Even though record gas prices continue to beat Metro Vancouver, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a cheap destination for a summer road trip.

Vancouver is surrounded by many beautiful places for a quick road trip. Whether south of the border or elsewhere in British Columbia, there are plenty of options.

Canada Drives and Daily Hive have put together a handy list of potential road trip locations you can get to from Vancouver in less than three hours.

Canada Drives CEO Cody Green shared some tips with Daily Hive on the best time to leave town and what to look out for on road trips in the summer.

“Road trips are a big part of Canadian summers, and while gas prices remain high, drivers don’t have to compromise their summer plans. Checking your car‘s air filters and tire pressure before you hit the road can help you save fuel,” Green said.

He also mentioned that there are plenty of resources to help you find the best gas deal before you go on a trip like GasWizard.

If you want to avoid traffic jams or delays, as well as potential fuel cost increases, Green suggests heading out earlier in the day or earlier in the week if possible.

Here are some of the best places to take a road trip that will take you less than three hours to get there.

Pemberton

Just north of Whistler is Pemberton, British Columbia.

From agritourism to activities that take you to the skies, or something a little more active like hiking or mountain biking, Pemberton has plenty to offer.

This is the perfect time of year to visit Pemberton.

Path length : About 2.5 hours.

Squamish

If you’ve never stopped in Squamish on your way to Whistler, you’re missing out.

The pretty little town of Squamish is a beautiful natural wonder in spring and summer.

Like Pemberton, Squamish offers a variety of attractions that are both active and more laid back and relaxing. It also has many charming local restaurants and pubs that are uniquely Squamish.

Path length : About 1 hour.

Seattle

Before the pandemic, cross-border travel to places like Seattle and Portland was all the rage. Border testing requirements and other pandemic realities have made it more difficult to travel to states.

Now that things have calmed down, it’s a great time to visit Seattle.

Path length : About 2h75.

bellingham

Weekend trips to Bellis Fair in Bellingham, Washington were almost a tradition for many Vancouverites once upon a time.

If you fancy a little road trip for a little shopping spree, Bellingham is a great option. Aside from Bellis Fair, there is plenty of natural beauty to discover in Bellingham.

Path length : About 1h30.

Bowen Island

When you visit the Bowen Island Tourism website, you are greeted with a message from Lonely Planet.

“One of the best days you can have from Vancouver.”

In the space of a day, you can play golf, cycle amid beautiful nature and hike the beautiful trails of Bowen Island.

Path length : About 1.5 hours

Victoria

Even though there is a ferry involved, you can still technically consider driving to Victoria.

The city on Vancouver Island, which also happens to be the capital of British Columbia, is a pleasant place to relax after the hustle and bustle of Vancouver.

If you just need a little break, Victoria is a great place to do it.

Path length : 1h30 to the ferry

Harrison Hot Springs

Located in the Harrison River Valley, Harrison Hot Springs is known as the “healing place” for the local Aboriginal community.

If your body and mind need healing, dive into Harrison Hot Springs.

Path length : 1.5 hours

Salt Spring Island

Salt Spring Tourism calls Salt Spring Island a “place of refuge, restoration, adventure and creativity.”

From arts and culture and nature adventures to great food and shopping, you probably won’t miss the city on a trip to the island.

Path length : 2.5 hours

Cascades Falls

A little further out is Cascade Falls, technically located in Mission, BC.

It features a 30m drop waterfall as well as a suspension bridge, which Tourism Mission says is the “perfect place for selfies!” »

Cascade Falls is part of a 22-hectare park east of Mission.

Path length : Just under 2 hours.

Mount Baker

Have you ever visited an active volcano? Otherwise, Mount Baker might be calling you.

Although it is technically an active volcano, it has not had a major eruption since 1843. It currently shows no signs of major volcanic activity, but it will likely happen again sometime in the future .

Until then, there is plenty of beauty to explore in the area.

Path length : 2 hours