Highlights
- See the highlights of Vancouver on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour
- Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler
- Ride on the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Do a tour of Vancouver Island and nearby British-influenced Victoria
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver, City Tour | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Drive to Whistler, Hike Chief Peak | Whistler |
| Day 3 | Drive to Vancouver, Visit Grouse Mountain | Vancouver |
| Day 4 | Ferry to Vancouver Island, Explore Victoria | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Depart Vancouver |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver, City Tour
Welcome to western Canada! Get a first glimpse of Vancouver on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour. A local guide will provide an insightful perspective on the city's history as you pass through the vibrant downtown and its must-see highlights like Canada Palace, Coal Harbour, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and the Entertainment District.
The two most recommended stops are Granville Island and Vancouver Aquarium. Granville is a transformed space from an industrial wasteland to a thriving cultural hub. Head to Public Market and peruse through more than 50 food stalls, then see the work of Canadian artists and designers at Railspur District. Carry on to the aquarium to glimpse over 60,000 underwater creatures and 30 exhibits.
Day 2: Drive to Whistler, Hike Chief Peak
This morning, hit the road and head north to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the country's most iconic drives. On the way, stop at Squamish, an access point for the Chief Peak. Stop to complete one of the trails to the summit. Alternatively, take a gondola up to Summit Lodge, where you'll get excellent views of Howe Sound. Grab lunch at the lodge before continuing the drive.
Once in Whistler, you'll have a free afternoon to walk around the chalet-style pedestrian village. Pamper yourself in one of the town's many spas, or ride to the top of the ski area via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. As the world's longest unsupported cable car, the gondola runs between the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and provides easy access to alpine hiking and biking trails.
Day 3: Drive to Vancouver, Visit Grouse Mountain
Drive back to Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Before arriving in the city, stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Cross the iconic (and wobbly) suspension bridge across the raging Capilano River. Then, climb to the Treetop Adventure and walk through the forest canopy on a series of suspended footbridges set 110 feet (30 m) up.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Ferry to Vancouver Island, Explore Victoria
Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay and cross the Strait of Georgia to arrive on Vancouver Island, known as the "island of eternal spring." Upon disembarking, start a tour with the First Nations people of the Cowichan tribe. Admire their totems and learn more about their history and traditions before stopping for an educational visit to the Quw'utsun Cultural Center.
Continue your discovery of the island with a walk around the beautiful Butchart Gardens, then proceed to the provincial capital of Victoria. Highlights include the marina, the Parliament Buildings, the Royal Museum, the Empress Hotel, and the Wax Museum. After a day of sightseeing, return to Vancouver by ferry in the evening.
Day 5: Depart Vancouver
If you have time, head out in the morning for a last walk around downtown Vancouver. Then, head to the airport and board a flight back home.
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