Self Drive Tours in Canada: British Columbia Family Explorer

Overnight in Vancouver
Upon arrival into Vancouver, travel to downtown Vancouver in your rental car. Nestled between the timeless coastal mountains and the tides of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver attracts travelers from around the world year round enjoying historic Gastown, world famous 400 hectare Stanley Park, and Granville Island’s market and galleries.

Overnight in Whistler 123km:
Today enjoy a drive up to Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Marine Drive from West Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, offers glimpsing of fabulous views and gorgeous homes. Horseshoe Bay is a BC Ferries port, and famous locally for Troll’s Fish & Chips. After reaching Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway, take in a round of golf or walking on the local trails before an evening out on the town.

Overnight in Whistler
Relax today in the Whistler Valley, exploring the shops, taking in the scenery. You may wish to take a gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain, but dress warm as it can be a little cooler on the mountain as opposed to the valley.

Overnight in 100 Mile House 325km:
Travel inland along Highway 99, Duffy Lake Road, passing pioneer homes and moving from Coastal rainforest to inland desert to 100 Mile House, British Columbia’s historic gold rush region. Along the way Hat Creek Ranch provides a glimpse into a local ranch’s past.

Overnight in 100 Mile House 450km (Circle):
Today, enjoy Barkerville’s Historic Town located 80 kilometers east of Quesnel via Highway 26. Named for Billy Barker, a miner who first found gold in early 1860s, this 1870 gold rush town features 125 original and reconstructed building, such as the hotel, and Wake Up Jake Cafe.

Overnight in Kamloops 245km:
Departing 100 Mile House today, you travel south to the Kamloops area. This is a leisurely day, not too much driving, so take your time and stop at some of the many viewpoints and towns along the way.

Overnight in Kamloops
Spend the day exploring the area, we suggest a driver to the Shuswap Lakes area, famed for the home of the houseboat vacations and some of the largest Salmon runs on the west coast.

Kelowna 180km:
Leaving the shores of the South Thompson River you head into the Okanagan Valley, home to British Columbia’s orchards and wineries. Your hotel is right on the west shore of Lake Okanagan, as is very central for exploring the vineyards of the region. The Lake Okanagan Resort is situated on 300-acres of lakeside parkland and features 3 outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, tennis courts, marina, spa and so much more.

Overnight in Kelowna
The Okanagan Valley has been a playground for vacationers for generations. Equidistant from Vancouver and Calgary, this area hosts many Canadian, as well as international visitors. Kelowna is located at the mid-point of Lake Okanagan, which is 132 KM long and up to 1000ft deep and is home to the fabled creature, Ogopogo. Take the time to explore the shores of this mighty lake and enjoy it’s many beaches.

Overnight in Osoyoos 124km:
Today travel the length of the Okanagan Valley to its southernmost point, Osoyoos, winner of the “Best small town museum in BC”. Osoyoos is Canada's only desert town, with a unique interpretive centre to experience this phenomenon.  With expanses of orchards and vineyards, lake swimming and boating, this area has all the amenities a visitor could ever want.

Manning Provincial Park 169km:
Leaving the southern desert area of BC today travel into the mountainous interior of southern British Columbia and Manning Provincial Park. You overnight at the Manning Park Resort located in the middle of the park, and this gives you some quiet time to explore, perhaps go on one of the many hiking trails available.
Overnight in Manning Park Resort.

Overnight in Vancouver 230km:
Today return to Vancouver along the Hope – Princeton highway passed the famous Hope Slide and along the fertile farmland of the Fraser Valley. Along the way you can step back in time at Kilby Historic Store, where costumed staff introduces you to an original Fraser Valley family. The Fraser winds along to Mission where view seekers drive up to Westminster Abbey, a working monastery open to visitors. Or a cooling, wet, fun stop at the Trans-Canada Waterslides located close to Bridal Falls on Highway 1.

Overnight in Vancouver
Today is a day of fun. Enjoy a unique “little blue ferry” ride on a 40 minute tour of False Creek, and hear about area history, geographical information, and points of interest, including Science World. Science World is a hands-on centre, offering entertaining and educational experiences in hundreds of interactive exhibits. Later visit the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, and learn about marine creatures such as whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, sea-lions and otters in this state of the art, 90,000 square foot facility located in world famous Stanley Park.

Depart
Your Canadian vacation ends today. Return you car to the airport before boarding your flight home.