While the city of Vancouver is often described as one of the most beautiful places in the world, it is also one of the most expensive. With the cost of rent, dining out, and transportation, people often think traveling from one place to another has to be expensive. Not true. While Vancouver is in a unique position, nestled between the Pacific Ocean, the Coast Mountains, and many islands and lakes, it is arguably one of the best cities for cheap weekend getaways in all of Canada.
Within a span of one to four hours from downtown Vancouver, there are alpine lakes, hot springs, sandy beaches, artsy islands, wine country, forested parks, and quaint towns. Due to the proximity of these destinations, transportation expenses remain moderate. Overnight stays can also be accessible with campgrounds, motels, hostels, and hotel packages, as well as free attractions such as hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and scenic viewpoints.
For example, if you’re a Vancouverite looking to get out of the city but don’t want to break the bank, you can consider the following places, which show you can have a fantastic weekend within a budget.
Cheap Weekend Trips From Vancouver
1. Take a Trip to Squamish Mountain
2. Take a bath at Harrison Hot Spring
3. Bowen Island
4. Shop on Salt Spring Island
5. Take a Tour around Victoria City
6. Manning Providal Park
6 Cheap Weekend Trips From Vancouver
1. Take a Trip to Squamish Mountain
Nestled a mere 65 km north of Vancouver along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99), Squamish boasts one of the most accessible and affordable outdoor getaways in the province. The hour-long drive will burn up to $15-$25 round trip in fuel, depending on your ride.
Squamish is sometimes described as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” and much of its appeal is free. Shannon Falls Provincial Park, home to one of BC’s tallest waterfalls, has free entry. The Stawamus Chief hike – a grueling but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Howe Sound – is also free. For a more relaxed outing, the Squamish Estuary provides scenic walking trails with no cost for mountain and ocean views.
Downtown Squamish has a relaxed, outdoorsy charm, small cafés, local breweries, and gear shops lining Cleveland Avenue. Adventure seekers can mountain bike world-class trails or paddleboard along the shoreline.
Estimated weekend cost: $120–$300 per person
Note: Optional splurges include the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which runs around $65 for an adult ticket, but the surrounding hiking trails remain free. A well-planned weekend in Squamish, including gas, camping, and groceries, can easily stay under $150 per person.
2. Take a bath at Harrison Hot Spring
Harrison Hot Springs, a small lakeside village, can be found about 90 minutes to the east of Vancouver. This charming location is situated beside the mountains, which are covered in forest. To the front of the village, there is Harrison Lake. Harrison Lake is vast and is surrounded by mountains, which makes it a very good spot to be.
The main attraction is the natural mineral hot springs, famous for their relaxing properties. Although the historic Harrison Hot Springs Resort on the waterfront is a dominant land feature, access to the lakefront walkway, beaches, and hiking trails is possible without resorting to a stay.
Here, the pace is relaxed and rejuvenating. Couples walk on the water as the sun sets, families picnic by the lake, and even kayaks glide peacefully over the water. In the fall and winter seasons, mist rises off the water in the lake, but in the summer, there is swimming weather.
Further afield, trails like the Spirit Trail offer short scenic hikes through forested areas. For those seeking a more adventurous outing, Sasquatch Provincial Park is just a short drive away.
Estimated weekend cost: $200–$350 per person
3. Bowen Island
Bowen Island, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, feels like a different pace of life. From the ferry, you can see the ocean right away as you make your way across Howe Sound, and then it’s a short walk to Snug Cove.
A car-free weekend is just what is needed on Bowen Island. Snug Cove offers quaint cafés and shops filled with local artisans, along with benches to sit and watch boats pass by. A short walk leads to Killarney Lake, with a forest trail encircling quiet freshwater surrounded by towering evergreen trees.
More elevation can also be achieved by hiking Mount Gardner, which provides good views of the surrounding coastline. Small beaches and rocky shore points offer secluded areas for reflection.
The simplicity of the island is indeed its beauty, no crowds, no hurry, simply ocean breezes and woodland trails.
Estimated weekend cost: $180–$320 per person
4. Shop on Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, one of the Gulf Islands, combines rural charm with artistic flair. Rolling farmland, coastal cliffs, and small village centers define the landscape.
The town of Ganges hosts a popular Saturday market featuring local produce, handmade crafts, and baked goods. Mount Maxwell Provincial Park offers sweeping island views from its summit, while Ruckle Provincial Park provides dramatic coastal trails where waves crash against rocky shorelines.
Lavender farms, cider houses, and artisan studios dot the island’s winding roads. The pace is unhurried, ideal for wandering and discovering small hidden gems.
Estimated weekend cost: $300–$450 per person
5. Take a Tour around Victoria City
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is a nice place that has a lot of old-world charm. It also has the beauty of the ocean there. When you take the ferry to Swartz Bay from Tsawwassen, you get to see the Gulf Islands, which is a pretty cool thing to do. Victoria is a place to visit for its oceanfront setting. The ferry ride from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay is a way to see the Gulf Islands and enjoy the view of the water. Victoria has a lot to offer, including its oceanfront settings and old-world charm.
There is nothing more postcard-perfect than the Inner Harbor in Victoria, with the Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and horse-drawn carriages amidst the shining water. Yet beyond the veneer of Victoria, there are many free delights to be enjoyed.
Beacon Hill Park is a nice place that goes along the coastline. It has open fields and pretty gardens. You can also see peacocks walking around Beacon Hill Park freely. Dallas Road is another spot. It has a walking route by the ocean. When you walk on Dallas Road, you can see the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. The downtown area is quite walkable and has a nice atmosphere, with many bookstores and coffee shops. Even street performers and little markets can be found around the harbor during nice weather.
Estimated weekend cost: $250–$400 per person
6. Manning Providal Park
E.C. Manning Provincial Park, located three hours east of Vancouver, provides the true experience of being immersed in the wilds, as the dense forests and alpine meadows reflect an environment that is quite removed from civilization.
Lightning Lake is the main attraction during the summer months, with clear water for a refreshing swim or a peaceful canoe ride. Hike on one of several trails, ranging from relaxed strolls along the lake’s shoreline to strenuous climbs into the mountains. In the fall, the mountains are ablaze with golden larch trees.
Camping under the stars is one of its most attractive features. Light pollution is minimal, making the night sky quite spectacular. In winter, Manning Pines offers a winter wonderland experience with its cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at a lower cost than other larger ski areas.
Estimated weekend cost: $120–$250 per person
Conclusion
While the cost of living in Vancouver may be quite high, the city makes the most of the opportunities around it. At a short distance from the city are lakes nestled under the alpine mountains, islands with slow-paced living, mineral springs under the mountains, and coastal towns full of charm.
While cheap weekend trips from Vancouver are not about taking any shortcuts, they are about rediscovering simplicity. They are about replacing the roar of the road with the roar of the ocean, and the view of the building with the view of the mountains.
And often, they cost far less than you might expect.
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