Why Pemberton Needs to Be on Your British Columbia Road Trip
British Columbia is famous for epic road trips. From coastal highways to alpine mountain passes, the province offers some of the most scenic drives in the world. But while many travellers plan their itinerary around popular destinations like Whistler, one of the region’s most rewarding stops lies just a little further north.
Pemberton is a small mountain town surrounded by vast wilderness, fertile farmland, and unforgettable views. Often overlooked as just a gas stop on the map when making your drive between Vancouver and the Rockies, there are so many reasons why you should stop and stay a while. If avoiding tourist crowds and experiencing everyday life in a Canadian town is on your road trip list, we’re your perfect stop between the Coast and the Interior.
A Valley Unique to the Sea-to-Sky
Just 30 minutes beyond Whistler, Pemberton feels worlds away from busy resort towns. Here, wide-open farmland sits beneath towering peaks, and the pace of life is refreshingly relaxed yet fuelled by adrenaline.
The fertile Pemberton Valley and Pemberton Meadows are known for their local farms, fresh produce, and stunning views of the iconic Mount Currie. It’s a place where travellers can swap crowded sidewalks for quiet country roads and scenic views.
One Mile Lake
Pemberton Museum
The Beer Farmers
Incredible Outdoor Adventures
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of ways to explore the outdoors around Pemberton.
With incredible hikes in the backcountry and a wide selection of guided experiences, Pemberton has lots to offer.
Want to experience Pemberton like a local for the day?
Saddle up for a backcountry ride with Copper Cayuse Outfitters
Cast a line and spend the day on the water with Pemberton Fish Finder
Hike into remote alpine wilderness and stay in a backcountry lodge with Whitecap Alpine
Take to the skies on a scenic flight with Blackcomb Helicopters
Feel the adrenaline on a high-speed river run with Whistler Jet Boating
Test your aim with a guided range experience at Whistler Shooting
Explore hidden formations on an ice cave adventure with Beyond Whistler
Go for an adventure on your own, or embrace slow living by:
Hiking or mountain biking the many trails that our wonderful Trail Associations ensure are world-class
Hitting the links below Mt Currie at Sunstone Golf Club or Big Sky Golf Club
Berry picking at North Arm Farm
Picking up road-trip goodies at our many farm-stands dotted around the Valley
Grabbing a bit to eat at Saneh Thai, Town Square, Mile One, or coffee and a snack at Blackbird Bakery and Mt Currie Coffee
Enjoying a flight of locally grown and brewed beer at the Beer Farmers
Chasing waterfalls at Nairn Falls, Pemberton Creek Falls, Cool Creek Falls or Holloway Falls at Joffre Lakes
Going back in time at the quaint, historic village setting of our Pemberton Museum and Archives.
Scenic Drives That Rival the Best in Canada
One of the biggest reasons travellers fall in love with Pemberton is the drive itself.
North of town, the legendary Duffey Lake Road winds through towering mountains, canyons, and alongside the river on its way toward Lillooet. Many visitors describe this stretch of road as one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia. You’ll turn one corner and just like that, the whole terrain switches between Coastal Rainforest and Arid Interior.
A drive down the Pemberton Meadows from the Village will give you an incredible view down towards Mt Currie. If you’re an off-roader, you’ll LOVE the Range Beyond Range route that begins at the end of the Meadows road and climbs high up in the mountains towards the South Chilcotin and Bridge River Valley.
Slow Down and Stay Awhile - Quiet, Cozy & Unique Accommodations
For travellers journeying between Vancouver and the Rockies, Pemberton makes the perfect addition to a Sea-to-Sky road trip with a cozy place to rest your head. After exploring Squamish and Whistler, continuing just a little further north reveals a quieter landscape filled with lakes, trails, and incredible viewpoints. Cheaper accommodation, more unique offerings, and something you won’t get in Whistler - free parking!
For affordability, stay at the Hitching Post Motel
For a farmstay, relax at Sweetwater Lane Farm (complete with resident donkeys and hydrotherapy set up)
For lakeside rustic, the Lillooet Lake Lodge cabins will get you off the grid
For groups, Drumkeeran House offers a private home-away-from-home
For hotel comfort and location convenience, Pemberton Valley Lodge has you sorted with bikes, pool, hot tub, and walkable access to town
For a cozy romantic getaway, Joffre Creek Cabins offers two log cabins and an airstream as close as you can get to Joffre Lakes
RV’ing? Check out our RV and Camping list here. We excel in quiet campsites away from the crowds.
A Perfect Stop on the Sea-to-Sky Journey
Road trips are about discovery. They’re about finding the places that weren’t originally on the itinerary but end up becoming the highlight of the journey.
With its stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and relaxed mountain atmosphere, Pemberton is exactly that kind of place.
So next time you’re planning a British Columbia road trip, make sure this beautiful valley finds its way onto your map.
