Ultimate Pacific Coast Experience Self Drive

Ultimate Pacific Coast Experience

from £2635 excluding flights

10 nights
May-Sep

Tailor-made
Canada
Self Drive

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Highlights

Discover endless beaches and rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park

Search for grey whales and orca in Clayoquot Sound

Travel at leisure on the scenic BC Ferry network

Go in search of black bears and marine wildlife in Desolation Sound

quebec fairmont chateau frontenac dining

Take an optional culinary tour in Victoria or Tofino

Wander through Victoria's beautiful Butchart Gardens

Why this trip...

Explore at leisure

With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Activities included

This itinerary features a range of included activities

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 self-drive journey travels through the wild magnificence of Canada’s Pacific Coast and is a great choice for nature enthusiasts. Explore the coastal landscapes and wildlife-rich habitats of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, where you might witness black bears or encounter a pod of orca and other marine wildlife. The alpine resort of Whistler provides a dramatic contrast to Pacific Rim National Park, where the might of the ocean meets never-ending beaches backed by dense rainforest.

Utilising the excellent network of BC Ferries, you can sit back and relax whilst keeping your eyes peeled for the region’s abundant marine wildlife as you travel. From the spectacular mountain resort town of Whistler to the quintessential ‘Britishness’ of Victoria, via the Sunshine Coast and the many islands of the Strait of Georgia, this journey promises one memorable day after another, perfect for couples and families alike.

Along the way included excursions offer the chance to cruise with whales and spot bears foraging on the shore, tickle your taste buds with a culinary tour or explore the extensive Butchart Gardens. There’s plenty of time for independent exploration too, with 2-night stays allowing for a leisurely paced holiday. Spend a day hiking the trails near Whistler, pottering around local galleries on the Sunshine Coast or enjoying the laid-back lifestyle of Tofino on Vancouver Island’s stunning west coast. And don’t forget to have a glass in hand in time for those unforgettable Pacific Ocean sunsets.

Itinerary

This morning depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock, where climbers from all over the world migrate to climb the granite cliffs. At Squamish a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola is included – at the summit you’ll find interpretive hiking trails, the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, a restaurant and tea house, and sweeping views over Howe Sound. After exploring at leisure take the gondola back down to sea-level and continue your drive to Whistler, a charming alpine resort nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests. Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour – tackle one of the scenic Valley Trail Bike Tours, learning about Whistler’s history, geography and natural highlights along the way with an experienced guide. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola– travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Whistler Guided Lunch Tour – explore the town’s eclectic culinary scene with a delicious multi-course lunch taken at various food spots.
River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour – take an enchanting paddle from Alta Lake to Green Lake, past wildflower-lined river banks and old-growth forests.
Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour – tackle one of the scenic Valley Trail Bike Tours, learning about Whistler’s history, geography and natural highlights along the way with an experienced guide.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola– travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

canada british columbia peak to peak gondola whistler adstk

Return down the Sea to Sky Highway as far as Horseshoe Bay and enjoy a relaxing ferry journey to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord-like waters fringed by virgin forests and glaciated mountain peaks. At Langdale disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route to your overnight accommodation.

The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast is the setting for your choice of outdoor adventures today, or you can choose to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal views.

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Travel north to Earls Cove for a 50 minute ferry ride to Saltery Bay. Continue following the coast to Powell River to board another ferry service across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to the coastal town of Campbell River, gateway to the Discovery Islands.

Enjoy a memorable boat cruise among the Discovery Islands and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch for Stellar sea lions, seals, minke whales, orcas and pacific white-sided dolphins. You’ll see bald eagles swoop from the tree tops and majestic herons fishing in the tidal pools.

Today you will head west to Pacific Rim National Park on the rugged West Coast. En route, you may wish to stop at at Cathedral Grove, to enjoy a walk amongst 800 year old Douglas fir and cedar trees. Continue through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise – search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a Zodiac. Black bears roam the shores here at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab. Whale Watching Cruise – cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter grey whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.<br After your excursion enjoy some time at leisure – you may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the coastal rainforest on a selection of well-marked hiking trails.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Coastal Bear Watch Cruise – search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a Zodiac. Black bears roam the shores here at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
Whale Watching Cruise – cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter grey whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.<br
After your excursion enjoy some time at leisure – you may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the coastal rainforest on a selection of well-marked hiking trails.

Make your way back to the eastern side of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route you may wish to stop at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town, and at Duncan, the ‘City of Totems’. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (admission not included).

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options: Butchart Gardens Admission – this National Historic Site of Canada is renowned for its stunning floral displays set over 55 acres of gardens. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour – from local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is a great introduction to Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot. The rest of the day is free to explore Victoria at your leisure, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions.

Today you can enjoy your choice of included excursion from the following options:

Butchart Gardens Admission – this National Historic Site of Canada is renowned for its stunning floral displays set over 55 acres of gardens.
Eat like a Canadian Food Tour – from local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is a great introduction to Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

The rest of the day is free to explore Victoria at your leisure, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions.

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Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for your final ferry crossing to Tsawwassen. On board the ferry enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue back to Vancouver to return your rental vehicle.

Accommodation Options

With a wide choice of accommodation in Canada, we can mix and match different grades and styles to suit your personal preference – from motels and hotels to design properties and wilderness lodges in stunning locations.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists

Excursions

Canada

Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish

Price on request

Variable hours | Year round

Located near Squamish on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this is an unmissable attraction between Vancouver and Whistler.

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Canada

Whale Watching, Tofino

Price on request

2.5 hours | Mar-Oct

Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of grey and humpback whales and other marine wildlife.

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Canada

Coastal Bear Watch, Tofino

Price on request

2.5 hours | Apr-Oct

Cruise deep into the tranquil inlets of Clayoquot Sound in search of black bears and other wildlife.

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Canada

Meares Island Sea Kayaking, Tofino

Price on request

4 hours | Apr-Oct

Explore the quiet inlet waters and ancient coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, then make your way from Meares Landing across Tofino harbour…

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Canada

Admission to Butchart Gardens, Victoria

Price on request

At leisure | Year round

First established over 100 years ago, the Butchart Gardens provide a stunning array of colour across 55 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

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Canada

Eat Like a Canadian, Victoria

Price on request

2.5 hours | May-Sep

From local ingredients to traditional dishes, this tour offers the chance to sip and savour Canadian cuisine and meet chefs and restaurateurs.

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Canada

Flyover Canada, Vancouver

Price on request

30 minutes | Year round

Explore Canada from coast to coast on a breath-taking, family-friendly, flight simulation ride like no other!

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Multi Destination

People, Water, Land, Campbell River

Price on request

5 hours | May-Oct

Embark on an enriching cultural and whale watching adventure through the Salish Sea, to the historic First Nation village site of Aupe.

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Canada

The Great Bears of Bute, Campbell River

Price on request

8 hours | Aug-Oct

Take a full-day adventure into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, where Grizzly Bears reign supreme during the annual salmon run.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £2635 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.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
Intermediate car hire including GPS, unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
Ferry crossings (passengers and vehicle)
Sea to Sky Gondola Ride
Campbell River: Whale & Wildlife Watching Safari Cruise
Choice of excursion in Whistler: Guided Lunch Tour / River Canoe tour / Whistler Valley Bike tour / Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Choice of excursion in Tofino: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise / Whale Watching Cruise
Choice of excursion in Victoria: Admission to Butchart Gardens / Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

Prices

This itinerary starts from £2,635 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels, with 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.