British Columbia is an enormous and exquisite province on the west coast of Canada. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC, because it’s recognized domestically, is world well-known for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, in addition to its many seashores, ski resorts and pure magnificence.
With hundreds of valley lakes, enormous mountains and a largely unexplored north, there are many wonderful roads and scenic drives in British Colombia that make for some actually unforgettable highway journeys irrespective of the season.
The finest highway journeys in British Columbia won’t solely take you thru a number of the most scenic areas within the province but additionally in Canada. You can go to the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive alongside the west coast and hang around on stunning seashores.
If you’re rapidly on the lookout for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver as much as Whistler the place you’ll be able to ski or snowboard throughout winter months or go downhill biking in the summertime.
Want to see salmon spawning or go to the Rocky Mountains in its rawest type? British Columbia has each.
Dreaming of heat mountain lakes in summer time, pure scorching swimming pools 12 months spherical and nice climbing? BC has that in droves.
Whether you’re on the lookout for the right place to take your loved ones on a highway journey, otherwise you simply wish to discover some stunning sights with your folks, there’s one thing in BC for everybody.
So whether or not you’re an area desirous to broaden your vary, on trip touring with household or associates, or simply wish to get away from all of it, listed here are a few of our favorite drives in BC that can take you off the crushed path and into nature’s playground.
The finest highway journeys in British Columbia, Canada
Whether you’ve got your personal automobile or wish to hire a automobile, these are the most effective highway journeys in British Columbia to soak up the attractive surroundings of this Canadian province.
If you’re within the temper for a guided tour, BC has loads of bus excursions accessible and if you wish to see the province unfettered, touring the province by bike is an incredible expertise. Whether you’re on the lookout for the finest bike insurance coverage or wish to try the finest issues to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this submit has you coated.
The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway
Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)
The Sunshine Coast Trail is likely one of the hottest hikes in BC, and for good purpose. It’s positioned simply north of Vancouver on the coast, and affords a wide range of completely different choices for climbing. This features a part that goes proper alongside the water with beautiful views of mountains and ocean alike.
What does this should do with highway journeys? Well, not solely are you able to cease and hike the path, however getting there may be additionally a lovely drive with tons of nice coastal views and mountainous backdrops alongside the best way.
Just a few highlights alongside this route embrace the two ferry crossings (the primary at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with prospects to see all the pieces from whales to dolphins and even killer whales proper out of your automobile. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and enormous animal sightings are frequent so maintain your eyes open for any fauna within the space together with moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.
If you wish to proceed your drive when you attain Powell Bay, you’ll be able to take a ferry over to Vancouver Island the place you’ll begin your island journey close to Comox.
The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97
Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m
The Okanagan Valley is house to some wonderful wineries and fruit orchards which were round earlier than BC was even a province!
Starting up round Vernon and persevering with south all the way down to Osoyoos you’ll see a few of BC’s prettiest lakes beginning with Kalamalka Lake that, relying on the season, can vary from cyan to indigo.
As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 via Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the guts of BC’s inside, there’s tons of issues to do with the household together with hanging out alongside the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) lengthy Okanagan Lake (one of many few lakes in Canada to by no means freeze within the winter) and seize an ice cream earlier than heading to the seashore.
As you proceed via West Kelowna (house to nice vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll quickly end up driving via cities named Peachland and Summerland (nice names proper!) earlier than arriving in Penticton. Make certain to stroll the boardwalk on the town earlier than persevering with your drive south all the way down to Osoyoos, the warmest metropolis in Canada!
If you’re keen on vineyards and cideries, there are actually a whole bunch within the Okanagan Valley with many simply off the freeway so decide up a vineyard information accessible practically all over the place within the valley earlier than you begin your Okanagan BC roadtrip.
The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N
Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m
The stretch of freeway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 issues in abundance, stunning surroundings and notorious notoriety. The Coquihalla options beautiful mountain rivers and a few stunning mountain vistas nonetheless it’s additionally the star in a present referred to as Highway Thru Hell, depicting the generally hazardous circumstances that may happen through the winter months. Since it’s a excessive mountain freeway via some unforgiving terrain, there may be some benefit to the legends but when doubtful, try the Drive BC web site and simply take note of the climate.
That mentioned, the Coq was initially constructed as a connector to hurry up the route that the Trans Canada freeway initially took because it made its means west. While the drive is certainly sooner through the Coquihalla, the fantastic thing about the drive can be unmistakable.
If you’re feeling the urge for a scorching soak, veer off the freeway close to Bridal Falls to take a look at Harrison Hot Springs.
As you allow Hope through Highway 3 East (ensure that your tank is full for the reason that subsequent fuel station in Merritt is 120km or simply over an hour away), you’ll rapidly soar onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you wish to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels simply previous Hope are value a hike
As you pull into Merritt itself (many of the city is to the north of the freeway), now you can select to proceed northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.
If you’re planning to drive proper via both cities as you proceed east, the drive south towards Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey nonetheless it’s a prettier drive by far and takes you thru a number of small cities and cities.
The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19
Victoria to Qualicum Beach (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins
Though not formally referred to as The Island Drive, navigating this part of Vancouver Island positively suits the invoice. As you allow Victoria, the Victorian structure stuffed capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll go quaint villages, fairly murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.
There are a whole bunch of locations to cease alongside the best way to seize a chew to eat, hike or store nonetheless there are just a few wineries and cideries round Cobble Hill which might be value testing. If you desire a fast hike, it’s additionally value checking the Kinsol Trestle simply earlier than Cobble Hill. It’s one of many tallest free-standing timber rail trestle constructions on this planet and is wonderful to see. It’s a part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a well-liked climbing space.
Nanaimo is the following main metropolis on the best way north. It’s not a nasty place to refill provides in your Qualicum Beach keep (in the event you’re planning a brief vacay) and can be the opposite main ferry terminal if you wish to hitch a ferry again to the mainland.
As you proceed north you’ll ultimately attain picturesque Nanoose Bay after which Parksville, one other main waterside vacation spot in its personal proper although the lengthy sandy seashores alongside Qualicum Beach are normally what appeal to the crowds.
While within the area, ensure that to take a look at the Goats on the Roof (actually) on the Old Country Market in addition to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are nice locations to take the children and hang around for just a few hours.
The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99
Vancouver to Whistler - 121km (75mi) - 1h 25mins
Not many individuals who go to Vancouver, typically ranked as among the finest cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their means as much as Whistler, BC’s premiere ski vacation spot. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is stuffed with beautiful ocean and mountain views and passes via Squamish, an out of doors lovers playground.
With all the pieces from mountain climbing to Bald Eagle viewing excursions within the winter (it held the biggest eagle viewing depend on this planet at 3769 with round 1300 noticed most given years), in the event you like the outside then seemingly Squamish has one thing for you. Squamish can be house to the great Sea to Sky Gondola, a 12 months spherical engineering marvel that zips you to the highest in consolation with loads of trails on both landings.
As you drive into Whistler, it’s rapidly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers vacation spot with a myriad of actions for the outside lovers. After hitting the slopes, ensure that to take a look at the city centre (referred to as The Village) with nice procuring, eating places and pubs open 12 months spherical. Though we frequently consider Whistler as a winter vacation spot, there are many actions there occurring 12 months spherical.
Visiting in the summertime? Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a preferred scuba diving vacation spot with synthetic shipwrecks and reefs supporting an enormous number of marine life, akin to octopus, lingcod and starfish simply minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know the best way to dive? Take a course or discover the rocky seashores and go swimming within the ocean for a pleasant break out of your highway journey.
The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16
Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins
While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the overwhelming majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a lovely highway journey via valleys and mountains, with just a few nice websites alongside the best way.
As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, an excellent little metropolis fronting the attractive Thompson River and residential to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll go extensive open valleys that quickly turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest half about this Kamloops to Jasper highway journey is that the freeway follows alongside the North Thompson River for a large portion of the drive, which makes for an excellent backdrop and lovely views.
Along the best way, you’ll be able to try some wonderful waterfalls or go whitewater rafting round Clearwater. If you don’t have time to verify them out however wish to stretch your legs, try both North Thompson River Provincial Park proper earlier than Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are proper alongside the freeway and are simple to drag off into.
As you flip proper (North) onto Highway 16 (referred to as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have one other few locations to cease with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park simply on the appropriate after which the Mount Robson customer centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain within the Rockies) as a pleasant backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is usually thought of one of many high 5 finest hikes in Canada with loads of beautiful surroundings and wildlife recognizing.
Pulling into Jasper, it’s simple to see why it’s touted as among the finest locations in Canada. From the beautiful water colours of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has loads to see and do together with Canada’s finest Dark Sky competition.
If you’ve got the time, there are a number of the most stunning waterfalls in Canada lower than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in beautiful Wells Gray Park is only one of them. You also can try each Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls whereas on the best way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is round 45 minutes (44km) a method.
The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4
Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins
We solely found this route just a few years in the past when visiting Port Alberni for the primary time however it’s a fast, beautiful drive via outdated progress forests and one of many prettiest walkways you’ll discover on Vancouver Island.
Just as you go picturesque Cameron Lake, previous the midway level of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This path results in essentially the most accessible big Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can stroll the quick variety of trails beneath the shadow of big Douglas-fir timber with some greater than 800 years outdated.
Due to some extreme windstorms over time, a number of the historical timber have fallen and the park and trails are frequently being monitored and repaired. Make certain you verify to verify it’s open in the event you determine to make the journey on the market.
The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1
Revelstoke to Lake Louise - 227km (141mi) - 3hours
The Rocky Mountains are a a number of the most mountainous terrain on this planet nonetheless the drive via them is usually a really nice expertise. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is simply 10km from the BC/Alberta border so nearly all of this highway journey takes place in British Columbia.
Along the best way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain go, see just a few scorching swimming pools, search for on the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river within the nation plus witness a number of the finest surroundings Canada has to supply.
Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former prepare station hub and residential to the good Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your means down a mountain, you’ll quickly hit a collection of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t wish to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a fast 20 minute stroll via some extraordinarily massive cedar timber.
Right after that you’ve Canyon Hot Springs resort with a pleasant set of scorching swimming pools and shortly after that you simply’ll be climbing via Roger’s Pass, the best level alongside Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada freeway.
As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you’ll be able to partake in like whitewater rafting or testing the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline web site. After Golden you’ve got Field, a cute mountain city with close by entry to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and round 10 minutes off the freeway.
Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll wish to try the beautiful turquoise lake the city is legendary subsequent to beautiful Chateau Lake Louise. There are some nice hikes across the space and in the event you occur to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is taken into account among the finest ski resorts in Alberta.
If you wish to examine extra issues to do alongside British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, try our final Vancouver to Banff highway journey information.
The Pacific Rim – Highway 4
Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins
Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal facet of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some stunning coastal roads, some outdated progress forests and loads of sights alongside the best way.
As you allow Port Alberni, a small metropolis on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll rapidly go Sproat Lake, a 4 season space with lakeside cabins and tenting websites in style with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you’ve got Wally Creek. Right beside the freeway with parking areas, this can be a good spot to leap in and funky off within the cristal clear blue water.
Continuing on you lastly arrive on the coast. If you wish to discover a number of the pure fantastic thing about the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a good time to cease and seize a go on the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you desire a small detour, be happy to go south all the way down to Ucluelet whereas first stopping off for a brief stroll across the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.
To the north and in direction of our last vacation spot of Tofino, one other nice stroll is the Rainforest Trail that could be a wooden boardwalk & gravel path via a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock timber coated in moss.
Next you’ve got the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny vacationer city (Long Beach) on the sting of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near limitless stretches of seashore appeal to surfers year-round nonetheless most go to merely to look at the waves and stroll the miles of sand.
Soon you’ll be on the finish of your highway journey and driving into Tofino correct. This cozy city on the sting of the world is in style with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer time the inhabitants swells however it’s additionally a preferred space 12 months spherical with some nice cooks and eating places calling the city house.
Another in style browsing and seashore spot within the space is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are loads of inns and accommodations within the space in the event you plan to remain for just a few days.
The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A
Nakusp to Creston through Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)
Unfettered nature is one of the simplest ways to explain this highway journey via British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, enjoyable scorching springs, swaths of forests and a ferry experience are all highlights of this drive.
We first begin in Nakusp, a pleasant seashore village on the sting of the relatively lengthy Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp area is at all times busy in summer time and has a stunning seashore with clear water. As you head southeast out of city on Highway 6, you’ll quickly be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village alongside the lake financial institution, you’ll quickly be heading due east on Highway 31A.
As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll ultimately attain Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake within the West Kootenay area. If you wish to stretch your legs, a fast stroll alongside the Kaslo River Trail on the town is a pleasant diversion and there’s just a few good eating places right here as properly. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes an excellent quick pit cease with some good little falls simply off the freeway.
Next we have now Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favourite place of ours with some very nice scorching springs and a heated scorching springs cave. There’s additionally a scrumptious restaurant on web site as properly and in the event you keep within the resort, the new springs are included. Otherwise, they provide day passes for guests.
After a beautiful drive south alongside alongside Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour the place it’s time to leap on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we proceed down Highway 3A. The freeway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the best way in direction of Creston so don’t fear about getting misplaced now. Creston itself is a valley city with a wide range of facilities, accommodations and eating places plus just a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (house of Kokanee beer) that provides brewery excursions. If you’re there in summer time, ensure that to take a look at the wetlands on the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.
To get to Nakusp, you’ll be able to both head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on freeway 6. Either roads are nice nonetheless the extra cable ferry experience from Needle to Fauquier is a good bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some nice views and superior lakes, specifically Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake simply off Highway 6 which might be value testing as properly if in case you have time.
Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N
Comox to Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - 290km (180mi) - 3 hours (1 Ferry crossing)
Since no record is ever full, we’ve determined to throw this final BC highway journey in as a bonus. It begins in picturesque Comox.
In Comox you’ll be able to try the fisherman’s wharf or one of many quite a few seashores akin to Goose Spit Park. Kite browsing is a well-liked pastime right here as properly you’ll seemingly see some kites flashing by as you stroll the numerous seashores.
Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll quickly be arriving in Campbell River. The metropolis is a extremely popular whale watching middle in addition to famously internet hosting grizzly bear excursions. Either tour might be booked properly upfront with a number of corporations and a few even assure a sighting or your subsequent tour is on them. Another in style exercise right here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s massive suspension bridge and waterfall in addition to testing the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of many largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.
Continuing previous Campbell River (ensure you replenish earlier than leaving) you’ve got a whole lot of land to cowl that features a few rivers plus a lake earlier than getting again to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and ready to take a look at the numerous seashores and marinas plus a plethora of day journeys to locations like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a particular should if the climate is sweet.
You can get to Comox from the mainland through a BC ferry from Powell River so in the event you’ve completed the highway journey there then this route is a pure development of it. You also can take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you intend to do that 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is an effective way to calm down and see all the pieces alongside the best way.
Final notes on the most effective highway journeys in BC
After having our house base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the chance to see a big portion of it and may by no means get sufficient of the attractive surroundings, the pleasant folks and the wild magnificence. While this record isn’t exhaustive, we hope it provides you just a few concepts of a number of the finest highway journeys in British Columbia and conjures up you to go to and see the province for your self.
Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to listen to about it under. Safe travels.