Seven classic driving routes in British Columbia 2025
British Columbia is a vast and beautiful province. Whether it’s stunning natural beauty, stunning panoramas or unique cultural experiences, there’s something to tempt you around every corner.
Why stay in just one place when there’s so much to see everywhere?
BC and surrounding areas There are countless scenic highways
Whether you want to enjoy a few weeks of driving with friends or try to see as much as possible in a few days, here are 7 driving routes that will show you the best of British Columbia.
1. Haitian Expressway
There is an old saying that the meaning of travel is not the destination, but the journey itself.
Haitian Expressway
You’ll understand what it means when you get on the Sea to Sky Highway. This winding road connecting Vancouver and Whistler really lives up to its name. With azure waters on one side, sheer cliffs on the other, and nothing but open sky in front of you, you’ll literally feel civilization receding in your rearview mirror. The Sea to Sky Highway takes you past waterfalls, rivers, canyons and mountains, as well as a few towns, so keep an eye out for exits marked “Tourist Attraction.
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” And if you’re interested in learning about the area’s Aboriginal history, there’s a Seven interpretation booths, designed in the shape of a cedar bark hat, where you can read stories about the first inhabitants of the area.
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Starting point: Vancouver
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Distance: 163 km
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Travel time: <1 day
Must-see attractions: Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls Provincial Park, Stavermus Mountain, Squamish, Sea to Sky Gondola, and Whistler Blackcomb.
2. Pacific Rim Highway
If you don’t have much time but want to try as many dishes as possible,
Pacific Rim Highway
The ideal route is to take in surf beaches, ancient forests, BC’s second-largest wine region, some of Canada’s best restaurants, and the culinary specialties of BC’s capital, all within a few hours’ drive. Starting in Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia the road heads west, passing the gourmet town of Sooke, the great surf beaches of the southwest coast, and the rolling vineyards of the Cowichan Valley, not to mention the stunning panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca Strait.
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Starting point: Victoria
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Distance: 254 km
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Time: 1-3 days
- Must-see attractions: Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Juan de Fuca Coastal Trail, BC Forest Discovery Centre, Totem Tour.
3. Vancouver to Tofino
Rent a vintage Volkswagen, British Columbia strap a surfboard to the roof, and go .
Vancouver to Tofino
This scenic drive takes you from the big city to the surfy Pacific coast. Depart Vancouver and take a ferry to Vancouver Island, British Columbia where you’ll pass through ancient forests on your way to Canada’s surfing capital. Along the way, there are at least six impressive hikes that will make you want to stop and explore the endless beaches and breathtaking scenery.
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Starting point: Vancouver
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Distance: 303 km
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Time: 1-3 days
Must-see attractions: MacMillan Provincial Park, Ucluelet Aquarium, the Wild Pacific Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
4. Coastal Loop
You can follow
Coastal Loop (Coastal Circle Route), enjoy the sea views and beaches along the way, starting from the east coast of Vancouver Island and returning along the famous Sunshine Coast. This trip includes at least 4 ferry trips, and if you choose to visit some smaller islands along the way, you will need to take more ferries.
The trip can be as short as a few days or as long as a week, you can arrange it as you like. Why not visit British Columbia artists and artisans in art studios, where they live, work and display their works of art. Galleries, funky art towns, charming gardens, fascinating Aboriginal sites, wineries, organic farms and two major cities are all highlights of the coastal loop British Columbia self-driving tour.
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Starting point: Vancouver
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Distance: 565 km
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Time: 3-7 days
Must-see attractions: Butchart Gardens, Comox Air Force Museum, historic Lund Hotel, Sechelt.
5. Mountains and Vineyards Loop
Mountain pulse
Vineyard loop
A truly indulgent drive. Explore wine country and relax at hot springs resorts. Start your tour of southeastern BC in Golden, an outdoor adventure center in the Kootenay Rockies. Follow the lakes and vineyards of the Okanagan Valley, through Canada’s only desert, British Columbia and past the peaks and glaciers of the Rockies. In addition, championship golf courses, cable-accessible mountaintop hikes, mountain biking, historic towns, mountain resorts, and of course, hot springs and wineries will keep you coming back.
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Starting point: Golden
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Distance: 1,260 km
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Time: 7-10 days
Must-see attractions: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Yoho National Park, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Columbia Gardens Vineyard & Winery.
6. Hot Spring Loop
Experience 7 hot springs in 7 days.
Hot Springs Loop
This route takes you through some of the most stunning lake and mountain scenery in the world, as well as the region’s rich railroad history, mountain resorts, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure.
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Starting point: Cranbrook
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Distance: 851 km
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Duration: 7 days
Must-see attractions: Fairmont Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Mount Revelstoke, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.
7. Northern Loop
Finally, we have the longest self-driving route to recommend. The epic Alaska Highway has always been a legendary route on many people’s self-driving wish lists. It is also the starting point for adventures into northern British Columbia and the Yukon.
Northern Loop
Home to rock sheep, moose, brown and black bears, natural hot springs, ancient totem poles, legendary fishing, glaciers, the Northern Lights, and Aboriginal culture and fur trade history. The route starts and ends in Prince George, which has road and air links to other parts of the province.
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Starting point: Prince George
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Distance: 3,195 km
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Time: more than 10 days
Must-see stops: Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Boya Lake Provincial Park, Bear Glacier, Salmon Glacier, and Fort St. James National Historic Site.
