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

No car? No worries! Grab a BCAA GO Membership and save up to $80 a year on Evo Car Share’s already affordable driving rates – that includes gas, insurance, parking and unlimited kilometres. BCAA Members also get up to 20% off car rentals, up to 15% at top hotels and save 3¢/L off fuel at Shell (plus 10% off road trip snacks in-store!) – and that’s before we mention a whole heap of rewards partner savings all around BC.

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

Whether you’re exploring this stunning province for the first time or retracing your footsteps to some of your favourite spots, here’s some vacation inspo with our pick of nine great BC road trips.

Ready for a day trip

1. Soak in the scenery on the Sea-to-Sky Highway

Road trip time: 4-6 hours

Approx. distance: 125km

This beautiful coast-hugging drive, aka Highway 99, winds past steep fjords at Howe Sound, waterfalls, sheer rock faces, lakes, glaciers, forests and the snow-capped, steeply-sloping Tantalus Range mountains in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains.

Must-do pitstop: In Squamish, ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola to the summit that offers you incredible, panoramic views of Howe Sound, mountains and the lush coastal forest.

Savings tip: Unwind with a Thermal Journey walk-in experience at Scandinave Spa in Whistler and save 15% with your BCAA Membership, plus get 10% off massages on your Thermal Journey.

2. Immerse yourself in nature on the Duffey Lake Loop

Road trip time: 8 hours

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 Horstings 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.

Go on a weekend getaway

3. 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 – where you can stop and pose for a profile pic with the Rambo statue where they filmed First Blood.

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.

4. 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 Alberti. Get 10% off in-store purchases with your BCAA Membership, plus save 3¢/L on fuel.

5. 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

Savings tip: Take a break from sightseeing and catch the latest blockbuster at Landmark Cinemas in Nanaimo. BCAA Members save up to 25% off Movie Night Bundles, including tickets, popcorn and soft drinks.

Hit the road for a week (or more!)

6. Cruise the east coast of Vancouver Island

Road trip time: 5-7 days

Approx. distance: 500km

From Victoria to Port Hardy, you’ll see beaches, forests and waterfalls. Be sure to stop in Duncan to appreciate the beautifully carved totems of the Cowichan First Nation, and in Chemainus to explore 40+ giant murals. Snack your way along the Nanaimo Bar Trail, explore Telegraph Cove’s boardwalk village (it’s on stilts) and enjoy a wildlife tour of Port Hardy.

Must-do pitstop: Walk the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge in Campbell River.

Savings tip: Start the trip with a day in Victoria, see the Victoria Butterfly Gardens where BCAA Members save 10% on admission and get tickets to the incredibly immersive IMAX® movie experience where BCAA Members save 15% on single admission 2D films.

7. 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.

8. Drive into the wilderness on the Great Northern Circle Route

Time: 9+ days

Approx. distance: 3000+km

This beautiful tour takes you northeast from Prince George up to Fort St. James. You’ll experience ancient forests, volcano-formed mountains and waterfalls. See 1,000+ year-old red cedars in the Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park and dinosaur footprints the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark.

Must-do pitstop: See the geologically unique Mount Edziza, a spectacular volcanic landscape that includes lava flows, basalt plateaus, cinder fields and cinder cones.

Savings tip: Get ready to roam with a good night’s sleep at Best Western Plus in Prince George. Save up to 15% with you BCAA Membership and earn 10% bonus points.

Venture out of BC

9. Go island-hopping between BC and Washington State

Road trip time: 5-10 days

Grab your passport for this trip from Canada to the USA and back. Hop on and off ferries and stroll, hike and play in three US National Parks. Hike some of North America’s finest mountain country at North Cascades National Park, enjoy a peaceful slow-rolling stay in the San Juan Islands and absorb 23km of saltwater shoreline at Whidbey Island’s Deception Pass State Park. Make sure you leave your Evo behind on this trip, as they need stay north of the border.

Must-do pitstop: Breathe the soothing scents of lavender plants on a lavender farm in Sequim.

Savings tip: Make sure you’re covered for unexpected medical emergencies when you’re across the border. BCAA Members save 10%* on BCAA Travel Insurance.

Make it a trip to remember

Making memories is what summer is all about, so it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure your vehicle ready for the road by booking a maintenance service at your local BCAA Auto Service Centre.

Let us help plan your trip! Our TripTik® planner lets 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.

Want to make sure you’ve checked every box? Read our blog on how to plan and enjoy the ultimate BC road trip.

Take us with you!

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

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

Not a BCAA Member? Join today!