Maritime & Mountains BC's Coastal
Explorer
 Cruise
the entire coastline of British Columbia’s
mainland from north to south combined with
driving the scenic interior route from
Vancouver. The itinerary circles some of BC’s
tallest peaks and coastal mountain ranges. Drive
north and cruise back on the western side with
fabulous views of the Pacific shoreline.
Highlights include Queen Charlotte Islands,
Sunshine Coast, Barkerville and historical Fort
St. James. Smithers is charming and tempts you
to stay longer in the Bulkley Valley. The Queen
Charlotte Islands are made up of over 150
islands and home to the
Haida Gwaii Nation. Recently the Charlottes
Gwaii Haanas National Park was voted top
National Park in North America by National
Geographic. This is a journey of discovering BC
that blends the maritime and mountain regions
like few others. It showcases nature and the
true character of British Columbia. Much of the
route could be classified as off the beaten
track, particularly places like Queen Charlotte
Islands. It’s a chance to experience the real
Canadian West, discover new communities and meet
the people. BC ferries are a vital coastal
transportation link, the Prince Rupert to Port
Hardy service sails the famous Inside Passage
route to Vancouver Island.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Vancouver
Arrival Vancouver, pick up rental car. Drive to
hotel. This metropolitan city not only offers
great shopping, fabulous restaurants and
nightlife, but also a wide range of sightseeing
opportunities. Overnight in Vancouver
Day 2: Vancouver – Pemberton
(155 km / 2,5 hrs)
Start the day with a breathtaking drive on the
Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler.
Home to the next winter Olympics, Whistler is
fun to explore and numerous summer activities
can fill your day. Overnight Pemberton
 Day
3: Pemberton – Williams Lake
(385 km / 5 hrs)
Very scenic country, the route to Williams Lake
takes you through Lillooet, starting point of
the historic Gold Rush Trail. This is BC’s
ranching country with a myriad of back roads and
byways heading into the interior. Provincial
parks, rolling hills and panoramic vistas
complete the picture. Overnight: Williams Lake
Day 4: Williams Lake – Wells
(201 km / 2,5 hrs)
This is BC’s Cariboo Country! A picturesque
route takes you through to Quesnel and
Barkerville. With a goldrush atmosphere you will
enjoy the entertaining programs in this living
open-air museum. Popular with families
Barkerville takes you back to the pioneer days.
Overnight in nearby Wells.
Day 5: Wells – Smithers
(571km / 357 miles)
Prince George is the interior’s largest city
where you join the famous Yellowhead Highway
west to Fort St. James National Historic Site.
The open-air museum has a focus on the early fur
trade. Smithers located in the Bulkley Valley is
a popular community with great appeal to
outdoors enthusiasts. Main activities include
hiking, steelhead fishing in the fall and
canoeing. Overnight Smithers (Log Pile Lodge)
Day 6: Smithers – Prince Rupert
(346km / 216 miles)
A scenic drive with waterfalls, canyons and
lakes plus the famous Skeena River (ancient
trading route) awaits you today. Visit to
historic Fishing Village in Port Edward
recommended. Prince Rupert offers good choice of
restaurants and comfortable accommodation.
Overnight Prince Rupert.
Day 7: Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte Islands
(6.5 hrs ferry ride)
The 6.5 hour ferry cruise crosses Hecate Sound
to reach Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands.
Disembark in Skidegate and drive to hotel.
Overnight Queen Charlotte City. (Premier Creek
Lodging)
Day 8: Queen Charlotte Island
A day to explore Graham Island; with a limited
road system – it’s only an hour and a half drive
from top end to southern sector of the island.
Yet you will find plenty of things to do
en-route. Port Clements is noted for the pioneer
museum, Skidegate and Old Massett are
interesting for their strong, Haida culture.
Here new totem poles and canoes are being
carved. The Haida Gwaii Museum at Qay’ll Nagaay
in Skidegate is a recommended visit.
Day 9: Queen Charlotte Island
Explore the islands, their interesting culture,
history and stunning natural beauty. You may
like to charter a plane to visit the
extraordinary Gwaii Haanas National Park at the
southern tip of Moresby Island. The journey is a
major highlight with wildlife sightings en
route, spectacular scenery and the greatest
Totem Pole collection on the island. Overnight
Queen Charlotte City.
Day 10: Queen Charlotte Islands – Prince Rupert
(6.5 – 7 hrs ferry passage)
Return today aboard BC Ferry; estimated cruise
time 7 hrs. Board in Skidegate and disembark in
Prince Rupert. Overnight in Prince Rupert.
Day 11: Prince Rupert – Port Hardy
(15hrs ferry passage)
One of the great highlights, today’s southbound
cruise takes you through the Inside Passage and
past Princess Royal Island. BC Ferry’s premium
route showcases this remote coastline up close
and without highways this is the best way to
explore. Arriving at the northern tip of
Vancouver Island and after disembarkation
overnight in Port Hardy.
 Day
12: Port Hardy – Campbell River – Quadra Island
(238 km / 149 miles)
Southbound on Highway 19 to Campbell River,
suggested interesting visit may be made to
Telegraph Cove en route. Known for it’s quality
whale viewing and eclectic character of the tiny
village. Depending on accommodation you will
stay either in Campbell River or Quadra Island.
Several outdoor activities are available to
choose from or simply a chance to relax and
enjoy the charming venue. Overnight
Day 13: Quadra Island
Sport fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the
salt-water fishing opportunities; charter boats,
whale watching tours, wildlife viewing. The Spa
is always a popular attraction (depending on
overnight accommodation). Overnight
Day 14: Quadra Island – Campbell River – Comox –
Powell River - Campbell River
Comox ferry terminal 50 km
Regular ferry service brings you to the Sunshine
Coast, arriving at Powell River you join Hwy
101. Travel north to tiny community of Lund for
the overnight. If time allows take water taxi to
Savary Island and stroll or bike along the
beautiful sand beaches. Overnight Lund or Powell
River option.
Day 15: Powell River – West Coast Wilderness
Lodge (51 km / 32 miles drive)
(Powell River – Saltery Bay 33 km; Earl’s Cove –
Egmont 5 km)
Highway 101 – the worlds longest highway at over
15,400 km – luckily your journey is only 85
today. BC Ferry crosses from Saltery Bay to
Earls Cove. West Coast Wilderness Lodge is just
a few minutes drive from the dock. Overnight.
Day 16: West Coast Wilderness Lodge
Top rated lodge on the Sunshine Coast offers
choice of activities including; kayaking, boat
cruises, hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving
and fishing trips. Enjoy fine cuisine at the
restaurant. Overnight.
Day 17: West Coast Wilderness Lodge – Vancouver
(Egmont – Langdale 81 km/1.5 hr, Horseshoe Bay –
Vancouver 30 km/30 minutes – 1 hr)The final leg
of the journey takes you through Sechelt,
Gibsons to Langdale.Take scheduled BC Ferry to
Horseshoe Bay. It is a short drive to Vancouver.
Overnight
|
