Head north from Vancouver on Highway 99 toward Whistler. Beginning at sea level and tracing a route along the shore of Howe Sound, the route weaves deep into the Coast Mountains and then climbs through old-growth rainforests before reaching Whistler 670 metres (2,200 feet) above sea level. It only takes about two hours, but with all the scenic stops along the way, it's easy to make a weekend out of it.

Make your first stop Whytecliff Park by Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, to take a breath of the fresh ocean air and enjoy the views of the sound and the Strait of Georgia. Drive on about 15 minutes to Lions Bay. Take in the sleepy village's views and pick up supplies for a picnic.

Be sure to stop in Britannia Beach at the Britannia Mine Museum, a National Historic Site that offers guided mine tours, gold panning and a myriad of exhibits. Also nearby is Shannon Falls, accessed via a 10-minute walk from the parking area just off the highway. It's the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia and a great place to take a break from the car and enjoy your lunch.

A few kilometres north is the old mill town of Squamish, known as a haven for outdoorsy types. Find a hotel room, B&B or rustic cabin to drop your bags, then hit the tracks on the area's world-famous mountain bike trails.

There are more than 600 trails through the surrounding forests and mountains, as well as countless trails for hiking and streams for fishing. Have dinner in one of Squamish's locally-owned restaurants and then finish the night with a locally- brewed beer at one of a few pubs. Most of them are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily find one that suits your mood.