Okay Vancouverites, back us up here. When you live in the province of bountiful beauty, it’s hard not to want to explore and re-explore it every chance you get. So, when the government gave us the green light, we were ready to hit the road. Because what better way than a road trip to kick off our post-lockdown travel diaries, right?
As if reading our thoughts, Volkswagen launched the All-New 2022 Taos this Summer. Not only is the timing perfect, the new compact SUV is designed for on-road adventures. A spacious 5-seater, the Taos with available 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive making it an all-season vehicle. With a folding rear seat and a centre pass through, the trunk can fit a good 25 cubic feet of stuff in it- meaning the versatile Taos is always game for an adventure.
Now, whether you choose to drive in your old ride or your new 2022 Taos, we’ve teamed up with Volkswagen to round up a list of the 6 best road trips that’ll make you fall in love with BC all over again.
Vernon
Bordered by the beautiful Okangan Lake and Lake Kalamalka, Vernon is a BC hot spot for many reasons. Hike along the rail trail, stay afloat one of the three inviting lakes, go wine tasting, bike your way through the challenging bike trails, sunbathe at the beach or take a stroll along the cute little downtown street. These are just some of the many amazing things you can do in Vernon, the less crowded cousin of Kelowna, that’s totally worth a trip. Before you head out, make sure you take a look at the fire conditions in the area!
Where: Okanagan Valley, BC
Drive from Vancouver: 5 hours
Osoyoos
Even warmer than Vernon is the cute town of Osoyoos, home to Canada’s only desert. Apart from the unreal views all around, two things make Osoyoos perfect for a chill-cation: great wineries and sunny beaches. Everywhere you look, you’ll find a lake which means you can dip (the lakes are warm here), fish, kayak and paddle to your heart’s content.
Where: Okanagan Valley, BC
Drive from Vancouver: 5 hours
Lillooet
Lillooet is your typical BC beauty- lined by mountains, marked by lakes and blessed with warm weather. Naturally, there are enough trails and water activities to keep you busy, after all the town slogan is ‘guaranteed rugged’. The trails and waters sure are welcoming but trust us, you want to visit Lillooet for the Sheep Pasture Golf Course, a 9-hole course with some fun (yes, fun even for non-golfers) and interesting obstacles. And did we mention, there will be sheep grazing as you play?
Where: Northeast of Vancouver, BC
Distance from Vancouver: 3.5 hours
Skagit Valley Provincial Park
Yes, it’s a provincial park. Yes, it’s beautiful beyond imagination. No, it’s not just another hike-bike-fish-boat destination. Of course, you can do all of that but Skagit Valley Provincial Park offers an interesting twist. The park actually has two different climate zones, you’ll find a fir and fern-covered damp rainforest along the coast but as you climb higher you’ll find yourself treading the dry, rocky, pine-lined forest. Definitely worth experiencing, we say!
Where: Hope, BC
Distance from Vancouver: 4.25 hours
Harrison Hot Springs Village
Soothing hot waters, quiet spas and relaxing massages are what pops in mind when thinking of Harrison Hot Springs. While that picture is not wrong, it certainly isn’t complete. There’s a bunch of other water adventures to enjoy like the Wipeout inspired Floating Water Park, the bumper boats, banana tube ride, jet ski, etc. And be sure to rent and ride a quadricycle. Those cute little things are more fun to ride than they look.
Where: Fraser Valley, BC
Drive from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
Alouette Lake
Just over an hour away, this splashing blue lake is a common go-to place for us Vancouverites for a quick break from the city. Whether you want to soak up some Vitamin D at the beach, take a quick dip in the lake, explore the waters canoeing & kayaking or feel the wind skiing & surfing, Alouette Lake has got you covered.
Where: Golden Ears Provincial Park, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 1.25 hours
So friends, there you have it. Happy road-trippin’!
