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It’s best to take a car, as public transit on Salt Spring Island is limited to the main roads, and many of the best attractions are off the beaten path. The main town, Ganges , is where you’ll find the majority of the shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Salt Spring Inn is right in the heart of the village, making a great home base from which to explore—it also has one of the most popular restaurants. For a Scandinavian-inspired fine-dining experience, book a table at House Piccolo , and enjoy a delicious meal in this tiny heritage-home-turned-restaurant.
Some of the best food on the island comes directly from the producers themselves. Visit the “farm” base of Salt Spring Cheese Company —meet the sheep and buy their handmade cheeses directly from their door. Besides great local food production, Salt Spring Island is also known for its thriving artist and artisan community.
If pottery is more your speed, Julie MacKinnon Ceramics studio is a must, as is the newly opened The Pottery , a potters’ collective shop and studio in Fulford Village.
View from rocky cliffs on Galiano Island. The non-stop ferry ride is a breeze from Tsawwassen Terminal, transporting you from the bustling streets of Vancouver to Galiano’s spectacular rocky cliffs, quiet pebble beaches, and ancient forest trails in about an hour. To truly appreciate the gorgeous coastline and diverse marine life that surrounds Galiano Island, get out onto the water in one of the most popular activities in the Gulf Islands—kayaking.
Connect with Gulf Island Kayaking to book a tour. Make the weekend trip extra special and reserve a table at Pilgrimme for a truly unique-to-Galiano, farm-to-table dining experience deep in the Galiano Island woods.
Tip: Pilgrimme has limited seating and books up very quickly, so reserve in advance. Bonsai tree on Fairy Lake, Port Renfrew. Port Renfrew, once a sleepy little fishing and logging town, has been revitalized as a dream weekend-trip destination on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. To get here from Vancouver, catch a ferry from Tsawwassen Terminal to Swartz Bay and drive two hours northwest of Victoria.
As part of the scenic Pacific Marine Circle Route , the journey to Port Renfrew is just as important as the destination. Make sure to stop off at French Beach Provincial Park to get a clear view out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Olympic Mountains, and Sheringham Point Lighthouse, which is favorite hangout spot for killer, grey, and humpback whales.
Shirley Delicious also offers a delicious pitstop full of made-from-scratch treats and warm-you-up beverages. One of the reasons this tiny town has had a resurgence in part is thanks to Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages , a resort that offers steps-from-the-sea accommodation, the extremely popular Coastal Kitchen , as well as wilderness tours and fishing charters.
As the terminus of both the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and West Coast Trail , this is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy some of Vancouver Island’s best hiking trails.
Take “forest bathing” to the next level along the well-maintained trails of Avatar Grove , a clutch of old-growth Western Red cedar and rare Douglas fir in the Gordon Valley River. Surfing is a big draw as well, with wave riders braving the brisk waters year-round at Sombrio Beach and Jordan River. A weekend trip to Port Renfrew would not be complete with a visit to Botanical Beach , which boasts one of the richest intertidal zones on the West Coast and tide pools teeming with marine life.
Harbor at Gibsons, B. Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel: This new hotel has a fabulous location right on the riverfront. The Okanagan is a big region, stretching from Sicamous in the north to Osoyoos in the south. Okanagan Lake runs through the middle of the valley, along with lots of other smaller lakes, perfect for boating and with great beaches. Explore some of the cute small towns like Vernon and Penticton or check out the many things to do in Kelowna.
The hot and dry climate is also ideal for orchards and vineyards. There are over wineries to visit, but I like the smaller organic ones near Summerland. Sparkling Hill Resort: This adults-only spa-focused resort near Vernon has amazing views and luxe rooms.
Hotel Zed: Like their sister location in Victoria, this budget motel in Kelowna has an incredible retro look. But it is famous for its waterfalls. There are 8 waterfalls easily accessible from the main park road, plus dozens more in the backcountry. The park is in ranch country, so if you want to live like a cowboy, there are tons of lodges nearby where you can go horseback riding or have a cook-out. Wells Gray is definitely one of the best under-the-radar weekend getaways from Vancouver.
Wells Gray Guest Ranch: Located right in the park, this Western-style property has great cowboy vibes. Across the Creek Cabins: These cute cabins are nestled in the forest inside the park. B ook now. Revelstoke is the ultimate Canadian small town : it has world-class mountain biking, incredible hiking, skiing, and paragliding from the highest launch in North America.
I liked it so much I went two years in row. It also has one of my favourite things: hot springs! There are several hot springs a near town, including the gorgeous undeveloped Halfway River Hot Springs. Revelstoke also has a surprisingly robust culinary scene for such a small town with a little farmers markets, great restaurants, micro-breweries, and not one but TWO distilleries! Check out my guides to things to do in Revelstoke , the best hikes in Revelstoke , and the best things to do in Mount Revelstoke National Park to plan your trip.
The Regent Hotel: We stayed at this somewhat upscale, family-run hotel on our first trip to Revelstoke. It was nice without being pretentious. Boulder Mountain Resort: I spent two nights at these adorable cabins just outside of Revelstoke last summer.
They even come with fleece robes! The Cube: This budget hotel has a really cool cube-inspired look. Spend the weekend chilling out in nature at a cozy cabin. There are tons of adorable cabin rentals near Vancouver. Wake up deep in the forest, high in a treehouse, right beside the ocean, or in a luxury glamping tent. One of the cheapest ways to go on a weekend getaway from Vancouver is to go camping. There are lots of amazing camping spots fairly close to town.
You can camp on a lake, by the ocean, or in the mountains. However, camping is popular so make a reservation in advance to make sure you get a spot. Below are some of my suggestions for the best campgrounds near Vancouver. If you have a tent, the walk-in sites near the water are sooo gorgeous.
There are kayak rentals on-site, plus tons of hiking and mountain biking trails. Nairn Falls Provincial Park: Situated just south of Pemberton, this campground is a great place to base yourself for hikes in the area or visits to Whistler.
It also has one of the best waterfall hikes near Vancouver. You can rent canoes and kayaks too. What is your favourite weekend getaway from Vancouver? Tell me in the comments. So here are my picks for the most beautiful weekend getaways from Vancouver. Table of Contents. The view from the dock on Bowen Island.
The majestic Stawamus Chief seen from the Squamish River estuary. The town is hidden behind the trees and out of the frame to the left.
The suspension bridge at Whistler Peak. You can see the town amongst the lakes in the valley below. An easy day trips from Vancouver is a visit to Deep Cove. You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and surfskis from Deep Cove Kayak. This shop gets busy in the summer months, especially on the weekends.
Quarry Rock is an easy hike that takes about 1. The views from the top of Quarry Rock are fantastic. It sits at the mouth of the Fraser River and was once the largest fishing port and cannery centre on the West Coast. Steveson is also the departure point for many whale watching tours that explore the nearby Gulf Islands and the San Juan islands in Washington State. On a sunny afternoon we like to visit the village and indulge in fish and chips and cold beer.
Then we like to walk along the pier to burn off lunch. Steveston is still an active fishing harbour, so you can walk along the docks and purchase fresh seafood directly from the fishing boats. The River Rock has a large theater that hosts a variety of entertainment acts throughout the year.
The Night Market features live performances, carnival games and over retail stalls with over food choices from around the world. Did you know the Lower Mainland is home to several award winning wineries? Chaberton Estate Winery is the oldest and largest winery in the Fraser Valley and the 5th largest in British Columbia. Langley is about a 45 minute drive from Vancouver, depending on traffic afternoon rush hour can add hours. Located two hours east of Vancouver, just south of Chilliwack, sits Cultus Lake Provincial Park and its many family friendly attractions.
The lake, beaches and surrounding forests are fantastic, but what lures families to this area is the Cultus Lake Waterpark and Cultus Lake Adventure Park. Cultus Lake Waterpark has all kinds of water slides, wading pools and themed attractions. You could spend the entire day at this park alone.
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is located km east of Vancouver and 64 km southeast of Chilliwack 40km in from the Vedder Crossing. There are several hiking trails, beaches, boat launches, parks and recreational facilities. This is a great spot to go boating, kayaking and canoeing. Follow this road for 40 km to the lake and campground — visit BC Parks website for more info. Sturgeons date back to the Triassic period, some to million years ago.
So, basically, these are underwater dinosaurs! Okay, not really. But some of these fish are over years old and grow as long as 10 feet. You can take a guided tour that departs from Chilliwack and goes up the North Fraser River. The river is loaded with sturgeon and salmon. On our trip, we witnessed about a dozen sturgeons jumping out of the water. Chilliwack is about a 2 hour drive from Vancouver, depending on traffic. The fishing tours take between 6 to 8 hours, so this is a full day excursion.
Harrison Hot Springs is a resort community known for its hot springs and picturesque lake and mountain landscapes. Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the main attraction, with its 5 hot spring pools and restaurants. However, you can only access these pools if you are a guest staying at Harrison Hot Springs Resort.
Harrison lake offers every kind of water sport you can imagine, from kayaking to boating to its massive floating waterpark. It has a beach, waterfront parks, golf courses and several hiking trails. During the summer, you can also visit Bridal Falls Water Park. Previous 1 2. If you’re looking to discover the heart and soul of a country or region, then independent touring could be the option for you.
Our selected itineraries strike the perfect balance between the freedom of travelling independently and the convenience of having your accommodation and transport pre-arranged; leaving you free to explore all the area has to offer.
Get to know the vibrant coastal city of Vancouver on a tour that gives you the time you need to uncover the numerous highlights and beautiful landmarks that make this one of the most diverse and bustling cities in the world, from the natural beauty of Stanley Park to the entertainment outlets and shops of Granville Street, there is something for everyone in this city that seemingly has everything.
View more details. For those who enjoy the company of like-minded travellers, an escorted tour is a great way to see all the major sights, or discover a path less well trodden. From the comfort of a larger air-conditioned coach, and with the help of an expert local guide you’ll learn about your destination in a safe and fun environment. With many of your meals also included, you’re free to sit back and enjoy your holiday without having to worry about a thing.
Blaze a trail through the Rocky Mountain passes, on through to coastlines, bustling cities and national parks, as you uncover the beautiful lands of the cultural treasure trove that is Western Canada.
Book a self-drive and enjoy the freedom of the open-road. You could stop-off for lunch at that charming little village, pause for hours and take-in an amazing view, or go off the beaten track and discover somewhere that few other travellers have had the joy of seeing. Book one of our carefully planned self-drives that includes your accommodation and you’ll make the most of your time away, and make great savings too.
Journey across the beautiful landscape of British Columbia in search of some of the most prominent creatures that make their home along the west coast of Canada. Keep your eyes open for sightings of whales, dolphins and seals on a Zodiac powerboat in Victoria and stay alert for grizzly bears after a floatplane trip to Knight Inlet. Images Blogs. How to Make the Most of Your Annual Leave As time came to a temporary standstill in , a lot of holiday plans had to be put on hold. Please Call For Exclusive Prices As the flight date you have chosen is within the next days, it has limited availability and may only be booked by calling our specialist reservation centre.
– Vancouver island trips from vancouver canada border
Mar 11, · How to Get Started on Your Vancouver Island Road Trip. There are two ferries from Vancouver: To get from Van couver to Victoria, you head down to Delta and take the . Aug 12, · Howe Sound Boating. This body of water that’s surrounded by a network of towering fjords is a great place to explore by boat. Renting one at Granville Island or Sewell’s . Nanaimo to Port Hardy. Choose your own adventure along one of the longest – and most wild – Vancouver Island road trip routes. This km trip from Nanaimo to Port Hardy varies in .