Vancouver Island Family Self Drive

Day 1 - UK to Whistler

Arrive at Vancouver Airport and picking up your car hire and make the journey to Whistler for your 4-night stay. 

Day 2 - Whistler Treetrek Canopy Walk

Journey high among the treetops on a spectacular network of suspension bridges, suspended stairways, boardwalks and trails on the TreeTrek Canopy Walk. You'll explore the magnificent old-growth rainforest and enjoy stunning vistas on this unique adventure. Perfect for all ages with no ziplining required.

Day 3 - Whistler Canoe Experience

This 3-hour summertime paddle from Whistler takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Alta Creek is also known as the River of Golden Dreams, as it boasts gorgeous scenery of British Columbia. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux.  

Day 4 - Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Today we have included a admission to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola links Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains and is currently only accessible via the Blackcomb Gondola in the Upper Village. Approximately a 7-10 minute walk from Whistler Village. A feat of engineering, the gondola boasts the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kms/1.88 miles). It is also the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres (1,427 ft). Sightseeing on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a must do while in Whistler. At the top of Whistler Mountain try the Peak Suspension Bridge which is 427 ft (130 meters) long and at the peak of Whistler Mountain, at an elevation of about 7,200 ft above sea level. This bridge is one of the highest elevation suspension bridges in the world.

Spending the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 5 - Whistler to Parksville (203km/126miles)

Today make the drive from Whistler taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay across to Vancouver Island continuing your drive to Parksville. Spending the rest of your day in Parksville at lesuire. 

Day 6 - Parksville

Parksville is located on the coast of Vancouver Island, home to Qualicum Beach, enjoy spending the day at the beach or explore the nearby walking trails. 

Day 7 - Parksville to Tofino/Ucluelet (145km/90miles)

Depart Parksville for Tofino/Ucluelet. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest waterbombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires.

Day 8 - Tofino Coastal Bear Watch

This tour features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. During the winter, local black bears are in semi-hibernation. Come May, they leave their dens and head for the closest food source - the ocean! While the bears forage in the intertidal zone, you can unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. You will experience the tour aboard an open-air, rescue-style, 24' rigid-hulled Zodiac suitable for this calm water program. The vessel's shallow draft is especially good for manoeuvring in the small sheltered bays while you are watching for bears and learning about this unique environment.

Day 9 - Explore Tofino/Ucluelet

A day at leisure to explore the Tofino and Ucluelet area ask our Canada Specialists if you would like to add on one of our Tofino experiences. 

Day 10 - Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria (292km/182miles)

Your drive today takes you to British Columbia's capital Victoria. Filled with historical buildings and some of western Canada's top museums and Victoria's top attraction Butchart Gardens there is plenty to explore. 

Day 11 - Whale Watching in Victoria

British Columbia is known to have some of the best scenery in the world, not to mention the incredible sunsets. Take advantage of a unique whale watching experience & the wonderful evening light. Take advantage of the opportunity to view killer whales and humpback whales in the wild as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Victoria. The vessel features a main interior cabin that is heated and includes comfortable seating next to windows. The upper deck is open and covered seating for guests that want to view from outside. A snack bar is serving light food with hot and cold drinks available for purchase, the revenue generated is donated to Wild ARC Foundation to assist in rehabilitating sick and injured wildlife.

Day 12 - Victoria to Vancouver (115km/72miles)

Today's drive takes you across to Vancouver on the ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, for your 3-night stay. 

Day 13 - Explore Vancouver

Today we have included admission to two of Vancouver's top attractions. 

Buckle up your seatbelt and prepare for the flight of your life! FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology to bring you some of Canada's most thrilling sights like you have never seen them before. Groups of up to 60 guests at a time will hang suspended, feet dangling, immersed in a huge 20m spherical screen while our film takes you on a thrilling 8 minute journey from east to west across Canada. It will be a fully immersive experience including wind, mist and even scents!

Immerse yourself in nature's splendor moments from downtown Vancouver. History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you wander through the stunning temperate rain forest. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb through old-growth fir trees on the Treetops Adventure, and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.  

Day 14 - Vancouver

A free day to explore Vancouver, explore Stanley Park or ask our Canada Specialists to book one of our Vancouver Experiences. 

Day 15 - Vancouver to UK

Today transfer to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight home.