Road trips in my convertible are what I love most about the summer travel season. Driving in the car as opposed to taking the train or an airplane offer moments of spontaneous additions to fluid itineraries. This was especially the case when I took a road trip from Kelowna to Whistler, a 6 or so hour drive depending on traffic through a winding highway nestled in between mountain and ocean bays.
I drive down to Vancouver often and it always goes by fast because the scenery is so gorgeous and changes greatly from each valley and mountain pass. From the blue Okanagan lake nestled in between a mountainous valley to the mountaintops of the Coquihalla Highway to green and golden rolling hills and grazing cattle ranches in Merritt extending into jagged cliffs carved by wind and water. It’s only after you have descended from the mountain passes that you’ve arrived in the Lower Mainland.
On our way to Whistler, which starts by a long climb to higher altitude, further ocean views and deeper forests, I had to make a mental note of a popular rest stop with a picturesque pond. Luckily I remembered on our way back home and stopped to take a quick tour of the area as expressed by my Instagram pictures above and below.
Murrin Provincial Park, BC
When I first became a blogger I was hesitant to make the driver stop at all the little places that caught my eye along the way but when I eventually stopped worrying about nagging them I have found that these spontaneous pauses bring the most surprising and worth while moments you’ll often remember, find unique photo ops or end up sharing with loved ones or readers like I am now.
Murrin Provincial Park, BC
Murrin Provincial Park is a perfect spot to stretch your legs, maybe even go for a quick hike into the woods, rock climb, swim or let your Lassie run free with fresh air. While I was there a notice upon the park board let us know that falcons were nesting in the area and to watch out for bears. Aside from bird watching and dodging grizzlies you can swim in the lily pad clad pond or take your SUP out for a paddle in the sunshine. There are plenty of picnic tables for an al fresco lunch or follow the trail to hike deeper into the BC backcountry amongst ponderosa pines and mossy cliffs.
Murrin Provincial Park, BC
Tip: Road trips make it too easy to pass through a city or town without seeing its highlights. To get a better sense of the town try to hit the local Farmers’ Markets – this may require a bit of research to know before you go but you’ll be supplied with healthier and unique road trip snacks while seeing more than the town’s gas stations and Starbucks from the highway.
From the Okanagan to Whistler here are a list of Farmers’ Markets to visit along the way:
Kelowna Farmers’ Market – Wednesday & Saturday 8 am-1 pm
Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market – Saturday 9 am – 2 pm located at the old historic Baillie home
Chilliwack Farmers’ Market – Saturday 9 am – 2 pm
Abbotsford Farm & Country Market – Wednesday & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm (check for locations as it differs from Wed. to Sat.)
Squamish Farmers’ Market – Saturday 10 am – 3 pm *Note: this is the closest Farmers’ Market to Murrin Provincial Park (20 mins or so).
What’s your preferred way to travel?
Are you a road tripper, an airplane adventurer, or a train traveler?
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I don’t have a preferred method of travel (although I do like a good ol’ road trip). But while we were on our honeymoon, my husband took the night train to belgrade. That train – specifically that train – was my least favorite method of travel. Loved belgrade, though. 🙂 and it was an adventure we could tell our future grand kids.
I love an awesome farmers market, too. Thank you for the list. 🙂
Nicole,
I think everyone has at least one nightmare train story lol. Mine took place at the Bologna train station where I and a group of 40 art history students had to run through the station to catch our train. It was practically full with few seats left and no air conditioning in the dead of summer.
Murissa
I think Canada is one of the best countries to do a roadtrip. Such beautiful and varied scenery. Love all of your pics!
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Thanks Jill!
Driving is my main way to travel in summer keeping it relatively affordable and to weekends but it also helps that BC and Canada in general has so many spots in valleys or on mountains for locals to check out and disappear to.
I loved your travels to BC and the Bugaboos which are about 4-5 hours away from me and yet I never even heard of them!
Murissa
I always enjoy a good road trip with friends and or family! I have only traveled by train twice and I enjoyed it. Depending on how far your destination is and how much time you have to get there, sometimes an airplane is the most easiest and sensible way to get there. Your instagram pictures of the park are very lovely!
Thanks Taryn!
I know what you mean about taking the plane. I would love to drive down to California this year but due to a shortage on time and money I’ve gotta take the plane this time around. Maybe one day!
Murissa