If you and your partner need a break from Vancouver, perhaps a road trip to a charming small town for a romantic weekend getaway is just what you need.
Many adorable towns near Metro Vancouver offer gorgeous scenery, great food, fun activities and a nice change of pace from the big city.
From B.C.’s capital city to smaller towns scattered on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the mainland, there’s no shortage of places you can head to for a weekend retreat.
Here are 11 charming towns near Vancouver that are a car ride (and possibly a ferry ride) away.
Kelowna
Kelowna is a beautiful city in the Okanagan Valley, about four hours away from Vancouver.
It’s filled with sandy beaches that are great for swimming, paddling, waterskiing, and boating. Kelowna also has 19 golf courses and a thriving wine scene with over 40 wineries where you can go for tours and tastings.
If you and your partner are foodies, Kelowna has a lot of restaurants and outdoor patios where you can enjoy a meal with a gorgeous view of the vineyards.
Nelson
Surrounded by B.C.’s incredible mountains and home to over 250 restored heritage buildings, the town of Nelson looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie.
Nelson is known as an arts town so make sure you check out a gallery or two while you’re there.
You may also get lucky and see some live music and performing arts at various bars and restaurants in town, according to the City of Nelson website.
Squamish
Squamish is a town between Vancouver and Whistler surrounded by mountains, including the Stawamus Chief.
There are plenty of incredible hikes you can go on where you’ll get views of the turquoise water and the stunning rugged mountain range.
The town also has craft breweries, a distillery, farm-to-table dining, cute cafes and various boutiques.
Victoria
B.C.’s capital city is a beautiful city that will transport you to Europe.
Victoria is filled with British charm from its architecture, and landmarks to traditions still found there today.
Take a walk downtown where you’ll see views of the harbour and the city’s gorgeous legislature building. If you don’t feel like walking, you can book a horse carriage for a romantic tour of the area.
The city is also filled with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view.
If you have the time, make sure you go check out Victoria’s two castles, Hatley Castle and Craigdarroch Castle.
Victoria is also home to Butchart Gardens, which was just named one of the most beautiful flower fields in the world.
Hope
Hope is located at the eastern part of the Fraser Valley less than two hours from Metro Vancouver.
The small B.C. town is the perfect spot for anyone who loves being immersed in nature with its waterfalls, desert canyons and rainforests.
Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park is where you’ll find the Othello-Quintette Tunnels which you can tour on foot or bike.
If you travel to Hope you’ll also see wood sculptures around the community, which have earned it the title of Chainsaw Carving Capital.
Tofino
Tofino is a small town on Vancouver Island that will provide you with the most incredible west coast views.
The district has sandy beaches where you can surf year-round or go for romantic sunset walks. There are also hikes you can go on while you’re there, like in Pacific Rim National Park.
Don’t forget to stop by the original Tacofino truck for some tacos or Shelter Restaurant, which has epic views of the water.
Fort Langley
Just an hour outside Vancouver, Fort Langley is a town filled with charm.
With various vintage shops, boutiques, galleries and bakeries the town looks like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls.
Fort Langley also has museums, parks and trails. According to its tourism website, the town’s iconic yellow Community Hall has been featured in various TV shows and movies.
Whistler
Whistler is just an hour and a half from Vancouver and offers a great escape from the city.
It may be known as a ski town, but there’s still plenty to do there in the spring and summer.
Outside of ski season, you can walk by the beautiful lakes or go for an epic hike up one of the mountainous trails.
Whistler Village is also packed with restaurants and attractions so you’ll have plenty to do there.
Cowichan Bay
Located on Vancouver Island, Cowichan Bay is a picturesque seaside town that’s a ferry ride away from Vancouver.
There are many things to do in the area like hiking, kayaking, whale watching and more.
There are also cute shops, a bakery, and restaurants on the main strip.
You’ll find unique accommodations in the area, many of which are perched above the water on stilts, according to the Tourism Cowichan website.
Pender Island
Pender Island is a Southern Gulf Island, but considering it’s small enough that you can easily explore the entire island in one weekend we decided to add it to the list.
Pender is a two-hour ferry ride from Vancouver, but it’s well worth the trip for a romantic getaway.
While you’re there you can go for beautiful hikes, and check out various small shops, cute galleries, a winery and restaurants right along the water.
Poets Cove Resort and Marina is a great place to stay as it offers a spa where you can go for a couples massage or spend some time going for a dip in the pool or hot tub under the stars.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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