posted on April 8, 2025
When it comes to weekend trips, Vancouver is spoiled for choice. Surrounded by some of British Columbia’s most spectacular scenery and unique communities, the city is a starting point for adventures big and small.
There are so many beautiful places to visit just a short drive from Vancouver where you can unplug, explore, and reconnect with nature. From serene river valleys to invigorating islands, here are five of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver.
Best Vancouver weekend getaways
Vancouver Island
Why it’s great
Whether you’re after a charming city break, laid-back surf town, or unspoiled wilderness, Vancouver Island has it all. Leave the mainland and your worries behind and spend a weekend getaway in this raw natural paradise.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a year-round destination thanks to its mild climate. Plan your weekend getaway from Vancouver around the best conditions for your desired activities. July through September offers the driest conditions, best for enjoying the numerous trails and sandy beaches on the island.
Practical tips
You’ll need to take a ferry ride from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Booking your ferry tickets in advance is essential, especially during busy travel seasons or holidays. Public transit on the island isn’t always reliable, so lock in your Vancouver rental car for a smooth weekend trip.
How to get to Vancouver Island
From Vancouver, you can access the ferry to Vancouver Island from either Tsawwassen (for Victoria) or Horseshoe Bay (for Nanaimo). Expect the journey to take between three and four hours, depending on your chosen route.
What to do on Vancouver Island
Victoria is your best bet for a weekend getaway on Vancouver Island. Foodies will be right at home in the downtown area, known for its great restaurants, craft breweries, and historic buildings. The Royal BC Museum and Beacon Hill Park are must-see sights located right downtown. For a quick day trip, head to Butchart Gardens, home to world-class floral displays in Brentwood Bay.
Salt Spring Island
Why it’s great
Known for its friendly locals, rugged natural landscape, and laid-back vibe, Salt Spring Island is one of the best weekend trips from Vancouver when you want to disconnect from daily life. An idyllic island escape just a few hours from Vancouver, it’s the perfect choice for your next weekend getaway!
When is the best time to visit Salt Spring Island
Between May and September is the best time to plan your weekend getaway from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island. This is when the weather is warmest and driest — ideal for swimming, kayaking, and hitting the hiking trails.
Practical tips
Reservations are recommended for ferry bookings, especially if you’re travelling with a vehicle. Book vacation rentals and accommodations in advance if visiting in the summer, since this is the island’s busiest time for tourism.
How to get to Salt Spring Island
Where is Salt Spring Island? Located off the shore of Vancouver Island, Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the Gulf Islands. To get there from Vancouver, follow Highway 99 south and catch the ferry in Tsawwassen to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island.
What to do in Salt Spring Island
Visit the Saturday market in the village of Ganges to browse the work of local artisans and pick up fresh produce. Cycling around the island, kayaking, or relaxing on Vesuvius Beach are the best things to do on Salt Spring Island if you want to immerse yourself in nature.
Bowen Island
Why it’s great
An island vacation less than an hour from downtown Vancouver? Yes please! All it takes is a quick drive and a short ferry ride to arrive on charming Bowen Island for a weekend getaway where you can disconnect, decompress, and let your cares slip away.
When is the best time to visit Bowen Island
Visit in summer for the warmest weather, ideal if you’re planning to get out on the water on your weekend trip. Spring and fall are also lovely times to go, especially if you prefer a slower pace and fewer crowds.
Practical tips
Keep in mind that the ferry to the island can’t be booked in advance. Check the ferry status online and arrive at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal early to ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend getaway from Vancouver. For the best viewpoint on the island, head to Cape Roger Curtis.
How to get to Bowen Island
Where is Bowen Island? Located in Howe Sound just off the Sunshine Coast, the island lies less than an hour from downtown Vancouver. Follow signs for BC-99 and the Trans-Canada Highway west to Horseshoe Bay, then take a short ferry ride to Snug Cove, taking in the stunning vistas of Howe Sound along the way.
What to do in Bowen Island
Browsing the boutiques and restaurants once you step off the ferry in Snug Cove is a treat. Those with a sweet tooth will want to make a stop at Cocoa West Chocolatier in Artisan Square. Explore the island by water and land by renting a kayak at Bowen Island Sea Kayaking and venturing out on its many hiking trails.
Squamish
Why it’s great
When you plan a weekend getaway from Vancouver to Squamish, getting there is half the fun! A classic stop on British Columbia’s famed Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish offers endless outdoor activities, gorgeous provincial parks, and jaw-dropping views from the Sea to Sky Gondola.
When is the best time to visit Squamish
Visit Squamish between July and October for the best conditions on both the highway and hiking trails. Plan ahead by checking the weather before you go, and dress appropriately for the conditions.
Practical tips
The drive up Highway 99 makes Squamish one of the most scenic weekend trips from Vancouver, so be sure to slow down and enjoy it. Use the pull-offs along the road to stop and take in the views along the way to make the most of this incredible road trip.
How to get to Squamish
Where is Squamish? Located on Highway 99 about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish lies about an hour north of the city. From downtown Vancouver, follow Highway 99 north the coast.
For the best places to stop along the Sea to Sky Highway, check out our ultimate road trip guide to this bucket list drive.
What to do in Squamish
Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola, visit spectacular Shannon Falls, and try outdoor activities like mountain biking and rock climbing to fully experience Squamish. In town, taste your way through the many craft breweries and excellent restaurants like Howe Sound Brewing.
Fraser Valley
Why it’s great
The Fraser Valley has something for everyone — especially foodies and nature lovers. Delicious food, charming towns, and beautiful provincial parks make the Valley one of the best weekend getaways from Vancouver when you want to slow down and treat your senses.
When is the best time to visit the Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is a four-season destination rich in outdoor activities and farm-to-table specialties, so there’s never a bad time to go! Summer is the most popular time to visit, when the weather is warmest and farmers’ markets are open.
Practical tips
Country markets abound throughout the Fraser Valley. Check which fresh produce is in season to best appreciate the Valley’s gastronomic offerings on your weekend getaway from Vancouver.
How to get to the Fraser Valley
Where is the Fraser Valley? Located in southwestern British Columbia, the region lies east of Vancouver, extending into the BC interior. To get there, head east on the Trans-Canada Highway from downtown Vancouver. You can reach Mission or Abbotsford in about an hour, or keep on cruising towards Hope with stops in the charming communities along the way.
What to do in the Fraser Valley
Head to Manning Provincial Park to canoe or camp at Lightning Lake and explore the park’s scenic hiking trails. For the ultimate resort experience, set your sights on Harrison Hot Springs — a quaint lakeside town known for its waterfront resort and deluxe hot spring pools.
Frequently asked questions
Where do people from Vancouver go on vacation?
Squamish, Garibaldi, and Whistler are some of the most popular places to visit for Vancouver weekend warriors. Sechelt and Powell River on the Sunshine Coast are other great weekend trip destinations off the beaten trail. Sechelt is a fast-growing community with great restaurants and craft breweries popping up, while Power River is a hidden gem packed with outdoor activities.
Where to go for a road trip from Vancouver?
The Sea to Sky Highway is the perfect weekend trip if you’re looking for a scenic drive from Vancouver. The drive is easily accessed from downtown Vancouver and passes through Squamish, Garibaldi Park, and Whistler — some of the most popular weekend getaways in the province.
What city is two hours away from Vancouver?
It’s possible to access island escapes, mountain towns, and beautiful valley meadows all within two hours of downtown Vancouver! Pemberton, Manning Park, and Salt Spring Island are three weekend getaways from Vancouver highlighting different West Coast landscapes that can also be done as day trips.
Book your Vancouver rental car with Turo
Vancouver is the gateway to some of British Columbia’s most unforgettable regions, many of them just a short drive from the city. Whether you’re craving the mountains, sea, or rivers, your next weekend getaway from Vancouver is bound to take your breath away.
Ready to start planning your weekend getaway from Vancouver? Rent a car in Vancouverwith Turo and hit the road in the perfect SUV for your West Coast adventure. With flexible pickup, drop-off, and delivery options to Vancouver International Airport, you can find the perfect weekend-ready vehicle and explore at your own pace!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
