British Columbia is built for road trips – the kind that stretch beyond sightseeing into something slower, deeper, and more memorable. From remote beaches and misty islands to glacier-fed lakes and alpine ridges, this is a province where every few hours behind the wheel brings a new mood, a new ecosystem, and a new kind of magic.

This guide brings together two of BC’s most iconic touring routes – the Infinite Coast and Rainforest to Rockies – to show you how to experience the full sweep of the province in one immersive itinerary.

On the coast, you’ll follow winding roads through Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and the wild reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest. Inland, the terrain rises sharply into the Kootenay Rockies and the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies, where you’ll explore alpine lakes, high passes and thermal hot springs.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a few days or two weeks: this British Columbia road trip can be tailored to suit your pace. It’s ideal for travellers who want a deeper sense of place – for those who enjoy both wilderness and wine tastings, coastal kayaking and canyon hikes, or wildlife tours and slow mornings at a forest-view spa.

Throughout this guide, we’ll break down each section of the route, from sea-level forests to high-altitude viewpoints, with curated highlights, travel tips and suggested stops. We’ll also show you how to combine both routes into a single, seamless coast to mountains itinerary, designed to bring out the very best of British Columbia – in all its raw, refined, and wildly beautiful glory.

Vancouver Island

A journey along British Columbia’s Infinite Coast begins with Vancouver Island: a place that feels both comfortably familiar and wildly untamed. It’s the kind of destination that rewards slow travel, where you can blend urban charm with rainforest hikes, sea kayaking and remote wildlife encounters – often all in the same day.

Start in Victoria, the island’s capital and an elegant, walkable city known for its historic architecture, harbourside paths and easy access to nature. Visit the Royal BC Museum, grab lunch at the Public Market, or hop on a whale watching tour straight from the Inner Harbour. If you’re staying overnight, consider a heritage hotel or boutique waterfront stay, perfect for easing into island time.

From here, take a slow drive north along the east coast, passing rolling farmland and ocean views. A stop in the Cowichan Valley is essential for wine lovers and foodies: this region is often called Canada’s “Napa of the North” and is home to over a dozen wineries, plus artisan cheesemakers and farm-to-table restaurants.

Further up the coast, Campbell River marks the transition from cultivated to wild. Known as the salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for ocean adventures including bear viewing tours, snorkelling with salmon, and boat trips into the Salish Sea. Continue to Port Hardy, the northernmost town on the island and gateway to British Columbia’s central coast. From here, ferries and floatplanes connect you to the mainland and the Great Bear Rainforest beyond.

On the west coast, don’t miss the dramatic beauty of Pacific Rim National Park. Home to the surf town of Tofino and the lush trails of the Long Beach and Rainforest Loops, it’s where coastal wilderness takes centre stage.

Great Bear Rainforest

Tucked along British Columbia’s central coast, the Great Bear Rainforest feels more like a hidden world than a travel destination. It stretches for more than 6.4 million hectares – larger than Ireland – yet few travellers ever reach its glacial fjords and towering forests. Those who do are rewarded with one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness regions in North America.

This is the heart of the Infinite Coast experience: raw, remote and rich with life. The rainforest is home to grizzly bears, coastal wolves, black bears and the elusive spirit bear – a rare, white-coated subspecies sacred to the local Indigenous people. The marine life is just as impressive, with humpback whales breaching in the bays and orcas slicing through the calm waters of the inlets.

Access to the Great Bear Rainforest is part of what makes it so special. Most travellers begin in Campbell River or Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, then cross to the mainland via ferry or floatplane. From there, small-ship cruises and eco-lodges offer immersive ways to explore, like kayaking alongside sea lions or sipping wine from a deck as eagles soar overhead.

Staying here is an experience in itself. Luxury wilderness lodges – like those near Bella Coola or Klemtu – pair locally sourced cuisine with conservation-led programming and daily excursions guided by naturalists and Indigenous hosts. These are opportunities to connect with the land, learn traditional knowledge, and understand the stewardship that keeps this ecosystem thriving.

Travelling through the Great Bear Rainforest requires some advance planning, which is where the Journeyscape Travel Experts come in. They will check ferry schedules, coordinate small plane connections, and book lodges – so everything runs smoothly during your trip. Once you arrive, time stretches. The air smells of cedar and salt, the silence is only broken by birdsong or a splash in the distance, and the feeling of wildness is absolute.

This is British Columbia at its most untamed – and most unforgettable.

Brandywine Falls and the Sea to Sky Highway

If you’re heading inland from Vancouver, the Sea to Sky Highway offers one of the most spectacular introductions to British Columbia’s shifting landscapes. Officially known as Highway 99, this scenic drive winds north from sea level into the Coast Mountains, tracing the edge of Howe Sound and climbing through temperate rainforest, granite cliffs, and alpine valleys.

The route is rich in natural stops – but one that should never be missed is Brandywine Falls. Located just south of Whistler in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, this 70-metre-high waterfall plunges dramatically into a canyon carved by ancient lava flows. It’s an easy 15-minute walk from the car park to the main viewing platform, where you’ll get sweeping views over the falls, Daisy Lake and the surrounding peaks.

Brandywine is at its best in spring and early summer, when the snowmelt amplifies the flow. But even in late summer, the surrounding trails – including parts of the Sea to Sky Trail – offer a peaceful escape into fir forest and open meadows, often with far fewer visitors than the busier Whistler trails.

Continue along the British Columbia road and you’ll pass through Squamish, a laid-back hub for climbers and hikers that’s nestled between towering cliffs and calm ocean inlets. Stop for a walk at the Shannon Falls lookout or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for an aerial perspective of this dramatic landscape.

Eventually, the highway brings you to Whistler, British Columbia’s famous alpine resort – equally appealing in summer as it is in ski season. Here you can rest up in luxury hotels, take on multi-day hikes, or enjoy a more relaxed day sampling local food and lakeside trails.

The Sea to Sky is more than just a road – it’s the perfect transition from the wild coastline into British Columbia’s mountain interior, and one of the most rewarding drives in Canada.

British Columbia Road

Once you leave the mountain passes behind and head east from Whistler or Pemberton, the landscape begins to shift. The air turns drier, the trees more sparse, and the road opens up – leading you through the sun-soaked valleys of the Okanagan and into the Kootenay Rockies.

This stretch of the British Columbia road network is all about contrast and discovery. The dramatic peaks and rainforest trails of the coast give way to vineyards, orchards and tranquil lakeside towns that define BC’s interior. It’s a natural place to slow down, catch your breath and linger a little longer – especially if good food, wine and quiet beauty are your thing.

The Okanagan Valley, often called BC’s wine country, is a must for any road trip itinerary. Base yourself in Kelowna, Penticton, or Naramata, and spend your days visiting lakeside wineries, paddling on Okanagan Lake, or biking between tasting rooms along the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. You’ll find everything from award-winning Pinot Noir to crisp Rieslings – many made in small, family-run estates with panoramic views of the valley.

From here, follow the winding British Columbia road trip route southeast toward Nelson, Invermere or Fernie. These small towns in the Kootenay Rockies combine charm with plenty of adventures – where you can spend the morning browsing local markets and the afternoon on alpine trails. The region is known for its relaxed, creative communities, often shaped by artists, outdoor enthusiasts and people drawn to a slower pace of life.

If you’re after something even quieter, head to Shuswap Lake or the hidden corners of Lake Country, where you’ll discover peaceful beaches, forest cabins and plenty of space to unwind. The drives here are beautiful, with curving roads through cedar groves, lake views around nearly every bend, and the occasional wildlife sighting en route.

For road-trips spanning a few days or a few weeks, this inland portion of BC offers a gentler, more spacious kind of beauty. It’s a different tempo – and a perfect reset before the final ascent into the Rockies.

Hot Springs in the Kootenay Rockies

There’s a unique kind of luxury that comes with sinking into a steaming hot spring after a day on the road. In the Kootenay Rockies, where alpine landscapes and hidden valleys rule the map, thermal springs are so much more than a novelty: they’re woven into the rhythm of local life.

This region of British Columbia is dotted with natural hot springs, many of which have been developed into boutique resorts, spa lodges or rustic retreats – all without losing their wild, elemental charm.

One of the most iconic is Ainsworth Hot Springs, located on the western shore of Kootenay Lake. Its standout feature is a naturally formed cave, where you can bathe beneath dripping stalactites in warm, mineral-rich water. The view across the lake to the Selkirk Mountains is equally therapeutic – best enjoyed from the outdoor pool, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.

Further south, you’ll find Halcyon Hot Springs and Nakusp, both known for their serene settings and healing properties. Many of the pools here are rich in lithium and other minerals believed to support wellness and relaxation. They’re perfect stops after a day of hiking, mountain biking, or simply exploring BC’s endless network of trails.

For those craving something a little more off the map, try Halfway River Hot Springs – accessible via a gravel logging road and a short forest hike. This undeveloped series of pools sits beside a glacier-fed river, shaded by pine trees and scented with damp earth. It’s a true outdoor adventure, with the reward of absolute stillness and steam rising into the mountain air.

Many travellers build their itineraries around these soaking spots – and for good reason. There’s something timeless about warming your body in natural water, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and silence. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the busier moments of a British Columbia road trip – and a gentle invitation to slow down and stay a little longer.

Canadian Rockies and Yoho National Park

The final stretch of your journey through British Columbia delivers some of the province’s most unforgettable moments – especially as the Kootenay Rockies give way to the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. This is where winding valley roads open up to reveal sheer cliff faces, turquoise rivers and alpine mountains that seem to rise from nowhere.

One of the most spectacular – and surprisingly peaceful – parks in this region is Yoho National Park. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Banff and Jasper, Yoho offers just as much beauty with far fewer crowds. It’s a place where waterfalls thunder through ancient rock, and glacial lakes sparkle beneath rugged ridgelines.

Start your visit at Emerald Lake, a jewel-toned basin ringed by pine trees and towering peaks. The loop trail here is an easy, scenic walk – ideal for photographers or those easing into high-altitude hiking. For something more ambitious, the Iceline Trail climbs into the alpine zone, offering panoramic views of Takakkaw Falls and several hanging glaciers along the way.

This part of British Columbia is also rich in natural history. The Burgess Shale fossil beds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserve some of the oldest and most complex life forms ever discovered – and guided hikes offer a rare chance to explore this prehistoric world, deep within the Rockies.

As you travel east, you’ll pass through charming alpine towns like Golden and Field, where mountain culture thrives and local cafés, craft breweries and riverside patios make ideal rest stops. It’s here that you’ll really feel the scale of the Canadian Rockies – especially when the morning mist lifts to reveal sheer stone peaks etched with snow.

With its mix of accessible trails, backcountry adventure and geological wonder, Yoho National Park is a standout – and a fitting finale to your BC holiday.

Planning Your Trip To British Columbia

Planning a road trip across British Columbia means navigating ferry crossings, national park access, winding mountain passes and vast stretches of open road – but that’s all part of the experience. With the right preparation, you’ll travel with confidence and get far more out of the journey.

That’s where Journeyscape’s Canada Travel Experts come in. We take the stress out of logistics with tailored advice on everything from seasonal highlights and car rental options to must-book accommodations and local travel tips. Whether you’re looking to drive the full British Columbia road route from coast to mountains, or want to explore one region in more depth, we’ll help craft the perfect road trip itinerary to suit your pace and interests.

Accommodation varies depending on your route. You’ll find everything from boutique hotels and forest-view cabins to eco-lodges, spa resorts and wilderness retreats, particularly in the Kootenay Rockies and along the Great Bear Rainforest. In the summer months, it’s worth booking early, especially in hotspots like Tofino, Lake Louise or Whistler.

You’ll also need to account for time on ferries, potential permit bookings for national parks, and variable road conditions – especially in spring or autumn. But that’s part of what makes this trip so rewarding. The joy is in the detours, the viewpoints you didn’t expect, and the freedom of the open road.

British Columbia is best explored slowly. Whether you come for wildlife, hot springs, glacial lakes or rainforest trails, this is a province that invites you to pause, breathe, and go beyond the usual path.

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