Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast circle self-drive

Start your trip in style with VIP and complimentary access to the airport lounge before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. On arrival we recommend joining the Skytrain which takes you to the heart of Vancouver in just 25 minutes. Check in to your hotel on Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront. Enjoy your panoramic vistas before perhaps indulging, sampling one of Vancouver’s excellent Japanese and Chinese eateries, or some fresh fish on the seafront promenade. 

Stay: Georgian Court Hotel, Vancouver (Superior) / The Loden, Vancouver (Deluxe)

Collect your car-hire and depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries 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 forests and coastal fishing villages to your overnight accommodation at West Coast Wilderness Resort where the beautiful landscape of Canada's Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a variety of outdoor activities.

Stay: West Coast Wilderness Lodge (Superior and Deluxe)

Today travel north to Earl's Cove for a 50-minute BC Ferries ride to Saltery Bay, then continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferries service across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, Continue north to Campbell River.

Campbell River is unparalleled! The area has quickly become the most predictable place in the world to see the Bigg’s or Transient, mammal eating Orca! Pacific White-ided dolphins are common and can often be seen in large groups. Eagles and several varieties of seabirds are all sighted regularly.

Stay: Coast Discovery Inn, Campbell River (Superior and Deluxe)

Today 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.

Stay: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Tofino (Superior and Deluxe)

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions, either a Coastal Bear Watch Cruise, 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 favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab, or a Whale Watching Cruise in 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.

Stay: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Tofino (Superior and Deluxe)

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).

Today personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions either Butchart Gardens, on its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada with breathtaking gardens, or join an Eat like a Canadian Food Tour - 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 

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute 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 on to downtown Vancouver where you drop your car at the depot and your journey ends.

Stay: Georgian Court Hotel, Vancouver (Superior) / The Loden, Vancouver (Deluxe)

A final morning in Vancouver and the chance to explore before boarding the Skytrain to Vancouver airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 12