Best Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
Are you looking to get out of the city and explore somewhere new? Vancouver in British Columbia is surrounded by loads of amazing places to go for the weekend which is one of the reasons we moved here.
There are cozy cabin stays in the middle of the forest, surfing getaways, hiking trips in the mountains and so much more!
We have been exploring BC a lot over the past 2 years and put a list together of the best weekend trips from Vancouver.
All of these trips would also be perfect for a long weekend trip from Vancouver. For all long weekend trips that fall on statutory holidays, we recommend booking your accommodation super far in advance so that you don’t miss out on the best deals and cutest cabin stays!
In this guide we will share our list of the best weekend trips from Vancouver for outdoor lovers as well as a short itinerary for each trip so that you can plan your own.
All of trips are based around the Summer, Fall or Spring and don’t include specific Winter activities.
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Best Weekend Trips From Vancouver, BC For Outdoor Lovers
Vancouver is a great place to base yourself if you love the outdoors because there are loads of great places to go for the weekend in both British Columbia and Washington State that are a short drive from Vancouver.
Since moving to Vancouver in 2021, we have been on a mission to explore as much as we possibly can in and around British Columbia.
Here is our list of the top 8 weekend trips from Vancouver!
Jordan River or Sooke – Vancouver Island
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: Approx. 3.5 hours including ferry over to Vancouver Island
About Jordan River
Jordan River is a tiny town located on the South West Coast of Vancouver Island. It is a place full of beautiful beaches, loads of wildlife and cozy cabins as well as some awesome trails for hiking along the coast.
Jordan River is a place that often gets overlooked because Tofino is the place that everyone knows to go to when visiting Vancouver Island. When compared with Tofino, Jordan River is much more low key, less touristy and a hidden gem of Vancouver Island.
About Sooke
Sooke is Jordan River’s neighbour and a bit of a larger more liveable town. If you are looking to get out of cell service zone, you might prefer Jordan River.
If you want to stay closer to a town with lots of restaurants, then Sooke is the place for you. Both of these towns are located near all of the same attractions so you won’t miss out either way.
Where to Stay in Sooke and Jordan River
There are loads of cute cabins in Sooke and Jordan River.
A couple of our favourites are The East Sooke Treehouse and Fern Gully Cabins. If you want to stay in one of these amazing cabins, make sure you book well ahead of time because bookings fill up quickly.
There are also some other amazing places!
Orca View Cottage – If you are looking for a beach front getaway, then this is it! The Orca View Cottage is located right on the shoreline so that you can literally whale watch from your front window!
Handsome Dan’s at Otter Point – Handsome Dan’s at Otter Point is a lovely 3 bedroom rustic log lodge with a hot tub and a beautiful sun room.
Tofino – Vancouver Island
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: 5.5 – 6 hours including the ferry over to Vancouver Island
About Tofino
Tofino is the most popular beach and surf destination on Vancouver Island. Not only is it a great place to surf or learn to surf, but the sunsets in Tofino are on another level! Just imagine the rainbow skies, low fog over the ocean and gorgeous lighting on the beaches at sunrise and sunset.
Tofino is one of the best places for surfing in British Columbia. You don’t even need to have your own surf board. You can get lessons or rent a board from Pacific Surf Co while you are there.
Where to Stay in Tofino
Pacific Sands Beach Resort – This gorgeous resort is located on Cox Bay Beach which, in my opinion, is Tofino’s most beautiful beach and is absolutely stunning!
Cox Bay Beach Resort – Located only 1 minutes walk from Cox Bay Beach, this resort has a yoga studio, outdoor hot tub, fitness centre and sauna!
The Shoreline Tofino – At The Shoreline you can stay in the cutest AFrame cabins with a sea view from the balcony.
Agassiz – Fraser Valley
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: 2.5 hours
About Agassiz
Agassiz is a small town located in the Eastern Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, right next to Harrison Hot Springs. Agassiz is a great place to stay and then you can choose to venture out to different parts of the Fraser Valley such as Hope and Chilliwack.
If you have kids, Agassiz is a great place to spend the weekend. There are also lots of things to do in the outdoors in Agassiz and nearby.
During Summer, a floating water park is set up on Harrison Lake which consists of waterslides, swings and more! The park is set up by Harrison Watersports who also offer Seadoo rentals (which are a type of Jet Ski) and bumper boats.
You could also go riding on the Circle Farm Tour Bike Route. This is a flat family friendly biking route with awesome views of the mountains and the countryside. The trail starts at the Harrison Visitor Centre and takes you past a few of the Circle Farm Tour stops followed by Limbert Mountain.
There are also lots of waterfalls to explore in the area such as Bridal Veil Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is a short 10-15 minute drive from Agassiz. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Vancouver and worth a visit. The walk from the carpark to the Falls is only 0.8km roundtrip and is dog friendly.
Where to Stay in Agassiz
The Lodge on Harrison Lake – The Lodge on Harrison Lake has its own private beachfront and is close to the hot pools in Harrison Hot Springs. You will also get to enjoy your own private patio with a view.
The Rockwell-Harrison Guest Lodge – The Rockwell offers adult only bed and breakfast accommodation. The building itself is beautiful and has views of the mountains. This is the perfect stay for a getaway for couples.
Bramblebank Cottages – Featuring beautiful suites and cottages, Bramblebank Cottages also has a lovely garden area with a hot tub, BBQ facilities and a firepit.
Whistler
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: 1.5 – 2 hours
About Whistler
If you have heard of Whistler, you probably have heard that it’s a pretty famous place for skiing in the Winter. You might not have heard about all of the outdoor activities to do in Whistler in the Summer, Fall and Spring.
Whistler is an outdoor adventurers paradise. There are loads of mountain biking trails, hiking trails, beautiful lakes and a town with loads of shops to explore and restaurants to relax at the end of the day.
Some of the best things to do in Whistler include visiting Brandywine Falls, which is one of the best waterfalls to visit near Vancouver. The viewing platform to see the falls is a short 10 minute walk from the carpark. From here you can see the falls from above.
You could also go on a hike. Some of the best hikes in Whistler include Wedgemount Lake, Panorama Ridge (which is a 30km return hike), the High Note Trail and more!
Whistler is also home to the longest zipline in North America! This is a must do activity in Whistler! The zipline is over 2km long and takes you over gorgeous views of the forests and mountains. Book your spot ahead of time online so you don’t miss out!
One of the best ways to see the best views of Whistler, is to go on a helicopter tour! Check out the tours below to book.
Places to Stay in Whistler
Sundial Hotel – The Sundial Hotel is located only a 1 minute walk from the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola. It has a rooftop hot tub, with private hot tubs included in some of the suites.
The Listel Hotel Whistler – This hotel is located only a 2 minute walk from shopping and dining options in Whistler village. It also has a shared indoor hot tub.
Cascade Lodge – The Cascade Lodge has an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs which sounds incredible.
Squamish – British Columbia
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: 1 hour
About Squamish
Squamish is a great place to spend the weekend if you love the outdoors. Squamish is on the way from driving from Vancouver to Whistler and is a less busy, less touristy town.
There are loads of awesome things to do in the outdoors in Squamish such as hiking, rock climbing, whale watching tours, mountain biking, bald eagle watching and more! There are some great restaurants and breweries in Squamish which we always enjoy going to after an exhausting day of adventure.
Places to Stay in Squamish
Executive Suites Hotel and Resort, Squamish – This place looks SO SO nice! It has an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre and is surrounded by the most beautiful grounds. It also has a hot tub!
Squamish Adventure Inn – This is a really great option if you are on a budget and a great way to meet like minded travellers to explore Squamish with! It has loads of space to relax both indoors and outdoors and a shared-self catered kitchen.
Sandman Hotel and Suites Squamish – The Sandman is a really nice classic style hotel with super clean rooms and a buffet breakfast!
Mount Baker Wilderness – Washington State
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: approx 2 hours
About Mount Baker
Although Mount Baker is located in Washington State in the USA, it is still only a 2 hour drive from Vancouver! You can see the magnificent mountain from certain points in Vancouver.
Mount Baker is still a bit of a hidden gem as it hasn’t been over developed yet and is a lot less touristy than its neighbour, Mount Rainer. We go to Mount Baker quite a lot in the Summer to go backpacking and hiking, as there are some amazing trails that are only about a 2 hour drive from Vancouver such as Park Butte Fire Lookout and Winchester Mountain!
Places to Stay in Mount Baker
Forest View Chalet – This cute chalet is located 32km from the Mount Baker Ski Area. It sleeps 6, has a hot tub outside on the deck and is so pretty!
Heliotrope Haus – This is a 4 bedroom cabin that sleeps 8 people and is 33km from the Mount Baker Ski Area. It also has an outdoor hot tub.
Pendleton Pines Lodge – This lodge sleeps up to 10 people, is 33km from the Mount Baker Ski Area and is absolutely stunning on the inside! The living area is set against a HUGE window with a gorgeous stone fireplace. There is also of course, a hot tub outside.
Mount Rainier National Park – Washington State
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: approx. 5 hours
About Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is an absolutely gorgeous National Park with great places to go hiking. Mount Rainier is a little further to get to than Mount Baker and so I would recommend going on a long weekend to make the most of it.
It is super important to note that Mount Rainier National Park is huge and there are four different entrances to the park.
- White River / Sunrise – North East Entrance
- Stevens Canyon – South East Entrance
- Nisqually – South West Entrance
- Carbon River – North West Entrance
Mount Rainier has amazing hikes, mountain biking, viewpoints and an awesome night sky. The stars in Mount Rainier are really bright when the sky is clear.
Some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park include The Skyline Loop Trail, Mount Fremont Lookout and Comet Falls.
Places to Stay near Mount Rainier National Park
Nisqually Lodge – This lodge is located in Ashford, one of the closest towns to Mount Rainier National Park.
Cozy Ashford Home – Also located in Ashford, this house can sleep up to 7 people.
Powell River – Sunshine Coast
Travel Time
Driving time from Vancouver: approx. 7 hours (including ferry waiting times)
About Powell River
Powell River is located on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. It is a beautiful spot, but does require 2 ferries to get to.
Things to do in Powell River include visiting Townsite Brewing Inc, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking, visiting Savary Island and hiking. Some of the best hikes or walks that you can do include the Willingdon Beach Trail, the Seawalk, Valentine Mountain and the Sunshine Coast Trail which includes Tin Hat Mountain.
Places to Stay in Powell River
Ocean Views & Sunset Beach Cabin with soaker tub & fire pit – This beautiful cabin sleeps 4 people and has access to a private beach!
Malaspina Strait Cottage – This cottage has a garden area, picnic area with a BBQ and private beach so is perfect for a weekend away!
Beach Gardens Resort and Marina – The Beach Gardens Resort and Marina is more like a classic hotel where every room has an ocean view and a patio. There is a restaurant on site as well as a private beach area!
🚗 Looking for more Road Trip Guides? Check out these guides!
