Intrepid adventure through western Canada

Vancouver

Day 1: Welcome to Vancouver!

Upon arrival into Vancourner International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the heart of the city which will be your base for two nights. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this quaint yet charming city, a jewel in the heart of Canada.

Vancouver is a city located between the sea and the mountains, renowned for its lifestyle, its Olympic Games, its openness to the Pacific, its American-Asian influence and its orange sunsets!

Once you've checked into the hotel, feel free to freshen up and relax before enjoying the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure discovering the city.

Vancouver

Day 2: Tour Vancouver's Foodie Haven, Gastown

Chaotic, colorful and lively, Gastown is a neighborhood you won't want to miss in the heart of Vancouver. On an exciting food tour, taste your way around this historic part of the city, where Victorian architecture sets the scene for hip food and drink outlets. Take your pick from street food-style eats to fresh seafood, and tickle your taste buds!

Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon in Vancouver to explore the different facets of the city at your own pace. Suggestions for visits will be included in your road book. 

Vancouver - North Vancouver - Vancouver

Day 3: Discover Northern Vancouver

Pick up your rental car and set out to discover northern Vancouver right away! 

After crossing Stanley Park and Lions Bridge, you will find yourself in the middle of nature and you'll get to choose between two amazing visits. 

First, head to Grouse Mountain, probably the most popular natural attraction in the Vancouver area. Walk on the wild side and watch the orphaned grizzly bears of the endangered wildlife sanctuary. Then, fly to new heights on the Skyride gondola at an altitude of 1200 metres, from where you will have a panoramic view over Vancouver.

On a clear day, you can see downtown Vancouver, as well as Mount Baker in Washington State and Vancouver Island. Cross one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and admire the canopy of old trees. If you feel adventurous, try the "Cliffwalk"; a breathtaking cliffside walk over the Capilano River.

Vancouver - Victoria

Day 4: Head to Vancouver Island

Cross on a ferry from Vancouver to the stunning Vancouver Island. About the size of Belgium, Vancouver Island is located on Canada's Pacific coast.

During the crossing, you will pass through many straits offering magnificent landscapes and you will occasionally be able to observe whales depending on the season.

Hit the road between the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay and Victoria, the capital of British Columbia where you're able to enjoy a free afternoon in the city.

Depending on your interests, you can choose from various activities such as enjoying a local beer in a Canadian brewery, strolling through Victoria's various neighborhoods or along the waterfront to admire the seaplane ballet, or the panoramic view of the United States Olympic Mountains. You could also go hiking in the very wild surroundings of Victoria!

Victoria

Day 5: Explore Victoria and Its Interesting Neighborhoods

Go on a half-day sailing excursion (about three hours) to discover the vibrant capital of British Columbia from a unique vantage point.

You'll then have the rest of the day at leisure. Walk the streets of the capital and stop at the major attractions, namely Thunderbird Park (home to many First Nations totem poles), buildings and squares from the British Empire such as St Ann's Academy, Bastion Square, Market Square, and the charming Government Street buildings. Victoria is also home to Canada's oldest Chinatown, just a few steps away from the British-inspired streets. You'll be immersed in this incredible district, which has kept all of its originality, like the Fan Tan Alley - the narrowest shopping street in North America.

Victoria - Ucluelet - Tofino

Day 6: Immerse Yourself in Nature

Today, pack up and hit the road, leaving Victoria behind as you journey on to Tofino via Cathedral Grove. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon to yourself, exploring Tofino and the nearby village of Ucluelet.

The surroundings here are wild and wonderful, and you'll have no trouble switching off as you feel a world away from the city bustle. Staying at the tip of a peninsula within Clayoquot Sound, you'll have plenty of nature trails and sandy stretches to enjoy within easy reach.

Tofino - Ucluelet - Tofino

Day 7: A Day of Surfing!

You'll wake up to a fun day of surfing in Ucluelet, where a private instructor will show you the ropes before you get some time to experiment and enjoy the waves. Wickaninnish Beach is known for its consistent waves, and its relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere makes it perfect for every level of surfer. Enjoy and make the most of this refreshing activity, before having the rest of the day at leisure in Ucluelet. You'll return to Tofino for an overnight stay.

Tofino - Wild Pacific Trail - Tofino

Day 8: Explore the Wild Pacific Trail

Today will be a hiking day in the Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park area.

Discover the walks of the famous Wild Pacific Trail, a mythical hike on the wild coasts of Pacific Rim National Park. With a total length of 8km (one way), and four trekking routes, you will be fascinated by the wild beauty of Vancouver Island.

You can choose to walk all or part of this trail. The seaside trail crosses tropical forests with giant trees, storm observation platforms and rocky cliffs.When the tide is low, you can take a walk by the sea. If you have only a short time, we recommend that you only go through the last section: the Lighthouse trail section.

After no time, you will cross steep cliffs and forests with a magnificent view of the Barkley Archipelago. The arrival point is the Amphitrite lighthouse which dominates the peninsula.

Tofino - Campbell River

Day 9: Journey to Campbell River

After a few days of complete relaxation, it's time to say goodbye to Tofino as you journey on to Campbell River. There, you'll have a half-day to enjoy amidst the stunning natural beauty of Elk Falls Provincial Park, a prime destination for hiking, biking, camping and fishing. Well-marked trails make it a great space for all ages to explore, and amongst other things, you'll get to enjoy thundering waterfalls and views from atop a 190ft suspension bridge.

Check into your Campbell River hotel to spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying your scenic surroundings, on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Campbell River

Day 10: Enjoy a Day of Bear-Watching

Due to its abundance of surrounding natural areas, Campbell River is a great starting point for observing Vancouver Island's population of grizzly bears. Today you'll set out on a full-day tour to marvel at these fascinating creatures with the help of an experienced guide. Observe their day-to-day life and fishing techniques, and enjoy the chance to spot more marine wildlife in the area. Then, return to the heart of Campbell River for a relaxing overnight stay.

Campbell River - Vancouver

Day 11: Farewell, Canada!

After a half-day a leisure, you’ll leave Campbell River headed for Vancouver, via the ferry terminal at Nanaimo. Drop off your rental car at the airport in Vancouver, ahead of your onward flight. Safe travels!

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Canada has to offer - its rich natural beauty and history, the effervescent culture, and the people that make the country what it is.