Pacific Coast Bed and Breakfast Explorer

The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have many other 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: arrive Vancouver

Vancouver is truly one of the most breathtaking cities in the world, nestled between mountain vistas and ocean splendour, Vancouver has something for everyone. After checking into your Vancouver accommodation, venture out and start your urban adventure. Explore the shops, bistros and fine dining on Robson Street, stretch your legs for a walk through Stanley Park or take the ferry to Granville Island where you can browse through the vibrant market stalls and talk with the owners and shop keepers before discovering a local west coast restaurant for some delectable delights.

Day 2: Vancouver

Today is free for you to explore the city and nearby sights. Enjoy aerial views of Vancouver from the top of Grouse Mountain or visit Capilano Suspension Bridge. Stop at the Lonsdale Quay Market before returning to downtown Vancouver for some additional sightseeing in historic Gastown. This evening relax at the Raven Pub or stop at Steam Works Brewery in Yaletown, both neighbourhood icons.

Day 3: Vancouver - Salt Spring Island

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and make your way to Salt Spring Island via ferry. Salt Spring Island is a wonderful island paradise where it’s easy to mix with the locals but also break away and find some ocean solitude with several beaches to choose from. And when you grow weary of relaxing under the warm summer sun, take a tour of the island or visit any number of the local galleries. Arts and culture aren’t just big on the island, it’s a way of life! The Saturday market is an event all on its own. And for a favoured afternoon excursion, head to the two local wineries for some excellent tasting and touring options.

Day 4: Salt Spring Island

Strong farming enterprises still flourish on Salt Spring Island, and the island is prized for its homegrown fruits, vegetables and animals. Today is free for you to explore at leisure. Why not try sampling some of the many local products - cheese, chocolate, gelato, coffee, wine, beer and seafood products made right on the island.

Day 5: Salt Spring Island - Victoria

Take the ferry from Salt Spring Island and make your way to Victoria, British Columbia’s quaint capital city, with its pretty boat-lined Inner Harbour. The rest of the day is free to explore the city with its turn of the century architecture, boutique shops and British traditions such as the ever popular afternoon tea. Travel on to Sooke, a picturesque, seaside town situated on the dynamic south-western shores of Vancouver Island. Sooke boasts fabulous accommodations, restaurants, galleries and shops, as well as provincial parks, unspoiled rainforests and tranquil beaches – a destination less visited, but well worth the short trip from Victoria.

Day 6: Victoria

Today is free for you to explore and relax. You might like to take an exhilarating cruise in search of whales and and other marine wildlife, which can be found in abundance in the nutrient-rich waters off BC's Pacific coast. Or perhaps to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum or the world-renowned Butchart Gardens.

Day 7: Victoria - Pacific Rim National Park

This morning make your way to Tofino or Ucluelet, both situated close by and on the edge of the wild Pacific Ocean. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax. Note: Standard accommodation includes accommodation in Ucluelet; Superior accommodation includes accommodation in Tofino.

Day 8: Pacific Rim National Park

Enjoy a day at leisure to unwind and explore. You might like discover one of the nearby beaches or go hiking in Pacific Rim National Park. There are also plenty of wildlife watching activities to enjoy too - whale watching, bear watching or wildlife cruises, the options are endless.

Day 9: Ucluelet - Comox / Quadra Island

For those with standard accommodation make your way to Comox, a vibrant seaside community located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. For those with superior accommodation head to Campbell River and then take the short ferry across to Quadra Island for a 2-night stay. Once on Quadra there are a multitude of opportunities that are just waiting to be discovered. Quadra is a playground of beaches, lakes, and parks intermingled with luxury lodges, native culture, artisan’s studios, and other interesting places that are friendly and welcoming. The rich waters that surround Quadra are fed by large tidal exchanges and nourish abundant marine life which makes for excellent wildlife opportunities, great fishing and excellent diving.

Day 10: Comox / Quadra Island

Spend the day at leisure in Comox, perhaps take a sightseeing tour or enjoy kayaking or stand up paddle boarding around Goose Spit. Hike Paradise Meadows or the trails of Nymph Falls and Seal Bay nature parks or tour and taste at one of the local wineries or breweries. If you are staying on Quadra Island you can enjoy many outdoor activities or just enjoy the laid back atmosphere and relaxed pace of life. Quadra Island is home to beautiful beaches, one of the best known is Rebecca Spit Provincial Park near Heriot Bay. This sheltered bay is a picturesque anchorage for yachts exploring the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. Kayakers and canoeists can choose from a vast network of lakes and river systems, mountain bikers and hikers will delight at the array of trails.

Day 11: Comox / Quadra Island - Vancouver

Today make your way to Nanaimo for your ferry to Vancouver. Your last full day is free to explore the many well-known sights of Vancouver, including Canada Place, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park.

Day 12: Vancouver

Enjoy some last minute shopping on Robson Street at designer label boutiques or enjoy lunch in one of the many sidewalk cafes or restaurants. Return your rental vehicle at Vancouver Airport where you self-drive journey ends.