With the skies clearing up and summer well on its way, we’re gearing up for an incredible season of road-tripping in BC, which isn’t hard when you consider the variety of options we have. From turquoise lakes to quaint mountain towns, here are some scenic road trip destinations in BC that are well worth the trip from Vancouver this spring and summer.
Rolley Lake Park
We’ll start with the closest pick to Vancouver. This warm-water lake is just under an hour away from Vancouver, offering beautiful views and a sandy beach for lounging. Plus, the predominantly flat wilderness park is far more accessible compared to other provincial parks, complete with a scenic boardwalk en route to Rolley Falls.
Where: Mission, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Less than one hour by car
Ellison Park
Looking to explore some of BC’s most treasured hidden gems? Nestled on the northeastern shore of Okanagan Lake is Western Canada’s only freshwater dive park. Situated in Ellison Provincial Park, the dive park is surrounded by 220 hectares of forested benchlands, rocky shorelines, and sheltered coves.
Where: Okanagan Lake, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Five hours and 45 minutes by car
Lindeman Lake
Located inside Chilliwack Lake Park, Lindeman Lake is accessible via a dog-friendly, “intermediate-level” hike through gorgeous forested trails. Note that the glacial lake remains cold year-round, but its blue-green waters and mountain vistas are well worth the trek.
Where: Near Chilliwack, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Two hours and 11 minutes by car
Strathcona Park
Strathcona Park offers nature enthusiasts and adventurers plenty of rugged mountains, ancient forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes to explore. Hikers can backpack through an extensive network of trails along riverside paths, or challenge themselves at summit ascents, like Golden Hinde.
The latter offers the most daring explorers stunning panoramic views from its summit.
Where: Westmin Road, Comox-Strathcona D, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Approximately five hours by car and ferry
Coombs
Situated in the historic village of Coombs on Vancouver Island, the Old Country Market was created in the early ’70s by Norwegian immigrants Kristian and Solveig Graaten. In typical Norwegian style, the market was built directly into the hillside with a sod roof, which would later become home to a gaggle of famous rooftop goats, which you can visit from May through late October every year.
Where: Coombs, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Three hours and 10 minutes by car
Goldstream
Goldstream Park boasts majestic 600-year-old trees, powerful waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers, and a river that meets the sea – and that’s just for starters. Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from wheelchair-accessible hikes to more challenging adventures along creeks and up past abandoned gold-digging sites.
Where: 16 km northwest of Victoria
Distance from Vancouver: Three hours and 57 minutes by car
Bridal Veil Falls Park
Waterfall lovers, this one’s for you. The Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is located just east of Chilliwack and includes a spectacular 60-metre-high waterfall. The best part? This gorgeous view is only a 15-minute walk away.
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 jump away, you might as well venture off into the Cheam Lake area!
Where: Bridal Falls, BC
Distance from Vancouver: One hour and a half by car
Osoyoos Lake Regional Park
Known for its sunny lake days and delicious wine and craft cider, Osoyoos is truly a summer destination like no other. From visiting one of its family-owned farms and wineries to cycling or golfing in Canada’s only desert, there’s so much fun to be had. And as far as the regional park goes, you’ll have a wide, sandy beach to lounge on at the end of the day.
Where: Osoyoos, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Four hours and 40 minutes by car
Johnson Lake
This one’s a bit more of a hidden gem, situated just outside of Barriere. Known as the “Caribbean of the North,” Johnson Lake boasts some of the most surreal turquoise-coloured water we’ve seen. In fact, the water runs so clear, that you can see 50 metres down to the bottom of the lake!
Where: One hour outside of Barriere
Distance from Vancouver: 4 and a half hours by car
Kalamalka Lake
Another stunning lake pick coming your way! Known affectionately as “Kal Lake” to locals, the popular summertime destination has 10 beaches to offer visitors, many of which are easily accessible with washrooms, surrounding parks, and plenty of free parking.
Where: Coldstream, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Five hours and 20 minutes by car
Wells Gray Park
Wells Gray Park has plenty of natural wonders that make it well worth the trip. From some of the most famous waterfalls in the province (including Helmcken and Dawson Falls) to a range of refreshing mineral pools, extinct volcanoes and lava beds, and glaciers – this park is truly a must-visit.
Of the 500 campsites throughout the park, 164 are vehicle-accessible and 126 are boat-accessible – the latter of which you’ll find at Azure, Clearwater, Mahood, and Murtle Lakes.
Reservations are accepted at Clearwater Lake, Falls Creek and Mahood Lake group campgrounds, although first-come, first-served sites are also available here.
Where: Clearwater, BC
Distance from Vancouver: Five hours and 19 minutes by car
