This circular route from Vancouver covers some of British Columbia’s most dramatic and varied scenery, looping north through the Coast Mountains before curving back along Vancouver Island. It links ski towns, remote fjords, and quiet ranching country in a single extended journey. Most travelers take two to three weeks to properly enjoy the full loop.
The route’s highlight is the stretch to Bella Coola, reached via a famously steep and winding descent known as “The Hill.” Below is a full breakdown of the journey, including where to eat and what to see at each major stop.
Route Overview
| Stop | Distance from Previous Stop | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver (Start) | – | City sights, harbor views |
| Whistler & Squamish | 120 km | Mountain scenery, adventure sports |
| Pemberton | 30 km | Farmland, mountain views |
| Lillooet | 100 km | Fraser Canyon, desert landscape |
| Williams Lake & 100 Mile House | 250 km | Ranching country, lakes |
| Bella Coola | 450 km | Remote fjords, “The Hill” descent |
| Port Hardy, Campbell River & Comox | 550 km (via ferry) | Vancouver Island wilderness |
| Nanaimo (End) | 150 km | Ferry return to Vancouver |
Total driving distance runs well over 1,600 kilometers, depending on ferry routing. This loop typically takes two to three weeks to complete comfortably, given the remote stretches and worthwhile detours along the way.
Vancouver
Vancouver serves as the starting and ending point for this loop, a coastal city framed by mountains on one side and the Pacific on the other. Before departing, it is worth spending a day or two exploring Stanley Park and the city’s waterfront neighborhoods. The Sea to Sky Highway heading north toward Whistler is considered one of the most scenic stretches of road in the province.
Where to Eat in Vancouver
- Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market offers an excellent range of fresh seafood and produce, ideal for stocking up before the drive.
- The city’s Chinatown and Commercial Drive neighborhoods both offer strong, varied dining options worth exploring before departure.
What to See in Vancouver
- Walk or cycle the Stanley Park seawall, one of the longest uninterrupted waterfront paths in the world.
- Explore Granville Island’s markets and artisan studios before setting out on the road.
- Drive the early stretch of the Sea to Sky Highway for dramatic ocean and mountain views heading out of the city.
Whistler and Squamish
Whistler is one of North America’s premier ski destinations, though its mountain biking and hiking draw equally strong crowds in summer. Squamish, on the way north from Vancouver, has become known for rock climbing and outdoor adventure sports of its own. Together, they offer a strong first stop on this loop.
Where to Eat in Whistler and Squamish
- Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar impressed with its upscale Pacific Northwest menu and striking decor, a strong choice for a special dinner.
- Quattro remains a long-standing local favorite in Whistler, particularly popular during shoulder season when special menus are often available.
What to See in Whistler and Squamish
- Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for sweeping views between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
- Hike or climb at the Stawamus Chief near Squamish, one of the largest granite monoliths in the world.
- Visit Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, an easy stop just off the highway between the two towns.
Pemberton
Pemberton sits just north of Whistler, a farming valley known for its rich soil and mountain backdrop. It offers a quieter, more rural contrast to the busier resort towns nearby. Many Whistler restaurants source produce directly from Pemberton’s farms.
Where to Eat in Pemberton
- Local farm stands and small cafes throughout the valley make the most of the area’s agricultural produce.
- Pemberton’s downtown offers a handful of casual restaurants suited to a relaxed lunch stop.
What to See in Pemberton
- Visit local farms during harvest season, when many open for tours and direct produce sales.
- Take in views of Mount Currie, which dominates the valley’s eastern skyline.
- Explore the nearby One Mile Lake for an easy walking trail with mountain views.
Lillooet
Lillooet sits in a dramatic transition zone where coastal mountains give way to semi-arid canyon country. The Fraser River cuts through town, and the surrounding landscape shifts noticeably drier compared to the lush valleys further south. It is a good stop for both fuel and a change of scenery.
Where to Eat in Lillooet
- Lillooet’s Cookhouse Restaurant is a well-regarded local favorite, known for hearty, satisfying meals suited to travelers passing through.
- Sk’emqin Grill and Reynold’s Restaurant both offer solid alternatives for a relaxed meal in town.
What to See in Lillooet
- Walk along the Fraser River, taking in the dramatic canyon scenery that defines this stretch of the route.
- Visit the Lillooet Museum to learn about the area’s gold rush and Indigenous history.
- Explore the surrounding desert-like hillsides, a striking contrast to the coastal rainforest further south.
Williams Lake and 100 Mile House
Williams Lake anchors British Columbia’s Cariboo ranching country, known for its rodeo culture and wide-open grasslands. 100 Mile House, a short distance further along, takes its name from its position along the historic Cariboo Wagon Road. Together, they mark the transition into the interior plateau before the road turns west toward Bella Coola.
Where to Eat in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House
- Fox’s Den Bar and Grill is a popular local spot in Williams Lake, known for hearty pub-style meals.
- Oliver Street Bar & Grill offers a well-reviewed alternative, suited to a relaxed dinner before continuing west.
What to See in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House
- Visit the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin to learn about the region’s ranching and rodeo heritage.
- Explore Scout Island Nature Centre in Williams Lake, a peaceful wetland reserve close to town.
- Drive through 100 Mile House’s historic Cariboo Wagon Road markers, a reminder of the area’s gold rush past.
Bella Coola
Bella Coola sits at the end of a dramatic descent from the Chilcotin Plateau, reached via a steep, unpaved section of Highway 20 known simply as “The Hill.” The town itself sits deep within a fjord system, surrounded by towering coastal mountains. It is one of the most remote and visually striking stops on the entire loop.
Where to Eat in Bella Coola
- Local restaurants in Bella Coola focus on fresh seafood, given the town’s fjord-side location and strong fishing tradition.
- Most visitors plan meals around limited operating hours here, given the town’s small size and remote setting.
What to See in Bella Coola
- Drive down “The Hill,” a steep, switchback-heavy descent offering dramatic views over the fjord below.
- Visit nearby Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, known for grizzly bear viewing along the Atnarko River.
- Take a boat tour into the surrounding fjords, among the most dramatic coastal scenery in British Columbia.
Port Hardy, Campbell River and Comox
From Bella Coola, a ferry connects to Vancouver Island, arriving near Port Hardy at the island’s northern tip. From there, the route continues south through Campbell River and Comox, both known for fishing and outdoor recreation. This stretch offers a very different character from the mainland portion of the loop.
Where to Eat in Port Hardy, Campbell River and Comox
- Campbell River’s waterfront restaurants take full advantage of the area’s strong salmon fishing industry.
- Comox’s small-town dining scene offers relaxed, casual options suited to a stop between longer driving stretches.
What to See in Port Hardy, Campbell River and Comox
- Visit Campbell River’s Discovery Passage, known as the salmon capital of the world for its exceptional fishing.
- Explore Comox’s waterfront and nearby beaches, a relaxed stop before continuing south toward Nanaimo.
- Look for orcas and other marine wildlife along the Discovery Passage, particularly during summer months.
Nanaimo
Nanaimo marks the final stop on this loop, offering ferry connections back to Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia. The city’s harborfront and historic downtown make for an easy, relaxed close to the journey. It is also famous nationally for the dessert bar that bears its name.
Where to Eat in Nanaimo
- Nanaimo’s waterfront restaurants offer fresh seafood with views over the harbor, a fitting way to close out the trip.
- Local bakeries throughout the city serve the famous Nanaimo bar, a no-bake dessert that originated here.
What to See in Nanaimo
- Walk along the Nanaimo waterfront walkway, taking in harbor views before catching the ferry back to Vancouver.
- Visit the Nanaimo Museum to learn about the city’s coal mining and maritime history.
- Try a Nanaimo bar at a local bakery, a fitting final taste before ending the loop.
Final Thoughts
This circular route from Vancouver covers an extraordinary range of British Columbia’s landscapes, from ski resort towns to remote fjords to Vancouver Island’s coastline. The descent into Bella Coola alone makes the detour worthwhile for adventurous drivers. Plan for ferry schedules carefully, allow extra time for the more remote stretches, and give yourself two to three weeks to take in the full loop.