17 Short Flights from Vancouver for a Quick Getaway
Vacations don’t have to mean getting on a long flight, enduring uncomfortable seats, and then arriving too exhausted to enjoy the trip.
There are plenty of escapes right outside your backyard from Vancouver!
From beachy getaways to rugged outdoor adventures, you can start booking your weekend trips right away.
Here’s 17 short flights from Vancouver that will ensure you won’t miss a day of work and still get to indulge in a well-deserved getaway.
So roll up your sleeves and start packing – adventure awaits!
1. Las Vegas, NV (2 hr 45 min)
If you are in the mood for a quick getaway but don’t want to spend too much time on a plane, then a short flight to Las Vegas is just the ticket!
Get ready to leave the ordinary at home and experience the dazzling delights of Sin City.
You can bask in the neon lights and hum of slot machine bells or take an extravagant gondola ride along Venice-inspired canals.
Whether it’s blackjack or edgy nightlife, shopping or thrilling amusement parks, Las Vegas is sure to keep your mood sparkling long after you return home.
2. Seattle, WA (1 hr)
Get ready for a busy few days in Seattle, the city that proudly wears its coffee-colored glasses!
Take in the atmosphere of one of America’s great cities and explore why it’s the home base of big technology companies.
With its copious amount of attractions, from Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, to the unforgettable Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle is sure to replenish your spirit in just a short day’s journey away.
3. San Diego, CA (2 hr 50 min)
Trade Vancouver’s rainy skies for San Diego’s year-round sunshine on a quick trip south of the border.
This beachy Californian city is the perfect place to recharge, whether you spend your days lounging on the soft sands of Coronado Beach or La Jolla Shores, sampling fish tacos and craft beer, or exploring Balboa Park’s lush gardens and world-famous zoo.
With a mild Mediterranean climate, anytime is the right time to visit San Diego, but for ideal temperatures and thinner crowds, spring or fall are your best bet.
A long weekend is enough to fall for this scenic city’s charms, leaving you with a tan and a heavy dose of vacation envy from friends stuck in the Pacific Northwest.
4. Calgary, AB (1 hr 30 min)
If a 30-minute flight sounds like a short trip to you, Calgary is anything but boring!
Once there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and plenty of outdoor activities.
Make sure to check out the Royal Tyrrell Museum where you’ll find copious amounts of dinosaur bones.
Then there’s the wild and wooly Calgary Stampede rodeo with chuckwagon races for good measure.
And if things go well, you could even sneak away for a day trip up to Banff.
5. Portland, OR (1 hr 15 min)
Ah, Portland – the “City of Roses” that has something for everyone! Whether you’re a foodie looking for delectable fare or an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the great outdoors, Portland is your go-to destination.
With beautiful parks and gardens, a thriving coffee scene, craft beer galore, mouthwatering restaurants and live music venues – why wouldn’t you want to visit?
Whether you’re hoping to explore the city’s sights in one weekend or sightsee on two wheels – Portland is an incredibly bike-friendly city.
Just make sure you find enough time to take in all of its beauty within the walls of The Japanese Gardens, The Portland International Rose Test Garden or alongside the Willamette River at Esplanade Park.
By staying near downtown, you can cram in all the best sights Portland has to offer in just 2-3 days.
6. Los Angeles, CA (3 hr)
Los Angeles is where dreams come true and anything can happen – especially when it’s just a quick 3-hour flight from Vancouver.
Home to Hollywood and a range of iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Los Angeles is a city full of movie magic and endless entertainment.
From luxuriant shopping experiences in Beverly Hills to amazing eateries dotted around Venice Beach and beyond, planning your perfect getaway is easy.
After all, why stay at home when you can be strolling down Hollywood Boulevard?
7. Kelowna, BC (1 hr)
So, you’re looking for some world-class vino, unbeatable views of the Okanagan Valley and an adventure-filled getaway? Well, pack your bags and head to Kelowna!
With its picturesque lakeside resorts, abundance of vineyards and wineries, Kelowna is an absolute must for wine lovers.
From activities like skiing or snowboarding during winter months to lake swimming and hiking during the summer season – your days will be filled with fun.
So round up some friends and make a weekend out of it – Kelowna awaits!
8. San Francisco, CA (2 hr 30 min)
With its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and hilly streets, San Francisco is a city full of character and charm, offering visitors a range of attractions.
Those in search of adventure can feast on the sights and sounds of its main attractions, such as the renowned Golden Gate Bridge and laid back vibes at Fisherman’s Wharf.
For those looking for something different, a cruise out to Alcatraz Island is a must!
But that’s not all – San Francisco offers Michelin starred cuisine, eye-catching architecture, and bustling markets.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab your best camera and let your inner explorer be taken away by this picturesque city!
9. Palm Springs, CA (2 hr 50 min)
Palm Springs is the perfect place to grab a bit of relaxation and sunshine, with plenty of spas and resorts to choose from.
Strike up a conversation on the golf course or take a dip in the hot springs – you never know who you’ll meet while doing either!
Take time to explore the surrounding desert landscape; colorful blooms can be found alongside shimmering dust fields, creating an unexpected beauty that’s sure to provide some Instagram-worthy photos.
Relaxation has truly never been so stylish – your stay in Palm Springs will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
10. Spokane, WA (3 hr 15 min)
Whether you’re itching for a rugged hike, a scenic stroll, or anything in between, Spokane certainly delivers.
Take in the thundering Spokane Falls, wander the 90 acres of Manito Park, or get lost in the Finch Arboretum.
If two wheels are more your speed, the 37-mile Spokane River Centennial Trail is calling your name.
After a day playing outside, refuel at one of the city’s craft breweries or cozy coffee shops.
Spokane’s vibrant food scene, bustling events, and abundance of nature ensure there’s never a dull moment in the heart of the Inland Northwest.
11. Phoenix, AZ (3 hr)
With its warm climate and stunning desert landscapes, Phoenix is an alluring escape just a short flight from Vancouver.
Beyond the luxury resorts and acclaimed golf courses lies a cultural oasis, where you can wander historic neighborhoods, peruse art galleries, and sample innovative cuisine.
For a thrilling ride, drift over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
With a vibrant downtown, Phoenix serves up a slice of the American Southwest in a sophisticated urban setting – a great escape from the Pacific Northwest’s rainy skies.
12. Edmonton, AB (1 hr 40 min)
Nestled in the heart of Alberta, lies the bustling city of Edmonton. While its claim to fame may be the largest mall in North America – the sprawling West Edmonton Mall – there’s much more to uncover in this cultural hub.
If world-class museums are more your speed, head to the Royal Alberta Museum to explore art, culture and history.
Nature lovers can wander the scenic trails of Elk Island National Park, watching for grazing elk and bison.
After an adventure-filled day, refuel at one of the trendy restaurants in the ICE District before catching an Edmonton Oilers hockey game at the state-of-the-art Rogers Place.
With big-city attractions and small-town charm, Edmonton delivers experiences as sweeping as the Canadian prairies surrounding it.
13. Tofino, BC (45 min)
Nestled on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Tofino is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors.
While there’s hiking, biking and kayaking galore for adventure seekers, Tofino also delivers a mellow vibe with top restaurants serving fresh seafood and relaxing spas.
A mecca for surfing, storm watching is a quintessential Tofino experience.
Don’t miss your chance to hike through old-growth rainforests to secluded beaches, keeping your eyes peeled for black bears or bald eagles along the way.
With a hippie-chic charm, Tofino is the perfect off-the-beaten-path escape from the bustle of Vancouver.
14. Osoyoos, BC (50 min)
A short 50-minute flight from the bustle of Vancouver will land you in the stunning town of Osoyoos, a desert oasis in the South Okanagan.
With its sandy beaches, fruit orchards and wineries, Osoyoos is the perfect destination for a quick escape.
Spend your days lounging by Osoyoos Lake, the warmest in Canada, picking peaches and cherries at a local orchard, or wine tasting at one of the many vineyards nearby.
For a truly unique sight, visit Spotted Lake in the summer – its water evaporates in geometric patterns creating colorful mineral pools.
With its diverse landscape, fresh produce and wine, Osoyoos is a little slice of paradise worth discovering.
15. Denver, CO (2 hr 45 min)
If you’re craving majestic mountains and big city excitement, but only have a short flight’s worth of time, look no further than Denver, Colorado.
Just a 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver, Denver (nicknamed the Mile High City) is where urban sophistication collides with outdoor adventure.
You can breakfast in a trendy downtown bistro, hit an art museum, then be skiing world-class slopes or hiking scenic trails by afternoon.
With its vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to nature, Denver packs a powerful punch for a quick getaway.
16. Winnipeg, MB (2 hr 45 min)
If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the bustle of Vancouver, look no further than a short flight to Winnipeg.
This prairie city may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a vacation, but its under-the-radar charm is part of the appeal.
Before you know it, you’ll be strolling through the Exchange District with a coffee in hand, soaking in the historic architecture and popping into trendy shops.
The city has a killer food scene too, from hipster cafes serving locally-sourced fare to cozy diners slinging stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.
With direct flights clocking in under three hours, Winnipeg is the perfect easy escape when you want a change of pace without a long trek.
17. Regina, SK (2 hr)
If you only have a few days to spare, a quick jaunt to Regina, Saskatchewan’s underrated capital city, is the perfect short getaway.
In just under two hours, you can transport yourself from the bustling seaport to the heart of the prairies.
Once there, make the most of your limited time by strolling through the verdant Wascana Centre, then heading to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum to uncover the province’s history.
Before you know it, it’ll be time to board your flight back to Vancouver, but with memories of Regina’s natural beauty and small-town charm, the short trip will leave a lasting impression.
