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- Vancouver Island Explorer
Vancouver Island Explorer
From £2,459 pp
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14 nights
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Economy flights
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Available April - October
Covering an area greater than Wales, Vancouver Island needs time in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. From the historic capital of Victoria in the south to windswept beaches and rocky headlands at its northern tip, this self-drive gives you time to explore the best of Vancouver Island and some of the hidden gems in between. With a rich marine ecosystem, you can see black bears, orcas, otters and whales from Spring to Fall, but come in September or October and join a tour to see one of the worlds greatest wildlife spectacles: grizzly bears feasting on spawning salmon.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- 13 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen
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 1-2
Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. You have a free day to explore this enchanting coastal city at your leisure. 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 3
Courtenay
After picking up your car hire, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island and up the east coast 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 4-5
Telegraph Cove
Follow Highway 19 north and marvel at the scenery as you pass through the forested mountain terrain of Northern Vancouver Island. Lake side rest areas provide an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way! You have a free day to explore the surrounding area, perhaps take the ferry over to Alert Bay with its cultural attractions or join a tour to world famous San Josef Bay, regularly voted as one of the world’s best beaches.
Day 6-7
Campbell River
Start you day early and join a kayak tour before heading back down the island to Campbell River. Pay a visit to the nearby Elk Falls Provincial Park which has a spectacular waterfall best viewed from the suspension bridge (other viewpoints are available!). You have a full day in Campbell River, where marine wildlife tours run from Spring to Fall, however if you are travelling in September or October, we recommend you join a full day Grizzly Bear viewing tour and observe these majestic animals trying to catch and feed on spawning salmon.
Day 8-10
Tofino
Head through the rugged interior of Vancouver Island stopping at the spectacular Cathedral Grove and many lookouts along the way. Your end destination is Tofino, located on a small peninsular surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, where you have two full days to explore the Pacific Rim National Park, On the first day, drive to Ucluelet, stopping at the many beaches and trails along the way. In Ucluelet you can stroll the Lighthouse Loop and admire the crashing waves and rugged coastline. The next day join a kayak tour to explore the Broken Islands or take a trip to Hot Springs Cove where you can hike a beautiful rainforest trail before soaking in the natural hot spring pools.
Day 11
Nanaimo
As you journey back over the island, stop at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park where waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forest setting bordered by steep mountain peaks, making this one of the area’s most beautiful parks. 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 12
Port Renfrew
On today’s drive you will pass through the Cowichan Valley, which is famous for its wineries, so we recommend popping into a cellar room and picking up a bottle to enjoy in the evening. Arrive in Port Renfrew, known as The Jewel of the West Coast, and visit Botanical Beach, with its rich tidal pools and fascinating geological features, and Avatar Grove, with its boardwalk meandering through an old growth forest of giant red cedars and Douglas firs.
Day 13-14
Victoria
With the ocean on one side and forested mountains on the other, todays drive down to Victoria will be spectacular. At Jordan River, the Cold Shoulder Café serves up delicious home baked treats that are well worth a stop. The next day you are free to explore Victoria, British Columbia's capital city. Take a stroll round the harbour, which is lined with historic buildings such as the BC Parliament Building, head over to Fisherman’s Wharf for a fresh seafood lunch or take to the air on a scenic floatplane tour.
Day 15
Fly Home
On the way to the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay, pay a visit to the world-famous Butchart Garden. The ferry journey back to the mainland is especially scenic as it weaves through the Southern Gulf Islands. Your Canadian adventure has come to an end. Drop off your hire car at Vancouver International Airport ready for your flight home.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
5GB of FREE data
Stay connected with up to 5GB of FREE data
Stream, surf, and share more with up to 5GB data on us. Book by 31st July 2025.
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Accommodation in British Columbia Offer
Receive up to a 50% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 50% across our extensive hotel range in the province of British Columbia. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2025/2026 seasons. Call us today for more information.
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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:
