Spring has arrived in Vancouver, and with it comes the perfect weather for exploring the breathtaking landscapes surrounding our beautiful city. As winter recedes and nature blooms, there's no better time to get behind the wheel of your Volkswagen and discover the scenic wonders just a short drive from Vancouver.
Whether you're piloting a nimble Golf, a versatile Tiguan, or a spacious Atlas, your Volkswagen is engineered for both performance and comfort--the ideal companion for these unforgettable road trips. We've compiled our top five scenic drives that showcase the best of what British Columbia has to offer this spring season.
Vancouver Volkswagen Driving Tip: Before embarking on any road trip, ensure your vehicle is spring-ready with our Spring Maintenance Service. Having your Volkswagen in optimal condition ensures you can focus on the spectacular views rather than vehicle concerns.
1. The Legendary Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99)
This world-renowned route from Vancouver to Whistler is arguably at its most spectacular during spring when snow still caps the mountain peaks while lower elevations burst with greenery and wildflowers. The Sea to Sky Highway hugs the coastline of Howe Sound, offering breathtaking ocean vistas contrasted against towering mountains.
Key Stops Along the Way:
- Horseshoe Bay - Watch the ferries come and go at this picturesque harbor
- Shannon Falls - One of BC's highest waterfalls, particularly impressive with spring runoff
- Sea to Sky Gondola - Take a break from driving for panoramic views from the summit
- Brandywine Falls - A short hike reveals this 70-meter waterfall in full spring flow
- Whistler Village - Your ultimate destination, with shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities
Perfect Volkswagen Match: The Volkswagen Golf GTI shines on this drive, with responsive handling that makes the winding coastal sections an absolute joy. Its panoramic sunroof option lets you soak in those towering mountain views.
2. Fraser Valley Wine Country
Spring transforms the Fraser Valley into a lush paradise of blooming orchards and vineyards. This scenic drive takes you through pastoral landscapes with the Coast Mountains as your backdrop. The route through Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and culinary delights.
Highlights Include:
- Fort Langley National Historic Site - Begin your journey at this charming historic village
- Township 7 Vineyards - One of several wineries offering spring wine tastings
- Abbotsford Tulip Festival - Millions of tulips in bloom from April through early May
- Chilliwack's farm markets - Fresh spring produce direct from local farmers
- Harrison Hot Springs - Extend your drive to this resort community for relaxation
Perfect Volkswagen Match: The Volkswagen Taos is ideal for this countryside excursion, offering elevated seating for better views of the blooming fields and plenty of cargo space for wine purchases and farm-fresh goodies.
3. Sunshine Coast Loop
For a true coastal experience, the Sunshine Coast delivers spectacular ocean views, artisan communities, and hidden beaches. This adventure requires a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, but once on the peninsula, you'll discover why this region lives up to its sunny name, especially in spring when weather improves but summer crowds haven't arrived.
Must-See Points:
- Gibsons Landing - Charming waterfront with shops and restaurants
- Roberts Creek - Artist community with beautiful beach access
- Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park - Easy hiking trails with coastal views
- Skookumchuck Narrows - Witness powerful tidal rapids (check tide tables beforehand)
- Sechelt - Explore galleries and the waterfront promenade
Planning Tip: Make ferry reservations in advance through BC Ferries, especially on weekends. Consider staying overnight to fully appreciate the coastal communities.
Perfect Volkswagen Match: The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV is perfect for this eco-conscious region. With its impressive range, you can explore the entire coast while appreciating nature with zero emissions. Multiple fast-charging stations along the route make this an ideal EV journey.
4. Okanagan Valley Spring Blossoms Tour
While requiring more time commitment, this spring drive rewards you with one of nature's most spectacular shows: the Okanagan Valley fruit tree blossoms. Taking Highway 1 and then Highway 97 into BC's interior, you'll witness valleys transformed into clouds of white and pink blossoms as apple, cherry, peach, and apricot orchards bloom.
Key Destinations:
- Hope to Manning Park - Mountain scenery and emerging spring wildlife
- Keremeos - Known as the "Fruit Stand Capital" with early spring produce
- Penticton - Gateway to the southern Okanagan with lakefront parks
- Naramata Bench - Scenic drive with wineries offering spring releases
- Kelowna - Orchards and vineyards with Okanagan Lake views
Perfect Volkswagen Match: For this longer journey, the Volkswagen Atlas provides ultimate comfort and space. Its adaptive cruise control makes the highway portions relaxing, while the spacious interior ensures everyone arrives refreshed and ready to explore.
5. Bowen Island Day Trip
For a quick escape from the city, Bowen Island offers a perfect mini road trip just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. This small but scenic island features winding roads through forests awakening with spring growth, peaceful coves, and charming villages.
Island Highlights:
- Snug Cove - The island's main village with cafes and shops
- Killarney Lake - Easy walking trail around a forest lake
- Mount Gardner - For panoramic views of Howe Sound and Vancouver
- Tunstall Bay - Beautiful beach on the western shore
- Artisan Square - Local galleries and craft shops
Perfect Volkswagen Match: The compact Volkswagen Jetta is ideal for navigating Bowen's narrow roads. Its efficient fuel economy means you can explore the entire island without worrying about finding a gas station.
Spring Driving Tips for Vancouver Volkswagen Owners
Before setting out on your spring adventures, keep these seasonal driving tips in mind:
- Check road conditions - Spring in BC can still bring sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations
- Pack layers - Temperature variations can be significant, especially when traveling from coast to mountains
- Use your Volkswagen's navigation system - Pre-load destinations, especially in areas with spotty cell coverage
- Schedule a spring service - Ensure your VW is ready for longer drives after winter
- Plan for wildlife - Spring brings increased animal activity near roadways
Vancouver Volkswagen Service Reminder: Spring is the perfect time to switch from winter to all-season or summer tires. Our service center can handle your tire swap and storage needs while performing a comprehensive spring vehicle check.
Make Memories in Your Volkswagen This Spring
Vancouver's surrounding region offers some of the most spectacular driving routes in North America, and spring provides the perfect balance of pleasant weather and minimal crowds. Your Volkswagen, with its German-engineered performance and comfort, is the ideal companion for discovering these scenic wonders.
Whether you choose a quick day trip to Bowen Island or an extended journey to the Okanagan, these spring drives will create lasting memories and showcase the capability of your Volkswagen in diverse driving conditions.
At Vancouver Volkswagen, we're passionate about helping our customers experience the joy of driving. Visit our showroom to explore our latest models perfectly suited for your spring adventures, or schedule a service appointment to ensure your current Volkswagen is ready for the season's journeys.
