Ever wondered what’s waiting beyond Vancouver to inspire your wanderlust? It’s time to compile another bucket list covering all the top day trips from Vancouver possible to quench your thirst for travel!
8. Richmond
Richmond wraps up this curated list with a short line hop from Vancouver. This city is a melting pot of cultures where Asians of various ethnicities create a vibrant community. The colorful and diversity enables the authentic Asian dining scene to bloom, putting Richmond down in the list of North America’s leading destinations for Asian cuisine.
If you’re a big foodie, there’s no reason to overlook Richmond Night Market. Home to over 100 steam-shrouded food stalls, Richmond Night Market becomes the cream of the crop to sample your favorite Asian food.
Ever heard of Richmond’s dumpling trail? This mouthwatering thing to do in Richmond is a serious business to help you gorge on the most iconic Asian food in Canada. Richmond’s dumpling trail gathers some of the most delectable dumpling houses. These places serve you countless regional varieties of Asian dumplings from soup to meat just to give your hungry tummy an epic treat!
History buffs will have a pleasant and insightful time strolling around the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Steveston Village. This historical village dates back to the early 19th century. Today, these heritage buildings scattering around the park and wharf make Steveston Village a tempting place to unveil another facet of Richmond that not many travelers know of.
7. Harrison Hot Springs
Breathtaking scenery, spacious accommodations, and top-tier amenities turn Harrison Hot Springs a desired relaxing getaway from Vancouver. Hop on this 97-kilometer drive from Vancouver and you’ll enter a peaceful natural gem tucked away in the evergreen mountains.
This village is nestled on the shores of Harrison Lake where its laid-back vibe makes a perfect pairing with the fresh, crisp air. The first thing you want to do is reserving a room at Harrison Hot Springs Resort for access to one of the five mineral hot pools. Imagine dipping in that relaxing hot pool and having the geothermal water eliminate all the stress from the back of your mind, is there anything better than that?
Apart from this natural treatment, Harrison Hot Springs has a lot more to keep you occupied! Kayaking, visiting the waterfront parks, golfing, and hiking are some other popular possibilities to engage in.
6. Deep Cove
Deep Cove, the portal of Indian Arm, is the next day’s trip to enter your bucket list. A short 25-minute drive from Vancouver leads you to this little, quaint community where nautical activities are the strongest magnets.
We’re talking about kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding on the mild, deep-blue water surrounded by the lush mountains. Whenever you’ve had enough of the water and wish to get your feet back in the woods, embark on an easy hike to Quarry Rock before taking a fantastic panoramic vista from the top vantage point. Linger that fire in the belly before curling up on the bed with a big bite at Honey Doughnuts.
5. Sunshine Coast
The hinterland of Sunshine Coast becomes a dreamy hideout to declutter all your buzzes and reconnect with nature. Stretching over 180 kilometers, this beautiful sunshine paradise casts a spell on you and chances are you never want to leave even after spending a week there. The forested beaches and mossy rainforests make room for your inner soul to unplug and recover from the hectic workdays.
The soaring nature of British Columbia has its torch on the cascading waterfalls of Chatterbox nestled in the heart of Princess Louisa Inlet. Sailing a boat from the Jervis Inlet down a long, glacier-cut fjord serving as a portal to the soaring waterfalls becomes the biggest hook you should never miss.
Other than this, head southbound to Sechelt Peninsular to embrace the idyllic beauty of Smuggler Cove. This is a small and beautiful anchorage with easy access after a four-kilometer hike.
Savary Island, an off-beaten-path subtropical paradise is a heaven on Earth for beach enthusiasts. The island protects a budding habitat of sensitive ecosystems including sand cliffs and dune meadows. Planning to reach out to the water for your favorite water sport? Don’t forget to pop into Desolation Sound where you can embark on an epic kayak trip on the warm waters.
Last but not least, Gibsons Public Market fits the bill if you’re out in Sunshine Coast with family and kids. This vibrant trading hub houses local merchants, an award-winning bistro, and the lively Community Aquarium.
More on Sunshine Coast:
- 10 Best Airbnbs in Sunshine Coast & Sechelt for a getaway
4. Bowen Island
Outdoor activities including both onshore and offshore sports give Bowen Island an unquestioned identity. This small island is located off the coast of Howe Sound, this laid-back rural island makes a perfect weekend jaunt from Vancouver.
Bowen’s claim to fame cannot go without is sandy beaches scattering from secluded sanctuary to family-friendly spots. Rose Bay and Grays Bay become such a big hit for kayakers with splendid views of the piercing mountain peaks reflected over the azure water.
Hiking up Mt. Gardner, the highest vantage point on Bowen Island erases your gap with nature and bolsters your physical fitness with rewarding views of Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet. And when your bones are tired, go freshen up with a big taco bite at Branch of Bowen or indulge your sweet tooth in a light, foamy and savory mousse at Cocoa West Chocolatier.
3. Squamish
Within an hour’s drive from Vancouver, Squamish looms as a picturesque town nestled at the back of Howe Sound. Pulling a great number of travelers who are after outdoor adventures. Hiking, biking, and camping rule the day in Squamish and the most outstanding site to work your core is definitely Stawamus Chief.
Getting into nature doesn’t halt you in the woods. Lake hopping at Alice Lake Provincial Park is another magnetic field for those seeking a peaceful place to laze around, pitch a tent and get back to the hikes.
A fun outing day to enjoy the water of Squamish lingers to the thrilling ride from a white-water rafting trip along the Elaho River. Wake up your adventurous sense as you paddle through some Class 3 and Class 4 rapids, while those after a more pleasant voyage may opt for a kayak trip in Howe Sound.
Ultimately, rock climbing will be your next favorite thing when summer comes as you conquer the rough boulder under the clear, crisp sky.
2. Whistler
Simply put, if you’re an adventure seeker, Whistler is the right place to be! From shredding the snowy slopes to hovering in the air watching bears from a gondola, Whistler’s got you covered! With just over an hour’s ride from Vancouver, Whistler is a dreamy year-round getaway.
This four-season resort town has been making global headlines as one of the world’s top ski resorts, as well as home to a mecca of leisure pursuits and outdoor activities. If you wish to work your cores while soaking in some scenic views, embark on Whistler’s high alpine hiking trails. For those who like to snap the best shots of nature, join a bear viewing tour or simply ride the Peak to Peak Gondola.
Golfing, off-road rides, SUP, and kayaking are some other coolest things to do in Whistler. When the sun beams down, head back to Whistler Village to rest your tired bones while getting some ice cold beers watching people from a patio.
More on Whistler:
- Vancouver to Whistler travel guide
- 10 Best restaurants in Whistler to hit up when you’re there
- 10 Best Airbnbs in Whistler to stay at for a luxury retreat
1. Victoria
This heritage town of Victoria is nestled on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island. Crossing 100 kilometers from Vancouver and you will end up in this beautiful, quaint town where you can reach out to the ocean watching orcas, sail around Inner Harbor, or check out the long-established monuments such as the Royal BC Museum.
With lots of happenings catered to all types of travelers, Victoria becomes an ideal weekend getaway and you surely want to spend more than just a day there. Over the past few years, Victoria has snagged the world’s best records proving how livable this city can be.
Call it the best city to live in for women or the bike-friendliest city in Canada, Victoria has it all to amaze you. If you wish to engage with greenery and nature, Beacon Hill Park will fit the bill. Big foodies will find Victoria a heaven on Earth if you make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf to find the mouthwatering Mexican and Japanese cuisines. Ultimately, don’t forget to pop into The Churchill to get that thirst-quenching larger and explore the most exciting craft beer scene in Canada!
More on Victoria:
- The Simple Vancouver to Victoria getaway guide
- 10 Cool & Best Airbnbs in Victoria to stay at
We hope you have the best time rocking these destinations as much as we do. If you ever need more inspiration to plan your memorable trip in Vancouver, don’t forget to check out these incredible neighborhoods to keep yourself updated with the best cafes, restaurants, and shops!