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Summary

9 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Vancouver

Get in, we're going daytripping.

Editor

Have you ever imagined just jumping in your car, and leaving for a spontaneous trip? You can drive less than three hours from Vancouver, B.C. to some pretty epic spots, that are perfect for a get-away day — without even having to pack a bag.

Even in the winter, B.C. offers a wide range of things to do. You can be skiing on the slopes, hiking to the top of a mountain, strolling a beach, or exploring restaurants in a new city — all in under three hours.

There's basically no reason to be bored at the weekend if you live in Vancouver.

So get out your bucket list, and start adding these destinations to it for the next time you're feeling spontaneous. Maybe you're feeling it now, and in that case — go!

Squamish

Price: Free

Address: Squamish, BC

Why You Need To Go: The drive here is along the stunning Sea-to-Sky highway, so you get views all day long. Once you make it you can go for one of the many hikes in the area, and end the day by visiting Jack's Bar from the show Virgin River!

Website

Seattle

Price: Free

Address: Washington State, U.S.

Why You Need To Go: If you are up for a trip to the U.S., Seattle is only about three hours away. You can spend the day going to cool coffee shops and sightseeing! Don't forget to take a picture by the Space Needle — and this kinda gross bubble gum wall.

Website

Bowen Island

Price: Ferry prices vary. About $30 for a vehicle.

Address: Bowen Island, BC

Why You Need To Go: There are so many islands to visit near B.C., and they are so fun. At Bowen Island, you can explore all of the sights. You can go sea kayaking there, and maybe spot a whale or two!

Website

Whistler Village

Price: Ski pass prices vary. About $150 for a day pass.

Address: Whistler, BC

Why You Need To Go: If you are an avid skier, or have always wanted to try it out, this is the perfect resort to go to. It's only about 2 hours from Vancouver and is one of the best ski hills around. Even if you don't ski you can walk around the village, and have a great day.

Even better, hit up the Scandinave Spa to totally chill out.

Website

Victoria

Price: Ferry prices vary. About $59 for a vehicle.

Address: Vancouver Island, BC

Why You Need To Go: Take the short ferry ride — or the even shorter floatplane ride — over to the island and enjoy a day exploring the city. It has so many great restaurants and shops to experience. It makes for a super fun day just walking around.

Website

Mount Baker, Washington

Price: Free

Address: Mount in Washington State

Why You Need To Go: This is the perfect day trip for the hikers out there. Travelling to the U.S. might be tricky right now, but if you are itching for a trip, this is your chance. Plus, it's only a bit over two hours away.

Website

Harrison Hot Springs

Price: Free

Address: Fraser Valley, BC

Why You Need To Go: You can go to this super cute town and take a relaxing dip in the hot spring pools at the local hotel, Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Although visiting the town is free, if you want to use the hotel's hot spring pools you have to book an overnight stay.

Website

Salt Spring Island

Price: Ferry prices vary. About $80 for a vehicle.

Address: Salt Spring Island, BC

Why You Need To Go: This trip will take you 2.5 hours and involves a ferry ride. You'll get a stunning view of the ocean the entire ferry ride, and end with a day exploring this beautiful island. If you love an adventure and are looking to explore, this is the day trip for you.

Website

Deep Cove

Price: Free

Address: North Vancouver, BC

Why You Need To Go: This spot is only 30 minutes from downtown but feels like a world away. It's a super cute little village, and there are some great trails!

Website

From Your Site Articles
  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. After working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, she joined Narcity with a move to B.C., drawn to the beauty of Western Canada. Since then, she's documented her experience moving to Vancouver, covering everything from local events to bucket-list travel destinations across Canada's West Coast.

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