This won’t break your budget if you use Canoo! Because we’ll include the places you can go to with Canoo for free in our list of special weekend getaways near Vancouver.

Canoo is an app for new Permanent Residents in Canada and new Canadian citizens. Helping you to experience Canada with free entry to popular museums, national parks. Plus, discounts on special events, like concerts and sports games.

Best Weekend Getaways from Vancouver with Canoo

Whistler
Squamish
Victoria
Tofino
Okanagan
Nanaimo
The Sunshine Coast
Porteau Cove
Bowen Island

Whistler

Whistler is a year-round resort town famous for its ski slopes and mountain biking trails. And yes! 3 days is enough to explore the best that Whistler has to offer.

Travel Time: 2-hour drive from Vancouver via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway.
Key Attractions: Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Village, Audain Art Museum.
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining.
Canoo Benefits: Free entry to Whistler Museum and Audain Art Museum with a Canoo membership.

Discover Whistler with Canoo and enjoy exclusive free access to top attractions! Download the Canoo app today.

people skiing in Whistler on a weekend trip away from Vancouver. — Photo Credit: Benjamin Hayward

Squamish

Squamish is the perfect choice for a long weekend away, offering outdoor adventures and scenic beauty just a short drive from Vancouver. About halfway between Vancouver and Whistler, you’ll feel the adrenaline pumping while trying out the extreme sports, like rock climbing.

Travel Time: 1-hour drive from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Stawamus Chief Park, Sea to Sky Gondola.
Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, sightseeing.
Canoo Benefits: Free entry to Stawamus Chief Park, 20% off Sea to Sky Gondola tickets with Canoo.

Plan your adventure in Squamish with Canoo! Download the app for free park entry and gondola discounts.

person riding a mountain bike in Stawamus Chief Park in Squamish, BC. — Photo Credit: Gabriel Dalton

Victoria

Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is known for its charm and beautiful gardens. It’s one of the best places to visit for a mix of historic and modern attractions. And did you know Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city?

Travel Time: 1.5-hour Ferry from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Royal BC Museum.
Activities: Whale watching, kayaking.
Canoo Benefits: Free entry to the Royal BC Museum and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria with a 20% discount on Sunset Whale Watching tours with the Prince of Whales tours.

Use Canoo at partnered venues across Victoria to make of the most of your weekend getaway!

Tofino

Tofino is a laid-back coastal town on the west coast of Vancouver Island with stunning beaches, surfing, and untouched natural beauty. You’ll have to start your road trip with a 2-hour ferry ride. Then, drive the rest of the way across Vancouver Island. This may seem like a tough journey, but it’s well worth the time when you see the edge of Vancouver Island from Tofino!

Travel Time: 5.5-hour drive (including the ferry ride) from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Activities: Surfing, hiking, sightseeing.
Canoo Benefits: Free entry to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with your Canoo app.

Download Canoo to visit BC Parks and Parks Canada sights in Tofino and across Canada!

Person carrying their surf board after surfing in Tofino, BC. — Photo Credit: Spencer Watson

Okanagan

The Okanagan Valley is famous for its wineries, warm climate, and beautiful lakes. A top destination for those looking to relax while enjoying gourmet food and wine. Thanks to the sunny weather, you have the chance to enjoy activities both indoors and outdoors (but not in an extreme sports style that you’ll find in Squamish).

Travel Time: 4-hour drive from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Kelowna, Penicton.
Activities: Winetasting, Hiking, Sightseeing.
Canoo Benefits: Discount on Wine49 Tours.

Plan weekend trips with your friends and share Canoo, so everyone can access the discounts and freebies!

A vineyard in Okanagan Valley. — Photo Credit: Kym Ellis

Nanaimo

Nanaimo is known for its beautiful waterfront, arts scene, and outdoor activities. It’s a great place to explore the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Don’t forget to try the famous Nanaimo bar – a special Canadian dessert that started right here.

Travel Time: 3-hour ferry from North Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Harbourfront Walkway, Newcastle Island, Neck Point, Pipers Lagoon Englishman River Falls Park.
Activities: Sightseeing, hiking.
Canoo Benefits: Free daily entry to Englishman River Falls Park.

Explore different cities in BC with Canoo this weekend!

drinks on the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway — Photo Credit: Mackenzie Cooper

The Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a 180-kilometre stretch of paradise just northwest of Vancouver. Home to coastal scenery, quaint towns, and mountainous hikes, the area is also known for its artistic community. Plan your visit when a music festival is playing or use the art tours to experience the outdoors with local artists, seeing the world in a new way.

Travel Time: 40-min. Ferry from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Gibson, Sechelt, Porpoise Bay Park.
Activities: Hiking, shopping, canoeing, concerts.
Canoo Benefits: Free daily entry to Porpoise Bay Park

Take Canoo to the lake for free with free entry to all BC Parks locations!

Friends canoeing together on the sunshine coast in BC. — Photo Credit: Chris Montgomery

Porteau Cove

Porteau Cove is a provincial park located along the Sea to Sky Highway that will give you a peaceful seaside escape from the busy city where you can even see the spectacular fjord, Howe Sound. Porteau Cove is an ideal long weekend destination for camping and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast.

Travel Time: 1-hour drive from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Howe Sound.
Activities: Camping, kayaking, scuba diving (around an old sunken ship nearby), wildlife watching.
Canoo Benefits: Free daily entry to Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Mountains from Porteau Cove Lookout — Photo Credit: Gabe

Bowen Island

Bowen Island is a short ferry ride from Vancouver, giving you a tranquil retreat with beautiful landscapes and a charming small-town feel. You don’t even need a car to get there or get around! By taking the ferry, you’ll arrive in downtown Snug Cove where you can get to the top attractions by bus.

Travel Time: 1.5-hour ferry from Vancouver.
Key Attractions: Mount Gardner, Snug Cove, Apodaca Park.
Activities: Shopping, sightseeing, cycling, swimming.
Canoo Benefits: Free daily entry to Apodaca Park to see the scenic cliffs after a moderate hike.

kayaks on a beach on Bowen Island. — Credit: Rod M