Day 1
Fly to Vancouver
Fly to Vancouver and pick up your rental car at the airport to make your way downtown.
Day 2
Vancouver
Spend today exploring Vancouver. Stroll Stanley Park, visit the waterfront, Chinatown or historic Gastown.
Day 3
Vancouver - Lund/Sunshine Coast (215km plus 2 ferries)
Drive over the Lions Gate Bridge to Horseshoe Bay. Board the ferry to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast. Drive along the coast through Gibsons and Sechelt to the small village of Egmont. Visit the impressive tidal rapids at Skookumchuck Narrows. Continue on to the ferry to Saltery Bay. Drive north past Powell River to Lund.
Day 4
Sunshine Coast
Spend the day exploring the charming waterfront community of Lund, at the mouth of the beautiful, pristine Desolation Sound Marine Park. Stroll the boardwalk around the harbour and visit the shops. Optional activities include a zodiac boat or sea kayaking tour, guided hiking tours, fishing charters or a visit to an oyster farm.
Day 5
Lund - Campbell River or Quadra Island (114 km plus ferries)
Leaving historic Lund you will make your way back to Powell River where you will board the ferry to Little River. Continue North on Vancouver Island to Campbell River, one of the top destinations for salmon fishing. Overnight in Campbell River or Quadra Island (short ferry ride from Campbell River).
Day 6
Campbell River or Quadra Island
Arts, culture, adventure, recreation, scenery and the laid-back lifestyle are just a few of the reasons people come to live in this area. Take the day to explore beautiful Quadra Island (a short ferry ride from Campbell River). The local community is rich in arts and culture and local artisans display their crafts in a variety of galleries and other locations. Surrounded by stunning scenery Campbell River and Quadra Island lie in one of British Columbia's premier recreation destinations with numerous possibilities including: sea kayak tours, marine tours, hiking trails, cycling, sport fishing, diving, grizzly tours in the fall, and much more. Overnight Campbell River or Quadra Island.
Day 7
Campbell River or Quadra Island - Tofino / Ucluelet area (266 km plus ferry)
Depart southwards from Campbell River (short ferry ride from Quadra Island) along the east coast of Vancouver Island, passing through some pretty villages. Make a stop at Little Qualicum Cheeseworks on Morningstar Farm, nestled in the cool moist climate of Vancouver Island in the shadow of Mt. Arrowsmith, where you will find a selection of world-class cheeses to delight the senses. From Parksville travel to the west coast and Pacific Rim National Park. En route stop at Cathedral Grove for a walk through a towering stand of 800 year old trees. Overnight in Tofino / Ucluelet area
Day 8
Tofino
Bear watching today! Be sure to bring your camera. Aboard a zodiac, cruise the fjords and sheltered bays. Black bears come down to the shore to feed. You'll likely also see seals, eagles and herons.
Day 9
Tofino - Parksville/Nanaimo (150km)
Spend the morning in the Tofino and Ucluelet area, then head east to Parksville. Stop at the Country Market in Coombs, famous for the goats that like to graze on the grass roof. It's also a great ice cream stop!
Day 10
Parksville/Nanaimo to Victoria (150km)
Spend the morning at Rathtrevor Provincial Park and walk along lovely beaches. Heading south, stop at Chemainus to view interesting murals by local artists and visit quaint boutiques. Wineries and specialty food producers abound in the Cowichan area. Continue south to Victoria.
Day 11
Victoria
Enjoy the day in Victoria. You'll love the Inner Harbour. It's the heart of the city full of restaurants, galleries and shops.
Day 12
Victoria to Vancouver (64km plus ferry) then Fly home
From Victoria, take the ferry back to Vancouver and drop off your rental car at the airport before boarding your flight home.