Looking for some simple day journeys from Vancouver to flee the town? Vancouver, British Columbia is nestled between the mountains and ocean and it’s a gateway to an unbelievable array of day journey locations. From island escapes to thrilling out of doors adventures, British Columbia’s yard is your playground, providing one thing for everybody. Ready to embark on a journey that can create lasting reminiscences? Let’s dive into our high 21 favourite day journeys from Vancouver and uncover the outstanding experiences that await you!
Best Day Trips From Vancouver
Dave and I lived in Vancouver for 3 years and have been again to go to time and again. We have traveled everywhere in the province and hope that we will encourage you when you’ve loved all the perfect issues to do in Vancouver to make your method out to see the unbelievable BC countryside. Whether you’re a neighborhood trying to discover extra of your individual yard or a customer in search of distinctive experiences exterior the town, these day journeys from Vancouver supply a various vary of actions.
Planning Your Trip To Vancouver Right Now?
Below are a few of the high excursions for Day Trips from Vancouver. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting British Columbia!
Top Day Trips and Tours from Vancouver:
Getting Around Vancouver
Most day journeys from Vancouver require a automobile. British Columbia is a drivable province so we advocate renting a automobile if you land on the Vancouver airport. You can examine automobile rental costs at RentalCars.com
To discover extra of Vancouver, try these finest Toronto day excursions from Vancouver.
Whistler is without doubt one of the finest locations in the world to ski however not solely is it a winter wonderland, additionally it is a world-renowned four-season resort city. Located about 120 km from Vancouver, Whistler options greater than 8,000 acres of terrain throughout Whistler and Blackcomb Resorts.
The picturesque drive to Whistler alongside the Sea to Sky Highway is definitely worth the day journey unto itself. The drive is brief however with so many stops from magnificent waterfalls, the outdoorsy city of Squamish, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the coastal mountains you could possibly spend a whole day and nonetheless not see all of it. Read extra: Vancouver to Whistler – Best of the Sea to Sky Highway
121 km from Vancouver If you don’t have a automobile, e-book this Sea to Sky Highway and Whistler Day Trip from Vancouver. Details right here.
Whistler in Summer
Whistler is famend for its winter actions from snowboarding and snowboarding, but it surely additionally provides implausible mountain climbing trails and procuring alternatives through the summer time months. Plus, you’ll undoubtedly need to hike out to the Trainwreck Trail to see the graffiti-covered practice vehicles or take a bear tour to see the wildlife of Whistler. Not to say, the city is house to vegan-friendly cafes and eating places, good for refueling after a day of outside enjoyable. For a bucket record expertise, e-book this Vancouver to Whistler float airplane expertise.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just in search of a scenic escape, Whistler is without doubt one of the most versatile day journeys from Vancouver. Read extra: 30 Awesome Things to Do in Whistler, BC
2. Squamish: The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
Located alongside the Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish is commonly missed for Whistler however this city is a haven for out of doors lovers providing a smorgasbord of thrilling actions. Squamish has earned the nickname “the outdoor recreation capital of Canada,” and for good motive. It is a playground for rock-climbing aficionados with its world-class climbing spots together with the Squamish Chief and windsurfing lovers will likely be thrilled by the waves.
Mountain biking junkies will get their adrenaline rush. And hikers will discover trails with breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. And the perfect half? It’s only a brief drive from downtown Vancouver. Squamish is tremendous accessible and has one thing for everybody. Read extra: Amazing Things to Do in Squamish BC
1 hour from Vancouver Book this Gondola Tour to Squamish that takes you alongside the Sea to Sky Highway to discover Vancouver and sights alongside probably the most scenic drive in British Columbia.
3. Sea to Sky Gondola
You don’t want to enter Squamish to have a enjoyable day journey from Vancouver, embark on an journey for a day on the Sea to Sky Gondola. Also situated alongside the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this must-visit vacation spot is the proper addition to your day journey itinerary.
Hop on the gondola and ascend 800 meters above sea stage, the place you’ll be greeted by a number of viewing decks, an exciting suspension bridge, and seasonal actions to go well with all ages. Whether you’re an avid hiker in search of new trails to overcome or just trying to soak in the inspiring views, the Sea to Sky Gondola delivers an unforgettable expertise.
Make certain to stroll throughout the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge to take pleasure in breathtaking views of the encompassing panorama, belief us, you don’t need to miss this!
50 minutes from Vancouver This personal Whistler Squamish day tour is an effective way to not solely see Whistler village, however you’ll additionally cease at Squamish and Shannon Falls, experience the Sea to Sky Gondola to the highest of Stawamus Chief Mount.
4. Hope
When we lived in Vancouver, we by no means made it to the Othello Tunnels in Hope, British Columbia however fortunately we visited once more simply a few summers in the past. I can’t imagine we didn’t go to sooner! Movie buffs will love this present day journey as First Blood, the primary installment of Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo sequence, was shot right here.
The Othello Tunnels are a sequence of tunnels and trestle bridges reducing via the mountains following a deep gorge. This was a feat of engineering because the 5 tunnels have been blasted and built-in 1914. It is only a 3.5 km spherical journey, however utterly price stopping to see. Read extra: Best British Columbia Road Trip
2 hours and half-hour from Vancouver
5. Harrison Hot Springs: A Soothing Retreat
If you’re in search of leisure, Harrison Hot Springs is a tranquil oasis in the center of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. Located only a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs boasts rejuvenating scorching springs, a picturesque lake, and beautiful mountain landscapes.
When you go to this tranquil vacation spot, you’ll be spoiled for selection with quite a lot of out of doors actions. You can tee off on a lush golf course, discover the scenic trails on a mountain climbing journey, or get your adrenaline pumping with some mountain biking. If you’re a fan of the water, why not embark on a ship tour and even attempt your hand at fishing? There’s one thing for everybody at Harrison Hot Springs.
After a day of journey on Salt Spring Island, unwind on the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, the place you possibly can soak in the spring-fed waters and soften your stress away. It’s the proper mix of leisure and journey, Harrison Hot Springs is a perfect day journey from Vancouver.
6. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: A Thrilling Experience
Venture to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park situated in North Vancouver near Grouse Mountain’s base, for a enjoyable excessive journey. This thrilling attraction provides a novel expertise, together with a bouncing suspension bridge, a Cliffwalk, and a Treetops Adventure, all set amidst the plush forest panorama.
You’ll traverse throughout a 450-foot suspension bridge throughout the Capilano River Canyon the place you’ll have the prospect to really join with nature and benefit from the open air. It’s a memorable expertise that can depart a long-lasting impression on you.
7. Fort Langley: Step Back in Time
Travel via time by visiting Fort Langley, a National Historic Site of Canada, the place you possibly can delve into the historical past of Canada’s Fur Trading historical past. This outdated fur buying and selling publish of the Hudson Bay Company takes you again in time as you stroll via the outdated fur buying and selling buildings, and blacksmith demonstrations and you may even pan for gold.
Located alongside the banks of the Fraser River, in the township of Fort Langly, Fort Langley provides a captivating glimpse into the previous and a very unforgettable day journey expertise.
As you stroll via the historic web site, immerse your self in the tales of the Hudson’s Bay Company fur merchants and the early pioneers who known as this place house.
8. Bowen Island: A Relaxing Island Getaway
Escape the town’s chaos and embark on a journey to Bowen Island, a peaceable retreat only a fast ferry experience away from Horseshoe Bay. Known for its laid-back environment, Bowen Island is the proper vacation spot to unwind and recharge amidst nature’s magnificence.
On Bowen Island, you’ve got quite a lot of choices to decide on from. You can hike via lush forests, bike alongside picturesque trails, kayak in crystal-clear waters, or just take pleasure in a leisurely picnic on the seashore.
On Bowen Island, you’re spoiled for selection with a ton of cool, nature-focused actions. It’s like a inexperienced playground simply ready so that you can leap in and have a blast! Soak up the island’s serene environment and let your worries sail away on one in all our favourite enjoyable day journey choices.
9. Steveston: A Historic Fishing Village
Let me inform you about Steveston, a quaint fishing village tucked away in Richmond, BC alongside the Fraser River. This charming spot is steeped in a wealthy maritime historical past that’s palpable as you stroll its streets. It’s house to a few of the freshest seafood eating places you’ll ever come throughout. And the waterfront strolls? Simply divine. A full of life industrial dock space additionally provides to its attraction, and if you happen to’re fortunate, you possibly can even buy recent seafood straight from the fishing boats themselves.
Take a leisurely stroll alongside the picturesque boardwalk, discover the historic streets lined with colourful buildings, and indulge in the scrumptious flavors of the native seafood choices. Steveston’s distinctive mix of historical past and pure magnificence makes it a pleasant day journey vacation spot, only a brief drive from Vancouver.
40 minutes from Vancouver
10. Explore the Sunshine Coast
Set off on a scenic coastal journey via the Sunshine Coast, a charming stretch of shoreline from Langdale to Lund, peppered with pleasant cities and marinas. Accessible by ferry from Horseshoe Bay, the Sunshine Coast is on the mainland however seems like you’ve got left for an island escape.
Whether you favor to meander via the quaint cities of Gibsons and see the setting for Canada’s most enduring TV present “The Beachcombers” or to enterprise to Langdale and discover the marinas and marine parks alongside the coast, the Sunshine Coast guarantees a memorable day journey expertise.
So pack your luggage, hop on a ferry and revel in the great thing about the Sunshine Coast for a day or two. Read extra: Ultimate Things to do on A Sunshine Coast Road Trip
2 1/2 hours from Vancouver together with ferry experience.
11. Horseshoe Bay
You have probably heard of Horseshoe Bay. It nearly seems like part of Vancouver. Located only a brief drive from Vancouver, this coastal village is situated in West Vancouver. Horseshoe Bay is well-known for its ferry terminal, which is all the time bustling with exercise. And let’s not neglect concerning the pleasant eating places that serve a few of the most mouth-watering dishes you’ll ever style.
If you’re a nature lover like us, you’ll recognize the rocky seashore that gives a way of tranquility and peace. Plus, the closeness to surrounding parks makes it a really perfect spot for individuals who take pleasure in out of doors actions.
This picturesque vacation spot provides a relaxed environment with views of Howe Sound and the encompassing mountains, making it a really perfect day journey vacation spot.
Stroll alongside the waterfront, take pleasure in a meal at one of many native eating places, or just calm down on the rocky seashore and soak in the serene environment. Horseshoe Bay is a pleasant escape from the town, good for a leisurely day journey alongside the coast.
20 minutes from Vancouver
12. Britannia Mine Museum
Enter the fascinating realm of mining on the Britannia Mine Museum, a restored National Historic Site of Canadalocated simply exterior of Squamish close to Britannia Beach. Just a mere 55 km north of Vancouver off the Sea-to-Sky Highway on Howe Sound it is a implausible web site to go to.
During your go to, discover the underground mine on a practice tour and marvel on the huge tools used in mining operations. The guides are enjoyable and informative taking you on an interactive tour via time.
It’s a combination between a historic practice experience and a go to to the science honest and it’s so a lot enjoyable for all ages. The Britannia Mine Museum takes you again to the British Colombia of yesteryear when it was house to the biggest copper mine in Canada. The Britannia Mines in Howe Sound is a nationwide historic web site. The Britannia Mines Concentrator processed copper ore beginning in 1905 up till 1974.
Don’t miss BOOM! This interactive expertise was a implausible present and a fantastic mixture with our mine tour the place we explored the museum, panned for gold, and walked via the historic buildings. Book refundable tickets right here.
Whether you’re a historical past fanatic or just curious concerning the world of mining, the Britannia Mine Museum provides an interesting and academic day journey expertise.
40 minutes from Vancouver
13. Hiking at Garibaldi Provincial Park
Garibaldi Provincial Park is an unmissable vacation spot for these obsessed with nature and mountain climbing. Located simply 80 km north of Vancouver, this beautiful park options spectacular summer time mountain climbing trails, turquoise lakes, and awe-inspiring surroundings.
Conquer fashionable trails such because the Garibaldi Lake Trail, the Black Tusk Trail, and the Panorama Ridge Trail, every providing breathtaking views and a rewarding mountain climbing expertise. Garibaldi Provincial Park offers a difficult and unforgettable day journey for these in search of to discover the good open air.
1.25 hours from Vancouver
14. Play in the North Shore Mountains
Flee to the North Shore Mountains, comprising Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain, for a day crammed with snowboarding, mountain climbing, eating, and awe-inspiring views. These mountains supply a variety of actions for all talent ranges, from leisurely strolls to difficult hikes, in addition to world-class ski resorts through the winter months.
Whether you select to discover the serene forests of Mount Seymour, take in the beautiful views from the summit of Grouse Mountain, or hit the slopes at Cypress Mountain, the North Shore Mountains supply an ideal day journey vacation spot for out of doors lovers and nature lovers alike.
20 minutes from Vancouver
15. Point Roberts in Washington State
Cross the border to Point Roberts in Washington State for a definite day journey expertise. This relaxed vacation spot provides a laid-back environment, lovely seashores, and an enthralling neighborhood good for a leisurely day journey.
Stroll alongside the picturesque shoreline, discover the small city, and benefit from the serene environment as you soak in the coastal great thing about Point Roberts. Don’t neglect to deliver your passport, as this charming vacation spot is only a brief drive from Vancouver however requires crossing the US border.
40 minutes from Vancouver
16. Cruise round Howe Sound
Embark on a outstanding journey by cruising round Howe Sound on a employed boat. Discover the great thing about this fjord in southwestern British Columbia, visiting the lazy seals on Pam Rocks and exploring marine parks and picturesque islands alongside the way in which.
Whether you favor to navigate the waters on a guided tour or captain your individual vessel, cruising round Howe Sound provides a novel day journey expertise with beautiful views and unforgettable wildlife encounters. So seize your life jacket and embark on a nautical journey like no different!
half-hour from Vancouver
17. Kayaking in Deep Cove
Submerge in the wonders of nature by paddling via the tranquil waters of Deep Cove, a quaint neighborhood located in the japanese a part of North Vancouver. When I consider kayaking in Deep Cove, a couple of issues come to thoughts. First, it’s such a peaceable escape from the town. It’s such as you’re in a distinct world. Second, you by no means know what wildlife you would possibly see. It’s all the time a shock! Plus, you don’t have to fret if you happen to don’t have your individual kayak, there are many rental choices obtainable. And if you happen to’re new to kayaking or simply need to study extra concerning the space, there are guided excursions obtainable. It’s a implausible expertise!
After a day of paddling, discover the quaint city, take pleasure in a espresso at a neighborhood café, or hike to Quarry Rock for beautiful views of the encompassing space. With its serene waters and picturesque setting, kayaking in Deep Cove is the proper technique to unwind and reconnect with nature.
20 minutes from Vancouver
18. Seattle, Washington
Why not broaden your horizons and delve into the full of life metropolis of Seattle, Washington? Just a couple of hours south of Vancouver, Seattle provides a various vary of sights, together with the enduring Pike Place Market, the futuristic Space Needle, and the breathtaking views from Kerry Park.
Whether you favor to meander via bustling markets, marvel at modern structure, or just soak in the coastal metropolis environment, Seattle provides a memorable day journey expertise with one thing for everybody. With its full of life tradition and distinctive sights, Seattle is effectively definitely worth the journey from Vancouver.
19. Lynn Canyon Park
For these of you preferring much less crowded spots, let me inform you about Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver. It’s a implausible various to the usually congested Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This place has all of it! There’s a suspension bridge that’ll provide you with a little bit of a thrill, loads of mountain climbing paths so that you can discover, and if you happen to’re a fan of swimming, you’ll discover some nice spots right here. If you’re planning to spend the day, they’ve received picnic areas good for a lunch break in the good open air. And if you happen to’re curious concerning the native ecosystem, you’ll undoubtedly need to try their ecology middle. The better part? It’s all simply reachable by public transport.
All are simply reachable by public transport. This lovely park offers a peaceable escape from the town, with lush forests and serene waters to discover.
Venture throughout the suspension bridge, hike the scenic trails or take a refreshing dip in one of many park’s swimming holes. Afterwards, go to the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre to study extra concerning the park’s various ecosystem.
With its charming pure magnificence and handy location, Lynn Canyon Park is a perfect day journey vacation spot for nature lovers.
25 minutes from Vancouver
20. Cascade Falls
Unearth the mesmerizing great thing about Cascade Falls, a hanging waterfall located close to Mission, BC. A brief hike leads you to the falls, the place you’ll be greeted by the highly effective cascade of water surrounded by lush forest. With its picturesque setting and accessible path, Cascade Falls provides an ideal day journey for households and nature lovers alike.
Spend the day exploring the world, having fun with a picnic close to the falls, or just marveling at the great thing about this pure marvel. Cascade Falls is a hidden gem simply ready to be found, offering a memorable day journey expertise for anybody in search of to attach with nature.
1 hour and 20 minutes from Vancouver
21. Victoria: The Charming Capital City
Picture your self meandering via the quaint streets of Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia, enveloped by mesmerizing coastal views and delightful structure. Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is an idyllic day journey vacation spot, simply accessible by a scenic ferry experience from Vancouver.
While in Victoria, don’t miss the prospect to go to iconic sights like Butchart Gardens, the Royal British Columbia Museum, and Beacon Hill Park. Wander the historic downtown space, discover the bustling Inner Harbor, and indulge in the town’s vibrant culinary scene.
From beautiful coastal views to fascinating historical past, Victoria provides a charming day journey expertise only a brief journey from Vancouver.
FAQ’s About The Best Day Trips From Vancouver
Where can I am going for a day journey in Vancouver?
Discover the great thing about Vancouver with a day journey! Explore Whistler and Victoria, go birding on Iona Beach, pattern suds on the Port Moody beer practice or cruise in the Vancouver Harbour. With so many choices obtainable, you’re certain to seek out an thrilling journey!
Can you make a day journey to Vancouver Island?
Yes, you may make a day journey to Vancouver Island – the ferry takes round 90 minutes, or you could possibly fly there by seaplane in simply 35 minutes for wonderful views.
What is the perfect time of 12 months to go mountain climbing in the North Cascades?
The finest time to go mountain climbing in the North Cascades is from July to early October, so plan your journey accordingly for an incredible expertise.
How lengthy is the ferry experience from Vancouver to Victoria?
The ferry experience from Vancouver to Victoria takes round 4 hours.
What are some fashionable mountain climbing trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park?
Garibaldi Provincial Park has a number of fashionable mountain climbing trails, such because the Garibaldi Lake Trail, Black Tusk Trail, and Panorama Ridge Trail.
Summary
From the serene shores of Bowen Island to the adrenaline-pumping actions in Squamish, these 20 day journeys from Vancouver showcase the unbelievable range of experiences ready to be found in British Columbia’s yard. Whether you’re in search of leisure, journey, or a mix of each, there’s a day journey vacation spot good for you.
So, what are you ready for? Pack your luggage, hit the highway, and embark on an unforgettable journey via the breathtaking landscapes and charming cities that encompass Vancouver. Your subsequent journey awaits only a brief drive away!
From snowboarding on pristine mountain slopes to wandering via charming coastal cities, your subsequent journey awaits only a brief drive from Vancouver’s bustling metropolis middle.