Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy discovering Vancouver's attractions and why it's on many people's bucket list cities to see with it's stunning scenery, amazing choice worldwide cuisine and relaxed atmosphere
- Explore the natural beauty of Vancouver Island during your fly-drive of this remarkably beautiful island
- Spend three nights surrounded by British Columbia's wilderness at the Relais & Chateaux Sonora Resort
- Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Vancouver Island's west coast and the bohemian/surfers seaside town of Tofino
- Best time to travel May - September
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- GPS Device
- International Flights
11 nights from £6,255 per person
Jacob
Travel Specialist
This flexible self drive holiday takes you across to the natural wilderness of Vancouver Island. Here you will drive through pristine forests and over scenic passes, take a boat transfer to the remote luxury resort of Sonora where you will be surrounded by British Columbia's outstanding wilderness. Continue through Cathedral Grove with its 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees to Tofino where you have the choice of a whale watching or Black Bear watching cruise. Visit quaint artist communities such as Chemainus where the city walls are adorned with murals, and Duncan, the 'City of Totems'.
Another whale watching adventure awaits you in Victoria, where you will travel 50 - 80 kms in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine life as well as visiting Victoria's beautiful Butchart Gardens.
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to Vancouver
Fly from the UK to Vancouver, on arrival you will be met and transferred to your downtown Vancouver hotel. The evening is at your leisure.
Day 2 Vancouver
A full day at leisure in Vancouver, you may wish to explore the downtown area on foot, visit Chinatown or take an optional tour to Stanley Park or a floatplane flight over the skyline of Vancouver for a birds eye view of this Pacific Coast city.
Staying at
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Upgrade to
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Day 3 Vancouver - Campbell River - Sonora Resort (105 miles + ferry/boat)
Campbell River
This morning you will collect your car from the downtown depot and head off on your Canadian wilderness adventure. Drive to Horseshoe Bay and catch the ferry for a 1 hr 45 min sailing to Vancouver Island. Once you have disembarked from the BC Ferry, you will head north on Vancouver Island Campbell River, historically known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World.' From here board the schedule boat service to Sonora Resort.
Day 4 Day at leisure at Sonora Resort
Campbell River
This luxury wilderness and eco resort surrounds you with some of British Columbia's most beautiful and pristine environments. Here you can choose to just sit back and take in the natural outstanding beauty or join in one of the optional activities like world-class salmon fishing, guided adventures through the ancient old-growth rainforest or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at Islands Currents Spa. You will enjoy daily gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner, included in your stay.
Staying at
Sonora Resort
Day 5 Day at Leisure at Sonora Resort
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast before deciding what the rest of your day will look like. You can laze around the resort and enjoy its extensive list of amenities, or join one of the resorts optional adventures. Depending on the season you can watch Grizzly bears catching salmon from the rushing rivers, or take a whale watching excursion by boat or helicopter.
Staying at
Sonora Resort
Day 6 Sonora Resort - Campbell River - Tofino (166 miles + boat)
Tofino
Enjoy the early part of today at Sonora before taking the schedule boat to Campbell River back to your rental car and start your drive across Vancouver Island to Tofino on the west coast.
Day 7 Tofino Coastal Bear Cruise
Tofino
Today you will embark on a Coastal Bear Watch in search of Black Bears that venture to the ocean edge for their food. Black bears come out of the rainforest to feed on crunchy crabs, clams and barnacles, providing you with a unique view of these impressive animal. You will wildlife on shore from the safety and comfort of a 24 ft zodiac vessel.
Staying at
Wickaninnish Inn
Day 8 Tofino
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tofino. Visit the carving shed at Wickaninnish Inn and enjoy a stroll along the impressive Chesterman Beach. For those that like hiking through pristine wilderness, the Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim National Park is the perfect hike for you. Other activities popular in the Tofino area including sea Kayaking and visiting Hot Springs Cove.
Staying at
Wickaninnish Inn
Day 9 Tofino
A full day to enjoy the outstanding beauty of this region. Visit Meares Island, just a 10-minute boat cruise from Tofino. Here you can hike the Big Tree trail or to Lone Cone to hike up to the summit for breath-taking views of the surrounding area. Take in the stunning surrounding from above on a seaplane flight or a nature cruise on Clayoquot Sound.
Staying at
Wickaninnish Inn
Day 7 Tofino - Victoria (195 miles)
Today you will drive back to the East Coast of Vancouver, take time to stop at the artist community of Chermainus where exterior walls throughout the town are adorned with giant murals. Visit Duncan, the City of Totems or the heritage village of Quw'utsun.
Day 8 Victoria Whale Watching
Take an exhilarating cruise in search for Minke whales, Orcas, Grey whales, Harbour seals, porposises and other marine wildlife. Return to Victoria for an afternoon of leisure.
Staying at
Fairmont Empress
Day 9 Victoria Departure
This morning on your way to Victoria Airport for your onward journey, take the scenic route to Butchart Gardens, a beautiful 55 acre floral display in a pristine setting.
Jacob
Travel Specialist
Would you like to speak to a North America expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
11 nights from £6,255 per person
