Best Five Day Trips in Vancouver, British Columbia
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1. Stanley Park
Located just off the main downtown core, this 1000 acre park is one of the finest in the world. Encompassing a variety of gardens, animals, activities and spectacular ocean views, Stanley Park has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely few hours playing pitch and putt, spend a few hours at Vancouver’s Aquarium, observe wildlife such as raccoons, beavers, ducks swans and turtles in Lost Lagoon, inhale fragrant blooms at the Ted ad Mary Grieg Rhododendron Garden and the Stanley Park Rose Pavilion or travel the 9km seawall by bike or foot taking in beautiful ocean vistas or unearthing tiny crabs and looking at Starfish.
2. University of British Columbia Campus
This stunning Vancouver campus is located on Point Grey, separated from the suburbs by the massive Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The UBC Campus offers a variety of educational and beautiful pursuits – visit the world renowned Museum of Anthropology to learn about local native art or venture into the outdoors and enjoy the UBC Botanical Gardens and the Nitobe Gardens – one of the finest Japanese Style Gardens in North America. Other hidden gems can be located around the entire campus!
3. North Vancouver – Capilano Rd.
Starting at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, this roadway leads straight to Grouse Mountain which overlooks the West Coast. Visitors can cross the swinging suspension bridge and check out the dozens of activities including the treetops adventure. Further upstream is Capilano Regional Park with its fish hatcheries, trails and access to Cleveland Dam. Finally, Grouse Mountain, a destination throughout the year offers shows and animals in the warmer months and spectacular skiing during the winter. Don’t forget to try the famous 2km Grouse Grind Trail which goes to the mountain top!
4. Sea to Sky Highway
One of the most beautiful stretches of road in British Columbia, the Sea to Sky highway begins in West Vancouver winding along Howe Sound with views of the ocean inlets, ferries and mountains. There are many interesting stops along this picturesque route – the BC Museum of Mining offers visitors a chance to explore the old copper mines in Britannia Beach with tours, gold panning and the largest truck on display in the area. Several Provincial Parks including Stawamus Chief and Vancouver’s third highest falls, Shannon Falls are good picnic and hiking areas and one of the best lookouts in the area, Tantalus View Point with its stunning views of the snow capped mountain ranges. This two hour trip ends at Whistler.
5. Whistler
A destination for all seasons, Whistler is known best for its large ski terrain, beautiful mountains and warm hospitality. This ski resort town is a year long attraction with access up the mountains to hike, climb, mountain bike – and in the winter months, ski and snowboard. Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains are the two main attractions encompassing over 1,800 acres of trails for visitors to enjoy. The newest addition to the region, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola holds the distinction of being the longest unsupported span in the world. With summer around the corner – enjoying the beautiful parks, observing the wildlife and enjoying the panoramic views of the Cascade mountains makes Whistler an ideal day trip!
