Vancouver is one of the world’s best metropolises for nature lovers. There are spectacular natural oases just outside of the city, so you can easily escape the skyscrapers and get out to breathe in that fresh air. The city is surrounded by some of the best sceneries on the west coast and beyond.
These day trips are just a short drive from Vancouver, and provide the most picture-perfect backdrops for your next Instagram photo.
If you’re looking to escape the city, take a look below at some beautiful nearby destinations that don’t require a reservation in advance.
Othello Tunnels
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Located outside of Hope—a little more than two hours outside of Vancouver—the Othello Tunnels are a local, vital piece of history. A relic of one of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s most ambitious projects, and a great place to go for a family trip.
Where: Hope
Get there: A two-hour drive from Vancouver
Lighthouse Park
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Appreciate the gorgeous sunset at Vancouver’s iconic Lighthouse Park.
Where: North Vancouver
Get there: A 45-minute drive from Vancouver
Cascade Falls
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Perfect for a quick getaway, Cascade Falls is arguably the most scenic and accessible waterfall in the Lower Mainland. If you drive up, the falls are only a short five-minute walk after parking, making for an easy but beautiful day trip regardless of the weather.
Where: Mission
Get there: An 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Vancouver
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
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In the springtime, you can head over to Abbotsford to check out the annual tulip festival. The event includes food trucks, build your own bouquet stations and of course plenty of opportunities to purchase some colourful blooms to take home.
Where: Abbotsford
Get there: An 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Vancouver
Mystic Beach
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Mystic Beach is known as one of the area’s most scenic beaches along the Juan de Fuca trail – featuring sandstone cliffs, a waterfall, and a rope swing. It is perfect for walking along the shore and appreciating the stunning view of the Pacific Northwest coastline. There are also small caves on the western side of the beach that you can explore during low tide.
Where: Vancouver Island
Get there: A four-hour trip from Vancouver
Sea to Sky Gondola
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Squamish is so much more than just a McDonald’s pitstop on the way up to Whistler. It’s a quaint little town with incredible mountainous backdrops and abundant nature. Check out the waterfalls like Shannon Falls or Crooked Falls, take a hike up the Chief, or go to the Sea to Sky Gondola for views that will take your breath away.
Where: Squamish
Get there: A one-hour trip from Vancouver
Be sure to share all your travels — day trips or otherwise, with us at #dailyhivemapped
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