Fly-drive Canada: Vancouver & British Columbia

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Vancouver
• 2 nights Whistler
• 2 nights Sunshine Coast
• 2 nights Quadra Island
• 2 nights Tofino
• 2 nights Victoria

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. Flying into Vancouver, you will arrive same-day and be driven to your hotel in Vancouver for the night.

Included: International flight, arrival transfer, 4* hotel

Day 2: Free day in Vancouver

Vancouverites are a lucky bunch – they really can ski in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon. The city is full of cool neighbourhoods, a multitude of great dining options and the beautiful Stanley Park where you can hire bikes or take a stroll around the 8km seawall. The suburbs favour an outdoor way of life and you’ll be able to mountain bike, hike and kayak to your heart's content.

Included: 4* Hotel

Day 3: Vancouver to Whistler

Depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway for Whistler. Along the way, you’ll pass the cascading Shannon Falls and climbing hotspot Stawamus Chief Rock.

Travel approx. 122kms

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel

Day 4: Free day in Whistler

A year-round resort, Whistler alpine resort nestles between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Take the Gondola to connect with the chair lift during summer months and you will encounter some outstanding views over the glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, water sports on numerous lakes and mountain top dining.

Included: 4* Hotel, Gondola & chair lift ride

Day 5: Whistler to Sunshine Coast

Returning to the Sea-to-Sky Highway, you’ll make your way to Horseshoe Bay for the 45-minute crossing to the Sunshine Coast. Cruise across the fjord-like waters to a backdrop of glacier-topped peaks. Head along the coast on arrival, through fishing villages and past forests to your overnight accommodation.

Travel approx. 244kms

Included: Ferry crossing, 4* hotel

Day 6: Free day

Get ready for an adventure here on the Sunshine Coast! Your accommodation has many activities on offer and you can rent equipment or go exploring on your own. There are guides on hand to offer advice and you can canoe, kayak, fish or hike in the wilderness and spot local wildlife. There are nearby islands, pristine lakes and dozens of waterfalls, cedar forests and even floatplane tours or heli-adventures should you wish.

Included: 4* Hotel

Day 7: Sunshine Coast to Quadra Island

Crossing bays and islands today you will be heading towards Quadra Island and the Desolation Sound - it’s an impressive journey.

Travel approx. 78kms

Included: 4* Hotel, BC Ferries to Saltery Bay, Vancouver Island and Quadra Island

Day 8: Eco Wilderness Cruise into Desolation Sound

Cruise by zodiac through the breathtaking Desolation Sound, enjoying the Toba Inlet where you can seek out black bears in their natural habitat.

Included: 4* Hotel, Zodiac tour

Day 9: Quadra Island to Tofino

Head back to Vancouver Island before taking the road south-west to Tofino. The coastline is rugged and you’ll pass centuries-old cedar and fir trees, lakes, mountains and some majestic views before arriving in mid-afternoon.

Travel approx. 225kms

Included: 4* Hotel, BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island

Day 10: Pacific Rim National Park

The highlight of today will be a 3-hour whale watching excursion at Clayoquot Sound, revealing breathtaking scenery and an array of wildlife, including Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. You may also wish to take a walk along Long Beach, famed for its pristine sands, or explore the rainforests and their well-groomed trails.

Included: 4* Hotel, whale watching excursion

Day 11: Tofino to Victoria

The destination today is Victoria, on the south-east coast of Vancouver Island. There are some places of interest along the way, including the artist community of Chemainus and Duncan ‘the city of totems’.

Travel approx. 313kms

Included: 4* Hotel

Day 12: Exploring Victoria

Today is at leisure to explore the city of Victoria. You’ll find British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china! We've included entrance to the Butchart Gardens.

Included: 4* Hotel, Butchart Gardens admission

Day 13: Victoria to Vancouver

Enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you take the ferry back across the Strait of Georgia to the mainland today. This itinerary takes you back to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK – just let us know if you would like any alterations as this is a tailor-made itinerary and can be amended to suit you!

Included: BC Ferries crossing to Tsawwassen

Day 14: Arrive UK

Arrive back into the UK.