Now that the weather’s warming up and the cherry blossoms are blooming, we’re all coming out of hibernation mode and looking to explore new places around the city. What better way than to bond with your significant other, friends or family, than with a road trip outside of the city to make the most out of the beautiful springtime nature?
Here are five unique road trips close to Vancouver to visit for a day, or even a weekend getaway outside the city, to slow down.
Pemberton
Two and a half hours from Vancouver up the Sea-to-Sky highway, Pemberton makes a perfect base for a day or even a weekend of hiking, biking, fishing, hot springs and even plenty of sipping and sampling at the local breweries and distilleries.
Some popular spots in this area include the Joffree Lakes hike, Mount Currie trail, the lilloet river for rafting, and more!
Mission
Just an hour and a half away from Vancouver, Mission is a picture-perfect area and the setting for so many movies and television shows, such as the Archie Comics-inspired Riverdale TV series. Adventurers have easy access to an expanse of parkland, mountainous terrain, sparkling bodies of water and beautiful wildlife. Sightseers and explorers will also enjoy touring Mission’s charming downtown shops, romantic cafés and regal historical buildings.
Cultus Lake
An hour and a half drive away from Vancouver and one of the most popular destination areas in the Lower Mainland, Cultus Lake Park has four campgrounds, a large day-use area for picnicking and boating, and tons of opportunities for fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, and hiking.
Harrison Hot Springs
Located among the dramatic mountains and the sandy beaches of Harrison Lake about an hour’s drive from Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is best known for its warm, healing spring waters which can be enjoyed in the five mineral pools at Harrison Springs Resort & Spa. There are several restaurants here too, ranging from casual healthy fare to elegant dining with live music at the Copper Room. It’s the most perfect girls trip idea or romantic getaway!
Coquihalla Canyon Park
About two hours drive from the city, the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park are a series of old railway tunnels that run through a stunning canyon, and is just one of the most unique road trips you can take. Having undergone repairs from a 2021 storm, the full reopening of the entire Othello Tunnels is planned for summer 2025, making it the perfect opportunity for history and nature enthusiasts to visit.
Here’s the best spots for cherry blossoms viewing in Vancouver.
