Hike and Drive British Columbia
Hike and Drive British Columbia
from £627 excluding flights
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Highlights
Explore a variety of landscapes and trails on foot
Drive the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway
Visit the Okanagan Valley with its beautiful vineyards
Take in the view from Whistler's Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Why this trip...
Off-the-beaten-track
This holiday showcases places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Overview
This independent self drive holiday offers the opportunity to tackle a range of scenic hikes as you discover waterfalls, lakes and mountains, all at your own pace. Explore the many walking trails British Columbia has to offer, from the lush valleys of the Okanagan region to the alpine resorts of Whistler and Sun Peaks.
Starting and finishing in the beautiful city of Vancouver, this circular self drive itinerary allows ample time to get out of the car and uncover the scenic highlights of BC on foot. Spend a night in Manning Provincial Park, at the heart of the Cascade Range, before heading away from the mountain peaks to the fertile vineyards and rolling orchards of the Okanagan region.
Continue your journey to the popular ski resorts of Sun Peaks and Whistler. These are transformed in the summer, offering multiple walking options as well as the chance to spot wildlife and try a wealth of other activities including kayaking and mountain-biking.
Along the way stop to take your pick of trails, from short scenic strolls and easy lakeside walks to more challenging alpine hikes. Take in waterfalls, mountain-tops and even a former railway line, breathe in the fresh Canadian air and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you wander through the best of British Columbia's magnificent landscapes.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many hotels and route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 Vancouver - Manning Provincial Park (211 km)
This morning collect your rental car and drive east to the Golden Ears Provincial Park for your first stop. The 2-hour Lower Falls trail is a great way to stretch your legs, and the view of the falls is fantastic, particularly in the spring season when the runoff from the surrounding mountains is surging downstream. Continue driving to Manning Park Resort located in the middle of Manning Park. The trailheads for several hikes are accessible from the resort, including the gentle Lake Loop circuit around Lightning Lake.
This morning collect your rental car and drive east to the Golden Ears Provincial Park for your first stop. The 2-hour Lower Falls trail is a great way to stretch your legs, and the view of the falls is fantastic, particularly in the spring season when the runoff from the surrounding mountains is surging downstream. Continue driving to Manning Park Resort located in the middle of Manning Park. The trailheads for several hikes are accessible from the resort, including the gentle Lake Loop circuit around Lightning Lake.
Day 2 Manning Provincial Park-Kelowna (146 km)
Today travel into the Thompson Okanagan region, famed for its orchards and vineyards as well as its varied landscapes.
Today travel into the Thompson Okanagan region, famed for its orchards and vineyards as well as its varied landscapes.
Day 3 Kelowna (Myra Canyon Hike)
Panoramic views and historic sites make for infinitely interesting hikes around Kelowna. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada trail, is an easy high-country walk. The 12km section of the trail between the former Ruth Station and Myra Station features reconstructed wood-frame trestles, two steel bridges, and two tunnels. Bring a camera to capture the valley views.
Panoramic views and historic sites make for infinitely interesting hikes around Kelowna. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada trail, is an easy high-country walk. The 12km section of the trail between the former Ruth Station and Myra Station features reconstructed wood-frame trestles, two steel bridges, and two tunnels. Bring a camera to capture the valley views.
Day 4 Kelowna - Sun Peaks (266 km)
Depart the Okanagan Valley and drive to the alpine resort of Sun Peaks. Sun Peaks' hiking trails are designed to accommodate varying levels of fitness and experience so that all visitors can enjoy the unique experience of alpine hiking. Here you will find an endlessly diverse terrain with flat areas, gradual inclines and steep climbs, not to mention a vast mountain-top trail system accessible by ski lifts. In summer the mountains become a kaleidoscope of colour with wildflowers like with Artic lupin, dwarf dogwood, fireweed and larkspur. Wildlife sightings may include blue herons, bald eagles and hummingbirds, as well as bears and coyotes.
Depart the Okanagan Valley and drive to the alpine resort of Sun Peaks. Sun Peaks' hiking trails are designed to accommodate varying levels of fitness and experience so that all visitors can enjoy the unique experience of alpine hiking. Here you will find an endlessly diverse terrain with flat areas, gradual inclines and steep climbs, not to mention a vast mountain-top trail system accessible by ski lifts. In summer the mountains become a kaleidoscope of colour with wildflowers like with Artic lupin, dwarf dogwood, fireweed and larkspur. Wildlife sightings may include blue herons, bald eagles and hummingbirds, as well as bears and coyotes.
Day 5 Sun Peaks - Whistler (356 km)
Begin the day travelling along the Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek and historic Hat Creek Ranch. Continue the journey south to Lillooet and 'Mile Zero' of the Old Caribou Wagon Road – evidence of the gold rush years is ever present in this area. Continue on the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler, perhaps stopping at Nairn Falls for a short walk (approx. 1 hr). The rest of the day is free to explore Whistler.
Begin the day travelling along the Logan Lake route to the gold rush town of Cache Creek and historic Hat Creek Ranch. Continue the journey south to Lillooet and 'Mile Zero' of the Old Caribou Wagon Road – evidence of the gold rush years is ever present in this area. Continue on the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler, perhaps stopping at Nairn Falls for a short walk (approx. 1 hr). The rest of the day is free to explore Whistler.
Prices and Departures
Price from £627 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £550 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- Sun Peaks Resort hiking lift ticket
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
Prices
This itinerary starts from £627 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, and rental of an intermediate vehicle. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.Meet our expert
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Travelling sustainably
We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
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