Set off on a self-drive adventure through the wild beauty of Canada’s Pacific Coast. Explore the striking coastal landscapes and wildlife-rich habitats of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, where you might glimpse black bears or spot a pod of orca. The alpine resort of Whistler offers a dramatic contrast to the windswept shores of the Pacific Rim National Park, where never-ending beaches meet the power of the ocean and dense rainforest.
Thanks to the excellent BC Ferries network, you can relax and enjoy the journey, 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 route 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 scenic 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
Depart Vancouver and head 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. Pause at Squamish for a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola (included) which whisks you up to panoramic views over Howe Sound. At the summit, enjoy a network of walking trails, the thrilling Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and a restaurant and tea house with spectacular views. After exploring, 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.
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish
Today, take your pick from one of five included excursions, each offering a unique way to experience the region at its best:
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.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola– travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Ziptrek Eco Tour – Soar above Whistler’s stunning rainforest on a ziplining adventure blending thrilling heights with breathtaking nature and eco-education.
Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park (Upgrade at additional cost) – Watch wild black bears forage amidst pristine landscapes from your vehicle. Drive up iconic Ski Jumps for breath-taking, panoramic mountain views.
Return down the Sea to Sky Highway as far as Horseshoe Bay and enjoy a relaxing ferry journey to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic voyage 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.
Travel north to Earls Cove and catch the ferry to Saltery Bay. On arrival, continue along the coastline to Powell River, where you’ll catch another ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Head north to the coastal town of Campbell River, gateway to the Discovery Islands. This seaside community is a great location for spotting wildlife including Pacific White-Sided dolphins and Eagles.
Today, enjoy one included experience of your choice from the following options:
Salish Sea Whale Watching Cruise – Enjoy an unforgettable cruise with an experienced marine wildlife guide to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Watch for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and a variety of sea birds.
Please note The Great Bears of Bute requires an additional upgrade cost.
People, Water, Land - from Campbell River
The Great Bears of Bute, Campbell River
Today, you’ll drive west to Pacific Rim National Park on the wild and rugged West Coast. Along the way, you might like to stop at Cathedral Grove, where you can stroll beneath towering 800 year old Douglas fir and cedar trees. Continue your journey through the dramatic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains, before arriving in the charming coastal town of Tofino.
Today, take your pick from one included experience from the options below.
Coastal Bear Watch Cruise, Tofino
Whale Watching, Tofino
Make your way back to the eastern side of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. Along the way, you might like to pause in the charming artist community of Chemainus, famed for its striking giant murals that decorate buildings throughout the town. Another worthwhile stop is Duncan, known as the ‘City of Totems’. If time allows, consider visiting the Quw’utsun Heritage Village, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Northwest Coast peoples (admission not included).
Today, you can enjoy one included experience of your choice from the following selection:
Butchart Gardens Admission – this National Historic Site of Canada is renowned for its stunning floral displays set over 55 acres of gardens.
Whale Watch Cruise – search for orcas on the Salish Sea on a 3.5 hour guided whale watching cruise, complete with hydrophones to bring the underwater world to life.
High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel – Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries and scones, served in the elegant setting of this historic landmark. The rest of the day is free to explore Victoria at your leisure, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions.
The rest of the day is free to explore Victoria at your leisure, with its turn of the century architecture and strong British traditions.
Eat Like a Canadian, Victoria
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for your final crossing to Tsawwassen. As you cross the Strait of Georgia, take in the beautiful scenery of the Gulf Islands. Once ashore in Tsawwassen, it’s a short drive back to Vancouver to return your rental car and wrap up your journey.
Prices & departures
What's Included
-
Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
-
Car hire, unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
-
Ferry crossings (passengers and vehicle)
-
Sea to Sky Gondola Ride, Squarmish
-
Choice of experience in Whistler: Guided Lunch Tour / River Canoe tour / Peak 2 Peak Gondola / Ziptrek Eco Tour / Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park (upgrade at extra cost)
-
Choice of experience in Campbell River: : People, Water, Land / Salish Sea Whale Watching Cruise / The Great Bears of Bute (upgrade at extra cost)
-
Choice of experience in Tofino: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise / Whale Watching Cruise
-
Choice of experience in Victoria: Admission to Butchart Gardens / Eat Like a Canadian Food Tour / Whale Watch Cruise / High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel
-
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
-
No surcharge guarantee
-
Full financial protection
From £2628 Excluding Flights
10 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Our holiday prices exclude flights. Why? Because we want to offer you the best value, tailored to your needs. Flight prices and offers change daily, so when you’re ready to book, we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on the best options from your local airport. This way, you’ll always get the best prices and the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Rosie
34
Countries visited
4
Different shark species swam with
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
-
Lauren
Travel Specialist
-
Eric
Travel Specialist
-
Gary
Travel Specialist
-
Doug
Travel Specialist
-
Jo
Travel Specialist
-
Rosie
Travel Specialist
-
Kieran
Travel Specialist
-
Darren
Travel Specialist
-
Samantha
Travel Specialist
You may also like…
-
Totem Discovery: Western Canada Explorer
Canada Self DriveThis best of the west self drive includes wildlife, waterways, wilderness and mountains.
From £3448 Excluding Flights
-
Wildlife and Culture at Klahoose
Canada IndependentKlahoose Wilderness Resort offers a fascinating base from which to discover this region’s abundant wildlife and rich indigenous culture.
From £2714 Excluding Flights
-
Discover Whistler and the Rockies
Canada Self DriveThis compact self-drive itinerary focuses on two of Canada’s most beautiful areas.
From £1402 Excluding Flights
-
Grizzly Bear Adventure at Knight Inlet
Canada IndependentThis pristine wilderness is the perfect place for grizzly bear encounters.
From £2699 Excluding Flights
-
Majestic Rockies by Rail and Road
Canada Rail Self DriveWitness the Rockies' natural beauty and soaring wilderness on this independent journey.
From £3399 Excluding Flights
-
Rockies and Rainforests
Canada Self DriveExplore the very best of Alberta and British Columbia on this 12-day self-drive holiday starting in Calgary and ending in the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver.
From £2425 Excluding Flights
-
Wildlife and Wilderness of Quebec
Canada Self DriveExplore the beautiful Gaspe Peninsula in search of wildlife as well as visiting historic Montreal and Quebec City.
From £1968 Excluding Flights
-
Trans Canada Rail Adventure
Canada Independent RailTake an unforgettable rail journey across Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
From £6317 Excluding Flights
-
Canadian Family Adventure: Glaciers and Dinosaurs
Canada Self DriveFrom the Rockies to the Badlands, this epic Canadian adventure encompasses glaciers, mountains hoodoos and dinosaurs, with a choice of activities to appeal to kids of all ages.
From £1917 Excluding Flights