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- West Coast Fly Drive Holidays
- Northern British Columbia & The Inside Passage
Northern British Columbia & The Inside Passage
From £2,549 pp
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16 nights
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Economy flights
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Available May - October
Take the road less travelled as you explore Northern British Columbia. Here the stunning Coastal Mountains will be your scenic backdrop as you visit some of Canada’s best cultural attractions, search for iconic wildlife and be charmed by the friendly small-town hospitality. You will then board BC Ferries and sail down the Inside Passage, marvelling at the maze of islands and waterways, the forested mountains and at the marine wildlife that calls these waters home. Back on land, explore the lesser-known charms of Vancouver Island, from Courtenay to Nanaimo.
What's Included
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 16 nights accommodation
- 14 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy and Nanaimo to Tsawwassen
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Accommodation in British Columbia Offer
Receive up to a 45% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 45% across our extensive hotel range in the province of British Columbia. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2024 / 2025 seasons. Call us today for more information.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-3
Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The next two days are yours to explore this enchanting coastal city. Take a stroll round Stanley Park, head over to Granville Island to discover a world of food, art and culture or take a shuttle bus over to the North Shore and the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 metres over the Capilano River.
Day 4
Sea-to-Sky Highway
Today you will drive the famous Sea-to-Sky Highway, a stunning drive with the soaring Coast Mountains on one side and blue waters of Howe Sound on the other. Although it’s only 2 hours from Vancouver to Whistler, be prepared for this drive to take all day as there are plenty of attractions off the highway such as Brandywine Falls, emerging after a short walk through the forest, Alice Lake, and the Britannia Mine Museum where you get to board an underground mine train!
Day 5
Whistler
The next day is free to allow you to explore Whistler, a vibrant year-round resort nestled amongst the Pacific Coastal Mountains. Stroll the pedestrianised downtown, which is home to fabulous restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, take the gondola up Whistler Mountain and enjoy breath-taking views or join a bear-watching tour to go in search of local Black Bears.
Day 6
Williams Lake
Leave Whistler behind and follow Highway 99 north as it winds its way through the Coast Mountain range. Be amazed by the spectacular scenery as you travel alongside fast-flowing rivers and past vibrant blue lakes and gushing waterfalls. We recommend picking up a picnic lunch at a farm shop in Pemberton to enjoy on the beach at Seaton Lake. As you pass Lillooet, you leave the Coast Mountain range behind, the scenery suddenly changes as you enter the semi-arid rolling hills of the BC interior. Follow Highway 97 north to Williams Lake.
Day 7
Prince George
Continue north on Highway 97, as it travels alongside the mighty Fraser River, towards the city of Prince George. On the way you make a visit to the historic town of Barkerville which stands as a living testament to BC’s beginnings during the gold rush. With its unique streetscape of more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, museums, restaurants and shops there is much to explore.
Day 8-9
Smithers
Today you will pass by many scenic lakes, so pick up a picnic lunch to stop and enjoy along the way. As you travel west, mountains will appear on the horizon and continue to grow higher until you re-enter the Coastal Mountain range and soaring peaks will be all around. The small town of Smithers has a historic Main Street, with locally owned shops, restaurants, and a lively craft beer scene. Known as the adventure playground of Northern BC, you will have a full day to explore the great outdoors so stretch your legs with short hikes at Twin Falls and Driftwood Canyon or hire a canoe and take to the water at Kathryn Lake.
Day 10-11
Terrace
Continue on Highway 16 and you will pass the town of Hazelton, home to the Ksan Historical Village and Museum. Be guided round the traditional longhouses, admire the intricate totem poles, and learn more about the history of the Gitxsan people who have called this place home for thousands of years. Spend a full day exploring the Nisga’a Highway, just north of Terrace. On this auto tour you will find the Nisga’a Museum, trails through ancient lava beds, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Day 12-13
Prince Rupert
This is your final day travelling on Highway 16 but is arguably the most scenic. Here the road hugs the Skeena River as it weaves its way through the coastal mountains. Luckily there are numerous pull-outs for you to stop and admire the views! On the way to Prince Rupert stop at the North Pacific Cannery, designated a National Historic Site to learn the story of an industry that played a key role in BC’s development over the last 100 years. In the evening, stroll historic Cow Bay and take your pick from the waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood. The next day take to the water, either on a tour to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary (May to July) or on a whale watching tour (July to September).
Day 14
Inside Passage to Port Hardy
Depart Prince Rupert on BC Ferries famed Inside Passage which cruises down to Port Hardy. Grab a seat on the top deck, relax and watch as you pass through a maze of waterways and forested islands. You will pass by remote oceanside communities and should always be on the lookout for wildlife as whales, orcas and dolphins are frequently sighted.
Day 15
Courtenay
Journey down the east coast of Vancouver Island, to the small city of Courtenay. Take a stroll on the Riverway Heritage Walk with views over the Courtenay River estuary, take a dip in the glacier fed Comox Lake or simply relax in one of the many local restaurants. The surrounding area is full of farms, wineries, and breweries and so all the restaurants have a farm-to-fork ethos ensuring you’ll be eating the freshest and tastiest food on the island.
Day 16
Nanaimo
As you continue down Vancouver Island, head inland to Cathedral Grove and stroll through an old-growth forest of giant Douglas fir trees, some more than 800 years old. End the day in the Nanaimo, famous for the sweat treat of the same name. Spend the afternoon here, strolling through downtown streets lined with heritage storefronts, bars, art galleries, and boutiques and onto the Harbour Walkway to watch the floatplanes come and go. Or visit the local museums to explore ancient Coast Salish traditions, Canadian military history, or a replica 19th-century coal mine.
Day 17
Fly Home
You have one final journey ahead of you, a scenic ferry journey from Nanaimo to Tsawwassen that offers views over the Strait of Georgia towards the Coast Mountains . Drop your hire car off at Vancouver International Airport ready for your flight home.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:
