Last Updated on August 19, 2025 by Kristin
Few places offer an array of outdoor activities outside its doorstep like Vancouver, where whale-watching, hiking, skiing and rock climbing are within easy striking distance. While Vancouver has plenty to do within city limits (and lots of great hotels), its proximity to the mountains and islands makes it an ideal base for several road trips with stunning views. Renting a car can help ensure you don’t miss out on these opportunities and have the flexibility to enjoy them at your own pace. Here are the best day trips from Vancouver.
Fabulous Day Trips from Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
12 km / 7 miles / 16 mins.
A quick, popular day trip from Vancouver is a drive to the base of Grouse Mountain, where locals and visitors alike enjoy hiking and skiing, snowboarding and ice skating in the colder months. Park at the base of the mountain and catch the Skyride tram or blue gondola to the top. Feeling adventurous? Hike up the mountain on the Grouse Grind trail. Once you’re on the mountain, check out a ranger talk to learn about the grizzly bears and other local wildlife species. Be sure to also make a stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which features a treetop bridge built in the 1800s.
Steveston
20 km / 12 miles / 24 mins.
Another easy day trip from Vancouver is Steveston, a fishing village to the south of the city with fresh-caught seafood. Take a stroll down Fishers Walk, a route with information and graphics explaining Steveston’s fishing industry. Eat fish and chips on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Wharf to take in the scenic views of the boat docks. From April to October, you can depart from Steveston on a whale-watching tour to spot orcas and humpback whales.
Bowen Island
30 km / 19 miles / 1 hr. 9 mins.
Note: This drive time includes a 20-minute ferry ride between Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island. Always check with the rental car company to ask whether driving onto the ferry with your vehicle is allowed. Parking is also available at the ferry terminal before heading to the island.
A day trip to Bowen Island provides stunning views of the Howe Sound and surrounding mountains. Drive to Horseshoe Bay, where you’ll find the ferry terminal to Bowen Island’s Snug Cove. Once you arrive on the island, head to Artisan Square, a charming collection of boutiques and galleries. Check out Crippen Regional Park to take a scenic walk to Killarney Lake.
Squamish
64 km / 40 miles / 53 mins.
About an hour’s drive north of Vancouver lies Squamish, a destination popular with rock climbers where nature is the main attraction. Take a ride on the Sea to Sky gondola to reach hiking trails through the forest and a 328-foot suspension bridge to take in panoramic views of the mountains and Howe Sound. Other popular sites include Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Alice Lake Provincial Park and the Railway Museum of British Columbia.
Whistler
121 km / 75 miles / 1 hr. 41 mins.
Canada’s best-known ski resort was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Besides skiing and all manner of snow sport, Whistler is also a fun place to go out on the town, as the village is home to more than 170 restaurants and 200 shops. In warmer months, go ziplining or bicycling. Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for panoramic views of Whistler Village and the mountains and access to alpine hiking trails in the summer. Check out the Audain Art Museum showcasing works from local artists, and the Whistler Museum to learn more about the area’s rich history. >> Recommended hotels in Whistler
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