Top Towns to Visit in British Columbia This Summer: A 7-Day Road Trip Guide

Top Towns to Visit in British Columbia This Summer: A 7-Day Road Trip Guide

British Columbia is one of Canada’s most diverse and stunning provinces—where coastal cities meet alpine peaks, wild rivers, vineyards, and desert landscapes. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, foodie, or road trip lover, BC has something for everyone.

If you’re planning a summer road trip, here are the top towns to visit in BC—based on our 7-day loop starting and ending in Vancouver. Each one offers something unique, and together, they make for the ultimate BC experience!


Vancouver – Urban Energy Meets Natural Beauty

Start your journey in Vancouver, BC’s largest city and cultural hub. Spend your day strolling through Stanley Park, visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, or cycling the iconic Seawall. The city’s blend of ocean, mountains, and vibrant neighborhoods sets the tone for your whole trip.

Explore more in Vancouver


Whistler – Mountain Town Vibes & Endless Adventure

Just two hours north, Whistler is famous for its alpine beauty, outdoor adventure, and lively village. Take a gondola ride, zipline through the forest, or grab a patio drink in Whistler Village. Want something quieter? Head to nearby Pemberton for a more laid-back mountain vibe.

Discover Whistler Village
Chill out in Pemberton


Clearwater – Gateway to Waterfalls & Wild Rivers

After a scenic interior drive, you’ll land in Clearwater, the launch point for exploring Wells Gray Provincial Park—home to over 40 waterfalls and epic wilderness experiences. Stay at River’s Edge Retreat and don’t miss a whitewater rafting trip on the Clearwater River with Liquid Lifestyles.

Book your rafting adventure
Explore Wells Gray

💡 Use code TOURBC for 15% off your Liquid Lifestyles rafting trip!


Kelowna – Wine Country Relaxation

From Clearwater, head south to the sunny Okanagan Valley and stop in Kelowna for wine tasting, lake views, and orchard-fresh eats. Kelowna is home to some of BC’s top wineries and offers plenty of options for beach time, farm markets, and gourmet dining.

Visit Tourism Kelowna


Osoyoos – Canada’s Desert Playground

Next up is Osoyoos, Canada’s only true desert and one of BC’s warmest towns. Here you can relax on the beach, go golfing, or take the kids to Rattlesnake Canyon amusement park. Osoyoos also offers incredible Indigenous culture experiences and unique wineries.

Plan your visit


Keremeos – Fruit Stands & Farm Charm

On your way west, stop in Keremeos, BC’s “Fruit Stand Capital.” Stock up on fresh cherries, peaches, and preserves, and maybe explore the historic Grist Mill and Gardens. It’s a sweet little detour you’ll be glad you made.

Keremeos Visitor Info


Manning Park – Alpine Meadows & Stargazing

Just past Princeton, stop in E.C. Manning Provincial Park—a lesser-known gem perfect for hiking, stargazing, and unplugging. Stay overnight if you can to explore the Heather Trail or rent a canoe on Lightning Lake.

Stay in Manning Park


Hope – Tunnels, Trails & Lunch Breaks

Before returning to Vancouver, stretch your legs in Hope, known for its dramatic scenery and the famous Othello Tunnels—a series of railway tunnels carved through solid granite. It’s the perfect mix of history and hiking.

Hike the Othello Tunnels


Plan Your Loop:

Route: Vancouver → Whistler → Clearwater → Kelowna → Osoyoos → Manning Park → Hope → Vancouver
Trip Length: 7+ days
Best For: Nature lovers, road trippers, families, and wine adventurers


Ready to hit the road?

Download the full BC Summer Adventure Itinerary to keep everything in one place.

And don’t forget to book your Clearwater whitewater rafting trip here:
liquidlifestyles.ca

Liquid Lifestyles

At Liquid Lifestyles, we’re passionate about creating safe and thrilling river adventures in Clearwater, BC. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, our expert guides offer experiences for all levels. Have questions? Use the form below, and we’ll reply...

Liquid Lifestyles Full Bio
Full rafts coming down the Clearwater River
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
no limit

Whitewater Rafting Adventure (3.5 hr)

Experience a whitewater adventure that you won’t forget, with exciting rapids class 1 through 4, this 3.5 hour trip has it all! Battle your way down some of Clearwater’s most infamous rapids such as The Wall, Buckaroo and Pink Mountain. Take a short side hike into the Candle Creek waterfall where you can jump through the falls and refresh with a swim or give cliff jumping a go!

2 Reviews verify
from
CA$126
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
no limit

Family-Friendly Whitewater Rafting

Splash down the Clearwater River on the rolling rapids and then take a short hike to the Candle Creek waterfall. There you can jump through the waterfall like a super hero and swim in the water. Play I spy with the eagles while you float back into town. With class 1-3 rapids this trip has just the right amount of excitement to put a smile on everyone’s face. Both kid and parent-approved!

Experience the perfect introduction to white-water rafting on Clearwater River’s Class I and Class III rapids with this family-friendly guided tour!

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from
CA$119
Family of rafters dipping into a big wave in bright blue water of the Clearwater River
Duration
8 hours
Group Size
no limit

Full Day Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Join us for the only full-day whitewater rafting experience of its kind in Wells Gray Park! This 7–8 hour adventure includes exciting Class I–IV rapids, a scenic waterfall hike, a catered riverside lunch, and all necessary gear and equipment.

Every trip is tailored to suit the group, weather, and river conditions. Your guides will review the day’s plan during the safety briefing, including which waterfalls you'll visit and any additional side excursions.

When booking, please inform us of any food allergies, medical conditions, or mobility concerns so we can accommodate your needs!

Ages 14+

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Tandem Rafting

Our three-hour tandem rafting adventure offers an exciting way to explore the Clearwater River’s Class II and III rapids. You and a partner will navigate the river in a two-person raft, guided by our experienced instructors. Enjoy the thrill of the rapids, stunning scenery, and the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. This fun and intimate experience is perfect for those seeking a more exciting whitewater experience in the heart of Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Ages 14+
*This activity is restricted to water levels. Ideal times to go are August and September.

Duration
3 to 5 days
Group Size
no limit

Kayak: Fluid Fundamentals (Beginner)

This beginners course is for those who have never kayaked and want to learn the basics.

Join a 3 or 5 day course and get paddling!

Starting on calm, flat water, you'll progress to navigating up to Class II+ rapids with confidence.
From learning essential techniques like the “Wet Exit,” “T-Rescue,” and “Eskimo Roll,” to mastering river hydrology, rescue skills, and maneuvering through currents, this course builds your skills step by step.
By the end of the week, you'll have the knowledge and ability to read and run rivers, setting you up to explore Class II+ rapids and even dabble in Class III whitewater.

Ages 12+