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Bear cub at Knight Inlet
Vancouver, British Columbia
Victoria Harbour, Canada
Aerial view of Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Long Beach Lodge Patio
Fireplace, Long Beach Lodge, Tofino
Long Beach Lodge
Long Beach Lodge Balcony
Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Knight Inlet Lodge
Grizzly Bear Wildlife Viewing
Grizzly Bears, Knight Inlet Lodge
Grizzly Bears at Knight Inlet
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Whistler, British Columbia
Seato Sky Highway, Canada

Bear Watching & Whistler

12 day Self Drive – from £

Explore the natural beauty of Canada’s West Coast on this 13-day self-drive journey through British Columbia. From coastal cities and rainforest trails to oceanfront lodges and alpine lakes, this holiday offers a perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.

Highlights:
  • Stroll Victoria’s Inner Harbour and visit the Royal BC Museum
  • Relax and explore the coastline at Long Beach Lodge in Tofino
  • Spot grizzly bears and kayak at remote Knight Inlet Lodge
  • Drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler
  • Enjoy lakeside luxury and mountain views at Nita Lake Lodge

Your Itinerary

Expand All

You can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights, activities or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 1 – Welcome to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, collect your hire car at the airport, and drive to your nearby hotel…

Arrive in Vancouver, collect your hire car at the airport, and drive to your nearby hotel for a restful overnight stay. After your flight, take the evening to unwind and prepare for the journey ahead, perhaps with a walk along the Fraser River or a casual dinner at a local eatery.

    Rosedale on Robson or similar

Vancouver, British Columbia
Victoria Harbour, Canada

Day 2 – Ferry to Victoria

This morning, drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and board the scenic ferry to Swartz Bay…

This morning, drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and board the scenic ferry to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf Islands during the crossing.

Once on the island, continue your drive into Victoria, British Columbia’s charming capital city. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon strolling along the Inner Harbour, visiting the Royal BC Museum or enjoying a relaxing meal by the waterfront.

    Vancouver > Ferry > Victoria | 115 kms

    Inn at Laurel Point or similar

Victoria Harbour, Canada
Aerial view of Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Day 3 – Victoria to Tofino

Depart Victoria and head west across Vancouver Island, driving through scenic mountain and rainforest landscapes. Pass…

Depart Victoria and head west across Vancouver Island, driving through scenic mountain and rainforest landscapes. Pass through Cathedral Grove, home to towering old-growth trees, and make your way to the rugged Pacific coastline and the serene Long Beach Lodge Resort near Tofino, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

    Victoria > Long Beach Lodge Resort | 310 kms

    Long Beach Lodge Resort

Aerial view of Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Long Beach Lodge Patio

Day 4 to 5 – Long Beach Lodge Resort

Spend the next two days enjoying everything the Long Beach Lodge has to offer. Nestled on…

Spend the next two days enjoying everything the Long Beach Lodge has to offer. Nestled on Cox Bay, this cosy oceanfront lodge is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. You can take a surf lesson, explore the rainforest trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or unwind in the hot tub with a view of the ocean. Dining is a highlight here, with west coast cuisine served in a warm, lodge-style setting. Whether beachcombing at low tide or spotting eagles overhead, each moment feels naturally magical.

    Long Beach Lodge Resort

Long Beach Lodge Patio
Campbell River, Vancouver Island

Day 6 – Tofino to Campbell River

Today, journey north up the island’s eastern coast to Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital…

Today, journey north up the island’s eastern coast to Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The drive takes you through charming towns and coastal scenery, offering glimpses of ocean, forest, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening by the waterfront.

    Long Beach Lodge Resort > Campbell River | 260 kms

    Comfort Inn & Suites or similar

Campbell River, Vancouver Island
Knight Inlet Lodge

Day 7 – Scenic flight to Knight Inlet

This morning, park your car and board a scenic 30-minute floatplane from Campbell River and fly…

This morning, park your car and board a scenic 30-minute floatplane from Campbell River and fly into the remote wilderness of Knight Inlet Lodge. The lodge floats on massive cedar booms, surrounded by pristine wilderness.

After settling in, embark on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour, where you’ll search for grizzly bears and other wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, and otters. Be sure to have your camera ready for some incredible photo opportunities.

    Knight Inlet Lodge

    Lunch, Dinner
Knight Inlet Lodge
Grizzly Bear Wildlife Viewing

Day 8 – Knight Inlet Lodge

After breakfast, head out for another exciting wildlife tour, with morning being the best time to…

After breakfast, head out for another exciting wildlife tour, with morning being the best time to spot bears along the riverbanks. Your guides will take you to prime vantage points, where you might also see seals, dolphins, and various bird species.

In the afternoon, you can choose between a guided hike through ancient rainforests or a scenic boat tour of the inlet’s fjords. Keep an eye out for whales and other marine life, as your guides share insights into the region’s rich ecosystem.

    Knight Inlet Lodge

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Grizzly Bear Wildlife Viewing
Nanaimo, British Columbia

Day 9 – Campbell River to Whistler

Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for the last photo opportunity before departing…

Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for the last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane, then begin your journey south. Drive to Nanaimo, where you’ll board the ferry to Horseshoe Bay on the mainland. From there, head north along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, arriving at the luxurious and tranquil Nita Lake Lodge, your base for the next three nights.

    Campbell River > Ferry > Nita Lake Lodge | 310 kms

    Nita Lake Lodge

Nanaimo, British Columbia
Whistler, British Columbia

Day 10 to 11 – Nita Lake Lodge

Enjoy your time at Nita Lake Lodge, a stylish alpine retreat tucked beside a tranquil glacier-fed…

Enjoy your time at Nita Lake Lodge, a stylish alpine retreat tucked beside a tranquil glacier-fed lake and surrounded by forested mountains. Just a short walk or shuttle ride from Whistler Village, the lodge offers a peaceful base with easy access to the area’s many attractions.

Spend your days exploring the stunning scenery by bike or on foot, with nearby trails winding through old-growth forest and along lakeshores. Unwind at the award-winning spa with a massage or treatment, or simply relax by the water with a good book and a view. The lodge’s spacious suites feature fireplaces, deep soaker tubs, and large windows that frame the alpine surroundings, creating a restful atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature.

Dining at Nita Lake Lodge is a highlight, with fresh, locally inspired cuisine served in a relaxed yet refined setting. In the evenings, take a stroll along the lakeside path, sip wine by the outdoor firepit, or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for sunset views across Whistler and Blackcomb.

    Nita Lake Lodge

Whistler, British Columbia
Seato Sky Highway, Canada

Day 12 – Depart from Vancouver

After breakfast, make the drive back down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver for your flight home. Alternatively,…

After breakfast, make the drive back down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver for your flight home.

Alternatively, choose to extend your stay in the city and explore more of what Vancouver has to offer—whether it’s Stanley Park, Granville Island, or its vibrant food scene, it’s a great place to cap off your West Coast adventure.

    Nita Lake Lodge > Vancouver | 12 0 kms
Seato Sky Highway, Canada

Your Itinerary

You can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights, activities or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Day 1

|

Welcome to Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver, collect your hire car at the airport, and drive to your nearby hotel for a restful overnight stay. After your flight, take the evening to unwind and prepare for the journey ahead, perhaps with a walk along the Fraser River or a casual dinner at a local eatery.

    Rosedale on Robson or similar

Vancouver, British Columbia

Day 2

|

Ferry to Victoria

This morning, drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and board the scenic ferry to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf Islands during the crossing.

Once on the island, continue your drive into Victoria, British Columbia’s charming capital city. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon strolling along the Inner Harbour, visiting the Royal BC Museum or enjoying a relaxing meal by the waterfront.

    Vancouver > Ferry > Victoria | 115 kms

    Inn at Laurel Point or similar

Victoria Harbour, Canada

Day 3

|

Victoria to Tofino

Depart Victoria and head west across Vancouver Island, driving through scenic mountain and rainforest landscapes. Pass through Cathedral Grove, home to towering old-growth trees, and make your way to the rugged Pacific coastline and the serene Long Beach Lodge Resort near Tofino, where you’ll stay for the next three nights.

    Victoria > Long Beach Lodge Resort | 310 kms

    Long Beach Lodge Resort

Aerial view of Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Day 4 to 5

|

Long Beach Lodge Resort

Spend the next two days enjoying everything the Long Beach Lodge has to offer. Nestled on Cox Bay, this cosy oceanfront lodge is perfect for both relaxation and adventure. You can take a surf lesson, explore the rainforest trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or unwind in the hot tub with a view of the ocean. Dining is a highlight here, with west coast cuisine served in a warm, lodge-style setting. Whether beachcombing at low tide or spotting eagles overhead, each moment feels naturally magical.

    Long Beach Lodge Resort

Long Beach Lodge Patio

Day 6

|

Tofino to Campbell River

Today, journey north up the island’s eastern coast to Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The drive takes you through charming towns and coastal scenery, offering glimpses of ocean, forest, and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening by the waterfront.

    Long Beach Lodge Resort > Campbell River | 260 kms

    Comfort Inn & Suites or similar

Campbell River, Vancouver Island

Day 7

|

Scenic flight to Knight Inlet

This morning, park your car and board a scenic 30-minute floatplane from Campbell River and fly into the remote wilderness of Knight Inlet Lodge. The lodge floats on massive cedar booms, surrounded by pristine wilderness.

After settling in, embark on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour, where you’ll search for grizzly bears and other wildlife such as black bears, bald eagles, and otters. Be sure to have your camera ready for some incredible photo opportunities.

    Knight Inlet Lodge

    Lunch, Dinner
Knight Inlet Lodge

Day 8

|

Knight Inlet Lodge

After breakfast, head out for another exciting wildlife tour, with morning being the best time to spot bears along the riverbanks. Your guides will take you to prime vantage points, where you might also see seals, dolphins, and various bird species.

In the afternoon, you can choose between a guided hike through ancient rainforests or a scenic boat tour of the inlet’s fjords. Keep an eye out for whales and other marine life, as your guides share insights into the region’s rich ecosystem.

    Knight Inlet Lodge

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Grizzly Bear Wildlife Viewing

Day 9

|

Campbell River to Whistler

Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for the last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane, then begin your journey south. Drive to Nanaimo, where you’ll board the ferry to Horseshoe Bay on the mainland. From there, head north along the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, arriving at the luxurious and tranquil Nita Lake Lodge, your base for the next three nights.

    Campbell River > Ferry > Nita Lake Lodge | 310 kms

    Nita Lake Lodge

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Day 10 to 11

|

Nita Lake Lodge

Enjoy your time at Nita Lake Lodge, a stylish alpine retreat tucked beside a tranquil glacier-fed lake and surrounded by forested mountains. Just a short walk or shuttle ride from Whistler Village, the lodge offers a peaceful base with easy access to the area’s many attractions.

Spend your days exploring the stunning scenery by bike or on foot, with nearby trails winding through old-growth forest and along lakeshores. Unwind at the award-winning spa with a massage or treatment, or simply relax by the water with a good book and a view. The lodge’s spacious suites feature fireplaces, deep soaker tubs, and large windows that frame the alpine surroundings, creating a restful atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounded in nature.

Dining at Nita Lake Lodge is a highlight, with fresh, locally inspired cuisine served in a relaxed yet refined setting. In the evenings, take a stroll along the lakeside path, sip wine by the outdoor firepit, or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for sunset views across Whistler and Blackcomb.

    Nita Lake Lodge

Whistler, British Columbia

Day 12

|

Depart from Vancouver

After breakfast, make the drive back down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Vancouver for your flight home.

Alternatively, choose to extend your stay in the city and explore more of what Vancouver has to offer—whether it’s Stanley Park, Granville Island, or its vibrant food scene, it’s a great place to cap off your West Coast adventure.

    Nita Lake Lodge > Vancouver | 12 0 kms
Seato Sky Highway, Canada

This Self Drive Includes

11 nights accommodation
11 nights car hire, with unlimited kilometres

Flights & More

Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.

They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:

  • Extra nights in Vancouver
  • Extra lodge nights

Next Step

Please get in touch with our Canada Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Bear Watching & Whistler

12 day Self Drive – from £

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited kilometres. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.

Map

Bear Watching & Whistler Route Map

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