Day 1
Arrive Vancouver
Depart London Heathrow – 13:05
Arrive Vancouver – 14:30
Journey Time – 9 hours 25 minutes
On arrival at Vancouver airport we have included a meet & greet service and private transfer to your downtown hotel.
Vancouver is set in spectacular surroundings, with the majestic Coastal Mountains, evergreen forests and Pacific Ocean as its background. After a long flight and with your body adjusting to the time difference we suspect you will not want to do much the first evening but if the weather permits do have a walk along the waterside path located right outside your hotel, it’s a lovely walk to Stanley Park.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 2 & 3
Vancouver
There’s such a variety of things to see and do in this stunning cosmopolitan city by the ocean – historic Gastown, colourful Chinatown, and the ultra-modern financial district to name but a few. Discover the beauty of 1000-acre Stanley Park and English Bay as well as the bustle of Robson Street in the heart of the shopping district and Granville Island oozing character and atmosphere both night and day.
Whilst in Vancouver (on Day 3) we have included a morning tour taking you to Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park, the world’s greatest suspension footbridge set amongst the West Coast Rainforest which offers meandering trails by tranquil trout ponds and towering old growth evergreens. Whilst there be sure to see the colourful Totem Park which displays over 25 authentic totem poles collected since the 1930’s and life-size red cedar statues carved during the Depression. Continue on to Grouse Mountain to experience a spectacular mountain top adventure at the peak of Vancouver. During summer enjoy lumberjack shows, the Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge for endangered wildlife including Grizzly Bears and Timber Wolf, birds in motion demonstrations and so much more. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 4
Vancouver to Whistler
76 miles
This morning collect your car rental & depart Vancouver along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler by early afternoon.
Overnight – Whistler
Day 5
Whistler
This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining. Or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafés and restaurants in this mountain village. Experience the beauty of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain. Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler Mountain’s sub-alpine and then rise to 2181m via Whistler’s premier open chairlift. At the top of the Peak Chair, guests will be treated to unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes, snow-capped peaks and more. Gondola dates of operation: May – Sep, Summer dates are subject to change due to factors such as weather and snowpack; if gondola is not operating a refund will be issued.
Overnight – Whistler
Day 6
Whistler to Sunshine Coast
151 miles
Return down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord-like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. At Langdale disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route through virgin forests and coastal fishing villages to your overnight accommodation.
Overnight – Sunshine Coast
Day 7
Sunshine Coast
The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a host of outdoor adventures.
Overnight – Sunshine Coast
Day 8
Sunshine Coast to Quadra Island
47 miles
Today, travel north to Earls Cove for a 50 minute BC Ferries ride (ferry toll included) to Saltery Bay; then continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferries service (ferry toll included) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River and your destination on Quadra Island (ferry toll included).
Overnight – Quadra Island
Day 9
Eco Wilderness Cruise into Desolation Sound
By Zodiac, cruise through breath-taking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat (included).
Overnight – Quadra Island
Day 10
Qaudra Island to Tofino
140 miles
Depart Quadra Island on a short BC Ferries ride (ferry toll included) to Vancouver Island and head south-west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees plus the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.
Overnight – Tofino
Day 11
Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park)
You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Also today, enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery, and wildlife such as Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles.
Overnight – Tofino
Day 12
Tofino to Victoria
195 miles
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours – admission not included).
Overnight – Victoria
Day 13
Victoria Exploring (Butchart Gardens)
Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn-of-the-century architecture, and British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with it’s 50 acre display of magnificent colour.
Overnight – Victoria
Day 14
Victoria to Vancouver
43 miles + ferry
Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where you will return your car rental to a downtown Vancouver location & spend your last night in Vancouver.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 15
Depart Calgary
Have the whole day at leisure before your fly back in the evening.
Depart Vancouver – 20:55
Arrive London Heathrow – 14:15 (Next Day)
Journey Time – 9 hours 20 minutes
