Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver
After your arrival in Vancouver you will pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel in downtown where you’ll be spending the next 3 nights. Your hotel for your stay is the stunning Fairmont Waterfront, right across from Canada Place. You are only 2 blocks from the popular Gastown area and close to most other attractions, like Stanely Park and Robson Street. If you choose the Harbor View room, you’ll have some breathtaking views of Vancouver Bay and the Coast Mountain Range.
Day 2 – Vancouver
Today you’ll have the entire day to explore Vancouver. Some of the places to see are the Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Stanely Park and a stroll around Granville Islands where you’ll find quaint shops, restaurants and a local market with unique foods and goods. These are just a few options as there are also museums and other activities available.
Day 3 – Vancouver
Today I recommend you venture out to the surrounding areas of Vancouver. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must. You can either hike up the mountain or take the Gondola both ways. On top you’ll have breathtaking views of the entire Vancouver area. On your way back into the city stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which stretches 450 feet across and 250 feet above the Capilano River.
Day 4 – Vancouver to Tofino on Vancouver Island
After breakfast you’ll be leaving Vancouver and drive across the Lion’s Gate Bridge to the Horse Shoe Bay Ferry Terminal. From here you will take the British Columbia Ferry across the Straight of Georgia to the small town of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and continue driving across the island to the amazing Pacific Rim National Park where you will be staying in the small community of Tofino. On the way you will be driving through some of the most stunning scenery, passing crystal clear lakes, rivers and mountains. Your home in Tofino will be the Wickaninnish Inn, situated right on the ocean and is perfect for long walks on the beach.
Day 5 – Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park
Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park are absolutely breathtaking and one of my personal favorite places to spend a weekend. There are some wonderful trails if you like hiking or simply visit some of the beaches and if you are brave, go for a swim in the Pacific Ocean. After a day of discovery pamper yourself at the
In Tofino you have an array of options for sightseeing. Personally I would highly recommend to do a guided kayak tour which will give you a close up experience of the marine life, small islands and inlets in the area. After a day of discovery, why not pamper yourself with a visit to the ‘Ancient Cedar’s Spa’ in your hotel.
There is also the option to go whale watching while in Tofino either by boat of by float plane. A float plane ride will give you some amazing views of the area.
Day 6 – Tofino to Victoria
After checking out from your cozy hotel, you’ll begin your drive to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia with a distinct British flair. The drive will take you about 5 hours.
Along the way stop at Cathedral Grove Park and admire trees which are over 800 years old.
Upon arrival in the afternoon in Victoria you’ll be checking in at your hotel, the legendary Fairmont Empress. The hotel is situated right at Victoria’s Inner Harbor.
Day 7 – Victoria
Spend today enjoying Victoria. Walk the quaint streets around town, enjoy the harbor front or go whale watching. If you are traveling during the summer months you’ll have a good chance of seeing Orcas in the area. You can also visit the Royal BC Museum which always displays new Exhibits and Galleries. After walking around why not come back to the hotel and enjoy a nice spa treatment and evening go out for a nice dinner. Victoria has many wonderful restaurants and depending on what your preferences are I’d be more than happy to make suggestions.
Day 8 – Victoria
This morning drive to the famous Butchart Gardens. It’s a great place to spend the morning and part of the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants. In the afternoon spend your remaining time at your leisure.
Day 9 – Victoria – Vancouver/flight home
After breakfast and maybe a last stroll to the harbor front, you’ll be driving to the Victoria Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. Here you’ll be taking the British Columbia Ferry back to Tsawwassen on the mainland.
The one hour and half crossing will take you through islands and across the Straight of Georgia. With a little bit of luck you might even see some Orcas.
The drive from the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen to the Vancouver International Airport only takes about 30 minutes. Upon arrival you will be returning your rental car and check-in for your flight. Departing from Vancouver you’ll get to see the Coast Mountain Range and the city of Vancouver one more time before continuing on your journey back home.
As this is a custom designed itinerary we can make any changes you might like to have made so that this journey will be everything you are hoping for it to be and give you the most memorable experience.
Contact me for more information on this particular itinerary or if you would like for me to create your own customized journey.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
Enjoy this wonderful video of Tofino
