Language 
No results found
The 9 best day trips from Vancouver
Find the best day trips from Vancouver, including nature escapes, family-friendly spots, and car-free options. Get routes, highlights, and planning tips.
Vancouver is one of the best bases for exploring British Columbia. Within one to two hours, you can reach islands, mountain towns, coastal parks, hot springs, and cross-border getaways. Whether you’re looking for nature, food, culture, or ocean views, these day trips from Vancouver offer something for every traveller.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Quick picks: Where to go from Vancouver
Here’s a simple overview of the best day trips from Vancouver, with travel times and highlights at a glance.
| Destination | Travel time from Vancouver | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | ~3 hours each way | Historic sites, gardens, harbour views |
| Bowen Island | ~50 minutes each way | Beaches, cafés, easy hikes |
| Deep Cove | About 40-50 minutes from downtown | Kayaking, Quarry Rock, village vibes |
| Steveston Village | 30 minutes drive | Seafood, Richmond heritage, whale tours |
| Harrison Hot Springs | 1.5 hour drive | Hot springs, lake views, family resorts |
| Capilano Suspension Bridge Park | 15 minutes drive from downtown | Suspension bridges, rainforest walks |
| Sunshine Coast | 40 minutes drive | Beach towns, markets, coastal hikes |
| Whistler | 1.5-2 hours drive | Mountain views, gondolas, year-round activities |
| Semiahmoo Resort (US) | 1 hour drive | Coastal resort, waterfront dining, spa |
Best day trips from Vancouver without a car
Car-free travellers have plenty of choices thanks to ferries, buses, and SkyTrain connections. These destinations are easy to reach, even if you’re relying on public transit or tour operators.
Victoria
Day trips from Vancouver to Victoria are one of the most popular options, offering a mix of history, gardens, ocean views, and walkable neighbourhoods. The journey is also part of the experience, cruising through the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.
How to get there:
Take public transit or shuttle to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, then board the ferry to Swartz Bay, Victoria. From Swartz Bay, BC Transit routes connect directly into downtown Victoria. Total travel time is ~3 hours each way.
What to do:
Walk the Inner Harbour, visit the Royal BC Museum, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, or stroll through Beacon Hill Park.
Ideal for:
Travellers without a car who want a full-day city and coastal experience.
Bowen Island
Bowen Island is a peaceful, artsy community surrounded by forested trails, beaches, and ocean viewpoints. It’s ideal for travellers looking for a quiet escape with easy access to nature, cafés, and local shops.
How to get there:
Take West Vancouver Blue Bus route 250 or route 257 to Horseshoe Bay, then take B.C. Ferries to Snug Cove. Total travel time is ~50 minutes each way.
What to do:
Walk the Dorman Point lookout trail, browse local shops, rent a kayak, or enjoy cafés near the harbour.
Ideal for:
Couples, casual hikers, and anyone wanting a peaceful nature escape close to the city.
Deep Cove
Deep Cove is famous for its calm waterfront, kayak rentals, and the popular Quarry Rock trail overlooking Indian Arm. It’s a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a gentle adventure close to Vancouver.
How to get there:
Take the 211 or 212 bus. Travel time is around 40-50 minutes from downtown.
What to do:
Kayak or paddleboard, hike to Quarry Rock, enjoy a donut from Honey Doughnuts and Goodies, or walk along the shoreline.
Ideal for:
Outdoor lovers and car-free travellers who want a scenic half-day outing.
Best day trips from Vancouver for family
Families will find lots of easy, low-stress options within an hour or two of Vancouver, places with walkable attractions, kid-friendly food, and plenty of open space.
Steveston Village
Steveston Village blends waterfront scenery, seafood restaurants, filming locations, and museums tied to its fishing heritage. Families love it for the walkable boardwalk, playgrounds, and kid-friendly attractions.
How to get there:
A 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
What to do:
Explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, walk the boardwalk, try fish and chips, or join whale-watching tours.
Ideal for:
Families who want a relaxing, stroller-friendly outing with food and scenery.
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is known for its lakefront views, hot spring pools, and family-friendly outdoor activities. It’s one of the perfect family day trips from Vancouver for a relaxing escape with options like boating, light hiking, and seasonal festivals.
How to get there:
About 1.5 hours by car. Some tour operators offer direct shuttles in peak season.
What to do:
Soak at the resort pools (hotel guests only), walk the lakeside promenade, rent a pedal boat, or explore nearby waterfalls.
Ideal for:
Families wanting a full-day resort-style outing with accessible activities for all ages.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is famous for its forest canopy walks, cliffside platforms, and the iconic 137-metre suspension bridge. It’s an exciting pick for families wanting a mix of nature and fun, with plenty of photo spots.
How to get there:
A 15 minute drive from downtown or take the free seasonal shuttle bus.
What to do:
Walk the main suspension bridge, explore the Cliffwalk, and enjoy kid-friendly educational programs.
Ideal for:
Families who want a memorable outing with nature and adventure without leaving the city’s edge.
Best day trips from Vancouver for couples
These destinations offer coastal scenery, great dining, scenic drives, and plenty of space to unwind, perfect for a relaxing couple’s escape.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is known for its coastal viewpoints, artisan markets, and laid-back seaside communities. It’s ideal for couples seeking a slower pace with oceanfront walks, cafés, and scenic drives.
How to get there:
Drive or bus to Horseshoe Bay, then take a 40-minute ferry to Langdale.
What to do:
Browse Eumundi Markets, walk the Soames Hill trail, stop at local breweries, or explore quiet beaches.
Ideal for:
Couples wanting a relaxed oceanfront getaway with small-town charm.
Whistler
Whistler offers year-round attractions, from alpine lakes and bike trails in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Couples can enjoy day trips from Vancouver to Whistler for its mix of mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and village dining.
How to get there:
A scenic 1.5–2 hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Shuttles are also available from downtown Vancouver.
What to do:
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, explore the village, enjoy spa treatments, or walk lakeside trails.
Ideal for:
Couples seeking mountain scenery, good food, and a full-day adventure.
Semiahmoo Resort (USA)
Semiahmoo Resort sits on a quiet peninsula with panoramic waterfront views, sandy beaches, and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. It’s a great pick for couples who want a relaxing coastal retreat just across the border.
How to get there:
About 1-hour drive by car to Blaine, Washington, plus border crossing time.
What to do:
Walk the beaches, enjoy the spa, dine at the waterfront restaurant, or stroll the quiet marina.
Ideal for:
Couples wanting a near-Vancouver getaway with resort comforts and ocean scenery.
📌Tip:
Since this day trip crosses into the U.S., Canadian travellers should bring a valid Canadian passport for border entry.
What to prepare before you go?
A little planning helps make each day trip smoother, especially if you’re planning day trips from Vancouver without a car and relying on transit, ferries, or cross-border travel.
- Check transit, ferry, or shuttle schedules before leaving.
- Coastal BC weather changes quickly, so bring layers and waterproof shoes.
- Car-free travellers should confirm bus connections (especially for Deep Cove, Horseshoe Bay, and Victoria).
- For outdoor trips, bring sunscreen, bug spray in summer, and warm layers in fall/winter.
- Download offline maps or navigation apps.
- For cross-border trips, review guides on traveling from Canada to the US and Canada to US travel requirements.
- Stay connected with a Holafly eSIM, or browse options in the eSIM Store.
- Unsure how much data you need? This guide on how much data for travel is helpful.
- RV or camper travellers can explore tips on internet travel trailers in Canada.
Stay connected on your day trips from Vancouver with Holafly
Reliable data makes every day trip easier, from checking ferry schedules to navigating trails. A Holafly eSIM offers instant activation, unlimited data, and options for eSIM Canada, eSIM USA, or eSIM North America, ideal if your plans include destinations like Semiahmoo Resort in Washington, US.
With simple installation, no physical SIM swapping, and 24/7 customer support, Holafly helps keep your maps, bookings, and travel plans running smoothly throughout your Vancouver adventures.
Get an unlimited data eSIM
Use code MYESIMNOW5 for 5% off at checkout
Plans that may interest you
哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen，平常最喜歡旅遊，也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享，希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊，加上 Holafly 的 eSIM，讓你的旅程更美好！✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!
