Discover the best of British Columbia on a luxurious self-drive that begins in vibrant Vancouver, continues through alpine Whistler and leads to the coastal rainforests of Vancouver Island and the elegant harbour city of Victoria, with bears, whales and soaring eagles along the way.
Explore Vancouver’s vibrant neighbourhoods, lively harbourfront and leafy trails of Stanley Park
Follow the dramatic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, with ocean views and soaring peaks at every turn
Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler, linking two mighty mountains with spectacular alpine views
Discover Tofino’s wild Pacific coast, where black bears forage on the shore and eagles circle the rainforest canopy
Stroll Victoria’s harbour, visit Butchart Gardens and head out by boat to spot orcas, humpbacks and sea lions
Arrive in Vancouver and take a private transfer to your downtown hotel for a three-night stay. This vibrant city lends itself perfectly to exploration, from Gastown to Granville Island Market, a true foodie haven with flavours from around the world. Take time to discover Stanley Park, where the Seawall offers an easy walk or leisurely bike ride, or browse the boutiques and designer stores along Robson Street.
During your stay enjoy a guided highlights tour to orient yourself with Vancouver’s many attractions. Afterwards, take in sweeping views from the Vancouver Lookout before heading north to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk among the treetops in the coastal rainforest.
Collect your hire car in downtown Vancouver and drive north, crossing Lions Gate Bridge, the gateway to Vancouver Harbour. Follow the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, where Howe Sound sparkles on one side and mountains rise on the other, before ascending into the Coast Mountains for a three-night stay in the alpine village of Whistler.
Framed by Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, this renowned resort is as alive in summer as it is in ski season. An included pass for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers incredible views as you span more than four kilometres between the two peaks. Fine dining abounds in the crisp mountain air, while adventurous travellers may wish to cross the Cloudraker Sky Bridge for 360-degree views from Whistler Peak.
Drive south along the Sea to Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay, where you’ll board a BC Ferry across the Inside Passage. The 1 hour 40 minute crossing is peaceful and scenic, with the chance to spot wildlife in the waters between the mainland and Vancouver Island. On arrival near Nanaimo, continue to Tofino for a three-night stay on the Pacific coast.
With time to explore at leisure, Tofino offers a captivating mix of quaint coastal towns, temperate rainforest and sweeping beaches where you can try your hand at surfing. An included coastal bear-watching tour will bring you close to black bears feeding along the shoreline, while bald eagles, seals and porpoises are often seen in these rich waters.
Travel south to Victoria on the island’s tip for a three-night stay in British Columbia’s charming capital. The city is centred around a lively inner harbour where boats and seaplanes come and go in spectacular style. Explore the shops and restaurants on foot, take a seaplane flight from in front of your hotel, or visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a vast botanical showcase just minutes away.
Victoria’s location is one of the best for whale-watching. Head out from the harbour aboard a comfortable scarab-style vessel, the ideal choice for finding pods of orcas and humpbacks, along with dolphins, sea otters, sea lions and more. After a final day enjoying the city, return your car at the airport before your onward flight.