On the roads of Vancouver Island

You arrive at the Vancouver airport. Check into your hotel, which is located in the city centre. Take advantage of your free time to discover the city. You will soon realise that Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. You will spend the first night of your trip to British Columbia here.

Your trip begins with a visit to Vancouver, nicknamed the “glass city” in reference to the many buildings covered in glass. Close to the United States’ border, Vancouver is a very dynamic city.

In addition, Vancouver’s urban landscape blends very well with the surrounding nature, which makes the city very pleasant. Visit its neighbourhoods and parks: Gastown, Chinatown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. Discover its many activities and attractions: the Vancouver Aquarium, the Capilano and Grouse Mountain suspension bridges, where you will have beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.

Today is the day you pick up your rental car. You will board a ferry to Vancouver Island. The crossing takes 1.5 hours across the small islands and the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo. This city is an urban oasis that is nestled comfortably between the Strait of Georgia to the east and Vancouver Island.

From Nanaimo you travel to Campbell River, the salmon fishing capital. Take the coastal road instead of the highway to see the beautiful scenery! You will arrive in Campbell River in the late afternoon.

Your day is spent exploring the Campbell River area. This is the perfect place to discover wildlife and nature. There are many options for whale watching, bear watching and grizzly bear watching depending on the season.

You can take a Zodiak from Campbell River, experience Native American culture on Quadra Island or hike in Strathcona Provincial Park. It is the oldest park in the province. The park is known for its lakes, glaciers, forests, Golden Hide, its highest point at 2200 metres, and waterfalls.

You continue west through the interior mountains of Vancouver Island. Pacific Rim National Park is at the end of the road! This beautiful park is covered by a large forest that is located in a temperate climate zone. To give you a taste of what to expect, the trees are covered in moss and the air is moist and cool.

The west coast of Vancouver Island is home to wild beaches and steep Pacific coastlines! You will spend 2 nights in an ocean view lodge to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.

Pacific Rim Park is worth a full day of your trip to British Columbia. In addition to its stunning natural setting, Pacific Rim is a cultural legacy left by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and explorers. Visit Tofino and be sure to take a Zodiac tour for a closer look at the Pacific whales. Orcas, grey and humpback whales migrate along the west coast of Vancouver Island, making Tofino a prime viewing point.

It is time to return to the east of the island. You will take the road you took on the outward journey in the opposite direction. Take the opportunity to see the landscape from a new perspective. On the way, stop at Cathedral Grove, a wonderful forest famous for its huge Douglas fir trees, over 1000 years old! A little further on, take another break at the charming Coombs grocery shop where the goats eat on the roof! Check into your hotel in downtown Victoria.

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia. It is one of the last stops on your trip. It’s almost a full day of sightseeing and relaxation. A peaceful city with a very English charm, Victoria offers many opportunities for sightseeing: the famous Royal British Museum, walks by the ocean, a seaplane tour, or simply tea at the famous Empress! The small Victorian buildings will make you feel as if you were in England.

You will leave Vancouver Island in the morning with the ferry from Schwartz Bay to Vancouver. As on the outward journey, the crossing of the islets is magical. Once in Vancouver, you will have the whole afternoon to visit the city. Discover Grandville Market. You will find everything from fresh fruit to teas and desserts. Some gourmet stops are Lee Donut for their honey donuts and Sen Pad Thai for their traditional Thai dishes.

There are many activities and attractions that can enhance your visit to the city: water taxis to False Creek, the Vancouver Lookout to see the skyscrapers and Queen Elizabeth Park for a great view of Vancouver.

Depending on the time of your flight, you can continue your discovery of Vancouver. You will then head to the airport where you will return your rental car. This marks the end of your trip to Vancouver.