1 of 1 2 of 1 Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter . We all know the most significant road rip spots to visit from Vancouver, and can agree that they’re hyped up for good reason.
Places like Whistler and Tofino and Seattle get plenty of love because they are genuinely great destinations—but what about all the in-between-type spots that we can sometimes overlook? Here are some underrated destinations that are all an easy drive from Vancouver—and that don’t get as much attention as they should. Courtenay A remarkably leisurely drive from Nanaimo, Courtenay on Vancouver Island has plenty of West Coast charm. Attractions include Nymph Falls Nature Park—surrounded by rainforest growth and shallow pools of water suitable for dipping your feet—and a paleontology centre and museum with tours of real fossil sites.
Peachland While Kelowna and Penticton are usually the go-tos when it comes to travelling to BC’s wine region, did you know that the first ice winemaker in North America originated in Peachland? Alongside plenty of wineries, Peachland is also home to Parrot Island (a bird sanctuary with exotic birds), and still has plenty of access to Okanagan Lake. Lillooet Known for being the centre of the gold rush era in the 1850s, Lillooet is now better known for its wine, agriculture, and outdoor activities. With plenty of hiking trails and surrounding lakes and rivers, outdoor enthusiasts love Lillooet—located north of Pemberton—for fishing and wildlife watching.
Keen observers can spot over 200 bird species, giant sturgeon, and even bears. For jaw-dropping views (and excellent sips), there is Fort Berens Estate Winery. New Westminster New Westminster has been ramping up its events calendar, which is ideal for those looking for a getaway without, well, getting too far away.
Along with lots of community events, New West also offers plenty to explore on any given day. The New West Quay is its own waterfront (without the traffic we normally experience here in Vancouver), while the River Market is a foodie dream come true. Whatcom County Often seen as a pit stop on the way to Seattle, Washington State’s Whatcom County is worth a trip in and of itself.
Whatcom Fall Park features easy trails and a beautiful waterfall, while Washington’s first state park, Larrabee, has over 8,000 feet of shoreline along the Samish Bay (and both saltwater and freshwater offerings). Bellingham is located in Whatcom County, and has plenty of cute brick buildings, excellent food options, and even an outdoor beer garden slash bike park. All you need now is the perfect playlist .
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