Day 1
Fly to Vancouver
Fly into Vancouver and transfer independently to your hotel for a two night stay. The hotels in this itinerary are our suggestions, but we can change them for any available alternatives depending on your tastes and budget.
Overnight: Georgian Court
Day 2
Vancouver
We love the foodie scene in Vancouver with its global cuisine, British Columbia wines and craft breweries. You can explore independently – read this for some inspiration “Vancouver’s food & drink scene”. Or we can book you a foodie tour, such as “Gastronomic Gastown”.
Overnight: Georgian Court
Day 3
Vancouver – ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay - Victoria (71 miles)
This morning you’ll pick up your hire car, head south out of the city to the ferry port at Tsawwassen, where you will board a BC Ferry. Enjoy the cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Swarz Bay, and then continue south to the BC capital – Victoria. We’d recommend that you visit Butchart Gardens en route, for a pleasurable stroll through these captivating gardens. This evening there’s plenty for the gourmand in Victoria, and you can check out the options here “Fine dining restaurants in Victoria”.
Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel
Day 4
Victoria
Today you could book a wildlife cruise to spot whales, bald eagles, sea lions and more. Or enjoy visiting the fascinating museums that Victoria has to offer. A nice place for lunch is Fisherman’s Wharf and it’s a pleasant 20 minute walk around the harbour – you can eat alfresco from the various food stalls moored here. This evening enjoy a seafood speciality or an Asian plate in the heart of Chinatown.
Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel
Day 5
Victoria – Parksville (92 miles)
Meander over to the north east coast of Vancouver Island and the seaside resort of Parksville. Whilst you meander you might want to visit some of the wonderful wineries en route in the Cowichan area. You'll be spoilt for choice for places to "sip & savour", and you'll find a couple of wineries just a few minutes detour from your route on the Trans Canada Highway. Pity the driver though, so after a few visits, continue on your way for tonights stay at the Beach Club Resort. Located on the Parksville Beach Boardwalk, you can stretch your legs and then enjoy a delicious meal in their renowned restaurant.
Overnight: The Beach Club Resort Parksville
Day 6
Parksville – Courtenay, Comox Valley (42 miles)
After an early morning swim, head to Comox where you’ll find some beautiful parks such a Nymph Falls Nature Park where you can swim in natural pools, Seal Bay Nature Park with a walking trail through the forest and the enticingly named Goose Spit Park which actually offers stunning views of the oceans and mountains! Make sure you walk far enough to work up an appetite, as you have a two night stay in Courtenay which has a reputation for excellent restaurants offering locally produced food, wine and beer.
Overnight: Old House Hotel & Spa, Courtenay
Day 8
Comox – ferry to Powell River – ferry from Saltery Bay to Earls Cove – West Coast Wilderness Lodge (60 miles)
You’ll have a scenic journey today, first of all taking the ferry back to the British Columbia mainland from Comox to Powell River, then driving along the coast to Salter Bay, taking another ferry to Earls Cove (let’s hope you’re not suffering after effects of the honey vodka!) You’ll then check into the lovely West Coast Wilderness Lodge for a couple of nights.
Overnight: The West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 9
West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Today you can choose to take it easy and relax in this peaceful wilderness retreat. Or book one of the tours and activities available, such as a float plane tour or a kayak trip. You could visit the impressive Skookumchuck Rapids – the fastest salt water rapids in North America, with boiling tidal currents. There are some gorgeous walking trails around the area, from a gentle stroll to a more challenging hike. Or you can book a boat tour through the Jervis Inlet into long glacier-cut fjord past waterfalls and granite cliffs and through the Princess Louisa Inlet Marine Park, where you will see natural wonders such as Soda Pop Creek, Deserted Bay and Chatterbox Falls.
Overnight: The West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 10
Egmont – ferry Langdale to Horsehoe Bay – Vancouver Airport (77 miles)
Enjoy the final picturesque drive of the holiday, taking the BC Ferry from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay, then onto Vancouver Airport to drop off your hire car and fly home. Depending on the time of your return flight, you might want a final night in Vancouver to enjoy this great city.
