Itinerary

Arrive at Vancouver Airport where you will be met and taken to your hotel by private transfer.

Vancouver is a fascinating, multicultural city and one of its highlights is Granville Island Market. Here you’ll find a huge variety of local produce cooked up by expert chefs. Take a tour of the market including tastings or explore what’s on offer yourself.

In the evening, explore Gastown, the city’s oldest district with cobbled streets and the famous Steam Clock. Along with adjacent Chinatown and Japantown districts, you’ll find some of the best cuisine in the city here, especially Can-Asian specialties.

Take a tour of the city’s highlights today, including Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island, Stanley Park and Gastown.

One of Vancouver’s most dramatic attractions is Capilano Suspension Bridge. Take the shuttle to north of the city where the bridge stretches over 130 metres across a canyon, some 70 metres above the river and park of the same name. Take a vertigo-inducing walk across the bridge, see the First Nation totem poles, tackle the Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventure, then hike in the rainforest of the surrounding 27-acre park.

Then explore the urban rainforest of 1000-acre Stanley Park. Explore the gardens, see the totem poles at Brockton Point, walk along the famous Sea Wall or take a bike tour to cover more of the park.

Explore more of Vancouver’s restaurants and nightlife in the evening.

Pick up your hire car this morning and head for the Sunshine Coast. This tranquil 180-km stretch of inlets, islands and forested hills has spectacular scenery ideal for hiking and cycling, while the waters offer great opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and boating.

Drive to the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry to Langdale. Make your way up the coast to Egmont, making some scenic stops en route.

Enjoy the views from the top of Soames Hill near Gibsons on the south-west corner of Howe Sound. Then stop at Roberts Creek, renowned for its artists and community mandala. Visit nearby waterfalls at Cliff Gilker Park.

Half Moon Bay, Smuggler’s Cove and Pender Harbour offer some of the best scenery in the region, popular for paddleboarding and kayaking. Other great viewpoints are Pender Hill and Mount Daniel, while Francis Point Provincial Park has excellent hiking.

Stay overnight at the wonderfully located West Coast Wilderness Lodge in Egmont.

Continue to explore the Sunshine Coast. Take a self-guided short hike from your lodge to Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park with its world-famous rapids that change direction twice daily. This dynamic waterway has
the fastest salt water rapids in North America with 20-metre-wide whirlpools.

Then embark on a cruise up the shoreline of the beautiful Jervis Inlet. Sail past towering 2,100-metre-high cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. The tour takes you through Malibu Rapids, entering Princess Louisa Inlet, a spectacular fjord renowned for its stunning landscape.

Today you head to the northern section of the Sunshine Coast and the town of Powell River.

Good excursions in this region include Powell Forest Canoe Route, rock climbing in the Eldred Valley and the stunning beaches of Savary Island.

The highlight of this region is the awe-inspiring Desolation Sound, whose tranquil waters are surrounded by steep evergreen mountains. Drive to Lund, half an hour north of Powell River, then take a boat trip to Desolation Sound.

This marine park has more than 60km of shoreline, islands, bays and coves, and warm waters ideal for swimming and whale-watching. The forested hills around Desolation Sound also have large populations of grizzly bears, best viewed August to October in Toba Inlet.
Return to Powell River and stay overnight.

This morning, take the ferry (1.5 hours) from Powell River to Comox on Vancouver Island.

The Comox Valley is famous for its food and wineries, so this is an ideal place for lunch. A good side trip half an hour inland is Mount Washington and Strathcona Provincial Park, which offers sweeping views, hiking and adventure sports.

You’ll be staying in Parksville, an hour south of Comox. This resort has some of the best beaches on Vancouver Island, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Check into your hotel in Parksville and enjoy some relaxation in the spa.

Drive across Vancouver Island to the Pacific coast, which has some of the island’s most dramatic and best protected landscapes filled with wildlife.

Arrive in the town of Ucluelet, situated on Long Beach, part of the 50,000-hectare Pacific Rim National Park.

We recommend a boat trip from Ucluelet to watch black bears on the shoreline. Travel along the lush coastline to bear feeding grounds and watch as they emerge from the forests in search of food.

Spend another day exploring the beautiful region of Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park.

One of the best ways to enjoy the coastline of Barkley Sound is on a kayaking trip. Watch out for bald eagles, seals, sea lions and black bears as you head out of the harbour, exploring kelp forests and rugged shores.

Another option is to take a whale-watching tour here to see populations of grey whales, humpbacks and orcas.

Drive back across the island to The Cowichan Valley. This is Vancouver Island’s farming heartland with a mild climate, indigenous heritage and delicious food.

Cowichan Bay is a charming seaside village with its own population of sea lions. It’s a relaxing place to spend time and enjoy the local cuisine.

Highlights of this region include Lake Cowichan, one of the island’s biggest freshwater lakes and haven for fishing and boating, while the surrounding Cowichan River Provincial Park has hiking paths through dense forest.

The nearby town of Duncan is home of the Coast Salish First Nations and renowned for its collection of 38 totems, while the town of Chemainus has been transformed into one of the world’s biggest outdoor art galleries with over 40 colourful murals and a dozen sculptures.

Stay overnight at your hotel on the waterfront of Cowichan Bay.

Head back to the south-west coast and Port Renfrew. Due to the road system you have to zig-zag across the island via Cowichan to get from Ucluelet to this part of the coast.

A big highlight of Port Renfrew is the wildlife – grey whales, humpbacks, orcas and sea lions. We recommend embarking on a half-day guided whale watching tour in a 12-person Zodiac vessel.

Spend another day in Port Renfrew and enjoy the town’s beach and beautiful surroundings at your leisure.

Optional excursions to explore independently include the beaches and tidal pools of Botanica Beach Provincial Park, the hidden waterfall at Sombrio Beach and hikes along parts of the Juan de Fuca Trail.

Drive south to the southern tip of Vancouver Island to Victoria.
British Columbia’s capital is one of Canada’s most charming cities with a pedestrianised downtown, elegant waterfront, abundant gardens and historic architecture.
Take some time to explore the city, including the Parliament buildings, Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, and Craigdarroch Castle.

Spend another day exploring beautiful Victoria. Included in your tour is a walking and food tour of downtown to experience some of the city’s best culinary gems – the city has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.
Explore the harbour by kayak or take a whale-watching tour to spot orcas, grey whales, dolphins and seals. For something more relaxing, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.

Your tour comes to an end. Drive to Swartz Bay and take the ferry back to Vancouver. Drop off your hire car at the airport and take your flight home.