Fortunately for Vancouverites, some of the most stunning destinations in BC are a mere car or ferry ride away. From Fort Langley to Butchart Gardens to Harrison Hot Springs – if you’re looking to make a quick getaway from the city over the long weekend we’ve got you covered!
Here are 10 amazing day trips you can take from Vancouver.
Whistler
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We’re starting off this list with a classic, and well, because Whistler is officially open for the season! The full summer program is back on Saturday, May 21st – so get ready for gorgeous hikes through the Ascent trails and sweeping peak-to-peak views from the Skybridge.
Want to make a pit stop on the way? Check out Shannon Falls Provincial Park and get in a quick bite to eat surrounded by gorgeous waterfalls.
Victoria
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Our province’s capital is home to some of the most gorgeous coastal scenery in BC. Get afternoon tea at the historic Empress Hotel, picnic at Beacon Hill, or take a leisurely stroll through Butchart Gardens. If you go with the latter, be sure to explore the Sunken Garden pictured above!
Within 30 minutes of downtown Victoria are some amazing hiking trails if you’re up for an adventure. Sooke’s Coast Trail, Mount Doug, Mystic Beach and Sandcut Beach trails, and Durrance Lake are some great options! Be sure to pack a good SPF and some snacks for refuelling.
Harrison Hot Springs
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Fortunately for Vancouverites, the small town of Harrison is only 90 minutes away – and the resort town has much to offer day-trippers. Golfing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and various lake activities all await.
Once you’ve crossed off all the items on your to-do list, it’s time to unwind in some soothing spring water at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Stop by the mineral pools or extend your day trip into a weekend visit by staying at the spa for an extra day or two.
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Squamish
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Food. Art. Beer. Need we say more? Squamish is not only home to the Stawamus Chief trail and some of the most beautiful (and gruelling) hikes in the province, but it’s also a great place to catch an art show, music fest, or unwind with a couple of local craft brews.
Get a coffee and do some thrift shopping in Squamish’s quaint downtown, head to Backcountry Brewing, or check out the views from the famous Sea-to-Sky Gondola.
Salt Spring Island
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Salt Spring Island is a charming, quirky place filled with family-run farms and art studios that you can visit. Load up on fresh berries or artisanal cheese, and get to know the people that make up this vibrant community.
Plan your trip for a Saturday if you want to take advantage of their famous summertime Saturday Market in their main town of Ganges, complete with local produce, artisanal treats, potters and jewellers, photography, and more.
Steveston Village in Richmond
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Make a day of fish and chips and local history at this charming fishing village by Fraser River. The shipbuilding and fish processing industries of the 1800s made Steveston one of BC’s busiest communities of the time!
Check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery to see what working in a fish plant was like, and then load up on delicious grub from Pajo’s.
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park
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Waterfall lovers, this one’s for you. The Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located just east of Chilliwack, and includes a 60-metre-high waterfall! The best part? This gorgeous view is only a 15-minute walk away. No fatigue or dehydration is necessary to reach this famous spot!
Once you’ve enjoyed the falls, you can check out the 32-acre Minter Gardens. Get some quality bird-watching in, or make use of the Bridal Falls Waterpark if you need a little cool-down. Since Chilliwack is just a hop skip and a jump away, you might as well venture off into the Cheam Lake area as well!
Bowen Island
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This beautiful island is the perfect spot to explore on foot. Go on a hike through the Mount Gardner Loop trail, walk through the Ecological Reserve, or simply load up on ice cream from Earnest in Snug Cove.
After sunbathing at Sandy Beach, head to Riley’s Cidery and sip some delicious, locally crafted cider.
Explore Fort Langley
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Honestly, there’s a ton to do in Langley by way of brunch, window shopping, and cafe hopping. And you don’t need a car to get there! Hop on the SkyTrain to Surrey and then take the 503 bus in the direction of Fraser Hwy Exp/Langley Centre. Easy peasy.
If you want to step into the past for a bit, we recommend checking out the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Explore the site of the Hudson’s Bay Company and learn about how the fur traders, California gold prospects, and First Nations lived throughout the era.
Check out a suspension bridge
Thankfully, very little commute time is necessary to explore some great suspension bridges in North Vancouver! Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Canyon are excellent daytime excursions that everyone in the family can enjoy – unless you’re afraid of heights. Then maybe skip the bridges.
Lynn Canyon has an Ecology Centre, a cafe, and a bunch of hiking trails for those who want to do a bit of exploring on solid ground.
Happy day trippin’, Vancouver!
