Best Day Trips From Vancouver: Top Routes You Can Take With a Campervan

British Columbia is a paradise full of mountains, oceans, forests, and winding scenic roads. When you’re based in Vancouver, you’re just a short drive away from some of these jaw-dropping places in all of Canada. The best part? You don’t need a big itinerary or even a week off. You can get the experience in just a couple of days if you have a campervan.

If you’re someone who yearns for adventure, but the only thing stopping you is the distance, then just rent out a campervan, buckle up, and have the time of your life with the best day trips from Vancouver spots. Here are some must-visit places in Vancity.

Whistler

No list of the best day trips from Vancouver is complete without the legendary Sea-to-Sky Highway. This route from Vancouver to Whistler is short enough for a day trip but packed with scenery that rivals full-blown national parks.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Horseshoe Bay, stop at Shannon Falls, hike The Chief in Squamish, or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for sweeping views of Howe Sound.

If you’re in a campervan, then you can make the most out of the trip. With it comes the freedom to stop wherever the view calls you. Pull over for a picnic, rest in the shade, or catch a sunset; there’s no schedule when your vehicle is your base.

Mount Seymour

If you’re short on time but still want that big nature hit, head northeast to Mount Seymour. Less than an hour from downtown Vancouver, this mountain feels remote but is surprisingly accessible.

Hike up for panoramic city and ocean views, or take it easy on the lower forest trails. In the winter, enjoy the Seymour with snow all around. In summer, it’s peaceful and green, with plenty of space to unwind and cook a mid-morning breakfast right from your campervan.

The rental campervan from Vancouver Westy Rentals comes fully stocked with a camp stove, utensils, and coffee gear, so if you’re thinking about a brunch in the cloud, you can.

Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake is the kind of place Vancouverites go when they want nature without the crowds. Tucked away in Anmore, about 45 minutes from the city, the lake is surrounded by forested trails, calm water, and mountain reflections that change with the light.

It’s ideal for paddle boarding, swimming, or just stretching out on a lakeside bench with a good book. There are picnic tables, small beaches, and plenty of campervan-friendly parking.

And since the vans from Vancouver Westy Rentals are compact enough to fit easily into BC’s more rustic sites, you won’t have to stress about maneuvering a massive RV.

Fort Langley

If you’re craving a change of pace? Drive east into farm country. Fort Langley is a charming village where heritage buildings meet local boutiques, coffee shops, and galleries. It’s also a gateway to the broader Fraser Valley, a region rich with berry farms, wineries, and riverside walks.

This is one of the best day trips from Vancouver to go on for anyone who enjoys escaping into the slow yet blissful life of small towns. Rent bikes, taste fresh cheese, or park by the river and let the day unfold without a plan.

In a campervan, your flexibility is your freedom. Don’t rush your wine tasting; just stay for golden hour and make dinner with local fresh market finds right outside your van.

Porteau Cove

Just 40 minutes north of Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Porteau Cove is a stunning waterfront provincial park with one major perk: it has RV and van-accessible spaces right beside the water. That’s right, you can cook breakfast, take a nap, or just watch the tide roll in, all from a cozy spot with mountain peaks framing the scene.

And because Vancouver Westy Rentals provides all the essentials, from cooking supplies to cozy bedding, you can be fully present without having to pack the house.

This day trip is especially great for those who want the feel of a full getaway but need to be home by nightfall. Or, better yet, if you decide to stay, the van’s your make-shift home.

Why Travelling Gets Better with a Campervan?

Sure, you could take any of these routes in your car. But if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, then a campervan is the best option to go for. It’s because when you’re on the road with a campervan, the trip stops being about the destination and starts becoming about the journey.

With Vancouver Westy Rentals, you’re not just renting a vehicle; you’re upgrading your entire experience. These nostalgic VW EuroVans are outfitted with everything you need for a full day of freedom: kitchen gear, comfy beds, outdoor chairs, coffee, spices, maps, and 24/7 roadside support, just in case.

Whether it’s your first campervan trip or your fiftieth, there’s something about having your own tiny home on wheels that makes every road feel wide open.

Local Tips to Make Your Day Trip Perfect

While you can make these trips in a couple of hours of driving, if you’re tight on schedule, here are some tips just for that:

Don’t overplan. Sure, a good plan will help you get the most use of your time, but overplanning sacrifices detours. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you take a random turn or stop at a sign that looks interesting. With a campervan, you have the flexibility to do exactly that.

If you want to get the most time possible out of your day, then start early. Roads out of Vancouver can get busy, especially during the weekends. Hitting the highway by 7:30 AM gives you a peaceful head start and maybe a sunrise, too.

Use apps like iOverlander or BC Recreation Sites to find quiet spots for breaks or unexpected overnight stays. Your campervan gives you the freedom to adapt your plan on the fly.

Let’s Hit the Road

There are hundreds of beautiful places you can drive to in just a day to make the best day trips from Vancouver, but what makes the difference is how you choose to travel. With the freedom of a campervan and the comfort of a fully outfitted setup, the road feels different. More relaxed. More open. More you.

So next time you’re itching for adventure, skip the hotel check-ins and rigid timelines. Book a campervan with Vancouver Westy Rentals, grab a good playlist, and just go. Wherever the road leads, you’ll be ready. Contact us to learn more about what we offer with camper vans.