Holiday Ref: 16523
Discover Vancouver and its beautiful Sunshine Coast, one of the most scenic routes on Canada’s west coast. Drive through virgin forests and coastal fishing villages. Nature abounds on Quadra Island and at Tofino which is located in the Pacific Rim National Park. Wildlife play a large part throughout this tour with plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful settings.
Arrive Vancouver and transfer to your airport hotel.
Pick up your motorhome and depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll to be paid) 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 forests and coastal fishing villages.
The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in its wide variety of outdoor adventures.
Today you will continue south on Highway 6 to Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park comprises an area of 525 sq km (325.5 sq. mi.) and abuts Glacier National Park in Montana. In 1995 UNESCO declared Waterton a World Heritage Site. Although relatively small for a national park, this exquisite gem offers spectacular mountain and prairie scenery.
The unspoiled Waterton Townsite is the jump-off point for this lovely park. Outdoor enthusiasts will be entranced with the hiking, climbing and camping opportunities. Walk, bike, horseback ride, picnic, cross-country ski and snowshoe the wonderful variety of trails. Boat, windsurf and fish the Waterton lakes. Take an informative tour of the area by boat or bus. Marvel at the abundant wildlife including elk, bear and cougar. Golf at the beautiful 18-hole local course.
Depart Quadra Island on a short BC Ferries ride (ferry toll included) back 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 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.
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. Also today, why not enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery, and wildlife such as Grey Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles.
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to explore Victoria with its turn-of-the-century architecture, and British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woollens and china. Admission to the Butchart Gardens is included with its 50 acre display of magnificent colour.
Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90-minute 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 and return your motorhome.
Over the next two days, explore the vibrant city of Vancouver. Walk the neighbourhoods, taste the wide variety of food and drink (don’t forget to try the magnificent seafood) – take a foodie or a brewery tour. Check out Stanley Park, Chinatown, Canada Place – there is so much to see and do, make sure you plan well.
Last chance to see something of the city before you transfer to the airport and return home; a camera and heart full of amazing memories.
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