The Best of British Columbia and the Inside Passage

Today you will collect your rental car and then spend the day exploring Vancouver's top attractions with a flexible hop-on-hop-off tour. Visit popular highlights such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown, and Robson Street. In the evening, experience FlyOver Canada, an exhilarating 8-minute journey across the country's most iconic locations, complete with state-of-the-art special effects, making for an unforgettable end to your Vancouver adventure.

Today, collect your rental car and begin on a scenic drive to Osoyoos, a picturesque town situated in the southern region of the Okanagan Valley. Upon reaching Osoyoos, check into the next hotel and have the entire day free to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of this desert oasis. Osoyoos is renowned for its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can spend the day exploring the town's unique attractions, such as the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad, which showcases intricately detailed miniature landscapes, or the Osoyoos Desert Centre, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

Today, drive to the city of Kelowna, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. Explore the beauty of Okanagan Lake with its picturesque surroundings, offering a plethora of family-friendly activities.

A perfect summer getaway is in the beautiful Okanagan! Kelowna has miles of beautiful parkland, and several sandy beaches. Some of the best activities to enjoy include boating, swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing and fishing. As well, you can golf at one of the many golf courses nine months out of the year. The surrounding area is also home to many stunning wineries and orchards. Make sure to stock up on freshly picked BC fruit!

Today, head to the picturesque surroundings of Sun Peaks Resort, a premier year-round destination nestled in the Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia. Known for its extensive ski terrain, Sun Peaks has evolved into a world-class resort offering an array of recreational activities for every season.

On Day 7, you will take a scenic drive from Sun Peaks to Prince George. As you drive north, take the opportunity to stop at charming small towns and enjoy the natural beauty along the way. This evening, unwind and explore the local area, perhaps enjoy a leisurely walk along the Fraser River.

Today you'll embark on a journey from Prince George to the coastal town of Prince Rupert. Upon arriving in Prince Rupert, you'll have free time to explore this port city at your own pace. Stroll through the historic downtown area, visit local shops, or dine at one of the waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood.

Today you will take a whale watching tour from Prince Rupert. This excursion takes you into the remote waters of the Pacific Northwest, one of North America's most reliable whale-watching locations. You may encounter grey whales feeding around kelp beds, humpback whales displaying their unique tails, orca whales following migrating salmon, and porpoises gliding alongside the boat.

Day 10 involves a scenic 16-hour sail from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy through the stunning Inside Passage. Enjoy breathtaking views of BC's rugged coastline, dense forests, and tranquil waterways. Keep an eye out for diverse marine life and take advantage of the ferry's comfortable amenities for a relaxing journey.

Drive from Port Hardy to Campbell River for an exciting whale-watching adventure. Experience a marine tour aboard a modern, comfortable boat, exploring the Salish Sea for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Learn about local First Nations culture as you search for iconic marine mammals and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Spend the night in Campbell River, enjoying the serene coastal surroundings.

On Day 12, drive from Campbell River to Tofino, enjoying the scenic coastal route. Pass through charming small towns and take in the sights, including Little Qualicum Falls along Highway 4. Stop at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park to marvel at the towering ancient trees. Fuel up in Port Alberni before continuing your journey. As you turn onto the Pacific Rim Highway, catch your first glimpse of the ocean as you descend towards Long Beach, arriving in Tofino.

Today, enjoy a morning bear-watching adventure in Tofino. The local black bears, a unique subspecies with webbed paws, emerge from their winter rest to forage along the shorelines. At low tide and during cooler periods, watch these magnificent creatures overturn rocks and boulders in search of crabs and other food. Savor your morning coffee or tea amidst the fresh air of Clayoquot Sound as you witness the bears in their natural habitat.

On Day 14, you will drive from Tofino to Nanaimo for a one-night stay. Enjoy the scenic journey as you travel back through the beautiful landscapes of Vancouver Island. Upon arrival in Nanaimo, take some time to explore this charming harbor city. Stroll along the waterfront, visit local shops and restaurants.

Drive from Nanaimo to Victoria and explore the iconic Butchart Gardens, showcasing fifty-five acres of floral splendor. Founded in 1904, these gardens are a century-old testament to horticulture and hospitality. Afterward, enjoy free time to discover Victoria's historic charm, local shops, and culinary delights.

Take the scenic ferry from Victoria to Vancouver, enjoying breathtaking views of the coastal landscape. Upon arrival in Vancouver, settle in for your final night in this city.

On the final day of this adventure, the journey concludes in Vancouver as the rental car is returned and you have checked out of your hotel.