With the school year now behind us, summer has officially arrived for families across British Columbia. For many, that means it’s time to pack up the vehicle, load the kids, and head out on one of the great traditions of the season: the summer road trip.
This year, however, the way British Columbians vacation may look a little different.
Affordability continues to shape household decisions. Many families are still carefully managing their budgets. Fuel prices remain unpredictable, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty has many Canadians thinking twice about travel beyond our borders. As a result, more British Columbians are expected to look closer to home for affordable ways to enjoy a well-earned summer break.
Fortunately, there are few places better suited to a road trip than British Columbia.
Whether it’s a weekend on Vancouver Island, exploring the Okanagan, camping in the Kootenays, discovering the Cariboo, or simply taking a day trip to a community you’ve never visited before, our province offers world-class experiences without the cost and complexity of airports, exchange rates, or international travel.
A road trip allows families to stretch their vacation dollars while supporting local businesses, restaurants, campgrounds, attractions, and communities across the province. It’s a win for family budgets and for BC’s economy.
Before setting out, however, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to ensure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Summer driving places different demands on your vehicle. Higher temperatures, longer highway drives, mountain grades, and extra passengers and luggage all increase wear on tires, brakes, cooling systems, and batteries. A quick inspection, or a visit to your local new car dealer for a seasonal check-up, can help identify small issues before they become expensive problems far from home.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, including the spare. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Confirm your lights are working properly and replace worn windshield wipers before they’re needed during one of BC’s sudden summer downpours.
If you’re travelling in an electric vehicle, a little extra planning goes a long way. Before you leave, map out your charging stops, particularly if you’re travelling through more remote communities or across longer stretches of highway. Allow a little flexibility in your itinerary, travel with the appropriate charging adapters if needed, and remember that factors such as speed, elevation changes, heavy cargo, and air conditioning can all affect driving range. A few minutes of planning before you leave can help ensure your journey is every bit as relaxing as the destination.
Before leaving, check road conditions, construction updates, and wildfire information, particularly if you’re travelling through mountain passes or more remote parts of the province. Allowing extra travel time can also reduce stress during the busy summer travel season.
Today’s vehicles also make long-distance travel safer and more comfortable than ever. Features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced navigation systems help reduce driver fatigue while improving safety. They don’t replace attentive driving, but they certainly make long journeys easier.
Of course, technology is only part of the equation. Take regular breaks, share driving responsibilities whenever possible, stay hydrated, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and ensure everyone is buckled up before heading out. And don’t be afraid to take the scenic route.
Some of the most memorable parts of a family vacation aren’t found at the destination – they happen at roadside viewpoints, local diners, farmers’ markets, small museums, or communities you hadn’t planned to stop in. Those spontaneous moments often become the stories families remember long after summer ends.
This summer, many British Columbians will be looking for ways to make every vacation dollar count. The good news is they don’t have to travel far to experience something extraordinary. From our coastline to our mountain communities and everywhere in between, British Columbia offers countless opportunities to reconnect with family, support local communities, and create lasting memories.
The school year may be over, but the adventures are just beginning. With a little preparation, a well-maintained vehicle, and an open road ahead, some of the best summer experiences may be found not across an ocean, but just a few hours from home.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
