West Coast + Vancouver Island in the Fall
A Self Drive Canada Holiday
13 Nights from Glasgow
Departing 28th September 2011
Prices from £1492 per person
Alternative Departure Airports and Dates Available
After labour day Canadians hang up their summer wear for another year and this is the perfect time to explore this amazing land without the hustle and bustle of busy traffic and crowds. This next option is stunningly beautiful and captures some truly unspoilt locations that you will remember for many years to come, this holiday offers wild beach walks, cliff top hikes, majestic wildlife including whales, dolphins, bald eagles, sea lions and sea otters, excellent sea food and some of the best sun sets you will ever see.
West Coast & vancouver Island - A Canada Self Drive Tour Itinerary
2 Nights at the Blue Horizon in Vancouver will give you an excellent location to explore my second home, from this hotel you are just a 10 minute stroll from Stanley Park and the harbour walkway. Vancouver is very beautiful and every street you look down will show you views of mountains or water. There are many things to see in Vancouver and you will have 3 days to explore at your leisure.
Vancouver – Whistler
Today pick up your Compact hire car and drive over the Lions Gate Bridge to connect with the road north to Whistler, this road is called the sea to sky highway and is one of my favourite drives with the gulf islands on your left and the Coast Mountains on your right. It will take about 2 hours to get to this fun village, I love Whistler as you are never short of things to do….mountain bike, zip trek, ride horses, hike on numerous trails, water ski, canoe or ski on Glaciers the choice is yours and in the evening the centre of the town comes alive with plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy. You will be staying at the Delta Whistler village which is lovely and right at the centre of the resort.
Whistler – Victoria via Horseshoe bay
Today drive south from Whistler village and enjoy the sea to sky highway on the way south, take the ferry from Horseshoe bay to Victoria *****Watch for pods of Whales and Dolphins from the ferry***** When you get to Victoria you will find a small and friendly little town with a lot to offer. Here you can visit lovely Butchart gardens, take a tour of the town in an open top London bus, take tea at the Empress Hotel or just relax at one of many street side cafes. You will be staying at the lovely Inn at Laurel point hotel which is located at the harbour with some terrific views over the water.
Victoria – Tofino / Ucluelet
Today you will be heading to the west coast of the Island and to a very special place, Tofino lies at the edge of the Pacific Rim National park, here it is all about coastal walks, hiking on magnificent wild and clean beaches, canoeing on the pacific to get close to the marine life, dining on some of the best sea food you will ever taste and in the evening falling asleep to the sound of the wild ocean. You will be staying at the Black Rock resort in Ucluelet which is only 2 years old and sits on the cliff edge with some dramatic views of the ocean, this area is very special.
Tofino / Ucluelet - Campbell River
Head east to Campbell River, if you like nature and wildlife you will love this place, killer whales, minke whales, sea otters, sea lions and eagles are all plentiful here. You will be staying at the Painters lodge which has some great views of the sea. If you have time try to drive the 1.5 hours north to the lovely little settlement of Telegraph Cove which is fantastic for whale watching, there are many pods of Killer Whales in this area and there is a dedicated area for them at Robson Bight which is protected. There are endless wildlife opportunities in this wonderful place.
Campbell River – Parkesville
Drive south to Parkesville, this is a seaside community and the perfect place to chill out for a night, in nearby Qualicum Beach there is a great little pub right on the sea front with terrific views of the mainland, you can enjoy a nice lunch here and watch the sea otters play in the surf. You will be staying at the Tigh – Na – Mara Resort and your room will be nestled in the woods close to the shore with a fireplace to keep you warm.
Parkesville – Pender Island
The Gulf Islands are a well kept secret and easily accessed by ferry from Victoria and Vancouver, they are each very different and I have chosen Pender Island for its easy accessibility, beauty and friendly atmosphere. You will be staying at the Poets Cove resort which offers peace and luxury; this is the perfect place to relax after your tour. All of the rooms are west facing with balconies to appreciate the ocean views and the resort has first class spa facilities. The gulf islands are very rarely visited by visitors from over seas and when you get there you will see just how special they are.
Pender Island
Take the ferry across to Tsawassen and then drive to Vancouver for one final night at the Blue Horizon hotel.
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