Road Trip Across British Columbia: Whistler, Ucluelet, Tofino, Victoria & Vancouver - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, Drive to Whistler, Evening Visit to Vallea Lumina

Welcome to Vancouver! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport and hit the road for a two-hour drive to Whistler, home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Though the city is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain, it offers year-round adventures for outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain biking, hiking, and ziplining. Drive along Highway 99, better known as the "Sea-to-Sky Highway," as the road takes you from the Pacific Coast to towering alpine heights. 

If you want to stop anywhere, consider Stawamus Chief Mountain or Shannon Falls Provincial Park for a hike or Squamish to ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola. When you arrive in Whistler, relax at the hotel and unwind after your flight. Later, as dark falls, make your way to Vallea Lumina, a multimedia night walk through the forest that runs year-round. Follow the winding 0.9-mile (1.5 km) trail illuminated by dazzling light installations, soundscapes, and immersive storytelling to unravel the secrets of the ancient valley. 

Day 2: Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain

Enjoy a free day to explore Whistler at your own place. A good place to start is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest unsupported cable car span in the world. Aptly named, the gondola connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, so you can choose to depart at either peak. Glide 2.7 miles (4.4 km) across the sky, looking out at snowcapped peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows. If you want to take advantage of the snow, the Blackcomb terminal is best for skiing or snowboarding.

If you're visiting in summer and want to go hiking, end at the Whistler Mountain terminal to access trails such as High Note Trail or the Harmony Lake Loop. From here, you can also walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge, one of the world's highest and longest suspension bridges at 1,427 feet (436 m). 

Day 3: Drive to Horseshoe Bay, Ferry to Nanaimo, Drive to Ucluelet

Leave the mainland behind today as you drive one hour to Horseshoe Bay on the west coast, ready to catch a 1.5-hour ferry to Vancouver Island. Disembark in Nanaimo and drive 2.5 hours across the island to Ucluelet, a charming coastal municipality. Check into your hotel and freshen up, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. The area's beaches, Wickaninnish Beach and Tonquin Beach are ideal for a coastal stroll or an afternoon relaxing on the beach or swimming in the ocean if the weather permits.

Those who want to stretch their legs should follow the Rainforest Trail through old-growth forests, alongside babbling streams and past ancient cedar and hemlock trees. Wildlife you can spot here includes black bears, deer, and bald eagles. If the weather isn't playing ball, visit the Ucluelet Aquarium instead to learn about the marine life of the Pacific coast. Unlike traditional aquariums, exhibits feature animals collected from the nearby waters that are returned to their natural habitat at the end of each season, helping you learn about the importance of marine conservation in a sustainable way. 

Day 4: Whale Watching Tour, Explore Tofino at Leisure

Today's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a boat cruise (available between April and October) to spot whales. Drive 30 minutes up the coast to the small town of Tofino, where you'll board a small boat and set sail in search of humpback, gray, fin, and minke whales and orcas (killer whales). Your captain will take you to common feeding areas to increase your chance of spotting these incredible creatures up close. You may also spot sea otters, seals, sea lions, and various seabirds along the way. After 2.5 hours on the water, return to shore to explore the town. 

Tofino is renowned for its surf breaks, so head to Cox Bay or Chestermean Beach if you're searching for waves to catch. If surfing isn't your thing, explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve instead. This protected area encompasses an array of ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, expansive beaches, and marine habitats teeming with life. Discover the network of scenic hiking trails, such as the famous West Coast Trail, relax on the pristine beaches, or look for wildlife like black bears, deer, and raccoons. After spending the day in Tofino, drive back to your hotel in Ucluelet.

Day 5: Drive to Victoria, Whale Watching Cruise

Say goodbye to Ucluelet this morning as you set off on a four-hour drive to Victoria, British Columbia's capital city. Along the way, stop in Chemainus to see over 40 murals adorning the walls of buildings throughout the downtown area and then Duncan to admire the impressive collection of totem poles scattered across the city by the Coast Salish people. When you arrive in the capital, refresh at your hotel, then meet your driver for a transfer to the pier, where you'll board a boat cruise to look for more whales.

The great thing about whale watching in Victoria is that whale sightings are guaranteed, especially during peak season between April and October, because orcas reside here year-round. You may also have a chance to spot humpback, gray, and minke whales, so keep your cameras ready in case one breaches in front of you. After three hours on the water, return to shore and continue to explore at your own pace. When hunger strikes, wander down the Inner Harbour, lined with colorful flower beds and historic lampposts, to enjoy dinner overlooking the water.

Day 6: Explore Salt Spring Island, Drive to Vancouver, Visit Granville Island

Start your final morning in Victoria with a 35-minute ferry ride to Salt Spring Island, located in the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. Wander through the charming villages dotted with art studios, galleries, and boutiques showcasing locally made crafts. Then, explore more of the island on a hike, bike ride, or kayak. The island is known for its farm-to-table dining, with farm stands, markets, and restaurants offering fresh, organic fare, so grab a bite to eat before returning to the hotel to grab your bags.

Then, hit the road for a 45-minute transfer to the Swartz Bay Terminal, where you'll drive onto a 1.5-hour ferry to Tsawwassen Terminal on the mainland. From there, it's just a 50-minute drive back to Vancouver, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Head to the Granville Island Public Market to browse the stalls full of baked goods, local cheese, and handmade chocolates. Then, end the night in Gastown, the city's historic district, to grab a bite to eat or stop at the Gastown Steam Clock, which chimes every 15 minutes. 

Day 7: Bike Tour in Stanley Park, Explore Chinatown & the Shipyards Night Market

Get ready for an active adventure this morning as you join your guide for a bicycle tour across Stanley Park. With miles of paved and gravel pathways winding through lush forests, along sea walls, and past stunning vistas, cyclists of all levels can enjoy the natural beauty of this urban oasis. Pass iconic sights, including towering totem poles, Beaver Lake, and Prospect Point, while breathing in the fresh ocean air. After pedaling through the park for three hours, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You could make your way to Chinatown, one of the largest ones in North America.

Explore the markets filled with exotic produce, spices, and traditional Chinese goods, or peruse the shops offering everything from herbal remedies to handcrafted souvenirs. If you're visiting on a Friday between May and September, spend the evening at the Shipyards Night Market, held against the picturesque waterfront backdrop. Sample savory street food, gourmet treats, and refreshing beverages, then take in the bustling atmosphere, enhanced by live music, cultural performances, and interactive activities. 

Day 8: Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Depart

Although your road trip across British Columbia is drawing to a close today, you may have time to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, just 15 minutes outside of the city within the temperate rainforest. The highlight of the park is the 450-foot (137 m) long swaying bridge above the Capilano River. After conquering the bridge, the park has an array of walking trails, treetop adventures, and interactive exhibits that showcase the region's flora, fauna, and First Nations culture. Don't miss the Cliffwalk, a series of cantilevered walkways clinging to the granite cliffside.

If timings allow, make one last stop at the Vancouver Aquarium on the shores of the picturesque Coal Harbour. Step inside to see the different marine habitats, from the lush coastal rainforests of British Columbia to the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics. Discover interactive exhibits featuring otters, dolphins, and sea lions while learning about the aquarium's conservation efforts. When it's time, drive to the airport and drop off your rental car before catching your flight home. Safe travels!

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