Now that we’ve got our Road Trip Essentials down, we’re itching for an adventure out of town. We’ve found some summer-worthy destinations that will have us revving our engines without having to go the distance.
One-Hour Drive: Alice Lake Provincial Park
Get out of the city and make your way up the Sea to Sky Highway. Tucked away in a forested park just outside of Squamish, camping at Alice Lake ($10-24/vehicle/night) is the perfect way for our little urbanities to get in touch with nature. Pack a picnic, go for a hike and cool down with a swim (the lake gets pretty warm during summer months). We suggest renting a canoe to explore the area’s wildlife and take in the gorgeous mountain views.
Two-Hour Drive: Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast may be a part of the mainland, but it feels like an island getaway. Accessible only by ferry ($6/child, $12/adult, $40/car), this strip of quiet beaches, cedar forests and art studios is a laid-back destination that’s effortless to get to. For a little bit of Canadian pop culture, don’t forget to stop at Gibson’s. This waterside community was once home to The Beachcombers. You can still sit down for a meal at Molly’s Reach.
Three-Hour Drive: Pike Place Market
Sure we love the Granville Island Market, but a trip to Seattle’s Pike Place Market is guaranteed to create some new summer memories. About two and a half hours south (plus a 30-minute border wait), this passport pit stop is a jumble of restaurants, a brew pub, produce and flower stalls, not to mention unique clothing, gift, and antique shops. Kids will love the flying fish, and we’ll love a coffee break in the world’s first Starbucks!
Thought that was sweet? You’ll enjoy: