These scenic drives on the BC coast wind through beautiful fall landscapes

If the turn of the seasons and impending fall foliage are calling out to you, these scenic drives along the Coast in British Columbia are an incredible way to kick off the most vibrant season of the year. So pack your bags, fill up your tanks, and get ready to explore.

Sea to Sky Highway 

We’re starting off with a classic drive from Vancouver that starts with the beautiful foliage of Stanley Park and winds its way through lush forests and beaches to Pemberton, just north of Whistler. Along the multi-day route, you’ll find Cultural Journey interpretive kiosks that tell the stories of the local Indigenous communities.

Must-visit stops and landmarks on your journey include Horseshoe Bay, the Sea to Sky Gondola, Brittania Beach, and Squamish.

Pacific Marine Circle Route 

This beautiful loop circles Southern Vancouver Island and incorporates a ton of incredible landscapes, from wide ocean views to some of the most majestic old-growth forests on the Island. The route winds over steep hills past breathtaking beaches in Victoria, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Cowichan Bay, and Sidney.

Vancouver to Tofino 

Another must-see route is the drive to Tofino, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni, which is lined with sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, and postcard-worthy views. If travelling from Vancouver, you’ll first hop on a ferry to Nanaimo, where you’ll pass the Coombs Old Country Market, Cathedral Grove, and a slew of National Historic Sites. From Port Alberni on Highway 4, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Tofino/Ucluelet Highway.

According to Destination BC, the first section of the drive meanders along the shores of Sproat Lake, with plenty of viewing points to stop at before passing Kennedy Lake and Ha’uukmin Tribal Park.

At the end of Highway 4, there’s a junction with Ucluelet on the left and Tofino on the right.

Coastal Circle Route 

This one’s for local art and literature lovers. The scenic Coastal Circle Route takes travellers on a journey through multiple charming small communities known for their large number of artists and artisans. This includes Sidney (AKA Canada’s only BookTown), Victoria, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, and Comox Valley.

With plenty of stopovers for heritage tours, art gallery and museum visits, and

The final stretch from Comox to Lund, Sechelt, and Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast offers even more chances to check out eclectic studios, fall fairs, and vibrant foliage.

Tree to Sea Drive

A one-and-a-half-hour drive through Strathcona Provincial Park will bring you to Gold River, where you’ll have the option of embarking on the Tree to Sea Drive to the even smaller Village of Tahsis.

Those who choose to journey down the 64-kilometre forest service road will be rewarded with views of lush valleys, meandering rivers, and “endless waterfalls.” This includes the spectacular Three Sisters Waterfall, Cala Falls, and Conuma River (and Conuma Peak), to name a few.

On the way, there are plenty of chances to pull over to access viewpoints and spot some incredible wildlife.

So there you have it, adventurers! You’re all but guaranteed to pass some breathtaking fall landscapes along any of these routes.