British Columbia's Sea to Sky

Days 1 - 2: UK – Vancouver

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 which will include stops at Canada Place, Jack Pool Plaza and Stanley Park. You'll also see the famous Totems and Prospect Point, English Bay, Yaletown, Chinatown and the historic Gastown.

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. 

 

Days 3 – 4: Victoria

Distance: 121km/76 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 at 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 5: Nanaimo

Distance: 110km/69 miles

Admire the panoramic ocean views to distant Mount Baker as you drive along the scenic Malahat Drive. Make a stop in Duncan, the “City of Totems”, and in Chemainus to see the world’s largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Sample the delicious chocolate and coconut Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo, and visit Coombs, famous for its market with the goats grazing on the roof.

Days 6 - 7: Ucluelet

Distance: 182km/114 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, take a walk further along the beach, for a close-up view of the ancient petroglyphs.

Every day at low-tide, black bears can be seen wandering out of the temperate rainforest and onto the rocky shores of Barkley Sound to forage for food. This natural behavior provides an excellent opportunity to view black bears, often seen with their cubs, turning massive rocks in search of Rock Crabs and clams.

On your included cruise you will travel along the Sound which provides a chance to see sea lions, seals, herons, and eagles as well as the bears, all in their natural environment.

 

Days 8 - 9: Campbell River

Distance: 245km/153 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.

From Campbell River board your covered boat for a guided trip through the Discovery Passage into Johnston Strait to view killer whales, in the world-famous Robson Bight ecological reserve. On your journey you will have the opportunity to view humpback, gray and minke whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, porpoise, seals, and sea lions in their natural environment.

 

Day 10: Lund

Distance: 115km/72 miles plus ferry

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.

Days 11 - 12: Sechelt

Distance: 130km/81 miles plus ferry

Today, enjoy a scenic ferry cruise to Earls Cove, with views of beautiful Harmony Falls along the way. At Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, follow the easy 4-km/2.5-mile trail to a viewpoint overlooking the narrows, where powerful tidal currents create spectacular whirlpools and whitewater during peak tide change.

 

Days 13 – 14: Whistler

Distance: 148km/93 miles plus ferry

Return to the mainland by ferry, then follow the spectacular ‘Sea-to-Sky’ Highway along the shores of Howe Sound to Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas, soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls along the way.

Today there are endless possibilities, explore downtown Whistler, and rent a bike to explore the area, take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, hike to Lost Lake, take a seaplane over the mountains and glaciers or take a 4WD in search or bears.  

Enjoy an included ride on the Sea-to-Sky Gondola where at the peak you can enjoy great walks, marvel at the amazing scenery from the viewing platforms and take a walk on the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

 

Day 15: Burnaby

Distance: 134km/84 miles

Leaving the Rockies behind, descend to sea level along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Make a stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you can adventure into the rainforest and learn more about the indigenous culture in Vancouver at Kia’palano, the park’s education cultural centre.

Continue through North Vancouver to the outskirts of the city centre for your final night’s stay on this memorable tour.

 

Days 16 – 17: Vancouver - UK

Distance: 32km/20 miles 

Your adventure may be coming to an end but after returning your motorhome in Vancouver, you could extend your Canadian journey with a spectacular Alaska cruise to discover glaciers, wildlife and remote coastal communities.