How and Where to Go in British Columbia

Summer is just around the corner in British Columbia (BC). Not overlooking the fact that the season is short and more or less rainy, it’s high time you start preparations right now if you want something along the lines of an outdoor adventure. Apart from clothes and items on your travel checklist, you also don’t want to overlook the key destinations in BC. Figuring out how and where to go in BC can feel like trying to pack all of nature into a backpack. It’s vast. It’s wild. And it’s stunning in every direction.

But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ve road-tripped these routes, sipped coffee on these coastlines, and parked under these pines. Consider this your inside scoop on the best of the best places to take your outdoor excursion to the next level.

How Do You Even Begin to Explore BC?

Let’s start with the “how.” If you search for BC on a map, you’ll realize that more than half of the area is completely green. That’s because 57.9% of the designated area is covered with forests. This makes BC just an excellent place for road trippers, but not all road trips are created equal.

A car will get you there. A camper van will make you feel at home there.

We’ve seen travellers pick a random destination, rush through it, and miss the magic. If you really want to explore BC, you’ve got to slow down and travel light. That’s why so many visitors are turning to campervan adventures — not just for freedom but for comfort, too. You’ll find yourself pulling over at lakes you didn’t plan to see and making coffee with a view you didn’t know existed.

A smart investment would be to rent out a camper van for the trip, so you can experience the outdoors like there meant to be. But just understanding how you’re exploring the vast BC isn’t enough if you don’t know where to go. Let’s see what places  you should visit on your next outdoor adventure.

Where Should You Go? Start with the Regions

While there’s no wrong turn you can make in BC. But while travelling, there are some must-see spots in BC you don’t want to miss. Here are some favourites — each with a different vibe:

1. The Sea-to-Sky Corridor (Vancouver to Whistler)

If you’re flying into Vancouver and want to ease into your BC adventure with a road trip that feels cinematic from start to finish, this one’s a no-brainer. The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is short, sweet, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

From city streets, you’ll cruise north past shimmering waters and cliffside views along Howe Sound. Stop in Squamish for a hike up the Stawamus Chief or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for panoramic views that’ll make you forget your phone is even in your pocket. Then roll into Whistler, a vibrant alpine town buzzing with activity—whether it’s biking trails in the summer or après-ski vibes in the winter.

Why it’s great:

• It’s close to Vancouver but feels like a real getaway
• Packed with scenic pullouts, waterfalls, and viewpoints
• Ideal for first-time road trippers or short weekend escapes
• Everything’s accessible—even in a camper van

2. Vancouver Island

Island life just hits differently. A quick ferry ride from the mainland, and suddenly, you’re surrounded by rainforests, surf towns, and slow-travel energy. Vancouver Island is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place—and it pairs perfectly with a camper van setup.

Start with a pit stop in Victoria, BC’s quaint capital, where the historic architecture meets harbour charm. Then make your way across the island to Tofino, a laid-back surf town where the waves are big, the food is fresh, and the sunsets are the kind you’ll tell stories about years later.

Want to get lost (in a good way)? Cathedral Grove is home to towering Douglas firs and ancient cedars that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary. And if you’re craving hot springs, remote beaches, or island trails, the West Coast delivers in full force.

Why it’s great:

• It feels like its own world, even though it’s so close to the mainland
• Ideal for nature lovers, surfers, and off-grid adventurers
• Offers both cozy towns and true wilderness
• Ferry-accessible and campervan friendly (especially with campervan rental Vancouver Island options)

3. The Okanagan Valley & The Kootenays

If you’re headed inland, prepare for a landscape change—and a whole new rhythm.

The Okanagan Valley is BC’s sunniest region, and it’s all about lake life, vineyards, and beach-town bliss. Think Kelowna and Penticton, where you can park your van lakeside, sip wine at a family-run vineyard, and still be back at your campsite in time for a golden-hour swim. It’s the kind of place where the picnic cooler never stays full for long.

Drive further east into The Kootenays, and the terrain becomes more rugged and wild. Towns like Nelson, Kaslo, and Fernie are small but packed with charm—think heritage buildings, friendly locals, and some of the best hiking and biking BC has to offer. This is mountain culture at its finest, minus the crowds.

Why it’s great:

• A food and wine lover’s dream (fresh fruit stands included)
• Long lakes, beach camping, and warm summer nights
• More space to roam, especially with a van
• The Kootenays feel like a secret club for nature lovers

4. Northern BC & The Canadian Rockies

Now we’re getting into the wild part of BC. Not many visitors make it this far north—and that’s what makes it exciting. This is grizzly country. Eagle country. Camp-by-the-river-and-hear-no-cars country.

Check out the Cassiar Highway if you’re after epic solitude, or head to Muncho Lake in the far northeast for jade-green water and dramatic mountain backdrops. If you’re ready to cross into Alberta, the Canadian Rockies (Jasper, Banff, Yoho) are just over the provincial border—accessible and unforgettable.

Why it’s great:

• Remote, wild, and rewarding
• Plenty of free or low-cost camping (especially for self-sufficient vans)
• Less crowded than southern BC
• A photographer’s dream, no matter the season

Tips for Travelling Smart:

Just learning how and where to go in BC isn’t enough. You’ve got to be smart and resourceful if you want to make the most out of your roadside escapade. Here are some smart tips you want to make sure you apply while planning:

1. Book Early

if your heart is set on big-name spots like Alice Lake, Porteau Cove, or Rathtrevor Beach, don’t wait until the last minute. These gems are popular for a reason, and they get snapped up fast—especially in the summer months. BC Parks lets you book four months in advance, and you’ll want to jump on that as soon as you know your travel dates. Mid-week stays are usually easier to secure than weekends, so a bit of flexibility goes a long way. Even if you’re the spontaneous type, locking in a few of these dreamy locations early means less scrambling when the light starts to fade.

2. Check Out Travel Apps

That said, the structure isn’t everything—van life works best when you leave space for surprises. If you like the idea of discovering low-key spots as you go, there are a couple of tools that’ll become your best friends. Apps like iOverlander are packed with tips from fellow travellers who’ve found everything from scenic roadside pullouts to peaceful lakeside clearings. And if you’re more of a backroads explorer, Recreation Sites and Trails BC is a goldmine for free or donation-based campgrounds—many of them nestled deep in the woods or right beside hidden creeks. These sites are usually rustic, but if your van’s got everything you need (and it probably does), they’re perfect for getting off-grid without giving up comfort.

3. Remember Guidelines

Of course, wherever you go, staying safe and respectful is part of the deal. BC’s summers are hot and dry, and wildfire risk is no joke. Before lighting a campfire, check for active fire bans through the BC Wildfire Service or look for posted signs at your campground. When fires are allowed, keep them small and always put them out fully—no smoke, no embers. A good camper van setup usually includes a portable stove, which is a great alternative when flames aren’t an option.

4. Remember, it’s Bear Country.

And remember—you’re not just sharing this land with other travellers. You’re in bear country now. That means keeping your food sealed, stashing anything scented in the van overnight, and being mindful on trails. If you’re lucky enough to see wildlife in the distance, take a picture, enjoy the moment, and then give them space. It’s their home, after all—we’re just the guests.

If you’re done with planning, another thing you want to make sure of is when exactly you start your outdoor adventure. Let’s see what BC offers every season.

The Best Time to Travel Around BC

One of the first questions we hear from roadtrippers is: “When’s the best time to go?” The real answer? It depends on the kind of experience you want. BC wears a different face in every season, and each one brings something unique to the road. Let’s talk about what you’ll find each season throughout the province:

1. Spring

Spring is kind of a secret season in BC. From April to June, the snow begins to melt in the mountains, feeding waterfalls that roar back to life. Trails are quieter, ferry decks have more elbow room, and wildflowers start popping up across valley floors and coastal bluffs. If you’re into long hikes, cool nights, and spotting whales along the coast, this is your time. It’s also when campervan travel feels especially peaceful—nature is waking up, but the crowds are still hitting snooze.

2. Summer

Come July and August, everything turns up a notch. Summer in BC is pure road trip heaven. The lakes warm up, the alpine meadows bloom, and the days stretch long into the evening. It’s peak season for a reason. But with all that sunshine comes popularity—popular campgrounds fill fast, ferries book out, and the trails get busy. If you’re travelling in the summer, it’s best to plan a little more intentionally. The rewards? Endless swimming spots, farmer’s markets in full swing, and the simple joy of driving with the windows down and nowhere to be but outside.

3. Fall

Then there’s fall. September and October often fly under the radar, but they’re among the most underrated months to explore BC. The temperatures drop slightly, the crowds thin out, and the landscape explodes with autumn colours. Vineyards in the Okanagan are in full harvest mode, campgrounds become quieter again, and the golden light makes everything—trees, lakes, even your morning coffee—feel like it belongs in a postcard. It’s a dream for anyone seeking calm, comfort, and space to breathe.

4. Winter

Winter, of course, is a whole different story. From November to March, snow covers much of the province, and BC transforms into a playground for skiers, snowboarders, and winter adventurers. While it’s not the ideal time for van travel unless you’re in a fully insulated setup with a solid heating source, it’s perfect for day trips from home bases in places like Whistler or Revelstoke. Just know that some mountain passes can be tricky, and remote areas may be completely inaccessible.

If you’re leaning toward a campervan hire BC experience, the real sweet spots are spring and fall. You get the best of both worlds—beauty without the bustle, open campsites without the early alarm to book them, and enough daylight to explore at your own pace. It’s that perfect balance between freedom and comfort, where the road is yours to wander.

Why a Campervan Just Works Here

Now, we’re not here to sell you on anything (though, if you’re curious, Vancouver Westy Rentals BC has a pretty sweet collection of nostalgic, fully-outfitted VW vans).

But honestly, there’s something special about pulling into a forest site, flipping open your van’s pop-top, and cooking dinner with mountain views. It’s not just transportation—it’s your tiny home on wheels.

And when you travel this way, campervan rental BC turns into something more than a vacation. It becomes a lifestyle, even if just for a week.

Ready to Roll?

Figuring out how and where to go in BC doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The truth is, there’s no wrong answer. Wherever you go, the road will rise to meet you—and if you’re rolling in a camper van, that road is your playground.

So get out there. Wander coastal roads. Sip coffee under cedars. Wake up beside a lake with mist curling above the water. And if you’re looking for a ride that feels like part of the adventure, well, just hit us up at Vancouver Westy Rentals.