How to maximize your BC summer road trip (and save on the way)

There's nothing like a summer road trip in BC. Welcome to our ultimate prep guide for BC adventuring, including must-see locations and tips on saving money with your BCAA Membership.

Why BCAA matters on your trip?

Before you hit the road, here’s how your BCAA Membership helps your trip:

• Save on fuel, hotels and attractions along your route. As a BCAA Member, you save up to 15% on top hotels and save 3¢/L off fuel at Shell (plus 10% off road trip snacks in-store!)
• No car? No problem. BCAA Members get a FREE Evo Membership plus 60 minutes of driving (a $64 value), and 10% off driving rates. Planning a longer trip? Save up to $100 on summer rates with gas, parking, insurance and unlimited kilometres included
• Access to 24/7 Roadside assistance in case of the unexpected

Now here’s some vacation inspiration with our pick of five great BC road trips: 

1. Immerse yourself in nature on the Duffey Lake Loop

Road trip time: 1-2 days

Approx. distance: 580km

The Duffey Lake Loop is a treat for the eyes. You’ll see temperate rainforests, a fjord through granite mountains, gorgeous lake, forest views, flowing glaciers and a semi-desert landscape of sagebrush and ponderosa pine. Take the winding Duffey Lake Road from Pemberton to Lillooet, then continue on Highways 99 and 97 before heading back south on Highway 1.

Must-do pitstop: Stop at Horsting's Family Market (also a bakery and cafe) in Cache Creek and devour their pie, ice cream and a tasty, custom sandwich that’s as big as your head.

Savings tip: Enjoy spectacular mountain views from the Hell’s Gate Airtram, where BCAA Members save 10% on in-person, single admissions.

2. Get fruity on the Peachland Loop

Road trip time: 1-2 days

Approx. distance: 700km

A refreshing way to spend a weekend through a variety of climates and tons of hidden gems. Make your way to the desert town of Osoyoos in the south Okanagan Valley. Head north on highway 97 through to Peachland, and back east through Merritt and Hope. 

Must-do pitstop: Roadside fruit stands in Keremeos – is there anything tastier than a juicy summer peach? Check out this fruit stand map for all the best spots in the area. 

Savings tip: Get some fresh air and exercise with a round of golf at the Okanagan Golf Club. Flash your BCAA Membership for 10% off daily adult green fees, clothing and accessories.

3. Catch a wave on the Pacific Rim Highway

Road trip time: 5 hours

Approx. distance: 341km

This road trip is a Canadian classic, with gorgeous twists and turns through mountains, valleys and rivers. Starting in Victoria, drive up island, head west on Highway 4 to the fork outside Ucluelet, then turn right to the beaches and Tofino. The great prize at the end is Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a rainforest on the verge of incredible beaches for surfing and hiking.

Must-do pitstop: See the goats on the roof and sample delicious local fare in Coombs.

Savings tip: There nothing better than a beach picnic so stock up on snacks and drinks at the Shell gas station in Port Alberni. Get 10% off in-store purchases with your BCAA Membership, plus save 3¢/L on fuel.

4. Bask in the glory of the Sunshine Coast

Road trip time: 2-3 days

Approx. distance: 560km

This four-ferry road trip takes you along both sides of the Strait of Georgia. There are water views and adventures for days. Hike through thick forest to Smuggler Cove (2.5 hours), over a marsh boardwalk and past spectacular arbutus trees. If you want to step up the pace, make a quick detour to Cumberland on Vancouver Island, which offers fantastic mountain biking.

Must-do pitstop: Take a dip in the amazing geological potholes carved deep into the sandstone bedrock at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park.

5. Cross BC’s rugged side around the Kootenays

Road trip time: 4-10 days

Approx. distance: 250km

Explore scenic parks, culinary bounty and mountain towns on this cross-province drive. Take the Crowsnest Highway through the wilderness of Manning Park, keep going through historic railway towns, steaming hot springs, pass through the heart of wine country and circle around the Kootenays.

Must-do pitstop: Pick up a rubber tube from Hedley Country Market and spend a lazy afternoon floating down the Similkameen River.

Savings tip: Heading back west after a long day on the road? Satisfy your appetite with dinner at Original Joe’s in Chilliwack. BCAA Members save 10% on food and soft drinks.

Make it a trip to remember

Making memories is what summer is all about, so it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Get your vehicle ready for the road by booking a maintenance service at your local BCAA Auto Service Centre. BCAA Members save 10% off labour on brake repair, steering & chassis, suspension, wheel alignments and fluid flushes.¹

Check your route 

Let us help plan your trip! Our TripTik® planner let's you create customizable routes across North America, so you can print, save and email your high-quality, personalized, detailed maps – and it lets you locate BCAA rewards partners and EV charging stations along your journey.   

We want you to enjoy every moment of your travels so before you go, check the latest road and weather conditions at DriveBC.ca. Plus keep an eye on travel advisories related to local emergencies, like wildfires, before and during your trip at TranBC.ca. 

Finally: take BCAA with you!

A BCAA Membership comes with 24/7 Roadside Assistance**, so we’re always here to help in case of the unexpected. You can request BCAA Roadside Assistance online or via the BCAA App to connect directly to our dispatch team.

Pro Tip: your BCAA App is the ultimate travel companion. In addition to helping you get faster Roadside Assistance and savings from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way. Learn more about how to get the most out of your BCAA App.

Looking for more ways to explore BC? Join BCAA Connect for fresh trip ideas, local finds and Member perks that help you go further this summer.

Not a BCAA Member? Join today! And have a great getaway!