Vancouver

Fly to Vancouver, check in to your hotel and spend some time exploring this cosmopolitan, coastal city.

2 nights in Vancouver.

Vancouver to Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast

Collect your car in downtown Vancouver and drive over the Lions Gate Bridge to Horseshoe Bay to take the ferry to the Sunshine Coast. Although close to Vancouver, this beautiful coast is remarkably unspoilt and untouristy; it has always been a haven for artists and artisans. Look out for the purple banners signifying the open studio of artisans, attend a theatre performance by local dancers, pianists or Aboriginal storytellers and be sure to visit some of the shops. Overnight at the Rockwater Resort in either one of their standard rooms or spoil yourselves in one of their luxurious tents.

2 nights in Rockwater.

Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast

Kayak or walk to explore the shoreline at Halfmoon Bay and view the abundance of intertidal and marine life of Sargeant Bay Park.

Sunshine Coast to Egmont

Take the windy highway north, stopping in Pender Harbour for lunch, to Egmont. You will spend the next 3 nights at the Westcoast Wilderness Lodge, a cliff side resort with excellent ocean views.  Your package includes a cruise up to Princess Louisa inlet to view many natural wonders as well as rock paintings by the First Nations of the area. Other activities include hiking into Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park to see the tidal rapids (an easy walk) or even kayaking the rapids.  If you prefer, you can kayak the more sheltered waters around the Lodge.

All meals are included at the Lodge.

3 nights at Westcoast Wilderness Lodge.

Egmont to Lund

Another ferry takes you to the northern Sunshine Coast and after a 90 minute drive you will arrive at the end of the road and a charming village called Lund. Your accommodation will either be the Sevilla Island Resort a charming B&B with 4 pretty rooms and delicious food, or the Lund Hotel. You will have time to hop on a water taxi to Savary Island or watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises and other marine life on a cruise into Desolation Sound.

2 nights in Lund.

Lund to Comox

Let the ferry take the strain again as you sail across to Vancouver Island from Powell River to Comox. 

1 night at the Kingfisher Resort and Spa.

Comox to Tofino

Drive across the island via Port Alberni, being sure to stop at Cathedral Grove to see the towering first growth Douglas Firs.  Finish your day's journey in Tofino or Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island – a magical area of forest, beaches, art galleries and wildlife.

You will then have 2 days to enjoy whale-watching (for grey and humpback whales, as well as sea lions and bald eagles), a visit to the Hot Springs and bear watching, some world class surfing, a walk along the boardwalks in the rain forest or along the wonderful beaches. (Whale watching tour included).

3 nights in Tofino or Ucluelet.

Tofino to Victoria

Drive back across the island and south to Victoria. A 4 hour drive which can be broken at Duncan to see the totem poles or at Chemainus to admire the 38 murals. Spending a couple of days in Victoria will allow you to take a winery tour or sample cheeses in the Valley, discover the Butchart Gardens and the Royal British Columbia Museum and take a whale watching tour to see the killer whales that live off the coast.

2 nights in Victoria.

Victoria to Vancouver

Take the ferry back the mainland to drop your car off at the airport prior to your return flight.