糖心传媒

British Columbia is a province best explored with the car windows down and curiosity in the driver鈥檚 seat. Highways wind through rainforest, desert and mountain passes, revealing a patchwork of wild places and storied towns. Each bend brings the unexpected: a misty fjord, a gold-rush ghost town, a secret hot spring or a roadside fruit stand.

Yet the journey doesn鈥檛 end where the road meets the water 鈥� in British Columbia, adventure continues as you sail a path of magic across more than 25 ferry routes. Each crossing is its own mini voyage and a chance to watch for whales, breathe in salt air and glimpse forested islands rising from the Pacific mist. Whether you鈥檙e chasing powder in the Kootenays, tracing prospectors' footsteps in the Cariboo or surfing the wild coast of Vancouver Island, you'll find BC鈥檚 road trips promise adventure, wonder and a deep connection to the land, yourself and the Indigenous cultures who鈥檝e called this home since time immemorial.

Here are the top road trips in British Columbia.

1. Sea-to-Sky Highway

Best for a convenient drive from Vancouver and jaw-dropping scenery

Start/Finish: 痴补苍肠辞耻惫别谤鈥揥丑颈蝉迟濒别谤
Approximate distance: 120km

The delivers one of BC鈥檚 most iconic drives, winding from Vancouver along the turquoise waters of North America鈥檚 southernmost fjord, Howe Sound, and up into the Coast Mountains. First up is Horseshoe Bay, a postcard-perfect seaside village and ferry hub with access to Bowen Island, Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. Next, invites picnics, waterfront swims and camping with epic views. Climb aboard a mining rail car for an immersive underground tour at the before soaring above the fjord on the , where suspension bridges and hiking trails offer sweeping vistas. The adventure town of Squamish is a must-stop for its granite cliffs, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and windsurfing.

After your adventure, unwind at , a groovy restaurant serving up creative tapas and cocktails alongside sweeping views of the water and cliffs of Stawamus Chief. The Squamish area is also home to legendary trails like the Stawamus Chief hike, plus plenty of campgrounds 鈥� including popular and . Further north, the thundering is just a short stroll from the highway, setting the stage for your final stop: Whistler, a world-class destination well worth an extended stay.

Planning tip: Although Brandywine Falls is not accessible in the winter, the drive and all other attractions are great to visit year-round. Avoid weekends if possible, and allow a full day if you want to linger at viewpoints or hit the trails. 

2. Gold Rush Trail & The Fraser Canyon

Best for time traveling through BC鈥檚 storied landscapes

Start/Finish: New Westminster or Lillooet鈥揃arkerville
Approximate distance: 650km

Chasing legends and landscapes, the winds from the outskirts of Vancouver up the dramatic Fraser Canyon and into BC鈥檚 rugged wild west of the Cariboo and . Start at , where costumed interpreters bring BC鈥檚 early days to life through Indigenous and colonial storytelling. In the Fraser Valley, pairs homemade pie with riverside camping and 1920s farmstead charm. In the District of Hope, the former railway line carves a cool, echoing passage through sheer granite cliffs high above a churning river 鈥� an unforgettable hike where light and shadow dance across mossy stone.

Nearby, invites you to stroll across its historic suspension bridge above the Fraser River, where panoramic views and the bridge鈥檚 weathered charm make it a must-stop for striking photos and a sense of history. whisks you over churning white water, and near Boston Bar offers immersive Indigenous storytelling. Spend a night or two at for outdoor adventure and glamping, then continue to  for lunch, local wine and mountain views at .

Stock up on Indigenous-made provisions at  or dive into St鈥檃t鈥檌mc culture at the . Spend the night in a prospector鈥檚 tent or chuckwagon at , explore pioneer history at and the , and snap ghostly photos in the abandoned mining town of before the grand finale at 鈥� where wooden boardwalks and costumed townsfolk bring gold rush days to life.

Planning tip: Allow 3鈥�7 days. The Gold Rush Trail is best from late spring through early fall, with plenty of options for camping, cozy cabins and local eats along the way.

3. Powder Highway

Best for ski-town hopping and epic snow stashes

Start/Finish: Rossland, Fernie, Revelstoke, or Golden (depending on your direction of travel; loop or point-to-point)
Approximate distance: 700km

Carving a loop through the Kootenay Rockies, the is a pilgrimage for skiers, snowboarders and mountain lovers. This legendary route links eight world-class ski resorts 鈥� , , , , , , and 鈥� with quirky mountain towns, steamy hot springs and endless opportunities for adventure. In winter, powder hounds and families chase fresh tracks at these iconic resorts and with cat- and heli-skiing lodges, while non-skiers find tubing hills, skating trails and kid-friendly winter events.

Between ski days, soak in the steamy pools of or , wander artsy streets in , or sample craft brews and hearty fare in Golden and Rossland. In summer, the Powder Highway transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking and sporting on alpine lakes.

Planning tip: Allow 5鈥�10 days. Start the Powder Highway in Calgary (consider adding it to your Banff itinerary) or Vancouver. For the best snow, consider visiting between late December and early March, but try to avoid holidays, and save on lift tickets with the .

4. Great Bear Rainforest Loop

Best for epic and remote wilderness with coastal adventures

Start/Finish: Vancouver鈥揃ella Coola鈥揤ancouver (loop; requires two ferries)
Approximate distance: 1700km

Blending oceans, fjords, glaciers, rivers, lakes and ancient forests, this road trip showcases the very best of British Columbia. Few travelers take on a BC adventure of this scale, but those who do are rewarded with the province鈥檚 most spectacular landscapes 鈥� often all to themselves.

Start with a ferry ride to , heading north through charming seaside towns to Port Hardy. Board for a dramatic journey alongside whales and fjords to , gateway to the world鈥檚 largest coastal temperate rainforest. Explore ancient forests and rich Indigenous culture before driving east to Nimpo Lake, where , glaciers and await. Continue south through the Cariboo for a taste of cowboy culture and lakeside living, then wind back toward Vancouver via Lillooet, Pemberton, Whistler and the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

Planning tip: Allow at least 7鈥�10 days for this remote adventure. Book ferries and accommodations well in advance, and check before you go.

5. The Alaska Highway

Best for epic northern wilderness and history

Start/Finish: Dawson Creek鈥揧ukon border
Approximate distance: 965km

The legendary winds from 鈥淢ile 0鈥� in through BC鈥檚 remote northern wilds. Start with and pioneer history, then hike among wind turbines at . Stop at for Indigenous history and browse northern art in Fort St. John. In Fort Nelson, the  brings the highway鈥檚 story to life, while guided hikes with offer a deeper dive into the wild.

The Rockies come alive at . Camp, fish or hike at Summit Lake before paddling jade-green beneath Folded Mountain. Stay at or opt for a fly-in fishing trip, then cap it off with a soak at , a steamy oasis in the boreal forest. The final stretch leads to Watson Lake and the Yukon.

Planning tip: Allow at least 5鈥�7 days for the full route. Guided hikes and interpretive sites add depth to this classic northern adventure.

6. West Kootenays

Best for laid-back lake towns, hot springs and mountain adventure

Start/Finish: Hope鈥揊ernie or Rossland
Approximate distance: 1200km

The West Kootenays are home to some of the grooviest mountain towns in British Columbia, nestled beside pristine, uncrowded lakes and surrounded by lush forests. This region is a road tripper鈥檚 dream, most easily accessed via the in the south or by turning onto Hwy 23 from the Trans-Canada at Revelstoke for a lakeside cruise along Upper Arrow Lake 鈥� complete with a free ferry across the water. Stop in Nakusp (or stay overnight) to soak in the lakeview pools at or the tranquil , and don鈥檛 miss a tasting at .

Take in the views at Slocan Lake Viewpoint and the roadside before heading to Kaslo, where you can tour the , sample local brews at  or paddle with  on Kootenay Lake. For a unique experience, unwind for a night at the Indigenous-owned , famous for its steamy caves and lakeside setting, and dine at the .

On the way to the artsy and vibrant town of Nelson, zip through the trees with  and enjoy creative fare at or . Cap off your journey in Rossland, where you鈥檒l find small-town mountain charm, epic biking trails and the new at .

Planning tip: Allow a week or more to explore at a relaxed pace. Hot springs, local wineries and endless outdoor adventures make this a classic BC road trip.

7. Vancouver Island

Best for wild coastlines, ancient forests and laid-back island towns

Start/Finish: Victoria鈥揟ofino鈥揚owell River
Approximate distance: 777km

Just a short flight or ferry from Metro Vancouver, Victoria greets you with harborside charm, historic hotels, scenic bike trails and a distinctly West Coast vibe. Stroll the lush grounds of , indulge in , paddle a kayak through the Inner Harbour or unwind in a 鈥� all while soaking up the city鈥檚 vibrant local food scene and creative spirit. From here, wind your way along the Juan de Fuca Highway to Sooke and Port Renfrew. Continue through the  鈥� famed for its wineries and farm-to-table fare 鈥� then up-island to the sandy beaches of Parksville and the murals of Chemainus.

Crossing the island鈥檚 wild heart via Port Alberni, you鈥檒l reach a fork in the road: turn left for , with its Wild Pacific Trail and vibrant adventure scene, or head right to , Canada鈥檚 surf capital. The area invites you to catch waves at iconic beaches like Cox Bay and Chesterman, unwind in floating hot tubs and saunas and savor fresh-caught seafood at celebrated spots like . Immerse yourself in , kayak through misty inlets or set out on a bear-watching tour.

Whether you鈥檙e storm watching from a cozy lodge, hiking through ancient rainforest or sampling small-batch coffee in a surf shack cafe, you'll find Tofino鈥檚 wild, creative spirit shines at the edge of the Pacific. For a true island finale, catch the ferry from Comox to Powell River and explore the 鈥檚 historic towns, mountain biking trails and kayak-friendly waters before looping back to Vancouver or Whistler via Horseshoe Bay.

Planning tip: Allow 5鈥�10 days. To extend and for an extra dose of laid-back, bohemian West Coast spirit, venture out to the . Each island offers its own blend of coastal charm 鈥� think artisan markets, driftwood beaches, and forest trails 鈥� perfect for those who crave slower days, creative communities and a true island escape.