Whistler and Canada's Pacific Coast Road Trip

Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler with Sea to Sky Gondola | 122 km/76 mi Depart Vancouver this morning along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls, the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs and the Sea to sky Gondola where incredible bird’s-eye views of Howe Sound sprawl before you. At the top, enjoy access to several interpretive walking trails, viewing platforms and the on-site restaurant and tea house. Continue onto Whistler to arrive midafternoon.

Day 2 Whistler | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions You can personalize your day by choosing one of five excursions. Option 1. Whistler Guided Lunch Tour There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in Whistler than exploring the eclectic culinary scene. Guests will enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while visiting some of the best local lunch spots and indulge a sweet tooth at a couple of chocolate shops. Option 2. River of Golden Dreams Canoe Tour This summertime paddle takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux. Option 3. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola Experience the beauty via the Peak Adventure on Whistler Mountain as you soak in the unbelievable views of glaciers, extinct volcanoes and snow-capped peaks. Option 4. Upgrade Option: Bear Safari in Whistler Olympic Park Experience Olympic Park’s untouched wilderness, housing numerous black bears. Witness them forage from your vehicle amidst pristine landscapes. Drive up iconic Ski Jumps for breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Day 3 Whistler to Tofino/Ucluelet | 303 km/189 mi + Ferry Return down the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island. At Nanaimo head west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees plus the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.

Day 4 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of two excursions Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.

Day 5 Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria | 313 km/195 mi Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours - admission not included).

Day 6 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions. Option 1. Butchart Gardens Admission On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate. Option 2. Eat like a Canadian Food Tour Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot Option 3. Whale Watch Cruise Get up close with the killer whales on the Salish Sea with this guided, 3.5-hour whale-watching cruise from Victoria. Climb aboard a covered or open boat equipped with hydrophones to hear the whales and bring the underwater experience to light. Option 4. High Tea at the Empress Hotel Enjoy High tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel is a delightful, traditional experience. Indulge in a lavish array of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones, served in an elegant setting, enhancing the allure of this historic Victoria, British Columbia landmark.

Day 7 Victoria to Vancouver | 69 km/43 mi + Ferry Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your Flexi Drive ends.