BritishColumbia
5
Day Itinerary •
Canada
Five days in British Columbia gives the full extraordinary range of Canada's most diverse province, from Whistler's mountain peaks and Tofino's wild Pacific coast through Victoria's Victorian splendour to the wine estates of the Okanagan and the hidden wilderness of the Kootenays where the longest free ferry in Canada crosses a turquoise mountain lake to a valley of old-growth cedar forests and silver mining ghost towns. This route covers the complete BC experience from the Coast Mountain resorts and the Pacific rainforest coast through the provincial capital and the warmest lake in Canada to the hidden Kootenay mountains where Nelson's Victorian streets, the Kokanee Glacier and the roadless Valhalla wilderness give the finest undiscovered corner of British Columbia. Five extraordinary days across the most naturally magnificent province in Canada.
Best Time To Visit
June to September
Getting There
Fly into Vancouver (YVR)
Getting Around
Car essential throughout BC
Budget Per Day
Approx 235 to 785 CAD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate
DAY 1
WHISTLER AND THE SEA TO SKY
MORNING
VANCOUVER, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CITY SETTING IN NORTH AMERICA
Vancouver is the most extraordinary city in Canada for natural setting, its extraordinary mountains visible from downtown, the remarkable Stanley Park seawall of 9km around one of the finest urban parks in the world, the extraordinary Granville Island public market and the remarkable Gastown steam clock and cobblestone streets making it the finest west coast city in North America. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest is extraordinary. Stanley Park seawall free. Drive/Travel: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
THE SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY AND SHANNON FALLS
The Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is the most extraordinary coastal mountain drive in Canada, its extraordinary views of Howe Sound from the cliff-edge road, the remarkable Shannon Falls at 335 metres the third highest waterfall in BC and the extraordinary Sea to Sky Gondola at Squamish giving the finest aerial view of the Chief and the fjord below. Shannon Falls free. Gondola approx 45 CAD. Drive/Travel: 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
WHISTLER VILLAGE AND THE FINEST MOUNTAIN RESORT IN NORTH AMERICA
Whistler is the most extraordinary mountain resort in North America, its extraordinary car-free village, the remarkable Peak 2 Peak Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at 436 metres above the valley giving the finest aerial crossing in the world and the extraordinary Lost Lake Nordic trails through old-growth forest making it the finest mountain resort experience in Canada. Peak 2 Peak approx 70 CAD.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Musical Bumps trail above Whistler connects the Singing Pass to Russet Lake through extraordinary high alpine meadows above 2,000 metres with views of the Coast Mountains in every direction. Almost no day hikers reach Russet Lake. Entirely free with gondola ticket. The meadows are finest in late July and
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Timber, Whistler Outstanding breakfast at the finest independent restaurant in Whistler village. Local BC ingredients. | Lunch: Araxi, Whistler The finest restaurant in Whistler. Outstanding BC farm-to-table lunch. Reserve ahead. | Dinner: Bearfoot Bistro, Whistler Outstanding Champagne sabrage and the finest wine cellar in BC. Extraordinary Arctic Ice Room experience.
DAY 2
TOFINO AND THE WILD PACIFIC
MORNING
TOFINO AND THE WILD PACIFIC COAST
Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island is the most extraordinary surf and wilderness destination in Canada, its extraordinary Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with 16km of Long Beach, the remarkable old-growth rainforest of the Rainforest Trail and the extraordinary Meares Island with the finest grove of ancient red cedars in BC giving it a character unlike anywhere else in the country. The surf on Cox Bay is the finest in Canada. Pacific Rim park pass approx 10 CAD. Drive/Travel: 4.5 hours drive and ferry
MIDDAY
CLAYOQUOT SOUND AND THE ANCIENT RAINFOREST
Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve surrounding Tofino is the most extraordinary temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast of Canada, its extraordinary Meares Island Big Tree Trail passing red cedars over 1,000 years old and 4 metres in diameter, the remarkable Kennedy Lake and the extraordinary hot springs cove accessible only by boat giving the finest wilderness experience in BC. Meares Island water taxi approx 20 CAD return. Drive/Travel: 20 min boat
AFTERNOON
PACIFIC RIM WHALE WATCHING AND THE INTERTIDAL ZONE
The waters off Tofino are the finest whale watching destination in Canada from March to October, grey whales migrating north in spring and humpback whales feeding in Clayoquot Sound in summer. The intertidal zone at Tonquin Beach at low tide exposes the finest tide pools in BC with sea stars, anemones and purple urchins. Whale watching cruise approx 90 CAD.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Hot Springs Cove north of Tofino, accessible only by floatplane or water taxi through Clayoquot Sound, is the finest natural hot springs in BC. The geothermal pools cascade over rock ledges into the Pacific Ocean. Water taxi approx 100 CAD return. Book through remote passages or Tofino Water Taxi.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: SoBo, Tofino The finest breakfast in Tofino at the most celebrated local food truck turned restaurant. Outstanding BC halibut tacos. | Lunch: Wolf in the Fog, Tofino The finest restaurant on Vancouver Island. Outstanding Pacific coast ingredients. Book weeks ahead. | Dinner: Shelter Restaurant, Tofino Outstanding Tofino surf culture dining. Local Dungeness crab and Pacific salmon at the finest terrace in town.
DAY 3
VICTORIA
MORNING
VICTORIA, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CAPITAL CITY IN WESTERN CANADA
Victoria on southern Vancouver Island is the most extraordinary provincial capital in Canada, its extraordinary Inner Harbour with the Fairmont Empress hotel and the BC Legislature illuminated at night, the remarkable Royal BC Museum with the finest natural history collection in western Canada, the extraordinary Butchart Gardens 20km north with 55 acres of flowering gardens and the remarkable Chinatown, the second oldest in North America, making it the finest city on the Pacific coast. Museum approx 30 CAD. Drive/Travel: 2.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
THE BUTCHART GARDENS AND THE FINEST FLORAL DISPLAY IN CANADA
Butchart Gardens in a former limestone quarry north of Victoria is the most extraordinary garden in Canada, its extraordinary Sunken Garden, Italian Garden, Japanese Garden and Rose Garden across 55 acres attracting one million visitors annually. The Saturday night fireworks and the illuminated evening garden are the finest events in BC. Entry approx 40 CAD in summer. Drive/Travel: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE GULF ISLANDS AND THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS FERRY
The Southern Gulf Islands between Victoria and Vancouver are the most extraordinary island archipelago in BC, their extraordinary Mediterranean microclimate, the remarkable Salt Spring Island Saturday market with the finest artisan food in the province, the extraordinary Ganges harbour village and the remarkable Ruckle Provincial Park with the finest coastal headland camping in BC making them the finest hidden escape from Victoria. Ferry approx 20 CAD.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Hatley Castle grounds at Royal Roads University near Victoria are free to walk and contain the finest Edwardian formal gardens in BC, their extraordinary Italian and Japanese gardens surrounding a castle built in 1908 by coal magnate James Dunsmuir. Entirely free on weekdays. The rose garden in June is
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Jam Cafe, Victoria The most popular breakfast spot in Victoria. Outstanding Canadian brunch. Expect a queue from 9am. | Lunch: Butchart Gardens dining room Outstanding garden lunch inside the finest floral display in Canada. Book the dining room ahead. | Dinner: Olo Restaurant, Victoria The finest farm-to-table restaurant in Victoria. Outstanding BC ingredients from local farms and the Pacific.
DAY 4
THE OKANAGAN
MORNING
THE OKANAGAN VALLEY, CANADA'S WINE COUNTRY
The Okanagan Valley in south-central BC is the most extraordinary wine country in Canada, its extraordinary 200 wineries concentrated around Kelowna, Oliver and Osoyoos producing the finest Merlot, Pinot Gris and Ice Wine in the country. The Naramata Bench above Okanagan Lake is the most extraordinary wine road in Canada, 17 estate wineries in 9km of lakeshore cliff. Mission Hill Family Estate winery has the finest architecture and views in the Okanagan. Tastings from approx 15 CAD. Drive/Travel: 5 hours drive
MIDDAY
THE OKANAGAN LAKE AND THE BEACH CULTURE
Okanagan Lake is the most extraordinary swimming lake in Canada, its extraordinary turquoise water, the sandy beaches of Kelowna and Penticton and the remarkable Ogopogo legend of the lake monster making it the finest summer destination in the BC interior. The Myra Canyon railway trestle trail above Kelowna, 18 historic wooden trestles on a cliff-edge abandoned railway, is the finest heritage trail in BC. Myra Canyon free. Drive/Travel: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE SIMILKAMEEN VALLEY AND THE KEREMEOS FRUIT STANDS
The Similkameen Valley west of Osoyoos is the most extraordinary fruit growing valley in Canada, its extraordinary roadside stands selling the finest stone fruit, cherries and apricots in BC direct from the orchards in July and August and the remarkable Keremeos Grist Mill National Historic Site giving the finest historic milling experience in western Canada. The valley drive on Hwy 3 is extraordinary in summer. Grist Mill approx 8 CAD.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Anarchist Mountain viewpoint on Hwy 3 above Osoyoos gives the finest single panorama in the BC interior, its extraordinary view over Osoyoos Lake, the US border and the ponderosa pine grasslands of the Canadian desert. Entirely free. The Osoyoos desert is the only true desert in Canada. Go at
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: RauDZ Regional Table, Kelowna Outstanding Okanagan breakfast at the finest regional restaurant. Local fruit and valley honey. | Lunch: Mission Hill Terrace Restaurant Outstanding Okanagan wine estate lunch with the finest views over the lake. Local estate Chardonnay. | Dinner: Waterfront Wines, Kelowna The finest restaurant in the Okanagan. Outstanding BC cuisine and local wine pairing.
DAY 5
THE KOOTENAYS
MORNING
THE KOOTENAY ROCKIES AND NELSON, THE FINEST SMALL CITY IN BC
Nelson in the Kootenay region is the most extraordinary small city in BC, its extraordinary Victorian heritage architecture, the remarkable Streetcar 23 heritage tram on the lakefront and the outstanding independent arts and food scene making it the finest undiscovered city in western Canada. The Whitewater ski resort above Nelson is the finest powder skiing in BC. The extraordinary Kootenay Lake, the longest free ferry crossing in Canada, is remarkable. Ferry free. Drive/Travel: 5 hours drive
MIDDAY
THE KOKANEE GLACIER PROVINCIAL PARK
Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park above Nelson is the most extraordinary glaciated wilderness in the Kootenays, its extraordinary Kokanee Glacier accessible by a 7km trail from the Joker Millsite trailhead, the remarkable high-alpine lakes of Sapphire, Garnet and Silver Spray and the extraordinary heritage Slocan Chief cabin at 2,100 metres giving the finest backcountry experience in southern BC. Park entry free. Drive/Travel: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE SLOCAN VALLEY AND THE FINEST HIDDEN VALLEY IN BC
The Slocan Valley between Nelson and Nakusp is the most extraordinary and least visited valley in BC, its extraordinary turquoise Slocan Lake, the remarkable heritage silver mining towns of Sandon and New Denver and the extraordinary Valhalla Provincial Park wilderness on the western shore giving it a character entirely unlike any other BC valley. The New Denver Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre is remarkable. Entry free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Valhalla Provincial Park western shore of Slocan Lake is accessible only by water taxi or canoe from New Denver, its extraordinary old-growth cedar forest, granite walls and complete absence of roads making it the finest hidden wilderness in southern BC. Water taxi from New Denver approx 25 CAD return.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Oso Negro, Nelson The finest independent coffee shop in BC. Outstanding locally roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches. | Lunch: All Seasons Cafe, Nelson The finest restaurant in Nelson. Outstanding BC farm-to-table lunch with local Kootenay ingredients. | Dinner: Outer Clove, Nelson Outstanding garlic-themed dinner at the most characterful restaurant in the Kootenays.
Where To Stay
Whistler, Night 1 Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Approx 300 to 700 CAD per night. Tofino, Night 2 Wickaninnish Inn. Approx 300 to 800 CAD per night. Victoria, Night 3 Fairmont Empress. Approx 200 to 500 CAD per night. Kelowna, Night 4 Hotel Zed Kelowna or Manteo Resort. Approx 150 to 350 CAD per night. Nelson, Night 5 Hume Hotel or Cloudside Inn. Approx 120 to 250 CAD per night.
Top Tips
1. Naramata Bench wine road: cycle the 9km from Penticton. All 17 estate wineries offer walk-in tastings.
2. Myra Canyon trestles: the 12km return walk above Kelowna is entirely flat on the old Kettle Valley Railway bed.
3. Kootenay free ferry: the Kootenay Lake ferry from Balfour to Kootenay Bay is the longest free ferry in Canada.
4. Valhalla water taxi: book through Valhalla Wilderness Society. Day trips only from New Denver waterfront.
5. Okanagan swimming: Skaha Beach in Penticton is the finest freshwater beach in Canada. Warmest lake in BC.
6. Nelson streetcar: heritage Streetcar 23 runs along the Nelson waterfront May to October. Best photo in the Kootenays.
Total Budget
235 to 780 CAD/day