Rainforests, Peaks, and Pacific Tides
Scenic

Rainforests, Peaks, and Pacific Tides

Rainforests, Peaks, and Pacific Tides

BC V6G 1Z4, CanadaBC V8W 9W2, Canada

5 days19 stops
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5
Days
19
Stops
4
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BC V6G 1Z4, CanadaBC V8W 9W2, Canada

Embark on a journey where lush rainforests meet the vast Pacific Ocean and towering mountains carve the horizon. This quintessential British Columbia road trip takes you from the vibrant city of Vancouver, up the breathtaking Sea-to-Sky Highway, and across the Salish Sea to explore the wild, natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

Trip highlights

Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park
Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park
Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The Butchart Gardens
The Butchart Gardens

The route

  1. 1BC V6G 1Z4, CanadaStart · 49.3000, -123.1430
  2. 2Stanley Park SeawallStop · 49.3098, -123.1369
  3. 3Granville Island Public MarketStop · 49.2728, -123.1348
  4. 4Kitsilano BeachStop · 49.2745, -123.1547
  5. 5Fairmont Hotel VancouverStop · 49.2881, -123.1167
  6. 6Sea to Sky GondolaStop · 49.6755, -123.1568
  7. 7Brandywine Falls Provincial ParkStop · 50.0378, -123.1218
  8. 8Araxi Restaurant + Oyster BarStop · 50.1149, -122.9558
  9. 9Four Seasons Resort and Residences WhistlerStop · 50.1189, -122.9440
  10. 10BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay)Stop · 49.3773, -123.2723
  11. 11Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial ParkStop · 49.2811, -124.6681
  12. 12Tofino Brewing CompanyStop · 49.1393, -125.8913
  13. 13Pacific Sands Beach ResortStop · 49.1074, -125.8727
  14. 14Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park ReserveStop · 48.9928, -125.5991
  15. 15Wild Pacific TrailStop · 48.9224, -125.5405
  16. 16Malahat SkyWalkStop · 48.5653, -123.5270
  17. 17Fairmont Empress HotelStop · 48.4216, -123.3676
  18. 18The Butchart GardensStop · 48.5647, -123.4674
  19. 19Fisherman's WharfStop · 48.4226, -123.3812
  20. 20Royal BC MuseumStop · 48.4198, -123.3675
  21. 21BC V8W 9W2, CanadaEnd · 48.4200, -123.3676

Day 2

Stanley Park Seawall
Outdoor Adventure

Stanley Park Seawall

Walk or bike this world-renowned 10 km (6.2 mi) paved path that circles Stanley Park, offering continuous, stunning views of the city skyline, North Shore mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect introduction to Vancouver's natural beauty.

Photo by Simon Blizzard

Granville Island Public Market
Dining

Granville Island Public Market

A vibrant hub for food lovers and artisans. Graze on local delicacies from dozens of vendors, from candied salmon and fresh-baked sourdough to gourmet cheeses and produce, all while enjoying the bustling waterfront atmosphere.

Photo by Carbo Kuo (BYVoid)

Kitsilano Beach
Scenic Viewpoint

Kitsilano Beach

Relax on this popular sandy beach, known for its incredible views of English Bay, the downtown skyline, and the North Shore mountains. It's a prime spot for a sunset picnic and watching sailboats drift by.

Photo by Monowar Hossain

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Lodging

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Stay in the iconic 'Castle in the City,' a landmark hotel known for its timeless elegance, chateau-style architecture with a distinctive copper roof, and central downtown location.

Day 3

Sea to Sky GondolaHighlight
Scenic Viewpoint

Sea to Sky Gondola

Ascend over 885 meters for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Howe Sound fjord, coastal rainforest, and surrounding mountains. Walk the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and explore scenic hiking trails at the summit.

Photo by Scott Tsai

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
Outdoor Adventure

Brandywine Falls Provincial Park

Take a short, easy walk through the forest to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the 70-meter (230 ft) Brandywine Falls as it cascades into a massive canyon carved by lava flows.

Photo by Mouzoona Hassan

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar
Dining

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar

A Whistler institution renowned for its exquisite Pacific Northwest cuisine. Indulge in farm-to-table dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere with a platter of fresh, local oysters.

Photo by Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Lodging

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Experience luxury mountain lodging with elegant rooms, a renowned spa, and a heated outdoor pool offering stunning views of Blackcomb and Whistler mountains.

Photo by Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Day 4

BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay)
Local Experience

BC Ferries (Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay)

Experience a quintessential part of coastal BC life on the scenic 1.5-hour ferry crossing to Vancouver Island. Watch for marine wildlife from the deck as you sail through stunning island passages.

Photo by David Ward

Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial ParkHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park

Walk in the footsteps of giants through a protected old-growth forest. Stroll along accessible trails beneath a canopy of massive, 800-year-old Douglas fir trees, some stretching nearly 75 meters (250 ft) tall.

Photo by SerendipitousPixels

Tofino Brewing Company
Dining

Tofino Brewing Company

Relax after your journey at this popular local brewery. Sample a flight of their flagship beers like the Tuff Session Ale or Kelp Stout, embodying the spirit of this rugged coastal town.

Photo by Tofino Brewing Co.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Lodging

Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Stay at a spectacular oceanfront resort situated directly on Cox Bay. Enjoy front-row seats to surfers and sunsets from your well-appointed suite, perfect for storm watching or sunny beach days.

Photo by Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Day 5

Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park ReserveHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Stroll along the longest sandy beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This iconic 16 km stretch of windswept shoreline is perfect for beachcombing, surfing, and appreciating the raw power of the Pacific Ocean.

Photo by Ron Charity

Wild Pacific Trail
Outdoor Adventure

Wild Pacific Trail

Hike a portion of this stunning, accessible trail that traces the edge of the Ucluelet peninsula. The Lighthouse Loop offers dramatic views of crashing waves, rugged shoreline, and the historic Amphitrite Point Lighthouse.

Photo by Richard Kiefl

Malahat SkyWalk
Scenic Viewpoint

Malahat SkyWalk

Experience a breathtaking panorama from this unique attraction. Ascend a 10-story spiral tower for 360-degree views of the Finlayson Arm, Saanich Peninsula, and distant Mount Baker before taking the spiral slide back down.

Photo by Malahat Skywalk

Fairmont Empress Hotel
Lodging

Fairmont Empress Hotel

Stay at one of Canada's grand railway hotels, an elegant, chateau-style icon overlooking Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour. It's the perfect historic base for exploring the city.

Photo by Fairmont Empress

Day 6

The Butchart GardensHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

The Butchart Gardens

Explore 55 acres of stunning floral displays in a former limestone quarry. A National Historic Site, these world-famous gardens include the sunken garden, a Japanese garden, and an Italian garden, offering beauty in every season.

Photo by Lance Yung

Fisherman's Wharf
Local Experience

Fisherman's Wharf

A charming and quirky marine destination featuring colourful float homes, seafood kiosks, and eco-tour operators. Grab fresh fish and chips from Barb's and watch for the resident harbour seals.

Photo by Chris Stephan Trouillot

Royal BC Museum
Culture Arts

Royal BC Museum

Discover British Columbia's natural and human history through immersive exhibits. Highlights include the First Peoples Gallery, the life-sized woolly mammoth, and a replica of an 'Old Town' from the province's early days.

Photo by JP Anderson

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Stanley Park Seawall

Stanley Park Seawall

Walk or bike this world-renowned 10 km (6.2 mi) paved path that circles Stanley Park, offering continuous, stunning views of the city skyline, North Shore mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect introduction to Vancouver's natural beauty.

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BC Coastal Explorer