Take the road trip of a lifetime
It's time to discover new roads.
It's time to discover new roads.
The best way to explore British Columbia’s diverse terrain, friendly communities and abundant wildlife is by open road. And in BC, the journey is as exciting as the destination.
Whether your tastes run toward wine touring, a round of golf and a soak in a hot springs in the Kootenay Rockies, a history lesson along the Gold Rush Trail, or exploring the vast wilderness of Northern BC, there’s a route—or routes—that lead to an unforgettable summer.
Here are eight recommended routes to new adventures. Why not take that next exit?
Alaska Highway
Travel this historic route through the rugged wilderness
If you’ve always wanted to road trip the iconic Alaska Highway, now’s the time to stop dreaming and start planning. From northeastern BC’s Mile 0 at Dawson Creek, the route stretches almost 2,500 kilometres to Fairbanks, Alaska. Highlights along the way include pristine fishing spots, serene hot springs, wildlife spotting, and dazzling northern lights.
Other communities along the route include Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.
Route 16
Find Adventure in BC’s wild north
Northern BC is one massive playground for outdoor enthusiasts—and you don’t have to venture far from the beaten path to find remote wilderness adventures. Route 16, Northern BC’s main artery, slips into the province’s eastern edge near Mount Robson and stretches west through untouched wilderness and postcard scenes towards the coast. Tying a mosaic of communities together, from Prince George to Prince Rupert, it winds through towering forests, rugged peaks, rushing rivers, and endless chains of pristine lakes.
Other communities along the route include Smithers, Terrace and Kitimat.
Highway 19
Relax and rejuvenate on this coastal road trip
The beaches, forests, and waterfalls along the east side of Vancouver Island from Victoria in the south to Port Hardy in the north will help you let go of your everyday stressors and embrace Island time. The longer you stay, the more noticeable the transformation. As you travel, connect with Indigenous cultures, a thriving arts scene, and an abundance of local eateries, craft breweries, and vineyards. Follow Highway 19 along Vancouver Island’s eastern coastline to experience history, cuisine, all manner of water sports, and beaches that go on forever.
Other communities along the route include Nanaimo, Parksville and Campbell River.
Highway 1
See BC from the coast to the Rockies
Driving from Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains in Golden is one of the most popular road trips in the province, and it’s easy to see why. The drive begins in Vancouver, framed by the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, before meandering through provincial and national parks and unique mountain towns that are home to some of BC’s highest peaks. And there’s no better place for mountain adventure than the Canadian Rockies.
Other communities along the route include Hope, Kamloops and Revelstoke.
Note: There is construction on Highway 1 near Golden. Please check DriveBC for the latest updates.
Gold Rush Trail
Journey through history
Long before “gold fever” struck in the 1800s and drew thousands of fortune-seekers to British Columbia, the land along the Gold Rush Trail between modern-day New Westminster and Barkerville, east of Quesnel has been alive with a rich history and culture, shaped by its vast nature and the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on the land since time immemorial. Begin your journey at the mouth of the Fraser River and explore north for a taste of culture, adrenaline, and history. Along the way, you’ll unearth stories of adventure, and ingenuity—cornerstones that give the area a character all its own and make this a must-do trip for every British Columbian.
Other communities along the route include Lytton, 100 Mile House and Williams Lake.
Highway 3
Explore rugged parks, culinary bounty and desert landscapes
Follow Highway 3 from Hope to Fernie and you’ll pass through Manning Park to the heart of wine country and into some of BC's beloved mountain towns. Quirky wineries, historic railway trails, and fertile orchards are all part of the sweeping landscape east of Hope. Also known as the Crowsnest Highway, this scenic route runs through the Similkameen Valley in the Thompson Okanagan and continues into the Kootenay Rockies.
Other communities along the route include Princeton, Castlegar and Cranbrook.
Highway 20
Adventure in wide-open spaces
The Interior Plateau and the landscape surrounding Anahim Lake is vast, wild, and sparsely populated. Hike in pristine nature, fish for a personal best, paddle on a quiet lake, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you explore the scenic wilderness along Highway 20 west of Williams Lake. Note: Road conditions in this part of the province can change quickly. Before you begin your journey, please check DriveBC for the latest road conditions.
Other communities along the route include Tatla Lake and Nimpo Lake.
Highway 95
Experience the Rocky Mountains from Fernie to Golden
The Canadian Rocky Mountains are the perfect place to escape the daily grind and truly relax in nature, whatever that looks like for you. High-octane adventure? Check. Charming mountain towns? Check. Incredible scenery? Check. Follow this route between Fernie and Golden to discover the beauty of BC’s Rocky Mountain Trench, and experience the activities, outdoor play, and small-town charm to be found along the way.
Other communities along the route include Kimberley, Fairmont Hot Springs and Radium Hot Springs.