Day Trips from Vancouver: The Best Day Trips Around Vancouver

Although there are countless things to see and do in Vancouver, there are just as many adventures awaiting you just outside the city limits. A short distance from its urban area are some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations in British Columbia.Nature takes center stage, and you can find excursions from Vancouver in every season, from visits to historic sites and picturesque towns to ski resorts. If you're looking for ideas, here are some suggestions for the best day trips around Vancouver.

Indian Arm is a glacial fjord that extends north from Burrard Inlet, between the communities of Belcarra (east) and the North Vancouver district (west).Typically, this destination is visited via a cruise, which traverses the inland waters of the fjord, taking you in search of local wildlife: if you look closely, you might spot seals, eagles, herons, and even black bears. You can participate in one of these lunch cruises from Vancouver! The spectacular scenery varies between coastal mountains and lush forests, for a day trip where nature is the star.

The Fort Langley National Historic Site is home to the fur trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, still operating for 150 years. Here you can witness historical reenactments in costume to get a sense of how life was during the days of the old pioneers: fur traders from the Hudson's Bay Company mingled with gold rush seekers from California, and indigenous people shared stories centuries old.It is a rich and interesting site, with a variety of museums, shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks, and trails, and the iconic Community Hall, featured in many films and TV shows.

Located in lovely Britannia Beach, just 10 minutes south of Squamish, this museum and national historic site spans 10 acres and is perfect for fun days for all ages.It used to be the largest copper mine in the British Empire, and today, tunnels, shafts, and some structures remain, skillfully preserved and turned into a large and award-winning museum. Among the activities offered, you can ride a train that goes deep into the mine, search for gold nuggets, and learn more about the lives of generations of miners who worked the copper deposits along Howe Sound. Perfect excursion if you are traveling with children!

Located about halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, the town of Squamish is a perfect destination for outdoor adventures. It is easily accessible by car from Vancouver, and the scenery is exactly what you would expect from a mountain town.Once a forestry and mining town, it has gradually transformed into a popular tourist destination. One of the area's most popular new additions is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which takes you to the top of Summit Lodge, where there is also the Sky Pilot suspended bridge.But there are many outdoor recreational activities: rock enthusiasts come here to climb the sheer cliffs, such as those of the gigantic granite monolith known as Stawamus Chief. You can also hike the large trails and the mountain bike trails.

Salt Spring Island is the largest of the southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. It's the perfect place to spend a day for those who wish to relax, immerse in nature, and take a step back in time.You can choose to spend a few hours exploring Ganges, the main town of the island with its art galleries and unique boutiques, or engage in nature experiences such as a whale watching tour, a kayaking excursion, or visit the Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. The shoreline of Ruckle Provincial Park invites you to immerse yourself in the incredible natural beauty of this island.

Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Many people mistakenly assume that Vancouver is the capital of British Columbia, when in fact it is Victoria.It is located about 62 miles from both Vancouver and Seattle, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The city's main attraction is the wonderful Butchart Gardens, a group of floral gardens designated as a national historic site of Canada, which hosts over a million visitors each year. In every season, they are filled with all shades of the rainbow, featuring over 900 plant species in different habitats and themed areas. The best way to visit them is through an organized tour from Vancouver.Additionally, Victoria is one of the best places for whale watching. Numerous whale watching cruises depart from here, both morning and afternoon!

Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful provincial park in the Fraser Valley featuring a well-equipped picnic area and an impressive 197-foot waterfall.A day trip destination particularly suitable for families, Bridal Veil Falls park covers only 79 acres, so it is not very large. It takes only 15 minutes by foot round trip to get from the parking lot to the falls. The trail to the waterfall is uphill, but not too steep, following the river through the forest, making it a lovely walk ideal for children or for those who are not at all fit!

Harrison Hot Springs, nestled between forested mountains on the shores of the beautiful Harrison Lake, is a resort town known for its hot springs and picturesque lake and mountain landscapes. It is located about 90 minutes east of Vancouver and offers much to not only hikers but also sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and especially those seeking relaxation.There is a beautiful beach that stretches along the entire city waterfront, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the islands and mountains across Harrison Lake. The main attraction, however, is the public pool, which many choose for a soak in the relaxing hot spring water.

The scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is already a valid reason to take a day trip to Whistler. The views of Howe Sound and the mountainous landscape along this highway are exceptional.You can adventure through fjords and inlets, climb coastal mountains, and walk in a fantastic alpine village simply by booking a convenient and highly recommended one-day organized tour!Whistler is a year-round destination: here you can enjoy golfing, hiking, mountain biking, shopping, and sampling specialties of all kinds in various restaurants. But it is undoubtedly in winter that the resort shines the brightest, thanks to the spectacular ski and snowboard slopes that attract enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Hell's Gate Airtram is a gondola that crosses the Fraser Canyon directly above Hells Gate. The breathtaking scenic descent begins at a rest area on the Trans-Canada Highway and descends to its lower terminal on the opposite side of the canyon, where there is also an observation bridge, a restaurant, a gift shop, and other tourist attractions.The gondola consists of two cabins that can carry up to 25 people each, plus the cabin assistant. Both travel up and down at a maximum speed of 5 meters per second, for an inclined stretch of 1,120 feet. An experience you absolutely must try!