Day 1 Vancouver Arrival | Transfer independently to your Vancouver hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure. Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port with a thriving multi-cultural ambiance. The city is located in a spectacular setting with the Coast Mountains across Burrard Inlet to the north and the waters of the Strait of Georgia to the west. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, a mild climate and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make Vancouver a favourite tourist destination. Overnight at the Sandman Hotel Downtown.
Day 2 Vancouver | Today you will experience Vancouver Foodie Tours which offers food tasting and educational walking tours, introducing food lovers to one-of-a-kind dishes that define Vancouver’s vibrant culinary scene. This tour is recognised as a unique experience by the Canadian Tourism Commission and is the best way to taste Vancouver. Overnight at the Sandman Hotel Downtown.
Day 3 Vancouver to Sunshine Coast (103 km/64 mi) | Pick up rental car and depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. At Langdale disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route through virgin forests and coastal fishing villages to our overnight accommodation at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
Day 4 Sunshine Coast | The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a variety of outdoor adventures.
Day 5 Sunshine Coast to Quadra Island (78 km/47 mi) | Today, travel north to Earls Cove for a 50 minutes BC Ferry ride (included) to Saltery Bay, continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferry service (ferry toll included) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River and your destination, April Point Resort.
Day 6 Eco Wilderness Cruise into Desolation Sound | By Zodiac, cruise through breathtaking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat (included)
Day 7 Quadra Island to Tofino (225 km/140 mi) | Depart Quadra Island on a short BC Ferry ride (included) to Vancouver Island and head south 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. 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. Overnight at Best Western Tin Wis
Day 8 Tofino (Pacific Rim National Park) | You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Mid-afternoon enjoy a 3 hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery, and wildlife such as Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles.
Day 9 Tofino 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). Overnight at Chateau Victoria
Day 10 Victoria Exploring | Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission is (included) to the Butchart Gardens with its 50 acre display of magnificent colour.
Day 11 Victoria to Vancouver (69 km/43 mi + Ferry) | Leaving Victoria drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) 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 you return your rental car.
Day 12 Vancouver | Today use your Hop on Hop off Vancouver city attractions pass to enjoy Vancouver’s most popular areas: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more! With 34 stops throughout Vancouver you have the opportunity to learn what makes the city so spectacular.
Day 13 Vancouver | This morning, a check out of your hotel concludes your Vancouver and Sunshine Coast adventure. Transfer independently to Vancouver airport for your onward flight.
Prices from AU$2195.00 per person twin share. Single supplement available on request.
Valid for travel 1st May – 11th September 2014 & 2015
Includes: 12 nights hotel accommodation twin share (room only), 9 day compact car rental inclusive of unlimited kilometres, CDW, Minimum 3rd Party Liability, 24 Hour Roadside Assistance, GPS, taxes and surcharges. Return BC Ferries tolls for vehicle and passengers, Whale Watch tour from Tofino, Butchart Gardens admission and Zodiac Eco Tour into Desolation Sound. Vancouver foodie tour, Hop on Hop off 24 hour pass and exclusive travel documentation package including personalized maps, itinerary and driving directions.
Not included: All meals (unless stated above), National Park Entrance Fees, Car Parking fees and gratuities.
