Vancouver is a city surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. It’s also the reason why I love the city so much!
If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore the surrounding areas, a road trip is a great option. So without further ado, let’s get into it! Here are ten budget-friendly road trips near Vancouver that offer plenty of scenic beauty and adventure:
Sea-to-Sky Highway
The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a stunning route that stretches from Vancouver to Whistler. Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and forests. Highlights of this road trip include Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief, both of which offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is another popular attraction along this route, offering panoramic views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. This is a great road trip to take in the fall, when the leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
Manning Park
Manning Park is a beautiful park located a few hours east of Vancouver. This park offers affordable camping options, with sites starting at just $23 per night. There are also plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. Don’t miss the Lightning Lake Chain trail, a 10 km loop that takes you around four pristine lakes.
Fraser Valley
The Fraser Valley is a picturesque area east of Vancouver that is home to wineries, farms, and beautiful countryside. Some of the best wineries to visit in the Fraser Valley include Township 7 Vineyards and Winery, Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, and Backyard Vineyards. You can also take a scenic drive along the Fraser River and visit Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, which features a 60-meter waterfall and plenty of hiking trails.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a stunning area that can be reached by taking a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. This area is known for its beaches, hiking trails, and small towns like Sechelt and Gibsons. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity, check out Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, where you can watch powerful tidal rapids from a safe distance.
Bowen Island
Bowen Island is a charming island that is just a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. This island is known for its beautiful hikes, beaches, and village. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity, take a hike to Dorman Point, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands.
Squamish
Squamish is a small town located just 45 minutes north of Vancouver that offers plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity, take a hike up the Chief, a large granite dome that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Squamish Estuary is another great place to explore, with plenty of hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
Othello Tunnels
The Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels and bridges that have been turned into a popular hiking trail. This trail is located in the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, just a few hours east of Vancouver. This is a great budget-friendly activity, as the trail is free to explore and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful park located just a few hours east of Vancouver. This park offers affordable camping options, with sites starting at just $23 per night. There are also plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in the park, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike the Lindeman Lake trail, a 3.4 km trail that takes you past turquoise blue waters and stunning mountain views.
Harrison Hot Springs
Harrison Hot Springs is a charming village located in the Fraser Valley. This village is known for its natural hot springs, which have been used for centuries for their healing properties. While some of the hot springs in the area are quite expensive, there are still affordable options to be found. The Harrison Hot Springs public pool offers access to the hot springs for just a few dollars, and there are also several free hot springs located nearby. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, you can also enjoy a variety of budget-friendly activities in the area, including hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Sasquatch Provincial Park.
Lillooet
Lillooet is a small town located a few hours north of Vancouver. This town offers stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. One of the most popular activities in Lillooet is visiting Seton Lake, a beautiful glacial-fed lake with crystal-clear waters. You can also take a scenic drive along the Duffey Lake Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity, take a hike to the summit of Mount McLean, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
I hope this gives you a starting point or some inspiration to get out and explore near Vancouver!
As always, thanks for reading.
