7 Sensational Stops on the Rainforest to Rockies Road Trip in British Columbia
Published August 9th, 2024
All photography by Jay Kana
British Columbia’s dazzling Rainforest to Rockies road trip routes are overflowing with fun, excitement, adventure, hidden gems, quirks, dining options and so much more.
Having spent a week soaking in what the route has to offer, here are seven must-see, must-do, must-stop places.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of digital storage on your smartphone before you go!
Train Wreck Trail
20 minutes outside of the usual attractions in Whistler is Train Wreck Trail. Head south on Highway 99, better known as the Sea to Sky Highway and use the free parking lots on Jane Lakes Road.
The hike itself is easy with slight inclines/declines and is approximately two kilometres round trip, with the trail head being less than a minute from the parking lot.
Read the sign at the start of the suspension bridge before you cross for a brief history of why this exists, then walk over the Cheakamus River via said bridge.
The bridge was built in 2016 as people kept trespassing on the railway property so this eliminated that and gave the public access.
Here, you’ll see seven “train wrecks” but their really box cars that were victims of an actual train wreck in 1956 as a result of a careless conductor who more than doubled the speed limit in a construction zone.
The positive here is that a public art display was born from seven rail cars that were contorted and rendered unusable. Local graffiti artists have transformed otherwise useless metal into a tapestry of creativity for the world to enjoy.
Take the extra few minutes to find the other two rail cars that aren’t at the main site as well.
Cascade Lookout
Across the street from Manning Park Resort is a wonderful and winding road, Blackwall Road to be exact, that will reward you with postcard worthy panoramic views. Take your pictures and video first, then soak in the serenity that the mountains generously offer.
Be extra careful ascending and descending as there are some turns with lower visibility.
Yes, Manning Park is its own attraction and this is the exclamation point.
Continue up Blackwall Road another 10-ish minutes if you’re interested in a moderate hike, starting at the Three Brothers Trailhead, which is part of Manning Provincial Park.
Garnett Valley Ranch
Planted on the backroads of Summerland, the sweeping vistas bring you back to a simpler time in the Okanagan. Garnett Valley Ranch features a 320-acre slice of heaven and houses a winery, lavender farm, field crops and a snazzy visitors centre.
Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course
This nine-hole golf course bookended by the Cascade Mountains and the Fraser River has full-time spectators to (sometimes) quietly cheer you on and of course, to help maintain the grounds. As the name states, Lillooet Sheep Pasture Golf Course, yes, you’re sharing the course with sheep, somewhere between 80 and 100 of these fluffy friends.
They’re pretty good at staying out of the way but always be mindful when you’re playing of where they are. Definitely the most unique golf course I’ve been on.
Lillooet Brewing Company
Doubling up on this small yet might part of BC, stop in for a drink and or food at this charming destination lives on three acres of beautiful benchlands by the majestic Fraser River.
With nearly a dozen beers separated by seasonal, rotational and core offerings, start with a flight to see what you like, order up some delicious food (the pizza and charcuterie board is oh-so good!) And soak in the mountain views.
Everyone at Lillooet Brewing are staunch supporters of Canadian suppliers is admirable and when/if you see the owner, Sacha, tell him Isaid hello!
Duffey Lake Provincial Park
Heading south on Highway 99, Duffey Lake Provincial Park serendipitously found me, invited me to pull over and promised me it would be worth it; was it ever!
Mount Rohr is the centrepiece, Duffey Lake does the supporting cast work perfectly and together, this masterpiece of nature is a must-see spot. There’s a boat launch and you can kayak/canoe the lake and view wildlife, along with hiking trails. What makes it so special that it’s included here? The serenity. The views. The feeling of peace.
Cawston
Known as Canada’s Organic Farming Capital, there are produce stands aplenty here, all offering fresh goods for you to enjoy.
There’s almost 100 certified organic farms, which account for approximately 40% of all the farms here, the ideal weather conditions and rich soils blend to make an excellent atmosphere for growing. Add in the nearly 20 wineries, cideries and one craft distillery, and there’s a reason this hidden gem won’t stay hidden for long.
Whether it’s a day or weekend trip here, there are plenty of quaint lodgings, hiking trails and natural charm to keep you coming back to Cawston.
To play your adventure, visit the Rainforest to Rockies website.