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.
Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish
Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience 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.
Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola– travel to the top of Whistler Mountain for spectacular views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
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 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.
Journey north to Earls Cove and catch the ferry service to Saltery Bay. On arrival, continue following the coast to Powell River to board another ferry service across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Venture north to the coastal town of Campbell River, gateway to the Discovery Islands.
Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience 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, Campbell River
The Great Bears of Bute, Campbell River
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 your drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino.
Today you can enjoy your choice of one included experience from the following options:
Coastal Bear Watch Cruise, Tofino
Whale Watching, Tofino
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 one included experience 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.
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 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.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Car hire, unlimited mileage, 2nd driver, loss damage waiver and third-party liability
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Ferry crossings (passengers and vehicle)
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Sea to Sky Gondola Ride, Squarmish
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Choice of experience in Whistler: Guided Lunch Tour / River Canoe tour / Peak 2 Peak Gondola / Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park (upgrade at extra cost)
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Choice of experience in Campbell River: : People, Water, Land / Salish Sea Whale Watching Cruise / The Great Bears of Bute (upgrade at extra cost)
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Choice of experience in Tofino: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise / Whale Watching Cruise
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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
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2461 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.
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.
Doug
11
Species of whale seen
4
Countries seen northern lights in
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
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Gary
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Jo
Travel Specialist
