Whistler & Canada’s Pacific Coast

Day 2&3 : Vancouver

Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver has a thriving multicultural ambiance. The city is located in a spectacular setting with the Coast Mountains across Burrard Inlet to the north and the waters of the Strait of Georgia to the west. It is easy to have an authentic experience and get to the heart of what makes this city so different. With vibrant neighbourhoods it doesn’t matter where you go – you’ll enjoy discovering the sights and simply wandering, dining and shopping. Check out neighbourhoods like the beachside West End area, Gastown’s hip streets and uber-hip Yaletown. To ensure you see plenty we include a city tour where you can hop on and off the bus as often as you like.
 

Day 4 : Vancouver to Whistler with Sea to Sky Gondola | 122 km/76 mi

Depart Vancouver this morning along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs and the Sea to sky Gondola where incredible bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound sprawl before you. At the top, enjoy access to several interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms and the on-site restaurant and tea house. Continue onto Whistler to arrive mid-afternoon.
 

Day 5 : Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions

You can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions

Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in Whistler than exploring the eclectic culinary scene. Guests will enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a
sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops.

Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux.

Option 3. Guided Whistler Valley Bike Tour
Explore some of Whistler’s best scenery by bike on one of the Valley Trail Bike Tours. Learn about Whistler’s history, geography and view key nature spots along the way with naturalist adventure bike guides.

Option 4. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
 

Day 6 : Whistler to Tofino / Ucluelet (303 km + Ferry)

Return down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island. At Nanaimo head 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.

Day 7 : Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions.

Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise | Min age 5 yrs
Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab.

Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise | Min age 3 yrs
Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
 

Day 8 : Tofino / Ucluelet to Victoria (313 km)

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).
 

Day 9 : Victoria - Freedom of Choice Excursions

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions:

Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate.

Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.
 

Day 10-11 : Victoria to Vancouver Airport (69 km + Ferry) - Arrive UK

Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue to Vancouver airport and drop off your car in time to take your homeward flight.