Island Escape & The Sunshine
Coast
This driving tour brings you to two fabulous
summer destinations, Vancouver Island and West
Canada’s Sunshine Coast. The warm waters of the
Parksville – Qualicum Beach area on Vancouver
Island, the long white sand beaches of Pacific
Rim National Park on the western coast of
Vancouver Island and the deep blue waters of the
sunshine coast offer you the best water and
beach activities in your summer holiday.
Combined with other outdoor activities such as
hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, whale
watching, fishing and breathtaking scenery, your
holiday will be an unforgettable summer fun!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Victoria
Arrival in Victoria, the provincial capital, on
own. Victoria’s character is an engaging mix of
old and new, British and Asian, colonial and New
World. High tea still is served at the Empress
Hotel. You can find delighted teahouses and a
wax museum, you will see old-fashioned
horse-drawn carriages and splendid formal
gardens. The Asian cultural heritage, which
arrived with the waves of immigrant workers from
across the Pacific Ocean, has brought a
flavourful diversity to Victoria. Overnight
Day 2: Victoria
Discover Victoria’s sights such as the Inner
Harbor, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Crystal
Garden, Thunderbird Park and Helmcken House.
Enjoy a whale watching cruise; or drive to 21 km
north of Victoria to Butchart Gardens, an
impressive floral display on fifty-five acres
land. Overnight
 Day
3: Victoria - Parksville (147km / 2 hrs)
In the area of Duncan lives the Cowichan Band,
which is the largest group of Native people in
British Columbia. You can find a collection of
some 60 totem poles as well as the interesting
Quw’utsun Cultural Centre in Duncun. Before
reaching Parksville stop by the Butterfly World
& Gardens. Overnight at Tigh-Na-Mara Resorts &
Spa.
Day 4: Tigh-Na-Mara Resorts & Spa
Tigh-Na-Mara Resorts & Spa is a beautiful
22-acre forested resort scattered with cozy and
romantic log cottages and condos. It is the
perfect getaway for couples and families. The
resort is situated on three kilometers of sandy,
tidal flat beach. The warm ocean water and beach
invite for swimming and sun bathing. Other
activities at the resort include: mountain
biking, walking and clam digging. The resort has
paddleboats for rent, a tennis court, basketball
court, volleyball court and a Grotta Spa, where
you can treat yourself with relaxing messages.
Day 5: Parksville - Tofino (171km / 2.5 hrs)
From Parksville you head across Vancouver Island
to the west. You will drive through miles of
forest area that support Port Alberni’s timber
industry. Pacific Rim National Park, on the west
side of the island, is known for its
breathtaking stretch of coastline and draws
about one million of visitors to this area.
Day 6: Tofino
Explore the beautiful white sandy beaches, drive
to Long Beach to watch surfers, go for short or
longer hikes, try a guided kayaking trip and/or
undertake a whale watching tour. In the evening
enjoy a delicious dinner at a great restaurant
on the beach.
Day 7: Tofino - Campbell River (273 km / 4 hrs)
The drive to Vancouver Island’s eastern coast
takes you through miles of forest area. The
highway north to Campbell River passes through
the Comox Valley, a
pastoral agricultural area, where you often will
find farm stands with fruits and vegetables
along the road. Upon arrival in Campbell River
you are in the “Salmon Capital of the World” (as
the town claims to be). Overnight
Day 8: Campbell River
You have the day to explore the area or to enjoy
a fishing charter to catch the famous salmon.
Quadra Island, reached by ferry from Campbell
River, is a fairly well developed island with
numerous of visitor amenities. Cortes Island,
reached by ferry from Quadra Island, is great
for beachcombing and forest walks. The inlet
waters in the area sometimes reach tropical
temperatures and are great for a swimming and
bathing. Overnight
 Day
9: Campbell River - Powell River
(Campbell River – ferry Comox 50 km)
From Campbell River drive to Comox and take the
scenic ferry ride to the Sunshine Coast (not
included). In the afternoon enjoy some canoeing,
kayaking and hiking in and around Lund, which
also is known as gateway to Desolation Sound and
the Copeland Islands Marine Park. If time allows
you can take a ferry to the car less Savary
Island and stroll along the beautiful white sand
beaches or rent a bike for your exploration.
Overnight Powell River / Lund.
Day 10: Powell River / Lund
Today we included a boat excursion into
Desolation Sound, to Savary Island and Copeland
Islands Marine Parks. While traveling you will
learn about the Native people that have lived on
the West Coast for thousands of years, watch for
eagles, enjoy beautiful coastal scenery with
waterfalls and view the picturesque sand pit at
the northern tip of Harwood Island.
Day 11: Powell River – West Coast Wilderness
Lodge (51 km / 32 miles drive,
Powell River – Saltery Bay 33 km; Earl’s Cove –
Egmont 5 km)
In the morning you have more options for
excursions before you drive to Saltery Bay and
take the BC ferry to Earls Cove (not included).
Not far from here is the West Coast Wilderness,
were you will overnight.
Day 12: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
This lodge is an excellent place for outdoor
activities such as boat cruises, hiking, ocean
kayaking, lake canoeing, mountain biking, scuba
diving and fishing. In the evening enjoy fine
cuisine at the restaurants. Overnight
Day 13: West Coast Wilderness Lodge - Vancouver
(Egmont – Langdale 60 km/1 hr, Horseshoe Bay –
Vancouver 30 km/30 minutes – 1 hr)Today, drive
from Sechelt to Gibsons. From New Brighton you
will take the BC ferry to Horseshoe Bay (not
included). It is a relatively short drive to
Vancouver. Overnight
Day 14: Vancouver departure
Travel Tips:
Option if starting and ending the self drive in
Victoria: If you are planning to
end the self drive tour in Victoria, you will
need to take the ferry to Vancouver Island today
or if you prefer to stay a few more nights in
Vancouver, you take the ferry to Victoria in a
few days.
Email us at:
mytrip@CanadianPacificVacations.com
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