10 Day Road Trip From Vancouver

motorhome driving on a road through a forest

Ready to embark on an adventure-filled 10 day road trip from Vancouver? This meticulously-planned itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in Western Canada. Witness orcas in the wild, hike a few of British Columbia’s best trails and enjoy lake-view dining with a glass of award-winning wine. Hire a motorhome in Vancouver and embark on a fun and activity-rich road trip in Canada that won’t have you spending hours behind the wheel every day!

Road Trip
Packing tips
Driving & camping information
Useful apps

Day 1: Start your trip exploring Vancouver

Start your journey by exploring the urban-meets-wilderness city of Vancouver. Visit the bustling Granville Island Public Market for local delicacies, take a leisurely stroll in Stanley Park and don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the top of Vancouver Lookout observation deck. This day in Vancouver guarantees an unforgettable start to your road trip.

Campsite recommendation: Burnaby Cariboo RV Park (25 minutes from downtown Vancouver)

Day 2: Check out Victoria (British Columbia's capital)

Take a ferry to Vancouver Island to the heart of Victoria and soak up the city’s historic charm. Visit the majestic Parliament Buildings, wander through the enchanting Butchart Gardens and delve into Canadian history at the Royal BC Museum.

Campsite recommendation: Fort Victoria RV Park (10 minutes from downtown Victoria)

Day 3: Explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

man with surfboard in the back of a motorhome

This rugged national park on the west coast of Vancouver Island boasts incredible beaches, lush rainforests and breathtaking vistas. Spend your day hiking through the famous West Coast Trail or take a scenic drive along the Pacific Rim Highway to soak in this stunning natural beauty. You can also try your hand at riding waves in Tofino – the surfing capital of Canada.

Campsite recommendation: Bella Pacifica Campground (10 minutes from Tofino)

Day 4: Watch orcas in the wild at Campbell River

Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, is also a prime spot for whale watching. Book a tour and watch orcas in their natural habitat or visit the Elk Falls Provincial Park and don your hiking boots for a stroll through majestic old-growth forests.

Campsite recommendation: Thunderbird RV Park & Resort (2 mins from downtown Campbell River)

Day 5: Visit raging waterfalls in Squamish

Hear the roar and feel the spray of the awe-inspiring Shannon Falls, the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Take a short hike to explore the beautiful Brandywine Falls Provincial Park and spend some time in Squamish, where you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining, rock climbing or white-water rafting.

Campsite recommendation: Klahanie Campground (5 minutes from Squamish)

Day 6: Discover off-the-beaten path activities in Whistler

Long regarded as one of the best ski resorts in North America, Whistler has much more to offer than just skiing. Take a gondola ride up the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding landscape, go on a thrilling mountain bike ride or simply relax and enjoy the charming alpine village atmosphere.

Campsite recommendation: Riverside Resort Whistler (5 minutes from Whistler Village)

Day 7: Escape the crowds in the Kamloops

The Kamloops region is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Spend the day waltzing through lush forests, fishing in crystal-clear creeks or taking a scenic drive along Kamloops Lake. For anyone embarking on a 10 day road trip from Vancouver, this tranquil slice of paradise is a must-visit.

Campsite recommendation: Kamloops RV Park (15 minutes from downtown Kamloops)

Day 8: Sample award-winning wines in Kelowna

As your trip comes to a close, why not reflect on your adventures so far with a glass of award-winning wine in hand? Kelowna, located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is home to some of Canada’s best wineries. Take a tour, sample different wines and enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the beautiful Okanagan Lake.

Campsite recommendation: Holiday Park Resort (15 minutes from downtown Kelowna)

Day 9: Wind down at Harrison Hot Springs

Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs at Harrison Hot Springs. This charming village is nestled amongst breathtaking mountain views and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. After all that driving though, we recommend simply soaking in the mineral-rich waters and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Next stop? Vancouver!

Campsite recommendation: Springs RV resort (5 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs)

Day 10: Head back to Vancouver for your last day

Finally, it’s time to head back to Vancouver for the last day of your road trip in Canada. Enjoy a cruisy drive into the city and savour the picturesque scenery one last time. Finish up with a meal in the historic Gastown district before taking one final stroll along the waterfront. Congrats! You’ve just completed an incredible 10 day road trip from Vancouver!

Packing guide for your 10 day road trip from Vancouver

What you pack for your 10 day road trip from Vancouver will really depend on the season (learn more about the best time to visit Vancouver and surrounding area). However, the following items are recommended no matter when you go:

Comfortable walking and hiking shoes
A waterproof jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Layered clothing for varying weather conditions
Swimsuit (you never know when you’ll stumble upon a beautiful lake)
Waterproof backpack or daypack for outdoor activities
Insect repellent for hikes and camping
Water bottle
Seasickness tablets (for ferry rides and whale-watching tours… just in case!)

Traffic and camping rules to be aware of during your road trip in Canada

couple gets ready for the day in a motorhome

While on your 10 day road trip from Vancouver, it’s important to follow local traffic and camping norms:

When it comes to driving, remember that you’ll be on the right side of the road in Canada
Always wear your seatbelt and follow posted speed limits.
Canadians love stop signs, and you may encounter four-way stops with drivers taking turns to advance.
Keep in mind that traffic comes to a complete stop when an emergency vehicle is passing.

As for camping:

Be sure to research and book campsites in advance as they can fill up quickly during peak season.
Always adhere to campsite rules and regulations, including proper disposal of waste and respecting quiet hours for fellow motorhomes.
When it comes to wildlife, always keep a safe distance and never approach or feed wild animals.
Finally, always practise Leave No Trace principles and leave the natural areas you visit as pristine as when you arrived.

Useful apps & insider tips for your 10 day road trip from Vancouver

Worried about how much you’ll spend on fuel during your 10 day road trip from Vancouver?

Download the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas prices along your route and save your Canadian loonies and toonies ($1 and $2 coins) for other activities.

And there you have it – your comprehensive guide to an unforgettable 10 day road trip from Vancouver! With this itinerary, you’re set to explore all the scenic beauty, captivating towns and outstanding outdoor activities that British Columbia has to offer. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure!