There’s still time to change up your road trip plans to explore B.C. instead this spring break. Here are a few suggestions for where to go.
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Canadians are facing the American government’s tariffs and annexation threats with elbows up, shopping local and boycotting American brands so it’s no surprise that many travellers are choosing not to spend spring break south of the border.
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But there’s still time to plan a last minute road trip right here in B.C.
Some hotels are also offering Canadian-resident rates as a way to encourage spending holiday dollars supporting the Canadian economy.
So why not charge up the car, make a road trip playlist, and visit a part of the province you’ve never been.
Here are a few ideas for last minute road trips in B.C.
Mount Washington
Vancouver Island road trips are fantastic. The highways are efficient and there are so many cute and interesting towns to stop in along the way. While Tofino may come to mind when considering a Vancouver Island holiday destination, hotels there can be expensive. To save money consider staying in one of the nearby cities such as Courtenay and Comox, where hotels are much more affordable compared with major urban centres.
Mount Washington still has a lot of snow at spring break and even if you don’t ski or snowboard there are other activities like snowshoeing trails and inner tube sledding.
Metro Vancouver
When was the last time you visited Canada’s third largest metropolitan area? The City of Vancouver has attractions that appeal to all ages like Science World or Stanley Park but there are so many more cities that have so much to offer.
For example, visit historic Steveston in Richmond or sample local craft beers in brewery districts in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale or Port Moody. There are some beautiful parks to explore in the Lower Mainland as well, such as Belcarra and Capilano River regional park, and Deep Cove park.
Although hotels tend to be more expensive than elsewhere in B.C., some are offering deals for Canadians to encourage them to spend their holiday dollars in their own country as they boycott the U.S.
The Kootenays
Sea to Sky Highway
The ultimate road trip along the shores of Howe Sound from West Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton, it’s a quick getaway if you live in the Lower Mainland.
The Southern Gulf Islands
Hop on the ferry from Tsawwassen in Metro Vancouver and head to Pender, Saturna, Mayne or Galiano islands. Many of the islands offer wellness retreats, which is a good way to melt away the stress.
Crowsnest Highway
If you’re looking for a scenic drive then consider the Crowsnest Highway, or Highway 3, between Hope and Osoyoos, which can also be a good alternative route to the Okanagan region for drivers who want to avoid the fast pace of the Coquihalla Highway.
From Princeton, the Crowsnest Highway winds through farmlands and wineries. You could stop in Keremeos at one of the many fruit stands or visit the town of Osoyoos, and the lush vineyards and take in a wine tour.
The Sunshine Coast
Haida Gwaii
If you have a few extra days for your spring break road trip, Haida Gwaii could be a good one to finally cross off your bucket list. The stunning archipelago is located 100 kilometres west of B.C.’s Northern Coast.
If you are driving from Vancouver you’ll need to plan for several days on the road to get there since it’s about a 26-hour drive via the Yellowhead Highway.
B.C. Ferries offers a direct ferry service from Prince Rupert to Skidegate, on Graham Island, and the trip takes approximately seven hours.
Reservations are recommended for both foot passengers and vehicles.