Weekend Trips And Getaways From Vancouver

Vancouver has arguably the best food scene in Canada. You can head to Chinatown to pick up sugary treats from Asian bakeries, the aroma of caramelized coffee drifts through downtown, and if it’s the twang of salty seafood that you’re after, Granville Island’s restaurants will do the trick. But once you’ve filled up on the diverse dining options, you’ll be left with a hunger for something new. A thriving natural world sits just outside the city, promising miles of untouched landscape, pocket-sized villages and fragrant vineyards to explore. Unsure where to start? We’ve narrowed it down to these five weekend trips that are easy to take from Vancouver.

Kelowna

Kelowna sits on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, fringed by thick fir tree forests and manicured vineyards. Its name is derived from the native language of the region, and translates to grizzly bear, a species that has long inhabited the area (but that with any luck you won’t encounter). Known not only as the gateway to the natural splendor of the valley.

Jasper

The largest of all the Canadian Rockies national parks, Jasper National Park is an otherworldly landscape of cerulean lakes, mist-cloaked mountains and bone-warming hot springs. Tucked away in the rugged wilderness is the alpine town of the same name, a thriving hub for adventurers who stop for a craft beer and a lesson in the region’s fur-trading history at Yellowhead Museum.

Kananaskis

Kananaskis is a labyrinth of parks set in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Its name comes from the Kananaskis River, dubbed in 1858 by explorer John Palliser after a fabled Cree warrior who survived an axe blow to the head. A variety of highways weave through the sprawling region, plunging you into the heart of its dense pine forests and giving you access to spectacular camping grounds in summer and pristine ski areas each winter.

Telegraph Cove

A former fishing and cannery village, Telegraph Cove is in pole position for exploring the great outdoors. Its rainbow of buildings are surrounded by cyclopean mountains and tangled woodland, while its marina is a hive of activity thanks to a steady stream of whale-watching tours and fishing boats.

Banff

Canada’s first national park (and the world’s third), Banff’s roots reach back to 1883 when a group of railway workers stumbled upon a cluster of hot springs. It has since developed into a tourist hotspot, with people coming from around the globe to carve tracks in powdery snow or hike through its picture-perfect landscape.

2. Banff National Park Guided Hike with Lunch

Tours, Activities

Venture into Banff’s enchanting national park and discover the magic of its untouched wilderness. This tour is tailored to your ability, offering a variety of distances to choose from – each with equally striking mountain views so you won’t miss out. As you follow your guide along your chosen path, and learn about the diverse wildlife you see, you’ll pass through tangled forests and soaring peaks in all their raw and rugged beauty. A gourmet packed lunch is also included, ready to be devoured on the cusp of a canyon or on the shores of a glacial lake.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.