Ultimate Pacific Coast Experience

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: Vancouver - Whistler (122 km)

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 globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler in the afternoon.

Day 2: Whistler

This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafes, and restaurants if this European inspired alpine village. Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler Mountain's sub-alpine and then rise to 2181m (7155ft) via Whistler's premier open chairlift. At the top you'll be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volvanoes, snow-capped peaks and more.

Day 3: Whistler - Sunshine Coast (244 km)

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

Day 4: Sunshine Coast

The beautiful natural landscape of Canada's Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a host of outdoor adventures today. The lodge’s well-trained guides work with all ages to provide an unforgettable recreational experience - or alternatively, just sit back, relax and enjoy the coast.

Day 5: Sunshine Coast - Quadra Island (78 km)

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 Campbell River and your destination Quadra Island.

Day 6: Quadra Island

Enjoy a memorable zodiac cruise among the Discovery Islands and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch for Stellar sea lions, seals, Minke whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. You’ll see bald eagles swoop from the tree tops and majestic herons fishing in the tidal pools. At low tide, there is an opportunity to see black bears.

Day 7: Quadra Island - Pacific Rim National Park (225 km)

Depart Quadra Island on a short ferry ride back to Vancouver Island and head west to Tofino 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 or or Ucluelet around mid afternoon.

Day 8: Pacific Rim National Park

Today enjoy either a Whale Watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles, or a Bear Viewing Cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean! After 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 rainforests on a selection of well-groomed trails.

Day 9: Pacific Rim National Park - Victoria (313 km)

Make your way back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and 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).

Day 10: Victoria

Explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with its 50-acre display of magnificent colour.

Day 11: Victoria - Vancouver (69 km)

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 on to downtown Vancouver to return you rental vehicle.