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In the past few years (especially due to COVID), I started doing more local trips which only takes 2-3 days and can fit in a long weekend. These weekend trips from Vancouver are amazing for spicing up the mundane every day schedule. I’ve lived in Vancouver for over 20 years now so let me share with you the best weekend trips from Vancouver for every type of traveler!
The first two sections are probably familiar to you if you’re from Vancouver but great for first timers. But if you’re looking for more of a hidden gem, just keep scrolling to the bottom and I bet you’ll find something new!
Weekend Trips North of Vancouver
The major destination north of Vancouver is Whistler. This is a global destination for winter sports but it’s got so much to offer in the Spring, Summer and Fall too. Also, Squamish is often a passover, but there’s lots of fun things to do in Squamish for the day too. Here are my destination picks and the highlights of each location
- Squamish – Hiking the Chief, Sea to Sky gondala, craft breweries like Backcountry Brewing
- Whistler – Skiing and snowboarding, amazing restaurants, Scandinave Spa, Peak 2 Peak gondola, Olympic venues and landmarks, adventure sports, treetop adventure course, ziplining
- Sunshine Coast – Gibsons, Sechelt, breweries, cideries, hikes, Porpoise Bay provincial park
- Sunshine Coast travel guide (slightly old post that I want to update but lots of great info still!)
“The Island” Weekend Trips from Vancouver
Vancouver locals love to get away to Vancouver Island. It’s just a short ferry ride away and it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. All ferry rides are booked on BC Ferries. Reservations are possible online but don’t fret as you can show up and line up without a reservation as well. You’ll likely want to take your car across the ferry as public transportation can be limited. Here are some of the most popular Vancouver Island Destinations and what they’re famous for:
- Victoria – BC’s capital, parliament building, great restaurants like Little Dumbo, Royal BC Museum, Empress hotel, and Butchart Gardens. Tip: Hatley castle is stunning and only a 20 minute drive
- Nanaimo – The second most popular destination after Victoria. Parksville beaches, Horne lake caves, old growth forests.
- Things to do in Parksville (super old post but give it a go anyways!)
- Tofino – Ah, BC’s own Hawaii. This is my favorite destination on Vancouver Island but it’s such a pain to get to! Surfing, beaches, the original Tacofino, amazing food, and the Wild Pacific Trail
- Salt Spring Island – I’ve been to Salt Spring Island twice now and it’s the ultimate nature getaway. Cidery, brewery, Salty Pear Sauna, Mt.Erskine hike, visit farms and nurseries.
South of the Border Weekend Trips from Vancouver
There are a ton of options south of the border that are within driving distance. Seattle is a two hour drive away and Portland is 5 hours away. Between them, there are countless destinations to visit. These might require more than 2 days, but a long weekend is definitely possible!
- White Salmon – White water rafting, great food, winery tasting rooms, the BEST pool and experience at Society Hotel, Mt.hood fruit trail
- Dundee – top rated wineries, alpaca farms
- Cannon Beach – haystack rock, the beach itself
- Leavenworth – mimics a German town, great food, lots of artisan shops
- Taste Leavenworth (a pretty old post but gives you an idea of the town!)
- Walla Walla – very top rated wineries, adorable strollable downtown area,
Hopefully this post gave you lots of ideas for this Spring and Summer!