Vancouver is a beautiful city. If you’re visiting the city, or if you live close by and you want to get away for a few days, here are some great options for road trips departing from Vancouver.

1) The Okanagan

There are more than 350,000 people living in the Okanagan Valley but you’d never guess it if drove around this beautiful area. This is one of the longer drives on our list of road trip destinations but it’s worth the drive. If you like skiing, snowboarding, boating, wakeboarding, or hiking then you’ll love this region of British Columbia.

If you’re not up for too much physical activity then there are plenty of nice beach areas to be found near Okanagan Lake. Major cities in the area include Kelowna, Vernon, West Kelowna, Penticton, and Summerland.

2) Whistler, British Columbia

This is a great destination to visit no matter what time of year. We would recommend you visit during skiing/snowboarding season but there is a lot to do in Whistler-Blackcomb no matter when you’re there. In the summer you can visit the bike park, go river rafting, try the zipline, and even go bungee jumping.

For those looking for a slower pace there are many options: take the peak-to-peak gondola, go see some bears, visit some of the Olympic sites, or hit up the spas and baths located in Whistler. Did I forget to mention aerial sightseeing, horseback riding, Jeep/Hummer tours, hiking, and world-class golf? Yeah, Whistler has it all!

3) Bellingham, Washington

Downtown Bellingham is the place to be. You’ll have to bring your passport but the drive only takes about an hour and a half, including a short wait at the US/Canadian border. On the first Friday of each month, the city hosts a Downtown Art Walk. There is a Farmers Market every Saturday at Depot Market Square (1100 block of Railroad Avenue). There are also lots of tasty and unique restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in the area so come hungry – you’ll be happy that you did. Another great thing about downtown Bellingham is the furniture, clothing, and jewelry stores, as well as antique shops and fine art. Bellis Fair Mall is also in Bellingham but we recommend you stick to the downtown – it’s just so much nicer down there.

4) Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino is a hop, skip, and a jump from Vancouver. You need to take the ferry across to Vancouver Island, and then head towards Highway #4 through Port Alberni and then over to Tofino. Only 1,600 people live in Tofino but it’s still a popular destination. Nature lovers, fisherman, and surfers will love it here. There are whale watching tours, beautiful hikes, great waves, and some excellent bed & breakfasts. Bring your raincoat. It gets pretty wet in Tofino.

5) Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia

If you’re visiting Harrison Hot Springs then you’ll want to start by visiting the actual “Hot Springs.” If you’re a guest at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort then you can access the resort pools. Your other option is the public pool, which is located on Hot Springs Road. The pool is open 7 days per week. Once you’ve rejuvenated in the hot mineral waters you’ll want go exploring.

Take your pick between outdoor adventure, shopping, or arts and culture. There is great fishing and boating in the area, as well as golfing, skiing, and snowboarding. You can visit local pottery and glassworks artists, see local theatre groups, and musicians. The downtown has a mix of retail shopping – anything from handmade souvenirs to clothing and treats.

This was written by David Merrith from Complete Insurance. His website offers auto insurance quotes for people living in Canada.