Skip to main content
Mount Robson reflected on the water
Mount Robson | Destination BC/Megan McLellan

The iconic journey from Vancouver on the
Pacific Ocean to the Canadian Rockies.

Welcome to Rainforest to Rockies

Experience British Columbia from sea to sky through dramatic, diverse and ever-changing landscapes.

Begin your journey in Vancouver—a vibrant city perched on the edge of nature—and make your way by road, rail, or trail.

Wind through rainforests, grasslands, deserts, past rivers, and lakes towards tall peaks — each natural backdrop reflecting a deep connection between Peoples and place.

A map of British Columbia highlighting Rainforest to Rockies
Friends hiking and admiring the natural scenery in Lynn Canyon Park.
Lynn Canyon Park | Destination BC/Hubert Kang

Nature in Motion

From beaches and ocean coasts to alpine peaks, few routes in the world offer this much ecological richness in one journey. Rolling hills, golden grasslands, and old-growth rainforests merge into towering peaks and valleys, creating a landscape that reveals itself at every turn. Stewarded by First Nations—and by those who live and visit here—this striking route invites you to take care.

A group with Takaya Tours, rowing a traditional First Nations canoe in Howe Sound with mountains in the background.
Howe Sound | Destination BC/Patrice Halley

Living Cultures

Rainforest to Rockies weaves together the voices, stories, and experiences of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and locals —from coastal cities to mountain towns. Connect to the earth and water, over art and at gatherings, during meals and markets, and in the everyday moments that make this route come alive.

Revelstoke | Tourism Revelstoke

A Path for Every Pace

Adventure calls to everyone in different ways. In the morning, relax by a river or soak in hot springs; in the afternoon, wind along mountain roads or find shade along forested trails. This isn’t about going far or fast—it’s about staying in the moment.

Aerial photo of downtown Vancouver | Destination Vancouver/Albert Normandin
Downtown Vancouver | Destination Vancouver/Albert Normandin
A group of friends on a tour of McAbee Fossil Beds near Cache Creek - home to fossils that date back over 50 million years.
Cache Creek | Destination BC/Abby Cooper
Four friends canoeing on the turquoise waters of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies, with Emerald Lake Lodge in the background.
Yoho National Park | Destination BC/Abby Cooper
Rainforest to Rockies
4 min

Experience Rainforest to Rockies

Make your way from the Pacific to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, following winding trails, unforgettable mountain roads, and easy waterside stops.

Take a peek
A highway on the Rainforest to Rockies route in BC, Canada

Between the Bookends

These aren’t just lines on a map.

This is a route full of unexpected wonder, where what lies between the peaks and the Pacific is just as stunning.

Rainforest to Rockies
Revelstoke | Destination

Places to go

  • Kamloops

    A rugged city along the North and South Thompson rivers marked by dramatic desert landscapes and rugged adventure.

    Explore area Explore area
  • Wells Gray & Mount Robson

    Explore the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies and over 40 waterfalls.

    Explore area Explore area
  • Similkameen Valley

    A place of contrast, connection, and raw beauty, where mountain peaks meet desert landscapes.

    Explore area Explore area
  • View of Sicamous, Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake from Sicamous Lookout.
    Sicamous Lookout 6 | Darren Robinson/Shuswap Tourism
    Shuswap

    Houseboating on Shuswap Lake along with fishing, hiking, and nearby wineries.

    Explore area Explore area
  • Two people at Evolve Cellars Vineyard with views of Okanagan Lake
    Evolve Cellars Vineyard | Destination BC/Kari Medig
    Okanagan Valley

    Wine touring, lakeside relaxation, and all manner of outdoor fun.

    Explore area Explore area

Practical Tips

  • Rainforest to Rockies is for travellers who crave variety and ease in one journey. It’s for those who want to move effortlessly from cosmopolitan streets to small-town charm, and from ocean mist to alpine air, while staying connected to the territories they travel through. Every turn brings a new view, a fresh flavour, or a story worth pausing for—making the trip as much about the moments in between as the destinations themselves.
  • This route shifts in ways that feel almost dreamlike, moving from ocean and rainforest to semi-arid desert, grasslands, glaciers, and soaring peaks. It’s a rare journey where such variety unfolds in a single trip, blending vibrant cities, small towns, and the presence of many First Nations and cultures. Bookended by Vancouver on the Pacific and the towering Canadian Rockies, it offers some of the most spectacular natural settings in the country.
  • Plan your trip for late spring, when the weather is warm and waterfalls are rushing. Or skip the summer rush and visit in early autumn for cooler days, fall harvests, vibrant foliage, and the unforgettable spectacle of the salmon run. Whatever the season, take part in local events, meet the people who call this place home, and enjoy the wide range of experiences on offer.
  • The best way to experience this journey is unhurried, whether by train, on the open road, or with a bike or hiking shoes in tow. Follow scenic routes and trails at your own pace, mixing renowned landmarks with cultural experiences, smaller stops, and local tips that reveal the area’s character along the way.
A bighorn sheep in Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park | Destination BC/Kari Medig