Cross Canada Road Trip: British Columbia
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- Aug 11
- 12 min read
Last week I introduced my series focused on making an epic cross-Canada (return) road trip in my beloved campervan, Wanda, leaving from Mile Zero in Victoria, British Columbia, and making my way all the way to the Atlantic coast. This first article in the series is all about the first, and arguably most important, decision: which route to follow through B.C.!
British Columbia is a massive province with endless beauty, and there are many ways to cross it. I've broken down three distinct routes you can take, each catering to a different type of traveller. Whether you want to zip across the country as fast as possible, meander through beautiful scenery, or get truly lost on the road less travelled, there's a path for you and your vehicle.
As you read through these itineraries, you'll see many links to other posts I've written. I highly recommend clicking through as you go! They'll help you dive deeper into specific locations and craft a more precise itinerary suited to your particular travel style. Our journey begins at the very start of the Trans-Canada Highway, in the beautiful city of Victoria.
Table of Contents
Cross Canada Road Trip British Columbia
Victoria to Vancouver
Before we even hit the mainland, our journey begins in the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, on Vancouver Island. Victoria is a city full of old-world charm and natural beauty, and it's worth spending a few days exploring. For a complete guide to the city, check out Trish’s Guide to Victoria, and for some specific highlights, don't miss exploring Victoria’s Historic Chinatown or treating yourself to some well-deserved pampering with my tips for Indulgence in Victoria: Tea and Spas. A day trip to the stunning Butchart Gardens is also a must-do.
After a few days exploring Victoria, take the ferry from Swartz Bay Terminal to Tsawassen, near Vancouver, where most visitors will want to spend some time exploring the city and its surrounding areas. You can find a complete guide in Trish’s Guide to Vancouver and check out some great excursions in my posts on Vancouver Day Trips and a specific day trip to Richmond. Once you've had your fill of city life, it's time to choose your route east!
Route 1: The TransCanada Highway (The Quickest)
This is the most direct route, following the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1) for the majority of the way. It’s perfect for those who want to travel efficiently across the province while still enjoying some incredible sights. This route will take us east through the Fraser Valley, past Kamloops, through the Shuswap region, and into the majestic Rockies. This route to the BC/Alberta border, including the ferry ride, will take a minimum of 12 hours to drive. When planning your itinerary, add time to your mapping app's estimated travel time. You'll want to plan where you want to stop for a hike, coffee/lunch breaks, but you'll also ned time for the inevitable construction delays that you will experience.
Route 1 Nature-Based Adventures
Our journey on the TransCanada will take us through some of British Columbia’s most accessible and beautiful natural landscapes. As we leave Vancouver, the Fraser Valley offers an immediate escape into lush landscapes and riverside parks, perfect for a quick hike or a scenic picnic lunch. For more inspiration on exploring this region, check out my Fraser Valley Loop article.
Continuing east, we'll drive through the Cascade Mountains via Highway 5 to reach Shuswap Lake, a fantastic spot to spend a day on the water. You can paddle out in a kayak, try your hand at fishing, or relax at a lakeside campsite.
Consider a rejuvenating stop at the Crazy Creek Hot Pools Resort, where you can indulge in a relaxing hot springs pool experience. You can read all about a camping adventure there in my post Camping Adventure at Crazy Creek Hot Pools Resort.
Further along the route, you’ll find Mount Revelstoke National Park, which offers a beautiful drive to the summit with breathtaking alpine views and fantastic hiking opportunities. Read more about this exhilarating adventure in my post, A Thrilling Adventure: Road Tripping Through Mt. Revelstoke National Park.
Finally, as we get closer to the Alberta border, we’ll arrive at the magnificent Yoho National Park. This park is a natural wonderland of stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Takakkaw Falls, and incredible hiking trails for all skill levels. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak in the raw power of the Rockies before we cross the provincial line. Get the full scoop on this must-see destination from my Guide to Yoho National Park.
Route 1 History, Culture, and Charming Towns
The TransCanada route is also rich with history and charming towns. Starting in the Fraser Valley, you can take a detour to explore the small town of Harrison Hot Springs to soak in their famous hot spring pool resort .
A stop in the small town of Hope allows you to discover its chainsaw carvings, small-town charm, and connection to the first Rambo movie. As we continue on following Highway 5 (the Coquihalla Highway), you can make a detour to explore the "ghost" town of Savona on Kamloops Lake. It's a fascinating look into a bygone era, and my post Savona BC Lake Life and Ghost Towns has more on this intriguing spot.
Take time to explore the region's wineries. I’ve written about my own experience in BC Road Trip: Sampling the Shuswap.
As you approach the majestic mountains, the charming railway town of Revelstoke offers an excellent opportunity to refuel and explore its historic downtown core. You can even visit a local oddity, the Enchanted Forest! Read my post Revelstoke's Enchanted Forest to decide if this quirky attraction is charming or creepy!
Route 1 Scenic Drives and Photo Opportunities
The TransCanada Highway offers some of the most dramatic and photogenic drives in the country. One of the first major scenic stops is Hell's Gate, a spectacular narrow canyon on the Fraser River where you can take an aerial tram across the swirling rapids. A little further along, the Coquihalla Highway provides a beautiful, albeit sometimes challenging, drive through dramatic mountain passes. The views here are incredible and constantly changing.
Another worthwhile stop for a photo op is Three Valley Gap, a historic resort with a ghost town and a classic car museum. You can learn more about this unique spot in my article, Three Valley Lake Gap.
The journey continues through the Selkirk Mountains to Rogers Pass, the highest point on the Trans-Canada Highway, which offers some of the most breathtaking views. Make a brief stop at Craigellachie, the site where the final spike of the Transcontinental Railway was driven in 1885. The entire drive through the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a highlight in itself, with countless opportunities to pull over and capture the majestic scenery.
Route 2: The Scenic Southern Routes (Off the Beaten Track)
If you have a little more time and want to see a different side of the province, this route is for you. We'll split off from the TransCanada after the Fraser Valley and take the Crow's Nest (Highway 3), which follows the Canada-USA border. From there, we’ll head north through the world-famous Okanagan region. You can find more about the Okanagan in my article, BC Road Trip: The Okanagan Region. This route will intersect with the Trans-Canada Highway either at Salmon Arm or, as an alternative option, you can follow the Hot Springs Trail from Highway 3, to rejoin the Trans-Canada Highway at Golden. This scenic route requires a minimum of 17 driving hours.
Route 2 Nature-Based Adventures
For the nature lover, this route is packed with opportunities to get outside and explore. The first major stop after leaving the TransCanada is Boundary Country, a region of beautiful, rugged nature that is perfect for off-grid camping and peaceful hikes. I’ve written about my experiences exploring this area in my BC Road Trip: Boundary Country post.
As we head north, we'll enter the sun-drenched Okanagan Valley, where the highlight is undoubtedly the massive Okanagan Lake. You can spend days here swimming, boating, or hiking around the lake, finding a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the warm weather. I've shared one of my van life adventures at Okanagan Lake Provincial Park.
If you choose the Hot Springs Trail option (Highway 93) to meet up with the TransCanada at Golden, you’re in for a real treat. This route is all about indulging in some of British Columbia’s incredible natural hot springs. You can soak your road-weary muscles and completely unwind. I detail some of the best spots to visit along this trail in my 10 Day BC Hot Springs Road Trip.
Route 2 History, Culture, and Charming Towns
The scenic route offers a deep dive into British Columbia's diverse history and vibrant culture. You can start by exploring the charming towns of Hope and Princeton, which have a rich history that you can learn more about in my post, Wanda's Adventures: The Hope-Princeton Highway.
Further along this route, you'll encounter several other interesting and culturally significant towns. Most of these towns were originally established as company towns, often involved in logging or mining. Later, these towns were where Japanese-Canadian internment camps were located during WWII.
Take some time to uncover the unique charms of Salmo, a town with a strong arts scene, or the historic mining town of Greenwood. For a truly unique experience, be sure to visit Nelson, a beautiful and vibrant city renowned for its heritage buildings and creative community. I’ve written about my own experiences discovering these places, from unveiling the charms of Salmo to discovering Nelson in my post about cheesy escapades and scenic streetcar rides.
This part of the province is also home to some incredible historical sites, such as Fort Steele, a fascinating living history museum that transports you back to the gold rush era and the beginnings of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Read about my visit there in my article, Gold Rush to Van Life. You can also delve into the rich and unique history of the Doukhobour Legacy in the Kootenays, a community with a compelling story that is worth exploring. I've covered this in more detail in my post, BC Road Trip: Exploring the Kootenays Rich History, the Doukhobour Legacy.
Route 2 Scenic Drives and Photo Opportunities
The scenic route truly lives up to its name, offering a variety of breathtaking vistas and unique photo opportunities. As you leave the Fraser Valley, the drive along the Hope-Princeton Highway takes you through the beautiful Cascade Mountains, with plenty of places to pull over and capture the stunning landscapes. Continuing on the Crow's Nest Highway (Highway 3), you'll encounter a series of incredible vistas and mountain scenery.
For a unique photo op and a complete change of scenery, a detour to Osoyoos is a must. This town is a true desert oasis, with arid landscapes and a unique ecosystem. I’ve written about my experiences exploring this area in my post, Van Life BC: Exploring Osoyoos, BC's Desert Oasis.
If you continue east on Highway 3, you can connect with Highway 93 and head north through Kootenay National Park. The drive itself is a highlight, offering dramatic mountain views and the chance to stop at scenic viewpoints.
Route 3: The Meanderer's Routes (The Ultimate Slow Burn)
This is for the true adventurer. If you have plenty of time and want to immerse yourself in B.C.'s diverse regions, this is the way to go. Instead of heading east immediately from Vancouver, we’ll take a few detours to explore some truly unique parts of the province before heading north. This route will add weeks to your journey.
Route 3 Nature-Based Adventures
For those with the time and desire to truly get off the grid, this route is a goldmine of natural wonders. Before even leaving the coast, you can take a detour to explore more of Vancouver Island. Whether it's the rugged coastline of the Wild Pacific Route, the scenic beauty of the Pacific Marine Route, or the untamed wilderness of Vancouver Island North, there are countless adventures to be had. You can even find more suggestions by searching through my BC Road Trip Itineraries category.
If you choose the Vancouver Island North itinerary, don't miss San Josef Bay Beach (considered Canada's Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach).
From Port Hardy, there is a long and spectacular ferry ride through the Inside Passage to Prince Rupert, where your road trip can continue with another long ferry ride to Haida Gwaii or join the TransCanada route south, joining the main route at Cache Creek, about an hour west of Kamloops. Make sure to check out my post covering the Inside Passage ferry ride before finalizing your route.
Also on the northern route, don't miss the Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park, near Prince George, an inland ancient rainforest filled with massive, old-growth trees. I’ve written about this awe-inspiring place in my post, Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park.
The ultimate detour for a nature-based adventure has to be Haida Gwaii. Taking the ferry from Prince Rupert is a journey in itself, leading to a unique and sacred place with a rich Indigenous history and unparalleled natural beauty. My posts on Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii have all the details you need to plan this incredible side trip.
Finally, as you head south, you might want to take a side trip off the main route to Wells Gray Provincial Park, a gem of a park home to stunning waterfalls. My article Road Tripping Through Wells Gray Park is a great resource.
Although the world-renowned Icefields Parkway, with countless hikes and glaciers, is officially in Alberta, I'm including it in this BC section for routing purposes, and will also include it in next week's post with the routes through Alberta. I wrote all about it in my post, Exploring the Icefields Parkway. If you chose this route, you will rejoin the main line of the TransCanada Highway in Banff.
If you don't have the time to explore the North, but still want to go a little further off the beaten track, consider the coastal gem of the Sunshine Coast, a beautiful, quiet route that's just a short ferry ride from North Vancouver. Read about it in my Sunshine Coast post.
Route 3 History, Culture, and Charming Towns
For a true journey back in time, this route is unparalleled. The most famous stop is the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail, where you can travel back in time to the 1860s. The historic town of Barkerville, for which I've written an entire itinerary in Wanda's Adventures: Barkerville or Bust!, is the perfect place to explore this era.
Before you reach Barkerville, there are many other historically and culturally significant stops. You can visit the Xatsul Heritage Village to learn about the Secwepemc people's culture, or take a time to explore the charming town of Quesnel.
As you head further north, Prince George is an important hub, offering a chance to stock up and explore a different side of B.C., including its fascinating railway museum. And for the ultimate adventure to Haida Gwaii, you’ll first pass through Prince Rupert, a vital port city and the gateway to those incredible islands.
Route 3 Scenic Drives and Photo Opportunities
This route is all about the breathtaking, winding roads that lead to truly unique destinations. The adventure begins right out of Vancouver on the world-famous Sea-to-Sky Highway, an incredibly beautiful drive that lives up to its name with stunning views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains on the way to Whistler.
As you travel north, another highlight is the drive through the corridor of Mount Robson Provincial Park. This park is home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and the drive itself is a spectacular showcase of rugged mountain scenery.
For those who choose the ultimate detour to Haida Gwaii, a must-see spot for incredible photo opportunities is Tow Hill. This basalt sea stack offers amazing views of the coastline and the Hecate Strait, and my Haida Gwaii travel guide has all the details you need to explore it.
Final Thoughts
No matter which path you choose, a little planning goes a long way. Before you go, make sure your vehicle is in good shape, pack a first-aid kit, great snacks and don't forget to download offline maps. And remember, the real adventure is in the journey itself! I'm thrilled to share this trip with you, and I look forward to sharing more about the routes Wanda and I chose along the way. Stay tuned for the next installment as we cross into Alberta!
If you enjoy the content and would like to be updated with new posts, become a member/subscribe (it's free!) or follow along on the RamblynJazz Facebook page, Facebook Group, BlueSky, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. You can help the blog grow by sharing the link with a travelling friend or through social media. I truly appreciate your comments and encourage you to share your thoughts below.
If you are interested in purchasing high-resolution copies of the photos in this post, contact me at ramblynjazz@gmail.com
𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀! 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 — 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵” 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀. 𝗜𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗖 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗮𝗿. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 😉 #𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 🥖🪽
Great article highlighting the various routes. As someone who lives in the flat land region (Ontario) I am so envious of the people that live in this mountainous region who has all this beauty at their fingertips.
taking a 1-2 week visit doesn't even give you a taste of this beauty.
Looks like I need to plan another trip, and soon!
Well done1
How can you even pick one route? I'm glad I live here so I don't have to, because as someone who's just here once this must be super hard. I've taken route 1 a number of times, there's so many great places along the way. I really like Bridal Veil falls, and Revelstoke. I have been up to Barkervilke but definitely need to do more on your route 3. This looks like the most interesting to me. So much BC, so little time
Kootenay National Park looks stunning! I've never heard of it before but I would guess the hiking is breathtaking. There's so much natural beauty though, it would be hard to choose one place - but I guess that's why you spent a few weeks! Haha
I appreciate you highlighting the various routes and possibilities in designing a bespoke route for each travel preferences. I would go with the first route as the natural highlights along the way speak the most to me. A dip in the hot springs would be exactly what I need right now :D
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>