Best Road Trips From Vancouver

Hit the slopes in Whistler, admire the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the California sun in Los Angeles and San Francisco, or enjoy an urban break in Toronto; the world is your oyster!

Top Road Trip Destinations From Vancouver

Our rankings are based only on editorial opinion, not any commercial consideration.
Moraine lake panorama in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
1. Banff

🚗 850 km ⏱️ 9 hours, 10 minutes

Banff is nestled in a truly magical landscape in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With its crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking views left and right, Banff is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby, you can enjoy skiing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Traveling up Canadian Rockies, you will be treated to one stunning view after another as you drive through Revelstoke, Golden and Lake Louise. You can also visit the stunning Glacier and Yoho National Parks.

Beautiful aurora borealis over Spirit Island with female traveler on canoe at Jasper National Park
2. Jasper

🚗 795 km ⏱️ 8 hours, 30 minutes

Jasper National Park is a jewel in the Canadian Rockies offering unspoiled wilderness. Explore glacier-fed lakes, abundant wildlife, and scenic drives on the Icefields Parkway. This is the perfect destination to unleash your inner explorer and adventurer!

On the way to Jasper, make sure to spare some time to visit Kamloops and pretty parks like Pyramid Creek Falls andMount Robson Provincial Parks.

Howe Sound from the summit of Stawamus Chief, Squamish, British Columbia, Canada on a cloudy day with mountains in the distance and rocks and trees overlooking the lake.
3. Squamish

🚗 65 km ⏱️ 50 minutes

Squamish is known as the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," and offers a great mix of rugged landscapes ideal for rock climbing, hiking, and water sports. Are you ready to tackle the infamous climb to Stawamus Chief?

This is a relatively short but scenic drive on Sea to Sky Highway with beautiful views of Howe Sound. En route, you can visit Cypress Provincial Park and Porteau Cove Lookout.

Panorama wide angle view of the Las Vegas Strip and city skyline at night, Nevada, USA

🚗 2,060 km ⏱️ 21 hours, 10 minutes

Welcome to the "Entertainment Capital of the World"! From dazzling shows and luxurious casinos to Michelin-starred dining and high-end shopping, Las Vegas offers endless entertainment options.

On this road trip, in addition to being able to visit Seattle, Portland and Crater Lake National Park, you can make amazing detours to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA taken at the Havasupai Indian Reservation with an amazing waterfall surrounded by cliffs and trees taken on a sunny day.

🚗 2,640 km ⏱️ 27 hours, 30 minutes

One of the most beloved and most visited national parks in the world, the Grand Canyon is home to famous vistas and incredible hiking trails. You can admire the views from the top of the canyon rim or enjoy rafting at the bottom.

En route, you can also visit Seattle and Portland for an urban fix and trial your luck in the casinos of Reno before you arrive in Las Vegas.

A colorful sunrise sky over downtown Calgary in the summer
6. Calgary

🚗 970 km ⏱️ 10 hours, 30 minutes

Calgary is home to the famous Calgary Stampede, which takes place every July, and also offers access to the stunning Canadian Rockies, urban parks, and a growing food scene.

There is so much to see on this route, such as the rugged mountainous landscapes of Revelstoke and Golden to the stunning Yoho and Banff National Parks.

Spring flowers in front of Parliament Buildings and Inner Harbour in Victoria
7. Victoria

🚗 115 km ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

Victoria is easily accessible from Vancouver, and the capital of British Columbia is a historic city with a beautiful Old Town and some stunning buildings. Don't miss the iconic Butchart Gardens and the busy inner harbour.

Before taking the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria, we recommend spending some time at Deas Island Regional Park.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Canada taken in winter with snow covering the tress in the foreground and the valley and mountains in the distance, taken on a sunny day.

🚗 120 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Whistler is a premier ski destination in North America, but the town offers more than just winter sports. Summer activities include mountain biking, and exploring the village shops, restaurants, and spas.

Driving on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, you can visit the beautiful Crystal Falls, the pretty town of Squamish and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park en route.

Los Angeles, California, USA taken at the world famous landmark Hollywood Sign.

🚗 2,190 km ⏱️ 21 hours, 30 minutes

The city of dreams, Los Angeles, is famously known as an entertainment hub, the glamour of Hollywood, its popular beaches, and fun theme parks, making it the perfect destination for the entire family.

On a drive of this scale following the Pacific Coast, you will have the opportunity to visit amazing places such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Monterey and Big Sur.

Bison crossing the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, USA

🚗 1,525 km ⏱️ 15 hours, 40 minutes

Yellowstone National Park is the first national park in the world! Known for its geothermal features like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone is also home to wildlife, including bison, wolves, and bears.

On the way to Yellowstone, we recommend making stops at the buzzing city of Seattle and the beautiful landscapes of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at sunset with waves crashing on the beach.

🚗 1,530 km ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and hilly neighborhoods. Explore the lively waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf and treat yourself to some of the freshest seafood.

As you drive south across the border into USA, you can take time to visit Seattle, Portland, have a picnic at Shasta Lake or detour to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Seattle skyline panorama at sunset as seen from Kerry Park, Seattle, WA
12. Seattle

🚗 230 km ⏱️ 2 hours, 20 minutes

You will easily recognize the city's silhouette, thanks to the majestic Space Needle as you drive into Seattle. Pike Place Market is the place to be if you want to grab a bite and rub elbows with the locals.

On this relatively short drive, we recommend planning for stops at Bellingham, Little Mountain Park near Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley Tulip Fields if you are travelling in the spring.

Rows of grapes lead down to the waters of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna, with the Rocky Mountains, blue sky and white clouds in the background.
13. Kelowna

🚗 455 km ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Kelowna, nestled in the heart of British Columbia's wine country, is surrounded by scenic landscapes and beautiful lakes. The town itself is home to luxurious wineries and is a perfect summer getaway.

You will get to visit plenty of cute towns like Abbotsford and Hope and beautiful parks like Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park and EC Manning Provincial Park en route.

Bridge connecting the Othello Tunnels through rock canyon on a sunny day
14. Hope

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

Hope is located where the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers meet. This beautiful town is a gateway to several scenic valleys and parks and is also famous for its chainsaw carvings and as a filming location for numerous movies.

This is a short drive packed with things to see such as Fort Langley National Historic Site, Tanglebank Gardens in Abbotsford and Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park.

Portland, Oregon, USA skyline at dusk on the Willamette River.

🚗 670 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 25 minutes

Portland is best known for its pioneering artisan coffee shops, amazing food truck scene, and the vast Powell's City of Books. You will also find plenty of urban oases, such as beautiful parks and biking trails.

On this road trip to Portland, you can also visit Seattle, Olympia, make a detour to Olympic National Park and spend some time by the ocean in Astoria and Cannon Beach.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with the city downtown in the background and the river and bridge in the foreground taken after sunset.
16. Edmonton

🚗 1,270 km ⏱️ 13 hours, 40 minutes

Edmonton is home to a lively arts and music scene, the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley, and the famous West Edmonton Mall. The city hosts popular seasonal festivals and is a great place to base yourself.

This adventure is the perfect mix of urban and natural with sights to see like Mount Revelstoke National Park, Golden, Lake Louise, Banff National Park and Calgary.

Beautiful autumn foliage of orange, yellow and red, reflected in a lake in one of the waterfront parks in Spokane, Washington
17. Spokane

🚗 730 km ⏱️ 8 hours

Spokane is known for its beautiful riverfront park and historical buildings. The city is also a stone's throw from hiking trails, especially stunning in the fall, rivers, and ski resorts such as Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Great places you can visit on this road trip include the interesting Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, iconic urban landscapes of Seattle, and charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth.

Lumpy's trail, Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada
18. Pemberton

🚗 150 km ⏱️ 2 hours

Pemberton is nestled among towering peaks and lush valleys, offers a peaceful escape from the city life. Known for its horseback riding, golfing, and hiking, Pemberton is a gem if you are looking for laid-back adventures in nature.

You will be treated to one scenic beauty after another on Sea to Sky Highway on this road trip and visitSquamish, Brandywine Falls and Whistler en route.

Golden Ears Provincial Park, BC, Canada with Alouette Lake in the foreground and the mountains in the distance reflecting in the calm water at sunrise.
19. Golden Ears Provincial Park

🚗 55 km ⏱️ 50 minutes

Golden Ears Provincial Park is home to pretty forested trails, alpine lakes, and scenic campgrounds. A perfect day trip from Vancouver, this park provides a natural sanctuary for hiking and water sports.

On your way to the provincial park, you can also visit Burnaby Lake Regional Park and WildPlay Maple Ridge, perfect for a fun day out.

An orca surfacing off the shoreline of San Juan Island with Washington's Mt. Baker in the background.
20. San Juan Islands

🚗 195 km ⏱️ 4 hours

The San Juan Islands in Washington State are an archipelago known for their stunning natural beauty and relaxed island lifestyle. Accessible by ferry, these islands offer unique experiences like whale watching and kayaking.

Take your time on this road trip to also visit Peace Arch Park, just across the border, the pretty city of Bellingham and Burlington.

Bavarian-style building with mountain peak in the background
21. Leavenworth

🚗 345 km ⏱️ 4 hours, 10 minutes

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offering a unique European experience in the heart of Washington State. Known for its festive Christmas lighting and Oktoberfest, the town provides year-round entertainment.

There is plenty to see on the way, too! We recommend visiting Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Wallace Falls State Park and Lake Wenatchee State Park en route.

Sunset view of Kootenay River and small town of Nelson with mountains in the background
22. Nelson

🚗 660 km ⏱️ 7 hours, 50 minutes

Nelson is all about the outdoors and exploring things to do up and down Kootenay Lake. One of the best-known attractions is the Ainsworth Hot Springs. These naturally hot water springs attract a lot of visitors, so try to get here early.

To take in the beauty of the area during this road trip, some of the best places to visit are Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park and EC Manning Provincial Park en route.

Longer road trips from Vancouver

A tree surrounded by bright Northern Lights in downtown Whitehorse

🚗 2,550 km ⏱️ 29 hours

Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, is a great gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of Canada's far north. You might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights here and enjoy outdoor adventures like dog sledding, hiking, and fishing in untouched northern landscapes.

Panoramic view of Coastline in San Diego

🚗 2,615 km ⏱️ 32 hours

Head to California and discover San Diego's laid-back charm and sunny skies. It is dotted with beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo great nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Glacier Bay in Mountains in Alaska

🚗 3,530 km ⏱️ 40 hours

Anchorage is surrounded by rugged wilderness and some of the most dramatic landscapes. Here you can enjoy whale watching and glacier tours, as well as experiencing the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter for a truly magical visit.

Skyline of Toronto over Ontario Lake at twilight
4.

Toronto

🚗 4,600 km ⏱️ 43 hours

An impressive cross-continental drive will take you to Toronto, Canada's largest city. As you approach the city, take in the views of its famous skyline dominated by the CN Tower and then head to the downtown area to visit Nathan Phillips Square and CF Toronto Eaton Centre.