(Note: The following post by Blair Qualey first appeared on the New Car Dealers Association of BC’s website on April 9th, 2026. It has been re-posted here with permission of the NCDA. For more articles by Blair and the NCDA, click Auto Blog or News Releases for the newcardealers.ca website.)
Spring on the Open Road: BC Road Trip Destinations
The weather is warming up, cherry blossoms are blooming in some parts of the province, and patio season is beginning – all signs that spring has officially arrived in BC. The province is beautiful during springtime and is the perfect opportunity to hit the road with friends or family for a weekend getaway or an impromptu road trip to one of the province’s many destinations.
A vehicle is your gateway to this experience and a way to explore British Columbia’s diverse driving landscapes.
Taking the Sea-to-Sky Highway is a must every year as the views never get old. The drive feels like it goes by in slow motion as you take in the iconic scenery where ocean, forest, and alpine scenery unfold kilometre by kilometre. The drive can take you from Vancouver to Squamish to Whistler. April is a prime time to visit Whistler and has activities for the whole group – from skiing and snowboarding, hiking and biking, water activities, and potentially bear viewing.
If you’re looking for a bit of a longer drive and a more laid-back getaway, the Okanagan Valley could be the stop for you. Spring marks the return of winery patios and lakeside drives and is an ideal time to stay at a cabin, bask in the outdoors, and enjoy a few glasses of wine from one of BC’s top tier wineries. For those looking for a good trail, you can’t miss the Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna – a National Historic Site that features 18 wooden bridges, two rock tunnels, and dramatic canyon views.
The Kootenays provide a wide range of options and is home to many quirky places and communities. Drivers can trade the road for railway tracks in Revelstoke and visit the Revelstoke Railway Museum and Turntable. The landmark includes a fully operational 1911 railway turntable – one of the largest in Canada – and a chance to walk onto the massive steel turntable and watch or help rotate a full-size rail car by hand.
Another option is to park your car on a ferry and explore the many destinations on Vancouver Island.
Taking the Sea-to-Sky Highway is a must every year as the views never get old. The drive feels like it goes by in slow motion as you take in the iconic scenery where ocean, forest, and alpine scenery unfold kilometre by kilometre.
Driving to Northern BC also includes many scenic views – including the pristine lakes, glaciers, and potential wildlife sightings. The beautiful scenery continues as you make your way up through the Cariboo and into Northern BC where travel destinations to the coast or the Peace are endless.
For drivers wanting a slower pace with scenic detours, café stops and some amazing coastal viewpoints, the Sunshine Coast could be calling you. This destination has a focus on the outdoors, and you can even visit the world-renowned tidal rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park where up to 200 billion gallons of water funnels through a narrow channel to create massive whirlpools.
Even as spring arrives across British Columbia, drivers should remain mindful that road conditions can still be unpredictable, particularly at higher elevations where snow, ice, and rapidly changing weather are not uncommon. Mountain passes and interior routes can shift quickly from dry pavement to winter-like conditions, especially in the early morning or evening. Before heading out, travellers are encouraged to check DriveBC for the latest updates to ensure a safe and informed journey.
Wherever your spring road trip takes you, local dealers are here to ensure you can hit the highways with confidence. While road trips are always fun, safety is a priority and the New Car Dealers Association of BC encourages drivers to take their time on the roads, slow down, and give yourself plenty of room to stop, as you never know what you’ll spot on the side of the road.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca.
The above article has been re-posted here with permission of the NCDA. To see the original post on the NCDA website, click Spring on the Open Road: BC Road Trip Destinations. For more articles by Blair and the NCDA, click Auto Blog or News Releases for the newcardealers.ca website. Or, for more blog posts on this website, click Vancouver Car Shows Blog.
For ideas on things to do in destinations outside the Lower Mainland, other websites you might also want to check out are VictoriasBestPlaces.com and WhatToDoInWhistler.ca.
Share this post: