With 8 days, you can start to combine multiple regions of British Columbia for a more diverse experience. Follow a circle route through the Coast Mountains and Okanagan's wine country. Or, combine both the Sunshine Coast and the Pacific Rim for the ultimate coastal experience. For those keen on an outdoor adventure, you can also undertake a multi-day hike or multi-night stay at a remote wilderness lodge.
Pick from the numerous hiking trails around Whistler
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver
Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver to Whistler (2 hours)
Whistler
Day 3
Explore around Whistler
Whistler
Day 4
Whistler to Pacific Rim (6 h 30 min)
Pacific Rim
Day 5
Explore Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim
Day 6
Explore Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve
Pacific Rim
Day 7
Pacific Rim to Victoria (4 h 45 min)
Victoria
Day 8
Victoria to Vancouver, Depart (2 h 30 min)
This route combines two of British Columbia's most popular destinations—Whister & Tofino. Despite their popularity, it's easy to escape the crowds once you get off the beaten path and into the beautiful surroundings. After exploring the mountains around Whistler, you'll catch a ferry over to Vancouver Island for three nights in the coastal rainforest of the Pacific Rim. Finally, you'll end your trip with a night in Victoria before catching the ferry back to Vancouver. See the full itinerary.
Plan your trip to British Columbia Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #2: British Columbia Circuit: Whistler, Shuswap, & Okanagan Valley
Highlights: Mountains, lakes, wineries
Driving time: 16 hours
Distance: 720 miles (1160 km)
Autumn sunrise over Salmon Arm in Shuswap Country
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver
Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver to Whistler (2 hours)
Whistler
Day 3
Whistler to Salmon Arm (5 h 30 min)
Salmon Arm
Day 4
History & Outdoor Adventure in the Shuswap
Salmon Arm
Day 5
Salmon Arm to Osoyoos (4 hours)
Osoyoos
Day 6
Explore around Osoyoos
Osoyoos
Day 7
Osoyoos to Vancouver (4 h 30 min)
Vancouver
Day 8
Depart Vancouver
If you don't mind a bit of driving, you'll cross through three regions of British Columbia on the circular road trip starting and ending in Vancouver. After exploring the mountains around Whistler, you'll head east through Gold Rush Country to the Shuswap, famous for its large lakes, boating, and water-based activities. From there, you'll head south into the heart of the Okanagan Valley, the province's wine region and home to hundreds of wineries, fruit farms, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. See the full itinerary.
Itinerary #3: Sunshine Coast & Pacific Rim Road Trip
Highlights: Beaches, rainforest, quaint towns
Driving time: 18 hours
Distance: 540 miles (870 km)
The Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1
Arrive in Vancouver
Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver to Sechelt (2 h 30 min)
Sechelt
Day 3
Explore the Lower Sunshine Coast
Sechelt
Day 4
Sechelt to Powell River (3 hours)
Powell River
Day 5
Powell River to Pacific Rim (5 hours)
Pacific Rim
Day 6
Explore Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim
Day 7
Pacific Rim to Victoria (4 h 45 min)
Victoria
Day 8
Victoria to Vancouver, Depart (2 h 30 min)
For those who love the coast, quaint seaside communities, and the outdoors, this route combines the best coastal experiences in the province. From Vancouver, catch the ferry over to the Lower Sunshine Coast and relax in the laid-back towns of Sechelt and Gibsons. From there, follow the inlets and coastline up to Powell River in the north, where you'll catch another ferry over to Vancouver Island. Here, settle down in a B&B or wilderness lodge along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Rim, and go hiking through the rainforest or paddling out to remote island chains. Finally, end the trip with a night in the provincial capital of Victoria before you depart. See the full itinerary.
