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From Emerald Rainforests to Majestic Rockies: Journey along Canada's Scenic Route itinerary starts in Vancouver, where visitors can experience the city's vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and natural beauty. The journey then leads inland through the Fraser Valley, offering opportunities to explore farms, wineries, and indigenous heritage sites.
Continue east along the Crowsnest Highway, passing through E.C. Manning Park and the picturesque Similkameen Valley, known for its vineyards and outdoor recreational opportunities. The route further unfolds through Osoyoos, showcasing Canada's semi-arid desert and indigenous cultural experiences.
The final stretch leads to the scenic town of Castlegar and onwards to Fernie in the Canadian Rockies, where you can immerse yourself in outdoor adventures and the town's rich history. This diverse itinerary allows you time to explore lush rainforests, fertile valleys, arid deserts, and the majestic Canadian Rockies, offering a comprehensive experience of British Columbia's natural and cultural wonders. End the holiday overnighting in Calgary before flying home.
Start your journey in Vancouver, where urban chic meets the edge of nature. With an alluring backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, this city of culture leads to love at first sight—and first bite. No stranger to the world stage (and Hollywood films), Vancouver is energised by festivals, eclectic eateries, and visually arresting murals. Spend time in this city of contrasts, where you can hike through old-growth forests, indulge in a MICHELIN-starred meal, and bike and sail—all in one day.
Distance: 44 miles
Watch the city shrink in your rear-view mirror as you journey inland along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), where the Fraser Valley rolls out the green carpet. Accentuated by patchwork fields and peek-a-boo views of the mighty Fraser River, an abundance of farms, artisans, and wineries spread out across this agricultural heartland.
Distance: 52 miles
Adventure calls as you continue east toward the Harrison River Valley . (Tip: Watch for 60-m Bridal Veil Falls, visible from the highway.) Nestled at the confluence of two rivers and Harrison Lake, the area is best known for healing hot springs, prehistoric sturgeon, and legends of the mysterious Sasquatch, known as sa:sq’ets by the Sts’ailes People. While you’re here, visit the local cheese farm and browse for souvenirs while sipping locally roasted coffee.
Wind your way back to Highway 1, where Hope beckons with fresh-baked pie to fuel you along more than 100 marked hiking trails. Wedged between the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges, this aptly named town is the gateway to the rushing Fraser Canyon and the historic Gold Rush Trail. Admire the town’s signature chainsaw carvings and explore the Kettle Valley Railway Trail which passes through wild spaces and historic sites, such as the Myra Canyon, which features trestle bridges and tunnels, making it a popular destination for sightseeing, hiking, and cycling.
Distance: 153 miles
From Hope, head southeast along Crowsnest Highway 3, filled with BC gems, storybook towns, and natural wonders. Surprises are the order of the day, so watch for opportunities to pan for gold, sip Chardonnay on a sun-drenched patio, and much more.
About 45 minutes from Hope, E.C. Manning Park is a year-round destination for hikers, campers, Nordic skiers, and dark-sky photographers. Beyond the park, the Similkameen Valley is a true gem, where Cascade peaks tower over lush green forest.
Carved by the Similkameen River, this fertile valley with its bounty of farms and orchards is known as the Organic Farming Capital of Canada. Here, you can satisfy your thirst for adventure, fine wine, and fine food. Nearly 20 vineyards are sprinkled between Cawston and Keremeos, which also happens to be the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada.
As you venture toward Osoyoos, ochre-coloured bluffs and glittering lakes dot the landscape, peppered by another constellation of vineyards.
Distance: 138 miles
Osoyoos is home to Canada’s semi-arid desert, a unique ecosystem highlighted at Desert Centre. At the Indigenous-run NK’Mip Desert Cultural Centre , learn about the culture and lived experiences of the Osoyoos Indian Band, visit a replica Indigenous village, and participate in a presentation that brings you up close and personal with rattlesnakes.
Venture off the highway and into small communities that highlight the struggles, stories, and unique histories of Indigenous Peoples and diverse settlers. Midway is home to Mile 0 of the Kettle Valley Railway; you can wander the high streets lined with historic buildings here. Greenwood is an old mining town with ornate heritage buildings that also served as the site of a Japanese internment camp during the Second World War.
As this spectacular ribbon of highway gradually gains elevation, the desert becomes ranchlands and rivers en route to Christina Lake, rumoured to be Canada’s warmest due to the hot springs in its depths.
Continue upwards to the Selkirk Mountains and the scenic town of Castlegar at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers. Surrounded by rugged nature, Castlegar is a family-friendly hub for outdoor activities, parks including Syringa Provincial Park , and heritage sites highlighting the community’s Doukhobor roots.
Distance: 203 miles
You are now deep into the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges en route to the Rockies, an area for vast wilderness parks and a natural mineral hot springs network. Take a detour within a detour along Highway 3A to the quintessentially Kootenays town of Nelson . Nestled on the shores of Kootenay Lake and surrounded by mountains, this historic town boasts more than 350 designated heritage buildings and is buzzing with artistic energy and indie shops. Nelson is serious about three things: Outdoor adventure, food, and great coffee. Which makes this an essential stop at any time of year.
Back on Highway 3, visit the collection of wineries near Creston and stop at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino near Cranbrook , which is nestled between the Purcells and the Canadian Rockies ranges. Owned by the Ktunaxa Nation, this former residential school site is now a luxury resort. The property offers interpretive experiences that highlight colonization’s harmful impacts and honour Indigenous culture’s resilience and richness.
As you approach Fernie in the Canadian Rockies, towering peaks, river valleys, and vast forests at every turn make for a captivating drive. Located in the province’s southeast corner, this former railway and coal mining town is now a haven for adventurists. Reach new summits at Fernie Alpine Resort , and hike or ride 100-plus trails in the spring, summer, and fall. Year-round, enjoy colourful street art, regional food and craft beer, and friendly and interesting locals. The perfect way to end your off-the-beaten-path BC adventure.
Distance: 180 miles
Leaving the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain of Fernie, make sure to stop at Fort Macleod and step back in time as you explore the 19th century buildings preserved from the days of the North West Mounted Police. For an appreciation of the area's First Nations heritage, veer off course slightly to behold the Buffalo Jump at Head-Smashed-In, a cliff formation used for over 5,500 years to hunt the once abundant bison. As the mountains transition to foothills then prairie, get out to walk or cycle along a portion of the extensive Cowboy Trail that winds along the eastern slopes revealing panoramic vistas. Before arriving in the urban energy of Calgary, wander the brick-lined main street of small-town Nanton or have lunch at one of the cozy cafes and diners found in communities like Claresholm that dot the southern Alberta landscape.
A day to explore Calgary before flying home and we suggest starting at Calgary Tower - in the heart of downtown. The 360degree observation deck offers views of all of Calgary’s landmarks including the Rockies. From there, head to Heritage Park Historical Village - ride a genuine steam train, enjoy the village’s roving characters and explore Gasoline Alley - the world’s largest collection of antique vehicles.