Driving Vancouver to Prince George: Best Road Trip Stops (EV-Friendly)

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Are you driving from Vancouver to Prince George and curious about the best stops along the way? There are many incredible stops for nature and history on the route from Vancouver to Prince George. Driving Highway 99 to Highway 97 slowly, enjoying some of British Columbia’s most beautiful sights, is a great Canadian road trip. Whether you are doing it in a day or taking your time, there are plenty of natural and historical sites.

This highway traverses arguably the most stunning scenery in British Columbia, with ocean views along the Sea-to-Sky Highway and mountain views around Whistler and into the Duffey Lake Road. Eventually, it connects with Highway 97 to follow the Gold Rush Trail, ranches, and lakes.

To help you find the best stops on your drive from Vancouver to Prince George,  this guide breaks down the best historical sites, natural wonders, and places to rest along the route. These Highway 99 and Highway 97 road trip stops will have you wanting to take the slow route. 

This road trip itinerary is EV-friendly and an accessible route for fully electric vehicles. We drive a Polestar 2. As Vancouver locals, we have taken this route many times throughout the years, and there is always something new to see.

Note: We did this drive as a horrible wildfire broke out in the Cariboo region. Many of my photos from Cariboo and Lillooet are hazy with smoke in the air.

This drive takes you through the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and L̓il̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) and the Secwépemc (Schuswap) People.

Quick Look: Vancouver to Prince George Stops

The drive from Vancouver to Prince George follows some of the most scenic roads in all of British Columbia. 

• Highway 99, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, is full of scenic natural stops like Shannon Falls.
• Overnight in Pemberton if you enjoy craft beer, waterfalls, and farm experiences. 
• Duffey Lake Road climbs to Lillooet for valley views.
• Highway 97 to follow the Cariboo Gold Rush Route with heritage sites and lakes. 
• Helena Range for a relaxing farm stay on a lake.
• Continue to Prince George.
• 760 km total without detours
• 9-10 hours of drive time without traffic or stops. 

Route Planning: Highway 99 or Highway 1

The most common question is: should you drive Highway 99 or Highway 1 to get from Vancouver to Prince George?

In my humble opinion, the most scenic and best route to take from Vancouver to Prince George starts from Vancouver and takes Highway 99 (the Duffey Lake Road and Sea-to-Sky Highway), then connects to Highway 97 (the Cariboo Highway). 

The alternative route is to drive Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley, then up to Cache Creek, which saves about 30 minutes of total drive time, at best. I think any local will agree it is not worth compromising on the drive experience, with better stops, amenities, and views on Highway 99.

Vancouver to Prince George or PG to Vancouver

Another common question is whether you should drive northbound from Vancouver to Prince George or southbound from Prince George to Vancouver. Likely, you won’t have a choice based on the natural direction you are heading.

We’ve done both many times, and they are both great for road tripping. But I do think it is more common to start in Vancouver and drive to Prince George, which is why I’ve structured this post south to north. 

Funnily enough, I’ve driven north to south more times, as growing up in Alaska, my family would drive down from Alaska to get to the lower-48. So, if you are coming over from Haida Gwaii or Jasper National Park on Highway 16, or driving down the Alcan, you can just follow this guide in reverse.

Don’t Forget to Rent Your Car!

If you don’t have your own car, you will need to rent one. This route is paved without a lot of offroading or logging roads, so your standard version of whatever size car you need for your group should do just fine.

Don’t miss my map! For all my road trip stops along this route, don’t miss my custom map with all these and even more stops!

Drive: Vancouver to Pemberton Best Sea-To-Sky Stops

The first few minutes of your drive will probably be the worst. Depending on your route through Metro Vancouver, you might encounter traffic and congestion. But as soon as you cross the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore and turn onto Highway 99, you are in for a real treat of stunning mountain views and glittering water in the inlet. 

Read: My complete guide to the best stops from Vancouver to Pemberton, for more than 20 engaging stops and a more complete list!

Following the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Pemberton, there are literally dozens of stops you can make. I’m really only highlighting a few in this post. Head over to my complete guide to all the best stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway if you want more choices.

If you are staying in Pemberton, you will have lots of time to make stops; if you are pushing onward to Lac Le Hache or even Prince George in one day, you will want to be more conservative with your stops. 

Porteau Cove (10-20 minutes)

This cute Provincial Park is a quick stop you can make for a chance to spot sea lions. If you walk out to the end of the jetty, you’ll usually see a raft of sea lions. They are fun to watch for a few minutes. 

OUTBOUND STATION (10 minutes)

If you need a quick cup of coffee and DON’t plan on stopping in Squamish, swing into the OUTBOUND STATION for coffee and a pasty. They do burgers here too, but hopefully you’re leaving early in the morning, and likely won’t be ready for lunch. 

Shannon Falls (30 minutes) 

One of the most popular stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. It is easy to see why; just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot is a towering, thundering waterfall. We always make this stop with friends and family, who marvel at the power of water.

Tip: Parking here can be a real pain, so if you are doing this on a summer weekend, we may even opt to skip this stop. Before you move on, make sure you check the parking lot across the road for a spot. People don’t take long at this site typically, so spots do open up. 

Sea to Sky Gondola (2 hours)

If you are seeking incredible views over the Howe Sound, but hiking isn’t your thing, you can ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola. At the top, there are some walking trails and viewpoints. Walk across the suspension bridge or head into one of the forest trails. 

There is also a cafe and bar at the top. The gondola is 10 minutes one way, so budget enough time for the gondola and taking in the view if you decide to do this stop. 

Squamish: Lunch (30 minutes – 2 hours) (EV Charge) 

Squamish is one of my favorite small towns in British Columbia. You can stop in for a quick coffee and doughnut at Fox and Oak while you’re charging your EV.  

There is enough to do here that you could easily spend over an hour grabbing lunch at Green Olive, Copper Coil, or Howe Sound Brewing. Bring your reusable tote for all shopping at all the small businesses down Cleveland Avenue. Don’t forget dessert at Alice and Brohm. 

• BC Hydro Fast Charger
• SWTCH Fast Charger

Squamish Canyon (1-2 hours) 

The Sea-to-Sky’s newest attraction in the roaring canyon of Squamish. There is an elevated boardwalk of about 1.7 km of trails you can enjoy through the forest and along the rushing canyon waters. Squamish Canyon is the perfect place to escape the stress of the highway and recharge in nature.

Take a minute to forest bathe at the lounge. I would choose one option between this and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola.

Tantalus Lookout (5 minutes) 

A quick scenic highway pull-out. On a clear day, you can see one of the most impressive peaks, Mt. Tantalus in the Tantalus Range. This heavily glaciated mountain range is one of the most impressive sights on the highway.

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park (30 – 45 minutes)

Another great waterfall, Brandywine is a dramatic fall cutting into a cliffside. From the parking lot, follow the Brandywine Falls Lookout Trail for about 10 minutes until you reach the observation deck. Make sure you continue to the end viewpoint as well. 

Whistler (30 minutes – 2 hours) (EV Charge)

Whistler can be a big stop or even an overnight. But it is arguably best done as a 2-3 night trip to fully enjoy the mountains, Whistler Village, and everything it has to offer. It is a bit expensive and big for a quick overnight on a road trip to Prince George, in my opinion. 

But you can swing by to charge at any of the EV Chargers at the day lots, and grab a coffee at Provisions or Forecast. Walk along Fitzsimmons Creek or visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center. 

Narin Falls Provincial Park (30-45 minutes)

Your last stop of the day, or even your first stop of tomorrow, could be Narin Falls Provincial Park. From the parking lot, walk about 1.5 km (one way) to a scenic slot canyon waterfall.

This is less dramatic than Shannon or Brandywine, but it is a powerful force of nature with an interesting geological history.

Stop and Stay: Pemberton (1 night)

Pemberton is a cozy, vibrant valley town surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush, fertile farmland. Known for agritourism, world-class mountain biking, and backcountry access, it offers a relaxed, community-focused alternative to the busier resort atmosphere of Whistler.

This is the perfect stop, allowing you to spend most of your first day enjoying the stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway without stressing to push onward. If

Where to Stay in Pemberton

Pemberton has a few options, but the best choice will be Joffre Creek Cabins, where you can book a variety of cabins from an Airstream to a cozy log cabin. 

Otherwise, Pemberton Valley Lodge is a great choice, closer to the main downtown hub. 

Things to Do in Pemberton

• North Arm Farm is a cute local farm with seasonal blooms and a mountain backdrop. But there is something every time of the year, so get fresh produce, local goodies, and local farm-made ice cream. 
• Beer Farmers. A hyper-local brewery where everything from the hops to barley and malt is grown locally, and the water is sourced on-site too! Come for smash burgers and beer.
• Mountain Biking or Hiking: Enjoy one of the many walking trails around One Mile Park, or hit up Mt. Currie for epic mountain biking and hiking. 
• Baked goods: Pemberton is known for its incredible baked goods. Hit up any of their numerous bakeries, from The Bread Warehouse, Blackbird, or the British Baker.
• The Pemberton Collective is an adorable gift store filled with local and handmade products, from jewlery stationary art, candles, clothing, and more. 

Drive: Pemberton to Lac Le Hache, Duffey Lake Road Stops 

As you leave the Sea-to-Sky stretch, you’ll start the Duffey Lake Road section of Highway 99.  This spectacular, winding stretch of Highway 99 takes you between Pemberton and Lillooet. 

It offers mountain scenery, steep drop-offs, glacier and lake views. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and bears. But mostly keep your eyes on the road, as this stretch is perhaps the most intense, with tight hairpin turns and steep valley cliffs. 

After Lillooet, the road follows the old Gold Rush route through the Cariboo region with plenty of heritage sites. 

Duffey Lake Viewpoint (5 minutes)

The first stop on this stretch of road is the Duffey Lake Viewpoint. On a clear summer day, the glittery blue lake is surrounded by forest with snow-capped mountains in the distance. This view embodies everything that makes British Columbia so special. 

The road continues up the mountain pass; it is winding and narrow. 

Seton Lake View (5 minutes – 1 hour) 

Your reward for the climb is another stunning view. Seton Lake is a natural inland fjord lake. There is plenty of parking in a pull-out here to take in the view.

If you have it in your legs to hike a short and steep 1km hike, the view from the Seton Lake Lookout is well worth the climb. If you’re camping, there is a great campsite by BC Hydro here too.

Lillooet (10 minutes – 1 hour)

After a winding climb, you’ll arrive in Lillooet, beautifully framed by the Fraser River and towering mountain walls. At elevation, the climate here is much more arid, and the Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation are primarily ranchers and farmers.

Don’t miss:

• Mile 0 Cairn, which marks the true starting point of the old Cariboo Gold Rush Trail.
• Lillooet Brewery and Fort Berens Estate Winery if you have a designated driver. 
• Abundance Bakery for a treat. 
• Lillooet Museum to learn about life in the high-elevation Cariboo region along the gold rush route. 

Viewpoints (5 minutes each)

As you cross the bridge, the road continues to wind alongside a railroad. There are many scenic turnouts here; keep an eye out for them. 

• Lillooet Viewpoint for views of the town and valley
• Railroad Tunnel Viewpoint for views of the railroad and arid mountains. 

Marble Canyon Provincial Park (5 minutes – 1 hour)

If you need to stretch your legs, hop out at Marble Canyon. Enjoy the lake views, a nice paddle if you brought your SUP, or hike out to the falls. 

Historic Hat Creek Ranch (10 minutes – 2+ hours)

The last stop on Highway 99 is right before you turn off to Highway 97. This operational heritage site offers an immersive look into the lives of early roadhouse operators, gold miners, and the local Shuswap People. You can take a real stagecoach ride and explore original buildings.

 There is a working blacksmith, cabins to book, and a restaurant. 

Highway 97!

Eventually you’ll come to your intersection for Highway 97. Take a left, and you’ll be on the main stretch of the Cariboo Gold Rush Route. You already passed mile 0 in Lillooet, and as you drive, you’ll pass many milestones from 20 Mile House to 100 Mile House and 150 Mile House. 

Desert Hills Ranch Farm Market (Lunch option)

BUT, before you drive down Highway 97 North, Desert Hills Ranch Farm Market is worth the detour slightly south. The Taco Stand here is owned by a Mexican family, and it is arguably the best place to get tacos and burritos in all of British Columbia. Grab lunch here for a real treat

Clinton: Lunch alternative (30 minutes)

A charming small town that proudly retains its western heritage. Spend an hour browsing the antique shops or visit the Clinton Museum, which details the town’s past as a vital supply center during the 1860s Gold Rush. Stagecoach Cafe is a great meal stop if you didn’t detour to Deer Hills. 

Chasm Ecological Reserve (10-20 minutes)

Geology nerds, this stop is for you! View a 300-meter-deep canyon carved out by ancient glacial meltwaters. The exposed, colorful layers of volcanic rock are super cool and well worth the quick detour.

Mount Begbie Lookout

Get out and stretch your legs at the Mount Begbie Fire Lookout. Follow a short lookout trail that is about 10 – 20 minutes of walking. Reach the fire lookout, which is designed to give you a panoramic view of your surroundings to look for fires

100 Mile House (EV Charge)

Originally a stopover point on the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail (exactly 100 miles from Mile 0 in Lillooet), it is now a bustling town.

• We stopped here to use the free EV charger at the visitor center.
• While charging, we walked the Marsh Trail
• Don’t miss the World’s Largest Cross-Country Ski
• There is also a nice town area where you can grab coffee, food, or a souvenir.  

Just 8 miles up the road is the 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site to see restored log structures from the pioneer era. 

Stop and Stay: Lac La Hache (1 night)

Lac La Hache is in the central heart of the Cariboo lake district. This long lake and community offers the best of BC’s summer lake experience. But the real appeal for us was staying at Helena Lake Ranch. Grab everything you need (food, supplies, charge in Lac La Hache) before turning off down a dirt rural road to Helena Lake. 

Where to Stay in Lac La Hache

Helena Lake Ranch was the highlight of our entire month-long road trip across BC. We spent two full nights here and completely disconnected. Without much phone service or the need to leave the farm stay, we enjoyed swimming, kayaking, SUPing, and recharging on the shores of Helena Lake.

This is a farm-stay, and the owners of Helena Lake Range have built three cozy log cabins with fire stoves for heating and shared recreational equipment. They are dry cabins, so there are really nice pit toilets, a BBQ for cooking, and pump water, but that is all part of the charm. 

There is a shower room, so you can take advantage of a hot shower.

Things to Do at Helena Lake

Enjoy the best of the lake. You don’t need to leave Helena Lake for 2+ days; just sit back and relax. Start your mornings with farm-fresh eggs and a swim in the lake. We spend our days reading, writing, and recharging. Afternoons, we would take the SUP out and watch for Loons. 

Sunset was a time for kayaking out to small islands. We would bring wine and cheese and watch as the evening animals, like beavers, came out. 

This is true rural Canadian life, free from stress and free from the worries of the world. 

Get to know the farm animals too! The Great Pyrenees and farm cats keep the farm animals and you safe from bears and wolves, but they are super friendly.

Drive: Lac La Hache to Prince George

After you tear yourself away from the quiet life at Helena Lake Range, you’ll have to

As you head south on Highway 97, you will continue to follow the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. The drive from here to Prince George is pretty quick and easy driving. There aren’t a ton of sights to see or stops to make, so you should reach Prince George fairly early, where you can enjoy some of the sights around that area. 

Williams Lake (EV Charge) (20 minutes – 1+ Hours)

Williams Lake today is a major hub in the Cariboo Chilcotin region. Known across Canada for its annual Williams Lake Stampede. 

• Stop by the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin to learn about the area’s connection to ranching, rodeo, and cowboy heritage. 
• Fox Mountain Brewery is a good spot to fill up your growler for the road, and grab a bite while you are charging at BC Hydro. 
• Explore downtown, stock up on essentials, or stretch your legs at Boitanio Park.

Xatśūll Heritage Village (1-2 hours)

To learn about the regions Indigneous people, the Xatśūll (hat-sooth), visit their cultural village. During summer, time your visit with one of their daily tours that run from May to September. You can also join them for meals, craft workshops, and an overnight stay. 

Quesnel (10 minutes – 1+ hour)

A historic city deeply tied to the Gold Rush. We stopped here for a quick coffee and hilariously got the world’s largest cold brew haha. 

• Cross the Fraser River Footbridge, the longest wooden truss walking bridge in the world. 
• Visit the Quesnel Museum to learn about the Gold Rush.
• See the world’s largest gold pan.
• Walk down Reid St. for local small businesses. 

If you have time, head out to Pinnacles Provincial Park to view its unique, naturally formed hoodoos.

Barkerville Historic Town & Park (Detour)

If you are willing to take a worthwhile detour east from Quesnel, Barkerville is great for history buffs. It is a completely restored, living-history Gold Rush town where actors, operational machinery, and historic buildings transport you straight back to the 1860s.

Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park

This park is a fantastic spot to stretch your legs, stretch out on the beach, or enjoy a quiet walk through the scenic forest trails. Lazy Daze Resort is a popular overnight option if you didn’t get reservations at Helena Lake Range. 

Stop and Stay: Prince George (1 night)

You’ve reached your final destination: Prince George, the largest city in the region. Honestly, I don’t love Prince George; for me it is a quick stop as I would encourage you to continue on Highway 16 to Prince Rupert and then Haida Gwaii.

But you should form your own opinion. Home of the Lheidli T’enneh People, who have a long and difficult history here and were forced to relocate to build a railway. 

There is a surprising amount of green space and urban parks. Prince George also has a long history in WWII, industrial activities, and outdoor recreation. Some parts are a bit sketchy, so while exploring, keep your wits about you and stick with a buddy!

Where to Stay in Prince George

There aren’t a lot of independent hotels in Prince George, so I am going with a Canadian family-owned hotel choice, Prestige Treasure Cove. Prestige is a great choice as a bigger national chain. The style and comfortable Canadian experience are a great choice for your stay in Prince George downtown.

Things to Do in Prince George

There are a few interesting things to see and do while you explore Prince George.

• Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park to Cottonwood Park: A large park and a place of burial for the Lheidli T’enneh people. The park now contains the cemetery, along with walking trails that connect you to the Hudson’s Bay Wetland Heritage River System and Cottonwood Trail.
• Downtown & Small Businesses: The downtown core from 1st to 7th has a lot of cute shops, boutiques, and art-filled spaces. Don’t miss colorful street art at the Omineca Arts Center or live music at Books and Company. Crafters will love Makerie, and Dandy Lines is a cute local boutique home and garden shop.
• Eat at Nancy O’s, Norther Lights Estate Winery, Crossroads Brewery, Ritual Coffee, or North 54. 
• Huble Homestead Historic Site: Located just a short detour north of Prince George before you officially head south, this heritage site showcases a restored homestead from the early 1900s. It offers excellent insights into early pioneer life with guided tours and seasonal events.

Prince George has many chargers, including Flo and BC Fast Chargers.

Tips & Safety for Driving

Highway 99 and Highway 97 are well-paved roads, but they are narrow and winding. They can be dangerous. With such scenic nature and many roadside attractions, it can be tempting to look at the views and not the road. Accidents here do happen and are deadly.

The Sea-to-Sky and Duffey Lake Roads are known for motorcycles. Keep your wits about you and DO NOT SPEED. 

A lot of locals will comfortably do this drive in a day, taking 12 hours or so to drive it with a few stops for charging/gas and meals. Rushing this trip won’t do anyone any favors. So, slow down and enjoy the drive. 

While I suggest you stop in Pemberton and Helena Lake to stay in cabins and guest houses for a few nights on the way, you can easily find your own campsites or RV sites. Go with the flow and enjoy your drive from Vancouver to Prince George. 

Emergencies and Disasters

This area is prone to wildfires. Download the BC Fire App to stay on top of any road closures or safety notices. 

EVs and Chargers

This route is EV-friendly. To stay fully charged, download PlugShare and A Better Route Planner. 

Map to Highways 99 and 97

Check out my custom map with all the stops along the way!

• Yellowhead Highway 16 from Haida Gwaii to Mt. Robson
• Epic Slow Road Trip Itinerary for British Columbia
• Best Sea-to-Sky Road Trip Stops

Comment and Share: Vancouver to Prince Rupert

The drive from Vancouver to Prince George (or Prince George to Vancouver) is one of the most scenic and historically interesting routes in British Columbia.

Starting at the Sea-to-Sky leg of Highway 99, the drive follows stunning coastlines with natural stops along the way. Transitioning to Duffey Lake Road, we begin to climb into a mountain pass, with scenic pull-outs. The drive then follows the Gold Rush Route all the way to Prince George.

Whether you are a tourist looking for the slow route, or a local who is looking to slow down and enjoy more of our home province, this is a great Canadian road trip route. Driving from coastlines and ocean views up into the mountains and rolling hills of the interior, you get the best of British Columbia.