In between discovering the waterfront cities of Vancouver and Victoria, experience some of the gems of Canada’s west coastal wilderness. From the spectacular Sunshine Coast to the natural wonderland of Vancouver Island, adventure and wildlife await on this self-drive holiday in British Columbia.
Canada
West Coastal Wilderness Self-Drive
13 Days
From the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver Island, discover Canada's West Coast
This holiday can be re-designed and tailor-made for your own unique experience
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Coastal beauty of B.C. |
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Sunshine Coast |
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Bears, whales and bald eagles |
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Beautiful Quadra Island |
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Cosmopolitan Vancouver and classic Victoria |
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Optional activities include kayaking, cycling, boat tours and hikes |
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Bear watching excursion by boat from Tofino |
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Optional whale watching for orcas and humpbacks from Victoria |
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Depart UK from London Heathrow to Vancouver |
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Explore Vancouver |
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Drive the Sunshine Coast |
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Further exploration on the Sunshine Coast |
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Drive to Lund |
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Cross to Quadra Island |
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Explore the island and/or Campbell River |
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Drive to Tofino |
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Coastal bear watching excursion |
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Drive to Victoria |
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At leisure to explore Victoria |
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Return to Vancouver. Depart Canada. |
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Arrive UK. |
Explore the coastal beauty of British Columbia at a relaxed pace on this fantastic self-drive adventure.
Day 1 - Arrival
On arrival in Vancouver collect your hire car and make your way into the city where you are free to explore for the rest of the day.
Day 2 - Vancouver
Spend the day exploring Vancouver beginning with Stanley Park where you can visit the totem poles and aquarium. With many diverse districts to discover, Gastown, Granville Island and Chinatown should all feature on your agenda and for world class shopping head to Robson Street. If time allows cross to the North Shore, home to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or take the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain for breath-taking views of the city, ocean and surrounding mountains.
Day 3 - Sunshine Coast
Cross the Lions Gate Bridge to Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry to the Sunshine Coast before continuing to Egmont where you will stay at West Coast Wilderness Lodge for the next 2 nights.
Day 4 - Sunshine Coast
Explore the Sunshine Coast independently or enjoy some resort activities.
Day 5 - Lund
A ferry ride will take you to Saltery Bay today before passing Powell River and on to historic Lund.
Day 6 - Quadra Island
Make your way back to Powell River where you will board the ferry to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River for another short ferry crossing to Quadra Island. Outstanding scenery, marine life and the laidback island lifestyle are just some of the reasons to visit.
Day 7 - Quadra Island
Surrounded by stunning scenery, Quadra Island provides endless adventure and wildlife opportunities. Cycling, kayaking, boat tours and hiking are all great ways to explore and the local community is rich in arts and culture.
Day 8 - Tofino
Back on Vancouver Island today enjoy the scenic drive across the island to the stunning west coastal town of Tofino.
Day 9 - Coastal Bear Watch
Spend the morning discovering the beautiful beaches and forests around Tofino and this afternoon take to the water to explore the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound and an opportunity to safely observe bears as they forage on the shoreline for crabs and clams.
Day 10 - Victoria
Another beautiful drive today will take you to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Day 11 - Victoria
Explore the city’s colonial past today, highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings and the Inner Harbour. You may choose to join a whale watching cruise to the waters of Juan de Fuca Strait, home to pods of orca and humpback whales
Day 12 - Vancouver
There is time this morning to visit the world famous Butchart Gardens before your ferry back to the mainland. It’s a 90-minute crossing to Tsawwassen and then just a short drive to Vancouver Airport where your coastal adventure comes to an end.
May - October
Highlight species
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Black bear |
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Whales |
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Bald eagle |
Additional Details - Cost, Dates, Rating etc.
Cost from £
Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.
Our trips are almost always tailored to your requirements, we'll make small changes or alter the itinerary completely for you. For instance we get many requests to slow down the pace of a trip.
Departure Dates
Any day to your requirements between May and October.
Difficulty
An easy self-drive itinerary, we can make as adventurous as you would like. Option for walks, kayaking, mountain biking.
Flights
Direct flights on British Airways or Air Canada and some low cost carrierswith some regional departures possible.
Time
GMT -8 hours
Inland to Whistler or the Okanagan region or further through the Rockies to Banff and Calgary. Or perhaps take the Rocky Mountaineer train through to Calgary.
More Holiday Ideas
Tailor-made - Our holidays in Canada are unique to you
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