Vancouver, British Columbia, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and there’s no better way to explore this beauty than through scenic drives. From breathtaking coastal roads to towering mountains and serene lakes, the city offers an array of routes that showcase the diversity of BC’s natural wonders. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a visitor wanting to explore the region, here are seven of the most scenic drives near Vancouver that will leave you spellbound.
| Scenic Drive | Length (km) | Drive Time | Key Highlights |
| Sea-to-Sky Highway | $121 | 2 hours | Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, Whistler |
| Pacific Rim Highway | $163 | 2.5-3 hours | Cathedral Grove, Tofino, Ucluelet |
| Stanley Park Seawall | $9 | 30 minutes – 1 hr | Totem Poles, Beaches, Lions Gate Bridge |
| Granville Island | N/A | 10-20 minutes | Public Market, Artisan Shops, Brewery |
| Lions Gate to Deep Cove | $16 | 30-40 minutes | Deep Cove, Mount Seymour |
| North Shore Mountain Drive | N/A | 1-2 hours | Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain |
| Chilliwack to Harrison | $33 | 30 min – 1 hr | Harrison Lake, Hot Springs, Farm Tours |
7 Best Scenic Drives in Vancouver BC
1. Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99)
The Sea-to-Sky Highway is arguably one of the most famous and picturesque drives in British Columbia. Starting in Vancouver and extending to the stunning resort town of Whistler, this route offers breathtaking coastal and mountain views that live up to its name.
- Length: 121 km (75 miles)
- Drive Time: Approximately 2 hours without stops, but plan for longer with scenic detours.
- Highlights:
- Horseshoe Bay: A charming seaside village where you can stop for a coffee or even hop on a ferry.
- Shannon Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in BC, with a short hiking trail leading to spectacular viewpoints.
- Stawamus Chief: An iconic granite monolith that offers a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views.
- Whistler Village: A world-class resort known for its outdoor activities, shopping, and dining.
The Sea-to-Sky drive offers something for everyone, from hiking and rock climbing to simply soaking in the natural beauty from the comfort of your car. In the fall, the landscape bursts with vivid shades of red, orange, and gold, offering an exceptionally scenic backdrop to the drive.
2. Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4)
Venture further west on Vancouver Island to discover the Pacific Rim Highway, a rugged and less-traveled route that will take you through ancient rainforests and along windswept coastlines.
- Length: 163 km (101 miles)
- Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops.
- Highlights:
- Cathedral Grove: A must-see stop with towering 800-year-old Douglas fir trees.
- Port Alberni: A quaint town with stunning views and great seafood restaurants.
- Tofino: Known for its laid-back surf culture, pristine beaches, and whale-watching opportunities.
- Ucluelet: Another gem along the coast, famous for the Wild Pacific Trail with scenic viewpoints and rugged coastline.
The Pacific Rim Highway offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw, untamed beauty of BC’s west coast. Perfect for nature lovers, this drive is ideal for those seeking a tranquil and scenic journey far from urban centers.
3. Stanley Park Seawall
While not a traditional “drive,” the Stanley Park Seawall deserves mention as one of Vancouver’s most iconic routes for both drivers and cyclists. As you drive along the edge of Stanley Park, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city’s skyline, the surrounding mountains, and the sparkling ocean.
- Length: 9 km (5.5 miles) loop
- Drive Time: 30 minutes to an hour (with stops).
- Highlights:
- Totem Poles: Explore the First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point, an iconic Vancouver landmark.
- Beaches: Stop by Second or Third Beach to relax, swim, or catch the sunset.
- Lions Gate Bridge: As you drive, the towering Lions Gate Bridge provides a stunning scenic backdrop.
- Prospect Point: Enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and West Vancouver from this popular lookout.
Stanley Park Seawall is a must-see for anyone visiting Vancouver, and the leisurely pace of the drive allows you to fully absorb the beautiful surroundings.
4. Granville Island
While Granville Island is better known as a bustling hub of markets, artisans, and cultural attractions, the drive to and around the island is full of scenic charm. Located under the Granville Street Bridge, this unique destination offers stunning views of False Creek and the downtown skyline.
- Drive Time: 10-20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
- Highlights:
- Public Market: A culinary and cultural delight, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
- Granville Island Brewery: Enjoy a locally crafted beer with views of the water.
- Artisan Shops: Discover unique gifts, artwork, and local craftsmanship.
- Aquabus Ride: Although not part of the drive, taking the colorful Aquabus ferry around False Creek is a popular activity.
Granville Island is a top spot for foodies and art lovers and offers some of the best waterfront views in the city.
5. Lions Gate Bridge to Deep Cove
For a more intimate and tranquil scenic drive, take the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove, a serene village nestled in the forested hills of North Vancouver.
- Length: 16 km (10 miles)
- Drive Time: 30-40 minutes.
- Highlights:
- Lions Gate Bridge: The gateway to Vancouver’s North Shore, offering fantastic views of the city, Burrard Inlet, and Stanley Park.
- Deep Cove: Known for its picturesque setting, kayaking, and the famous Quarry Rock hike.
- Mount Seymour Provincial Park: For those looking to extend the drive, head up Mount Seymour for hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the panoramic views.
Deep Cove is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful retreat, and the drive through forested roads only adds to its charm.
6. North Shore Mountain Drive
For those who enjoy mountainous terrain, the North Shore Mountain Drive is the perfect option. Starting in West Vancouver, this route takes you through winding roads with breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding peaks.
- Drive Time: The journey can take from 1 to 2 hours.
- Highlights:
- Cypress Mountain: A popular ski destination with hiking trails and lookout points.
- Grouse Mountain: Take the Skyride gondola for panoramic views or hike the challenging Grouse Grind.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: One of Vancouver’s top attractions, this suspension bridge offers spectacular views of the forest and river below.
North Shore Mountain Drive is ideal for those looking for a bit of adventure and the chance to see Vancouver from a higher vantage point.
7. Chilliwack to Harrison Hot Springs
Located just east of Vancouver, the drive from Chilliwack to Harrison Hot Springs offers a scenic escape to the countryside. This relaxing route winds through fertile farmland and leads to the serene shores of Harrison Lake.
- Length: 33 km (20 miles)
- Drive Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Highlights:
- Harrison Lake: Known for its warm waters and stunning backdrop of mountains.
- Harrison Hot Springs: Famous for its relaxing hot springs and spa resorts.
- Farm Tours: Stop by local farms in Chilliwack for fresh produce, berries, and artisanal goods.
The drive from Chilliwack to Harrison Hot Springs makes for an ideal weekend escape, with serene landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.
Vancouver and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most scenic drives in Canada, offering diverse landscapes that range from coastal views to mountainous terrains. Whether you’re looking for a short drive around the city or an extended road trip into the wilderness, these seven routes showcase the best of what British Columbia has to offer.
FAQs
1. What is the famous drive in Vancouver?
The most famous drive in Vancouver is the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), which offers stunning coastal and mountain views as it winds from Vancouver to Whistler.
2. What is the prettiest place in BC?
While it’s hard to choose just one, Tofino on Vancouver Island is often regarded as one of the prettiest places in BC, thanks to its pristine beaches and rugged coastline.
3. Can I drive around Stanley Park?
Yes, you can drive around Stanley Park. The Stanley Park Seawall offers a 9 km (5.5 mile) loop with stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline.
4. What’s the driving time from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs?
It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to drive from Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs, depending on traffic and stops along the way.
4. What can I expect on the Fraser Valley Loop?
The Fraser Valley Loop is a scenic drive through farmland, mountains, and rivers, offering stunning natural beauty, local farms, wineries, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
