7 easy Vancouver day trips I'd choose over spending another day in the city (or Whistler)

Deep Cove

This has easily become one of my go-to spots to get away from Vancouver — and luckily, it's still within Metro Vancouver! Located in North Van, Deep Cove is one of the cutest little villages with the most scenic backdrop — a large cove! It's no surprise that a number of movies have been filmed here thanks to the picturesque setting.

My favourite thing to do here is go kayaking, but paddleboarding, boating, and hiking are all popular too. Afterwards, you can grab a coffee and a donut at the famous Honey's Doughnuts and Goodies or browse the local shops.

Pemberton

If you're craving mountain views and you're a little tired of Whistler, then Pemberton should be next on your list. Drive another 30 minutes or so north of Whistler and you'll find yourself surrounded by rustic scenery that has some serious Western Canada vibes.

For hikers, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park is just a short drive away and is one of the area's biggest draws. If you're looking for something a little different, you can also go horseback riding at Copper Cayuse Outfitters or North Arm Farm, depending on the season.

Bowen Island

Bowen Island is usually one of the first places people go for their first day trip out of the city. It's easy to catch the ferry from West Vancouver, and within half an hour you're already pulling into Snug Cove.

The island has plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants to check out, along with artist studios, beaches, hiking trails, and swimming spots. If you're just planning to explore Snug Cove and the surrounding area, everything is pretty much within walking distance. But if you want to see more of the island, it's definitely recommended to bring a car.

Maybe the best — or worst — part? The ferry doesn't take reservations, so if you're travelling during peak times, you'll want to get there early.

Gibsons

If you want a cute coastal escape without going too far from Vancouver, Gibsons is a great option. After a quick ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, you'll feel like you're much farther away from the city. The main area to check out is Gibsons Landing, which has a bunch of cute shops, cafés, restaurants, and waterfront views.

You can spend the day wandering around the harbour, grabbing seafood, checking out local markets, or stopping by Molly's Reach (especially if you're a fan of The Beachcombers). There are also beaches, breweries, and nearby trails to explore if you want to make more of a day out of it. It's a pretty laid-back spot, so it's perfect if you just want to slow down, enjoy the views, and escape the city for a bit.

Fort Langley

If you want to feel like you stepped back in time, then you should check out Fort Langley. This historic town feels like something straight out of the 1800s, with charming heritage buildings, cute shops, and plenty of spots to wander around.

Spend the day browsing boutiques and antique stores, visiting the Fort Langley National Historic Site, or grabbing a coffee and pastry at Blacksmith Bakery. It's also a great place to just walk around, enjoy the small-town vibes, and pretend you're much farther away from Vancouver than you actually are.

Salt Spring Island

This one involves potentially navigating a couple of ferry schedules and is a bit further than Bowen Island or Gibsons, but it's completely worth it and totally doable. My friend and I did it last year. We caught one of the earliest ferries out there and didn't get back to Vancouver until almost midnight, but again, it was worth it.

Salt Spring is an island with a lot of bohemian and artistic flair. It has a cute downtown filled with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, plus plenty of nature and outdoorsy things to do, like hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

My friend and I ended up doing a bus tour around the island, with stops at a local brewery, winery, goat cheese farm, and a few other spots.

Chilliwack

Looking for something less mountainous or coastal and more of a nature escape? Then Chilliwack might be what you're looking for. It's a lot more farm country and rolling hills than dramatic mountains, which is why it's such a perfect spot in the autumn when the scenery really feels like something special.

There's a cute downtown to wander around, plus plenty of local farms, markets, and outdoor spots to explore. Depending on the season, you can go berry picking, visit pumpkin patches, check out waterfalls, or spend the day exploring the nearby lakes and trails. Less than a two-hour drive from Vancouver, it's a nice change of pace when you want something a little slower and more rural.