chicago to vancouver bc road trip

40 Best Stops Between Chicago and Vancouver

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How long is the drive from Chicago to Vancouver?

The direct drive from Chicago to Vancouver is 2235 mi (3596 km) , and should have a drive time of 1 day 8 hrs in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Chicago to Vancouver, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Seattle , Victoria , Yellowstone National Park , Milwaukee , Minneapolis , Wisconsin Dells , Custer , Rapid City , Madison , and Cody , as well as top places to visit like American Family Field and Starved Rock State Park, or the ever-popular Six Flags Great America.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Top cities between Chicago and Vancouver

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Wisconsin Dells

Minneapolis.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Yellowstone National Park

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Best stops along Chicago to Vancouver drive

Six flags great america.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

American Family Field

Starved rock state park, wisconsin state capitol.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort

The house on the rock, blaum bros. distilling co., bally's quad cities casino & hotel, national mississippi river museum & aquarium, mall of america®.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Target Field

Falls park visitor information center, corn palace gift shop, wall drug store, downtown rapid city.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Custer State Park

The mammoth site, wildlife loop rd, mount rushmore national memorial, mount moriah cemetery, devils tower national monument, little bighorn battlefield national monument, buffalo bill center of the west, lamar river, grand canyon of the yellowstone.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Mammoth Hot Springs

Old faithful.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Grand Prismatic Spring

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

Museum of the rockies.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Top searches in Vancouver

Other popular road trips from chicago, explore nearby places.

  • North Vancouver
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  • Horseshoe Bay
  • New Westminster
  • Port Coquitlam
  • Pitt Meadows
  • Point Roberts
  • Furry Creek
  • Britannia Beach
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  • Garibaldi Highlands

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Vancouver?

Get inspired for your trip to Vancouver with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from chicago to vancouver.

Yes! You can drive from Chicago to Vancouver.

How far is Vancouver from Chicago by car?

The drive from Chicago to Vancouver is 2235 miles (3596 km).

How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Vancouver?

Driving from Chicago to Vancouver should take you 1 day 8 hrs in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Chicago to Vancouver?

Gas from Chicago to Vancouver would cost around $196 to $457 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Chicago to Vancouver?

You could check out American Family Field and Starved Rock State Park, or the always popular Six Flags Great America!

What are the best cities to visit between Chicago and Vancouver?

People love visiting Seattle, Victoria, and Yellowstone National Park, among others.

What's the weather like in Chicago?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Chicago in January
  • Weather in Chicago in February
  • Weather in Chicago in March
  • Weather in Chicago in April
  • Weather in Chicago in May
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  • Weather in Chicago in December

What are some other road trips from Chicago?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Chicago.

  • Chicago to New York City drive
  • Chicago to Washington DC drive
  • Chicago to Orlando drive
  • Chicago to Toronto drive
  • Chicago to Las Vegas drive
  • Chicago to Nashville drive
  • Chicago to Milwaukee drive
  • Chicago to Saint Louis drive
  • Chicago to New Orleans drive
  • Chicago to Niagara Falls drive
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  • Chicago to Wisconsin Dells drive
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  • Chicago to San Antonio drive
  • Chicago to Madison drive
  • Chicago to Charleston drive
  • Chicago to St. Augustine drive

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

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Nev is offline

I'm planning to drive from Chicago to Vancouver BC depating the last week in february. I would like some advice on time estimate before arrvial and possibly the best route options. And any other advice to prepare for this trip. Thank You

Midwest Michael's Avatar

Define Best?

Welcome to the RTA Forum! "Best" is a just such a tough word to define a route, because the best route depends upon what you want to do. Now the fastest route would be to take I-90 to Seattle, and then cut up to Vancouver from there. Its 2200 miles, and could be done in as little as 4 days, being on the road for about 10 hours a day - In good conditions. However, since this trip will be done in late February, I wouldn't at all be surprised to see at least one battle with winter weather on your trip, so I would budget at least 5 days to be on the safe side. There are lots of potential detours, from the Black Hills and Yellowstone, to Glacier NP, or even the Canadian Rockies, but that depends what your goals for the trip are.
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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Travelmath

The driving time from Chicago, Illinois to Vancouver, British Columbia is:

32 hours, 13 minutes.

Average driving speed: 68.2 mph Kilometers per hour: 109.7 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

  • Chicago to Vancouver drive
  • trips from Chicago to Vancouver

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Map of driving directions from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Chicago to Vancouver with full directions.

More trip calculations

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Driving time from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada

How long is the drive from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada? The total driving time is 32 hours, 13 minutes .

Your trip begins in Chicago, Illinois. It ends in Vancouver, Canada.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Chicago, IL and Vancouver, Canada .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada.

Chicago, Illinois

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Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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' class=

me and some friends are planning a road trip for 3 weeks starting in vancouver down to washington, san fracisco, el lay, las vegas, grand canyon, and whatever is in between till chicago.

is that posibble in like 3 weeks? we wanna go 14th September - 5th October.

Hope you guys can give me some advise.

' class=

Sure it's possible. But if you're planning to drive through the US then you should post in the appropriate American forums, not in the Canada forums.

Better still, you should post in the Road Trips forum, where advisors can assist you with your route.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i12567-Road_Trips.html

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

coolio thank you

The trip that you are contemplating is a minimum of 3,700 miles or about 6 times the length of the UK....

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Planning the Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip

Kevin Miller / Getty Images 

British Columbia (BC) is the westernmost province in Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. In addition to mountains and coastline, forests dominate British Columbia's geography, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape to traverse by road trip.

Since the northern portion of British Columbia is largely unpopulated, extremely mountainous, and underdeveloped, the ideal tour would stick primarily to the province's lower portion. The two best options are to drive a loop from Vancouver, hitting the charming mountain villages that dot the Rocky Mountains along the way, or to spend your time touring Vancouver Island, known for its untamed, surf-centric beaches.

BC roads are, for the most part, well-maintained, safe, and clearly marked, but some routes are winding and mountainous. Visitors should be aware of weather conditions, especially between late October and April when snow, fog, and ice can affect the roads. Driving through the Rocky Mountains during this time is not advisable for inexperienced winter drivers.

Always check the weather forecast and the road report before traveling. For information on current road conditions, visit the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation . 

Basic Rules of the Road

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Driving in Canada is very similar to driving in the U.S. Canadians drive in the right lane, like Americans, but they measure distances in kilometers instead of miles. Consider these regulations:

  • Drivers may not use hand-held electronic devices while driving. Talking on the phone or texting could earn you a ticket for distracted driving, which can cost upwards of $350.
  • International visitors may drive in BC for up to six months with a valid driver’s license from your country.
  • Driving under the influence of any substance, such as alcohol or drugs, is illegal, even though marijuana products are legal throughout the province.
  • Seat belts and car seats appropriate for the age and size of your child are mandatory.
  • Common speed limits in BC include 30 kmh (20 mph) in a school zone; 50 kmh (30 mph) in built-up areas; 80 kmh (50 mph) on rural roads; and 110–120 kmh (70–75 mph) on major highways and expressways. The maximum speed limit in BC is 120 kmh (75 mph).

Planning the Logistics

If you plan to fly into Canada and rent an RV or car for your road trip, the most logical place to start is either in Calgary in the neighboring province of Alberta or in Vancouver. Seattle , a two-hour drive away from the Canada/U.S. border, would also be a convenient takeoff point for a drive around British Columbia. Flying into the U.S. instead of Canada can sometimes be more convenient or affordable. 

Calgary is a major airline hub that's about 118 miles (190 kilometers) from the BC border. If you arrive in Calgary and rent a car, you can make a splendid drive to Vancouver via Banff and Lake Louise, two of Canada's most stunning mountain destinations.

Camping is also an excellent option for accommodation during your trip; campgrounds in British Columbia are abundant and range in service level, from pit toilets and hand-pumped water to full washrooms with hot showers and electricity. If you plan to stay in hotels and lodges, it would be best to book far in advance, especially for summer.

Option 1: East of Vancouver Loop

Jenske Arts / FOAP / Getty Images

This trip option, east of Vancouver, can take between five and 10 days, depending on whether you include the eastern cities of Revelstoke and Golden in your itinerary. In any case, you'll first want to get from Vancouver to Whistler along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). This 750-mile (120-kilometer) route is extremely scenic, offering ocean views to one side and mountain panoramas to the other. At the end of it is the famous ski destination—Whistler—one of the best in the world and home to two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that hover a mile above the village. 

From Whistler, head northeast to Kamloops , (a four-hour drive). You'll see the terrain change from coastal mountains to near-desert. Worthwhile stops along the way include Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton, and Lillooet. The latter two towns were a hub of Gold Rush activity in the 19th century and are steeped in First Nations (indigenous) culture. But instead of staying in Kamloops, continue an hour past—still on the TransCanada Highway —to Salmon Arm, which is far more charming. 

If you have the time, continue east to Revelstoke and Golden, two of BC's most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies and home to some epic ski resorts. In this region, you can visit hot springs and provincial parks whose lakes are full of that azure-blue glacial water that Lake Louise is known for. Because of the mountainous terrain and limited roads, you'll likely want to head back the same way you arrived, on Highway 1. On the return, stop by places you might have passed the first time around, like Craigellachie and Sicamous, both sleepy-but-scenic resort and retirement towns.

At Sicamous, head south to Kelowna  (a two-hour drive), also known as the gateway to the Okanagan Valley and its wine region. Sporty travelers love the wide array of outdoor activities here: hiking, golfing, boating, and more. From there, drive down through Penticton to Osoyoos, stopping at any winery that appeals to you. Mission Hill and Quails Gate are two of the better known and visually striking wineries, but there are dozens of others. You're now on the way back to Vancouver along the very southern part of British Columbia. From Osoyoos, hop onto Highway 3, through Hope and then on to Vancouver, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. 

Option 2: Vancouver Island

Known for its rugged, diverse, and beautiful geography, moderate climate, and unhurried way of life, Vancouver Island sits just off the mainland of British Columbia. It's home to the provincial capital of Victoria, but not the province's most populous city, Vancouver.  Vancouver Island is fairly big, requiring about six hours to drive from its south end to its north end. It takes three hours to drive from Nanaimo (mid-island on the east) to Tofino (mid-island on the west) alone.

Victoria makes for a great stopover, with Butchart Gardens beckoning a half-day tour and Craigdarroch Castle requiring at least a few hours. There are plenty of museums to explore and whale-watching tours departing from here, too. After staying in Victoria for a night or two, road trippers can continue to Parksville (about a two-hour drive away) for sprawling, sandy beaches, then proceed for three hours to beautiful Tofino, a small coastal town with a major surf culture.

The hippie-ish town of Tofino is brimming with forests, trails, and beaches (that are slightly cold for swimming, but stunning nonetheless). It offers a diverse culinary scene and activities such as whale watching, black bear viewing, and sea kayaking. End your trip at the picturesque fishing village of Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill for a grizzly bear safari.

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chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver from $156

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There are multiple major airlines operating nonstop between ORD and YVR routes. The most frequent airlines are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada. Alternatively, you can opt for one-stop option flights such as Delta Airlines usually with stops at multiple airports including SEA and SFO if you want to save some money.

Are there pet relief areas at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)?

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has excellent pet relief areas located at Terminals 2, 1, and 5. The facilities are equipped with disposable bags, fire hydrants, and a sink, making it easier for passengers traveling with their furry friends to use and be comfortable on their flight to Vancouver.

Can I travel to ORD from downtown Chicago using public transit?

Yes, the airport is connected through various public modes of transport such as buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and car rentals. Using a bus, it will take you approximately 54min to get to the airport. On the other hand, a taxi or car rental takes about 35min to cover the same distance.

How far is downtown Vancouver from YVR?

The distance between downtown Vancouver and YVR is approximately 9miles. Using the SkyTrain, you will get to your destination in approximately 25min. You can also opt for a taxi which takes between 20-45min depending on traffic.

What is the cheapest flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Vancouver Intl Airport?

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Vancouver Intl Airport was $156 for a one-way ticket and $230 for a round-trip.

Do I need a passport to fly between Chicago O'Hare Airport and Vancouver?

A passport is required to fly from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver.

Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

On your way to Vancouver, you’ll fly out from Chicago O'Hare Intl. You’ll be landing at Vancouver Intl.

Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver flight route.

Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

The Boeing 737-800 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver flight route.

Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Chicago O'Hare Airport and Vancouver.

On which days can I fly direct from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

There are nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver on a daily basis.

Which is the best airline for flights from Chicago to Vancouver, Delta or Alaska Airlines?

The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Vancouver are Delta and Alaska Airlines. With an average price for the route of $505 and an overall rating of 8.1, Delta is the most popular choice. Alaska Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $486 and an overall rating of 8.1.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Vancouver from Chicago O'Hare Airport is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Vancouver with an airline and back to Chicago O'Hare Airport with another airline. Booking your flights between Chicago O'Hare Airport and YVR can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Vancouver from Chicago O'Hare Airport up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from ORD to Vancouver

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $278 or less one-way and $540 or less round-trip.
  • Take advantage of the multiple airline lounges available at the departure and arrival airports. These lounges such as Delta Sky Club and Admirals Club at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) offer exceptional services including showers and meals. On the other hand, Vancouver International airport (YVR) features exceptional lounges such as the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Plaza Premium lounge, Sky team lounge, and many more. Note that the lounges have different rules and regulations so ensure that you confirm with your airline before bookings.
  • If you are traveling through ORD and looking for a place to park your car, ORD features multiple parking spaces that you can utilize at affordable rates depending on how long you want to park. You can either park at the Economy, Daily Parking Garage, and Daily Lot. You can also choose the valet services or one of the self-parking options. The airport also has a complimentary shuttle service that regularly runs between the airport terminals picking up and dropping off passengers.
  • If you have scheduled an early morning flight departure from ORD and are looking for a place to spend the night, look no further than Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel. Located at 0.3 miles, it is easy to access. Also, it offers outstanding services such as ample parking, an indoor pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • YVR has a nursing suite located near Gate 77 in the departures area. Passengers traveling with infants can utilize these spaces to breastfeed. They are equipped with baby changing tables, strollers, and comfortable seating.
  • Passengers can utilize the amenities at YVR while waiting for flight transfers. These include coffee shops, complimentary Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, and dining options. You can also visit Absolute Spa for jet lag treatments, waxing, chair pedicures, and manicures.

Prefer to fly non-stop from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Vancouver?

Find which airlines fly direct from O'Hare Intl to Vancouver Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

Chicago O'Hare Intl to Vancouver Intl

Air Canada, United Airlines, Emirates

Air Canada, United Airlines, +1 more

Nonstop returns

Vancouver Intl to Chicago O'Hare Intl

Air Canada, United Airlines

Top 5 airlines serving from O'Hare Intl to Vancouver

I had a great travel experience as there weren't any delays and I was able to get to Mexico City on time for conference.

Mario was great. Made a night flight on a small aircraft pleasant and memorable.

It was great I love flying Delta and have never had a bad experience with them

They were 2 hours late departing with no explanation. I missed my connection, was rebooked not in correct seating that I paid for. Over all of was horrible. I now know why I've not flown Delta since 2018

I love the free wifi and headrest screens. I would consider Delta even more because of this but the seats aren't so great. The snacks aren't very good in my opinion. I bought a Bloody Mary and that was great! So just be comfortable with better snacks and the airline world will be yours.

Crew was not helpful. Other passengers in first class were over served blatantly over intoxicated.

We just spent $6000 on our first trip since pre COVID and we were stranded on the runway of our departing airport for 2 hours and 15 minutes while our layover was only an hour and a half. We were told by the pilot we were next for de-icing and then got bumped by 3 other planes. Pilot went on to say they only had one guy working the de-icing where they usually have at least 2. In Rochester. In the heart of winter. Someone missed a step and should be fired. I'm not done.

Food service was bare-bone. Better bot to have any at all rather than hand out premade coffees and cookies to random few passengers.

Horrible. Flight ORD to CGH was okay, but Paris was a nightmare. Old planes, delays, involuntary downgrades, broken planes, terrible communication. CGH to CPT was my worst flight ever.

Airline stewardess service is good. The check-in attendant had a bad attitude and was unprofessional. We did not complete the trip as originally planned. Very dissatisfied☹️ We didn't get on this flight

We had to walk up a stairway at PVR which was not illuminated at all. I was carrying carry on luggage and stumbled a few times due to the poor lighting.

Departure delay on a late night flight. Made us even later. Tired but got home.

Westjet forced me to put my carry-on baggage in check-in probably because I was assigned seat 23A (the last row seat), which had no cabin space, which is unfair. I wanted to carry on my luggage so that I don't have to wait at the airport for my luggage. Also, because there was no cabin space, I was forced to keep my laptop bag under the seat, which I didn't want to as I was carrying 2 laptops and charger. The airline should basically tell people that if you are assigned a last row seat, then you are not allowed a cabin baggage or a personal item.

We were late boarding, but it all worked out. So, no problem.

Very efficient crew. Plane was newer and clean. Would have liked gluten free snack options.

Everything was good except check in was not. I expect long lines but only 2 people at counter, sign for people with passes and without but only 1 line. Took well over a hour to check in.Flight and staff on plane were awesome.

It was good but not comfortable seat with the long legged persons.

No problems here. WestJet does a good job, even on their short haul flights

I didn't like anything, Westjet cancelled the flight the morning we were to leave.

WestJet shorthaul gates at YVR are a ridiculously long walk from the exits and baggage claim. We must have walked past a dozen empty slots, making me wonder whose comfort or convenience was being considered...certainly not passengers. When it takes as long to walk from the gate as it took to fly, you might wonder Otherwise, the flight, crew etc were fine.

The flight from Ottawa to Chicago took a lot longer due to DC in Ottawa. We got to Chicago and went to our gate to catch our flight. We only had nine minutes I found that very stressful.

Good boarding. Crew started quick with drinks and food. They came around several times for trash which I really liked. Other than turbulence due to storms in the area, flight was great.

my seat got changed twice after checking on then boarding it had been given to a family so by the time they found a seat for me no overhead storage left. i ended up losing my Sony Headphones case because i could even access underthe seat in front of my when deplaning.

All good, useful to have the united app from check in to boarding

All planes flying to Mexico City are very old. Seats don’t even have power outlets.

The control panel for the seat back screen did not work at all after takeoff.

Plane was so old it had cigarette butt trays in the seat

Everything was good, hard to really comfortable on a flight that long.

Unfortunately our flight was delayed by 45 minutes due to Kate arriving aircraft. Once we stated everything was great.

The male air hostess was rude and didn’t even offer me a drink. Poor customer service!

Excellent- plan was barely populated. I cannot remember a flight where I was able/encouraged to stretch out!

Great flight. Boarding was efficient and quick. On time departure and smooth flight. Flight arrived early at destination. Good experience.

Had technical issue which delayed the flight period. Flight crew knew there was 5 passengers that the connecting flight was within 15 minutes once at the gate. Rather than identify the 5 passengers to assure they got first. The flight attended mentioned it but didn't assist to assure passengers with connecting flights off first. This caused a hardship and our party of 3 missed the connecting flight.

I don't like that I have to pay if I want extra leg room. The seats are so expensive; I sit in normal seats and my legs and knees cramp the entire flight. I never feel comfortable on AA flights.

It was good, the staff was friendly and it was a typical flight to Europe.

Flight was delayed at departure due to weather and the need for de-icing. The flight was smooth but there was a delay at arrival due to weather. We were in a hold for 20 minutes or more. The flight arrived more than 30 minutes late. Airlines have no control over the weather and I'm glad that they follow all safety procedures. Had to wait a long time for my checked luggage. Whole process was slow and the bags arrived wet due to the rain. The onboard wifi and entertainment access was spotty and the signal was dropped several times. Otherwise the crew was great and friendly. They tried to get everyone's bags stowed and seated so we could take off.

Regarding the boarding: it needs more efforts to make it more convenient

Deicing in Denver took forever and I almost missed my connection. De-ice faster! Not Americans fault.

I had first class itinerary, yet they put me boarding group 5 from FNT to ORD! I spoke with the gate agent though, and she let me board in Group 1 like I should have been assigned. Would've liked water on that flight. I'm glad that I asked about food on the flight from ORD to DALLAS. If I fly United from ORD to any city in Texas, they always offer a hot meal and regardless if it is a time in between meal times. The excuse was that it was not dinner time yet. It was almost 6pm?? And the flight was over 2 hours. There were some healthy snack options at least, but fresh snacks like apples or something would be nice. At least offer cheese plates or similar. Please bring seatback screens like United is doing. The flight attendant in first class was wonderful.

Flight departed on time. Boarding was easy and efficient. Arrived on time.

The flight attendant Shannon was not very warm and was more focused on her own preferences for service than the customers in first class.

I didn’t get to go on my flight. I cracked a rib and tried to contact kayak Air Canada and United Airlines and everyone gave me the runaround. No one reached back out to me and I couldn’t go on my trip. I have used kayak in the past to book flights, but I will never do it again because that experience of trying to get a hold of someone to explain my situation was awful. Everyone gave me the runaround that I did speak to and no one was helpful and kayak was unreachable.

Service was great. Free food and alcohol would have made it better

First time flying long haul on AC. No pajamas but the service was top notch and the seat/bed was very comfy. Would recommend and was much nicer than my last flight on Qantas.

No food offered. Parents with babies placed in the middle of the plane. Next time, place parents with babies in the corners of the plane to ensure comfort for others who don’t have babies.

Everything with the flight was okay, but things Air Canada can’t control, such as the delayed flight, and the disastrous situation at the Palm Springs airport with such overcrowded waiting areas really makes me think twice about flying from there again.

Hours delayed due to crew issues Pushed back waited and waited due to technical difficulties Then had to be sprayed Entertainment system did not work. Crew said they tried to reboot…

Plane was not clean. Overhead binds and seats were not clean.

It was fine, everything on time! Tired of having to pay for all the extras?

I didn't realise we wouldn't get food. Not that I was particularly hungry and it was a night flight, but it wasn't clear that wasn't included. I've never had an international flight without food. Air New Zealand provided food for a similar length of night flight but not Air Canada. The Boeing 737 isn't ideal for 6 hours. It felt more cramped than a larger jet. Lots of films and entertainment but nothing worth watching. Air Canada has an annoying habit of putting just two episodes of a series on the entertainment system which means you are left hanging. The crew didn't seem to do much. They didn't clear up empty drinks for hours.

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The Perfect British Columbia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Post summary: The perfect British Columbia Itinerary for a 5 day road trip from Vancouver to Whistler. Includes maps, places to stay, and a detailed day-to-day overview. (Last updated August 2022)

This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission of any purchase you make using my link, at no cost to you!

Arguably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Canada’s most western province boasts something to satisfy every type of adventurous spirit.

Crisp alpine air, vibrant moss in a lush northern rain forest, ghostly fog blanketing glacier capped mountain peaks. Crashing waterfalls, steamy hot springs, turquoise water, and the salty smell of the Pacific Ocean.

Those are the things that I love most about British Columbia. And I know you will love them too. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and written out our perfectly cohesive 5-day British Columbia road trip itinerary that’s guaranteed to make your adventure through this incredible province so unforgettable. .

Table of Contents

The Logistics

I was overly excited to start planning our British Columbia road trip. I scoured Pinterest, delved into the depths of every relevant forum I could find online and contacted everyone I knew who lived in the area in the hopes of scoring insider advice. My Google Maps were peppered with pins from all over the province: a few stops along the coast of Vancouver Island, Orca watching, road tripping back up through the city, then Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton to explore the alpine.

I took a deep breath and forced myself back into reality. There’s so much to see, so many options, so little time. So I recollected myself and settled on one small area. Fast forward a few days and too many cups of coffee later: I pinned some places we couldn’t miss, reserved a 4×4, and spoke with some locals. I finally had a tentative plan on how to make the most of our week around Whistler, British Columbia. .

The Route: Vancouver to Whistler (and beyond)

Our flight touched down in Vancouver at 10am. We picked up our rental car, stopped for Starbucks espresso and made last minute tweaks to our plan. Then, we headed straight toward Whistler. However, if you arrive in Vancouver late at night, you will want to add an extra day to spend the night in Vancouver and get your bearings before starting this road trip. 

This road trip route snakes northward up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton, and back down to Squamish , before ending with one last adventure in Vancouver.

DAY 1: BRANDYWINE FALLS TO WHISTLER 

Brandywine Falls was our first stop on our drive to Whistler. The parking area is easily accessible from the road, so it only made sense to let one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area give us a proper welcome to British Columbia.

Brandywine Falls Trail to the Upper Viewing Platform 

  • Rated : Easy
  • Distance : 1km, out and back
  • Season : year-round
  • Time needed : 30 minutes – 1 hour

Hiking to the base of Brandywine Falls in British Columbia

Brandywine Falls is nestled within Brandywine Provincial Park, where it crashes 70m into the volcanic valley that its carved out over thousands of years.

We spent several hours admiring the falls from the viewing platform, meandering through the forest, and scrambling the trail to the base of the falls. 

Lush green moss, bright red pine bark, and the smell of earthy cedar hung in the air. The sound of frigid rushing water penetrated the silence around us. To say there was something magical about the forest at the base of the falls would be an understatement.

British Columbia conifer forest

How to get to the base of Brandywine Falls 

You’ll have to do a bit of off-roading if you wish to adventure to the bottom of Brandywine Falls.

To find the trailhead, hike past the viewing platform. At the very end of the main trail, you’ll find an unmarked and unmaintained path in the trees to the left of the fence.

NOTE: The trail is rugged and dangerous . There used to be a rope to help you navigate the steepest sections, but the rope is no longer there. You’ll have to climb down the steep sections, find your way down an arduous scree slope, follow an unmarked trail through the forest to the river, and then navigate the slippery rocks up to the falls. This path is not safe and should only be left to those who are fit, experienced, and willing to risk injury.

Hike time to the base of the falls : 2-3 hours .

Where to stay in Whistler

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler British Columbia

Budget ($): HI Whistler Hostel and Pinnacle Hotel Whistler

Moderate ($$): Legends Condo Hotel and Whistler Studio Airbnb

Splurge ($$$): Pan Pacific Whistler Village  

DAY 2: JOFFRE LAKES

Joffre Lakes trail information (Lower Lake to Upper Lake)”

  • Rated:  intermediate, some difficult steep sections
  • Distance:  10km, out and back
  • Time:  4-5 hours round-trip
  • Season:  year-round
  • Camping allowed : yes

If you’ve ever seen a picture of British Columbia, chances are you’ve seen Joffre Lakes – the series of 3 glacial fed alpine lakes with a bright powdery blue complexion.

Joffre Lakes is the single most popular hike around Pemberton, BC and I’ll admit I was nervous to visit. I’ve seen so many photos of this place plastered all over social media.

Would it live up to the hype? Would it be filled with people? How would I feel about it after having seen the turquoise lake from seemingly every single perspective possible?

Those were a few thoughts that floated through my mind as we took the scenic drive from Whistler to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.

But I am so happy we went, because it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. And I’m thrilled to report that photos on Instagram don’t even do it justice.

Swimming in Joffre Lakes Middle Lake

From the parking lot, we followed the trail directly to the first lake. Then, we climbed steadily into the alpine as the forest changed and the trail delivered us from one lake to the next. Each more beautiful than the last. Sparkling glaciers, thick alpine forests, chubby little gray jays, pikas, and twinkling crystal waters took our breath away.

The entire hike took us about 6 hours round trip, including stops for photos, icy lake swims (ok, just me), and making friends with the gregarious gray jays.

The majority of people stop at the second lake, but do yourself a favor and spend the extra 15-20 minutes to reach the upper lake. You won’t be disappointed.

NOTE: Please practice responsible wildlife tourism and do not feed the gray jays !

You’ll see many people feeding the jays in an attempt to entice them to land in their hands. Its not cool. Help to keep them wild by not teaching them to rely on human food. They’re naturally very smart, very curious birds and will come to say hello on their own if you sit still.

Upper Joffre Lake, British Columbia

We were told by a local that the hike to Joffre Lakes resembles more of a queue than a hike through the forest in the summer months, as thousands of people flock to see the famous blue waters. But thanks to traveling in the off season, we arrived that October morning to a half-full parking lot and the three alpine lakes almost all to ourselves. 

The powder blue color of the water is seasonal, though. So do consider traveling here in the summer if you want to see it! 

Hiking around Vancouver, British Columbia

DAY 3: NAIRN FALLS AND SLOQUET HOT SPRINGS

Stop 1: nairn falls.

Trail information:

  • Rating: easy
  • Distance:  3 km round-trip
  • Camping allowed:  yes

Nairn Falls was not a planned stop on our itinerary, but more of a stop along the way from Whistler to Sloquet Hot Springs.

Nairn Falls is a brilliant green-blue waterfall that twists and weaves through a series of channels carved in the rock. From a beautifully constructed viewing platform, you can safely watch as the water crashes into a series of circular pools that are carved and polished by gravel carried down the river.

Located on our way north, we pulled off into the parking area under the impression that the falls were accessible from the road. Although not immediately accessible from the parking area, it only took us about 15-20 minutes to walk 1.5 km along the river to the falls.

Nairn Falls, Waterfalls of British Columbia

Stop 2: Sloquet Hot Springs 

In the spirit of transparency, I’m not usually one to further publicize special places like this one. But honestly, if you’re game to put in the work to get here, then you deserve it.

The drive to Sloquet Hot Springs was long and exhausting. In hindsight, it would have been better to camp overnight at the springs instead of drive the 6 hours round-trip from Whistler in one day. 

But we were warned about the distance. In my research I came across a disclaimer on not to be fooled by the “measly 63km” from Pemberton to Sloquet Hot Springs. And they were right.

We found ourselves weaving along an unpaved logging road in the middle of the wilderness for close to 3 hours. There were no other cars along that lonely stretch of road and we watched nervously as we our cell phone service dwindled to nothing. 

The logging road to Sloquet Hot Springs near Vancouver

We came close to turning around countless times, but thankfully we [stubbornly] persisted, because this stop was more than worth it. We finally arrived at the camp ground and hiked 1km through the forest, where we saw steam rising above the tree line.

Soaking in the pool at Sloquet Hot Springs in British Columbia

Having arrived mid-afternoon, we joined a handful of other people lounging in the pools along the river. There’s ample room to spread out at Sloquet, with a few upper hot pools fed by a hot waterfall, cascading down into a series of smaller pools along the banks of the river.

We spent several hours rotating between the pools of varying temperatures and relaxing under the canopy of conifers. When the sun went down, we hiked out under the light of the milky way.

Sloquet Hot Springs

Sloquet Hot Springs Information 

Getting there:  Leave enough time for the drive. It takes about 3.5 hours to get there from Whistler. Download the map offline or be sure your GPS will work if you lose service. It would be smart to carry a satellite phone and other emergency essentials . Don’t attempt this drive without an SUV.

Cost and camping: $5CAD per person for use of the pools (cash only). Campsites are $15 and are first-come-first-served if you decide to stay the night. Note that the entrance money goes directly into maintenance of the area. Visit Sloquet’s website for the most up to date information.

Facilities: This is a natural area. Besides for a small changing wall besides the hot springs, there are no facilities near the hot springs. However, there is an outhouse at the top of the hill at the trail head, which is a short walk from the springs.

Nudity allowed: Yes. Clothing is optional here. Be mindful of nude soakers when you snap photos and be respectful of their choice (or even join them yourself, because when in Rome, amirite?)

DAY 4: SQUAMISH 

Squamish is a beautiful mountain town between the drive from Whistler and Vancouver, located at the north end of Howe Sound along the Sea to Sky Highway.

We dedicated one full day to exploring Squamish , since everything we wanted to do was in the same immediate area.

Where to stay in Squamish British Columbia

Stop 1: Shannon Falls 

the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Truly an impressive sight, this waterfall is easily accessible from the road. You can make it a quick stop or choose to spend more time and hike to the top.

Stop 2: Sea to Sky Gondola

Right next door is the admission to the Sea to Sky Gondola. This gondola wasn’t our first choice, but the other gondolas that provided access to different hiking trails were closed for the season.

The price of a round-trip ticket for the Sea to Sky Gondola is $55 per person, but turned out to be well worth it for the best views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you’ll find a suspension bridge, restaurant, and an array of hiking trails.

Sea to Sky Gondola views in British Columbia

Stop 3: Squamish Chief

Otherwise known as “the Chief”, these three summits are among the most popular hiking spots in British Columbia. It took us several hours to summit the first peak, where we were shocked to find we were the only people on top. Whether it was because we arrived just before sunset or because it was the off-season, we’ll never know, but we were completely delighted given the popularity of the hike. 

Summit of Stawamus Chief, Squamish British Columbia

We spent awhile on the summit, perched high above the sprawling views of Howe Sound. After that, we descended the same steep trail we followed on the way up.

Hike Squamish Chief

Squamish Chief Trail Information

  • Difficulty:  intermediate to difficult
  • Distance:  11km
  • Elevation gain:  6020 meters
  • Time:  3-7 hours depending on your fitness level and number of peaks
  • Season:  March – November

NOTE : the south peak (peak 1) is a decent climb with a 500m elevation gain. This peak offers the most rewarding views, so many people stop here. However, if you’ve got about 6-7 hours, a good fitness level, and plenty of energy, you can hike all 3 peaks in one day. .

READ NEXT:  What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

Where to stay in Squamish

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins in Squamish British Columbia

Budget ($): Squamish Adventure Inn Hostel and Squamish Tiny Cabin

Moderate ($$): Midnight in Paradise Cottage and  Sunwolf Riverside Cabins

Splurge ($$$): Private Waterfront Cabin Airbnb and  Ocean View Tea Tree House

DAY 5: VANCOUVER

Like many people who are first drawn to Vancouver, I dreamed about one day visiting the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450ft suspension bridge hanging 230ft above the Capilano River. It’s been in magazines, on postcards, and all over social media. Like, did you even visit Vancouver if you didn’t visit Capilano?

The answer is yes .

Here’s why: we were immediately turned off by the (almost) $50CAD entrance fee , per person. Not to mention the advertisements for tour buses and 11am entrance hours. Paying $50CAD for an overcrowded bridge just didn’t seem quite worth it anymore.

But here’s the good news: Where we would have paid for probably 30 minutes at Capilano, we instead spent 2 hours exploring the wilderness around Lynn Canyon. Of course the suspension bridge wasn’t of the same caliber as that at Capilano, but to me, it was even more beautiful. It was also free, less touristy, and perfectly wild for being outside of a major city.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

NOTE : the suspension bridge is still a suspension bridge. And, consequently, attracts many visitors regardless of the advertised popularity. So if you want uninterrupted photos on the bridge, test your patience waiting for the perfect shot, or get there early!

If you opt to visit here, allow time to explore the trails that will lead you to aquamarine swimming holes, waterfalls, and through an interpretive nature trail.

Best things to do around Vancouver, British Columbia

When you’re done here, then you’re only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver! .

Where to stay in Vancouver

Skwachays Aboriginal Themmed Lodge in Vancouver

Budget ($):   HI Hostel Downtown Vancouver and Olympic Village Condo

Moderate ($$):  Skwachàys Aboriginal Themed Lodge and Unique Gastown Loft

Splurge ($$$):   The Douglas and The Burrard

Final Thoughts

Two years ago I had vowed to return to Vancouver after a layover on a cheap flight to Hawaii . Through the plane windows, I had watched the a thick blanket of fog swirling over the mountains around the sound; the city skyline looming in the distance. I returned to British Columbia one year later when we hopped across the border to visit the emerald waters within Yoho National Park during a trip through Alberta. That time, I knew for sure that this province had a hold on me.The

And here I was. Back for a third time. Road tripping the seaside highways from Vancouver to Whistler, rooting myself in moments spent wandering through the Pacific Northwest rain forest, and being sure to take an extra deep breath of alpine air for the road.

There’s something seriously magic about this place. And, still captivated, I know I’ll be back again. .

Get this Vancouver Road Trip on Google Maps

Access the road trip itinerary on an interactive Google Map.  Access the map on Google Map here

British Columbia 5 Day Road Trip on Google Maps

How to Get Around for a British Columbia Road Trip

The best way to complete this itinerary is with a rental car. You don’t need a 4×4 to road trip between Vancouver and Whistler, but I do recommend one for visiting Sloquet Hot Springs.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

In my opinion, the best time to visit Vancouver, British Columbia is in the shoulder season, which lasts from April – early June and September – October. During these months, you will find great deals on accommodation and a lot of popular hiking trails will be nearly empty. Just be prepared for some rainy, chilly days.

However, if you don’t mind crowds and are willing to pay a bit more, summer is also a great time to for a Vancouver road trip. Long days and good weather are ideal for hiking and road tripping. 

Extend Your British Columbia Road Trip

Have more time to spare? Add another 5 days and extend your Vancouver road trip west onto Vancouver Island.

If you have even more time, add 7 days and drive east toward Alberta to visit Yoho, Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks. 

Read next: How to Spend 1 Day in Yoho National Park

Always Remember to Leave No Trace

The concept of Leave No Trace is built on seven core principles widely utilized for enjoying the outdoors responsibly and with sustainable, minimum impact.

The Leave No Trace principles apply to all outdoor activities – from the backcountry to local parks to your own backyard. Leave No Trace is based on respect for nature and other visitors. It’s also supported by scientific research conducted on recreation-related impact to our wild places.

In a collective effort to keep the beautiful places listed above wild and free for generations to come, please leave all areas better than you found them and practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

  • Plan ahead and be prepared
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of your waste properly – carry out what you carry in
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts – be aware of campfire rules and regulations
  • Respect wildlife! (Don’t feed the gray jays)
  • Be considerate of other visitors

More for your Canada road trip

Traveling Banff on a Budget: Effective Ways to Save Money on Lodging, Food, and Transportation

1-Day Yoho National Park Road Trip Itinerary

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

Pins for your Pinterest

A 5 Day British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary Pin

Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a travel photographer and content creator based near the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I’m also a millennial who works full-time, yet I still find ways to travel frequently without breaking the bank, because traveling is what makes me feel most alive. Now I help fellow travelers who also work 9-5 and are looking for ways to travel more with limited PTO.

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One comment.

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Hi Jackie! I enjoyed your blog on the BC 5 day road trip. You really packed a LOT into 5 days!!!! Most of us who live in BC would do that in 1.5 weeks! If you get back to BC I highly recommend getting the paperback version of this book. The New B.C. Roadside Naturalist: A Guide to Nature along B.C. Highways. It’s by a geologist and points out all the interesting bits you are passing by the car window on your travels. BC has a very complex geological history, so it has produced many varied mini-climate zones. Another gem is the BC hot spring spots on FaceBook. Most are off of logging roads but are worth the visit and smallish hikes to access. BC has such a tiny population (other than Vancouver) that we love it when people have enough tenacity to visit all the out of the way places. Another gem is the water access only spots along the coast by eco-tourism “cruise” ship like the MV Uchuck (West coast of Vancouver Island) https://www.getwest.ca/cruises/schedule/ and the Aruroa Marine Link (East coast of Vancouver Island and remote mainland costal and First Nations communities) https://marinelinktours.com/routes/ . Hopefully your editor, sponsor, can fund your adventures on these visits back to BC. It’s well worth it! I sent my parent on both of these “cruises” in their 70’s. They LOVED it as it was not as ecologically sensitive and they got to see the “real” working coast of BC as well as meet some VERY well educated other guest: very influential (retired) ocean biologists and academics who made fascinating dinner guests!!! The food was fabulous – as fresh as it gets seafood every night, made by a very creative chef in a very efficient (aka super small) galley kitchen

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Canada Family Travel Blog

The Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first time visitors

01/10/2024 By Traveling Canucks 12 Comments Categories: Adventures British Columbia National Park Travel Tips Trip Ideas Vancouver Vancouver Island Victoria Whistler

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Vancouver Road Trip itinerary

As residents of Vancouver, we’re often asked about the best things to do in Vancouver . The next most common question is – what is the best road trip from Vancouver for first time visitors?

It’s a great question. You have plenty of options in British Columbia. Do you go east to the Okanagan or west to Vancouver Island  or north to Whistler and Pemberton?

In our opinion, British Columbia is the best place in the world to visit (and live). It’s a bold statement – I know. However, if you ask anyone who’s visited British Columbia, you’ll likely hear glowing reviews about it’s easy access to nature and endless outdoor adventure.

Today, we share what we believe is the best road trip from Vancouver for first time visitors. This 10 day road trip itinerary starts and finishes in Vancouver, with 1 day to explore the city of Vancouver. That said, we would encourage you to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Vancouver.

Before we get started, there are a few things to note:

  • This Vancouver road trip is based on 10 days (add or subtract days based on your time)
  • The road trip can be done in any season, but it’s best during the summer months
  • This itinerary is designed for car driving with hotel accommodations, not camping. However, there are many campgrounds along this road trip route, if that’s your preference. Make campground reservations in the summer!

If you only have a few days in Vancouver, check out these  25 day trips from Vancouver .

Best Road Trip from Vancouver, Canada

Table of Contents

Skip ahead using the Table of Contents.

water taxi at Granville Island in Vancouver. Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first time visitors

Day 1 & 2 – Explore Vancouver

Depending on when you arrive in Vancouver, you’ll want to spend your first two days exploring the city. There’s so much to see and do in Vancouver that two days is likely not enough time, but we want to stay within this 10 day itinerary. Add a few extras days at the end of the road trip if you have more time.

What makes Vancouver special is that it’s a vibrant cosmopolitan city surrounded by mountains AND ocean, which means there’s literally something for everyone.

In one day, you can hike in the mountains, relax on the beach, catch a show or professional sports game, dine at a variety of upscale restaurants and finish the night at Granville’s legendary entertainment district.

Here are the top things to do in Vancouver:

  • Explore Stanley Park and ride bikes around its popular Seawall
  • Walk across the bouncy Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver
  • Take the tram to the peak of Grouse Mountain or hike the Grouse Grind
  • See the iconic Steam Clock in historical Gastown
  • Soak up the 360 degree views from Vanouver Lookout tower
  • Shop, eat and be entertained at Granville’s Entertainment district
  • Pick up some artisan goods at Granville Island Public Market
  • Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery , Vancouver Aquarium and/or Science World
  • Get outside! Vancouver is home to world class mountain biking, hiking trails, kayaking, whale watching, skiing and snowboarding.
  • Witness orcas in the wild on a Vancouver whale watching tour
  • Here’s a list of 25 FREE things to do in Vancouver

Related post: 25 Awesome Day Trips from Vancouver

Eagle bluffs hike in West Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 3 – Take the ferry to Victoria

The road trip begins on Day 3, when you catch a morning ferry from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Vancouver) to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Victoria). Check the BC ferry schedule here .

Plan to arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour before your departure time. It’s wise to book a reservation ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling over a holiday weekend.

The ferry takes about 1.5 hours. The drive from Swartz Bay to downtown Victoria is about 30 minutes.

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, head to Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour (see photo below). There are plenty of Victoria restaurants and cafes located here. The downtown area is very walkable.

Plan to spend your evening wandering around the Inner Harbour and charming downtown area.

Victoria Inner Harbour, Downtown Victoria Marina, British Columbia, Canada

Day 4 – Enjoy a full day in Victoria

There are a few places in this world that we will revisit again and again. Victoria is one of them. We love the city’s old town character and laid back vibe. Victoria is a relatively big city, but it doesn’t feel or act that way.

Things to do in Victoria:

  • Hop on a water taxi and explore Victoria’s bustling Inner Harbour
  • Enjoy Royal Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress
  • Get educated at the Royal British Columbia Museum
  • Take a horse drawn carriage tour around downtown Victoria
  • Walk down Fan Tan Alley  in Chinatown, said to be the narrowest street in Canada
  • Stroll through Beacon Hill Park  and watch the sunset from Finlayson Point
  • Whale watching tour and/or visit the impressive Butchart Gardens

Related post: 20 Things You Should Do in Victoria

Where to stay in victoria.

We’ve stayed at the Magnolia Hotel , Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Best Western Carlton Plaza and we would recommend them. They are centrally located and family friendly.

Search for more Victoria hotels here .

Where to eat in Victoria?

You will not go hungry in Victoria. There are endless options for every type of cuisine. Being on the west coast, we’d recommend you dine at a seafood restaurant. The west coast is also known for quality sushi and Japanese cuisine.

  • Fresh oysters and share plates at 10 Acres Commons
  • Fish tacos and fish & chips at Red Fish Blue Fish
  • Patio with waterfront views at LURE Restaurant & Bar
  • Popular Brew pubs – Spinnakers , Swans Brewpub and CANOE brewpub
  • Other favourites – Barb & Banker  and Irish Times

Here’s a downloadable Victoria map pdf

Parksville beach boardwalk, Vancouver Island travel

Day 5 – Drive from Victoria to Parksville

Take it easy and enjoy a late breakfast in Victoria before driving north to Parksville, a popular beach town located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Parksville is famous for its long, sandy beaches that recede over one kilometer at low tide.

The drive from Victoria to Parksville is only 2 hours. However, there are plenty of fun road trip stops that you should check out.

  • Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University (30-60 minutes)
  • Take a hike in Goldstream Provincial Park (45-90 minutes)
  • Split Rock Lookout on the Malahat Highway (10 minutes)
  • See the world’s largest hockey stick and puck in Duncan (10 minutes)
  • Check out the Murals of Chemainus (45-90 minutes)
  • Optional – visit the Harbourfront Walkway in Nanaimo (60-90 minutes)

Where to stay in Parksville?

Parksville is a tourist driven town, so you have plenty of options for accommodations.

If you’re looking for an upscale experience, check out the  Tigh Na Mara Seaside Resort (we wrote a review about this resort  here ). You can stay in a private cabin or ocean view suite.

For budget accommodations, check out the Travelodge by Wyndham Parksville . This is where we stayed this past summer. It’s good value. The rooms are clean and updated, it has a pool and hot tub, and breakfast is included.

We’ve also stayed at the Ocean Sands Resort  and would recommend it. It’s less expensive than Tigh Na Mara and it has similar ocean front views.

Fun Fact – Vancouver Island is the largest Pacific island east of New Zealand.

Low tide beach at Parksville British Columbia

 Low tide at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park  in Parksville

hatley castle royal roads university victoria

Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. This castle is featured in the X-men and Deadpool movies.

Split Rock Lookout on the Malahat Highway, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Split Rock Lookout on the Malahat Highway

Biggest hockey stick and puck, Duncan, British Columbia

The world’s largest hockey stick in Duncan, British Columbia.

Murals of Chemainus on Vancouver Island

The Murals of Chemainus on Vancouver Island

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Day 5 – Drive from Parksville to Ucluelet

Before you hit the road, make sure you spend some time walking along the beach in Parksville . You can either visit Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park or the beach at Parksville Community Park (pictured above).

The drive from Parksville to Ucluelet takes about 2.5 hours, but you’ll want to make a few stops along the way.

The first stop you’ll want to visit is the Coombs Old Country Market , famous for its Goats on the Roof . The market is located about 15 minutes west of Parksville, so it’s an ideal location for coffee or an early lunch (depending on when you leave Parksville). See photos below.

After Coombs, continue west towards  Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park . This is a nice place for an easy forest hike to see waterfalls. There are 6 km of walking trails throughout the park.

Next on the road trip is a visit to MacMillan Provincial Park , home to the ancient Douglas fir in  Cathedral Grove . The highway splits the park, so you will drive right through it.

There is limited parking at Cathedral Grove and it can get quite busy, but don’t give up! This place is definitely worth visiting. Some of the trees are more than 800 years old and 9 metres in circumference.

Plan to spend about 45 minutes here.

After witnessing the incredible trees in Cathedral Grove, continue driving west to Port Alberni . This is an ideal spot to grab a quick lunch, fuel up your vehicle and restock your supplies.

The drive from Port Alberni to Ucluelet is about 1.5 hours. This stretch of highway is stunning, so make sure you have your camera handy.

You should arrive in Ucluelet by late afternoon.

After you check-in to your accommodations, head to the ocean to watch the sunset from either Big Beach or the Wild Pacific Trail. See photo below as evidence.

Here are maps for beaches in Tofino and Ucluelet .

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Fiery sunset views from Big Beach in Ucluelet.

Goats on the Roof at Coombs Market, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Goats on the Roof at Coombs Market in the town of Coombs.

Goats on the Roof, Coombs Market, Vancouver Island

Day 6 & 7 – Ucluelet and Tofino

The towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are located on the northern and southern points of a peninsula that stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island. This is where you will find  Pacific Rim National Park , one of Canada’s greatest natural treasures.

I’m grouping these two towns together because you should visit both, but you don’t need to switch accommodations. Pick a spot and stay there for 3 nights, which will give you two FULL days in Tofino and/or Ucluelet.

It’s about a 40 minute drive from Tofino to Ucluelet, and vice versa.

Things to do in Tofino and Ucluelet:

  • The beaches on the coast are home to the best surfing in Canada
  • Sea kayaking through the pristine waters of Clayoquot and Barkley Sound
  • Cultural canoe tours and Bear watching tours
  • See orcas and gray whales on a whale watching tour (March to October)
  • Guided fishing excursions in the ocean or freshwater lakes
  • Endless hiking trails in Pacific Rim National Park and Wild Pacific Trail
  • Storm watching during winter months
  • Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium and the  Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
  • Scenic flight tour in a sea plane or helicopter
  • Watch the sunset from the shores of Chesterman Spit

Where to Stay in Ucluelet

We stayed at the Big Beach BÄRN in Ucluelet and would highly recommend it. The views from the balcony are outstanding. Tell the host, Pete Raab , the Traveling Canucks sent you.

  • For waterfront accommodations, check out  Black Rock Oceanfront Resort or Snug Harbour Inn .
  • For less expensive accommodations, check out the Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina .

Where to Stay in Tofino

There are several beach resorts in Tofino. Over the years, we’ve stayed at a number of these beach resorts and would recommend the following:

  • Best Western Tin Wis Resort on Mackenzie Beach. The restaurant here is good, too.
  • Middle Beach Lodge on Mackenzie Beach
  • Cox Bay Beach Resort  on Cox bay beach
  • Pacific Sands Beach Resort on Cox Bay beach

Where to eat in Tofino and Ucluelet

  • Visit the tasting room at Tofino Brewing Company
  • Dinner in Tofino, visit Shelter Restaurant , Sobo Restaurant and/or 1909 Kitchen .
  • Casual eats in Tofino, visit Surfside Grill ,  Wolf in the Fog ,  Wildside Grill and/or Tacofino .
  • Dinner in Ucluelet, visit Norwoods Restaurant or Black Rock Resort .
  • Casual eats in Ucluelet, visit the Cedar Grill , Ukee Dogs Eatery and/or Ravenlady Oyster Forte .

Here’s more info about Ucluelet maps and directions .

Big Beach Ucluelet, British Columbia, Pacific Trail

Calm waters at the rugged Big Beach in Ucluelet

South Chesterman Beach, Tofino, West Coast Vancouver Island, Canada

Big skies over the beach in Pacific Rim National Park in Tofino.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

The above photo is low tide at South Chesterman Beach in Tofino.

sea kayaking in Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino Sea kayaking tour around Clayoquot Sound.

Sea kayaking Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

Related:  Sea kayaking the coast of Vancouver Island

Views of Tofino mountains and harbour

Harbour views from the town of Tofino.

Surfing at Wick Beach, Tofino

Surfing at Wickaninnish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park.

best road trip from Vancouver

Day 8 – Travel from Tofino to Whistler

Your time on the coast has come to an end. It’s time to trade the sandy surf for snow-capped peaks. You’ll want to get a good start to the day and be on the road by 10:00 AM. This is the longest travel day on this 10 day road trip from Vancouver.

Drive from Tofino to Nanaimo and take the ferry back to the Mainland, where you will continue to Whistler.

The drive from Tofino to Nanaimo ferry terminal takes about 3 hours. There’s typically a 3:00 PM ferry that you will want to catch from Departure Bay. It’s smart to make a reservation for the ferry crossing ahead of time. Arrive at the ferry terminal at least one hour early.

Check the BC ferry schedule here .

The ferry from Departure Bay (Nanaimo) to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) takes about 1.5 hours. When you disembark the ferry, drive on the highway until you see a turnoff that says ‘BC Ferries’ or ‘Horseshoe Bay’. It will be about 5-7 minutes before you see the signs.

You need to turnaround and head back towards the ferry terminal where you just came from. It’s a weird system. You will turn off the highway, take a left and cross the bridge across the highway, then left again so you can get back on the highway – this time you will be driving west/north, towards Whistler.

Use your GPS, just in case. You don’t want to actually return to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal – you want to follow the road signs for Squamish and Whistler.

If you’re hungry, stop in the town of Squamish for dinner. There are several restaurants and fast food joints just off the highway. The total drive time from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler is about 1.5 hours.

You should arrive in Whistler around 7:00 PM.

Related:  Should you visit the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish?

BC ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver, Howe Sound, Straight of Geogia, British Columbia

The sundeck of the BC Ferries. That’s the Coastal Mountain Range in the distance.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Day 9 – Explore Whistler

Whistler is our happy place. We try to visit this alpine village every few months. It’s a four season resort, so there’s always something to do, regardless of the month or season.

You can easily spend a week in Whistler, so you’ll have to be selective with your full day. Do you want to hike in the mountains? Kayak on a freshwater lake? Indulge in a spa day or sit on a patio and relax?

Our recommendation would be to do the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience (gondola up the mountain, alpine hiking, suspension bridge, etc), have lunch at Christine’s On Blackcomb , then back to your Whistler hotel for soak in the hot tub or pool, then head to Whistler Village and find a patio for dinner. 

Things to do in Whistler:

  • Take the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience – read more here . Give yourself 3 to 4 hours for this experience.
  • Rejuvenate and relax at the traditional Scandinave Spa
  • Golf at 3 different courses, including the impressive Nicklaus North Golf Course
  • SUP or kayaking at Lost Lake, Alta Lake or Green Lake
  • Downhill mountain biking and/or cross-country trail riding
  • Zipline course, ATV in the mountains, white water rafting or bungee jumping
  • Helicopter excursion or float plane sightseeing tour
  • Bear viewing tour and/or nature safari
  • Hike to stunning alpine lakes at either Garibali Lake , Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, Chekamus Lake, Elfin Lakes or Wedgemount Lake
  • Here are a few more ideas for Whistler summer activities

Related post: 20 Things to do in Whistler this Summer

Where to stay in whistler:.

  • For an upscale experience, stay at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Whistler ,  Sundial Boutique Hotel  or  Four Seasons Resort Whistler .
  • For accommodations in the heart of Whistler Village, check out the Pan Pacific Whistler Village , Crystal Lodge and Suites or The Westin Resort .
  • For accommodation on a lake, check out Nita Lake Lodge  

Where to Eat in Whistler:

  • Popular patios in Whistler Village are Garibaldi Lift Co or Longhorn Saloon & Grill
  • For delicious brunch, check out Stonesedge Kitchen, Elements or Brickworks
  • Looking something a little different, check out Sushi Village or Mongolie Grill
  • For casual brewpub experience, check out Merlin’s Bar & Grill, Amsterdam Pub, Dubh Linn Gate Irish  Pub or Whistler Brewhouse

Here’s a Whistler Village map and Whistler Blackcomb trail map .

Best road trip from Vancouver, Whistler Mountain Tram Gondola

Walking across the new suspension bridge at Whistler Mountain.

Hiking in Whistler, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia

The above photo is Joffre Lakes Provincial Park , located an hour north of Whistler.

Whistler Village in the summer with Mountain Bikes

Day 10 – Whistler to Vancouver

After one final soak in the hot tub and a delicious brunch in the Village, pack up your car and drive south to Vancouver. This is the final day of your epic British Columbia road trip. If you are flying home this day, plan for delays on the drive to the airport as Vancouver traffic can be quite heavy.

The drive time from Whistler to Vancouver is about 2 hours, but you’ll want to make a few stops along the way.

About 15 minutes south of Whistler is Brandywine Falls Provincial Park . See photo below. Keep an eye out for the signs, you might miss the turnoff if you’re not paying attention.

To see the waterfall, you will walk through a nice forest trail for about 15 minutes. Plan to spend about 45 minutes here.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Brandywine Falls, located about 15 minutes south of Whistler.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

The next stop is Shannon Falls Provincial Park (pictured above) and Sea to Sky Gondola  in Squamish.

If you’ve got time, we recommend taking the gondola to the Sea to Sky Summit lodge. There are lots of hiking trails and viewpoints at the top of the gondola. You can also enjoy lunch on the patio at the lodge. The views from here are amazing.

If you’re tight on time, skip the gondola and visit Shannon Falls instead. The falls are only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot, so you’ll only need about 30 minutes here.

Road trip from Squamish to Vancouver

If you’d like to do a few more stops, consider the  Britannia Mine Museum in the town of Britannia Beach or walk on the old pier at Porteau Cove Provincial Park . Both stops are located just off the highway.

If the weather is nice, make sure you pull over at Tantalus lookout point to see the massive glacier on the Tantalus Range. The lookout is between Whistler and Squamish. Here’s the location .

Check out the Squamish Adventure Centre for things to do in Squamish.

Related post – 15 things to do in Squamish this summer

best road trip from Vancouver for first time visitors, British Columbia road trip

Mountain views from the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola .

Sea to Sky Gondola tram in Squamish, British Columbia

Kayaking in Squamish.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Where to stay in Vancouver

There are plenty of  hotels in Vancouver  to choose from, ranging from upscale five star hotels to backpacker hostels and everything in between.

  • Most of the popular Vancouver tourist attractions are located in the downtown area. Consider this when selecting where to stay in Vancouver.
  • Downtown hotels often require additional fees for overnight parking – sometimes as high as $40 per night. Consider this when booking hotels and car rentals.
  • If you prefer to stay closer to the mountains, consider staying at the  Lonsdale Quay Hotel  or the  Holiday Inn North Vancouver .
  • Search for more deals on Vancouver hotels here .

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

British Columbia Travel tips and things to know:

  • Pick up and return your vehicle rental at the Vancouver airport. Save up to 30% on car rentals here .
  • If you visit during the winter, make sure you have snow tires for the drive to Whistler.
  • Search for Vancouver hotel accommodations here . Most of the popular attractions are located in the downtown area. You may need to pay extra for parking – sometimes as high as $40 per night.
  • Vancouver is Wifi friendly with over 550 locations. Look for a Free Wifi location .
  • It’s wise to book reservations for the ferry to and from Vancouver Island, especially if you’re visiting over a holiday weekend. Here’s the list of holidays in BC . Check ferry schedule here .

Looking for more Canada road trips inspiration? Check out Road Trip Alberta and Road Trip Manitoba . 

Have you taken a road trip from Vancouver?

What did we miss what would you add to this itinerary.

Leave us a comment below. Our readers thank you!

Whistler Mountain Inukshuk, created for Whistler as a symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games

Read more travel blog posts from Canada:

  • 20 Things to do in Whistler this Summer
  • 25 FREE Things to do in Vancouver
  • How to Spend 4 days in Niagara Falls with Kids
  • 8 Things to do in New Brunswick with kids
  • The Best Things to do Along the Sea to Sky Highway
  • Best things to do in Penticton with kids

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Related posts:

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

10/28/2018 at 9:55 am

I love this article! My family loves road trips and this looks like a fantastic one to try! There seem to be so many fun and different activities along the way. I appreciate all of the tips on where to stay and eat that you provide. Thanks for all of the information. We will definitely be putting it to good use.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

11/02/2018 at 10:32 am

This is awesome! I live in Vancouver and really need to do more exploring in my own backyard. Sad to say I haven’t made it to most of these spots, which I guess is always the case with your own hometown. I guess I have to get to work! Ucluelet looks so pretty. And glad you made it to Porteau Cove; we were there this summer and it was beautiful!

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

11/21/2018 at 8:12 am

How beautiful! What stunning colours and variety. This certainly does sound like an amazing route!

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

11/21/2018 at 4:46 pm

I’m really hoping to get to Canada next year and this road trip looks like a pretty great place to start! The hockey puck and stick are on par with the “big” things we have in Australia – The Big Banana, The Big Sheep 🙂

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11/25/2018 at 9:25 am

Nice photography and nice piece of article. A road trip is far better then any other mean of traveling as you can enjoy a lot more moments of happiness.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

12/06/2018 at 7:21 am

Great details! I’m going to save this for our trip to Vancouver sometime soon! I think a campervan would be great to check out all of these places. Thanks for sharing.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

06/02/2019 at 6:32 am

Just found this blog while getting ideas for a trip we have planned in July. So far we have 3 nights in Vancouver and a motorhome for 10 nights booked and were thinking we’d want to cover Whistler, Tofino, Victoria and places in between, so all you tips are great!

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

09/04/2019 at 7:01 pm

Oh your website is so wonderful. I’m planning a holiday for 5 from the other side of the world and it’s just so helpful to understand what’s possible in a day, and also what’s preferable. Travelling with kids just isn’t factored in to many travel blogs/advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together – you’ve saved me so much time and angst!

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

09/16/2019 at 12:01 pm

You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you found the post helpful!

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

07/31/2023 at 10:12 am

We’ve been planning a trip to BC for awhile and overwhelmed with all there is to do and see in that beautiful part of the country, so this article was particularly appealing. Great ideas and so thorough. You’ve condensed much of the information it’s taken me days to uncover into one source. So very, very helpful. Thank you.

07/31/2023 at 12:13 pm

Great! Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad you found this post helpful. Let us know if you have any questions – we know this area very well.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

08/19/2023 at 12:50 pm

As someone who also values the beauty of British Columbia, I have to agree that it’s a truly exceptional place to visit. The way you’ve highlighted the best of both worlds, with city life and natural wonders, is fantastic. I’m especially drawn to your recommendations for outdoor activities like hiking, whale watching, and the Peak 2 Peak 360 Experience in Whistler – those moments are what make a road trip unforgettable.

Thanks for sharing your local insights on where to stay, dine, and the hidden gems along the way.

Cheers, Femi.

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Vancouver (ORD-YVR)

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Chicago to Vancouver Flights

Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or just want to get away for a last-minute break, flights from Chicago to Vancouver offer the perfect respite. Not only does exploring Vancouver provide the chance to make some magical memories, dip into delectable dishes, and tour the local landmarks, but the cheap airfare means you won’t bust your budget. So no matter whether your ideal itinerary involves flying one way, non-stop, or round trip, you’re bound to find flights that match your schedule on Expedia, and at prices that won’t shock your wallet.

Bagging a cheap flight from Chicago to Vancouver may mean more dollars to spend on for one-of-a-kind souvenirs when you arrive, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your travel experience, as Expedia offers a sizzling selection of cheap airlines that’ll put you in your happy place on their planes, whether that’s getting lost in a hair-raising airport thriller, dreaming on the passing landscape over a glass of bubbly, or jotting down your vacation bucket list at 38,000 feet. There’s also bound to be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos of the high life that will make your friends green with envy. After all, enjoying the journey is part of the fun.

With so many affordable flights and so many wonderful adventures awaiting you, there’s no reason to put off booking a fantastic flight from ORD to YVR today. So don’t leave it to the last minute to make your dream trip a reality: pack your bags with your go-to travel accessories, put together your list of must-see attractions and can’t-miss activities, and get ready to broaden your horizons – with Expedia, the wonders of Vancouver are only a plane trip away. Book your travel arrangements with us today!

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7 scenic drives through BC

Vancouver Island Road Trip

Things to do

British Columbia is big and beautiful. Every corner of the province has some outstanding piece of nature, gorgeous panoramic view, or unique cultural experience that makes it worth visiting. But why stop at one?

There are a multitude External Link Title of British Columbia road trips that will bring you from one amazing stop to another. Whether you want to hit the road for a few weeks with friends, or need to cram in as much scenery as possible into a few days, here are seven road trip routes that show off the best of BC.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway

1.  The Sea-to-Sky Highway

That old saying that it isn't about the destination but the journey, starts to make sense as you drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway External Link Title . This stretch of winding road between Vancouver and Whistler really earns its name. With the blue waters on one side, soaring cliffs on the other, and nothing but open skies ahead of you, you really feel like you've left civilisation in your rear view mirror. The Sea-to-Sky passes by waterfalls, rivers, canyons, and mountains, as well as several towns, so keep an eye out for those "Tourist Attraction" signs. Finally, if you want to learn the First Nations history of the area while you're at it, there are also seven interpretive kiosks External Link Title , designed in the shape of cedar-bark hats, where you can read stories about the region's first residents.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 162 kilometres Time : < 1 day Essential stops : Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, the Stawamus Chief, Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

2. The Pacific Marine Circle Route

Have an appetite for a Vancouver Island road trip? A good choice for time-pressed foodies, the Pacific Marine Circle Route External Link Title packs in surf-tossed beaches, old-growth forest, BC's second-largest wine region, some of Canada's best restaurants, and all the delights of the province's capital, all within just a few hours of driving. Starting in Victoria, on Vancouver Island's southern tip, the route heads west, past the culinary hot spot of Sooke, to the big surf beaches of the southwest coast and the rolling vineyard-draped hills of the Cowichan Valley wine country. The panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait alone are worth the drive.

Starting point : Victoria Length : 255 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential stops : Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, BC Forest Discovery Centre, Totem Tour.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Surfing in Tofino

3. Vancouver to Tofino

Rent an old Volkswagen bus, fill the roof with surfboards, and head out on a quintessential  BC road trip from Vancouver to Tofino External Link Title . This scenic drive brings you from the big city to the big waves. You'll leave Vancouver, hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island, and drive right through massive old growth forests on the way to the surf capital of Canada. Along the way you'll want to stop a half dozen times for incredible hikes, the sandy beaches that stretch on forever, and consistently breathtaking scenery.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 300 kilometres Time : 1 to 3 days Essential Stops : MacMillan Provincial Park, Ucluelet Aquarium, the Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

4. The Coastal Circle Route

You can look forward to seascapes, beaches, and driftwood all the way along the Coastal Circle Route External Link Title , which takes you up Vancouver Island's eastern shore and back down the famous Sunshine Coast. This trek includes at least four ferry rides -- more if you opt to explore some of the smaller islands on the way -- and can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Visit BC's artists and artisans in the studios where they live, work, and showcase their art. Galleries, funky little artsy towns, stunning gardens, intriguing First Nations sites, wineries, organic farms, and two major cities are all highlights of this seaside odyssey.

Starting point : Vancouver Length : 560 kilometres Time : 3 to 7 days Essential Stops : Butchart Gardens, Comox Air Force Museum, Historic Lund Hotel, Sechelt.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Vineyards

5. The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route

The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route External Link Title is really all about indulgence. The drive follows a visit to wine country with a tour of hot springs resorts. Starting in Golden, an outdoor adventure center in the Kootenay Rockies, this drive to BC's southeast takes visitors along the lakes and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, through Canada's only true desert, and past the peaks and glaciers of the Rocky Mountains. Championship golf courses, lift-accessed hiking and mountain biking, historic towns, mountains resorts and, of course, hot springs and wineries, will make it tough to get back in the car.

Starting point : Golden Length : 1260 kilometres Time : 7 to 10 days Essential Stops : Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Yoho National Park, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Columbia Gardens Vineyard & Winery.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

6. The Hot Springs Circle Route

Seven days, seven hot springs. The Hot Springs Route External Link Title through BC's Kootenay Rockies region visits a string of natural pools, from lavish resorts to secret dips in the woods. Cruise through some of the world's most stunning lake and mountain scenery, with plenty of railway history, mountain resorts, wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure thrown in.

Starting point : Cranbrook Length : 851 kilometres Time : 7 days Essential Stops : Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

The Northern Lights on the Great Northern Circle Route

7. The Great Northern Circle Route

We saved the longest British Columbia road trip for last. The legendary Alaska Highway is the stuff of many bucket lists. It's also just the beginning of this odyssey through Northern BC and into the Yukon. The Great Northern Circle Route External Link Title is home to stone sheep, moose, grizzly and black bear, a natural hot springs pool, ancient totem poles, legendary fishing, glaciers, the Northern Lights, First Nations culture, and Fur Trade history. The route starts and finishes in Prince George, which has road and air access to the rest of the province.

Starting point : Prince George Length : 3,190 kilometres Time : 10+ days Essential Stops : Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Boya Lake Provincial Park, Bear Glacier, Salmon Glacier, Fort St. James National Historic Site.  Click here for more on these stops External Link Title .

Ready for your drive through BC? For maps, directions and more routes to check out, visit the Hello BC website.

Fraser Canyon Route with Thompson River, British Colombia, Canada

17 Best Road Trips From Vancouver

If you live in Vancouver and want to get out of the city or if you're just visiting and want to see some of the amazing nature around British Columbia, there are a number of amazing road trips you can take.

Sat right at the southwestern corner of Canada, Vancouver is close to some of the country's prettiest islands and you can drive further into Canada along picturesque roads twisting and winding through deep mountain valleys. The United States is right nearby as well with some great places you can drive to from Vancouver.

Featuring whale watching, mountain towns and Canada's finest hospitality, here is our list of the 17 best road trips from Vancouver.

Best road trips from Vancouver from city breaks and scenic drives to National Parks, mountain trips and amazing scenery

1. Bowen Island, BC

30 km from Vancouver (1 hour 20 minutes)

When to go: June to September for the warm sunny days

Bowen Island Pacific North West Landscape and Waterscape

Vancouver has amazing parks dotted throughout the city with few cities boasting something like Stanley Park overlooking the Lions Gate Bridge. For those that want to get out a little further from the city and get more into nature, there's Bowen Island - the closest of the major islands in the area and only just over an hour away.

It will take you about half an hour, traffic permitting, to get from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay. From there, you need to get onboard a ferry and once it sets off, it takes around 20 minutes to get to Bowen Island.

You can take your car or walk onto the ferry. The car costs an extra $30 but it will mean you can get about the island more easily.

Sure - the whole point of going is the hiking, sightseeing and generally exploring the outdoors, but it's around 9 km from the ferry to Bowen Bay on the opposite side of the island and 11 km to Seymour Landing if you want to get everywhere in a day.

There are two places you can hike up to get great views - Dorman Point is in Critten Park, right by the ferry terminal and Mount Gardner in the middle of the island. The trek up Mount Gardner will take several hours depending on where you start (around 5 hours ferry to ferry) so make sure you allow plenty of time to go up and down. From the top, you get great views north over Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast and a 360 view from the top that lets you see as far as Vancouver.

Killarney Lake on the way up to Mount Gardner is a great stop and if you don't want to climb to the top, you can hike around the lake instead. Also make sure you visit some of the beaches around the island - the Cape on the opposite end of the island is amazing.

There is the small Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse sitting on rocks stretching out into the sea and Pebbly beach is great for sitting around, throwing pebbles into the water as the sun sets - there are a lot of pebbles!

2. Squamish, BC

64 km from Vancouver (1 hour)

When to go: Summer for the outdoors activities or winter for skiing and the bald eagles

Green forest during a sunny summer evening in Squamish, Vancouver

The residents of Squamish have called their town the Adventure Capital of Canada to make it pretty clear what you may encounter when you get there.

Getting to Squamish is easy - get onto Highway 99 heading north (same route as for Bowen Island above) and follow Howe Sound up until you hit the city of Squamish at the Squamish River's mouth. Highway 99 is the route that connects Vancouver with a lot of amazing road trip destinations on our list including Whistler although the Trans-Canada Highway is the faster route for destinations further than Pavilion.

Once you get there, the outdoors is the main attraction and there is a huge number of different things to do be it summer or winter. There's hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, horseback riding and climbing. Then you can try kayaking, kite boarding, windsurfing and swimming - the Squamish Spit in the River Squamish's estuary is a perfect place for water sports.

In the winter, you can do everything from going on a snowmobile to skiing, cross-country skiing or exploring the area on snowshoes!

And that's not all!

One thing Squamish is well known for its huge population of resident bald eagles. The bald eagles come to the area between November and February because of its unique climate and the large number of salmon making its way up the river to spawn. If you come around Christmas time, you can easily see dozens of these birds in an hour with thousands coming from across North America to the small area.

Don't miss out on the Sea to Sky Gondola offering unbelievable views from the top and the opportunity to walk over a suspension bridge above the treetops. It's only open from spring to fall, so you won't be able to go up during the winter months.

3. Pemberton, BC

153 km from Vancouver (2 hours 20 minutes)

When to go: Great all year round - late summer for the u-pick farms

Lumpy's trail, Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada

The sleepy village of Pemberton sits at the intersection of three valleys in the Coast Mountains range, north of Vancouver. Surrounded by snowy peaks throughout the year, Pemberton will make you feel relaxed and in tune with your younger self as you unwind here.

We've got Pemberton down as a day road trip, but you can certainly come and spend a weekend or longer if you have the time. Further along Highway 99 than Whistler, it is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Vancouver.

The town oozes charm with many of the buildings dating back to the 19th century. Set between Pemberton Creek and Lillooet River, there are waterways all around Pemberton adding to the picture-perfect look.

The town sits in the heart of the Lil'wat First Nation that predates the settlement by thousands of years. The next town down the valley is Mount Currie and the Mount Currie Indian Reserve. You will see the peak of the mountain from everywhere in the valley and the Lil'wat consider it a holy site.

The valleys surrounding Pemberton are perfect for spending time outdoors in a relaxed way. In the summer, you can pick berries at local farms, go rafting along the river and explore the mountains on foot, mountain bike or horseback. In the winter, you can try out cross country skiing or taking out a snowmobile. Plus Whistler's ski slopes are only half an hour away.

4. Golden Ears Provincial Park, BC

64 km from Vancouver (1 hour 10 minutes)

When to go: Summer to enjoy the lake and make the most of the hiking

Forest at Golden Ears Provincial Park, British Columbia

The Golden Ears Provincial Park sits along both banks of Alouette Lake. At only an hour's drive from Vancouver, it is very popular as a weekend getaway for those who live in the city.

If you're only going for a day, try to get there early to make sure you can find parking easily. If you're wanting to come for the weekend and camp, make sure you book in advance - the more popular weekends can get booked up very early so plan ahead.

Alongside the hiking, horse riding trails and mountain biking, you should check out the WildPlay Elements Park - there's zip lines and a series of treetop adventure routes where you can climb with a view. It's family friendly and there is a lot to keep the kids entertained.

Despite being so close to Vancouver, you won't have any cell reception and will feel in complete wilderness almost as soon as you enter the park. If you're feeling adventurous, the hike up to the Golden Ears summit is worth it for the amazing views all around. You'll need to make sure you bring the right gear - snow can be heavy at the top even in the summer!

Some say that swimming in Alouette Lake is a good way to spend the day. If that's what you want to do, you better like swimming in cold water, but it certainly will feel refreshing. If you want to spend time on the lake without freezing, you can do everything from canoeing to fishing, but make sure you get your BC fishing licence first.

5. Highway 7 to Hope and Fraser Valley

156 km from Vancouver (2 hours 20 minutes)

When to go: May to September for the weather and when attractions are open

Fraser Valley at foggy sunrise, British Columbia, Canada

You might be seeing a bit of a trend here and that is no accident - road trips out of Vancouver tend to involve the outdoors as this is what British Columbia is all about and the trip up Fraser Valley to hope is no different.

When setting off for Hope, don't follow the faster route taking you along Highway 1 that runs south of Fraser River. Instead pick the incredibly scenic Lougheed Highway, also known as Scenic 7 that runs along the north bank the entire way.

Although the route to Hope won't take you long, there are still great places to stop along the way - Maple Ridge and Mission are two beautiful towns in the first half of the drive or you can stop in Harrison Hot Springs or Agassiz in the District of Kent further along. I live in the original Kent, back in the UK and this one certainly has a more scenic mountain top backdrop!

Hope itself is a town where a few canyons and valleys meet. As a result, there is a lot to do here - plenty for a weekend or even longer if you have more time on your hands.

The Othello Tunnels are one of the best attractions in Hope - these old railway tunnels cut into the mountain rock used to form part of a longer railway network, but were closed in 1959. Today you can walk 4 of these tunnels leading you through the Coquihalla Canyon and the Provincial Park. Bring a picnic with you to have for lunch!

Other canyons offer more hiking opportunities from short walks through the Fraser Canyon to the 74 km trail across the Cascade Mountains to Otter Lake if you are up for a challenge.

6. Whistler, BC

121 km from Vancouver (1 hour 40 minutes)

When to go: All year round but January and February will offer the best snow for skiing

Whistler village in British Columbia

Most people know Whistler as one of North America's best ski resorts. The Whistler Blackcomb resort is hugely popular with the locals and across Canada and the United States.

The two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are connected by one of the most stunning gondola lifts in the world - it holds the record for being the highest above ground at 436 metres and until recently held the record for the longest span between supports at over 3 km!

The ski resort was taken over by Vail Resorts in 2016 to add to their huge portfolio that includes Heavenly on Lake Tahoe, Beaver Creek and Vail in Colorado. This has pushed the prices up and you may notice the resort is more commercial than it once used to be, but the beautiful scenery and large ski area is still worth it.

Be wary that as the resort is at low altitude and so close to the Pacific, wet snow and rain are commonplace and peak season is not as long as other ski areas.

Summer is also a good time to visit Whistler - you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and try out everything from white water rafting to rock climbing and zip lining.

As you drive up from Vancouver to Whistler, remember that the village is pedestrian only so you'll have to park your car and continue on foot. That is actually a great thing as the après ski is as good in the summer as it is in the winter and there are a lot of places to stop for a drink or a snack.

7. Fraser Canyon from Hope to Lytton

260 km from Vancouver (3 hours 20 minutes)

When to go: Fall is particularly beautiful with the different shades of leaves

Fraser Canyon Route with Thompson River, British Colombia, Canada

If you're limited for time, a road trip from Vancouver to Hope is a good place to start (see #5 above). If you keep going past Hope, however, the Fraser Canyon that stretches 84 km all the way up to Lytton is a perfect way to extend your drive.

The actual drive through the canyon is around 109 km, following Highway 1 which used to be the main route from Vancouver into inland British Columbia. Now traffic tends to follow the Coquihalla in the next valley to the east, so this scenic road is considerably less busy.

As you make your way up, the road will begin twisting and turning through the canyon as it gets narrower. As you go through the tunnels, make sure you find places to stop to admire the views and the towns you pass through. There are some amazing iron railway bridges that are no longer in use and a unique aerial ferry in Boston Bar.

The aerial ferry used to transport one car at a time between Boston Bar and North Bend on opposite sides of the Fraser River until a bridge was built in 1986. You can still see the original gondola construction in Frances Harrington Park.

Thompson River north of Lytton

Every now and then there are roads that veer off Highway 1 and climb up the mountains either side of the valley. You can get some really great views and see the mountains up close, but take care to read the warning signs - the locals are not in the habit of exaggerating and a lot of the roads are only accessible by serious off-road vehicles.

8. Seattle, Washington

231 km from Vancouver (2 hours 30 minutes)

When to go: All year round

The futuristic Space Needle dominates the Seattle skyline on a cloudy day

Seattle is the first of a few options on our list that involve crossing the border south to the United States. If you're renting a car, double check the terms and conditions allow you to drive across the border - most will be fine with that but be prepared to wait at the border depending on the time you're turning up.

The biggest city in the Pacific Northwest is only around two and a half hours' drive from Vancouver and it's well worth it to spend the weekend seeing the sights.

Make sure you plan your trip well in advance - Seattle can get very busy, especially during the summer and hotel rooms that are already very expensive may also become hard to find.

Stay somewhere central as getting into the city can take a lot of time - you can get about the city easily from your hotel and many of the major sights are only a walk away.

The key things to see are the infamous Space Needle tower and the Pink Place Market. After those, there are amazing museums, parks, galleries and coffee shops you can go see (Seattle loves its coffee and is where the Starbucks chain was famously founded).

If you're visiting a few of the museums in the city, get the Seattle City Pass which will save a lot of money on admissions. Also check out the monorail that runs between the Space Needle and the Westlake Center. It takes about 2 minutes and costs $3 but it's absolutely worth it for the experience and the views of the city!

9. San Juan Islands, Washington

187 km from Vancouver (4 hours)

When to go: June to September to make the most of the warmer months

Mount Baker from the San Juan Islands, British Columbia, Canada

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of islands in the Salish Sea that connects Vancouver and Seattle.

Just south of the border, the islands are part of Washington State. There are 128 named islands, 44 named reefs and rocks and another 250 or so rocks in the area. Only four of the islands are accessible - if you try looking up directions to the islands, Google might well suggest swimming as the best option.

The four islands you can get to are San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island and the ferries take people and cars - the price for a car with a single passenger currently ranges between $35.90 and $70.90 for a return trip depending on the season and which of the islands you're going to. Each additional person in the car will add $14 (discounts available for youth and seniors).

Note that if your vehicle is over 22 feet (6.7 m) long, the prices go up a lot - I don't know any generally available cars that would be longer including the largest pickup trucks money can buy, but you'll pay the price if you bring an RV!

The San Juan Island Scenic Byway is a 20-mile route that runs from Friday Harbor and passes through the pretty hills and valleys in the north of the island including vineyards, the 19th century Roche Harbor Resort and the English Camp National Historic Park where you can learn about the island's history during the joint occupation by British and U.S. forces from 1859 to 1872.

Orca whale breaches from the water in San Juan Islands, Washington State

San Juan islands are also known as the best place in the world to see Orca whales in the wild. The orcas live here all year round and while sightings can never be guaranteed, you have a pretty decent chance if you go on one of the specialist boat tours.

Alongside the orcas, you could see the larger humpback, minke or even gray whales depending on the season and your luck.

10. Explore Vancouver Island

650 km round trip from Vancouver (14 hours)

When to go: Weather is great all year round - spring and fall are mild and less busy

Killer whales at Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

To get to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island from Vancouver, you have two options - the ferry from Horseshoe Bay, north of the city or one from Tsawwassen to the south.

The Horseshoe Bay option is faster, taking around 90 minutes rather than 2 hours and is a more scenic route. Plus you arrive straight into Nanaimo rather than the much more industrial Duke Point.

Horseshoe Bay is closer, but you have to navigate Highway 1 and Lions Gate Bridge traffic so the choice really depends on where you're driving from and what time of day you're going.

One alternative route is to go from Tsawassen straight to Swartz Bay - if you're visiting Victoria this is the most direct route and you can come back from Nanaimo after doing a round trip.

Vancouver Island is huge. Given the ferry will easily take you 4 hours including getting to it and waiting time, the more time you have, the more you will enjoy your trip.

The one must stop is Victoria on the southern tip of the island. The capital of British Columbia is a historic city with a beautiful Old Town and some stunning buildings.

You can go on a free tour of the British Columbia Parliament buildings, see inside the grandiose Fairmont Empress Hotel and visit the quirky floating shops in Fisherman's Wharf.

If you follow the road around the island, you'll come to the Sheringham Point Lighthouse and a series of different National, Provincial and Regional Parks.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve might just be the pick of the bunch - make sure you stop by Fairy Lake on your way. The West Coast Trail that runs along the coast offers some really spectacular views.

The northern part of the island is more wild with parks and mountains throughout, split up by sounds (narrow inlets of water from the Pacific Ocean). It's certainly beautiful, but we'd leave it out of the itinerary unless you're going for more than 10 days.

Cape Scott Provincial Park at the northern tip of the island is 450 km north of Nanaimo and will take you the best part of 6 hours to drive one way!

11. Kelowna on the Okanagan Lake

390 km from Vancouver (4 hours)

When to go: June to September for the warm summers

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on the Okanagan lake

The town of Kelowna sits on the Okanagan Lake and is surrounded by some of Canada's prettiest scenery. The foothills of the Cascade mountains are on one bank and the Rockies on the other give an amazing backdrop to a really pretty town where you can really get away from it all.

The best reason to go to Kelowna is for Okanagan Valley wines. Not well known outside Canada, the wide valley is sometimes called the Napa of the North.

There are dozens of wineries up and down the valley and in surrounding areas and many will offer tours and wine tasting if you want to try the local produce (and try you must - you may well find yourself pleasantly surprised by the quality).

With the climate being in some ways similar to Piedmont and other north Italian or Alpine French regions, the local wine industry has used some of those learnings, but virtually every grape variety is grown here. We'd recommend trying a Cabernet Franc or Merlot - these varieties have done well over centuries in the Italian Dolomites and work very well with the local climate.

Other than wine, there is a whole range of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. You can go out on a canoe on Okanagan Lake - time it well and you can see the sun rise or fall behind the mountains from the water.

A 45 minute drive south of Kelowna is the Kettle Valley Railway - this rail track was finally abandoned in the 1980s and runs all the way from Hope to Castlegar (that is a seriously long way). The disused rail track has been converted into a trail that you can explore on foot or, even better, on bike.

The Okanagan Valley is a perfect way to relax and take time out of your busy schedule. If you want a few days to yourself, a road trip from Vancouver to Kelowna should be on your radar!

12. Cascade Mountains and Leavenworth, Washington

345 km from Vancouver (4 hours)

When to go: Plenty to do whenever you choose to go

Snow lake, Enchantment lakes, Leavenworth. Seattle, Washington

The Cascade Mountains run from northern California all the way to Fraser Valley just outside Vancouver.

One of the best parts of the mountain range is the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the U.S. Washington State.

Getting here is relatively straight forward - cross into the U.S. through the Peace Arch crossing and head south along the I-5 until you get to Everett. From there, take Route 2 towards the National Forest and you'll eventually make it to Leavenworth.

The terrain is great for hiking - there are forested valleys, lakes and caves and trails that can be explored on foot in the summer or snowmobile in the winter months.

Christmas lights decorate the Bavarian village of Leavenworth in Washington State

The town of Leavenworth is worth spending some time in. Everything here from the buildings to the buses and horse carriages (yes - horse carriages) look distinctly Bavarian.

There is a museum dedicated to the Nutcracker and festivals almost all year round, some of which are not dedicated to beer.

If you stay in Leavenworth, you can easily venture out for the various outdoor activities. In the winter, the fantastic ski resorts of Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge are 45 minutes away (in opposite directions).

13. Cannon Beach, Oregon

560 km from Vancouver (7 hours)

When to go: July to September to avoid the cool fog that comes in early summer

Haystack Rock and its reflection on the water in Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach on Oregon's Pacific Coast is one of the most iconic in the United States - the giant boulders and rock formations sitting just off the coast make for amazing views with very few places in the world being able to match this unique landscape.

Haystack Rocks is the biggest and most famous of the lot - according to the locals it is the third biggest monolith in the world. It sits alongside the Needles just off the beach and is home to a lot of wildlife including different crab and mollusk varieties.

Cannon Beach is the most famous, but not the only place in the local area you have to explore. The rock formations continue as you head further north to the Ecola State Park - you can drive but it's not far to walk along the two trails that run along the coastline.

You will pass the Sea Lion Rocks and Bird Rocks - you may be able to guess what you might find there! Crescent Beach and Indian Beach are home to a number of lagoons and some secret beaches which only reveal themselves at low tide.

Towards the end of the Cannon Beach Trail, at Hikers Camp, you will be rewarded with views over the Pacific Ocean and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse which has been abandoned since 1951 due to the difficulty of getting to the rock to maintain it.

The town of Cannon Beach has a relaxed vibe and a well known arts scene - there are a few different art galleries and shops you can stop by to see the best of local artists' work.

With more seaside towns nearby and parks along the coast (Oswald West State Park a few minutes south of Cannon Beach) or inland (the climb up Saddle Mountain is worth it), if you have a week to spare and want to relax to the sound of ocean waves, a road trip from Vancouver down to Cannon Beach is highly recommended.

Please check our comprehensive guide out to learn more:

READ MORE - Our Guide to Cannon Beach

14. Portland, Oregon

510 km from Vancouver (6 hours)

When to go: Portland is great to visit all year round

The skyline of Portland, Oregon, at sunrise with Mt Hood on the horizon

80 miles inland from Cannon Beach is the city of Portland. If you have time on your hands, combining the two into one trip can be a great idea to mix the seaside relaxation with a vibrant city break.

After the long drive to Portland from Vancouver, the best thing to do is find a place to park your car for the duration of your stay. Getting around the city is far easier, quicker and more enjoyable using public transport of on one of the Biketown bikes. There are bike lanes everywhere you look and the public transport system is one of the best in the states making driving around a pretty pointless exercise.

Over the last 20 years Portland has built a bit of a reputation for being a foodie town. There are amazing local restaurants with everything from Vietnamese chicken wings (you have to try them!) to the doughnuts that Portland is so famous for.

You probably have heard about the reputation of Portland's breweries. There are over 100 of them within the city limits, so a brewery tour is a perfect way to spend an evening. Try some of the smaller local breweries instead of heading for the big names - the beers are crafted with more love and you can find some real gems.

One of the best things to do in the City of Roses is to visit the amazing parks you can find throughout the city. There is a Japanese Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden as well as the world's smallest park according to the Guinness Book of Records - Mill Ends Park that measures 2 feet in diameter and can be found in the middle of Naito Parkway.

15. Nelson, British Columbia

660 km from Vancouver (7 hours 30 minutes)

When to go: June to September to make the most of the outdoors

Nelson Island, Sunshine Coast, British Colombia, Canada

As we get into the realm of some longer road trips from Vancouver, there will be a popular question along the lines of "Why don't you just fly?".

Spending 8 hours on the road is not for everyone and there are daily flights from Vancouver to Castlegar which is only 30 minutes' drive from Nelson. But flying always misses out on the one thing that makes these trips so memorable and unique - the getting there is sometimes as important as the place you're visiting.

The road trip to Nelson from Vancouver takes you along Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) as it snakes its way near the border with the United States. The road follows rivers running through valleys, conifer forests and has some amazing views as you climb into the mountains.

Be careful if you're attempting to make this drive in the middle of winter - although Canadian roads are amazingly looked after, snow and ice can make the drive more treacherous and add hours onto your journey. Roads including major routes can be closed with no warning with limited alternative routes available.

There are dozens of places to stop along the route if you want to break up the journey. Although you should easily do it in a day, you can explore nature at EC Manning and Bromley Provincial Parks where, if you're lucky you can meet a local marmot (a type of prairie dog).

The towns of Hedley and Keremeos are about halfway and are good overnight stop points with a rich mining history to explore in the former and endless fruit stands in the latter.

Once you're in Nelson it's all about the outdoors and exploring things to do up and down Kootenay Lake. One of the best known attractions is the Ainsworth Hot Springs. The naturally hot water attracts a lot of visitors, so if you can, try to get here early or stay at the resort for morning access before it opens to the public.

To make it easier getting around, there is a free ferry that goes between Balfour and Kootenay Bay that takes half an hour, but makes the east side of the lake very accessible.

16. Canadian Rockies Tour

2,400 km round trip from Vancouver (You'll want at least 2 weeks)

When to go: Go in the summer when roads are accessible and the driving is easier (although we've driven around in February!)

Trail in the Canadian Rockies, British Colombia, Canada

This is a definite joker in our pack of the best road trips from Vancouver - exploring the Rockies starting and finishing in Vancouver is a mighty road trip through the mountains, but it might just be one of the best road trips you will ever take.

If you're renting a car, you always have the option of going one way and then dropping it off in Calgary before flying back to Vancouver. The route here is a little more flexible and while we have driven large parts of this route, I've never done the entire thing in one go!

There are 4 major National Parks that you must travel through as you make your way around the Rockies: Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper. The first three are all relatively close together with Jasper National Park being further north.

Whether you're going in the summer or winter, start with the central part of the Rockies - Kicking Horse, Banff and Canmore are all great towns to explore for different reasons. Plus there's the famous Lake Louise in the middle which is striking - you can walk on it in the winter too!

Driving up to Jasper follows the most scenic driving road on this list - the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). It runs all the way from Lake Louise to Jasper, passing through valleys and the impossibly blue Peyto Lake. There are loads of places to stop for a drink, a quick photo opportunity or to take a detour to a fast flowing river flowing through a canyon.

The quickest way back is to follow Highway 5 all the way into Vancouver although if you don't want to come back the same way, you can head west along Highway 99, making your way past Pemberton and Whistler instead.

17. Drive up to Barkerville, British Columbia

800 km from Vancouver (9 hours)

When to go: Summer is better to explore the town, but you can visit all year round if the roads are passable!

Horses in historic town of Barkerville, British Columbia, Canada

Barkerville is a long drive north from Vancouver and while it is an amazing place to visit, you should definitely make it part of a wider trip instead of heading for Barkerville and then trekking right back.

You can add stops in Whistler, Pemberton or one of the Provincial Parks in the lakes that surround Highway 97. Alternatively, add in Jasper and as much of the Rockies as you can to your itinerary if time allows.

Barkerville became a prominent Gold Rush mining town in 1862 and as the rush moved on was declared a National Historic Site as early as 1924.

Today Barkerville is the largest authentic heritage town in North America where everything has been left as it was in the 19th century mining town. The buildings, shops and even the people will make you feel immersed into the historic town and even the food is themed in the restaurants.

You can get a ride on one of the stagecoaches, see different professions in action in over 130 historic buildings and even have a go at mining your own gold - there is plenty to do for all ages making it a great family experience.

With the Cariboo Mountains forming a backdrop to Barkerville and other sights up and down the Okanagan valley, this is a quirky choice for your road trip from Vancouver - make sure you bring snacks and think of games to play along the way - distances become larger the further north you go in British Columbia and it can easily take an hour to hop to the next town up the road!

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The 5 Best Road Trips from Vancouver

Last update: December 5th, 2023 at 07:52 am

BC Road Trips from Vancouver

Affiliate Disclosure: This best road trip from Vancouver post also contains additional affiliate links.  For more information, please see our  Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy . 

5 Best Road Trips from Vancouver

Looking for some ideas for BC road trips from Vancouver? I originally wrote this post during those dark Covid days when doing short road trips from Vancouver was our only travel option. Truth be told, while we were reluctant at first (we dream of far-flung lands), we totally fell in love with our home province of British Columbia and discovered so many gorgeous places that we might have overlooked otherwise.

Whether you are a local or come from abroad, I hope you find inspiration in this guide to 5 of the best road trips from Vancouver to take this summer, and beyond. Please use the following menu to find what you need quickly.

Table of Contents

BC Road Trip Tips

Book flexible accommodation s.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Consider Logistics

Consider the logistics of getting to your desired destination. Reservations on BC Ferries , for example, are often necessary during the busy summer season. (Be sure to check for sailing availability before booking your accommodations.) Alternatively, consider visiting places that you can drive directly to without relying on a ferry.

EV Chargers

If you are planning on driving an EV on road trips from Vancouver, plan those charging stops ahead of time around BC’s network of fast charging stations (DC). Download the EV charging station app in advance.

Keep in mind the fact that A/C consumes more juice from your battery and your range will drop. (I only bank on 2/3 of the range that my EV is registering.)

Check Road Conditions

Before you set out on Vancouver road trip, check your route on the  DriveBC website  for unexpected events that could result in delays (construction etc.).

5 BC Road Trips from Vancouver

1. the sea to sky – whistler road trip.

2-5 Nights (~250 to 300km) 

Considered one of the most scenic roads in Canada, the Sea to Sky highway offers some incredible coastal mountain scenery. It is perfect if you are looking for a 2 to 3 day road trip from Vancouver (although there is lots to do if you have more time). Check out all these great stops:

The town of Squamish provides an excellent base for adventurers with a wide array of outdoor pursuits. Visitors can indulge in rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking and more.

For those who love a great view without a lot of effort, the Sea to Sky Gondola whisks you up a mountain in minutes. At the top, you can choose from several hikes, traverse the suspension bridge, or relax on the beautiful patio.

Sea to Sky Gondola

If you would prefer a good workout, you can also hike from the bottom of the gondola to the Sea-to-Sky lookout (3-4 hours). Then for a small fee ($19), you can take the gondola back down.

After exploring the great outdoors, Squamish has an abundance of craft distilleries and locally-run restaurants to enjoy in and around town.

Where to stay: Sunwolf Riverside Cabins – Unplug for a few days by booking a secluded cabin by river. While most sleep 2-3, their gorgeous Fisherman’s Cottage can sleep up to 6. The property is pet friendly (small fee). Sunwolf also has an excellent restaurant on the property – Fergie’s Cafe .

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins Squamish

Here is a 1 minute video of Sunwolf Squamish:

Learn more at: Explore Squamish

See also:   Tripadvisor’s Top 15 Things to do in Squamish

Drive 45 minutes further north and you will arrive in the world class resort town of Whistler. Not only do you have great hikes, mountain biking, paddle boarding, caneoing and more, you also have access to a wide array of resort shops and lovely full-service hotels. Restaurants range from tasty food carts to award-winning fine dining.

Whether you want to have a laid back afternoon by the lake, or ride one of the longest ziplines in North America – there is something for everyone.

Whistler – Weekend Trips in BC

Where to stay:   The Nita Lake Lodge  is located right beside the lake of the same name and has gorgeous west coast-styled studio to 2 bedroom suites. If you prefer something right in Whistler Village, the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel is a big favourite among visitors.

Learn more at: Tourism Whistler

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Drive just a little further north (+60km roundtrip) and you will arrive in the agriculturally rich Pemberton Valley. Go on a horseback riding adventure, get your bounty at the farmer’s market, or relax over a pint at the  The Beer Farmers brewery.

Where to stay: The  Pemberton Valley Lodge  suites hotel offers upscale amenities, an outdoor heated pool, and a hot tub with views of Mt. Currie.

Learn more at: Tourism Pemberton

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

For the Drive Back

To return from your Vancouver to Whistler road trip, you can backtrack along the same Sea-to-Sky Highway route. (The coastal views are actually better on the way back.) Alternatively, you can make a loop of it, carrying on from Pemberton to Lillooet, and then returning via the Fraser Canyon (which used to be the main highway into the BC interior before the Coquihalla Highway was built).

Also known as the Coast Mountain Circle Route , you can learn more about it here .

2. The Kootenays

7 Nights (~1700 to 1800km Loop)

See also this post on: A Kootenays Road Trip .

From backcountry adventures to luxury mountain lodges, The Kootenays deliver for people who love the outdoors. Located in the province’s southeast corner, this region includes 4 mountain ranges (the Rockies, Purcells, Selkirks and Monasheees), 4 National parks and 75 provincial parks.

Imagine hikes to aqua-hued lakes and majestic waterfalls, river rafting adventures, wildlife excursions and relaxing in natural hot springs at the day’s end. Here are some stops you should consider.

Note: This itinerary is great if you are looking for a 7 day road trip from Vancouver as there is a lot to see and do!

Golden BC Road Trips

Within easy reach of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, Revelstoke is the perfect place for mountain biking, dirt biking, and hiking, as well as white water rafting and stand up paddle boarding. This charming town, steeped in Canadian railway history, also has some excellent coffee houses, restaurants, brew pubs and distilleries.

Where to stay:

Basecamp Revelstoke is a boutique hotel situated just a short walk from Downtown Revelstoke, overlooking the Colombia River and only a 15 minute shuttle ride to the world-famous Revelstoke Mountain Resort. If Basecamp is fully booked (it usually is), The Coast Hillcrest  on the outskirts of town is a nice (and well-priced) option.

Basecamp Hotel Revelstoke

Learn more at: See Revelstoke

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

This little mountain town is a wonderful base from which to explore both Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park. Both have incredible hikes for all levels, ranging from less than an hour to several days for the more advanced.

Best Drives in BC

Just a 15 minute drive outside of town is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, where you will find some fantastic adrenaline-inducing activities such as mountain biking and a very exciting Via Ferrata . Italian for “iron road”, a Via Ferrata is a protected climbing route with a steel cable running along the route that is fixed to the rock.

No visit to Kicking Horse is complete without stopping in to catch a peek of Boo the orphaned grizzly in his 20 acre habitat (daily tours available). Animal lovers might also enjoy visiting the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre  and Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch just outside of town (they are located very close to each other).

Recently, a brand new adventure park opened up in Golden. The Golden Skybridge offers two of Canada’s highest suspension bridges, an exhilarating zip line over a canyon, a Mountain Coaster, a treetop obstacle course, axe-throwing and much more. When my husband and I visited, we spent twice as long as we expected to because we were having so much fun!

Where to stay: Tucked into 12 acres of woodlands, the Moberly Lodge has cozy rooms and 2 self catering log cabins. If you would prefer to be in town, Golden has a really nice little hotel (new) called Rooms at Riveredge . For a real splurge, check out the Cathedral Mountain Lodge in nearby Field, BC.

Learn more at: Tourism Golden

See also: Our guide to the Best Things to do in Golden, B.C.

Hot Springs

Within the Kootenay region there are numerous places to enjoy naturally spring-fed hot pools. Several of the most popular are Radium and Fairmont near Kootenay National Park, and Ainsworth, just outside of Nelson. All of them offer towel rentals, and in a pinch, some of them even rent swimsuits.

See the full list of Kootenay hot springs.

Hot Springs in BC

Nelson 

The youthful, laid-back lifestyle of Nelson has long attracted artists, musicians and craftspeople looking to escape bigger cities. It’s also a very picturesque town, with over 350 beautifully preserved Victorian era buildings.

Nelson is equally attractive outside of town, with easy access to several provincial and national parks, as well as the water sports of Kootenay Lake.

Where to stay: The centrally-located Hume Hotel has beautiful modern-heritage rooms, a full service spa, a restaurant and a live music venue.

Learn more:  Kootenay Rockies Tourism

3. The Okanagan

3-7 Nights (~900 to 1000 km)

One of the most popular BC road trips from Vancouver is to explore the Okanagan Valley. This region gets exceptional summer weather and is famous for its fruit orchards, lake life and abundance of wineries.

The Okanagan corridor runs along Highway 97 from the ranch country of Vernon in the north, through Lake Country and the lively city of Kelowna, on to the fruit-filled orchards of Peachland and Penticton, and ends up in the wine country of Oliver and Osoyoos.

BC Road Trip Ideas

As you meander along the route, you are never far from the water with Kalamalka, Okanagan, Skaha, and Osoyoos lakes all along the way (plus a bunch of smaller ones). Whether you want to go boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or just want to kick back on a sandy beach, there is always a lake nearby.

Cyclists will enjoy riding along the Kettle Valley Trail,  which offer 650 km of pathways along a decommissioned rail line. The trail can be enjoyed as a day trip, or as a multi-day adventure, depending on rider ability.

For a different kind of ride, kids and rail buffs alike will love hopping on the 100 year old Kettle Valley Steam Train. The Spirit of Summerland takes guests on a scenic 90 minute ride through the Okanagan Valley.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Okanagan Wine Country

From Kelowna, down through the Naramata Bench, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos, you are in BC’s best wine country with hundreds of wineries to choose from. Whether you are looking to pop by a small family run operation or a swanky world-class winery and tasting room, you will find something to entice your palate.

If you are interested in finding out about special events hosted by the wineries (including long table dinners), see  thewinefestivals.com .

See also: 12 New(ish) Wineries to Visit in the Okanagan (The Vancouver Sun) as well as these family friendly Okanagan wineries .

Okanagan Road Trip

And of course, one can’t mention Osoyoos without bringing up the mysterious Spotted Lake. Kliluk, as it is known to the First Nations People of Osoyoos, is a mineral rich lake, full of calcium, sodium sulphates and magnesium sulphate. In the summer months, much of the water evaporates, leaving the unusual colours and rings of minerals.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Where to stay: Throughout the Okanagan Valley, there are some lovely places to stay. Some top picks include Sparkling Hill Wellness Spa in Vernon (adults only), and in Osoyoos, The Watermark Beachfront Resort and Spirit Ridge (nice for both couples and families).

Learn more:  Okanagan Valley from Hello BC .

Want to see a bit more? Check out this video of the Okanagan Corridor . It makes me want to hit the road right now!

4. Vancouver Island

4-7 Nights (~400 to 700km)

Note: For ferry options to get to Vancouver Island, please see the BC Ferries website. It is possible to take two different ferry routes (ex. arrive via Swartz Bay and return via Nanaimo) so that you do not need to retrace your whole drive on the return trip.

Begin your Vancouver Island adventure in the harbourfront city of Victoria. While many people visit for its quaint British charm (think classic pubs, afternoon tea service and carriage rides), the city has much more to offer than that.

Victoria is a great city for a stroll with Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown (Canada’s oldest!), Fisherman’s Wharf and the parliament buildings all close to the city center. The Royal B.C. Museum is a must-visit attraction with its exceptional west coast galleries. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful city views by taking a ride on the Victoria Harbour Ferry water taxi service.

chicago to vancouver bc road trip

Where to stay: For couples, the award-winning Magnolia Hotel and Spa is boutique hotel gem. For families looking for a special stay (and a pool), you can’t beat the Fairmont Empress Hotel .

Learn more at: Tourism Victoria

Cowichan Valley and Parksville Qualicum Beach

From Victoria, head north into the Cowichan Valley, a region well known for its agritourism. Think artisanal cheese, organic coffee roasters, award-winning cideries and distilleries.

When you have had your fill of food and drink, continue north to the seaside villages of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. With water warmed from low summer tides, this is the perfect spot for an evening stroll, beach combing and paddle boarding.

Where to stay: The  Bellstar Beach Club Resort   in Parksville offers spacious suites with beautiful ocean views.

Learn more at: Tourism Cowichan and Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism

Ucluelet and Tofino

Experience the best of the wild west coast by visiting the neighbouring communities of Ucluelet and Tofino. Hike through ancient forests, enjoy miles of sandy beaches, embark on a wildlife excursion (whales and bears!), take a surf lesson or two, and do some stellar stargazing.

Where to stay: Tofino has a great selection hotels. Two beachfront standouts are The Pacific Sands Resort and The Ocean Village Resort .

For longer stays, a vacation rental , preferably near one of the west coast beaches (Chesterman, Mackenzie, Cox Bay) may make for a more economical choice.

Learn more at: Discover Ucluelet and Tourism Tofino

See also: The 12 Best Things to do in Ucluelet

Tofino Beaches

5. The Sunshine Coast

2-5 Nights (~200 to 360km)

Enjoy some of BC’s most beautiful scenery and marine life along this 180km stretch of coastline. This lovely region can be reached by a short ferry ride out of West Vancouver.

Tip: During busy summer months, book reservations ahead of time with BC Ferries .

Once you reach the Sunshine Coast, take your time working your way north while enjoying the gorgeous coastal views. Leave plenty of time to stroll around villages and marinas along the route. Even better? Time your visit to coincide with one of the many farmer’s markets .

From hiking the  Sunshine Coast Trail , to watching the tidal rapids of the  Skookumchuck Narrows  (“The Skook”) – there is plenty to see and do. Hone your mountain bike skills at  Sprockids Mountain Bike Park , or enjoy kayaking, biking, boating, diving, marine tours and more.

If you have the time, take a day trip via water taxi to Savary Island. This special spot is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in British Columbia (and the warmest ocean water).

The Return Trip

Although most people head back the way they came, if you have more time, you may choose to do the full coastal route which takes your across the Straight of Georgia and back down Vancouver Island.

For inspiration, check out this little video of the Coast Circle Route .

Where to stay: The Painted Rock Resort & Spa – Madeira Park is a beautiful property located on the shores of Pender Harbour. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and guest accommodation with fully equipped kitchens.

Learn more:   Tourism Sunshine Coast

See also: Tripadvisor’s Top Things to do on the Sunshine Coast

More Travel Guides

  • BC Kootenays Road Trip Guide
  • Top Things to do in Golden, B.C.
  • Bear Watching in Bella Coola, BC
  • Assiniboine Lodge, BC – Hike In/Fly Out
  • Purcell Mountain Lodge, BC – Alpine Hiking
  • Vancouver to Banff Road Trip (Winter)
  • Whistler with Kids Guide 
  • Victoria with Kids Guide
  • Tofino with Kids Guide

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6 Responses

Na7 whatsapp.

Love this list of road trips from Vancouver! Can’t wait to try out the Sunshine Coast route this summer. The scenery looks absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing!

College Brawl

Love this post! I’ve been wanting to take a road trip from Vancouver for a while now, and the itinerary you provided looks like it would be an amazing adventure. Definitely saving this for my next summer trip planning 🚐🏞️

Love this list! Can’t wait to hit the road this summer and explore some of these beautiful destinations. Vancouver is such a lovely city, but it’s great to see some of the hidden gems nearby that are worth visiting. Thanks for sharing!

Road Tripper

Going from Vancouver to Halifax is my favorite road trip, do it every three years or so. If you follow the Trans Canada Highway you get to stop along every major Canadian city.

I love road trips! I’m so excited to try out some of these great Vancouver BC road trips this summer.

If they are contacted at the right time for the right purpose, then it can reap a lot of benefits. Honestly, there are so many of them. Again and again, I will be reading this blog to get the tips in a good way. They seem to be pretty valuable.

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  • Plan a Road Trip
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Trippy

Distance between Vancouver and Chicago

Driving non-stop from vancouver to chicago.

How far is Chicago from Vancouver? Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping.

Nonstop drive: 2,197 miles or 3536 km

Driving time: 32 hours, 13 minutes

This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to drive nonstop. To get a better idea of how long this road trip would actually take, scroll down to calculate how many hours it would be if you drive with stops .

Flying non-stop from Vancouver to Chicago

Now let's assume you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line between Vancouver, British Columbia and Chicago, Illinois. Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula. For a long distance, this appears as a curve on the map, and this is often the route that commercial airlines will take so it's a good estimate of the frequent flyer miles you'll accumulate as well.

Flight distance: 1,777 miles or 2860 km

Flight time: 4 hours, 3 minutes

The straight line flight distance is 420 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance.

Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/8th of the time it would take to drive.

This is a medium length flight, so unless you have a nice private jet, you might be booking a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. Scroll down to see a more realistic calculation that takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

Vancouver to Chicago road trip

Realistically, you're not going to want to drive without stopping all the way from Vancouver to Chicago, especially if you're the main driver. So let's say you're actually planning a road trip to Chicago, and you need to stop along the way to rest. Plus if it's a real road trip, you might want to check out interesting stops along the way, eat at great restaurants, and find a hotel to stay overnight. That's what Trippy is perfect for, helping you figure out travel plans in detail.

Based on the length of this trip, we think you could spread out this fun road trip over a number of days.

Road trip: 5 days of driving

With the full itinerary planned out, we can estimate your total travel time for this trip.

Travel time: 34 hours on the road with 4 overnights

Start in Vancouver .

Drive for about 2.5 hours , then stop in Seattle and stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 7 hours , then stop in Missoula and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 3 hours then stop in Bozeman . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 2 hours , then stop in Billings and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 4 hours then stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 5 hours , then stop in West Fargo and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 4 hours then stop in Minneapolis . Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 4 hours , then stop in Madison (Wisconsin) and stay for about 1 hour. Finally, drive for about 2.5 hours and arrive in Chicago .

Vancouver to Chicago airports and flights

In the quick calculation above, we assumed you had a private plane and just wanted to know the time in the air from city to city. But for most of us, we're going to be flying on a commercial airline (whether it's first class or coach). So that means we really need to account for all the extra travel time getting to the airport, waiting for our flight, and making it to the destination.

To give you a better estimate of real-life travel, we've put together a flight itinerary with actual airports. Eventually you'll be able to customize this plan, choosing your own airports and flights. But for now, here's an example we've selected to give you an idea of how traveling might work between airports.

Departure airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Arrival airport: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

With the airports selected, we can estimate the travel time to and from the airport, based on how far the airport is from downtown.

Getting to the airport: 21 minutes

Getting to your destination: 48 minutes

Now finally, let's look at an actual flight from YVR to ORD on Air Canada and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

Commercial flight time: 4 hours, 3 minutes

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Vancouver to Chicago including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 7 hours

Plan a trip to Chicago

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Chicago, Illinois. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Chicago , or find out how many days in Chicago to visit. If you're looking for a place to stay, you might want to check out The James Chicago Hotel . A great place to eat might be Lou Malnati's Pizzeria . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Chicago like Millennium Park . Check out some of the questions people have asked about Chicago like What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago? . Click the button below to explore Chicago in detail.

How far is it the other way?

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line (or driving the same roads back and forth). But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse directions to get the distance from Chicago to Vancouver , or go to the main page to calculate the distance between cities .

If you happen to know Vancouver, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Vancouver!

More info on this route: drive from Vancouver to Chicago road conditions alternate routes Google driving directions

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Cheap flights from Chicago to Vancouver

Good to know, when is the cheapest time to fly, popular airports near chicago.

  • O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago 25 min 25 km
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Chicago 22 min 14 km
  • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Milwaukee 1 hr 23 min 120 km
  • Indianapolis International Airport (IND) Indianapolis 2 hr 57 min 265 km

Popular airports near Vancouver

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Vancouver 27 min 10 km
  • Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) Vancouver 56 min 62 km
  • Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (CXH) Vancouver 9 min 1 km
  • Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Seattle 2 hr 48 min 212 km

Frequently asked questions about flying from Chicago to Vancouver

Search more flights, popular trips from chicago.

These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months.

Prices are for round-trip flights for 1 adult in Economy.

  • Seattle RUB 10,574 Mar 31 — Apr 9 Nonstop 4 hr 34 min United
  • Miami RUB 5,731 Apr 8 — Apr 17 Nonstop 3 hr 14 min Frontier
  • Rome RUB 47,571 May 6 — May 14 1 stop 14 hr 5 min American, British Airways, Iberia
  • San Francisco RUB 8,917 Apr 13 — Apr 20 Nonstop 4 hr 39 min Frontier

Find flights from Chicago to anywhere

More places to fly.

Field Level Media

Canucks aim to cap road trip in style vs. Blackhawks

The Vancouver Canucks know little about slumping this season.

The Chicago Blackhawks? Not so much.

On Tuesday, the Blackhawks aim to snap their latest -- and longest -- skid this season at the expense of the Western Conference-leading Canucks, who are hoping to finish a five-game road trip with a winning record.

Vancouver has lost consecutive games on only three occasions this season. That's a marked contrast to the Blackhawks, whose current six-game losing streak is their fifth losing streak of at least four games.

The Canucks escaped the possibility of a third straight defeat when J.T. Miller scored with 4.8 seconds left in overtime to secure a win at Washington on Sunday.

"It was a mucky game," Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet said. "You're going to have these games in an 82-game schedule. I thought some guys were tired, which means you need to play smart, and we turned the puck over a few times halfway through the game.

"I thought we were better as the game went on, but some games you have to play when you don't have your legs and you've got to play smart."

Vancouver enjoyed a day of rest on Monday. The Canucks lost 4-3 to the Detroit Red Wings in overtime on Saturday afternoon before playing another matinee against the Capitals.

The busy weekend followed Vancouver's most lopsided defeat of the season, Thursday's 4-0 beating in Boston.

"Things have gone so well this year that when you lose one, it feels like the end of the world," Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers said. "But guys are doing a good job of sticking with it."

Tuesday marks the third game of a five-game homestand for the Blackhawks, who have lost three straight contests by one goal.

Chicago has been idle since Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers. Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson scored in the final 6:23 of regulation as the Blackhawks tied the game, but Mika Zibanejad rescued the Rangers 2:37 into the extra session, beating Chicago goaltender Petr Mrazek.

Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson lauded the team's effort and persistence as several key contributors remain out due to injury. Chicago has scored more than two goals just four times in the past 18 games.

"I think the guys, it's just their work ethic," Richardson said. "We've been kind of on this for maybe over a month now that I've been very happy with the work ethic. We haven't gotten the results most nights, but we're inching closer every time."

The Blackhawks will aim to salvage a victory in the season series with the Canucks.

Vancouver defeated host Chicago 4-3 on Dec. 17. Brock Boeser's second-period goal, one of three markers from Vancouver in the period, stood up as the game-winner and helped the Canucks offset two goals by Foligno.

Miller and Myers each contributed two assists for the Canucks, who blanked the visiting Blackhawks 2-0 on Jan. 22 behind a 31-save shutout from Thatcher Demko. Andrei Kuzmenko assisted on both Vancouver goals.

Want more articles like this? Follow Field Level Media on MSN to see more of our exclusive NHL content.

More must-reads:

  • Sharks provide injury update on All-Star Tomas Hertl
  • Morgan Rielly offered in-person hearing for cross-checking
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Canucks aim to cap road trip in style vs. Blackhawks

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COMMENTS

  1. Stops and things to do on Chicago to Vancouver drive or road trip

    The top stops along the way from Chicago to Vancouver (with short detours) are Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Mall of America®, and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Other popular stops include Old Faithful, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and Wall Drug Store. Show only these on map.

  2. Chicago to Vancouver drive

    10:00 am leave from Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. drive for about 3.5 hours. 1:37 pm West Fargo. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 2:37 pm. drive for about 5 hours. 7:27 pm Theodore Roosevelt National Park. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 2 driving ≈ 8.5 hours.

  3. Road Trip

    Welcome to the RTA Forum! "Best" is a just such a tough word to define a route, because the best route depends upon what you want to do. Now the fastest route would be to take I-90 to Seattle, and then cut up to Vancouver from there. Its 2200 miles, and could be done in as little as 4 days, being on the road for about 10 hours a day - In good ...

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    The total driving time is 32 hours, 13 minutes. Your trip begins in Chicago, Illinois. It ends in Vancouver, Canada. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada. You can also calculate the cost to drive from Chicago, IL to Vancouver, Canada based on current ...

  5. Vancouver to Chicago (2 weeks?) : r/roadtrip

    I am planning a road trip from Vancouver to Chicago and back and wanted to see the feasibility of making it in 2 weeks. Our plan was to get to Glacier National Park and the badlands/black hills on the way. ... r/BritishColumbia is dedicated to all things related to the Canadian province of British Columbia, situated on the stunning West Coast ...

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    Days 1 & 2 - Vancouver. 📍 Google Maps | Website | 🛏️ Hotels: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Blue Horizon Hotel, Samesun Vancouver | 👉 Suggested Tour: City & Mountains 30-minute helicopter tour. To begin your British Columbia Road Trip, I recommend flying into Vancouver Airport (YVR) and renting a car. From there, there are a million ...

  7. How far is Vancouver from Chicago

    Itinerary. Start in Chicago.. Drive for about 2.5 hours, then stop in Madison (Wisconsin) and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 4 hours then stop in Minneapolis.Stay overnight. The next day, drive for about 3.5 hours, then stop in West Fargo and stay for about 1 hour. Next, drive for another 5 hours then stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. ...

  8. Vancouver to Chicago drive

    drive for about 2 hours. 12:05 pm Billings. stay for about 1 hour. and leave at 1:05 pm. drive for about 4 hours. 5:11 pm Theodore Roosevelt National Park. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am. day 3 driving ≈ 6 hours. find more stops.

  9. Chicago to Vancouver

    The distance between Chicago and Vancouver is 2853 km. The road distance is 3596.1 km. Get driving directions ... Granville Island is a peninsula and shopping district in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver, under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. ... Trips to Vancouver.

  10. road trip from vancouver to chicago

    Answer 1 of 5: Hi there, me and some friends are planning a road trip for 3 weeks starting in vancouver down to washington, san fracisco, el lay, las vegas, grand canyon, and whatever is in between till chicago.

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    Option 1: East of Vancouver Loop. This trip option, east of Vancouver, can take between five and 10 days, depending on whether you include the eastern cities of Revelstoke and Golden in your itinerary. In any case, you'll first want to get from Vancouver to Whistler along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99).

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  14. The Perfect British Columbia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

    Here's a quick recap of the itinerary: Day 1: Vancouver to Whistler, overnight in Whistler. Day 2: Joffre Lakes, overnight in Whistler. Day 3: Visit Sloquet Hot Springs, overnight in Whistler (you can also camp overnight at the campground by Sloquet. Here's some info on what the camping is like)

  15. The Best Road Trip from Vancouver for first time visitors

    Best Road Trip from Vancouver, Canada. Day 1 & 2 - Explore Vancouver. Day 3 - Take the ferry to Victoria. Day 4 - Enjoy a full day in Victoria. Day 5 - Drive from Victoria to Parksville. Day 5 - Drive from Parksville to Ucluelet. Day 6 & 7 - Ucluelet and Tofino. Day 8 - Travel from Tofino to Whistler. Day 9 - Explore Whistler.

  16. $163 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Vancouver (YVR)

    Cheap Flights from Chicago to Vancouver (ORD-YVR) Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $163 for one-way flights and $340 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

  17. Road Trip Planner

    The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more. Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing ...

  18. Vancouver, BC by Rail

    9 Days From $2,449pp. Trip Details. Save $150 Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria Rail Journey. Seattle, WA Vancouver, BC Victoria, BC Seattle, WA. 7 Days From $1,049pp. Trip Details. Save $500 Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies by Rail. Chicago, IL Glacier National Park, MT Vancouver, BC Jasper, AB Banff, AB Lake Louise, AB Calgary, AB.

  19. 7 scenic drives through BC

    Whether you want to hit the road for a few weeks with friends, or need to cram in as much scenery as possible into a few days, here are seven road trip routes that show off the best of BC. The Sea-to-Sky Highway - Credit: Destination BC. 1. The Sea-to-Sky Highway. That old saying that it isn't about the destination but the journey, starts to ...

  20. 17 Best Road Trips From Vancouver

    The United States is right nearby as well with some great places you can drive to from Vancouver. Featuring whale watching, mountain towns and Canada's finest hospitality, here is our list of the 17 best road trips from Vancouver. 1. Bowen Island, BC.

  21. 5 Best Road Trips from Vancouver

    5 BC Road Trips from Vancouver. 1. The Sea to Sky - Whistler Road Trip. 2-5 Nights (~250 to 300km) Considered one of the most scenic roads in Canada, the Sea to Sky highway offers some incredible coastal mountain scenery. It is perfect if you are looking for a 2 to 3 day road trip from Vancouver (although there is lots to do if you have more ...

  22. How far is Chicago from Vancouver

    Driving non-stop from Vancouver to Chicago. How far is Chicago from Vancouver? Here's the quick answer if you have friends taking shifts as driver so that you can make the entire trip by car without stopping. Nonstop drive: 2,197 miles or 3536 km. Driving time: 32 hours, 13 minutes. This is a really long drive, so it's not very realistic to ...

  23. Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Vancouver

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  24. Canucks aim to cap road trip in style vs. Blackhawks

    Vancouver defeated host Chicago 4-3 on Dec. 17. Brock Boeser's second-period goal, one of three markers from Vancouver in the period, stood up as the game-winner and helped the Canucks offset two ...