Top 10 Day Trips from Vancouver

There’s much to see and do in Vancouver that you might forget to check out what the surrounding area has to offer. However, with easy access to the rest of British Columbia, Vancouver serves as an ideal jumping-off point for day trips for gourmets, history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and more. Here are our top 10 favorite escapes from the city.

1. Raise a Glass to the Port Moody Beer Train

Travel time: 1 hour

It’s no secret that BC’s craft beer scene has surged in recent years. Moreover, while Vancouver is filled with enticing tasting rooms, you can take an unofficial “beer train” out to the suburbs for an afternoon of sampling with the locals. Lining the street like a row of beer taps, you’ll find several intriguing breweries, each with inviting tasting rooms and friendly bars.

How to get to Port Moody from Vancouver: Hop on the SkyTrain transit service from downtown Vancouver to Moody Centre Station (about 45 minutes), then walk across the bridge to Murray St in the heart of historic Port Moody.

2. Cruise in Vancouver Harbour

Travel time: variable

If the water is calling your name, there are numerous ways to leave the shore and hit the waves surrounding Vancouver. Harbour Cruises offers a one-hour tour alongside the city’s waterfront. Additionally, their half-day Indian Arm option is a more extensive excursion that transforms the urban setting into a forested wonderland reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord.

Look out for the community of Deep Cove during your cruise; consider returning for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding adventure.

3. Enjoy Food, Art, and Beer in North Vancouver

Travel time: 15 minutes

This ocean-facing city features food stands and artisan boutiques at Lonsdale Quay Public Market, alongside a transformed shipyard with boardwalks, restaurants, and shops nestled in restored factory sheds. The highlight is the Polygon Gallery, a dramatic contemporary art space that attracts culture enthusiasts from around the region. Additionally, the microbrewery scene less than a 10-minute walk away is worth exploring.

How to get to North Vancouver from downtown Vancouver: Take a 12-minute SeaBus transit ferry from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay.

4. Explore Bowen Island

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Board a ferry and cruise past towering mountains and lush islands to stunning Bowen Island. Upon arrival in Snug Cove, enjoy the wooden boardwalks, vibrantly painted storefronts, and serene, forest-lined trails that often yield sightings of bald eagles and resident deer. For a remarkable experience, follow the path to Opa, a giant ancient Douglas fir that many visitors find unforgettable.

How to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver: The BC Ferries service from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay connects to Bowen Island. The 250 express bus from downtown Vancouver conveniently takes you directly to the ferry dock, with a 20-minute hop to Bowen to follow.

5. Taste the World in Richmond

Travel time: 20 minutes

Richmond’s pan-Asian flavor signifies a community with diverse roots in China, Korea, and Vietnam. It boasts perhaps North America’s best Asian dining scene.

Kick off your culinary explorations with lunch at Parker Place, a Hong Kong-style mall offering a food court resembling a hawker market. Dishes range from juicy pork buns to crispy Vietnamese subs.

Push forward with the vibrant Richmond Night Market, which runs Fridays to Sundays between May and October, featuring over 100 food stands. Arrive hungry and adventurous to indulge in unique dishes such as stinky tofu and dragon’s-beard candy.

How to get to Richmond from Vancouver: Richmond is easily reachable via the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station.

6. Ascend a Mountain in 10 Minutes in Squamish

Travel time: 1 hour

The Sea to Sky Gondola is a picturesque cable-car ride that elevates visitors up a forested mountainside. The Squamish area also features attractions such as the family-friendly Britannia Mine Museum and the Railway Museum of British Columbia, both offering unique insights into the region’s history. Additionally, remember to visit Shannon Falls Provincial Park, home to one of BC’s tallest waterfalls.

How to get to Squamish from Vancouver: Renting a car provides the freedom to explore this stunning region, just a one-hour drive north of the city.

7. Go Birding on Iona Beach

Travel time: 45 minutes

For those interested in birding, BC’s Lower Mainland is rich with accessible opportunities. Renowned birding spots include Ladner’s Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Delta’s Boundary Bay Regional Park, and North Vancouver’s Maplewood Flats Conservation Area. However, Iona Beach Regional Park may be the best option, providing a relatively compact green space and home to a vast array of local and visiting birds.

Here, equipped with binoculars, you can spot eagles, hawks, and various other species, creating a refreshing escape from Vancouver’s bustling streets.

How to get to Iona Beach from Vancouver: The park is located near Vancouver International Airport and can be reached by car or via public transit.

8. Dine on Fish, Chips, and History in Steveston

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Located along the Fraser River, this picturesque fishing village boasts a lively harbor replete with historical significance. Steveston is known for its exceptional fish and chip joints (such as Pajo’s) and historical remnants, including two National Historic Sites that encapsulate the community’s rich maritime history.

How to get to Steveston from Vancouver: Take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Richmond-Brighouse Station, then the 407 bus.

9. Visit the “Royal City” in New Westminster

Travel time: 25 minutes

New Westminster, famously known as the “Royal City,” was the region’s primary settlement before Victoria took the crown in 1866. Start your visit by window-shopping on historic Columbia St, and don’t miss the Anvil Centre, which houses the free-entry New Westminster Museum and New Media Gallery that features contemporary exhibitions.

How to get to New Westminster from Vancouver: It’s a short 25-minute SkyTrain ride from downtown Vancouver to New Westminster.

10. Tackle the Slopes in Whistler

Travel time: 2 hours

Just over an hour past Squamish, the Sea to Sky Highway leads to Whistler, a world-renowned ski and snowboard haven. There are almost as many summer visitors enjoying hiking, biking, and various outdoor activities. Make sure to visit the Audain Art Museum and take a ride on the scenic Peak 2 Peak Gondola for breathtaking views.

How to get to Whistler from Vancouver: Multiple shuttle buses are available for a convenient ride, or you can rent a car for the scenic two-hour drive.

This article was first published Mar 3, 2015, and updated Jan 22, 2024.