posted on October 5, 2024

With a reputation for outdoor adventure and some of the most rewarding views of nature that Canada has to offer, a British Columbia road trip is the ultimate escape.

When it comes to discovering the best of BC, the Canadian Rockies are just the beginning. From whale watching to wine country, British Columbia road trips promise diverse experiences for every itinerary.

Life on the west coast is about discovery, adventure, and setting your own pace. Because BC is a big place, it’s important that you spend enough time at each stop on your road trip to make the most of it.

Here are the top five British Columbia road trip routes to help plan your adventure:

The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99)
Vancouver Island Coastal Route
Okanagan Valley Wine Route
Vancouver to Yoho National Park
Pacific Marine Circle Route

The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99)

Known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Rockies, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is a favourite route for many, the first time they travel BC.

Connecting Vancouver and Whistler, the Sea-to-Sky Highway features some of the province’s best-known highlights, like the hike to Joffre Lakes, making it one of the most spectacular scenic drives in British Columbia. Visit in the fall to enjoy cooler hiking conditions and stunning autumn foliage along the way.

Although you can drive the 162 km route in a day, it’s best to take a few days to explore it fully. When you need a break from behind the wheel, pull over at one of the seven interpretive kiosks to learn about the history of the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations communities.

Vancouver

Start your journey in Vancouver, whether that means collecting your rental car from Vancouver International Airport or taking the time to enjoy the city before hitting the road.

Warm up with a nature walk through Stanley Park, explore nearby highlights like the Capilano Suspension bridge, or grab a lunch at the Granville Island market before you get driving.

Squamish

Known as the Mecca of mountain biking, Squamish is a paradise of adventure sports balanced with family-friendly attractions, and a must-see stop along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is a must-do, the ten-minute ride overlooking mountain vistas and the chance to enjoy a hike and lunch with a view from the top!

Visit Shannon Falls Provincial Park to see the third-tallest waterfall in British Columbia and stroll the boardwalk through old-growth forest, then coast down the shores of Howe Sound to relax at Britannia Beach. Adventurous types can hit the trails at Stawamus Chief for a challenging climb that ends with unbeatable panoramic views.

Whistler

Surrounded by staggering mountain peaks, and home to the renowned Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Whistler is a popular destination among athletes and tourists alike.

Take your time exploring the attractions of Whistler Village and soar over mountain valleys in the glass bottom Whistler Peak to Peak gondola for a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Rockies, plus access to hiking trails and a scenic view from the mountaintop bar.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

Drive another hour up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Whistler and you’ll reach Joffre Lakes, one of the most picturesque hikes in British Columbia. The trail promises Instagram-worthy views of jagged mountain peaks, sprawling icefields, and the three glacier-fed lakes that give it its name — each a more vibrant turquoise than the last.

If you plan to do the Joffre Lakes hike in the summer or fall, you’ll need a day use permit for the provincial park, which you can get for free on the BC Parks website. Joffre Lakes Park also offers opportunities for camping, mountaineering, fishing, and observing the region’s wildlife.

Vancouver Island Coastal Route

A trip to Vancouver Island is a must-do when you visit British Columbia. A natural playground of unspoiled coastal beauty, the it’s the perfect place for outdoor activities like sea kayaking, surfing, or hiking, learning about Indigenous heritage, and spotting BC wildlife.

There’s so much to see and do here that it’s worth spending anywhere from seven days to a full two weeks to take it all in. Plan your Vancouver Island road trip in the warmer months to enjoy its mild spring weather and pleasantly dry summers.

Victoria

Start your road trip in Victoria, the province’s capital. A vibrant harbour city filled with historic charm, delicious seafood, and a thriving pub scene, it’s worth spending a few days in town before exploring the rest of the island. Highlights include Butchart Gardens, the downtown waterfront, and the Royal BC Museum.

You can start your British Columbia road trip by flying in to Victoria International Airport and collecting your rental car there. Arriving at Vancouver International Airport? Ferry rides operate between Vancouver and Victoria for convenient access to Vancouver Island.

Nanaimo

Head 90 minutes north along the coast from Victoria to Nanaimo for spectacular views of the Gulf Islands and the Georgia Strait. Take a detour to Salt Spring Island to experience one of the most relaxing gulf islands in the Salish Sea, known for its thriving artisan community and local produce.

Continue into town to explore Petroglyph Provincial Park, microbreweries galore, and don’t miss the chance to taste a Nanaimo bar straight from the source. Then take off on the Tofino drive along the Pacific Rim Highway and experience a scenic route of mountains through the island’s interior.

Tofino

Known as the Surf Capital of Canada, Tofino is a must-visit destination on any Vancouver Island road trip. Situated on the edge of Pacific Rim National Park, Tofino is a gateway to unspoiled nature and offers endless outdoor activities that reflect British Columbia living, as well as a local food scene to fuel you up between adventures.

Embark on a whale watching tour, or try storm watching on the Pacific Ocean to be awed by the untamed beauty of the island. For a rejuvenating soak in natural hot springs, embark on a journey to Hot Springs Cove, an outdoor spa accessed by boat and forested trails.

Surfing is a must in Tofino, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total newbie. Favourite local spots include Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach, and Long Beach.

Ucluelet

Take a break from the Tofino crowds and hit the Pacific Rim Highway for the relaxed town of Ucluelet, located about 40 minutes down the coast and known for salmon fishing and local artisans. Savour the ocean views from the beaches along the way, then pick up the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop if you’re in the mood for a scenic hike.

Pacific Rim National Park

Characterized by a lush temperate rainforest and ancient shoreline, Pacific Rim National Park is a testament to the power of nature. A favourite destination for surfing and hiking, Pacific Rim is credited with originating the concept of storm-watching and is known for its old growth rainforest, sea life, and hot springs.

Aspiring surfers can catch a wave at Long Beach, while hardy hikers can take on the multi-day West Coast Trail, its wild coastline strewn with shipwrecks and rich in history.

Okanagan Valley Wine Route

As one of Canada’s top wine regions, the Okanagan Valley is the perfect destination for a relaxed and indulgent British Columbia road trip of food and flavour. Spend a few days in spring or summer for a scenic drive through sunny, laid-back wine country and small towns that make up this vibrant part of BC.

Cruising the Okanagan Valley reveals waterfalls, lakes, sunflower fields, and vineyards that are bound to tantalize you. Take your time to stop and explore scenic viewpoints along the way to savour every moment of the drive.

Kelowna

Explore Kelowna wineries for the perfect starting point on this enchanting BC road trip. Plan ahead by booking a wine tour for an intimate and curated visit. Award-winning Kelowna wineries include Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Cedarcreek Estate Winery, and Mission Hill Family Estate.

Like the rest of BC, Kelowna offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Relax and swim at its beautiful beaches to cap off a gorgeous summer getaway. For cyclists, the Kettle Valley Railway offers a thrilling ride through Myra Canyon.

When you’ve sipped, swam, and explored Kelowna to your heart’s content, hop in your BC rental car and get lost in the surrounding beauty of the Okanagan Valley.

Penticton

Follow Okanagan Valley wine country down to Penticton, home to over 80 wineries as well as eight craft breweries — the most per capita of any city in Canada! Known for its food scene, agricultural roots, and endless list of things to do, Penticton is a year-round British Columbia road trip destination that shines brightest in the summer.

Soak up the sun at the sandy beaches at Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake and explore the culinary scene to live it up like a local. For day trip ideas, take a detour to Keremeos, the “fruit stand capital of Canada”, or Osoyoos, Canada’s only desert city.

Vancouver to Yoho National Park

British Columbia’s coast is only part of what makes the province so spectacular. The Vancouver to Yoho drive along the Trans-Canada Highway is a journey into the interior that will make you fall in love with the Canadian Rockies, and is one of the best scenics drive BC has to offer.

This road trip is one of the best to do in the winter since it passes through several ski resorts on BC’s renowned Powder Highway. For an exhilirating winter getaway in the mountains, visit Sun Peaks Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, or Kicking Horse Resort along the Vancouver to Yoho drive.

Although it’s possible to do the drive in a day, it’s best to budget at least a week to fully savour the route and the countless outdoor activities and breathtaking sights along the way.

Vancouver

Start your journey in Vancouver, and enjoy the mountains and spectacular BC scenery from behind the wheel. To break up long days of driving, stop at local communities along the way for a more intimate British Columbia road trip.

Check out Chilliwack in the autumn for its corn maze and pumpkin farm in the autumn, Kamloops for city amenities surrounded by rugged natural beauty, and Salmon Arm for its thriving arts scene and Shuswap Lake’s parks and trails.

Revelstoke

Known as the gateway to the Kootenay Rockies, Revelstoke is a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, mountain biking, and majestic national parks, as well as a thriving nightlife.

Embark on the Kootenay Rockies Circle Route scenic drive from Revelstoke to explore highlights of this region including Glacier National Park, Fairmont Hot Springs, as well as the mountain towns of Cranbrook, and Nelson.

Golden

Renowned at a gateway to the outdoors, Golden is the ideal destination for exploring six national parks in BC and Alberta. Yoho, Glacier, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, Banff, and Jasper national parks are all within reach of this mountain town. Base yourself here and prepare to experience the best of British Columbia’s mountain living.

Yoho National Park

Finally, the main attraction at the end of the road. Yoho is one of the most popular national parks in British Columbia for good reason, filled with natural wonders and a wealth of adventure activities. Explore the trail around the captivating green waters of Emerald Lake and admire Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, and don’t miss out on the historic Kicking Horse Pass.

Can’t get enough of the Canadian Rockies? Extend your trip into Alberta with a visit to Banff National Park and Lake Louise, less than an hour from Golden.

Pacific Marine Circle Route

Try this road trip route if you don’t have time to explore Vancouver Island in full, but still want to experience island magic beyond the province’s capital. The Pacific Marine Circle Route loops through the southern tip of the island, offering lush forests, coastal views, and down-to-earth towns cradled by nature. Hit the road in spring or summer to enjoy the mild coastal weather.

Victoria

Start driving the Pacific Marine Circle Route from BC’s picturesque capital, but don’t forget to sample the local cuisine, pub scene, and historic attractions before you go.

Stop at the historic Hatley Castle and its gardens on your way to Sooke and take the drive at your own pace, stopping to explore the Sooke Potholes or a stroll along Whiffin Spit along the way.

Sooke

Just under an hour’s drive from the BC capital, a Sooke road trip is accessible and rewarding. Known as the place “where the rainforest meets the sea”, Sooke is a charming community of artisans that boasts scenic coastlines and range of hiking trails, including the famous West Coast Trail.

Port Renfrew

Discover the awe-inspiring world of BC’s ancient trees with a stop in Port Renfrew. Here you’ll find Avatar Grove, the island’s oldest old-growth forest, as well as the road to Lake Cowichan, where you can float down the river on a summer’s day.

Continue to Duncan, known as “The City of Totems” for a walking tour to learn about Indigenous heritage on the island, as well as a stop at the local farmer’s market, then cruise back to Victoria as the final leg of your road trip.

Frequently asked questions about planning a road trip in BC

How many days do you need to see British Columbia?

Plan to spend seven to fourteen days in BC to get the most out of your visit. British Columbia is a big place with plenty to explore, so it’s best to budget a week at minimum to complete your itinerary at a comfortable pace.

For a city break in Vancouver or Victoria, two or three days is enough time to explore and experience the highlights.

When is the best time of year to visit BC?

April to early June and September to early October are the best times to visit British Columbia. During the shoulder seasons you’ll be able to avoid summer’s crowds and high prices while enjoying mild weather.

That said, BC is beautiful all year round! World-class ski resorts, spas, and city festivals make winter an enchanting time to visit. Summer offers the driest climate and the most sun for trips to the coast.

If you’re planning outdoor activities like hiking and camping, be sure to check local advisories on snow and forest fires, depending on the time of year.

What kind of rental car should I take to BC?

The type of car you rent will depend on your plans and your personal travel style. An SUV or truck is a great choice for taking on British Columbia’s great outdoors, especially if you need extra space for camping equipment, mountain bikes, or travel buddies!

Sticking to the city or travelling solo? A more compact option might be the best fit for your budget. Adventuring with the whole family? A minivan is a classic option.

If sustainability is on your mind, BC is the perfect place to rent an electric vehicle (EV). British Columbia has one of the highest EV adoption rates in North America, with plenty of chargers throughout the province.

Browse cars on Turo

Is BC affordable to visit?

British Columbia has a reputation for being expensive, but you can enjoy an affordable trip with the right planning.

Camping is a great way to cut down on costs while immersing yourself in BC’s amazing natural landscape, and finding accommodation outside the city centre can help you save while enjoying Vancouver’s highlights.

For more money-saving tips and tricks, check out our guide to planning a budget road trip.

Is visiting BC worth it?

Absolutely! BC lives up to its reputation as one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces, making it well worth the trip. From jaw-dropping mountain vistas to energetic cities, BC is a memorable and worthwhile trip no matter which route you choose.

Find the perfect rental car for BC

Why choose Turo for your BC road trip?

Made for the great outdoors

Book the perfect 4WD and AWD vehicles on Turo to tackle British Columbia’s rugged terrain and navigate mountain roads on your adventure.

Convenient pick-up options

Flying into YVR? Get your rental car delivered to Vancouver International Airport so you can start your journey the moment you land.

Tap into local insight

Rent a car from those who know British Columbia best. Get tips from local hosts and explore BC hidden gems and scenic routes you’d otherwise miss.

Want to be the one to bring this road trip to life? We’re searching for someone to take on this road trip and capture the magic along the way. If you’re a traveller, storyteller, or content creator ready to hit the road and share this experience, submit your idea to Pitch a Trip for a chance to have Turo cover your vehicle booking. Every month, we select our favourite pitches—this could be your opportunity to turn this itinerary into a reality and share the story with us!

Pitch a Trip