Ultimate Pacific Coast
11 day Self Drive – from £2435
With flights from £3135
An epic 10 night self drive exploring the breathtaking mountain scenery of Whistler and the spectacular coastal landscapes of Vancouver Island.
Highlights:
- Drive the Sea to Sky Highway along the shores of Howe Sound
- Soak in the stunning views from the Peak 2 Peak gondola in Whistler
- Look out for sea lions, whales and dolphins in Campbell River
- Choose between a whale watching cruise or black bear spotting tour
- Visit world renowned Butchart Gardens in Victoria
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Today you will journey along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler by early afternoon.
Standard: Listel Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 2 – Whistler
This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops.
Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake.
Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Option 4.Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park
Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine landscapes.
Standard: Listel Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 3 – Sunshine Coast
Return down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord-like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. At Langdale, disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route through virgin forests and coastal fishing villages to your overnight accommodation.
Standard & Deluxe: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 4 – Sunshine Coast
The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a host of outdoor adventures today.
Standard & Deluxe: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 5 – Campbell River
Today, travel north to Earls Cove for a 50 minute BC Ferries ride to Saltery Bay; then continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferries service across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River.
Standard & Deluxe: Coast Discovery Inn or Comfort Inn
Day 6 – Campbell River
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1. People Water Land
Experience an authentic cultural and whale watching excursion through the Salish Sea to the historic Homalco First Nation village site of Aupe (Church House). Humpback and killer whales are abundant in the scenic waters along with other iconic marine wildlife. Walk onto the shores of Aupe with a Homalco guide to uncover its rich, complex history.
Option 2. Salish Sea Whale Watching Cruise
Enjoy an unforgettable small group marine adventure to see whales with a marine wildlife guide. These modern and comfortable boats ensure that you can safely explore the Salish Sea in search of humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, other marine mammals, and a variety of sea birds in their natural habitat.
Option 3. Upgrade Option: The Great Bears of Bute | 15 Aug – 15 Oct
Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat on this breathtaking wildlife tour. Join an Indigenous guide and visit the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation in Bute Inlet. Bear viewing and cultural immersion make for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Standard & Deluxe: Coast Discovery Inn or Comfort Inn
Day 7 – Tofino
Depart Quadra Island on a short BC Ferries ride to Vancouver Island where you will head south-west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops can be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.
Standard & Deluxe: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 8 – Tofino
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
Standard & Deluxe: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 9 – Victoria
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route it’s worth stopping in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours – admission not included).
Standard: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Day 10 – Victoria
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 130 acre estate.
Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.
Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise
Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light.
Option 4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.
Standard: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Day 11 – Farewell from Vancouver
Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your adventure comes to an end.
Your Itinerary
You can customise your Canada self drive holiday by adding extra nights or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Vancouver to Whistler
Today you will journey along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Arrive into Whistler by early afternoon.
Standard: Listel Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 2
| Whistler
This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour
Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops.
Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour
This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake.
Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.
Option 4.Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park
Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine landscapes.
Standard: Listel Hotel
Deluxe: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 3
| Sunshine Coast
Return down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord-like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. At Langdale, disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route through virgin forests and coastal fishing villages to your overnight accommodation.
Standard & Deluxe: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 4
| Sunshine Coast
The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a host of outdoor adventures today.
Standard & Deluxe: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Day 5
| Campbell River
Today, travel north to Earls Cove for a 50 minute BC Ferries ride to Saltery Bay; then continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferries service across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River.
Standard & Deluxe: Coast Discovery Inn or Comfort Inn
Day 6
| Campbell River
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1. People Water Land
Experience an authentic cultural and whale watching excursion through the Salish Sea to the historic Homalco First Nation village site of Aupe (Church House). Humpback and killer whales are abundant in the scenic waters along with other iconic marine wildlife. Walk onto the shores of Aupe with a Homalco guide to uncover its rich, complex history.
Option 2. Salish Sea Whale Watching Cruise
Enjoy an unforgettable small group marine adventure to see whales with a marine wildlife guide. These modern and comfortable boats ensure that you can safely explore the Salish Sea in search of humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, other marine mammals, and a variety of sea birds in their natural habitat.
Option 3. Upgrade Option: The Great Bears of Bute | 15 Aug – 15 Oct
Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat on this breathtaking wildlife tour. Join an Indigenous guide and visit the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation in Bute Inlet. Bear viewing and cultural immersion make for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Standard & Deluxe: Coast Discovery Inn or Comfort Inn
Day 7
| Tofino
Depart Quadra Island on a short BC Ferries ride to Vancouver Island where you will head south-west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops can be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.
Standard & Deluxe: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 8
| Tofino
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favourite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
Standard & Deluxe: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites or Black Rock Resort
Day 9
| Victoria
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route it’s worth stopping in the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours – admission not included).
Standard: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Day 10
| Victoria
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the below activities to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 130 acre estate.
Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.
Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise
Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light.
Option 4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.
Standard: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Day 11
| Farewell from Vancouver
Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your adventure comes to an end.
This Self Drive Includes
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, Whistler or Victoria
- An upgrade to deluxe hotels
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.
Ultimate Pacific Coast
11 day Self Drive – from £2435
With flights from £3135
Price is per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard.
Ultimate Pacific Coast Experience
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