Sea to Sky

A full day to explore Victoria’s inner harbour with the Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel. Check out the stores or go visit the Royal BC Museum or China Town.

Today you take the scenic Malahat Drive with panoramic ocean views to distant Mount Baker. Stop in Duncan, the “City of Totems”, and in Chemainus to see the world’s largest outdoor gallery of murals and sculptures. Try a Nanaimo Bar in Nanaimo, and visit Coombs, famous for its market with the goats grazing on the roof.

Cross the island on Highway 4 and wind your way through the ancient Douglas fir trees of Cathedral Grove. Check out the Mars fire bomber, based at Sproat Lake. Stroll a bit further along the beach, and you will have a close up view of the ancient petroplyphs.

There’s so much to do in the small village of ‘Ukee’. Will it be whale watching, bear watching, bird watching, fishing, surfing, hiking, biking, ocean kayaking, zip lining or Ukee dining and a sunset cruise? Visit nearby Tofino, explore the Pacific Rim and Long Beach.

Return along Highway 4 to head north on Highway 19A, and relax on the sandy beaches of Parksville and the stunning shoreline of Qualicum Beach. Continuing north, you end up at Campbell River, the Salmon Capital of the World.

Take a stroll around the community to see the hundreds of chainsaw carvings. From the Discovery Pier, you might see a salmon, eagle, or whale. Venture into Strathcona Provincial Park for wildlife or go whale watching or kayaking.

The Sunshine Coast is the next stop on your journey. In Comox, board BC Ferries to Powell River, a hub of the Sunshine Coast that successfully combines the great outdoors with historic and cultural appeal. Drive north to explore the eclectic community of Lund, located at the end of Highway 101.

Visit the Historic Lund Hotel, complete with art gallery and general store. Board a cruise and watch for whales, sea lions, porpoises, seals and coastal marine birds on a scenic cruise into Desolation Sound. Or take a 15-minute water taxi ride from Lund to Savary Island; the island’s white sand beaches and warm swimming waters are reminiscent of more tropical destinations.

Today you board another BC Ferries vessel to Earls Cove. See Harmony Falls and at Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, hike the easy 4-km/2.5-mi trail to a viewpoint turbulent waters form spectacular whirlpools and whitewater during peak tide change.

Today you return to the mainland by ferry and drive the scenic ‘Sea-to-Sky’ Highway along the many fjords of the Pacific Coast to Whistler, a bustling summer and ski-resort. Discover scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls, bustling communities, parks and outdoor activities.

In the morning visit the downtown area of Whistler, rent a bike and explore the area, take the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, hike to Lost lake. The beautiful Duffey Lake Road brings you straight across the scenic Coast Mountains to Lillooet.

While driving on Highway 97 and 99, you can experience BC’s historic gold rush past. This journey takes you past historic buildings, through unique geological landscapes, and to parts of the original Cariboo Wagon Road that were used by more than 10,000 pioneers during the 1860s.

Wells Grey Provincial Park is famous for wildlife (black bears, grizzlies, moose, mountain goats, caribou, wolves, cougar, etc.), waterfalls and wilderness. Check out Dawson Falls and Helmcken Falls, which plunge down into mist-filled gorges.

North over the Caribou Mountain roads where black bears are frequently seen. Visit the Rearguard Falls and maybe take the time for an exciting rafting trip on the mighty Fraser River. Drive through Mount Robson Provincial Park, named after the highest mountain of the Canadian Rockies.

Enjoy Jasper and surroundings. Take a cruise on Maligne Lake, take the Jasper SkyTram to the summit of Whistlers Mountain with views of downtown, relax in Miette Hot Springs and visit the flowered meadows and glaciers of Mount Edith Cavell. Mountain lions, wolves, caribou, beaver and bear roam freely!

Today you drive the world’s most scenic highway, the Icefields Parkway. Marvel at the snowy peaks, icy-blue lakes and the famous Athabasca Glacier. See the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls, walk on air on the Glacier Skywalk.

Continue on the Icefields Parkway. Our En Route Travel Book makes sure you will not miss anything along the way. Visit Peyto Lake and the famous azure blue waters of Lake Louise. Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon should not be missed!

Check out downtown Banff with its many stores, see Lake Minnewanka, Vermillion Lakes, Bow Falls and the impressive Banff Springs Hotel. Dip in the hot pools and take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Today your tour comes to and end when you return your motorhome to the rental station.