posted on March 4, 2025
Cradled by the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is the perfect starting point to explore beautiful British Columbia. From charming communities to breathtaking vistas, some of the best things to see and do near Vancouver are just a short distance from the city.
Whether it’s getting your blood pumping with mid-week mountain biking excursion or a unwinding with a spa day at the Harrison Hot Springs, Vancouver has you covered. All it takes is a bit of planning and an hour or two on the road to discover some of the best day trips British Columbia has to offer. And if you’re in the mood for a cross-border adventure, the Vancouver to Seattle road trip can be done in three hours or less.
In this guide, we’ll break down five of the best day trips to add to your Vancouver itinerary. Let’s go!
Best Vancouver day trips
Stanley Park
Why it’s great
What is the number one attraction in Vancouver? Stanley Park tends to top the list! Known for its biking trails, sandy beaches, and old growth trees, the spectacular urban park is a classic day trip from Vancouver, just five minutes from downtown.
When is the best time to visit Stanley Park
Stanley Park makes an amazing day trip at any time of year, but spring and fall are the best times to go for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It can get rainy and cold on the coast, so check the forecast and plan your visit on a day with clear weather.
Tips for visitors
There is plenty of paid parking on the street and in designated parking lots near attractions like the beaches and Vancouver Aquarium. You can drive to each point of interest or use the park’s walking and biking trails to explore at your own pace.
If you’re driving up from Vancouver International Airport, Granville Island Public Market is the perfect place to stop for a bite on your way to the park. Exploring the food stalls and local shops is an iconic Vancouver experience.
How to get to Stanley Park
Stanley Park is an easy drive from Downtown Vancouver. Simply hop on Highway 99 North and you’ll be there in five minutes.
For maximum freedom and convenience, book your Vancouver rental car on Turo and have it delivered to Vancouver International Airport. With Turo, you can skip long lines at the rental counter and hit the road in your Vancouver airport rental car right away. To get to the park from the Vancouver airport, take Miller Road and Grant McConachie Way to Granville Street, then drive north to Downtown Vancouver. Continue on Highway 99 to access the park and start exploring!
What to do in Stanley Park
Walking or cycling along the Seawall is a must-do, and features some of Vancouver’s best beaches and waterfront views. The totem poles at Brockton Point and Vancouver Aquarium are two of the park’s top attractions and not to be missed.
At the end of your day trip, sit down for dinner with a view of the English Bay at The Teahouse in Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s best local restaurants.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Why it’s great
Founded in 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has stood the test of time as one of the top attractions in British Columbia. Located just fifteen minutes from Downtown Vancouver, it’s an accessible Vancouver day trip that’s bound to be unforgettable.
When is the best time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge is open 364 days each year, so it’s always a good time to go! Summer is the most popular time to visit, but you can count on fewer crowds in the low season. Visit in the winter (November to January) to experience Canyon Lights, when the bridge is illuminated with light displays that rotate with the holidays.
Tips for visitors
Tickets for the Capilano Suspension Bridge must be purchased in advance, so make sure to plan ahead. The park is open rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
If you have time for more exploring, it’s worth driving 15 minutes to experience Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a quieter attraction than Capilano with a fraction of the crowds. Even better: admission is free!
How to get to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Hop on Highway 99 from Downtown Vancouver, following the route through Stanley Park and into North Vancouver. Take in the views of Prospect Point and Vancouver Harbour as you cross the Lions Gate Bridge. Take a right onto Marine Drive and then continue north on Capilano Road until you reach the park entrance.
Arriving by air? Pick up the rental car you booked on Turo from Vancouver International Airport for the smoothest drive to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park from the airport. Take Miller Road and Grant McConachie Way to Granville Street, then continue on Highway 99 toward the park. This route offers beautiful city views, including the stunning scenery of Stanley Park and the English Bay as you cross Lions Gate Bridge.
If you prefer to bypass Downtown Vancouver, take SE Marine Drive through South Vancouver, then follow the Trans-Canada Highway into North Vancouver, exiting at Capilano Road.
What to do in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Walk the 450-foot span of the bridge and take in an incredible (and wobbly!) squirrel’s-eye-view of the rainforest above the Capilano River. The Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk offer more thrilling viewpoints of the rainforest. History enthusiasts can enjoy informative exhibits and talks about the area’s Indigenous culture and the bridge’s construction.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Why it’s great
A favourite weekend getaway for Vancouverites, Garibaldi Park is a playground of unspoiled wilderness just over an hour’s drive from downtown. And what a drive it is! Getting to the park is a thrill ride along the Sea to Sky Highway, so take your time to fully enjoy the viewpoints along the way.
When is the best time to visit Garibaldi Provincial Park
Garibaldi Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between July and October when the hiking trails are accessible and free of snow. Plan ahead by checking the weather before you go, and dress appropriately for the conditions.
Tips for visitors
Garibaldi Provincial Park is one of many scenic stops along the Sea to Sky Highway. Take the time to stop on pull-offs along the road to take in the incredible views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains to make the most of the journey.
Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, and Squamish are some of the best places to explore on the way to Garibaldi Park. If you only have time for one stop, the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish is a must-do.
How to get to Garibaldi Provincial Park
From Downtown Vancouver, head north on Highway 99 and cross the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver. Use Marine Drive to continue along Highway 99, heading north on Taylor Way before continuing through West Vancouver. Follow the route up the coast, taking in the awe-inspiring views of Howe Sound. Continue until you reach Garibaldi, turning onto Daisy Lake Road to access the park.
If you’re flying in to Vancouver, have the Vancouver rental car you booked on Turo delivered to Vancouver International Airport for a seamless start to your Garibaldi road trip. Use Marine Drive and Boundary Road to get on the Trans-Canada Highway. Follow the route until it becomes Highway 99, admiring views of Grouse Mountain as you pass through North Vancouver. Follow the Sea to Sky Highway up the coast and prepare to discover one of the most incredible scenic drives in North America.
What to do in Garibaldi Provincial Park
Hiking the scenic trails in Garibaldi Park is an absolute must. Elfin Lakes offers challenging terrain and the option to go mountain biking, and the trail to Garibaldi Lake is a fan favourite.
If you want to extend your trip, camp in the park for a night or two to tackle the Panorama Trail, one of the most breathtaking hikes in British Columbia.
Bowen Island
Why it’s great
Wondering what is the easiest island to get to from Vancouver? Bowen Island is just a short ferry ride away, located at the gateway of the spectacular Sunshine Coast. The entire trip takes under an hour from Downtown Vancouver, making it a more convenient escape from the mainland than the trek to Vancouver Island.
When is the best time to visit Bowen Island
Bowen Island is a great place to visit at any time of year, but is busiest in the summer. Planning a day trip in the spring or fall promises a sleepier, slower-paced experience, perfect for when you need to unplug and decompress.
Tips for visitors
Unlike ferries to Vancouver Island, the ferry ride to Bowen Island can’t be booked in advance. Check the ferry status online and arrive at the ferry terminal early to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Vancouver day trip. Horseshoe Bay also offers ferry connections to Langdale if you plan to explore the Sunshine Coast.
Take some time to explore the cute boutiques and dining options in Snug Cove as part of your visit to the island. Pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir at Artisan Square and stop in at Copper Spirit Distillery to taste local craft spirits.
How to get to Bowen Island
Follow Highway 99 North out of Downtown Vancouver, crossing into North Vancouver. Follow signs for BC-99 and the Trans-Canada Highway west to Horseshoe Bay, a seaside community with the vibe of a charming fishing village. Head to the ferry dock and depart for Snug Cove, taking in the stunning landscapes of Howe Sound during the 20-minute crossing. Arrive on Bowen Island and start exploring!
From Vancouver International Airport, head east to reach the Trans-Canada Highway, then continue north onto Highway 99. Drive through West Vancouver and exit at Horseshoe Bay, where you can catch your ferry ride to the island. Book your Vancouver rental car on Turo and have it delivered to the airport for ultimate convenience when you visit Vancouver. When you choose Turo, you can say goodbye to long lines and seamlessly go from the arrivals gate to adventure in the perfect car for your road trip.
What to do in Bowen Island
Bowen Island is one of the best places to go kayaking near Vancouver. Rent a kayak at Bowen Island Sea Kayaking near the ferry terminal and spend the day exploring the coastline and smaller nearby islands.
There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore. Shuttle buses and public transit don’t go as far as the bluffs at Cape Roger Curtis, so you’ll need a car to access one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Fraser Valley
Why it’s great
You can plan an incredible day out on both the north and south sides of the Fraser River. From alpaca farms to wineries, this underrated region is known for its countryside charm and slower pace of life. It’s the perfect road trip from Vancouver to unwind and experience a quieter side of British Columbia.
When is the best time to visit the Fraser Valley
Exploring the sights along the Fraser River makes a great day trip from Vancouver at any time of year. Visit in the spring to enjoy the many tulip festivals throughout the valley. Summer offers the best weather, and farmers’ markets are in full swing.
In the fall, the valley comes alive with vibrant shades of gold and orange, as well as activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches. Manning Provincial Park is a winter wonderland when the snow sets in, offering activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.
Tips for visitors
Take the Lougheed Highway for a more scenic drive along the north side of the Valley. This quieter route is the best way to get to the charming town of Mission, as well as Harrison Hot Springs, a quaint resort town at the south end of Harrison Lake.
How to get to Fraser Valley
From Downtown Vancouver, get onto the Trans-Canada Highway and head east. Where you stop is up to you! You can follow the highway all the way to Hope, which takes just under two hours, or stop after an hour to enjoy a day trip in Abbotsford.
Flying into Vancouver? Book your airport rental car on Turo and have it delivered to Vancouver International Airport for a hassle-free start to your adventure, without the rental counter lineup. Take Marine Drive to Boundary Road, then follow the Trans-Canada Highway east for the most direct route to the Fraser Valley. Take in the natural beauty of the valley, cruising alongside the Fraser River and majestic mountains as you explore this beautiful region.
What to do in the Fraser Valley
Exploring the valley’s food scene is a must-do. Visit Seaside Pearl Winery for a wine tasting in a converted chapel, and make sure to stop at a local farmers’ market in Abbotsford, Mission, or Chilliwack.
For the ultimate staycation, head to Harrison Hot Springs to relax in natural geothermal pools. Wildlife viewing is excellent in Harrison — keep an eye out for migrating bald eagles that call the region home.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go to Vancouver for a day?
If you’re passing through and wondering what to do for 24 hours in Vancouver, there is plenty to make your visit worthwhile. Grabbing a bite at the Granville Island food stalls, walking the Stanley Park Seawall, and winding down with dinner and drinks in Gastown are iconic Vancouver experiences you can do in one day.
Is Whistler worth a day trip from Vancouver?
Yes! The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is under two hours, making it a favourite Vancouver day trip for locals and visitors alike. As one of the top ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb is a winter wonderland for both adventure seekers and casual day trippers.
For a complete itinerary of the drive, check out our Vancouver to Whistler road trip guide.
Is it worth going to Victoria from Vancouver for the day?
Definitely! Victoria is absolutely worth a day trip from Vancouver, and is known as one of the prettiest cities in Canada. Visit Beacon Hill Park or stroll the Inner Harbour to soak up the scenery of this beautiful city. History enthusiasts will love visiting the Royal BC Museum and Archives.
If you have time for more than a day trip, it’s worth planning a weekend getaway or longer vacation on Vancouver Island. Wildlife viewing is exceptional here when it comes to marine life, so book a whale watching tour and keep your eyes peeled for sea lions during your visit.
Book your Vancouver rental car with Turo
Whether you’re up for a challenging day hike or are due for a weekend getaway outside of Metro Vancouver, there is plenty to see and do just a short distance from BC’s largest city.
Ready to start planning your day trip from Vancouver? From spacious SUVs to exotic luxury models, you can find the perfect rental car to visit British Columbia with Turo. Browse available cars and put yourself in the driver’s seat for your West Coast adventure!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this Vancouver day 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.
