Top Scenic Drives in British Columbia

Take the Road-Less-Travelled to the Best of Canada's Westcoast

Sep 10, 2008

From its picturesque snow covered mountains to its copious wildlife, British Columbia is considered one of the most spectacular areas in the western world.

One of the best ways to explore all this beautiful province has to offer is by vehicle. Although there are many freeways connecting the many cities and towns in British Columbia, there are equally as many lesser-travelled thoroughfares that offer more than just a quick ride from A to B. It is through these winding roads and highways that you will discover simply stunning views of nature at its best.

So, grab your CD’s, you camera and your friends and hit the open road with these top four best drives in British Columbia.

Winding between granite rock, thundering waterfalls and shimmering ocean, this 135 kilometre thoroughfare, also known as Highway 99, takes you from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton with stops at Squamish and Whistler in between. As the main artery from Vancouver to Whistler, the Sea to Sky sees plenty of action, especially with the 2010 Winter Olympics slated to be held in both venues. The highway offers spectacular views of both Howe Sound and the surrounding snow-peaked mountains. Be prepared for tight curves around some corners and plenty of construction but pack your camera, as there are plenty of viewpoints along the way.

Duffey Lake Road

This forested road takes travellers from the Pemberton Valley to Lillooet and into BC’s Southern Interior. The 100 kilometre trek comes complete with steep grades, blind corners, one way bridges and switch backs, so be sure to drive with extra caution. However, the scenery is well worth the difficult drive as you are surrounded by Canadian nature at its best. Flourishing forests, crystal clear creeks and glistening glaciers are just the beginning. If you’re lucky, you might even come across a deer on the side of the road or a family of bears grabbing a drink by the creek.

Pacific Rim Highway

Travel to the edge of Western Canada with this stunning drive. Located on Vancouver Island, this 130 kilometre highway curves though mountain terrain to connect Port Alberni to Tofino. You haven’t experienced the west coast of Canada until you’ve driven through the twists and turns of the Mackenzie Range with the sandy white coasts and the rolling waves of the ocean keeping you company. The Pacific Rim Highway is one of the most challenging highways in British Columbia, especially in the middle section, so always drive with care.

Kootenay Parkway

Discover the magnificence of the mountains on the Kootenay Parkway. The best part about this 100 kilometre highway is the adventure that waits at the end: hot and soothing Radium Hot Springs. From Banff, Alberta through the Kootenay National Park, you will be face to face with the world-renowned Rocky Mountains. As you will be travelling downhill for most of the journey, don’t forget to slow down and take in the flowing rivers, towering snow peaks and blanketed forests that makes British Columbia so beautiful.

So, wherever you’re going in British Columbia, make sure you check out the stunning scenery of these lesser-travelled highways. After all, everyone knows that getting there is half the fun! And, after exploring these British Columbia roads, it’s easy to see why!

The copyright of the article Top Scenic Drives in British Columbia in Budget Sightseeing is owned by Jenna Galley. Permission to republish Top Scenic Drives in British Columbia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.