9 fun summer day trips from Vancouver that are 3 hours or less from the city
Need a change of scenery?
Person as a market. Right: People walking on a trail with mountains around them.
There are pockets of beauty scattered all around the province but you don't have to go far to find hidden gems, quaint towns, and natural wonders if you live in Vancouver.
Day trips from Vancouver can make you feel like you're a million miles away from the city if you know where to go.
If you wake up one weekend and are feeling a bit spontaneous, then this list is for you. These day trips will get you to a magical spot in under three hours, so you can spend a day exploring and not have to spend a dime on accommodations.
There's a lot to do right in the city during the summer, from outdoor movie nights to massive night markets, but sometimes you need a break from the usual surroundings.
Make notes, because this summer is all about exploring.
Pemberton
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours.
Why You Need To Go: Two hours from the hustle and bustle of one of Canada's biggest cities is this sleepy mountain town. You'll feel like you drove into a storybook here, with Mount Currie as the backdrop and a small town center with picturesque storefronts.
Embrace your country side and take a horseback ride through the mountains, past emerald green rivers and through thick forests. A summer day in Pemberton isn't complete without a visit to North Arm Farm, where you can grab lunch and eat it with an unparalleled view of the mountain and blooming wildflowers below.
Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf
Distance from Vancouver: 30 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: For a real quick escape from the city head to Steveston. The quaint fishing village is close to Vancouver but is brimming with charm. The walkable town makes for the perfect sunny afternoon. Grab some fish 'n chips at the wharf, and maybe even go out on a whale-watching tour for some extra adventure.
Seattle
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: In the mood for a visit to our southern neighbour? Vancouver isn't far from the border, and you can get to the big city of Seattle in just under 3 hours (depending on the border wait time, mind you).
If you want a change of scenery this is the perfect day trip, where you can spend the whole time wandering in and out of cool thrift shops, strolling along the waterfront, visiting the iconic Pike Place Market, and, of course, enjoying the coffee culture.
Deep Cove
Distance from Vancouver: 20 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: Another short and sweet trip, Deep Cove is the ideal destination for a warm day when you don't want to drive too far. The waterfront village is chock-full of local shops you can wander among, but the real selling point is the views from here.
When you're here you feel like you're far away from the city, tucked into the mountains with the calm water of the cove in front of you. Rent some kayaks and paddle around the shoreline, taking in the nature here, and don't forget to grab a treat from Honey's Donuts before heading home.
Nanaimo
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: This is on the longer side for a day trip, but part of the journey is on BC Ferries, so you can walk out onto the deck and stretch your legs. This levels up any trip, because the views from the ferry are breathtaking on a summer day.
While Victoria is kind of the go-to spot if you want to city trip on the island, Nanaimo is a fun place to explore for the day. There are cool vintage shops to check out, cute cafes and local shops, and it has beautiful nature all around.
White Rock
Distance from Vancouver: 45 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: You could make this drive just to watch the sunset, since it's so close to the city. Home to Canada's Longest Pier, White Rock also makes for an epic sunset viewing spot. You can walk out onto the long pier that stretches deep into the ocean, and watch the sun go down.
This small city also has a ton of restaurants right by the water, so you can grab some food before heading back to Vancouver.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour.
Why You Need To Go: One of the biggest perks of Vancouver life is its proximity to nature, so if you want a day trip to immerse yourself in the great outdoors — go here. A short drive from the city this is one of the largest parks in the province, and full of breathtaking scenery.
This park is home to sparkling lakes, hemlock forest, towering mountains, and some pretty unbelievable views.
Whistler
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Why You Need To Go: We know, everyone goes to Whistler all the time (proven by the weekend traffic on the Sea-To-Sky highway), but it's for good reason. The ski town is equally fun to explore in the summer months, with its bright blue lakes, mountain views, and trail system that can take you all around.
Pack a lunch, drive down to the famous village, and spend the afternoon laying out at Lost Lake, where you'll be surrounded by stunning nature on every side.
Sunshine Coast
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours.
Why You Need To Go: The name of this area sounds dreamy on its own, and it actually lives up to it. This is another destination that requires a ferry trip and is made that much better because of it. Sail across the water and you'll arrive close to the small town of Gibsons, where you can explore a bit before heading down the coast.
Soak in the beautiful coastal views, charming communities, and natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast.
Whether it's a day spent exploring the streets of a new city, a laid-back afternoon in a nearby village, or an adventurous outing into the wilderness – there's a lot to do around Vancouver. Grab that summer bucket list, pack up your car, and head out, because these day trips are waiting for you!
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