Self-Drive Adventure
Departure city: Vancouver, Canada
End city: Vancouver, Canada
This 10-day self-drive adventure is perfect for anyone looking to experience the beauty around Vancouver! You'll start by exploring Vancouver and its famous market, then drive down to Victoria to hike in spectacular national parks. Head next to Ucluelet for kayaking, whale-watching, charming villages and hiking. Last but not least - visit Squamish and take a seaplane over glaciers and wild rivers. This is a trip you won't forget in a hurry!
Departure Time: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00, 00:00 hrs
Arrival and Car Pick-up
Welcome to Vancouver! You'll pick up the car at the airport and make your way to your accommodation in the city. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure.
Free morning in Vancouver
Enjoy a free morning to explore Vancouver and explore the different facets of the city at your own pace. An emerging city in North America, Vancouver stands out for its perfect contrast between ocean and mountain, age and modernity, serenity and excitement. The result is a cultural whirlwind that you will discover as you travel through the city's various neighbourhoods. Suggestions for visits will be included in your roadbook. After that, you'll embark on a guided group tour to The Granville Market - a must-see in Vancouver. Chaotic, colourful and lively, the market is located on Granville Island and is very lively all year round because it is also a major artistic area. To find yourself in the maze of red fruits, seafood, meat and other Canadian specialties, there is nothing better than a local guide who knows everyone in this market. You will meet the producers and taste, among other things, the famous local delicatessens and cheeses. Finally, you will have the opportunity to discover a well-known concept in Canada: the "farm-to-table", the art of tasting products directly from the surrounding farms in the restaurant. Enjoy!
Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay
Today, you'll take the road between Vancouver and the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen. You'll cross over to Vancouver Island. About the size of Belgium, Vancouver Island is located on the Pacific coast of Canada. During the crossing, you will pass through many straits offering magnificent landscapes and you will occasionally be able to observe whales depending on the season. The ferry takes about 1.5 hours and needs to be paid for on the spot. Then you'll have the rest of the day free in Victoria to discover the British Columbia capital at your own pace. Depending on your preferences, we'll suggest various activities. Opt to discover the Royal BC Museum, one of the most interesting in the province, enjoy a local beer in a Canadian brewery, or stroll through Victoria's various neighbourhoods to observe the magnificent Victorian-style residences, or along the waterfront to admire the seaplane ballet or the panoramic view of the United States Olympic Mountains. You may also want to go hiking in the wild surroundings of Victoria. Suggestions for visits and hikes will be included in your travel diary.
Hiking day in the Victoria area
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located in the heart of nature. Easily accessible, you will reach magnificent panoramas only 30 minutes from the city. You will have the opportunity to discover the scenery on the Olympic Mountains of the United States from Sooke Provincial Park or on the rainforest with its Douglas fir trees from Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. Whether for amateurs or experienced hikers, there is something for all levels. Hiking suggestions will be included in your roadbook.
Free Time in Tofino and Ucluelet
Spend today exploring two mythical villages in Clayoquot Bay. Deserted in winter and well-frequented in summer, Tofino is a small village of fishermen and craftsmen, located at the tip of the Clayoquot Bay Peninsula. Despite the influx of tourists in summer, the village has managed to keep its charm and has become the hub of many activities in Pacific Rim National Park: whale and bear watching, seaplane flights over the Bay, hiking and biking, kayaking expeditions, hot springs and more. There are charming hotels, beautiful beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, First Nations art galleries and a real joie de vivre. The starting point of the famous Wild Pacific Trail, "Ukee" has nothing to envy its neighbour Tofino. The village is undergoing a complete renewal, without sinking into mass tourism. The hotels are of small capacity, and the restaurants are very refined. You can stroll through its picturesque streets, whose inland port is dominated by boats returning from fishing. Suggestions for visits and hikes will be included in your roadbook.
Broken Group islands
Adventure and thrills await you this day in the heart of the magnificent Broken Group Archipelago, the territory of the Tseshaht First Nations. In the early morning, departure by boat to Barkley Sound. You will have the opportunity to encounter grey whales, humpback whales and sea lions. You'll pass through Pacific Rim National Reserve, with its spectacular scenery, sheer cliffs and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Once you've landed on one of the beaches of the reserve's 100 islands, your guide will outfit you and introduce you to kayaking for the day. You will then sail on the turquoise waters of the archipelago's coves, sometimes giving the impression of Caribbean beaches. You'll then enjoy a tasty picnic lunch on a sandy beach. Then, continue your expedition by sailing between the islands and discovering the rich and varied fauna, before taking a hike through one of them. Return by boat to Ucluelet in the afternoon.
Meals: L
Hike in National Parks
Enjoy a full hiking day in the Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park area. Suggested hiking trails:
Discover the walks of the famous Wild Pacific Trail, a mythical hike on the wild coasts of Pacific Rim National Park. With a total length of 8 kilometres (one way), and four trekking routes, you will be fascinated by the wild beauty of Vancouver Island. You can choose to walk all or part of this trail. The first part includes three trails: The Big Beach section (about 1 km), Brown's beach and Artist Loops section (about 6 km) and the ancient Cedars and the Rocky Bluffs section (about 1 km).
Alternatively, the seaside trail crosses tropical forests with giant trees, storm observation platforms and rocky cliffs. When the tide is low, you can take a walk by the sea. If you have only a short time, we recommend that you only go through the last section: The Lighthouse trail section (2.6 km loop). Accessible to all, the Lighthouse Trail is a 2.6 km loop at the end of the village of Ucluelet. Although regularly visited during the summer, this trek is a beautiful immersion on the wild coast of Pacific Rim National Park. In a short time you will cross steep cliffs and forests with a magnificent view of the Barkley Archipelago. The arrival point is the Amphitrite lighthouse which dominates the peninsula. Many panoramic views feed this route. Note: easy to moderate level. The trail can be steep in some places.
Head to Squamish
Drive between Tofino and the Nanaimo ferry terminal, which is about a 3-hour journey. You'll then take the ferry crossing between Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. You'll then continue down the highway between Vancouver and Squamish. The route called the "Sea to Sky Highway" is very spectacular as it runs along the Strait of Georgia. Once you arrive in Squamish, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the area.
Free time in Whistler
Today, you'll have free time to explore Whistler Village, which hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The village is attracting more and more travellers seeking outdoor activities and hiking, year-round. Garibaldi Park, Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Mountain - it's easy to know why, the village is surrounded by mountains and offers trails for every type of hiker! The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is one of the most famous in North America. The village itself has remained very charming with its many wooden chalets, its market and its relaxed atmosphere. Suggestions for visits will be included in your roadbook. Later today, you have an important meeting with the history of the First Nations people. Whistler is home to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, named after two indigenous communities from the region (the Coast Mountains Squamish and Whistler Lil'wat), who have decided to work together in peace since 2001 to conserve their culture. The centre exhibits many works of art including a 12-metre canoe, totems, masks and traditional clothing. The centre is one of the most comprehensive and furnished in Canada.
Meals: B
Seaplane Flight and Return to Airport
Flying in a seaplane is a unique experience in Canada! Today we offer you a 50-minute flight over the Squamish - Whistler area glaciers. During the flight, your pilot will introduce you to the beauty of this still wild region, with its breathtaking views of volcanic formations, glaciers and wild rivers. Please note the is flight subject to weather conditions and can take 3 passengers. Afterwards, you'll drive your way to Vancouver Airport, via the mythical "Sea to Sky highway". You'll return your rental car at the airport and get ready to board your flight home. Safe travels ahead!
Meals: B
The rental of the vehicle includes basic insurance. Your credit card certainly covers some extra insurance. If you'd like to add an additional driver and/or young driver for drivers aged 21 to 24, please book directly at the counter. The main driver will have to show a valid driver's license and a credit card in his name at the rental car counter. Debit cards are not accepted.
Please note: The trunk has space for 3 pieces of luggage and includes unlimited mileage (some exceptions apply) and automatic transmission.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to change and availability. Prices are per person twin share and subject to currency fluctuation. (ba)
