- Highlights:
- Spot incredible wildlife, from whales to bears, with the help of an expert local guide
- Zipline through Canada’s scenic adventure capital, Whistler
- Get off the beaten track and see the authentic Canada on Vancouver island
The West Coast of Canada offers the very best spots to see whales and bears in their natural surroundings. On this two-week adventure, you’ll also cycle around Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park, spot sea lions on an organised kayaking trip and fly through the tree-tops on a zip-trekking experience close to picturesque Whistler.
Days 1-3 – Bikes & Bays of Vancouver
As well as being the launchpad for Western Canada, Vancouver is a real highlight in itself. So, before heading off in search of whales, bears, lakes, and mountains, why not spend a few days discovering one of the world’s most liveable cities? Family fun can be found across the city, from the famous Stanley Park to Grouse Mountain and Granville Island. You’ll never be short of ways to entertain yourselves! We’ll organise a guided bike ride around the vast Stanley Park for all the family to take in the views from the seawall across to the bustling city.
Days 4 & 5 – Whales of the Pacific
After a taster of Canadian city life, your hotel will help make your own way to the airport in Vancouver to pick up your rental car. From here you’ll drive to the Vancouver Tsawwassen ferry port for the 1.5 hour cruise to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. It’s then a quick 30-minute drive to Victoria. No family trip to Canada is complete without a spot of whale-watching, and Victoria is the perfect base to spot these gentle giants. On your first morning here, you’ll head out on a covered boat in search of these incredible creatures – with three different species moving around the coast, your chances of seeing them are as high as anywhere. The rest of your time in Victoria is free to enjoy the relaxed, friendly charms of the city.
Days 6-8 – In Search of the Bears
Next you’ll drive from Victoria to Tofino which takes around 4.5 hours. It’s time to take a walk (or boat) on the wild side…The rugged, dramatic coastline of Vancouver Island is not only beautiful, but is home to an estimated 7,000 black bears! You’ll stay in the small town of Tofino or Ucluelet and during your visit, head out on the water to witness these incredible animals foraging in their natural habitat. Elsewhere, you can kayak, hike, surf, or unwind on remote beaches throughout the Pacific Rim National Park.
Days 9-11 – Charming Campbell River
Today, you’ll travel along winding roads, through dense forests, and into the interior of Vancouver Island until you arrive at Campbell River. Campbell River is a charming coastal town known as the salmon capital of Canada, and one of the few places where you can find all five different species of Pacific Salmon. For the next two nights, you’ll stay at a classic waterfront lodge overlooking the Discovery Passage. Take an afternoon stroll along the picturesque promenade or wander along one of the hiking trails in the surrounding forests. The following day is free for you to spend as you wish, take a short ferry (around 15 minutes) over to Quadra Island for some hiking and kayaking or visit Elk Falls Provincial Park, where you can marvel at the cascading waterfall and take a walk along the suspension bridge overlooking the canyon and forest trails below.
Days 12 & 13 – Treasure of the Fjords
Today you’ll head south to Comox (about a 45 minute drive). From Comox, it’s a 1.5 hour ferry to Powell River, then a quick 30 minute drive to Lund. Total journey time today is just under 3 hours. Easy peasy! With a shoreline boasting incredible natural scenery and plenty of outdoor activities both on water and on land, the Sunshine Coast is a small slice of paradise just waiting to be explored. You’ll stay in a historic waterfront hotel in the charming village of Lund, and during your stay you’ll kayak the pristine waters, snorkel in search of starfish, and embark on the most scenic treasure hunt of your lives!
Days 14 & 15 – Zipping through Whistler
From Lund, your day will start with a 1 hour drive to Saltery Bay, followed by a 50 minute ferry to Earls Cove. It’s then a 1.5 hour drive to Hopkins Landing/Langdale, before getting the 40 min ferry to join the Sea to Sky Highway, where it’s a 1.5 hour drive north to Whistler. This is around 6 hours but the scenery is stunning and you’ll be treated to some beautiful views and hopefully spot some orcas along the way!
You’ll head up to the former Winter Olympic village of Whistler – a family-friendly adventure playground which fits perfectly into any trip to West Canada. You’ll be staying in a comfy hotel a short walk from the centre. During your time here, you’ll go on an exciting zip-trekking excursion through the snow-capped peaks and forests, before relaxing and exploring the charms of this famous Alpine village. If you need even more adventure, then bike hire, paddleboarding and hiking can all be arranged locally.
Day 16 & 17 - Departure from Canada
Today you will say goodbye to the mountains, and drive 2.5 hours down the Sea to Sky Highway to Vancouver, where you’ll spend your last night in a city hotel. After a final stroll along the seawall, you’ll head to the airport to drop off your hire car before your flight home.
Accommodation
