Make the Most of Your Time in British Columbia

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Salmon Glacier in Stewart, northern British Columbia
How Many Days to Spend in British Columbia

British Columbia is vast—bigger than New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and most US states—and even travelers with generous schedules will have choices to make when planning a trip. Two weeks is a great place to start, allowing time to explore many of the province's highlights, from its coastal beaches and islands to the national parks of the interior. Travelers on a shorter schedule should stick to one or two regions—with a focused approach, you can get to know the parts of British Columbia that call to you without spending too much time on the road.

French Beach, Vancouver Island
4 Days in British Columbia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 4 days, there are a number of road trips to choose from to escape the city, whether you're looking to head into the mountains, explore the coastline, or enjoy the laid-back vibe and great breweries of small towns. All of these can be customized based on your interests, where each explores a different side of what British Columbia has to offer.

Vineyards along Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley
5 Days in British Columbia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 5 days, you'll want to focus on a specific region of British Columbia given the first and last days of your trip will likely be spent getting there and back again. You'll then have three full days to really enjoy the experience without feeling too rushed, whether your goal is to base yourself in one location or experience a new destination each day. Each of the following routes focuses on a different region and can be further customized to create the perfect adventure.

Escape to one of the many beautiful lakes in British Columbia
6 Days in British Columbia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With six days, choose one region to explore so you don't feel rushed and have the time to seek out hidden gems and more remote highlights. We've put together a selection of routes, below, that can be customized to avoid the crowds while still taking in these popular destinations. All of these itineraries can be done by car or campervan, with a focus on staying in smaller towns and beautiful parks along the way.

Scenic lighthouse along the Sea-to-Sky Highway
7 Days in British Columbia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in British Columbia, it's the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in the unique experiences of a specific region. If you don't mind faster-paced trips, you can combine two regions—such as mountains and coastline—but expect a couple of longer days of driving. Here's a list of some of the more popular routes which can be customized to help you get off the beaten path while still getting to see the highlights.

Lady Falls near Campbell River
8 Days in British Columbia - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 8 days, you can start to combine multiple regions of British Columbia for a more diverse experience. Follow a circle route through the Coast Mountains and Okanagan's wine country. Or, combine both the Sunshine Coast and the Pacific Rim for the ultimate coastal experience. For those keen on an outdoor adventure, you can also undertake a multi-day hike or multi-night stay at a remote wilderness lodge.

Helmcken Falls, Wells Gray Provincial Park
10 Days in British Columbia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can opt to see it all with a faster-paced road trip across British Columbia or enjoy a slower-paced trip that focuses on two regions. Vancouver and Calgary both serve as great starting points depending on whether you want to focus on the coast or the mountains. Here, we've outlined a number of our favorite routes that can be customized based on your interests.

Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park
14 Days in British Columbia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks, we recommend undertaking a road trip across southern or northern British Columbia, where you can take in a diverse range of highlights. Alternatively, you can also explore some of the province's more remote regions, such as the Great Bear Rainforest or one of the vast tracts of remote wilderness accessible only by floatplane.