6 day trips in the Lower Mainland that will make you love driving again

Nov 10 2018, 5:41 am

When you’re caught up in the daily grind, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasure of just driving somewhere on your own time, in your own way. No gridlock or fighting for Yaletown parking spots; just a car, a destination, and a driver. 

Well, no more: It’s time to take back your sense of relaxation and your city, one day trip at a time.

In collaboration with the all-new 2019 Volvo S60, we’ve prepared a list of six day-trips around Vancouver that will make you fall in love with driving again. The S60 is all about living your everyday life in style. With efficient fuel mileage and multiple drive modes to ensure a smooth ride, large load space so you can easily fit all your snowboard and ski gear, and a spacious interior with ergonomic seats so you and four of your closest friends can ride in comfort, it will make you fall in love with road trips all over again.

Volvo S60/Volvo Canada

So grab a friend, a dog, or both, book off a few hours this weekend and get ready to lose yourself in the simple joy of driving somewhere you want to go. Have a good trip.

Take a drive from sea to sky

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sea To Sky Gondola (@seatoskygondola) on

A quick trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola is exactly what you need to help recharge your figurative batteries. There’s a ton of activities that you can do at the top of the mountain like go snowshoeing and enjoy some sweet chocolate fondue afterwards, or challenge yourself with the Via Ferrata climbing experience — but the best part of this trip is the drive.

One of the most iconic highways in the Lower Mainland, the Sea to Sky offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound, as well as our coastal mountain range. Talk about a picturesque journey.

Views from the village

Steveston. Image by Mado El Khouly on Unsplash

If you’re feeling nostalgic, it’s time to take a trip to the historical village of Steveston. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Steveston is a cozy coastal town off the shores of the Fraser River. Take in the salty air and unwind at Gary Point Park, or poke around the town’s eclectic collection of shops.

Drive across the water to Bowen Island

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bowen Island – Come On Over (@bowenislandtourism) on

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay (and you can bring your car on the ferry), Bowen Island is the perfect day trip for anyone who needs a quick break from the city. With an abundance of hiking trails, tree-lined beaches and artsy shops, the island offers the perfect mix of nature and culture. And the island itself has plenty of winding, hilly roads to enjoy at your own pace.

Take it to the mountain top

Whether you’re into hiking, ziplining, paragliding, or simply drinking hot chocolate in a cozy lodge, Grouse Mountain is an all-seasons paradise.

The best part about Grouse Mountain is, unlike most location mountains, that it’s easy to reach from the city. Visitors can just park at the bottom of the hill and take a gondola up to the top! The drive there and back is the most fun you can have at any time during the year. 

Tame the Lions Gate bridge

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dundarave Festival of Lights (@dundaravefestivaloflights) on

Nestled on the shores of West Vancouver, this quaint neighbourhood is just a short trip over the Lions Gate bridge. Cruise along Marine Drive to soak in the stunning views of Downtown Vancouver, and stop for lunch at one of the cafes along the main strip.

#JustLakeThings

Buntzen Lake /Natalia CraftTheWay, Unsplash

Looking for a great hiking spot for you and your four-legged friend? We got you. Get ready to soak in beautiful views of the lake and mountains as you trek along Buntzen Lake’s eight-kilometre trail. That should handle your cardio for the day.

The drive to the lake is extremely calming, too: Hikers must drive down a narrow, tree-lined road to get to the trail. Also, there’s no service at the lake, so it’s the perfect option if you’ve been meaning to go off the grid. 

Volvo S60/Volvo Canada

Whether you’re heading into nature or just to the gym, it’s always best to do it in style, and on your own terms. And there’s no better way to make that happen than in the all-new Volvo S60.

Enjoy your drive!

Daily Hive Branded ContentDaily Hive Branded Content

+ Sponsored
+ Great Outdoors
ADVERTISEMENT