Sometimes all you need is a quick escape from the city to recharge. A weekend getaway from Vancouver can refresh your mind, boost your energy, and help you reconnect with the outdoors and yourself. We’ve put together a list of five weekend getaways from Vancouver, each offering a unique experience to explore mountains, coastlines, and charming hidden spots.
Bowen Island: A Tranquil Island Escape
Distance: 40-minute drive (30.3 km via BC-99 N) and 20-minute ferry
Just a short drive and ferry ride from the city, you’ll reach a small island with a population of about 4,000, giving it a small-town vibe that instantly feels worlds away from the city. Covered in beaches, forests, little covers, and trails, Bowen Island is the perfect weekend getaway for adventurers. Surrounded by water, it’s also a great spot for whale watching just offshore.
Must-Do Activities
- Go sea kayaking and experience nature and wildlife
- Hike the trails at Crippen Regional Park
- Explore Cape Roger Curtis for coastal trails and scenic shorelines
- Have a picnic at Pebbly Beach
- See the orcas and sea lions offshore
- Visit Catching Stars Gallery
Where to Eat
- Snug Cove Cafe – A cozy family-run cafe serving coffee, breakfast bagels, sandwiches, and sweet treats
- Tuscany Pizza – An Italian spot that specializes in classic pizzas and pasta dishes
- Riley’s Cidery – A local orchard cidery serving fresh, handcrafted ciders
Where to Stay
- Artisan Suites on Bowen (modern self-check-in boutique hotel)
- Kitoki Inn (forest cabins and Japanese bathhouse inspired)
Best Time to Visit
To get the most out of your getaway visit during the Spring and Summer months, when the water is calmer, the weather is warmer for outdoor activities, and wildlife is more active.
Squamish: The Outdoor Adventure Capital
Distance: 1 hour 5 minutes (65.5 km via BC-99 N)
Squamish is a small town in the North of Vancouver, nestled at the northern end of Howe Sound. Surrounded by water, islands, and the Coast Mountains, it offers breathtaking views and endless possibilities for outdoor activities.
Must-Do Activities
- Rock climbing or hiking at Stawamus Chief
- Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for spectacular views
- Explore Shannon Falls Provincial Park
- Visit the Britannia Mine Museum, a former copper mine where visitors can ride underground trains
- A boat tour for wildlife spotting
Where to Eat
- The Broken Seal – A waterfront hangout spot serving cocktails, soups, and seafood
- The Watershed Grill – A riverside patio restaurant serving locally sourced and organic meats, soups, tacos, and pasta
- Fergie’s Cafe – A fishing lodge turned cafe in a forest setting, serving North American brunch with international fusion, locally-sourced ingredients, coffee, and tea
Where to Stay
- Squamish Adventure Inn (waterfront inn with shared dorm rooms and private rooms)
- Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish (modern rooms with contemporary amenities)
- Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, Squamish (higher-end couples retreat hotel with mountain views)
Best Time to Visit
Late spring and summer are the perfect times to visit, offering warm, dry weather, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities.
Harrison Hot Springs: Lakeside Relaxation & Soothing Springs
Distance: 1 hour 50 minutes (132 km via BC-1 E)
With picture-perfect lake views and mountain scenery, Harrison Hot Springs has a charming village atmosphere. The town offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and local artisans. Its location makes it a popular spot for hiking, golfing, biking, and relaxing in the natural hot springs.
Must-Do Activities
- Relax in the hot springs at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort or public pools
- Kayak on Harrison Lake
- Have a picnic along the shoreline
- Hike the Harrison Hills Trail
- Visit local artisan shops
- Golf at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort Golf Course
- Check out seasonal festivals
Where to Eat
- Muddy Waters Cafe – A family-owned espresso and ice cream bar serving modern North American breakfast and lunch classics
- Basecamp Burger Joint – Lakeside restaurant serving handcrafted burgers
- Milos Greek Taverna – Lakeside restaurant serving authentic Greek cuisine
Where to Stay
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort (lakeside getaway offering a full-service spa and mineral-spring pools)
- Harrison Lake Hotel (budget-friendly)
- Harrison Grand Motel (modern rooms with basic amenities)
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Harrison Hot Springs depend on your preferred activities, with summer ideal for outdoor adventures and winter for relaxing in the hot springs.
Tofino: Where the Ocean Meets the Rainforest
Distance: 5 hours 4 minutes (284 km via BC-4 W)
Tofino, a small town on Vancouver Island, home to 2,500 residents, offers stunning views of ancient rainforests, lakes, and sandy beaches. Often referred to as Canada’s surfing capital, its waters are suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Tofino is one of the most popular beach towns in British Columbia, with a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a hub for surfing, whale watching, kayaking, and enjoying fresh local seafood.
Must-Do Activities
- Explore the multiple beaches, Tonquin Beach, Chesterman Beach, and Tinwis Beach
- Take surfing lessons
- Book a guided wildlife tour to spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles
- Kayak in the surrounding waters
- Visit Tonquin Trail waterfalls
- Hike Rainforest Trail
- Experience storm watching along Tofino’s coast
Where to Eat
- Wolf in the Fog – Serving fresh Tofitian cuisine and cocktails
- Tacofino – A baja-style, surf-inspired eatery serving fresh tacos, burritos, and beach food
- Surfside Grill – Take-out restaurant offering fish and chips, tacos, and burgers
Where to Stay
- Tofino Resort + Marina (a full-service waterfront resort offering cozy rooms and an Adventure Center to book activities)
- Mackenzie Beach Resort (relaxing beachfront retreat offering rustic cabins)
- Tofino Motel Harborview (affordable accommodations in the heart of Tofino)
Best Time to Visit
Visiting during the winter months is ideal for storm watching and enjoying cozy lodges and cafes, while summer offers the best conditions for surfing, kayaking, hiking, and beach activities.
Victoria: Coastal Charm & Historic Elegance
Distance: 3 hours 20 minutes (115 km via Swartz Bay, BC – Tsawwassen, BC & Patricia Bay Hwy
Although it’s the capital of British Columbia, Victoria is often overlooked as a fun weekend getaway from Vancouver. The city is known for its Victorian architecture, beautiful parklands, and the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Beyond its historic charm, the city is surrounded by ocean views, offering a relaxed island experience.
Must-Do Activities
- Visit the Royal BC Museum
- Sightsee at Butchart Gardens
- Explore Craighdarroch Castle (historic Victorian mansion)
- Hike in Goldstream Provincial Park
- Take a ferry ride at Victoria Harbor Ferry
- Visit the Miniature World Museum
Where to Eat
- Part and Parcel – A cozy neighbourhood spot offering creative cocktails, wine, and Canadian-inspired dishes
- John’s Place Restaurant – Brunch spot serving omelets, pancakes, waffles, and homemade soups and bread
- Pagliacci’s – A lively restaurant known for its soups, focaccia bread, pasta, and live music performances
Where to Stay
- Fairmont Express (luxury hotel with a full-service spa and fine dining restaurant)
- Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria Uptown (budget-friendly with free breakfast)
- Hotel Grand Pacific (waterfront hotel with luxury rooms and amenities)
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall are the best times to visit Victoria, when temperatures reach 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the gardens are in full bloom. Winter can also be a good time to visit, as Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada, even during the winter season.
Make the Most of Your Weekend
Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or small towns, these weekend getaways from Vancouver offer the perfect escape from busy city life. With endless outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenic views, these destinations offer everything you need to unwind and recharge.
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