Best Day Trips from Vancouver: Escape the City in Under 2 Hours

 

Vancouver’s breathtaking mix of mountains, ocean, and city life makes it an ideal starting point for quick day trips. Whether you crave serene landscapes, adventure-filled hikes, or charming towns, there are many destinations just a short drive or ferry ride away. This guide highlights the best day trips from Vancouver that let you escape the city’s hustle within two hours. Pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots, or hop on a ferry—you’re about to explore the wonders surrounding Vancouver . 

1. Bowen Island: A Tranquil Island Retreat

Distance: 25-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver)
Highlights: Hiking, kayaking, art galleries, cozy cafes

Bowen Island offers a peaceful, slow-paced escape from Vancouver. Start your adventure with a scenic ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Snug Cove. Once there, enjoy leisurely hikes such as the Mount Gardner Trail for panoramic views or take a gentle walk around Crippen Regional Park. For water lovers, rent a kayak and paddle around the calm shoreline, or simply relax at one of the charming cafes and local shops on the island.

Insider Tip: Stop by Branch & Butter, a small boutique selling local crafts, or grab fresh baked goods from Artisan Eats Cafe.

2. Steveston Village: History and Fresh Seafood by the Water

Distance: 40 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver
Highlights: Fisherman’s Wharf, historic sites, whale watching

Located in Richmond, Steveston is a historic fishing village perfect for seafood lovers. Wander around Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can buy fresh catch directly from the boats, or savor fish and chips by the water. Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, a national historic site that tells the story of the region’s fishing industry. Steveston is also a prime departure point for whale-watching tours that take you through the Georgia Strait.

Insider Tip: Visit the popular Pajo’s Fish and Chips for a delicious waterside meal.

3. Squamish: Adventure Hub of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor

Distance: 1 hour by car on the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Highlights: Hiking, rock climbing, Sea to Sky Gondola

Squamish is an outdoor lover's dream. Take the Sea to Sky Gondola up the mountains for stunning views of Howe Sound and suspension bridges. Hiking options abound, from the Stawamus Chief to Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Squamish is also known for its excellent rock climbing and kite surfing opportunities.

Insider Tip: Head to Backcountry Brewing for post-hike craft beer and wood-fired pizza.

4. Fort Langley: A Journey Back in Time

Distance: 50 minutes by car from Vancouver
Highlights: Historic fort, antique shops, wineries

Explore British Columbia’s history at Fort Langley National Historic Site, where costumed interpreters take you back to the 1800s fur trade era. After your history lesson, stroll through Fort Langley’s quaint streets filled with antique shops and cafes. The region is also home to some beautiful wineries—stop by Chaberton Estate Winery for a tasting or Krause Berry Farms to enjoy freshly picked berries and a meal at their restaurant.

Insider Tip: Try the farm-fresh berry waffles at Krause Berry Farms Café—they’re a local favorite!

5. Deep Cove: Kayaking and Scenic Trails

Distance: 30 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver
Highlights: Kayaking, hiking, ice cream at Honey's Donuts

Deep Cove is a hidden gem known for outdoor activities and charming small-town vibes. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore Indian Arm, a calm water inlet surrounded by forested mountains. For a short, scenic hike, take the Quarry Rock Trail, which rewards you with stunning views of the cove. Finish your day with a treat from Honey’s Donuts, a local favorite made famous by actor Kate Winslet.

Insider Tip: Plan your visit early, as parking in Deep Cove can fill up quickly on weekends.

6. White Rock: A Seaside Escape with Stunning Views

Distance: 1 hour by car from Vancouver
Highlights: Beachfront promenade, pier, fish and chips

White Rock, known for its long pier and sandy beaches, is the perfect destination for a laid-back day by the sea. Stroll along the White Rock Pier or the scenic Marine Drive promenade, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. On a clear day, you can see across the border to the U.S. Treat yourself to some classic fish and chips from Moby Dick Restaurant, a local institution.

Insider Tip: Check out the iconic white rock on the beach, which the town is named after.

7. Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Oceanfront Camping and Scuba Diving

Distance: 50 minutes by car from Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway
Highlights: Ocean views, scuba diving, marine life

Porteau Cove offers one of the most scenic oceanfront locations near Vancouver. While it's known for camping, it also makes for an excellent day trip destination. The park is a popular spot for scuba diving, with sunken ships and artificial reefs to explore. If you prefer staying dry, take in the coastal views from the shoreline or picnic tables scattered around the park.

Insider Tip: Visit during sunset for breathtaking views over Howe Sound.

8. Lynn Canyon Park: Suspension Bridge and Forest Trails

Distance: 40 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver
Highlights: Suspension bridge, waterfalls, swimming holes

Lynn Canyon Park is a natural wonder close to the city, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge—a quieter alternative to the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge. After crossing the bridge, explore the Twin Falls Trail or take a dip in the clear waters of the 30 Foot Pool. The park also features the Ecology Centre, which provides insights into local flora and fauna.

Insider Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the trails can be slippery after rain.

9. Burnaby Mountain and SFU: Scenic Views and Nature Trails

Distance: 30 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver
Highlights: Nature trails, Japanese garden, views of Vancouver

Burnaby Mountain offers a relaxing escape with scenic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. Visit the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area for hiking trails through the forest, or enjoy the serene beauty of Centennial Rose Garden. Don’t miss the Kamui Mintara (Playground of the Gods), a collection of Japanese wooden sculptures celebrating the relationship between Burnaby and its sister city, Kushiro.

Insider Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy the sunset from one of the many lookout points.

10. Harrison Hot Springs: Soak in Relaxing Mineral Pools

Distance: 90 minutes by car from Vancouver
Highlights: Hot springs, hiking, lakeside views

Harrison Hot Springs is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Unwind in the soothing mineral pools or take a walk along the shores of Harrison Lake. For more adventurous travelers, the area offers hiking trails, water sports, and even seasonal events like the Harrison Festival of the Arts.

Insider Tip: If you're visiting in winter, keep an eye out for migrating bald eagles along the Harrison River.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a nature-filled adventure, a historic village experience, or simply a relaxing beach day, these day trips from Vancouver offer a variety of escapes under two hours from the city. With such scenic destinations at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to explore the incredible areas surrounding Vancouver.