Great Wilderness & Mountain Country
Travel to the north of Vancouver Island, past dramatic beaches and through ancient rainforest, before taking one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, the Inside Passage, to Prince Rupert, with the Great Bear Rainforest in its backyard. Continue along the wild Highway 16 with stops at Tyax Lodge for a wilderness getaway before reaching the mountains of Whistler.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11&12
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Day 13&14
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Day 15
Day 1 : Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and make your way to your downtown hotel.
Day 2 : Vancouver
Today is free for your to explore Vancouver – visit Granville Island for local artisans and a taste of British Columbia, or explore Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.
Day 3 : Campbell River (105 miles)
Collect your rental car today from a downtown location. Take a pre-booked ferry to Vancouver Island, departing from Horseshoe Bay and arriving in Nanaimo. Your drive will then take you along the east coast of the island, you may wish to stop at Coombs Market for lunch. Arrive into Campbell River later today for a 2 night stay.
Day 4 : Campbell River
Today you have a choice of activity in Campbell River. Located on the Johnstone Strait, renowned for whale watching, options include kayaking with orcas, or perhaps join a fishing charter. The town also has a deep history with the First Nations people, with a half-day tour that focuses on their connection to the water and the land.
Day 5 : Port Hardy (145 miles)
Continue to Port Hardy today. Nestled at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, it offers a gateway to the wilderness and vibrant Indigenous culture. Enjoy the small-town atmosphere this evening with stunning coastal views.
Day 6 : Inside Passage Ferry – Prince Rupert (325 miles + ferry)
Board the ferry this morning for the full-day sailing to Prince Rupert. Cameras at the ready as you cruise the Inside Passage past the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest. Arrive in Prince Rupert late this evening.
Day 7 : Prince Rupert
Spend the day in Prince Rupert, surrounded by the Great Bear Rainforest. Dependent on season, there is the option to take a full day bear-watching tour in the Khutzeymateen Provincial Park, home to the largest grizzly bear population anywhere on earth. Alternatively, walk a scenic trail on the waterfront, perfect for spotting eagles.
Day 8 : Smithers (215 miles)
Drive the scenic highway 16 today to Smithers – a road that delivers stunning rugged views of nothern British Columbia. Arriving in the charming mountain town of Smithers for a 1 night stay.
Day 9 : Prince George (230 miles)
To the Cariboo region today, with a visit to St. James National Historic Park on the way.
Day 10 : Williams Lake (150 miles)
Cross the Northumberland Strait by ferry today as you return to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. Arrive at Ingonish Beach for 2 nights, surrounded by rugged cliffs, forested hills and a long sandy beach.
Day 11&12 : Tyax Lodge (230 miles)
Your drive today will take you to Tyax Lodge – a great Canadian wilderness escape. Spend the next two nights hiking, enjoying activities on the lake or relaxing at the spa.
Day 13&14 : Whistler (145 miles)
Pass alpine lakes and winding mountain roads today as you leave Tyax Lodge. Your base for the next 2 nights is Whistler – offering year-round adventure. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere in the pedestrianised village centre alive with shops and restaurants or take the Peak 2 Peak gondola for Coast Mountain views.
Day 15 : Vancouver departure (75 miles)
Take the drive back to Vancouver airport to return your car before your departure flight.
