When you arrive in Vancouver—by car, by plane, or by boat—you’ll be instantly struck by the natural landscape. Sure, the city’s striking glass towers reflect the green of the forest and the blue of the sea. Yes, Vancouver is home to talented, Michelin-starred chefs whose ingredients come from places just beyond your table.

And it’s true that there’s a vibrant and storied Indigenous culture here that thrives alongside cultures that span the globe. But the real magic of this spectacular city on Canada’s west coast is in the fact that you can immerse yourself in nature within minutes and with little effort.

The visual feast continues as you travel the Sea-to-Sky Highway, widely considered to be among the world’s most scenic drives. Passengers will be glued to the window, thanks to vistas that include the UNESCO-designated Howe Sound Biosphere Region with its ever-changing views of the islands and islets that rest in this picturesque fjord.

Arrive in Squamish, known as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada, and continue north as the landscape changes from ocean to alpine. Take advantage of roadside viewpoints overlooking spectacular BC scenery including enormous glaciers and faraway mountain peaks, and watch for waterfalls as you approach Whistler, home to North America’s preeminent mountain resort.

Whistler is a four-season gem where you can indulge in almost any outdoor pursuit. Ziplining through the canopy? Searching for bears with an experienced guide? Strolling around an alpine lake? Whistler has ‘em all, and much, much more.

The alpine peaks and forests continue north of Whistler as you wind your way past Pemberton through the rugged Coast Mountains, hugging lakes and fast-moving rivers as you go.

Keep an eye on the landscape as lush rainforest gives way to drier sagebrush and craggy bluffs. (Tip: The hike to the lookout over turquoise Seton Lake is well worth the effort. For even more insider tips along your North Mount Robson journey, sign up for our Rainforest to Rockies Email Guide.) Continue on to Lillooet, a community set on the banks of the mighty Fraser River that is steeped in the traditions, culture, and experiences of the St’át’imc peoples.

Beyond Lillooet, the terrain morphs into canyon country, including Marble Canyon Park with its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear lakes, perfect for paddling.

As you make your way east along Highway 1, the peaks of the Coast Mountains and the sheer canyon walls along the Fraser River give way to a rolling, desert-like landscape of sagebrush and hoodoo rock formations.

The rich tones and more muted colour palette offer a different kind of drama as you make your way to where the North and South Thompson rivers meet to form Kamloops Lake.

North of Kamloops, Highway 5 (a.k.a. the Yellowhead Highway) follows the twists and turns of the North Thompson River past rolling ranchland scenery toward Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of BC’s biggest and most diverse provincial parks.

Clearwater is known as the gateway to Wells Gray. Think big when you plan your activities here, and allow lots of time. The park’s defining topographical features include waterfalls and mineral springs, lava beds, and extinct volcanoes.

Just when you think the landscape can’t hold any more surprises, point your car in the direction of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The second provincial park to be established in BC, Mount Robson is part of the UNESCO Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, recognized for their exceptional natural beauty. These parks are true stunners.

Perhaps the most popular spot to take in views of the peak is the startlingly blue, glacier-fed Berg Lake. Access the lake via a multi-day backcountry hiking route past waterfalls and alpine lakes. Insider tip: Reservations for this bucket-list trip go fast, so you’ll want to book well in advance. (Check with the local Visitor Centre before you plan your trip, as Berg Lake Trail is currently inaccessible while the trail undergoes repair work.)

By the time you reach the end of your journey, chances are you’ll find yourself planning your return to BC. After all, in a place this big—with 10 mountain ranges, more than 25,000 km of coastline, and 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest—you will have just scratched the surface.

Header image: Emperor Falls in Mount Robson Provincial Park | Brayden Hall