Top Adventure Getaways Near Vancouver for a Weekend Escape
If you are the thrill-seeking type, Vancouver is the place to be. It doesn’t matter if you live there or are a fleeting visitor, you’ll find adventure just around the corner. Vancouver is surrounded by world-class destinations that are perfect for an adrenaline-filled, weekend road trip.
Where To Go For A Road Trip From Vancouver?
Vancouver is charming in itself. If you’re wondering where else to go from there, we have you covered. Here are some of the best weekend getaways within 2 to 3 hours of Vancouver, ideal for hiking, kayaking, relaxing, and more.
Whistler
Whistler is less than two hours from Vancouver by road and is our top pick for a quick getaway from Vancouver.
Distance from Vancouver: ~1.5 to 2 hours / 120 km
Why Go:
Whistler is a destination that works for both winter and summer adventures. You can ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for stunning mountain views, go swimming in the lakes, or go mountain biking. Winter brings snowboarding and skiing. For a more leisurely adventure activities that still get your heart rate pumping, try the TreeTrek Tour in summer or go snowshoeing and dog sledding in winter.
Pro Tip: A rental SUV makes it easy to pack your gear and navigate Whistler’s mountain roads comfortably.
Garibaldi Lake
Distance from Vancouver: ~1.5 hours to trailhead / 95 km
Why Go:
Garibaldi Lake is your reward when you hike this 18 km round-trip trail. While experienced hikers have been known to complete this trail in a day, the length and elevation gain makes camping overnight an enticing prospect.
Pro Tip: A rental car with a roof rack lets you carry your camping gear, hiking poles, and more.
Harrison Hot Springs
Distance from Vancouver: ~2 hours / 130 km
Why Go:
Harrison Hot Springs is well known for its relaxing, mineral rich pools. There’s plenty of adventure to be had too. You can go kayaking on the lake in summer, or an eagle spotting boat ride during the colder months. Sasquatch Mountain offers ski and snowboarding trails while there are plenty of water sports in summer.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations early in summer. A rental car lets you explore the secluded, sandy beaches around Harrison Hot Springs at your own pace.
Squamish
No good list of adventurous road trips around Vancouver without be complete without including Squamish, the adventure capital of Canada.
Distance from Vancouver: ~1 hour / 65 km
Why Go:
Squamish has hiking trails for people of all hiking abilities. Experienced hikers can experience the excitement of hiking the Stawamus Chief with parts that can be scaled only by ladders and rope. Try gravel biking that offers a cross over between road biking and mountain biking or go scuba diving at Porteau Cove. Snow tubing, back country skiing and snowmobiling bring on the thrills in winter.
Pro Tip: Rent a car for early trail access and to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like Brohm Lake or Alice Lake Provincial Park.
How Can a Rental Car Make Weekend Getaways From Vancouver Easier?
Public transport leaves you at the mercy of a schedule set by someone else. Travelling by bus or train also makes it tough to organize a quick getaway complete with paddleboards and camping gear. A rental car from Ascent lets you get to those early morning hikes on time or carry your mountain bikes and camping gear that your everyday car can’t carry. Renting an 4WD SUV makes group travel on mountain roads so much easier too.
Why Rent With Ascent?
- Wide range of vehicles—from compact cars to adventure-ready SUVs
- Easy pickup in Vancouver
- Clean, well-maintained vehicles perfect for long drives
Best of all? You get to skip the hassle of borrowing a friend’s car or dealing with expensive taxis in remote towns.
Plan Your Next Adventure with Ascent Car Rental
Ascent car rentals is happy to help you plan your next adventurous getaway from Vancouver. We have all the accessories you need to make your trip easier – from racks for your snowboards and skis to car seats for your young explorers. Our vehicles are kitted out in winter tires for safe passage in the colder months.
Book your weekend rental today and get ready to explore more of BC—on your own terms.