Summary
We’ve taken our fair share of BC road trips from driving the famous Sea to Sky Highway to exploring the glorious Sunshine Coast. Our latest journey took us east to the interior of British Columbia from Vancouver through Kelowna and Revelstoke, and what a beautiful drive it was.
If you live in Canada or are preparing to cross the border and are eager to explore your own backyard, a road trip to the BC interior is essential. Why? Well, read on to find out!
Best BC Road Trip
We landed at Vancouver International Airport on a sunny day where we picked up our rental car. When driving through British Columbia, we typically recommend renting an SUV; however, given the sunny weather, we opted for a humble sedan.
While it may not have been ideal for back roads, it was fuel-efficient—a crucial factor with the high cost of gas in Western Canada.
The BC Road Trip Begins
Vancouver
No BC road trip would be complete without spending time in Vancouver. We made our way to Davie Street to stay at the Sandman Suites, where we enjoyed spectacular city views from our top-floor room. Davie Street is a fond memory from our past life in Vancouver.
With a central location, it was convenient to walk around the city and explore top attractions, from Stanley Park to False Creek. We took a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, revisiting our favorite spots before our road trip kicked off.
After checking out, we made a half-day stop at Grouse Mountain. It had been years since we’ve experienced the Grouse Mountain Gondola. This time, instead of tackling the Grouse Grind, we opted for a zipline adventure with Mountain Ziplines. This thrilling dual-line circuit takes you over magnificent landscapes including old-growth forests, lakes, and valleys, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience!
When visiting Grouse Mountain, don’t miss the chance to see resident grizzly bears, Coola and Grinder, who were rescued as cubs. It is uplifting to witness their happy life in a sanctuary.
Vancouver to Kelowna
After a leisurely morning, we embarked on the scenic four-hour drive to Kelowna, filled with rolling mountains and breathtaking valleys. While the weather took a slight turn, we expedited our journey to our hotel in Kelowna.
The Sandman Hotel & Suites is located a bit out of downtown, but offers all the amenities for a comfortable stay: an indoor swimming pool, gym, and two restaurants connected to the hotel. Additionally, a shopping mall and Moxies are within walking distance.
Wine Tours
Kelowna is known for its stunning wine country, and a top activity is to explore the wine trail and visit the many vineyards, a superb way to gather wine for evening enjoyment at the hotel.
We also spent an afternoon downtown strolling along the picturesque waterfront, discovering hidden gems like the serene Chinese Garden, a perfect oasis in the bustling city.
Myra Canyon Trestles
One of the top attractions in Kelowna is the Trestles cycling trail, about a 40-minute drive from the city. The scenic 24 km trail, which follows the old Kettle Valley Railway, can be cycled or hiked. We hiked a segment of it, and the incredible views with 18 historic trestle bridges and two massive tunnels blasted through rock make it worthwhile. Be cautious as the gravel road leading to the trailhead requires careful navigation with a rental car.
Kelowna to Revelstoke
After two nights in Kelowna, we moved on to the highlight of our BC road trip: Revelstoke, a renowned winter ski destination with fantastic summer activities! We stayed at The Sutton Place, located slopeside, providing easy access to exhilarating adventures.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
The Sutton Place Hotel is a one-stop destination, featuring the Rockford Bar and Grill and La Baguette for dining, along with multiple shops on-site. With every room containing a full kitchen, you can prepare meals to maximize your time enjoying North America’s longest vertical descent.
Mountain Biking
Revelstoke offers exciting downhill mountain biking opportunities, with rentals available on-site. While currently only intermediate and black diamond trails exist, a green run for beginners is planned for next year. The experience of downhill biking, coupled with the thrill of gravity at work, made for an unforgettable ride.
Play All Day Pass
One of the best deals at Revelstoke Resort is the play-all-day pass. This pass includes access to the Pipe Mountain Coaster, the Aerial Adventure Park, Axe Throwing, Disc Golf, and hiking at the gondola’s summit. It was a blast moving from one adventure to another. Play All Day Passes start at $69.
Apres Adventures
The outdoor spa at The Sutton Place, along with its year-round heated swimming pool, was a perfect way to unwind after a thrilling day filled with adventures.
ATV Tour Revelstoke
While staying at Revelstoke, do not miss the chance to partake in an ATV adventure with Great Canadian Tours. This thrilling experience allowed us to drive to their office at Glacier House Resort at the foot of Frisby Ridge.
The ATV tour was an adrenaline rush, climbing technical trails to reach stunning mountain vistas, accessible only by ATV. Guided by Josh, we experienced breathtaking views of Revelstoke that very few people have the chance to see, making the tour an exhilarating adventure!
Revelstoke to Kamloops
As we slowly made our way back to Kamloops, we took advantage of the opportunity to stop at roadside attractions along the route.
Ghost Town 3 Valley Gap
Our first stop was the old ghost town at 3 Valley Gap. Even if you don’t go inside, this is a picturesque stop to enjoy the views and stroll through 25 historic buildings dating back to the 1800s gold rush. Don’t forget to check the lookouts for stunning scenes of 3 Valley Lake.
The Last Spike
Another must-see on this drive is the Last Spike historic site, where the final spike of the CP rail line was driven in 1885, marking the completion of the trans-Canada railway.
Kamloops
We spent the night in Kamloops, checking into The Sandman Signature Suites, conveniently located near the Kamloops waterfront. With a river view and amenities including a full kitchen and living room, it was an excellent spot to unwind after our road trip.
The hotel also features a lovely indoor pool and outdoor terrace, making it a delightful place to relax. On-site dining options included Moxies and Shark Club, with boxed breakfast available for road trip adventures.
Hope Tunnels
We checked out early to hit the Othello Tunnels in Hope. This series of tunnels and trestle bridges through the mountains follows a deep gorge, and showcases remarkable engineering, having been built in 1914. It is a short, yet worthwhile, stop of just 3.5 km round trip.
Vancouver Final
And thus, our British Columbia road trip comes to an end. If you’re planning to extend your stay in Vancouver, consider heading back downtown or finding accommodation at the Sandman Signature Suites at the airport. Dine at the fantastic Chop Steakhouse, known for its chic atmosphere and outdoor patio. We enjoyed our final meal in BC here, with outstanding service!
These four amazing stops on a road trip to the interior of British Columbia—from Vancouver to Revelstoke—provide just a glimpse of the adventures that await. An 8-day exploration only scratches the surface, offering an exhilarating experience in this beautiful province.
