The sun is shining and British Columbians are eager to get out on summer adventures.

However, if a celebratory mood feels difficult to muster due to high gas prices and inflation, don’t worry, BCAA has got you covered.

Here are some tips to enjoy the sunshine without breaking the bank, whether it’s a week-long vacation, a weekend road trip, or a day out.

Make the most of your BCAA Member discount

With a BCAA Membership, you can find savings everywhere you go. Here’s a few great ways of getting a discount while you’re exploring our beautiful province.

A place to stay: Get savings at hotels right across BC including Best Western, Hyatt and Marriot. Check out all of our hotel partners and save up to 15% on your stay.

Fly away: If you’re considering leaving your wheels behind, one easy way to travel is with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Your BCAA Membership card can get 10% off base airfare on flights to 17 destinations around the province.

Grab a bite: There’s no better way to enjoy a day out than by stopping for a snack! With your BCAA Membership, you can get two slices and a can of pop for $6 from Freshslice Pizza, which has 70 locations in BC, or put a pep in your step by heading to Blenz Coffee, where you can upsize your drink for free and get 10% off food.

Catch a movie: If the rain starts to fall or you need to seek some shade for a few hours, a Shareable Movie Bundle at Landmark Cinemas could be for you! $34 plus tax gets you two tickets to see the latest big screen pictures, along with one large soft drink and one large popcorn.

Get fresh gear: Heading for a hike but not sure your gear is up to the task? Get set for your trek with a trip to Altitude Sports, where BCAA Members earn 4% back in CAA Dollars online, or Decathalon and Columbia Sportswear, where you can earn 8% back in CAA Dollars online

Stuck for trip ideas? Let your BCAA Membership card guide the way

Now you know how to save some dollars, next it's time to figure out where to go. Your BCAA Membership offers great savings at some of the most entertaining locations province-wide.

All the fun of the fair: Want thrilling rides, live music and side-splitting entertainment? Look no further than the PNE Fair, from August 17 to September 2. BCAA Members save 30% on gate and ride passes online for what is guaranteed to be a wild time. Be sure check out BCAA ToonCity for musical fun with BCAA's Blue the Bear and friends.

Unwind and relax: If escaping the chaos is more your jam, the Scandinave Spa could be your calling. Find your Zen state of mind in an outdoor spa surrounded by Whistler’s majestic scenery and save 15% on bath access, and 10% on massage service with bath access. .

A different kind of driving: Put down the car keys and pick up the golf clubs! For fresh air, fun and exercise, tee off at one of Golf BC’s five premier golf courses, such as the Okanagan Golf Club in Kelowna, and save 10% on adult green fees, clothing and accessories. .

Flutter by a world of wonder: Did you know that minutes from Victoria’s world-famous Butchart Gardens is a jungle where tropical creatures like flamingos, parrots, and tortoises roam? There’s way more to Victoria Butterfly Gardens than meets the eye and BCAA Members can save 10% on admission to the rainforest wonderland.

Suspend your belief: Walking through a thriving coastal forest is enchanting enough, but add a 140-metre long suspension bridge, 70 metres above a flowing river and the views are awe-inspiring.  BCAA Members save 10% on adult and senior tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Take time to reflect at BC’s most beautiful lakes

Searching to be at one with nature? We have plenty more suggestions. Home to over 20,000 lakes, BC is the perfect province to go swimming, kayaking or even bird watching. Here are three standout lakes that won’t leave you disappointed:

Shuswap Lake: A tributary of the Fraser River that is known for spectacular swimming water and clean, sandy beaches. This family-friendly destination is also frequented by adventure seekers for rafting, scuba diving and SUP’ing.

Buttle Lake: Turquoise water perfect for swimming and kayaking–Buttle Lake is a stunner. Located within Strathcona Provincial Park (the oldest provincial park in BC) it has an abundance of wilderness and the highest waterfall in Canada, Della Falls.

Lindeman Lake: Located in the Fraser Valley, this scenic, small lake requires a short but moderately arduous hike to beautiful turquoise-green waters and picturesque campsites.

Pull on your boots and take a hike

Few things are more quintessential BC than a summer hike. Luckily, within the province there are an abundance of hikes with varying degrees of difficulty. Here are three to consider:

Family-friendly hike: Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver. This is a choose your own adventure hike, so you can adjust according to your family’s needs. You’ll encounter large Douglas Fir trees and stunning ocean views. The full loop is 6 kilometres, but it’s just as easy to do 500 metres and ensure a lovely family hike.

Daylong hike: Mount Galiano, Galiano Island. A 6.3-kilometre out-and-back trail near Galiano Island Trust Area. Many people ferry with a vehicle to the Gulf Islands, however, if you stay on the southern end of Galiano Island you can go on foot. Beautiful vistas and bald eagles await on top of Mount Galiano.

Multiday hike: The Juan de Fuca Trail, Vancouver Island. A 47-kilometre trail that treks through rainforest and beaches. It is considered a difficult hike. It takes three to five days depending on fitness level. However, it’s known for breathtaking west coast scenery, sandy beaches and old-growth trees.

What’s Next?

Take BCAA with you on your summer adventure!

What to do with those few bucks you’ve saved? Road trip snacks! BCAA Members save 10% on in-store purchases at participating Shell stations, plus 10% on car washes, and 3 cents per litre on gas. 

A BCAA Membership comes with 24/7 Roadside Assistance, so we’re always here to help in case of the unexpected.

Pro Tip: your BCAA App is the ultimate travel companion. In addition to helping you get faster Roadside Assistance, you can get real-time travel conditions and savings from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way. Download the App.

Not a BCAA Member? Join today!