BookTown. Avid readers will be in heaven, with tons of specialty shops for new titles, collectors’ editions, and antique publications. Continue on to Victoria, where the arts come alive. Take your pick of places like the Royal BC Museum, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the Bateman Gallery.
As you cruise back to the north, stop in Chemainus to see the planet’s largest collection of outdoor murals and sculptures. You’ll pass back through Nanaimo, where you might want to crash for the night. After all, you can find anything from a B&B to a five-star resort to rest your head.
The next morning, hit the road to Comox, where you’ll catch the return ferry to the Sunshine Coast. Before boarding, check out one of the many nearby wineries.
Finally, travel south along the water from Powell. Keep an eye out for purple flyers that indicate an artist’s studio is open to the public. This is the Purple Banner Route, which spans from Powell River to Gibsons. It’s a great way to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs from your excursion.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Crossing the Canadian Border in Your RV.
Fraser Valley Wine, Beer, and Cider Tour
Throughout the Fraser Valley, boutique wineries and craft breweries create artisanal beverages for discerning palates. Sure, you could pay to go on a structured tour of these facilities, but we prefer making our own itinerary that suits our tastes. And you can do the same thing. Simply choose your destinations and plan your trip from Vancouver.
Highway 1 passes through agricultural towns where locals make some of the finest libations in Canada.
Heading east, your first stop will be Langley. Visit the tasting room at Dead Frog Brewery for a Hippity Hop Hazy IPA and a hand-tossed pizza. Additionally, wine snobs will appreciate the flavors at Chaberton Estate Winery and Bacchus Bistro. A trip to Fraser Valley Cider Company should fill the void for a crisp concoction.
Then, continue on to Abbotsford. You can hit Loudmouth Brewing Company for a beer, Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery for a glass of wine, or Taves Estate Cidery for a drink with a twist.
Lastly, cozy up in Chilliwack for an overnight stay and a taste of the local flavors. Try a wasabi lager at Bricklayer Brewing Company, sip a Sparkling L’Acadie at Whispering Horse Winery, or visit Lake Bottom Cidery for something a little different.
Grab the details: Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip
Is a Vancouver Road Trip Worth It?
Folks looking to explore British Columbia will find countless ways to enjoy the region. Whether your sights are set on the scenery, you want to soar down snowy slopes, or you’d rather relax and sip a refreshing adult beverage, there’s something here for you.
While you could spend a lifetime seeing all the attractions in the area, you can easily hit the highlights on an overnight trip from Vancouver. Now, pack your bags and get on the road!
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