On the return, stop by places you might have passed the first time around, like Craigellachie and Sicamous, both sleepy-but-scenic resort and retirement towns.Īt Sicamous, head south to Kelowna (a two-hour drive), also known as the gateway to the Okanagan Valley and its wine region. Sporty travelers love the wide array of outdoor activities here: hiking, golfing, boating, and more. In this region, you can visit hot springs and provincial parks whose lakes are full of that azure-blue glacial water that Lake Louise is known for. Because of the mountainous terrain and limited roads, you'll likely want to head back the same way you arrived, on Highway 1. If you have the time, continue east to Revelstoke and Golden, two of BC's most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies and home to some epic ski resorts. But instead of staying in Kamloops, continue an hour past-still on the TransCanada Highway-to Salmon Arm, which is far more charming. The latter two towns were a hub of Gold Rush activity in the 19th century and are steeped in First Nations (indigenous) culture. Worthwhile stops along the way include Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton, and Lillooet. You'll see the terrain change from coastal mountains to near-desert. At the end of it is the famous ski destination-Whistler-one of the best in the world and home to two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that hover a mile above the village.įrom Whistler, head northeast to Kamloops, (a four-hour drive). This trip option, east of Vancouver, can take between five and 10 days, depending on whether you include the eastern cities of Revelstoke and Golden in your itinerary. In any case, you'll first want to get from Vancouver to Whistler along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). This 750-mile (120-kilometer) route is extremely scenic, offering ocean views to one side and mountain panoramas to the other. If you arrive in Calgary and rent a car, you can make a splendid drive to Vancouver via Banff and Lake Louise, two of Canada's most stunning mountain destinations.Ĭamping is also an excellent option for accommodation during your trip campgrounds in British Columbia are abundant and range in service level, from pit toilets and hand-pumped water to full washrooms with hot showers and electricity. If you plan to stay in hotels and lodges, it would be best to book far in advance, especially for summer. instead of Canada can sometimes be more convenient or affordable.Ĭalgary is a major airline hub that's about 118 miles (190 kilometers) from the BC border. border, would also be a convenient takeoff point for a drive around British Columbia. Seattle, a two-hour drive away from the Canada/U.S. If you plan to fly into Canada and rent an RV or car for your road trip, the most logical place to start is either in Calgary in the neighboring province of Alberta or in Vancouver. For information on current road conditions, visit the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation. Driving through the Rocky Mountains during this time is not advisable for inexperienced winter drivers.Īlways check the weather forecast and the road report before traveling. Visitors should be aware of weather conditions, especially between late October and April when snow, fog, and ice can affect the roads. The two best options are to drive a loop from Vancouver, hitting the charming mountain villages that dot the Rocky Mountains along the way, or to spend your time touring Vancouver Island, known for its untamed, surf-centric beaches.īC roads are, for the most part, well-maintained, safe, and clearly marked, but some routes are winding and mountainous. Since the northern portion of British Columbia is largely unpopulated, extremely mountainous, and underdeveloped, the ideal tour would stick primarily to the province's lower portion. In addition to mountains and coastline, forests dominate British Columbia's geography, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape to traverse by road trip. British Columbia (BC) is the westernmost province in Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other.
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