7 Scenic Drives Through British Columbia
Sea-to-Sky, Tofino Surf, Wine Country, Hot Springs & the Alaska Highway
Quick Summary
British Columbia is big and beautiful—every corner has outstanding nature, gorgeous panoramic views, or unique cultural experiences worth visiting. These seven road trip routes show off the best of BC, from the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler to surf-tossed beaches on Vancouver Island, wine country in the Okanagan, seven hot springs in the Kootenays, and the legendary Alaska Highway into the Yukon.
Route Comparison
| Route | Distance | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea-to-Sky Highway | 162 km | < 1 day | Vancouver-Whistler, gondola, falls |
| Pacific Marine Circle | 255 km | 1-3 days | Victoria, surf beaches, wine |
| Vancouver to Tofino | 300 km | 1-3 days | Ferry, old-growth, surfing |
| Coastal Circle Route | 560 km | 3-7 days | 4+ ferries, Sunshine Coast |
| Mountains & Vineyards | 1,260 km | 7-10 days | Okanagan, hot springs, Rockies |
| Hot Springs Circle | 851 km | 7 days | 7 hot springs, Kootenay Rockies |
| Great Northern Circle | 3,190 km | 10+ days | Alaska Hwy, glaciers, N. Lights |
The Sea-to-Sky Highway hugs the cliffs above Howe Sound between Vancouver and Whistler; one of Canada's most dramatic drives, where the pullouts for waterfalls, viewpoints, and gondola rides are half the reason to make the trip. Credit: Destination BC
1. The Sea-to-Sky Highway
Start: Vancouver | Distance: 162 km | Time: < 1 day
That old saying 'it isn't about the destination but the journey' makes sense driving the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This winding road between Vancouver and Whistler earns its name—blue waters on one side, soaring cliffs on the other, nothing but open skies ahead. Pass waterfalls, rivers, canyons, and mountains. Seven interpretive kiosks shaped like cedar-bark hats share First Nations stories.
Essential stops: Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, the Stawamus Chief, Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb
2. The Pacific Marine Circle Route
Start: Victoria | Distance: 255 km | Time: 1-3 days
Perfect for time-pressed foodies, this Vancouver Island road trip 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 provincial capital. Starting in Victoria, head west past culinary hotspot Sooke to big surf beaches on the southwest coast and vineyard-draped Cowichan Valley wine country. The Juan de Fuca Strait views alone are worth the drive.
Essential stops: Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, BC Forest Discovery Centre, Totem Tour
Two surfers walk into the Pacific at golden hour. The Vancouver-to-Tofino drive through old-growth rainforest and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve earns its ending.
3. Vancouver to Tofino
Start: Vancouver | Distance: 300 km | Time: 1-3 days
Rent an old Volkswagen bus, fill the roof with surfboards, and head on a quintessential BC road trip. Leave Vancouver, hop a ferry to Vancouver Island, and drive through massive old-growth forests to the surf capital of Canada. Stop for incredible hikes, sandy beaches stretching forever, and consistently breathtaking scenery.
Essential stops: MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove), Ucluelet Aquarium, Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
4. The Coastal Circle Route
Start: Vancouver | Distance: 560 km | Time: 3-7 days
Seascapes, beaches, and driftwood all the way—up Vancouver Island's eastern shore and back down the famous Sunshine Coast. At least four ferry rides (more if exploring smaller islands). Visit BC's artists and artisans in studios, galleries, funky artsy towns, stunning gardens, First Nations sites, wineries, organic farms, and two major cities.
Essential stops: Butchart Gardens, Comox Air Force Museum, Historic Lund Hotel, Sechelt
Okanagan Lake stretches below terraced vineyards on the Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route: where BC's best wine country, warm lake beaches, and hot springs make a compelling case for the slower road.
5. The Mountains & Vineyards Circle Route
Start: Golden | Distance: 1,260 km | Time: 7-10 days
All about indulgence—wine country followed by hot springs resorts. Starting in Golden (outdoor adventure center in the Kootenay Rockies), drive to BC's southeast along Okanagan Valley lakes and vineyards, through Canada's only true desert, past Rocky Mountain peaks and glaciers. Championship golf, lift-accessed hiking, mountain biking, historic towns, mountain resorts, and of course hot springs and wineries.
Essential stops: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Yoho National Park, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Columbia Gardens Vineyard & Winery
6. The Hot Springs Circle Route
Start: Cranbrook | Distance: 851 km | Time: 7 days
Seven days, seven hot springs. This route through BC's Kootenay Rockies visits 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 railway history, mountain resorts, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure.
Essential stops: Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Two headlamps against a full northern lights display on the Great Northern Circle Route. This drive earns its name after dark, where aurora borealis season and true wilderness distance are the whole point.
7. The Great Northern Circle Route
Start: Prince George | Distance: 3,190 km | Time: 10+ days
The longest BC road trip—the legendary Alaska Highway and beyond. This odyssey through Northern BC into the Yukon features stone sheep, moose, grizzly and black bears, natural hot springs, ancient totem poles, legendary fishing, glaciers, the Northern Lights, First Nations culture, and Fur Trade history.
Essential stops: Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Boya Lake Provincial Park, Bear Glacier, Salmon Glacier, Fort St. James National Historic Site