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A 9-Day Self-Drive Journey Through British Columbia

Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery

Love

Duration

9 Days

Starts In

Vancouver

Route

Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, Whistler

Your journey begins in British Columbia's jewel, the city of Vancouver, which is surrounded by deep blue waters and is set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Coast Mountains. Vancouver is a vibrant multicultural city, with modern glass skyscrapers, a foodie scene, and splendid natural beauty. You will then continue onto Victoria, the province of British Columbia's capital city also knows as the City of Gardens and home to the historic Fairmont Empress where you can enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea since 1908 before visiting Tofino, the Nation's Surf Capital and the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Concluding your Canadian vacation, you will experience Whistler, home to Whistler Blackcomb a year-round resort with also boasts the largest ski area in North America with 8171-skiable acres.

Includes

Rental vehicle with outlined inclusions
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Accommodations of your choice

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Rental vehicle gas, parking, tolls, and all other items not listed as included
Select local taxes where applicable
One-way fee for rental car

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Arrive - Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport, you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive approximately 30-minutes into downtown Vancouver.

Day
2

Day 2: Vancouver

Simply a city like no other, Vancouver effortlessly combines the excitement and energy of a modern city with the invigorating appeal of the great outdoors. No day in this city is typical: start with a waterfront breakfast at Granville Island Public Market and end with a sunset cocktail on a mountain-top patio. In between, paddle out on a kayaking adventure, and shop a neighborhood or two. It’s truly a “city of nature,” with stunning views of temperate rainforest and majestic peaks reflected on glass skyscrapers; sparkling with sophistication and energy, yet relaxed and laidback. In Vancouver, you won’t have to choose between the city and nature. Some highlights include the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Bloedel Conservatory, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Flyover Canada, Grouse Mountain, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, the Muesum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, Stanley Park, the UBC Botanical Garden, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Vancouver Lookout, Van Dususen Botanical Garden, or enjoy a Vancouver Harbour cruise.

Day
3

Day 3: Vancouver - Victoria

Today you will drive approximately 3-hours, 15-minutes including a 1-hour, 35-minute ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. En route, you will cruise through the Southern Gulf Islands passing the islands of Galiano Island, Mayne Island, Prevost Island, North Pender Island, Salt Spring Island, Portland Island, and Piers Island.

Day
4

Day 4: Victoria

Victoria is poised at the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island and is surrounded by water. Downtown restaurants and shops pour into the Inner Harbour, which is a hive of activity. Dockside markets and pop-up concerts are flanked by the iconic Parliament Buildings and The Fairmont Empress. You could easily spend hours here, but for those who enjoy the water, this is just the start. Aquatic adventures stretch in every direction: white-sand beaches, breaching whales, and teeming tidepools are all within easy reach. Highlights not to be missed include the British Columbia Legislature, Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, Royal BC Museum, Tea at the Empress, whale watching, or enjoying beer, cider, spirits, or wine tasting.

Day
5

Day 5: Victoria- Tofino

Today you will drive approximately 4-hours, 30-minutes from Victoria to Tofino. En-route stops may include Duncan which features heritage buildings and a collection of totem poles, Chemainus, renowned for its outdoor Mural Project and artists' galleries, Rathtrevor Beack in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Coombs old country market with goats living on the roof, Cathedral Grove in MacMillian Provincial Park, McLean Mill National Historic Site in Port Alberni, and Pacific Rim National Park which extends 65 miles along the coast and is comprised of three distinct sections: the Long Beach Unit, the Broken Islands Group, and the West Coast Trail.

Day
6

Day 6: Tofino

Tofino, a small laid-back end-of-the-road town with hippie flavor and only 2500 inhabitants is bordered by the raging Pacific Ocean on one side and by rugged untouched wilderness on the other. Tofino features a burgeoning farm-to-table movement and is also known as the "Surf Capital of Canada." Its population swells tenfold in the summer when visitors flock to the area to check-out or partake in bear viewing, beer tasting at the Tofino Brewing Company, cruises through Clayoquot Sound, First Nations Art at Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, fishing, Hot Springs Cove, a visit to Meares Island, sea kayaking, surfing, the Tofino Botanical Garden, and whale watching.

Day
7

Day 7: Tofino - Whistler

Today you will drive approximately 6-hours, 30-minutes including a 1-hour, 35-minute ferry ride from Tofino to Whistler. En-route stops may include Horseshoe Bay's quaint waterfront lined with countless cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, the Britannia Mine Museum in Britannia Beach, one of the world's largest copper mines and home to Mill 3, a National Historic Site, Shannon Falls, one of Canada's most spectacular falls at 594 feet high, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, that whisks you up to 2904 feet above sea level, and features a suspension bridge and Via Ferrata, or Squamish that is known for the Stawamus Chief, a 2286-foot-high mountain that also features one of the largest granite monoliths in the world.

Day
8

Day 8: Whistler

Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. From the unmatched alpine terrain with adventure abound to the endless options of the village, it's a diverse offering of rugged West Coast beauty and an unrivaled selection of refined experiences that make every day unique. Whistler is a permanent fixture on bucket lists around the world with amenities for discerning travellers. A highlight not to be missed is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which travels 1430-feet above the valley floor.

Day
9

Day 9: Whistler - Vancouver - Departure

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and drive approximately 2-hours, 30-minutes to the Vancouver International Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and check-in for your onward flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery package?

The Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery package includes visits to four major destinations in British Columbia, Canada: Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino, and Whistler. Travelers will spend 2 nights in each city, exploring the unique attractions and natural beauty each location offers.

How is transportation arranged between the cities in this itinerary?

Transportation between cities in this itinerary is facilitated by a rental vehicle, which is included in the package. Travelers will drive between destinations, with ferry rides required to travel from Vancouver to Victoria and from Tofino to Whistler. The rental vehicle allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore en-route attractions.

Are ferry transfers included in the Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery package?

Yes, ferry transfers are part of the driving routes in this package. The itinerary includes a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria and another from Tofino to Whistler, each lasting approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. However, any additional ferry costs or reservations should be confirmed with a Keytours travel consultant.

Can I customize the accommodations or extend my stay in any of the cities?

Yes, the Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery package offers accommodations of your choice, allowing for customization. Travelers can also extend their stay in any of the cities by coordinating with a Keytours travel consultant to tailor the itinerary to their preferences and ensure availability.

What is not included in the Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery package?

The package does not include items of a personal nature, rental vehicle gas, parking, tolls, select local taxes where applicable, and the one-way fee for the rental car. Travelers should also budget for meals, activities, and any other expenses not explicitly mentioned as included.

Is this itinerary suitable for families or older travelers?

This itinerary is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of urban exploration and outdoor adventure, making it ideal for families and older travelers seeking a leisurely pace. The self-drive aspect provides flexibility, and the destinations offer a range of activities from cultural sites to nature excursions.

What support is available during the Canadian Pacific Coast Self Drive Discovery tour?

Keytours Vacations provides 24-hour emergency assistance as part of the package, ensuring travelers have support throughout their journey. This service offers peace of mind and immediate help should any issues arise during the trip.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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