British Columbia is an unlimited and exquisite province on the west coast of Canada. Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC, because it’s identified regionally, is world well-known for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, in addition to its many seashores, ski resorts and pure magnificence.
With 1000’s of valley lakes, enormous mountains and a largely unexplored north, there are many superb roads and scenic drives in British Colombia that make for some actually unforgettable highway journeys regardless of the season.
The most effective highway journeys in British Columbia is not going to solely take you thru a number of the most scenic areas within the province but additionally in Canada. You may go to the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive alongside the west coast and hang around on lovely seashores.
Should you’re shortly 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.
Need to see salmon spawning or go to the Rocky Mountains in its rawest kind? British Columbia has each.
Dreaming of heat mountain lakes in summer season, pure sizzling swimming pools 12 months spherical and nice climbing? BC has that in droves.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the proper place to take your loved ones on a highway journey, otherwise you simply need to discover some lovely sights with your folks, there’s one thing in BC for everybody.
So whether or not you’re a neighborhood desirous to broaden your vary, on trip touring with household or mates, or simply need to get away from all of it, listed here are a few of our favorite drives in BC that can take you off the overwhelmed path and into nature’s playground.
The most effective highway journeys in British Columbia, Canada
Whether or not you’ve gotten your individual automotive or need to hire a car, these are the very best highway journeys in British Columbia to absorb the attractive surroundings of this Canadian province.
Should 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 or not you’re on the lookout for the greatest bike insurance coverage or need to try the greatest issues to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this submit has you lined.
The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Freeway
Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)
The Sunshine Coast Path 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 gorgeous views of mountains and ocean alike.
What does this need to do with highway journeys? Nicely, not solely are you able to cease and hike the path, however getting there’s additionally a phenomenal drive with tons of nice coastal views and mountainous backdrops alongside the way in which.
A couple of highlights alongside this route embrace the two ferry crossings (the primary at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with potentialities to see the whole lot from whales to dolphins and even killer whales proper out of your car. The vast majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and enormous animal sightings are widespread so hold 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 – Freeway 97
Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m
The Okanagan Valley is residence to some superb wineries and fruit orchards which have been round earlier than BC was even a province!
Beginning up round Vernon and persevering with south right 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 Freeway 97 by means of Lake Nation 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 seaside.
As you proceed by means of West Kelowna (residence to nice vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll quickly end up driving by means of cities named Peachland and Summerland (nice names proper!) earlier than arriving in Penticton. Be sure to stroll the boardwalk on the town earlier than persevering with your drive south right down to Osoyoos, the warmest metropolis in Canada!
Should you love 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 almost in every single place within the valley earlier than you begin your Okanagan BC roadtrip.
The Coquihalla Freeway – Freeway 5N
Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m
The stretch of freeway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 issues in abundance, lovely surroundings and notorious notoriety. The Coquihalla options beautiful mountain rivers and a few lovely mountain vistas nonetheless it’s additionally the star in a present known as Freeway Via Hell, depicting the generally hazardous situations that may happen in the course of the winter months. Since it’s a excessive mountain freeway by means of some unforgiving terrain, there’s some advantage to the legends but when unsure, try the Drive BC web site and simply take note of the climate.
That stated, the Coq was initially constructed as a connector to hurry up the route that the Trans Canada freeway initially took because it made its manner west. Whereas the drive is certainly quicker by way of the Coquihalla, the fantastic thing about the drive can be unmistakable.
Should you’re feeling the urge for a sizzling soak, veer off the freeway close to Bridal Falls to take a look at Harrison Scorching Springs.
As you allow Hope by way of Freeway 3 East (ensure your tank is full for the reason that subsequent fuel station in Merritt is 120km or simply over an hour away), you’ll shortly leap onto Freeway 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 Freeway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Freeway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.
Should you’re planning to drive proper by means of 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 – Freeway 1 and Freeway 19
Victoria to Qualicum Seaside (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins
Although not formally known as The Island Drive, navigating this part of Vancouver Island positively matches the invoice. As you allow Victoria, the Victorian structure stuffed capital of British Columbia, and head north on Freeway 1, you’ll move 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 way in which to seize a chew to eat, hike or store nonetheless there are a couple of wineries and cideries round Cobble Hill which are value testing. If you’d like 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 superb to see. It’s a part of the Cowichan Valley Path and is a well-liked climbing space.
Nanaimo is the following main metropolis on the way in which north. It’s not a nasty place to refill provides in your Qualicum Seaside keep (when 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 finally attain picturesque Nanoose Bay after which Parksville, one other main waterside vacation spot in its personal proper although the lengthy sandy seashores alongside Qualicum Seaside are often what entice the crowds.
Whereas within the area, ensure to take a look at the Goats on the Roof (actually) on the Previous Nation Market in addition to the North Island Wildlife Restoration Centre. Each are nice locations to take the children and hang around for a couple of hours.
The Sea-to-Sky Freeway – Freeway 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 manner as much as Whistler, BC’s premiere ski vacation spot. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Freeway 99 is full of beautiful ocean and mountain views and passes by means of Squamish, an out of doors lovers playground.
With the whole lot from mountaineering to Bald Eagle viewing excursions within the winter (it held the biggest eagle viewing rely on this planet at 3769 with round 1300 noticed most given years), when you like the outside then probably Squamish has one thing for you. Squamish can be residence to the fantastic 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 shortly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers vacation spot with a myriad of actions for the outside lovers. After hitting the slopes, ensure to take a look at the city centre (often called The Village) with nice buying, eating places and pubs open 12 months spherical. Although we regularly consider Whistler as a winter vacation spot, there are many actions there taking place 12 months spherical.
Visiting in the summertime? Try Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a well-liked scuba diving vacation spot with synthetic shipwrecks and reefs supporting an enormous number of marine life, resembling octopus, lingcod and starfish simply minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know find out how 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 – Freeway 5 and Freeway 16
Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins
Whereas 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 phenomenal highway journey by means of valleys and mountains, with a couple of nice websites alongside the way in which.
As you head up Freeway 5 north from Kamloops, an ideal little metropolis fronting the attractive Thompson River and residential to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll move huge 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 ideal backdrop and lovely views.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to try some superb waterfalls or go whitewater rafting round Clearwater. Should you don’t have time to examine them out however need to stretch your legs, try both North Thompson River Provincial Park proper earlier than Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Each are proper alongside the freeway and are simple to drag off into.
As you flip proper (North) onto Freeway 16 (often called the Yellowhead Freeway) you’ll have one other few locations to cease with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park simply on the best after which the Mount Robson customer centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain within the Rockies) as a pleasant backdrop. Should you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Path (23km) is usually thought-about one of many high 5 greatest 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 gorgeous 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 a lot to see and do together with Canada’s greatest Darkish Sky competition.
You probably have the time, there are a number of the most lovely waterfalls in Canada lower than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in beautiful Wells Grey Park is only one of them. You may also try each Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls whereas on the way in which. Whole time to Helmcken Falls is round 45 minutes (44km) a method.
The Cathedral Drive – Freeway 4
Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins
We solely found this route a couple of years in the past when visiting Port Alberni for the primary time but it surely’s a fast, beautiful drive by means of previous development forests and one of many prettiest walkways you’ll discover on Vancouver Island.
Simply as you move picturesque Cameron Lake, previous the midway level of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This path results in probably the most accessible large Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You may stroll the quick variety of trails below the shadow of large Douglas-fir timber with some greater than 800 years previous.
As a result of some extreme windstorms over time, a number of the historic timber have fallen and the park and trails are regularly being monitored and repaired. Be sure you examine to verify it’s open when you determine to make the journey on the market.
The Rocky Mountain Cross – Freeway 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 by means of them is usually a really nice expertise. Just like Jasper, Lake Louise is barely 10km from the BC/Alberta border so nearly all of this highway journey takes place in British Columbia.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain move, see a couple of sizzling 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 greatest surroundings Canada has to supply.
Leaving east down Freeway 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 manner down a mountain, you’ll quickly hit a sequence of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t need to miss is Large Cedars Boardwalk, a fast 20 minute stroll by means of some extraordinarily giant cedar timber.
Proper after that you’ve got Canyon Scorching Springs resort with a pleasant set of sizzling swimming pools and shortly after that you simply’ll be climbing by means of Roger’s Cross, the very 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 gotten Discipline, a cute mountain city with close by entry to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and round 10 minutes off the freeway.
When you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll need to try the beautiful turquoise lake the city is known subsequent to gorgeous Chateau Lake Louise. There are some nice hikes across the space and when 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 Freeway, try our final Vancouver to Banff highway journey information.
The Pacific Rim – Freeway 4
Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins
Touring on Freeway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal aspect of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some lovely coastal roads, some previous development forests and loads of sights alongside the way in which.
As you allow Port Alberni, a small metropolis on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll shortly move Sproat Lake, a 4 season space with lakeside cabins and tenting websites in style with fishermen and boaters alike. Subsequent, you’ve gotten Wally Creek. Proper beside the freeway with parking areas, this can be a excellent spot to leap in and funky off within the cristal clear blue water.
Persevering with on you lastly arrive on the coast. If you wish to discover a number of the pure great thing about the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park, now’s a good time to cease and seize a move on the Pacific Rim Customer centre. If you’d like a small detour, be happy to move south right down to Ucluelet whereas first stopping off for a brief stroll across the Historical Cedars Loop Path.
To the north and in the direction of our last vacation spot of Tofino, one other nice stroll is the Rainforest Path that may be a wooden boardwalk & gravel path by means of a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock timber lined in moss.
Subsequent you’ve gotten the Pacific Rim Nationwide Park Reserve with a tiny vacationer city (Lengthy Seaside) on the sting of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Close to countless stretches of seaside entice surfers year-round nonetheless most go to merely to look at the waves and stroll the miles of sand.
Quickly 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 season the inhabitants swells but it surely’s additionally a well-liked space 12 months spherical with some nice cooks and eating places calling the city residence.
One other in style browsing and seaside spot within the space is Chesterman Seaside on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are many inns and motels within the space when you plan to remain for a couple of days.
The Kootenays – Freeway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A
Nakusp to Creston by way of Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)
Unfettered nature is one of the best ways to explain this highway journey by means of British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Beautiful lakes, stress-free sizzling springs, swaths of forests and a ferry journey are all highlights of this drive.
We first begin in Nakusp, a pleasant seaside village on the sting of the quite lengthy Higher Arrow Lake. The Nakusp area is at all times busy in summer season and has a beautiful seaside with clear water. As you head southeast out of city on Freeway 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 Freeway 31A.
As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll finally 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 Path on the town is a pleasant diversion and there’s a couple of good eating places right here as properly. Additional south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes an ideal quick pit cease with some good little falls simply off the freeway.
Subsequent we’ve Ainsworth Scorching Springs, a favourite place of ours with some very nice sizzling springs and a heated sizzling springs cave. There’s additionally a scrumptious restaurant on web site as properly and when you keep within the resort, the new springs are included. In any other case, 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 Freeway 3A. The freeway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way in which in the direction of Creston so don’t fear about getting misplaced now. Creston itself is a valley city with a wide range of facilities, motels and eating places plus a couple of wineries and the Columbia Brewery (residence of Kokanee beer) that offers brewery excursions. Should you’re there in summer season, ensure 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 Freeway 23 or head east from Vernon on freeway 6. Both roads are nice nonetheless the extra cable ferry journey from Needle to Fauquier is a superb 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 Freeway 6 which are value testing as properly if in case you have time.
Bonus Street Journey – The Island Freeway – Freeway 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 resembling Goose Spit Park. Kite browsing is a well-liked pastime right here as properly you’ll probably see some kites flashing by as you stroll the numerous seashores.
Heading north up Freeway 19, you’ll quickly be arriving in Campbell River. Town is a extremely popular whale watching middle in addition to famously internet hosting grizzly bear excursions. Both tour could be booked properly prematurely with a number of firms and a few even assure a sighting or your subsequent tour is on them. One other in style exercise right here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s giant suspension bridge and waterfall in addition to testing the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of many largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.
Persevering with previous Campbell River (be sure you refill earlier than leaving) you’ve gotten a whole lot of land to cowl that features a few rivers plus a lake earlier than getting again to the coast. Quickly you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and in a position to take a look at the numerous seashores and marinas plus a plethora of day journeys to locations like God’s Pocket Marine Protect to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a particular should if the climate is good.
You may get to Comox from the mainland by way of a BC ferry from Powell River so when you’ve finished the highway journey there then this route is a pure development of it. You may also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. Should you plan to do that 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is an effective way to chill out and see the whole lot alongside the way in which.
Closing notes on the very best highway journeys in BC
After having our residence base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the chance to see a big portion of it and might by no means get sufficient of the attractive surroundings, the pleasant folks and the wild magnificence. Whereas this record isn’t exhaustive, we hope it offers you a couple of concepts of a number of the greatest highway journeys in British Columbia and evokes you to go to and see the province for your self.
Suppose we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to listen to about it under. Secure travels.
