Corporate retreats provide an ideal way to connect with your colleagues, recharge, and show employees that they are valued. So, the question isn’t whether or not to have one—but where should you have your next one?
Whether your business operates locally or you’re based in another province, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a spectacular place to host your next corporate retreat. Local mountains, oceanside views, and a bustling city centre make it a diverse place for any team to visit.
Vancouver-based businesses and organizations headquartered abroad can all find inspiring locations to meet their needs. From the city’s downtown core to places a little further afield, there are a ton of great destination options for retreats near Vancouver.
If you’re planning your next corporate retreat and you’re in search of an outstanding destination, we’ve rounded up the best places around Vancouver that you should consider when planning your next corporate retreat.
The Best Places in BC to Host Your Corporate Retreat
From world-famous ski hills to breathtaking coastal beaches, British Columbia has plenty to offer your team during your next annual off-site.
1. Whistler
Whistler is one of the most well-known travel destinations in BC and was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics. It’s located just a couple hours away from downtown Vancouver, making it a popular destination for corporate retreats. With stunning mountain views, world-class skiing and snowboarding, and luxurious resorts, Whistler is the perfect place for teams to relax and recharge.
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours
How to Get There: Sea-to-Sky Highway by car
Recommended Venue: The Brew Creek Centre
2. Tofino
Tofino is a charming seaside town located on the far west side of Vancouver Island. To get there, you and your team can take the ferry across to Nanaimo, followed by a car to the other side of the island. You can also greatly cut your travel time down by flying in directly from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour via Harbour Air, which is situated only a short walk from And-Co. Known for its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and laid-back vibe, Tofino is the perfect destination for a corporate retreat that focuses on team building and relaxation.
Distance from Vancouver: 5 hours, 30 minutes / 45 minutes
How to Get There: BC Ferries and car / Harbour Air
Recommended Venue: Tofino Resort & Marina
3. Bowen Island
If you’re looking for a retreat that’s close to Vancouver, but feels a world away, Bowen Island is the perfect destination. A popular place for cabins and year-round homes alike, Bowen is a peaceful and serene location to get to know your colleagues. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, it’s also incredibly close to the city.
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour
How to Get There: BC Ferries and car
Recommended Venue: Bowen Island Lodge
4. Harrison Hot Springs
Another nearby location that’s popular for corporate retreats is Harrison Hot Springs. Just a 90-minute drive from Vancouver via Highway 1, it offers natural hot springs, stunning lake views, and luxurious accommodations. It’s a great destination for groups who don’t want to travel too far from Vancouver but would like to disconnect from the city, unwind and recharge.
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hour, 30 minutes
How to Get There: Highway 1 by car
Recommended Venue: Harrison Hot Springs Resort
5. Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is a charming and picturesque destination located just a short ferry ride from the Tsawwassen Terminal. Known for its artisanal food and drink scene, stunning natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere, Salt Spring Island is the perfect destination for a corporate retreat that focuses on bonding with colleagues in a creative space.
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours, 30 minutes
How to Get There: BC Ferries and car
Recommended Venue: Stowel Lake Farm
6. Galiano Island
Another peaceful and secluded destination in BC is the island of Galiano. Same as Salt Spring, Galiano Island is accessible by BC Berries via Duke Point in Tsawwassen. From there, it’s just a quick 60-minute ferry to quiet beaches, breathtaking natural beauty and stunning accommodations.
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours
How to Get There: BC Ferries and car
Recommended Venue: Bodega Ridge
7. The Sunshine Coast
If you’re looking for a destination for your retreat that’s a little more adventurous, The Sunshine Coast is for you. Located just across Howe Sound, access to the Coast is just a 60-minute ferry ride away. It’s a stunning location with a wide variety of scenery to choose from, including rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and lush forests.
Distance from Vancouver: 1 hours, 40 minutes
How to Get There: BC Ferries and car
Recommended Venue: Rock Water Secret Cove Resort
8. Pemberton
A mere 30-minute drive past Whistler, you’ll find the small town of Pemberton. Known for its natural beauty and secluded location, it makes a wonderful destination for corporate groups looking to get away from it all. With its stunning mountain views, quiet forests, and luxurious accommodations, you and your team will leave feeling completely recharged.
Distance from Vancouver: 2 hours
How to Get There: Sea-to-Sky Highway by car
Recommended Venue: North Arm Farm
9. Downtown Vancouver
Don’t want to leave the city? Downtown Vancouver makes a great choice for any corporate retreat or event. While in town, you and your team can enjoy Vancouver’s vibrant dining scene, proximity to nature and incredible event spaces. From Stanley Park to English Bay, there’s no shortage of outdoor places to explore.
For indoor locations, you can host your event at And-Co while enjoying all the breathtaking scenery you expect from the west coast. In addition to our unparalleled event spaces, we offer in-house catering from our restaurant, NOX, and access to our internal event planning team as well as access to our wellness facility, The Well, if you’d like to incorporate a well-being focus into your retreat.
Distance from Vancouver: Within 15 minutes of any part of downtown
How to Get There: Head to 1575 W Georgia St #200
Recommended Venue: And-Co
If you’re in search of a modern, full-service, and flexible office and event space where you can host your corporate retreat in Vancouver, book a tour of And-Co today.