Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast

Days 1 - 3: UK to Vancouver

Arriving in Vancouver early evening, you'll have a couple of days to spend at your leisure. This cosmopolitan city sits right on the edge of nature, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crammed with delightful green space. Choose to explore the city on foot or take a hop-on/hop-off bus to see all the main sights quickly and easily. Be sure to spend time on lively Granville Island, a peninsula famed for entertainment, artwork and food. Stroll the fresh-food market, checking out the artisan workshops, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the ocean. 

Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver you’ll find the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. At 230 feet high and 450 feet long, the bridge has been thrilling visitors since 1889. Adventure into the rainforest and the seven suspension bridges of Treetops Adventure, a unique, tree-friendly encounter high in the forest. 

You'll meet your tour hosts on day two and have some time to get acquainted.

Days 4 - 5: Victoria

Distance: 121 km / 75 miles plus ferry

Transfer to the motorhome depot to collect your motorhome and after stocking up on groceries; make your way to the ferry which will take you across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. A stop Butchart Gardens is a must and here you can marvel at the beautiful flowers and gardens.

Today you are free to explore Victoria’s inner harbour with the surrounding Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. There’s also the Royal BC Museum and China Town to visit or you could take a whale-watching cruise.

Day 6 - 7: Nanaimo 

Distance: 110 km / 68 miles

Admire the panoramic ocean views to distant Mount Baker as you drive along the scenic Malahat Drive. Perhaps make a stop in Duncan, the 'City of Totems', and in Chemainus to see the world’s largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Try a Nanaimo Bar in Nanaimo, and visit Coombs, famous for its market where goats graze on the roof.

Days 8 - 9: Ucluelet 

Distance: 182 km / 113 miles

Wind your way through the ancient Douglas fir trees of Cathedral Grove as you drive across the island. Check out the Mars fire bomber, based at Sproat Lake, and take a walk further along the beach for a close up view of the ancient petroglyphs.

There's a whole host of activities available at Ucluelet, from whale and bear watching to fishing, ocean kayaking and zip lining, if you're feeling adventurous you'll be in good company! In nearby Tofino you can explore the Pacific Rim and Long Beach.

Days 10 - 11: Campbell River

Distance: 245 km / 152 miles

Heading north to Campbell River make a stop at Parksville, where you can relax on the sandy beaches and admire the stunning shoreline of Qualicum Beach. Continuing north, you end up at Campbell River, the Salmon Capital of the World. Take a walk around the town to see the hundreds of chainsaw carvings, crafted each year in the annual competition.

For wildlife spotting, head to Discovery Pier or Strathcona Provincial Park.

Days 12 - 13: Lund 

Distance: 115 km / 71 miles

The glorious Sunshine Coast is the next stop on your journey. In Comox, you’ll board the ferry to Powell River, the hub of the Sunshine Coast that successfully combines the great outdoors with historic and cultural appeal.

Lund is the ideal place for a cruise to watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and coastal marine birds on a scenic cruise into Desolation Sound. Alternatively you could take a water taxi ride from Lund to Savary Island; the island’s white sand beaches and warm swimming waters are reminiscent of more tropical destinations.

Day 14 - 15: Sechelt

Distance: 130 km / 80 miles plus ferry

Today you board another ferry for the scenic cruise to Earls Cove where you can see Harmony Falls. At Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, walk the easy 4 km/2.5 mile trail to a viewpoint for spectacular views of whirlpools and whitewater during peak tide change. 

Days 16 - 17: Whistler 

Distance: 148 km / 92 miles plus ferry

Return to the mainland by ferry and drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler. Discover scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls, parks and outdoor activities.

Today there are endless possibilities. Why not explore downtown Whistler by bike, or take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. You could also take a seaplane over the mountains and glaciers or, if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, enjoy a hike to Lost Lake.

Day 18: Burnaby 

Distance: 170 km / 105 miles

It's back to the Sea to Sky Highway today, and driving alongside the Pacific Ocean you’ll see everything from stunning waterfalls to beautiful vistas. Make sure you stop for a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, where there are some great walks, viewing platforms and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Days 19 - 20: Burnaby to Vancouver to UK

Distance: 50 km / 31 miles

Return your motorhome to the depot in Vancouver and take the shuttle transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to the UK.