Though Vancouver is Canada’s third-largest city, and among its most LGBTQ2S+-friendly destinations, it’s not the only reason to visit British Columbia. Or even the best one.

Canada’s Westernmost province has nature to spare, much of it accessible by car. There are few regions where a traveller can see so much spectacular landscape—mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches, forests—in only a couple of hours of highway driving.

The people of British Columbia tend to be progressive and open-minded. Many of the towns that travellers will be stopping in for a bite, drink or some shuteye are cute, some of them very artsy. The Okanagan Thompson region, in particular, is a playground for those who love the outdoors, with many opportunities to get out on the water or to hike the trails. They have wineries, resorts, hotels and outdoor-activity companies that cater to various price points. By contrast, those headed to more remote areas of Vancouver Island will have less choice regarding where they eat, drink and sleep.

We’ve come up with four scenic drives that can be done in as little as one day—though we’re not rushing anybody. All of these BC road trips are easy to do, and all start close to well-served airports. 

Vancouver to Whistler via Sea to Sky Highway

Distance: 121 kilometres

Where to rent a car if you’re flying in: Vancouver International Airport

This drive takes travellers along a well-maintained but exceedingly curvy cliffside highway, from one of Canada’s most LGBTQ2S+-friendly cities to a postcard-perfect ski resort known for its Whistler Pride and Ski Festival (January 25 to February 1, 2026). 

Highlights: Stunning coastal views along Howe Sound, Shannon Falls, Garibaldi Provincial Park and the arts scene in Squamish, which is about halfway along the route, perfect for a lunch break.

Queer stop: Vancouver is full of LGBTQ2S+ stuff to do. (Read our insider’s guide to Vancouver here.) Why not start with a little local history? Press “Start Navigation” on Google Maps in front of Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium (1238 Davie St., Vancouver).

Osoyoos to Salmon Arm via Route 97

Distance: 260 kilometres

Where to rent a car if you’re flying in: Vancouver International Airport or at a regional airport in Kelowna, Kamloops or Penticton

This drive starts just a few hundred metres from the Canada-U.S. border, an area that’s home to Canada’s only desert environment—watch out for bobcats, badgers and rattlesnakes. But the other stops are a surprisingly cosmopolitan mix of cute towns and beautiful lake views.

Highlights: Gorgeous lake views and cute resort towns with many opportunities to swim, boat, hike, bike, kayak and sunbathe and drink wine—not necessarily in that order. The local produce is fabulous in season.

Queer Stops: Friends of Dorothy Lounge (315 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna), the region’s only country bar and LGBTQ+ lounge, opened in 2020, serving cocktails, drag, drag brunch and other high-spirited events. If the timing is right, try to catch some of Osoyoos’s Pride Arts Festival (September 6, 2025). 

Victoria to Tofino via Pacific Rim Highway

Distance: 317 kilometres

Where to rent a car if you’re flying in: Victoria International Airport

This drive starts from the charming provincial capital, which has a lively student population and a colourful arts scene. A serene drive along the east coast of Vancouver Island transforms into something far more rugged and remote as the highway passes through the Vancouver Island Ranges of mountains to the beachy west coast.

Highlights: Rainforest walks, surfing, whale watching and First Nations culture. Stroll the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, and relish the beaches and rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Queer Stop: The Vicious Poodle (726 Johnson St., Victoria). Even if your itinerary doesn’t match up with one of their events (karaoke, bingo, bear and leather night, sapphic night), stop by for some pub food and drinks.

Salt Spring Island to Qualicum Beach via ferry and Trans-Canada Highway

Distance: 115 kilometres

Where to rent a car if you’re flying in: Vancouver International Airport, then catch the ferry to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay or Victoria International Airport and head to Swartz Bay

For this “road trip,” travellers will have to take a ferry to Salt Spring Island, perhaps from Swartz Bay near Victoria, then after touring the tiny island, head back to Vancouver Island via the ferry to Crofton for a drive up the east coast.

Highlights: Beaches, boardwalks, wildlife viewing, arts festivals, hippie queers living close to nature on Salt Spring.

Queer stop: Nanaimo is the biggest city in this region, with a population of about 100,000. It’s also the main entry point to Vancouver Island from the mainland. The ferry in Horseshoe Bay in metro Vancouver takes you here. It’s a good place to stay the night and perhaps party at the gay-friendly LevelTwo Nightclub (170 Skinner St., Nanaimo).