Need to escape the city for a bit? Grab some snacks and hit the open road, because we live in a beautiful province and there’s plenty out there to see this winter. From scenic mountain highways to charming seaside towns, here are 7 scenic winter drives you can take from Vancouver this winter.
Along the Sunshine Coast
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The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name, giving Vancouverites some much-needed vitamin D throughout the year. Although on the mainland, visitors still need to take the Ferry over, which is a 40-minute ride. But once you’re there, you can drive from one rocky forested beach to the next, accompanied by rolling snow-capped mountains in the background.
Where: Sunshine
Drive time from Vancouver: One hour
Along Highway 7
For an option that lets you drive and drive through rolling hills and winding rivers for miles on end, consider Highway 7 – the slower, more scenic alternative to Highway 1. The two-hour journey takes you from Vancouver to Hope, passing through quaint mountain towns like Mission and Harrison Hot Springs, where there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy some festive small-town attractions like Lights by the Lake.
Where: Vancouver to Hope, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 2 hours
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Drive to Osoyoos
The drive to Osoyoos is as magical as its destination, complete with unreal views all around as you drive past snow-capped mountains, Bridal Veil Falls, Keremeos, and a plethora of small historic towns. If you want to take your trip along Highway 7 further than Hope, this is the perfect drive for you.
Waiting for you in Osoyoos are the slopes of Mount Baldy and tons of cute cafes and shops on Main Street.
Where: Okanagan Valley, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 5 hours
Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler
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The Sea to Sky Highway (BC Highway 99) is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking highways in the world, connecting the shore of Howe Sound with the scenery of the Coast Mountains and old-growth rainforests, and finally the famed mountain town of Whistler.
Where: North Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 5 hours
Drive to Lillooet
Lillooet is your typical BC beauty lined with mountains, lakes, and rushing creeks scattered in the hilly areas. Naturally, there are enough trails and water activities to keep you busy all day long, plus a ton of first-come-first-serve campsites that are perfect for getting away from the city and enjoying a good campfire & smores setup. And it’s just a two-hour drive away from Whistler – so stay on the BC-99 if you want to extend your trip.
Where: Northeast of Whistler, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 3.5 hours
Harrison Hot Springs
Soothing hot waters, quiet spas and relaxing massages are what come to mind when thinking of Harrison Hot Springs. And so for that reason, we want to put the hot springs on your road trip map this winter. The drive there is as beautiful as ever, adorned with scenic stops like the famed Mt. Baker Ski Area, Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park, and Cultus Lake.
Where: Fraser Valley, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 1.5 hours
Fairmont Hot Springs
Last but certainly not least, we come to the largest mineral hot springs in Canada, which are situated in the scenic town of Fairmont Hot Springs. At nearly 10 hours away from Vancouver, this drive is certainly one for the expert road tripper, or for those looking for a longer journey to embark on. They’ll be rewarded with absolutely breathtaking mountain scenery and the opportunity to stop in iconic small towns like Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Golden along the way.
Where: Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Drive time from Vancouver: 9 hours and 50 minutes
And that’s a wrap on a handful of scenic drives you can take in BC this winter. We hope this list inspires you to get out of town for a bit and explore a new area!
