Day 1
Fly to Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver, transfer independently to your chosen hotel for the night. We can add more nights in Vancouver if you would like to explore this lovely waterfront city. There’s lots to do, so if time permits then we would recommend two or three nights to see the sights.
Day 2
Vancouver – Beaver Guest Ranch (304 miles)
Today drive north on Highway 1 into the British Columbia interior. You can break up your journey with a stop just off the highway see to the thundering waters of the Fraser River at Hell’s Gate Gorge. Continue on basking in rolling hills, tranquil lakes and snow-capped mountains until you reach the Beaver Guest Ranch in the Cariboo Mountains. Here you will find a small lodge with just four en-suite guest rooms, where the focus is on the outdoor activities and horse-riding. You’ll stay here for three nights, and we can pre-book dinner for your stay (please request at time of booking)
Three nights: Beaver Guest Ranch, Half board
Days 3 to 4
Beaver Guest Ranch
Two full days to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We can book you onto a guided horse-ride along the trails for either 1.5 or 2.5 hours, or there are many other activities for you to enjoy. Take to the waters and enjoy boat tours and kayaking on this lovely lake. There are some beautiful hikes to enjoy in the area, with fresh herbs to be used in your cooking classes.
Day 5
Beaver Guest Ranch – Terra Nostra Guest Ranch (241 miles)
Today you will be travelling through the beautiful British Columbia wilderness, along the Chilcotin River, with plenty of opportunities on the way to stretch your legs and admire the view. When you arrive at the Terra Nostra Ranch, you’ll see it’s worth the drive, sitting on beautiful Lake Clearwater with the backdrop of the Coast Mountains.
Three nights: Terra Nostra Guest Ranch
Days 6 & 7
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch
We recommend taking one of the ranch canoes out onto Lake Clearwater first thing this morning whilst the waters are still. A true Canadian experience, the canoe was vital to the indigenous population and early settlers, but now is the perfect way to get back to nature. Then you might want to book a horse ride (1 to 3 hour guided trails available at extra charge) giving you the opportunity to view the local wildlife including bald eagles, moose and beavers. Or you could take one of the hiking trails to spot wildlife and immerse yourself in this pristine wilderness. We've created this itinerary with two full days here to enjoy the ranch, but you can make your stay here longer or shorter, just let us know.
Day 8
Terra Nostra Guest Ranch – Eco-Tours Northern Lights Lodge (84 miles)
Today you will be driving eastbound along route 20 to Williams Lake and then north along route 97 to Quesnel Lake, and Northern Lights Lodge. There are six en-suite guest cabins in this simple but comfortable lodge, with all your activities and meals included.
Three nights: Eco-Tours Northern Lights Lodge, Full board
Days 9 & 10
Eco-Tours The Bear Whisperer Tour
You will enjoy two day-long tours with just 4-6 participants per guide, which vary throughout the seasons.
In spring, travel by 4X4 or ATV into the lowlands and hike to where grizzlies, moose, deer, wolves and black bears will be feeding on new spring shoots. This time of year you have the best chance to catch a glimpse of bear cubs.
In summer, hike into the high country and follow the bears through boreal forest and berry patches to the high alpine of the Cariboo Mountains, or on the Cariboo River that receives an early Salmon run.
In the autumn, the tour is conducted by boat and jet boat. Quesnel Lake estuaries are spawning grounds for Pacific sockeye salmon which lure grizzly bears to prepare for a long winter hibernation period. Wolves may also be seen eating the fish on the riverbanks at this time of year.
Day 11
Eco-Tours Northern Lights Lodge – Whistler (293 miles)
Today you will head south through the British Columbia interior and onto the Coast Mountains, to you final destination – the charming year-round mountain resort of Whistler. This morning head south on Highway 97 then meander west on Highway 99 to the Fraser River and into the mountains. A good place to break up the journey after a couple of hours driving is Marble Canyon Provincial Park. Then you’ll drive through Duffey Lake Provincial Park, past Lillooet Lake. Just before you arrive in Whistler, you might want to pause at the beautiful Nairn Falls to admire the view. You’ll arrive in Whistler in time for a lovely stroll into the pedestrianised village centre, to browse the shops, relax over a drink and enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Check into your hotel for a two night stay, but we can extend this if you would like to enjoy more hiking through the gorgeous mountains and valleys.
Two nights: Crystal Lodge Whistler
Day 12
Whistler
You have a day in Whistler, so you may want to pre-book an excursion with us to make sure you use your time well in this fun destination. There’s lots of activities to choose from such as kayaking and biking or ascending in the spectacular Peak to Peak Gondola, but if it’s wildlife that you’re interested in then perhaps book the Whistler Bear Viewing tour.
Day 13
Whistler – Vancouver Airport (75 miles)
Say farewell to Whistler and take the short drive to Vancouver airport to drop off your hire car and catch your flight home
