Canada's Pacific Coast self-drive

Begin your trip in style with included airport lounge access before your day flight to Vancouver. On arrival, make your way to your hotel to relax and prepare for two full days exploring the delights of this Pacific-coast city. Perhaps begin with the emerald green expanse of Stanley Park, which itself covers an area the size of downtown. Or, get a birds-eye view of the city with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. Walk amongst the tree canopies, see First Nations artwork and take the Skyride to the peak of Grouse Mountain for incredible views. Elsewhere, there are the historic neighbourhoods of Yaletown and Gastown to explore while optional activities range from foodie tours to scenic flights on the famous Mail Run.

Stay: Loden Hotel (Superior)

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.

Stay: Aava Hotel, Whistler (Superior)

Drive to Horseshoe Bay where you'll board the ferry to Vancouver Island's Sunshine Coast. A spectacular sailing, you'll cruise through a fjord-riven landscapes of mountains carpeted with emerald green forests and glaciated peaks en route to Langdale where you'll disembark. Then, its a short drive past pretty fishing villages to your lodge accommodation, a wonderfully rustic base for two days of independent outdoor adventure in one of western Canada's most beautiful coastal regions.

Stay: West Coast Wilderness Lodge (Superior)

Today, travel north to Earls 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

Stay:  Coast Discovery Inn or Comfort Inn, Campbell River

The diversity of wildlife and awe inspiring scenery that exists so close to 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-Sided 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 or Comfort Inn, Campbell River

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, Ucluelet

Today 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.

Stay: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

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)

Stay: Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria

Today travel to the beautiful Butchart Gardens named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate.

Stay: Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria

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 to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight to London.