Canada in a Nutshell
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Vibrant Vancouver
Start or end your Canadian adventure in this perfectly located city between the sea and the mountains. Vancouver sits in stark contrast to the vast and rugged nature of the rest of the country and is a highlight of western Canada not to be missed. See why it’s often heralded as the most liveable city in the world, as you explore the vast Stanley Park, stroll through the historic Gastown district and sample the many culinary delights in this bustling multicultural city. We’ve included a guided bike ride through Stanley Park to help you get under the skin of this vibrant city!
Days 3-5 – Whale Tails in Victoria
Today you’ll make your own way to the airport in Vancouver to pick up your hire car. From here you’ll make your way to the Vancouver Tsawwassen ferry port for the 1.5 hour cruise to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, you’ll need to book your ferry in advance. It’s another 30-minute drive to Victoria. Next up, you’ll visit Victoria, a charming city with good chances of spotting whales swimming off the shore. You’ll jump in a boat in search of these black and white giants; a trip you won’t forget in a hurry. Spend the rest of your time meandering down the Inner harbour and enjoying the old world ambience. You’ll be staying in a hotel in the city centre, walking distance to cosy restaurants.
Days 5-8 – The Bear Necessities
Today you’ll drive from Victoria to Tofino which takes around 4.5 hours. On the wild coast of the Pacific Rim, you’ll find dramatic coastlines, rocky trails and sandy beaches. Your home for the next couple of nights is a lodge close to the coast. During your stay you’ll head out on a large rubber dinghy with a guide and sail along the fjords in search of black bears foraging for food. Then take a walk through the misty rainforest, past giant cedars and moss-covered firs, and discover a nature trail that’s jam-packed with flora and fauna.
Days 8-10 – Sunsets over Quadra Island
Today you’ll drive the 3.5 hour journey to Campbell River. Here you can take the short ferry crossing (around 15 minutes) to Quadra Island. This ferry can’t be booked in advance, so you’ll pay your own way on the day. The small island of Quadra offers plenty of opportunities for active travellers. Take a hike, head out kayaking at sunset and enjoy the views of purple-dipped mountains and dark black water. Your home away from home is a timber lodge on the coast, nestled amongst the pine trees. The lodge is owned by First Nations residents and it’s decorated in traditional Indian style with large totem poles in the lounge. This is the ideal base from which to explore the local area.
Days 10-11 – Night in Vancouver
Take the quick ferry ride back to Campbell River to start your journey back to Vancouver city. It will take around 1.5 hours to get to the ferry port at Nanaimo Duke Point and the ferry ride will take around 2 hours back to Tsawwassen. From here it’ll be another half hour to the airport to drop off your car. Finally, make your own way back into the city for one more night under the bright lights! Phew! Tonight you’ll stay back in Vancouver where your Canadian adventure started. Take a stroll through Gastown and sample some local cuisine or relax in Stanley Park one last time. Today marks the end of your trip through West Canada, you’ll be collected at your hotel and transferred to the airport to board your plane homeward bound!
Accommodation
