British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the temperate rainforests of the coast to the rugged Rocky Mountains in the east, the semi-arid Okanagan valley in the south, and the vast boreal forests of the north. Home to world-class ski resorts, vibrant multicultural cities, ancient First Nations cultures, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, BC offers an unparalleled range of travel experiences.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Whistler Day Trip
The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north from Vancouver to Whistler is one of the world's great scenic drives, hugging the Howe Sound fjord past Squamish and the Stawamus Chief. Whistler Blackcomb offers world-class skiing in winter (November–April) and mountain biking, hiking, gondola rides, and village life in summer. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola crossing between the two mountains is spectacular year-round.
Highlights: Ski or snowboard Whistler Blackcomb in winter · PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (360° mountain views) · Whistler Mountain Bike Park in summer · Whistler Village dining and shopping · Sea-to-Sky Gondola and Squamish Chief viewpoint en route
Victoria Day Trip via BC Ferries
A ferry crossing on BC Ferries from Tsawwassen terminal to Swartz Bay is itself a scenic experience through the Gulf Islands. Victoria, BC's charming Victorian-era capital, offers the Inner Harbour, Fairmont Empress, Royal BC Museum, Butchart Gardens, whale watching, and one of the finest restaurant scenes outside Vancouver. An ideal day trip for first-time BC visitors.
Highlights: Victoria Inner Harbour walk and Parliament Buildings · Royal BC Museum (if time allows) · Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress · Butchart Gardens (20 min from Swartz Bay by car or shuttle) · Whale watching tour from Inner Harbour · Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood
Squamish and Sea-to-Sky Day Trip
Just 60km from Vancouver, Squamish is a world-class outdoor adventure hub in the heart of the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The drive up Highway 99 passes Howe Sound with dramatic scenery at every turn. In Squamish, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, the Stawamus Chief (hike or rock climb), Shannon Falls, and the Squamish Spit (windsurfing, kiteboarding) are within minutes of each other.
Highlights: Sea-to-Sky Gondola (885m summit, suspension bridge) · Stawamus Chief hike (3 summits, views over Howe Sound) · Shannon Falls (3rd highest waterfall in BC at 335m) · Rock climbing on the Chief · Brackendale Eagle Reserve (winter eagle watching) · Squamish craft brewery stops
Kelowna and Okanagan Wine Country
A longer but exceptional day trip or better as a 2-night stay, Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley is Canada's wine capital. The drive east via the Coquihalla Highway is fast and scenic. The region has 200+ wineries, warm lake beaches, and the vibrant Kelowna city waterfront. If driving, consider a loop: Vancouver to Kelowna one way, returning via the Trans-Canada Highway through Kamloops and Hope.
Highlights: Wine tasting at 3–5 Okanagan wineries (Mission Hill, Summerhill, Painted Rock) · Kelowna City Park waterfront and beach · Okanagan Lake swimming in summer · Kelowna Farmers Market · RauDZ Regional Table or Waterfront Wines for dinner
Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park
Tofino, the world-class surf town on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, is technically possible as a long day trip from Vancouver but much better as a 2–3 night trip. Take the BC Ferries crossing to Nanaimo, drive through Cathedral Grove's ancient trees, cross the spine of Vancouver Island, and arrive at Pacific Rim National Park and the beaches of Tofino. Storm watching in winter is extraordinary.
Highlights: Long Beach at Pacific Rim National Park · Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay surfing · Surfing lesson with Tofino Surf School · Whale watching or wildlife boat tour · Cathedral Grove ancient trees en route · Storm watching (November–February)
Harrison Hot Springs
A popular and easy day trip from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs sits on the shores of Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley. The naturally heated mineral springs feed both the Harrison Hot Springs Resort's private pools and the public hot springs pool, open year-round. September brings the World Championship Sand Sculptures to the beach. The surrounding area has hiking in Sasquatch Provincial Park and eagle and bear viewing in fall.
Highlights: Natural hot springs pools (public pool $15) · Harrison Lake beach and boating · World Championship Sand Sculptures (September) · Sasquatch Provincial Park hiking · Harrison Hot Springs Resort Spa
Manning Provincial Park
Manning Provincial Park in the Cascade Mountains on Highway 3 is one of BC's most rewarding and accessible provincial parks. In summer, the Cascade Lookout wildflower meadows are among the finest in the province, with views deep into the US Cascade Mountains. Lightning Lake offers canoeing and hiking. In winter, Manning Park Resort provides affordable skiing and snowshoeing.
Highlights: Cascade Lookout (12km drive) wildflower meadows · Lightning Lake canoe rentals and hiking · Rhododendron Flats trail (June) · Manning Park Resort skiing in winter · Pacific Crest Trail access point · Wildlife including black bears, black-tailed deer
Fort Langley Historic Site
An easy half-day trip from Vancouver, the charming heritage village of Fort Langley is anchored by Fort Langley National Historic Site — the birthplace of British Columbia. Costumed interpreters bring the 1858 gold rush and fur trade era to life. The restored fort is surrounded by a quaint village with independent shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Easy to combine with a cycling ride along the Fraser River dikes.
Highlights: Fort Langley National Historic Site (costumed interpreters, gold panning) · Fort Langley village heritage buildings and boutiques · Fraser River dike cycling · Local bakeries and café stops · Fraser Valley berry farms and farm stands (summer)
Multi-day tours from British Columbia
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from British ColumbiaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.