round trip to british columbia

British Columbia Itinerary – 7 days or 2 weeks

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

British Columbia is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in North America, with its towering mountains, flowing fjords, ancient forests, wine country and energetic cities. British Columbia is also massive, it can take several days to drive across it from north to south! Because of it’s size and geographic diversity, planning a trip can be a bit daunting. This article will help you prioritize and see as much as you can with either a 7 day or 2 week British Columbia Itinerary.

Can I visit British Columbia without a car?

When is the best time to travel to british columbia.

• 7 day British Columbia itinerary without a car
• 2 week British Columbia Road trip itinerary
• What to do if you have more time
• What to pack for British Columbia

Yes! However, it depends on what you want to do on your British Columbia itinerary.

Vancouver and Victoria are both very walkable and even if you have a car I recommend parking it and walking and making use of the fantastic public transportation. It will be a lot less frustrating!

Whistler is also easy to get to and around without a car. You can take a bus from Vancouver and then take the Whistler shuttle anywhere you want to go.

Rural areas of British Columbia are difficult to access without a car, so if you’re traveling car free I recommend sticking with Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler.

You can also take the train from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies which has a stop in Kamloops in Interior BC. This is a gorgeous train ride although it is expensive.

British Columbia is a wonderful year round destination! Depending on what you want to do should determine the best time for your trip.

Summer is the busiest and most popular travel time. Most of British Columbia has long, sunny days, though it’s important to be prepared for rain any time of year, especially in Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Expect crowds and lots of people out hiking, paddling and camping.

Fall is a beautiful time of year with less crowds, except in the Canadian Rockies where it’s very crowded through October. Expect freezing temperatures at night in the mountains and the interior. Coastal areas and cooler and rainier, but not as wet as winter.

Winter is a popular time to visit and travel British Columbia. The mountains have incredible skiing (both downhill and cross country) and there are lots of other winter sports to enjoy. Driving is much slower and involves winter driving conditions. Roads are well maintained but can be treacherous at times or closed during storms. Winter is wet and gray in Vancouver and Victoria, though it rarely snows.

Spring is another good way to avoid crowds and is a bit less wet than winter in coastal areas. Spring can still be VERY wet so be prepared. Ski season usually wraps up in late March or early April and high country areas continue to have deep snow through the spring. Keep this in mind if you’re a hiker, since spring is not ideal for mountains hikes in BC.

7 Day British Columbia Itinerary without a car

This 7 day itinerary is designed for those who don’t want to deal with getting a rental car or driving on their British Columbia Itinerary. This whole trip can be done without a car! If you do have a car, this still makes for a wonderful trip (except for parking in Vancouver and the expense of taking the ferry, which you could skip if you’re driving and stick with the mainland). This chart is a summary, the details are below. If you do drive this route, give yourself plenty of time for all the stops along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.

Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place for this short, car free visit to Vancouver.

Related : Best things to do in Vancouver

Day 2 – Exploring Vancouver

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vancouver! I recommend starting the day in Chinatown for Dim Sum, which is a meal eaten around brunch time and involves lots of small plates to enjoy and share.

After that, take the bus to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (4 hours)

Today you’re heading to Victoria on Vancouver Island and British Columbia makes it really easy to do this car free! The ferry terminal is a ways outside of town (on both sides) but you can take a bus that takes you from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria without having to navigate lots of different busses on both sides (which is also an option, though it takes longer and is more complicated).

Head over here for all the scheduling and booking details for the bus and ferry trip to Victoria. The trip takes about 4 hours (including the very scenic ferry ride).

Depending on what time you arrive in Victoria, you will likely have time to wander around town and check out the inner harbor. For a longer walk with expansive views head out Dallas Road along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

I recommend staying in Victoria’s inner harbor, which puts you in the middle of everything and is very walkable. It’s also easy access to transit.

Related : Best things to do in Victoria

Day 4 – Exploring Victoria

Today is your day to explore the delightful and charming town of Victoria, which is also the capital of British Columbia.

In the morning, walk around town and down the shopping area of Government Street and take in one of Victoria’s excellent museums. I recommend the Maritime Museum or the Royal BC Museum.

In the afternoon, you need to have afternoon tea! This is an institution for generations in Victoria. I recommend skipping the very tourist oriented (and overpriced) tea at the Empress Hotel and instead have tea at Butchart Gardens. In my opinion, this is the best afternoon tea in Victoria . This also gives you the chance to explore world famous Butchart Gardens, which is really beautiful all year.

To get out to Butchart Gardens, you can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes. There are also tour buses you can take to get there which are a bit more expensive but get you there a little faster.

In the evening, make sure to stroll by the British Columbia parliament buildings, which have really beautiful white lights at night all year round.

Day 5 – Travel to Whistler

Today you’re heading from the harbors of Victoria to the towering mountains of Whistler . First, you’ll take the ferry/bus combo back to downtown Vancouver and then take the bus to Whistler. Learn all about the bus service to Whistler here . You will need to take the bus or Sky train a short distance from Pacific Central Station to Burrard to catch your Whistler bus. Plan on the journey taking most of the day.

Not only are you seeing the amazing islands and mountains of the Salish Sea from the ferry on your return trip, you’ll also be traveling up one of Canada’s most beautiful roads on the way to Whistler.

I recommend staying in Whistler Village which is very walkable and you can also take the shuttle around the Whistler area.

Day 6 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the stunning mountain town of Whistler! Make sure to enjoy some of Whistler’s incredible restaurants, no matter what time of year it is.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. If you’re a hiker, don’t miss out on the amazing hiking options here .

Whistler is also a wonderful place to take a hike or a walk, there are lots of places to explore close by. Alta Lake has kayak rentals if you want to explore the water in summer and you can snowshoe around it in winter.

If it’s winter, Whistler is a great place to ski! If you’re not a skier, you can enjoy the snowy wonderland on snowshoes too.

Day 7 – Return to Vancouver

Today you’ll take the bus back to Vancouver, which takes about two hours. Depending on the schedule the day you’re traveling, you might have more time to explore Whistler before you depart or Vancouver when you arrive.

Spend the rest of the day doing anything else you missed at the beginning of your trip in Vancouver before heading home.

Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip Itinerary – 2 weeks

If you’re looking for an epic two week road trip adventure in British Columbia, here it is! You’ll want to park and take public transportation in Vancouver and Victoria, which are very walkable and have excellent transit. If you want to stay away from towns altogether, you can spend more time on the open road (driving around Vancouver Island instead of exploring Victoria for example). The chart provides a summary, with details below

Arrive in Vancouver and stretch your legs after your journey in Stanley Park. Find a delicious dinner and catch the sunset before calling it a day. I recommend staying near Stanley Park or Canada Place and leaving your car parked. It’s easy to get around Vancouver without driving! If you choose to drive, know that parking in many locations can be a challenge.

After that, take the bus (or drive) to the University of British Columbia campus and check out the wonderful Museum of Anthropology. The museum is an ideal place to learn about the First Nations people of what is today called British Columbia, both past and present.

Next, take the bus (or drive) to Granville Island and explore the many shops, eateries and amazing food! Make sure to take the ferry around false creek. The ferry is not only fun, scenic and very Vancouver, but it can also quickly whisk you back to downtown. Parking can be a challenge on weekends at Granville Island. Leave the car at your lodging if possible.

Day 3 – Travel to Victoria on Vancouver Island (3 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll get up and drive to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal. While not technically required, I highly recommend getting a reservation for the ferry in advance if you’re bringing a car ( schedules and booking here ). It could take up to an hour to get there depending on traffic. Make sure to arrive 30-60 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to sail.

The ferry ride is just over an hour and a half, with beautiful views of the mountains and islands of the Salish Sea around you.

Once you arrive at the Schwartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island, it’s about a 45 minute drive to Victoria.

I recommend staying in the inner harbor so you can walk to most things in town.

To get out to Butchart Gardens it’s about a half hour drive from the Inner Harbor. You can take the city bus from downtown and it takes about 45 minutes if you don’t want to deal with parking.

Day 5 – Victoria to Tofino (5 hours)

This morning you’ll get up and do some scenic driving on Vancouver Island to the town of Tofino , which faces the open Pacific Ocean. It’s a slow drive but absolutely beautiful and fully worth it to see the stunning surf of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rocks or exploring the beaches at low tide.

There are plenty of forest walks, waterfalls and beaches to stop at along the way to stretch your legs. Once you pass the town of Parksville, you’ll begin driving across Vancouver Island, going over a pass in the middle. You’ll pass the town of Port Alberni at the head of a long fjord.

When you are almost to Tofino, you’ll be near the town of Ucluelet which is another option for a place to stay on the west coast of Vancouver Island a slightly shorter drive.

Related : Best things to do in Ucluelet and Tofino

Day 6 – Tofino to Whistler (7 hours – not including ferry wait)

Today you’ll enjoy breakfast in Tofino (or Ucluelet) and perhaps fit in another beach stroll before starting your journey to Whistler. First off, you’ll retrace your journey back as far as Nanaimo (about 3 hours).

In Nanaimo, you’ll board a different BC ferry that will take you to the Horseshoe Bay terminal on the north side of Vancouver. Once again, you’ll want to have a reservation and arrive 30-60 minutes early. If you have enough time to explore the city of Nanaimo, make sure to get a Nanaimo bar!

It’s another scenic ferry ride across to the mainland that lasts about an hour and forty minutes.

When you arrive in Horseshoe Bay, you’ll be driving the almost unbearably beautiful Sea to Sky Highway for 100 km (60 miles to Whistler). While the drive is only an hour and a half, there are so many wonderful places to stop along this highway it is likely to take you much longer! At a minimum make sure to stop at Porteau Cove and Shannon Falls.

Related : 17 fun stops on the Vancouver to Whistler drive

Day 7 – Exploring Whistler

Today you get to explore the beautiful town of Whistler! Whistler is world famous for it’s skiing (the Olympics were here after all), but there’s so much more to Whistler than just ski slopes.

I recommend riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which you can ride year round. If it’s not a clear day, I would skip this since the view is what makes it really amazing. You’ll see mountains as far as you can see in every direction!

Make sure to take in some of Whistler’s excellent food as well.

Day 8 – Whistler to Kamloops (4 hours)

Today you’ll start your drive to Kamloops, which is a delightful town in BC’s sunny interior of wineries and agriculture! Kamloops is a perfect halfway point to break up the drive to the Canadian Rockies.

Make sure to give yourself time to explore the town of Kamloops as well as stop and taste some delicious BC wine.

Day 9 – Kamloops to Radium Hot Springs (5.5 hours)

Today you are heading to the Canadian Rockies! This post is about a British Columbia itinerary, although the Canadian rockies stretch across British Columbia and Alberta. Many people go straight to Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper. These are beautiful and extremely crowded locations. If you want a little more room, less people and a more relaxed experience, stick with Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park, which adjon Banff National Park and are every bit as stunning!

Related : Why you should visit Kootenay National Park

I recommend Radium Hot Springs as a base camp for your explorations in the Canadian Rockies, because it’s more affordable and less crowded than Banff and Lake Louise. There are a number of hotels in the town of Radium Hot Springs as well as vacation rentals and one of my favorite campgrounds ever, the Redstreak Campground. Redstreak Campground is operated by Parks Canada and is in Kootenay National Park. You can also walk from your campsite to Radium Hot Springs for your soak.

On the way from Kamloops to Radium, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs. Make sure to stop at the Giant Cedars Trail in Mt Revelstoke National Park and Roger’s Pass.

When you arrive in Radium, make sure to go to Radium Hot Springs, which is my favorite of the Parks Canada operated hot springs. It is MUCH less crowded than the hot springs in Banff. Actually, I recommend doing this EVERY night while you’re in the Canadian Rockies

Day 10 – Exploring the Canadian Rockies

I suggest spending today exploring Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park. In Kootenay, make sure to stop at Marble Canyon, which is a relatively short walk and absolutely stunning. The drive through the park is breathtaking, even in moody weather. There are plenty of hiking opportunties here as well.

In Yoho, don’t miss gorgeous and internet famous Emerald Lake, with it’s towering mountains, perfect blue-green water and charming photogenic lodge. You can walk around the lake or rent a canoe here if you want to spend some time.

Takakkaw Falls is another fantastic stop in Yoho, if you’re up for the adventurous drive to get there!

Don’t forget to go back to the hot springs tonight!

Day 11 – More exploring the Canadian Rockies

If you’re up for braving the crowds, this is a good day to head to Banff and Lake Louise. I recommend going straight to the shuttle area on the highway for parking and get there as early as possible to see Lake Louise. Get there as early as possible as even the shuttle sometimes includes a long wait. Don’t even think about trying to drive into the Lake if you’re not staying there.

Lake Louise has plenty of hiking trails and canoe rentals to spend your day in and you can also go further up the road (again on the shuttle) to Morraine Lake, which is possibly even more beautiful!

If you’re not tired of crowds, head over to Banff and explore this charming mountain town. There are plenty of shops and restaurants as well as walks and hikes to keep you busy in Banff.

Day 12 – Radium Hot Springs to Nelson (5.5 hours)

Today you’re leaving the Canadian Rockies behind you to make your way back to Vancouver. You’re going to spend three days getting there so you can have some fun and not just be in the car all day. It is possible to drive straight from Radium to Vancouver in one day, which takes about 10 hours (without stops) and backtracks the same roads you’ve already driven.

On this British Columbia itinerary, we’re seeing new things on different roads on the way back!

On your drive from Radium to Nelson, I recommend going the slightly slower way that includes taking a short and scenic ferry across Kootenay Lake and a soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs (which has a super cool human made cave).

Nelson is only a short distance beyond Ainsworth. If you get there early enough to explore this quirky mountain town, you’ll enjoy it’s many shops and restaurants along the river.

Day 13 – Nelson to Osoyoos (3 hours)

Today you could drive all the way back to Vancouver, but I recommend taking your time to explore the agricultural heartland of British Columbia and taste more incredible wine. You’ll be going through mountains and forests to get there, but Osoyoos itself is very dry.

Spend some time enjoying Osoyoos Lake and wine tasting when you arrive.

Day 14 – Osoyoos to Vancouver (5 hours)

Today you’ll complete your British Columbia road trip by returning to Vancouver! Along the way you’ll head up and over the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea once again.

EC Manning Provincial Park is a wonderful place for hiking or picnicking. The mountains here are incredible and you’ll continue to see amazing views as you drive from Hope to Chilliwack over a high mountain pass.

Once you get to Chilliwack, you’ll be in the outskirts of Vancouver. If you are flying out, it makes sense to stay near the airport tonight so you’re ready to fly home.

Related : Complete guide to Winter in Manning Park, BC

If you have more time for your British Columbia Itinerary

If you have more time for your trip in British Columbia (lucky you!) here are a few ideas for how to spend it:

• Explore more of Vancouver Island , including the remote north end of the island
• Relax on the quiet and stunningly beautiful Sunshine Coast
• Go further up north along the Cariboo Chilcotin Highway
• Spend more time in BC wine country
• Visit even more hot springs !
• Spend more time in the Canadian Rockies
• Spend more time in Vancouver

Related : Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary

What to pack for your trip to British Columbia

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The weather throughout British Columbia varies quite a bit, with the Vancouver and Victoria area being rainier with more mild temperatures year round. The BC interior is hotter in summer, colder in winter and sunnier and drier year round.

For both of these itineraries, I recommend being ready for rain or sun any day all year! The main difference for winter is to bring more warm layers on colder days. The most important thing is to have an excellent rain jacket and waterproof footwear any time of year in British Columbia.

If you’re doing your British Columbia itinerary in the winter, you might want to consider bringing snow boots as well as a puffy coat if you are leaving the Vancouver and Vancouver Island area.

For summer travelers, it can be rainy and chilly in the summer, but it can also get quite hot. Make sure to bring some light layers for hot days (or warm indoor spaces).

Some specific things I recommend packing for your trip to British Columbia include:

It’s probably not a surprise that the most important thing to consider in what to pack for British Columbia is an  excellent rainjacket . Make sure it’s actually waterproof and not a light windbreaker (although if you’re visiting late July through early September that would likely be adequate if you’re staying in Vancouver).

• Make sure it’s  waterproof  (I like Gore Tex material but it’s not the only option)
• Make sure it’s  big enough to fit over other layers  (especially in winter when you’ll need a warm layer underneath it). I always have a rainjacket one size bigger than other tops I own.
• Make sure it’s  long enough  – this is a matter of personal preference but I prefer one that is long enough to not ride up all the time, especially with layers on
• Get a  lightweight  one – Because rain happens at a wide variety of temperatures in British Columbia, I recommend getting a rain jacket without an insulating layer and getting a separate layer of warmth (like a fleece or puffy) . This will allow you to wear them separately. A light raincoat is also easy to bring in your bag for that sudden rainstorm

If you’re looking for a specific rainjacket to pack for British Columbia, I highly recommend both this  Marmot one from Amazon  and  this REI Co- op one  (also available in plus sizes!). Both of these are excellent rain jackets that are durable and reasonably priced.

Waterproof boots or shoes

This is particularly important in fall through spring. If you’re visiting late July through early September and staying in cities without doing any hiking, then you might be fine without waterproof footwear.

Lots of people wear rubber boots even on city streets when it’s raining, in particular the super popular Hunter rubber boots, which come in a variety of colors. I personally prefer Xtra Tuf Boots ( especially these beautifully patterned Salmon Sisters ones ) because they are also super comfortable for muddy hikes!

If you’re more interested in hiking boots or hiking shoes, that’s another great option for the footwear you pack for British Columbia and it’s totally ok to wear hiking shoes and boots in the city too. I personally recommend Merrells which I wear for hiking. I prefer  hiking shoes  to boots, but if you prefer the extra ankle support of  hiking boots then I recommend these .

In addition to shoes,  wool socks  will help keep your feet warm and if they get wet it’s not totally miserable! Bring lots of extra socks!

Other Essentials

A few other things I consider necessary (in addition to toiletries and person items) include

• Waterbottle – like much of the Pacific Northwest, people carry waterbottles and you can fill them up all over the place
• Umbrella – this can be really handy for summer days or surprise rain showers
• Resuable shopping bag – you can get this when you arrive if you don’t have one or don’t want to travel with it. Effective January 1, 2022 there is a plastic bag ban so you’ll want to have something to carry purchases with
• Layers – you’ll want to be comfortable in a variety of temperatures, so bring clothes you can wear separately or together on warm or cool days.

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What are the layover options for flights to Vancouver?

Flights to Vancouver have layovers depending on your airline choice or your departure city. If you are flying Delta from New York, common stops are Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). If you are flying United Airlines from Austin, common stops are at Las Vegas Airport (LAS).

Are there any accessible services at YVR?

Vancouver International Airport has integrated accessible amenities within the airport’s premises to ensure all passengers are comfortable. The airport features wheel-chair accessible parking in all of its car parks as well as lift-equipped shuttle buses. Their washrooms are also accessible and are equipped with a stress button. Customer care counters offer visual paging services as well as accessible elevators for those in wheelchairs.

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YVR features two terminals, namely the South Terminal and the Main Terminal. The Main Terminal hosts both the International and Domestic concourses. Since the Domestic and International areas are hosted within the same building, you do not require a shuttle. However, if you wish to visit the South Terminal, then the courtesy shuttle will pick you up at Level 2 of the Main Terminal and drop you off at the Arrivals door of the South Terminal.

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Visitors can check out Vancouver International’s 30,000-gallon aquarium if they find themselves with a spot of free time. There are over 5,000 marine creatures native to British Columbia living in the aquarium. Vancouver International also has a robust art collection interspersed throughout the airport that truly offers visitors the chance to peek into the history and vibrancy of Vancouver and British Columbia.

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Tired after your flight to Vancouver? Fairmont Vancouver Airport is located within the airport and is both a luxury hotel and a spa. Its sound-proofed walls ensure that guests have a comfortable and notably quiet stay, even so close to the airplanes. Also, the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, Pacific Gateway Hotel, and Radisson Vancouver Airport Hotel, among others, all offer complimentary shuttle service.

What restaurants are available in Vancouver International Airport?

Vancouver is renowned for its fusion of international cuisines, and the airport does more than match that reputation. Take Globe@YVR as an example, which offers fine dining with a Pacific Northwest take on it. There is also Monk's Grill, which serves up a fine selection of seafood entrees, and White Spot, a British Columbia classic stemming all the way back to 1928.

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Vancouver International has it all and that includes pet relief areas. Their pet relief area includes artificial grass, braille signage for the visually impaired, lowered counters for easier access, and touchless doors.

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The distance between Vancouver and downtown Vancouver is 7 miles.

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• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Canada’s second busiest airport and is the primary airport serving both Vancouver and Richmond. It is also one of the main air traffic hubs for Canada, offering direct flights all across Canada and abroad.
• Vancouver International Airport is connected via the Canada Line to downtown Vancouver and downtown Richmond, reaching both in 30 minutes and 20 minutes, respectively. The Canada Line, Vancouver’s rapid transit rail, is accessible from both the International and Domestic Terminals. There are also short- and long-distance buses available to take travelers to locations near and far.
• Towing your luggage with you at the airport will stifle the excitement of your trip to Vancouver. If you want to explore Vancouver International Airport’s aquarium, shops, or restaurants hassle-free then leave your luggage at Luggage Storage and Lockers on landside Level 2.
• YVR conveniently hosts a medical clinic on landside Level 2 at the Domestic terminal for acute pain management and podiatry. There is also a pharmacy just next to the medical clinic. A full range of emergency and preventative dental services are offered at the Vancouver Airport Dental Care, located at Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal.
• If you wish to send a last-minute postcard to your family and friends, then you can do so at the Canada Post branch hosted by Level 1 of the Domestic Terminal.
• If you require any special assistance or inquiries, look out for the airport’s ambassadors in green jackets ideally situated throughout the airport premises. There are also several information desks at Arrivals Level 2 of the Domestic Terminal and inside Customs Hall at the International Terminal.
• Passengers who require bank services after their flight can head to Level 3 of the Domestic Terminal, which houses the Royal Bank of Canada. There are also several ATMs at the Domestic Arrivals close to Tim Hortons and Level 1 of Domestic Terminal.
• Fancy a bit of relaxation and meditation before or after your flight to Vancouver? Vancouver International’s Quiet Area is there for you. The area is fitted with comfortable lounge chairs, a yoga mat, dim lighting, and low-volume speakers. Signage posted also encourages visitors to make as little noise as possible to maintain the peaceful ambiance.
• For travelers with kids in tow, if you find your kids needing to burn off excess energy before the flight, there are many children’s play areas in the airport. There is also the Public Observation Deck , which offers both kids and adults a wonderful chance to take in the beautiful scenery surrounding the airport before hitting the skies.
• Looking for a quick meal before your flight or maybe to bring onto the plane? That’s no problem at Vancouver International Airport, thanks to their program YVR Food on the Fly . Travelers can enjoy a wide selection food and beverage choices ranging from Japanese delights to comfort food staples, all in a convenient travel-friendly bag.

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Screen didn’t play movies, do I was pretty boated the entire flight.

The airport process and boarding were fast. The airplane crew were nice but the food was bland and the seats extremely uncomfortable- my seat had an issue and couldn’t move back and made noise .

Inconsiderate staff, plane was very hot, poor decision-making from the crew.

Flight was delayed due to needing a replacement flight crew. Delta changed the aircraft type in Detroit. One hour delay. But once in the air, good flight

The fight was about 2 1/2 hours delayed, but that was weather related. The flight was also overbooked. But we were in Comfort plus so the flight was fine for us.

Meh. A late flight meant I missed my connections, and a 2pm LAX arrival turned into gettin in after midnight.

Flight was 3 hours late so only had an OK experience

It was very cold because the air conditioner was on high power, and my son got sick.

3 hours late and all they have is was a $12 meal voucher. That’s not even enough to cover fast food.

Among the poorest flights I’ve had with Delta in a while. Entertainment system failed completely on a 7.5 hr flight. Crew seemed distracted and not the normal friendly crew. Flight overbooked it seemed… very crowded.

Clean and plenty of room for handbaggage. Leg room was cramped compared with the 777 from Frankfurt.

United Airlines was fantastic, however, UnderPricer was a nightmare. I got to the airport 4 hours before my flight. We are moving to New Zealand so had quite a bit of baggage (16 checked items) and so wanted to have plenty of time to get everything taken care of properly. When I went to check in they (United) could only find a ticket for me. The 5 tickets for my children were never officially ticketed. I called Underpricer and they told me it was United's fault and United told me that Underpricer just needs to reissue the tickets, but they refused to. I asked the Underpricer agent to transfer me to his supervisor as I was not getting the help I needed. He told me the supervisor was busy but that he would call me back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes came and went with no phone call. After an hour I called Underpricer back but they would not let me talk to the person I had talked to before, just told me that he was talking with the supervisor and technical support. I called again an hour later, was told the same thing. I tried again later, with only about 30 minutes until my flight was scheduled to leave (meaning I had been at the airport for more than 3 hours with my 5 children trying to get ticketed and board the flight). Also, my husband had moved to New Zealand 3 months prior, I haven't seen him in 3 months, my children hadn't seen their dad in 3 months, we were all extremely eager to get on that flight and get to New Zealand. The situation with the tickets did not get resolved until after it was too late to check our luggage and board our flight. We were devastated. My 11 year old son was in tears at not being able to be on his way to see his dad. Thankfully we were rebooked for the next evening, but that night it felt devastating. We'd been at the airport for 4 hours waiting. My in-laws waited with me and then helped me reload all our baggage and took us home to stay with them for the night. On the newly booked flights we could not sit together - my children were spread throughout the plane. So, even though I had paid extra to select our seats after buying my seats from Underpricer only two of us were able to sit together (thankful that my 11 year old wasn't all by himself, but not happy that my 14 & 16 year old daughters were seated by strangers). I really feel that Underpricer should refund me what I paid for the seating ($120 USD). It was a very frustrating situation and I plan on never using Kayak or Underpricer ever again.

3.5 hour delay known 12-16 hours before departure $15 meal vouchers which did not even cover cost of sandwich. Unable to reach agent for 1.5 hours, only then to be informed any rerouting to my destination would cost an additional $1000. Finally got rebooked on a 7.5 layover in Denver only to find out my original connecting flight was also delayed so I stood by and got on my original connection arriving only 3 hours late instead of 5 hours late. Overall journey was unnecessarily stressful and lenngthy!

United is today and old, the planes, the staff, the business processes. Yet they expect premium prices for a less than average flight experience. I should have remembered to stay away from them and will remember to stay away from them in the future since I'm traveling a lot again. In a nutshell, they suck eggs.

When I got our tickets, my husband and I were easily able to get seats together (including a window seat). When we checked in at the airport all the seats were reset and we had to pick new ones, so we couldn’t sit together because there were only middle seats! Ugh that’s the worst. We were back so far we had to check our carry ons which was annoying because I bring an expensive camera that I don’t/cant check so I had to reorganize my items. Once we were seated on the plane we had to wait an hour to take off and they said there was some weather/air traffic in Denver but it was unclear. The lady I sat next to complained that our seats didn’t go back and we both got free complimentary snack boxes which were quite good. I wasn’t going to say anything about the seats, they were the typical uncomfortable kind. It would have been fine if the 2 hr flight hadn’t turned into 3 hrs. Not the best flight but also not the worst.

The lady at the check in counter wasn't helpful

They crew was very lovely, took off on time, arrived according to schedule. Was able to make my connection.

Two staff were rude, loud and burnt out I think. Two were friendly kind and helpful.

Comfortable and efficient crew. But did not have my ginger ale

Horrible , we missed our flight because they were way to busy for there airport to handle. We waited in line for the over three hours to be told there’s nothing they can do. Worst experience in any airport ever ,staff member from Lufthansa made it there job to be rude and unhelpful. I’m going to be calling to see if I can change flights because a 3 hour layover in a poorly ran airport isn’t enough.

Nothing. They are a perfect second hand airline for Southwest Airlines. Very tired planes.

Took 45 minutes to check into the flight as their web page keys crashing and was unbelievably show. First flight was cancelled at 10pm the night before a 6:30amd flight and I got a text saying they'd rescheduled me for *2 days later*. Given the trip was for meetings that didn't work so I spent over an hour and a half on hold and on the phone rescheduling. They tell me to check in online while on the phone. It crashes repeatedly. I can't check in. They say, "that happens, it'll probably be ok". Woke up to find the 2nd flight was delayed due to "lack of crew availability" enough that I'd miss my connection (30 minutes to change terminals, go through security and customs). Another 1.5 hours on hold and taking to support when I hear, "I think I have a solution" just before I get hung up on. Call back, another 45 minutes on hold. Previous agent had left no notes so had to start from scratch. Another hour and 45 on the phone. Only flights they could offer involved a 5 hour layover, get into LAX (not my destination) atfter 10pm, then find one of their agents to geta voucher for a hotel (they won't issue vouchers until you land), get to hotel, get about 4 hours sleep, catch a 6am flight to my destination. I gave up and cancelled. Never got to take my trip but spent well over 4 hours on their website and in the phone trying to sort out non-weather, fully in their control problems.

Flying is no fun anymore. Too little space. Too much carry on baggage slowing down everything.

Flight was delayed which caused us to miss our connection.

Our trip was booked to be 2 hours after arriving in Calgary but it was changed until the next morning forcing us to stay overnight in Calgary with no compensation

All as expected. Flight on time and journey was uneventful

The on time performance and the ease of boarding are great. The crew were cordial. During landing the pilot made a hard landing with some swerve that was a bit rough but other than that everything else is as smooth as it can be.

1.5 hours late departing YVR for a 14-minute flight. Packed waiting area. Full plane. Families with tired, screaming kids. 40-minute wait for baggage at YYJ. For a Dash-8. Obviously there was some kind of breakdown but there was no communication from anyone. Most of this was not WestJet's fault but it was an unpleasant night overall. I fell asleep in a chair waiting for the luggage carousel to start.

Horrible, flight on the way to Vegas was delayed significantly and then on my way back my second flight was cancelled

Difficult to say. Over crowded but that is the fault of the airplane not WestJet

First time flying Air Canada staff was helpful from entering Newark Airport thru boarding and baggage and on flight. Entertainment was good on flight Helpful on landing as well

Excellent host on board. Not so friendly check-in staff. Older plane with no food or entertainment due to short flight. Friendly captain and crew.

Flew SEA-CA, then CA-NRT. First flight was short but very uncomfortable, dirty, and had very small overhead storage space. The seats and fans were not cleaned and had visible dirt on them. Second flight was perfect.

Everything went smoothly and as expected. We were on time and one flight arrived early.

Flight was delayed 1.5 hrs due to problem with a previous flight to mine; I was informed appropriately via Text & Email, however, website did not keep up with messages sent by nearly an hour. When checking-in warm & friendly reception at check-in desk until female Air Canada Rep noticed my flight number and instantly pivoted to a condescending & sarcastic comments about getting my bag checked in since I’m running so late; then tone instantly changed again few minutes later when she muttered, “Oh, they’ve delayed it” another sign systems & worse front line staff, not fully informed or simply not reading their flight status updates. Flight crew were very friendly & did a great job trying to make up lost time due to the delay.

It was great, love the experience and will definitely recommend 👌. Communication was great

It was great to check carryon luggage at no charge when there was no room for ours. A hidden benefit of having low-tier tickets. Also great to stay off plane as long as possible. Airline gave us seats we wanted on this last leg, again at no charge.

We had a good flight, service was good and lots of leg room. Service was good and the staff were friendly.

Short flight, crew members were very nice, so much so I'll take the return flight next weekend

It was fine. The seating was tight. My husband is 6' 2", so we were glad to get seats with no one in front of him. I was glad that the plane wasn't packed so I could spread out.

The crew of this flight, specially the flight attendant in the front were the sweetest I’ve had in all my life, I genuinely hope they get a race or sum cuz of their efforts. It was just quite unsettling that the flight took so long to departure. It was supposed to leave at 10:35pm and we ended up taking off at 11:22pm…👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

It’s bare bones but was on time so can’t complain.

Of all the countries I've flown to and airlines from around the world, I have never had such a dismissive an arrogant employee during boarding. After waiting in line for 20 minutes to board, I was sent to a second line for Passport verification. Natalie from Flair, repeatedly tried to scan my passport which didn't work for some reason but was too lazy to input my information manually. Bar code scanners aren't 100% reliable as we all know. She asked me my birthdate 3 times, made me wait to be the last person aboard and then smugly threatened me that my only bag could be charged for (same backpack I used as on my arrival as carry on). Natalie working in Ft. Lauderdale and the was the epitome of lobotomized tiktok brain with the charm of junk mail.

Food selection is very poor and sears are very uncomfortable.

Flight was 3 hrs late and another 2 hrs wait for baggage to arrive on carousel and a $7.00 food voucher that arrived as we were boarding our flight.

Seat rows so close together no one dares to put their seats back. Knees pressed against the seat in front, had to find a position putting my legs under the seat in front. But for 6 hours keeping that one position was ridiculous. All savings on the purchase price are taken back through charge backs for luggage $200 each way, Seat selection $44 per seat or you are seated by a computer randomly. Wife sat 5 rows away. Would avoid Flair in the future

The flight was safe (priority). Everything else is low-cost: too hard, delays, mediocre boarding, cost for carry-on and checked luggage.

Flair flight was 4 hours late due to not having a crew and the plane was filthy. Just water service Terrible experience flight 1513

Flair did not notify you when they changed gate number!

Can't be happy with a 5 hour delay. Only given $10 voucher for food and still EVERYTHING was an upcharge during the flight.

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Planning the Ultimate British Columbia Road Trip

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British Columbia (BC) is the westernmost province in Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Rocky Mountains on the other. In addition to mountains and coastline, forests dominate British Columbia's geography, creating a diverse and beautiful landscape to traverse by road trip.

Since the northern portion of British Columbia is largely unpopulated, extremely mountainous, and underdeveloped, the ideal tour would stick primarily to the province's lower portion. The two best options are to drive a loop from Vancouver, hitting the charming mountain villages that dot the Rocky Mountains along the way, or to spend your time touring Vancouver Island, known for its untamed, surf-centric beaches.

BC roads are, for the most part, well-maintained, safe, and clearly marked, but some routes are winding and mountainous. Visitors should be aware of weather conditions, especially between late October and April when snow, fog, and ice can affect the roads. Driving through the Rocky Mountains during this time is not advisable for inexperienced winter drivers.

Always check the weather forecast and the road report before traveling. For information on current road conditions, visit the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation . 

Basic Rules of the Road

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Driving in Canada is very similar to driving in the U.S. Canadians drive in the right lane, like Americans, but they measure distances in kilometers instead of miles. Consider these regulations:

• Drivers may not use hand-held electronic devices while driving. Talking on the phone or texting could earn you a ticket for distracted driving, which can cost upwards of $350.
• International visitors may drive in BC for up to six months with a valid driver’s license from your country.
• Driving under the influence of any substance, such as alcohol or drugs, is illegal, even though marijuana products are legal throughout the province.
• Seat belts and car seats appropriate for the age and size of your child are mandatory.
• Common speed limits in BC include 30 kmh (20 mph) in a school zone; 50 kmh (30 mph) in built-up areas; 80 kmh (50 mph) on rural roads; and 110–120 kmh (70–75 mph) on major highways and expressways. The maximum speed limit in BC is 120 kmh (75 mph).

Planning the Logistics

If you plan to fly into Canada and rent an RV or car for your road trip, the most logical place to start is either in Calgary in the neighboring province of Alberta or in Vancouver. Seattle , a two-hour drive away from the Canada/U.S. border, would also be a convenient takeoff point for a drive around British Columbia. Flying into the U.S. instead of Canada can sometimes be more convenient or affordable. 

Calgary is a major airline hub that's about 118 miles (190 kilometers) from the BC border. If you arrive in Calgary and rent a car, you can make a splendid drive to Vancouver via Banff and Lake Louise, two of Canada's most stunning mountain destinations.

Camping is also an excellent option for accommodation during your trip; campgrounds in British Columbia are abundant and range in service level, from pit toilets and hand-pumped water to full washrooms with hot showers and electricity. If you plan to stay in hotels and lodges, it would be best to book far in advance, especially for summer.

Option 1: East of Vancouver Loop

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This trip option, east of Vancouver, can take between five and 10 days, depending on whether you include the eastern cities of Revelstoke and Golden in your itinerary. In any case, you'll first want to get from Vancouver to Whistler along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). This 750-mile (120-kilometer) route is extremely scenic, offering ocean views to one side and mountain panoramas to the other. At the end of it is the famous ski destination—Whistler—one of the best in the world and home to two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that hover a mile above the village. 

From Whistler, head northeast to Kamloops , (a four-hour drive). You'll see the terrain change from coastal mountains to near-desert. Worthwhile stops along the way include Nairn Falls Provincial Park, Pemberton, and Lillooet. The latter two towns were a hub of Gold Rush activity in the 19th century and are steeped in First Nations (indigenous) culture. But instead of staying in Kamloops, continue an hour past—still on the TransCanada Highway —to Salmon Arm, which is far more charming. 

If you have the time, continue east to Revelstoke and Golden, two of BC's most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies and home to some epic ski resorts. In this region, you can visit hot springs and provincial parks whose lakes are full of that azure-blue glacial water that Lake Louise is known for. Because of the mountainous terrain and limited roads, you'll likely want to head back the same way you arrived, on Highway 1. On the return, stop by places you might have passed the first time around, like Craigellachie and Sicamous, both sleepy-but-scenic resort and retirement towns.

At Sicamous, head south to Kelowna  (a two-hour drive), also known as the gateway to the Okanagan Valley and its wine region. Sporty travelers love the wide array of outdoor activities here: hiking, golfing, boating, and more. From there, drive down through Penticton to Osoyoos, stopping at any winery that appeals to you. Mission Hill and Quails Gate are two of the better known and visually striking wineries, but there are dozens of others. You're now on the way back to Vancouver along the very southern part of British Columbia. From Osoyoos, hop onto Highway 3, through Hope and then on to Vancouver, about a four-and-a-half-hour drive. 

Option 2: Vancouver Island

Known for its rugged, diverse, and beautiful geography, moderate climate, and unhurried way of life, Vancouver Island sits just off the mainland of British Columbia. It's home to the provincial capital of Victoria, but not the province's most populous city, Vancouver.  Vancouver Island is fairly big, requiring about six hours to drive from its south end to its north end. It takes three hours to drive from Nanaimo (mid-island on the east) to Tofino (mid-island on the west) alone.

Victoria makes for a great stopover, with Butchart Gardens beckoning a half-day tour and Craigdarroch Castle requiring at least a few hours. There are plenty of museums to explore and whale-watching tours departing from here, too. After staying in Victoria for a night or two, road trippers can continue to Parksville (about a two-hour drive away) for sprawling, sandy beaches, then proceed for three hours to beautiful Tofino, a small coastal town with a major surf culture.

The hippie-ish town of Tofino is brimming with forests, trails, and beaches (that are slightly cold for swimming, but stunning nonetheless). It offers a diverse culinary scene and activities such as whale watching, black bear viewing, and sea kayaking. End your trip at the picturesque fishing village of Telegraph Cove or Port McNeill for a grizzly bear safari.

Driving in Canada

5 of the Best RV Parks in British Columbia

Canada's Most Scenic Drives

Top Things To Do in Banff

Your Trip to Vancouver: The Complete Guide

Discover the Glacial Blue Waters of Peyto Lake

Banff National Park: The Complete Guide

How to Travel From Vancouver to Banff by Train, Bus, Plane, and Car

Top 10 Cities in British Columbia

The Ultimate Cross-Canada Road Trip: Montreal to Vancouver

Best Vancouver Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

The Best Places to Visit in Canada in May

How to Plan the Ultimate Ski Vacation to Whistler, British Columbia

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Things to do after your flight to Vancouver (YVR)

Fly to Vancouver from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally.

Vancouver's top attractions

• Start your visit at Canada Place, home to the Vancouver Convention Center and the Marine Building.
• Explore the popular Stanley Park, offering miles of trails, picnic areas, beaches, amazing views and a display of native totem poles.
• Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Gastown, the original site of the city. Admire its restored buildings and old steam clock, dine at some of the best restaurants in Vancouver and browse its local shops for souvenirs.
• Take in panoramas of the skyline and nearby mountains at the Harbour Centre and Vancouver Lookout.

Best time to travel to Vancouver

Vancouver offers festivities year-round. Visit in summer for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, a weekend-long event that brings together famous and up-and-coming folk musicians and poets. The Vancouver International Children's Festival, also held during the summer, offers theater shows, playgrounds and plenty of kid-friendly games and activities. During winter, see the VanDusen Festival of Lights, when the VanDusen Botanical Garden is converted into a winter wonderland.

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Top Travel Tips for Flying to British Columbia

Get ready for an incredible adventure as you embark on your journey to British Columbia. With Expedia, finding the perfect flights is a breeze. Discover valuable travel insights and expert tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip to this captivating destination.

Unleash Your Wanderlust

Pack your bags, secure your flights to British Columbia, and let Expedia be your trusted companion in fulfilling your travel dreams. Our wide selection of flights offers you the flexibility to explore British Columbia in your own unique style. Experience the trip of a lifetime with just a click, courtesy of Expedia.

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At Expedia, we understand the importance of budget-friendly travel. That's why we are dedicated to bringing you the best deals on affordable and cheap flights from the UK to British Columbia. Experience the perfect balance between adventure and savings with our competitively-priced roundtrip and one-way flight options.

Endless Flight Choices

With 20 different airlines flying to British Columbia, you have a world of options at your fingertips. Whether you're a spontaneous traveler or a meticulous planner, find the flights that suit your schedule and preferences seamlessly. Explore last-minute deals or plan ahead with ease.

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We believe in putting you in control of your travel choices. Our extensive range of airline tickets to British Columbia caters to every budget, starting from the lowest price CA $72. Enjoy the freedom to choose the perfect flights that align with your needs and desires.

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Experience a hassle-free booking journey with Expedia. Whether you're seeking a red-eye flight, a direct route to a specific airport, or one-way flights to British Columbia, our streamlined booking process ensures convenience and efficiency. Download our mobile booking app to reserve your flights anytime, anywhere.

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It's time to make your dreams a reality. Book your airfare to British Columbia today with Expedia. Begin crafting your unique travel story and get ready for an unforgettable experience that caters to your tastes and budget.

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British Columbia Flights Information

Frequently asked questions.

• Air Canada - 1,037 flights to or near British Columbia each month, including 1,037 flights to Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) per month.
• United Airlines - 450 flights to or near British Columbia each month, including 450 flights to Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) per month.
• Delta Air Lines - 221 flights to or near British Columbia each month, including 221 flights to Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) per month.
• Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) - 2,212 flights per month.
• Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 30 flights per month.

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• Hotel Grand Pacific
• Accent Inns Vancouver Airport
• Huntingdon Hotel and Suites
• Vancouver Airport Hotel
• Crystal Lodge
• Darwin Airline SA Lugano
• Evergreen International
• Ghadames Air Transport
• Aircompany Kokshetau
• Royal Airways Limited
• West Caribbean Costa Rica

The Perfect British Columbia 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Post summary: The perfect British Columbia Itinerary for a 5 day road trip from Vancouver to Whistler. Includes maps, places to stay, and a detailed day-to-day overview. (Last updated August 2022)

This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission of any purchase you make using my link, at no cost to you!

Arguably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Canada’s most western province boasts something to satisfy every type of adventurous spirit.

Crisp alpine air, vibrant moss in a lush northern rain forest, ghostly fog blanketing glacier capped mountain peaks. Crashing waterfalls, steamy hot springs, turquoise water, and the salty smell of the Pacific Ocean.

Those are the things that I love most about British Columbia. And I know you will love them too. That’s why I’ve gone ahead and written out our perfectly cohesive 5-day British Columbia road trip itinerary that’s guaranteed to make your adventure through this incredible province so unforgettable. .

Table of Contents

The Logistics

I was overly excited to start planning our British Columbia road trip. I scoured Pinterest, delved into the depths of every relevant forum I could find online and contacted everyone I knew who lived in the area in the hopes of scoring insider advice. My Google Maps were peppered with pins from all over the province: a few stops along the coast of Vancouver Island, Orca watching, road tripping back up through the city, then Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton to explore the alpine.

I took a deep breath and forced myself back into reality. There’s so much to see, so many options, so little time. So I recollected myself and settled on one small area. Fast forward a few days and too many cups of coffee later: I pinned some places we couldn’t miss, reserved a 4×4, and spoke with some locals. I finally had a tentative plan on how to make the most of our week around Whistler, British Columbia. .

The Route: Vancouver to Whistler (and beyond)

Our flight touched down in Vancouver at 10am. We picked up our rental car, stopped for Starbucks espresso and made last minute tweaks to our plan. Then, we headed straight toward Whistler. However, if you arrive in Vancouver late at night, you will want to add an extra day to spend the night in Vancouver and get your bearings before starting this road trip. 

This road trip route snakes northward up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler and Pemberton, and back down to Squamish , before ending with one last adventure in Vancouver.

DAY 1: BRANDYWINE FALLS TO WHISTLER 

Brandywine Falls was our first stop on our drive to Whistler. The parking area is easily accessible from the road, so it only made sense to let one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area give us a proper welcome to British Columbia.

Brandywine Falls Trail to the Upper Viewing Platform 

• Rated : Easy
• Distance : 1km, out and back
• Season : year-round
• Time needed : 30 minutes – 1 hour

Brandywine Falls is nestled within Brandywine Provincial Park, where it crashes 70m into the volcanic valley that its carved out over thousands of years.

We spent several hours admiring the falls from the viewing platform, meandering through the forest, and scrambling the trail to the base of the falls. 

Lush green moss, bright red pine bark, and the smell of earthy cedar hung in the air. The sound of frigid rushing water penetrated the silence around us. To say there was something magical about the forest at the base of the falls would be an understatement.

How to get to the base of Brandywine Falls 

You’ll have to do a bit of off-roading if you wish to adventure to the bottom of Brandywine Falls.

To find the trailhead, hike past the viewing platform. At the very end of the main trail, you’ll find an unmarked and unmaintained path in the trees to the left of the fence.

NOTE: The trail is rugged and dangerous . There used to be a rope to help you navigate the steepest sections, but the rope is no longer there. You’ll have to climb down the steep sections, find your way down an arduous scree slope, follow an unmarked trail through the forest to the river, and then navigate the slippery rocks up to the falls. This path is not safe and should only be left to those who are fit, experienced, and willing to risk injury.

Hike time to the base of the falls : 2-3 hours .

Where to stay in Whistler

Budget ($): HI Whistler Hostel and Pinnacle Hotel Whistler

Moderate ($$): Legends Condo Hotel and Whistler Studio Airbnb

Splurge ($$$): Pan Pacific Whistler Village  

DAY 2: JOFFRE LAKES

Joffre Lakes trail information (Lower Lake to Upper Lake)”

• Rated:  intermediate, some difficult steep sections
• Distance:  10km, out and back
• Time:  4-5 hours round-trip
• Season:  year-round
• Camping allowed : yes

If you’ve ever seen a picture of British Columbia, chances are you’ve seen Joffre Lakes – the series of 3 glacial fed alpine lakes with a bright powdery blue complexion.

Joffre Lakes is the single most popular hike around Pemberton, BC and I’ll admit I was nervous to visit. I’ve seen so many photos of this place plastered all over social media.

Would it live up to the hype? Would it be filled with people? How would I feel about it after having seen the turquoise lake from seemingly every single perspective possible?

Those were a few thoughts that floated through my mind as we took the scenic drive from Whistler to Joffre Lakes Provincial Park.

But I am so happy we went, because it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. And I’m thrilled to report that photos on Instagram don’t even do it justice.

From the parking lot, we followed the trail directly to the first lake. Then, we climbed steadily into the alpine as the forest changed and the trail delivered us from one lake to the next. Each more beautiful than the last. Sparkling glaciers, thick alpine forests, chubby little gray jays, pikas, and twinkling crystal waters took our breath away.

The entire hike took us about 6 hours round trip, including stops for photos, icy lake swims (ok, just me), and making friends with the gregarious gray jays.

The majority of people stop at the second lake, but do yourself a favor and spend the extra 15-20 minutes to reach the upper lake. You won’t be disappointed.

NOTE: Please practice responsible wildlife tourism and do not feed the gray jays !

You’ll see many people feeding the jays in an attempt to entice them to land in their hands. Its not cool. Help to keep them wild by not teaching them to rely on human food. They’re naturally very smart, very curious birds and will come to say hello on their own if you sit still.

We were told by a local that the hike to Joffre Lakes resembles more of a queue than a hike through the forest in the summer months, as thousands of people flock to see the famous blue waters. But thanks to traveling in the off season, we arrived that October morning to a half-full parking lot and the three alpine lakes almost all to ourselves. 

The powder blue color of the water is seasonal, though. So do consider traveling here in the summer if you want to see it! 

DAY 3: NAIRN FALLS AND SLOQUET HOT SPRINGS

Stop 1: nairn falls.

Trail information:

• Rating: easy
• Distance:  3 km round-trip
• Camping allowed:  yes

Nairn Falls was not a planned stop on our itinerary, but more of a stop along the way from Whistler to Sloquet Hot Springs.

Nairn Falls is a brilliant green-blue waterfall that twists and weaves through a series of channels carved in the rock. From a beautifully constructed viewing platform, you can safely watch as the water crashes into a series of circular pools that are carved and polished by gravel carried down the river.

Located on our way north, we pulled off into the parking area under the impression that the falls were accessible from the road. Although not immediately accessible from the parking area, it only took us about 15-20 minutes to walk 1.5 km along the river to the falls.

Stop 2: Sloquet Hot Springs 

In the spirit of transparency, I’m not usually one to further publicize special places like this one. But honestly, if you’re game to put in the work to get here, then you deserve it.

The drive to Sloquet Hot Springs was long and exhausting. In hindsight, it would have been better to camp overnight at the springs instead of drive the 6 hours round-trip from Whistler in one day. 

But we were warned about the distance. In my research I came across a disclaimer on not to be fooled by the “measly 63km” from Pemberton to Sloquet Hot Springs. And they were right.

We found ourselves weaving along an unpaved logging road in the middle of the wilderness for close to 3 hours. There were no other cars along that lonely stretch of road and we watched nervously as we our cell phone service dwindled to nothing. 

We came close to turning around countless times, but thankfully we [stubbornly] persisted, because this stop was more than worth it. We finally arrived at the camp ground and hiked 1km through the forest, where we saw steam rising above the tree line.

Having arrived mid-afternoon, we joined a handful of other people lounging in the pools along the river. There’s ample room to spread out at Sloquet, with a few upper hot pools fed by a hot waterfall, cascading down into a series of smaller pools along the banks of the river.

We spent several hours rotating between the pools of varying temperatures and relaxing under the canopy of conifers. When the sun went down, we hiked out under the light of the milky way.

Sloquet Hot Springs Information 

Getting there:  Leave enough time for the drive. It takes about 3.5 hours to get there from Whistler. Download the map offline or be sure your GPS will work if you lose service. It would be smart to carry a satellite phone and other emergency essentials . Don’t attempt this drive without an SUV.

Cost and camping: $5CAD per person for use of the pools (cash only). Campsites are $15 and are first-come-first-served if you decide to stay the night. Note that the entrance money goes directly into maintenance of the area. Visit Sloquet’s website for the most up to date information.

Facilities: This is a natural area. Besides for a small changing wall besides the hot springs, there are no facilities near the hot springs. However, there is an outhouse at the top of the hill at the trail head, which is a short walk from the springs.

Nudity allowed: Yes. Clothing is optional here. Be mindful of nude soakers when you snap photos and be respectful of their choice (or even join them yourself, because when in Rome, amirite?)

DAY 4: SQUAMISH 

Squamish is a beautiful mountain town between the drive from Whistler and Vancouver, located at the north end of Howe Sound along the Sea to Sky Highway.

We dedicated one full day to exploring Squamish , since everything we wanted to do was in the same immediate area.

Stop 1: Shannon Falls 

the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. Truly an impressive sight, this waterfall is easily accessible from the road. You can make it a quick stop or choose to spend more time and hike to the top.

Stop 2: Sea to Sky Gondola

Right next door is the admission to the Sea to Sky Gondola. This gondola wasn’t our first choice, but the other gondolas that provided access to different hiking trails were closed for the season.

The price of a round-trip ticket for the Sea to Sky Gondola is $55 per person, but turned out to be well worth it for the best views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. At the top, you’ll find a suspension bridge, restaurant, and an array of hiking trails.

Stop 3: Squamish Chief

Otherwise known as “the Chief”, these three summits are among the most popular hiking spots in British Columbia. It took us several hours to summit the first peak, where we were shocked to find we were the only people on top. Whether it was because we arrived just before sunset or because it was the off-season, we’ll never know, but we were completely delighted given the popularity of the hike. 

We spent awhile on the summit, perched high above the sprawling views of Howe Sound. After that, we descended the same steep trail we followed on the way up.

Squamish Chief Trail Information

• Difficulty:  intermediate to difficult
• Distance:  11km
• Elevation gain:  6020 meters
• Time:  3-7 hours depending on your fitness level and number of peaks
• Season:  March – November

NOTE : the south peak (peak 1) is a decent climb with a 500m elevation gain. This peak offers the most rewarding views, so many people stop here. However, if you’ve got about 6-7 hours, a good fitness level, and plenty of energy, you can hike all 3 peaks in one day. .

READ NEXT:  What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

Where to stay in Squamish

Budget ($): Squamish Adventure Inn Hostel and Squamish Tiny Cabin

Moderate ($$): Midnight in Paradise Cottage and  Sunwolf Riverside Cabins

Splurge ($$$): Private Waterfront Cabin Airbnb and  Ocean View Tea Tree House

DAY 5: VANCOUVER

Like many people who are first drawn to Vancouver, I dreamed about one day visiting the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450ft suspension bridge hanging 230ft above the Capilano River. It’s been in magazines, on postcards, and all over social media. Like, did you even visit Vancouver if you didn’t visit Capilano?

The answer is yes .

Here’s why: we were immediately turned off by the (almost) $50CAD entrance fee , per person. Not to mention the advertisements for tour buses and 11am entrance hours. Paying $50CAD for an overcrowded bridge just didn’t seem quite worth it anymore.

But here’s the good news: Where we would have paid for probably 30 minutes at Capilano, we instead spent 2 hours exploring the wilderness around Lynn Canyon. Of course the suspension bridge wasn’t of the same caliber as that at Capilano, but to me, it was even more beautiful. It was also free, less touristy, and perfectly wild for being outside of a major city.

NOTE : the suspension bridge is still a suspension bridge. And, consequently, attracts many visitors regardless of the advertised popularity. So if you want uninterrupted photos on the bridge, test your patience waiting for the perfect shot, or get there early!

If you opt to visit here, allow time to explore the trails that will lead you to aquamarine swimming holes, waterfalls, and through an interpretive nature trail.

When you’re done here, then you’re only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver! .

Where to stay in Vancouver

Budget ($):   HI Hostel Downtown Vancouver and Olympic Village Condo

Moderate ($$):  Skwachàys Aboriginal Themed Lodge and Unique Gastown Loft

Splurge ($$$):   The Douglas and The Burrard

Final Thoughts

Two years ago I had vowed to return to Vancouver after a layover on a cheap flight to Hawaii . Through the plane windows, I had watched the a thick blanket of fog swirling over the mountains around the sound; the city skyline looming in the distance. I returned to British Columbia one year later when we hopped across the border to visit the emerald waters within Yoho National Park during a trip through Alberta. That time, I knew for sure that this province had a hold on me.The

And here I was. Back for a third time. Road tripping the seaside highways from Vancouver to Whistler, rooting myself in moments spent wandering through the Pacific Northwest rain forest, and being sure to take an extra deep breath of alpine air for the road.

There’s something seriously magic about this place. And, still captivated, I know I’ll be back again. .

Get this Vancouver Road Trip on Google Maps

Access the road trip itinerary on an interactive Google Map.  Access the map on Google Map here

How to Get Around for a British Columbia Road Trip

The best way to complete this itinerary is with a rental car. You don’t need a 4×4 to road trip between Vancouver and Whistler, but I do recommend one for visiting Sloquet Hot Springs.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

In my opinion, the best time to visit Vancouver, British Columbia is in the shoulder season, which lasts from April – early June and September – October. During these months, you will find great deals on accommodation and a lot of popular hiking trails will be nearly empty. Just be prepared for some rainy, chilly days.

However, if you don’t mind crowds and are willing to pay a bit more, summer is also a great time to for a Vancouver road trip. Long days and good weather are ideal for hiking and road tripping. 

Extend Your British Columbia Road Trip

Have more time to spare? Add another 5 days and extend your Vancouver road trip west onto Vancouver Island.

If you have even more time, add 7 days and drive east toward Alberta to visit Yoho, Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks. 

Read next: How to Spend 1 Day in Yoho National Park

Always Remember to Leave No Trace

The concept of Leave No Trace is built on seven core principles widely utilized for enjoying the outdoors responsibly and with sustainable, minimum impact.

The Leave No Trace principles apply to all outdoor activities – from the backcountry to local parks to your own backyard. Leave No Trace is based on respect for nature and other visitors. It’s also supported by scientific research conducted on recreation-related impact to our wild places.

In a collective effort to keep the beautiful places listed above wild and free for generations to come, please leave all areas better than you found them and practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

• Plan ahead and be prepared
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of your waste properly – carry out what you carry in
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts – be aware of campfire rules and regulations
• Respect wildlife! (Don’t feed the gray jays)
• Be considerate of other visitors

More for your Canada road trip

Traveling Banff on a Budget: Effective Ways to Save Money on Lodging, Food, and Transportation

1-Day Yoho National Park Road Trip Itinerary

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

Pins for your Pinterest

Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a travel photographer and content creator based near the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. I’m also a millennial who works full-time, yet I still find ways to travel frequently without breaking the bank, because traveling is what makes me feel most alive. Now I help fellow travelers who also work 9-5 and are looking for ways to travel more with limited PTO.

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One comment.

Hi Jackie! I enjoyed your blog on the BC 5 day road trip. You really packed a LOT into 5 days!!!! Most of us who live in BC would do that in 1.5 weeks! If you get back to BC I highly recommend getting the paperback version of this book. The New B.C. Roadside Naturalist: A Guide to Nature along B.C. Highways. It’s by a geologist and points out all the interesting bits you are passing by the car window on your travels. BC has a very complex geological history, so it has produced many varied mini-climate zones. Another gem is the BC hot spring spots on FaceBook. Most are off of logging roads but are worth the visit and smallish hikes to access. BC has such a tiny population (other than Vancouver) that we love it when people have enough tenacity to visit all the out of the way places. Another gem is the water access only spots along the coast by eco-tourism “cruise” ship like the MV Uchuck (West coast of Vancouver Island) https://www.getwest.ca/cruises/schedule/ and the Aruroa Marine Link (East coast of Vancouver Island and remote mainland costal and First Nations communities) https://marinelinktours.com/routes/ . Hopefully your editor, sponsor, can fund your adventures on these visits back to BC. It’s well worth it! I sent my parent on both of these “cruises” in their 70’s. They LOVED it as it was not as ecologically sensitive and they got to see the “real” working coast of BC as well as meet some VERY well educated other guest: very influential (retired) ocean biologists and academics who made fascinating dinner guests!!! The food was fabulous – as fresh as it gets seafood every night, made by a very creative chef in a very efficient (aka super small) galley kitchen

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If weather is an important factor for your trip to British Columbia, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 64.4 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 39.2 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to British Columbia?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to british columbia. price data was last updated on june 21, 2024., the best time to book flights to british columbia is 62 days before your desired departure date. the cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight., reviews of airlines servicing british columbia, get insights into the airlines that provide service to british columbia. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to british columbia. reviews last updated june 27, 2024., read through reviews of airlines servicing british columbia, such as flair airlines, american airlines and air canada. users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

A/C was not working on the ground so it was 110 degrees on the plane when we boarded and we sat there for almost 40 minutes because Austin’s gate system has not kept up with growth. Not Alaska’s fault 100% but it was miserable.

Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of scenery to admire in British Columbia. Flights to British Columbia are full of travelers awaiting the opportunity to explore one of the most eccentric and cultural Canadian provinces. The Canadian Rockies, which stretch across British Columbia and into Alberta, play host to some of the best Bed & Breakfasts in the country and offer an abundance of activity for any type of traveler.

British Columbia culture is as diverse as its scenery. From cacti-lined deserts to snow-capped mountaintops, there’s much to do and see in this Southwest province. After the flight to British Columbia hop a ferry boat, book a train ticket or rent a car to explore the rest of the region. Stop off in Native Canadian villages, take in a rodeo, or just sit back and relax at the inn. After a long day of hiking or kayaking, sample exquisite cuisine fresh from nearby farmlands and fishing villages. Depending on what time of year you plan to fly to British Columbia will certainly dictate your outdoor activities – summer months bring world-class sailing and yachting while the winter months cater to skiers and snowboarders – but no matter when you travel to British Columbia it’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

British Columbia’s climate is very varied due to its diverse topography. The coastal region has a very mild winter climate with lots of rainfall. November and February tend to be the wettest months, while May and September are probably the best times to visit the coast. Vancouver enjoys a maritime climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Although winters can be notoriously rainy, there are often long periods of continuous sunshine in the summertime, when visitors come to explore the region’s natural beauty. Snowfall is rare in the city, but is more than adequate for the ski slopes on the Coast Mountains to the north. The interior to the east of the Coast Mountains has a much drier climate with warm summers and cool winters. The Rockies enjoy a warm to hot summer from May to September, with heavy snowfalls during winter. The northern part of the province has generally much colder winters and cooler summers than the rest of British Columbia.

Peak Season:

Summer and winter are the best times to visit British Columbia, depending on your interests. From July to October, the region is warm and sunny and welcomes thousands of travelers booking British Columbia flights every year. Winter enthusiasts will love British Columbia during the winter months when the snow is piled on the mountaintops and the options for snow-sports are endless.

Off Season:

There is no bad time to book flights to British Columbia — when you go depends on your travel preferences. Cheap flights to British Columbia can be found throughout the year if you plan ahead and book your travel in advance.

Driving is the easiest way to explore British Columbia. Car rentals are available at the airport but they tend to book up during tourist season, so reserve a car at the same time you book flights to British Columbia.

Domestic Canadian flights are available from British Columbia on various Canadian airways.

Almost all of Canada’s major cities are connected by train however, the train only runs three days a week. Check the train schedules before your visit — you might be better off renting a car unless your time is incredibly flexible.

• Don’t miss some of Canada’s most unique festivals and events. Activities range from the World Championship Bathtub Race to the Calgary Stampede
• Wine connoisseurs delight in the Okanagan Valley , a fruit-growing region famous for its wine industry.
• Take a trip to Vancouver Island and explore rainforests and wilderness. You can stay overnight at one of the island’s posh lodging options.
• Victoria is less than a quarter of the size of Vancouver, and you can easily see the highlights in one day. Take a ferry from Vancouver and then explore Victoria on foot or by bike for a truly scenic experience.

Can I find cheaper flights to British Columbia if I am willing to have layovers?

Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to British Columbia on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

What is the best airline to fly to British Columbia?

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Flair Airlines is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to British Columbia.

What is the cheapest airport to fly to in British Columbia?

Kelowna is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in British Columbia. One-way flights to Kelowna typically cost $41, while round-trip flights cost around $79.

How much is a round-trip flight to British Columbia?

A round-trip flight to British Columbia will typically cost around $3,038, however they can be found for as little as $93.

Where does the fastest flight to British Columbia depart from?

For those looking to save time traveling to British Columbia, Seattle/Tacoma Intl offers the quickest one-way flight (0 hours 53 minutes).

Does Vancouver Intl have rental cars?

Yes. Those touching down at Vancouver Intl can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.

Are there hotels close to Vancouver Intl?

Yes. Vancouver Intl has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Virgo Palace by Elevate Rooms is the closest property to Vancouver Intl (0.0 mi away from Vancouver Intl).

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., popular flight searches, check out other popular destinations found by fellow travelers in 2024, search flights to british columbia by cabin class, find flights to british columbia, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class., book a flight to one of these trending destinations, user searches for flights to these destinations increased 20% or more in the past 90 days compared to other destinations, book with flexibility, travel smart.

C$ 78 Find cheap flights from Toronto Pearson Airport to British Columbia

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from pearson intl to british columbia departing on 3/10. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to british columbia.

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Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

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Faqs - booking british columbia flights, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from toronto pearson airport to british columbia.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Toronto Pearson Airport to British Columbia.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Toronto Pearson Airport to British Columbia?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to British Columbia from Toronto Pearson Airport is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Toronto Pearson Airport to British Columbia?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to British Columbia with an airline and back to Toronto Pearson Airport with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Toronto Pearson Airport to British Columbia?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to British Columbia from Toronto Pearson Airport up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to British Columbia

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Toronto Pearson Airport to the following destinations at these prices or less: Vancouver C$ 209 one-way - C$ 379 round-trip; Calgary C$ 217 one-way - C$ 362 round-trip
• Morning departure is around 29% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.

Top 5 airlines serving from Pearson Intl to British Columbia

On time departure and exceptional customer service during the entire flight.

Overall, very uneventful and pleasant experience. Most importantly, no delays.

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

We were seated at the back and that was very uncomfortable for me with the turbulence we experienced on our way to Chicago.

Everything about Korean air is great, hands down! Will always prefer this airline from other carriers.

I enjoyed flying on Korean Air. The service was great and the food was yummy. They served white fish.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

Stewardess are nice. Food could have been better and should have a better dessert. They do not offer scotch or beer. You have to ask for it. I also was not happy that you do not serve ginger ale and or cranberry juice. This is my first time that an international flight do not have this. I go home overseas every year and when I travel through ANA, Delta, Qatar, JAL, Asiana Air, United Air. they all serve this two very famous drink. You do not have a great snack tray.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

The flight from Taipei to LAX was the first time we encountered rudeness from the crew. From the gate agents to the in flight crew. We had received such wonderful service going to Bali and on our Bali to Taipei flight that it shocked us when the gate agent was rude and then the rudeness continued on the flight to LAX.

I wish the app was more user friendly. I wanted to upgrade my seats, but could not from the app. The gate agent said you can only upgrade from the website.

It was a pleasant fly with Eva Air from NYC to Taipei. The crew were friendly and the food was exceeded my expectation.

Poor food on board, but seats are too small and uncomfortable

1. The entrance to boarding gate G5 (which is at a lower level) is from the walkway (which is at the upper level). That entrance was locked and there was no place for hundreds of people to sit at the upper level, for a long time as the flight was 45 minutes late. 2. The choice of movies on board was extermely limited and poor. 3. The staff was unhelpful and faked politeness.

I hope their usb charging port works. None of their usb port is working. Boeing 777 LA to Taipei (vs)

EVA would not help with ticket issue since they were purchased through a travel agency. Even though it was EVA ticket stock. Travel agency Budget Air didn't reissue ticket after airline change which I didn’t learn until trying to checkin on Christmas Day and there was no contact number for the agency to help. I will never use Budget Air to purchase flight again and disappointed in EVA’s refusal to help. Thankfully just under 12 hrs before departure someone from the agency was available to reissue tickets. I was starting to think we would not be flying and the stress trying to resolve was completely unacceptable.

Eva is one of the top airlines in Asia... but often are over priced. Finally found a reasonable rate.

I enjoyed the flight it was long but very friendly crew

On time. Easy online check-in. But always give me a middle economy seat with wacky passengers (or even a seat next to the toilet room). Also could be more courtier staff.

I missed having the television screens to watch on the back of the seat in front of me. Air Canada flights supply these tvs on each seat and I really appreciate that service.

Nothing. They are a perfect second hand airline for Southwest Airlines. Very tired planes.

Took 45 minutes to check into the flight as their web page keys crashing and was unbelievably show. First flight was cancelled at 10pm the night before a 6:30amd flight and I got a text saying they'd rescheduled me for *2 days later*. Given the trip was for meetings that didn't work so I spent over an hour and a half on hold and on the phone rescheduling. They tell me to check in online while on the phone. It crashes repeatedly. I can't check in. They say, "that happens, it'll probably be ok". Woke up to find the 2nd flight was delayed due to "lack of crew availability" enough that I'd miss my connection (30 minutes to change terminals, go through security and customs). Another 1.5 hours on hold and taking to support when I hear, "I think I have a solution" just before I get hung up on. Call back, another 45 minutes on hold. Previous agent had left no notes so had to start from scratch. Another hour and 45 on the phone. Only flights they could offer involved a 5 hour layover, get into LAX (not my destination) atfter 10pm, then find one of their agents to geta voucher for a hotel (they won't issue vouchers until you land), get to hotel, get about 4 hours sleep, catch a 6am flight to my destination. I gave up and cancelled. Never got to take my trip but spent well over 4 hours on their website and in the phone trying to sort out non-weather, fully in their control problems.

Flight was delayed which caused us to miss our connection.

We were not able to board the flight to Halifax. Westjet switched to a smaller plane and we were booked on a later flight which was not acceptable to us. We were told that they attempted to contact us but did not have contact information. Nor did either Kayak not Kiwi advise us. In February I booked a flight to Sri Lanka through Kayak with FlightHub for myself and a friend. We were advised of a change in schedule and because I was travelling outside of Canada at that time, my friend, Louise Lore, contacted FlightHub and revised our itinerary. Our original flight from Toronto through Frankfurt to Mumbai was to arrive in time for us to catch an 8:45pm flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 28th but because of the change did not arrive until 1:00am February 29th. When I arrived in Mumbai I was told that my flight from Mumbai to Colombo had not been revised and that, because I was a no-show for my flight all of my tickets had been cancelled. Ms Lore spent from 2:30am until 5:30am on the phone with FlightHub trying to rectify the situation. She was told there was nothing they could do and a supervisor refused to speak with her. The next morning I went to the Lufthansa office at the Mumbai airport and the problem was resolved in less than 15 minutes. I will not be booking through Kayak again. Both experiences have been disastrous and I cannot imagine going through this again Linda Toole

The Priority check in in Toronto rivalled the poorest I've experienced. The young woman at the desk (7:30 AM, YYZ) was unfriendly and abrupt, behaving as though we were interrupting her day. Her inch long fingernails said it all....I really don't belong here. Other than that, WestJet personnel provided a good travel experience, especially in flight. I must say that the repeated announcements about the cabin being full and how folks should gate check their bags became tedious. WestJet should just offer free checked luggage and charge for carry on suitcases. It would save a lot of time and the voices of the gate agents.

It was very, very cold extremely uncomfortable almost unbearable I was sitting at the front of the cabin

Nice smooth flight with pleasant stewards. Slept most of the flight, they could have slowly turned on the lights to make it more pleasant. Otherwise a good trip.

Great! No food was available during the flight due to the catering service strike but snacks were given throughout the flight which was nice.

I wish that seats closer to the front of the plan were available, but when I booked the flight the seats were VERY expensive so I did not book seats at that time. The day before flying only seats at the back of the plane were available. It takes so long to board the plane and empty the plane on arrival due to SO many roller bags.

Four hour delay, no communication and multiple reasons for delay. Rude counter person even though I had a business class ticket. Bad experience all around.

The flight was delayed over four hours, then in Winnipeg it took another 40 minutes before the bags were available to us. I was grateful (especially as a 6'3" person) to be sitting in an exit row, but really that was the only positive from the flight. Our flight was delayed so that it left and arrived after the last flight of the day (even after itself being delayed) was finished. A one-2 hour delay is manageable and understandable. Over 4 hours of delay is trying, especially when it comes (as it did for us) at the end of a 3-leg international flight

We were held in customs while someone was checking on all.passengers on flight. We were released with very little time to get to our gate! Very frustrating!

Delayed twice, and as always, planes are cramped and too crowded, for the high price of a ticket, air travel in Canada is horrible service and value.

First lag from Toronto to Vancouver. Cold as hell and there is no blanket to provide. Terrible crew and bad attitude

Flight was delayed at least 4 times then once we boarded they found a problem with the plane and we had to de-plane and wait another hour for a different plane. I was an hour late for my performance.

Because we had to drive to Toronto due to delays in Windsor on our return we had a car in Toronto so we had to drive home

My flight was canceled and next one was 1 hour later. The gate was changed 3 times.

Terrible 3-4-3 seat configuration, I thankfully was able to choose a seat at the back where it narrowed to 2-4-2 for some relief though seats were still narrow. Staff did not manage the boarding lines at all either, was total chaos.

Crew was terrific. In flight entertainment system is very slow and the touch screen can be not sensitive enough or too sensitive. It was such a pain to pause a movie in case when I unpaused it accidentally thought I presses stop. This happened 3 times. I gave up and went back to my phone for entertainment.

The boarding process is not well organized at all. It need to be totally revised with an emphasis on order.

full flight, could use more room....leg room fine seats tight

Tiny, cramped seats with minimum leg room and hard armrests. Basic needs like a seat and luggage came with an additional charge. Budget airline amenities with premium airlune cost. I won't use this airline again.

The Lufthansa flight was delayed, and I missed the connecting flight. Lufthansa customer service have not been helpful in rebooking the subsequent flight with Air India (another airline that is part of the Star Alliance). Lufthansa told me it's not their responsibility, and Air India says the PNR is part of Lufthansa, so they are not responsible for rebooking. Lufthansa customer service asked me to contact the counter at Delhi airport, but no one was available there. I am caught between these two airlines, and ultimately, Air India decided to reschedule my flight after 18 hours. I am stranded at Delhi airport. I can't go out because if I do, I can't come back in, and I can't get past security to get food. My 3-year-old and our family stranded here for 12 hours without food and water.

Seats were terribly uncomfortable! Couldn’t sleep! I paid for good seats when scheduled with Lufthansa, got crappy mid-section seats on Air Canada!

Cancelled flight, that morning! But got us on an Air Canada flight!

The seats are much too narrow and the arm rests are hard and awkwardly high, resulting in shoulder cramps. I am an average sized person ( definitely not overweight). The seats are a similar size to car seats with the added discomfort of incorporating hard plastic arm rests, that force average height individuals (I'm 5 ft 7 (f)) to hold their arms uncomfortably for several hours. The seats are much too close to the ones in front and behind making it extremely difficult to allow fellow passengers to get out, especially when the seat in front is declined. The leg room also necessitates knees banging into passengers backs for the entire flight. This used to be a quality airline who now offer mediocre service for premium cost, coupled with charging exorbitant prices for basic needs, like a seat, or luggage. Blatant and unabashed gouging of clients.

Efficient boarding. Good flight but seats were quite uncomfortable considering we'd already been sitting on two flights, total 13 hours or so. Would have liked to have prices on the menu of amenities on the plane. We could have used more water. Restrooms and nonalcoholic beverages at no extra cost, not much else. I realize these were discount tickets, and the airline has to break even, so I can't say we were expecting amenities to be plentiful. Still, it's nice with long flights to discover a few. Very pleasant crew though.

Loved the food (vegetarian in our case). Super pleasant. We're in our 60s/70s and not speedy anymore but I never felt rushed. Entertainment choices very current, personalized, and fun. Asked to change seats with a man who had paid for his seats as well but something had occurred in process so he was two rows away from his small daughter. Staff was very efficient at mediating the exchange and gave us a beautiful little travel pack as a gift to agree to it. The seats were comfortable but reclined a bit much for my comfort. I'm glad I'm not claustrophobic as the person in front of me reclined to the max and I felt very enclosed. Very efficient crew simultaneously as super pleasant.

boarding needs to be streamlined load the back of the plane first

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The Complete Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary (The Best Stops in 1 Week!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate 1-Week Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary 

Looking for your next big road trip in the Pacific Northwest?

Maybe you’ve driven the entire Pacific Coast Highway , seen all the sights along an Oregon Coast road trip , or even discovered all the hidden gems along an Olympic Peninsula trip itinerary .

If you’re looking for even more  things to do in the Pacific Northwest , you’ve got to plan a Vancouver Island road trip! Full of lush green forests, secret beaches, and lots of adventure, we’re here to share everything we know about this amazing location.

In this post, we’re putting together an epic 1-week Vancouver Island itinerary for you , including ways to extend your trip for even more adventure!

Are you ready?

Because this island is going to blow your mind!

No Time To Read?

That’s okay! Pin this to reference later!

Vancouver Island Road Trip: PRE-TRIP PLANNING

This post may contain affiliate links, vetted and chosen by yours truly!

Wait, Where is Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island is located in British Columbia, Canada . British Columbia sits on the west coast of Canada, and Vancouver Island is the largest island in that province. With 12,079 square miles to explore, it would take you 7 hours in the car to drive from end to end.

Planning our Vancouver Island road trip, we naively thought we could see the entire thing in a mere two weeks. Oh, how wrong we were!

To give Vancouver Island the time and exploration it deserves, one would need to spend at least a month on BC or come back for repeat trips to see different parts of the island.

Now, we totally get that most people don’t have that kind of free time. Therefore, this post is going to be the ideal itinerary to see the highlights of visiting Vancouver Island in ONE WEEK , and hopefully, it will light that spark to make a return trip ASAP!

The Best Way To Travel Around Vancouver Island

The best way to travel around Vancouver Island is by car . However, in order to bring a car to the island, you’ll need to travel by ferry (more on that below).

Since this post is a road trip itinerary, we recommend bringing (or renting!) a vehicle that has everything you need. Here are a few of our favorite options for getting around Vancouver Island:

Renting a Camper Van

If you are traveling to Vancouver Island in the summer, we can’t emphasize how much we recommend camping! There are so many amazing campsites on Vancouver Island, some even right next to the ocean! Our favorite way to rent recreational vehicles is from Outdoorsy .

Renting a converted van would mean you have the freeing mobility to be cooking breakfast under a forested canopy in the morning, and watching the sunset through your open doors after a long surf session by evening!

Bringing a Regular Car

Another really great option for traveling around Vancouver Island would be with a regular-sized car . One large enough to carry your gear, of course, but this gives you options to easily fit in hotel parking lots, down small roads, and still have the option of car camping, too!

Read More: 20 Genius Car Camping Hacks To Try On Your Next Road Trip

How To Get To Vancouver Island

Since this IS an island, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Vancouver Island.

If you haven’t been on a ferry before, it’s basically a really large boat that you can drive your car onto, like a water taxi that takes you across the water. Depending on the route you choose, you will sail through the Howe Sound, the Salish Sea, or the Strait of Juan de Fuca and pass spots like Bowen Island and Newcastle Island Park. There are multiple routes to take – here’s a breakdown below:

• Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Nanaimo : This is the best route to take if you are hoping to explore places like Campbell River or Tofino.
• Port Angeles, WA to Victoria: This is convenient for people who live in Washington and Oregon, and it drops you off right in the middle of Victoria!
• Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:  This is the most direct ferry route for people who live in Vancouver and want to reach the metro areas of Vancouver Island.

Expect the ferry costs to be around $90 total for two people. Bringing a car onto the ferry costs around $50 for normal cars (less than 20 feet in length and 7 feet high) and a little bit more in price for RVs and larger vehicles, and each person will be around $15-$20.

If you are traveling to Vancouver Island during the busy season (May – September) we recommend reserving your ferry spots at the  BC ferries website . If you are traveling to Vancouver Island in the off-season, there is likely to be a spot on the ferry, and you can pay for your ticket upon arrival.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Vancouver Island?

Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit Vancouver Island . The changing seasons bring a variety of awesome activities, and it all depends on what you want to include in your one-week Vancouver Island itinerary.

Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and their highlights to help you make your decision:

• Winter in Vancouver Island: Fewest crowds, storm watching in Tofino, and opportunities to do snow sports in Strathcona Provincial Park.
• Spring in Vancouver Island: Gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms in Victoria, waterfalls at their fullest, many hiking opportunities.
• Summer in Vancouver Island: Sunny days, Butchart Gardens (Victoria) in full bloom, lots of camping opportunities.
• Autumn in Vancouver Island: Witness the salmon run, visit island wineries, enjoy the many harvest festivals on the island.

Vancouver Island Road Trip: DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

So how should you break down the days on your 1-week Vancouver road trip itinerary? Below, we’re giving you our recommendations, as well as extra places to consider exploring if you have a bit of extra time!

Day 1: Explore Victoria, BC

Your Vancouver Island Road Trip route is going to begin on a ferry. As explained above, there are several ways to get here, but Berty and I chose to take the Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles, Washington, which docks you right in the heart of downtown Victoria.

The ferry ride was an adventure all its own! We got some major Wes Anderson vibes with the boat’s accidentally retro color palette and frozen-in-time furniture.

Royal British Columbia Museum

The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria is a perfect place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. Berty and I wanted to make this one of the first stops on our Vancouver Island road trip because we wanted to gain a deeper appreciation for the land before we discovered any further.

The museum is separated into three parts – The Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First People’s Gallery. Each one shares a unique story about British Columbia and what makes this area special. We especially loved learning about the First Nations’ languages, the temperate rainforest, and different natural conservative efforts going on in BC today!

We only had 24 hours in Victoria, so we weren’t able to explore it as much as we would have liked. Keep returning to this post, because when we make a return trip to Vancouver Island (and we want to very soon!) we’ll update this post with more things to do in Victoria, BC!

Day 2: Victoria To Port Renfrew

Driving Distance: 2-hours, 110 kilometers

To continue your Vancouver Island road trip, grab some coffee at a local roaster in Victoria and hit the road driving to the west coast of the island. Today will include places like Sooke (with amazing cliffside views and trails), Jordan River (lush rainforest hikes), and delicious small town treats!

Sooke is an adventurous town, just 30 minutes west of Victoria, BC. Many come here to enjoy the surrounding nature, which includes the popular Whiffin Spit Park (popular for bird watching) and the Sooke Potholes .

Looking to try a multi-day backpacking trip on the Juan de Fuca Trail or the West Coast Trail? Sooke is the perfect base to get prepped before your big backpacking trip . You can find tons of resources, as well as many delicious restaurants to prep you for the big trail ahead.

One of our favorite stops in Sooke was East Sooke Regional Park . Here, you can take their many coastal trails to discover secret coves (perfect for a picnic!) and incredible views of the Salish Sea. Our favorite trail was to Creyke Point (pictured above!) for its scenic cliffs and great sunset spots.

Jordan River

Known for its epic surfing locations, Jordan River is smack in the middle of Port Renfrew and Sooke, making it a great stop during your Vancouver Island Road Trip.

Here, you have quick access to famous beaches like China Beach and Mystic Beach , and the town also serves as the beginning of the Juan de Fuca Trail . This is also where we stayed at this gorgeous rainforest cabin , and listened to the rain as we drifted to sleep.

For even more surfing opportunities, rainforest trails, and even a secret waterfall, consider hiking to Sombrio Beach . This trail will bring you to a slot canyon covered in bright green moss, perfect for those Indiana Jones discovery moments on Vancouver Island!

Read More: 10 Epic Adventures To Take In Port Renfrew, British Columbia

Shirley, Vancouver Island

Shirley is a small community  nestled between Sooke and Jordan River, along Highway 14 (The Pacific Marine Circle Route).

Here you can stop in to grab a bite to eat at the exceptional Shirley Delicious restaurant and maybe even time your visit for the annual craft fairs around Christmas and springtime. Outdoor attractions nearby Shirley include the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Park , and French Beach , where we saw plenty of winter surfers catching waves!

A little bit more about Sheringham Point Lighthouse – established in 1912, it saved numerous lives on the dangerous waves offshore (this area is known a the Graveyard of the Pacific) and was designated a historic site for visitors to enjoy year-round!

Read More: Incredible Pacific Northwest Cabins To Rent

Day 3: Exploring Port Renfrew

Driving Distance: Around Port Renfrew (<50 miles)

Port Renfrew is the farthest west location on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, and also at the end of Highway 14.

This town is wildly popular for hiking , whether it be along the sea’s edge, or deep in the rainforests of Vancouver Island. From the glassy tide pools of Botanical Beach to the gnarly giants of the Avatar Grove , Port Renfrew is the perfect location to stay if you’re seeking outdoor adventure.

Here are some attractions to consider along this part of your Vancouver Island Road Trip:

Big Lonely Doug

Standing in the middle of a clear cut forest towers Big Lonely Doug, a 70 meter tall Douglas fir tree . No one knows why this tree was spared and the others not, but it is a beautiful sight to come and see with your own eyes. We were surprised at how truly huge this tree was, we definitely felt like tiny ants at its base!

Driving Note: To reach Big Lonely Doug, you’ll need to take a gravel/dirt logging road for about a 45-minute drive. We recommend having a 4-wheel drive vehicle and/or a skilled driver to navigate those giant potholes and steep stretches!

Avatar Grove

Looking to explore deep in the rainforest on Vancouver Island? Avatar Grove is located just a short drive north of Port Renfrew, and it boasts some of the largest trees in the county ! Carefully cared for by the Ancient Forest Alliance , there are two sections to Avatar Grove – the Upper Grove and Lower Grove.

Each has a series of boardwalks to weave you through the forest to explore the numerous attractions along the way. One of the highlights of the trail is seeing Canada’s Gnarliest Tree (located at the end of the Upper Grove), which is a giant tree with huge burl growths attached to it.

Avatar Grove is easy to reach from Port Renfrew, and along the same route as Big Lonely Doug . Plan to see them together to save time!

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is one of the most popular beaches to visit in this part of Vancouver Island. Serving as one terminus of the Juan de Fuca Trail, you will see backpackers enter here for their long 47-kilometer journey as well as day hikers coming to watch the sunset.

The journey is just as fun as the destination! Along the way, you will find yourself walking across a suspension bridge , crossing streams, and climbing over tree roots to reach the beach. Once you arrive, turn to your left to discover the waterfall cascading over the sandstone cliffs into the ocean!

Botanical Beach

If you love the sea, Botanical Beach is an essential stop on your Vancouver Island Road Trip! This beach in British Columbia has some of the richest and most diverse tide pools in the area. Most of them are so clear and so deep that it looks like you are peeking into a mini aquarium at your feet!

We highly recommend visiting during low tide so you can experience the tide pools in their entirety.

Tide pool etiquette rules are required to keep this place alive and thriving, so do your part by stepping only on bare rocks and putting things back where you found them. Finally, never turn your back to the ocean (even at low tide!) and stay safe out there!

Day 4: Driving From Port Renfrew To Tofino

Driving Distance: 5 hours, 340 kilometers

To continue your Vancouver Island Road Trip, you’ll have to begin the journey from Port Renfrew to Tofino . There are many stops along the way  so we’ll briefly touch on those below, but we also wanted to mention some of our favorite road trip posts to keep you busy on the drive!

Our Favorite Road Trip Podcasts + Audiobooks

We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite podcasts for a road trip , including some Bachelor gossip pods, some about viral internet memes, and so much more. Click to read the full list here!

15+ Incredible Road Trip Planner Apps

These road trip planner apps help us find everything from the fastest routes to the cheapest gas stations. We use these road trip apps all the time to make our lives a little bit easier during long road trips, and we hope you find your new favorites, too!

101 Road Trip Questions

Want to get to know your group better? We’ve compiled the perfect mix of serious and funny road trip questions , perfect for long drives and great conversations . You can even download the list for offline use here!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Stops From Port Renfrew to Tofino

• Bonsai Fir Tree – A little fir tree is determined to grow in the middle of Fairy Lake atop a log sticking out of the water. It’s a cool sight!
• Lizard Lake – Take a late breakfast or lunch break on Lizard Lake’s huge dock.
• Cathedral Grove – Similar to Avatar Grove, this protected area of Macmillan Provincial Park has short boardwalk trails on either side of Highway 4 to walk among the giants and stretch your legs.

Day 5-6: Explore Around Tofino

Driving Distance: Around Tofino

Tofino is a west coast town on Vancouver Island, known for its surf culture and relaxing ocean vibe . Many people come here for long weekend getaways, so you’ll find plenty of gorgeous Tofino resorts and cabins dotting the ocean’s shore.

There are a lot of seriously amazing things to do in Tofino , but we’re sharing the highlights of our Vancouver Island Road Trip below, perfect for 2-3 days in Tofino . We think that if you spend a few days here, you can achieve everything on this list below!

Don’t forget to check out our Tofino packing list! It has a lot of specific items you should consider, especially if you’re new to the Pacific Northwest climate!

Read More: The Best Resorts In The Pacific Northwest

Walk The Beaches In Tofino

Some of our favorite times of the day were spent wandering the shores of beautiful beaches in Tofino . Depending on the time of year you take your road trip on Vancouver Island, the beaches can look very different, each season with its own unique vibe!

Come to Cox Bay to watch experienced surfers catch the waves. If it’s raining, hideaway in Long Beach Resort ‘s window-filled lounge and watch them from the sofa!

Chesterman Beach is perfect for beginning surfers and Mackenzie Beach is great for people who want to try Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Don’t forget to check out Tonquin Beach for some quick and easy beach trails in town, too!

There are so many beaches in Tofino to explore – we recommend stopping by the Tofino Visitor Centre to ask for suggestions. They can let you know which beach is best for you and your desired activities.

Visit Hot Springs Cove

Hot Springs Cove is a once in a lifetime adventure to a geothermal pool tucked away on the rocky shores of Vancouver Island! To reach these PNW hot springs , you’ll need to book a boat tour or floatplane departing from Tofino.

Plan for a full-day trip to these hot springs in BC. Regular tours leave around 9:00 am and return around 4:00 pm. For more information (and tricks to potentially get it all to yourself!) click here for all our best tips on visiting Hot Springs Cove .

Read More: Book This Epic Trip to Hot Springs Cove, Tofino

Hike To Cox Bay Lookout

Cox Bay Lookout is arguably home to some of the best views in Tofino !

This short but steep hike is located at the southernmost point of Cox Bay . Find the inconspicuous trailhead along a creek’s end, and climb up the root-entangled trail for about 20 minutes.

It’s a steep climb, so leave your pups at home and prepare to get your hands dirty! There are hot pink trail markers wrapped around tree trunks to help guide your way if you get lost.

Once at the top, enjoy expansive views of the Clayoquot Sound and the town of Tofino in the distance. On a clear day, this is an incredible spot to watch the sunset!

Read More: 13 Epic Hikes in Tofino Plucked Right From The Rainforest

Eat At Delicious Restaurants in Tofino

Tofino is one of the best places to visit on Vancouver Island and to top it all off, they have some of the best restaurants,  too!

Some of our personal favorites included Tacofino (an iconic taco food truck with outdoor seating) and Rhino Coffee and Donuts. However, there are so many more restaurants in Tofino that we loved, here are just some of them below…

• Tacofino – Outdoor seating with huge burritos and local ingredients.
• Tofitian – Convenient coffeehouse next to several beaches.
• Rhino Coffee and Donuts – Great coffee, but even better donuts and breakfast sandwiches.
• Kuma – Amazing Japanese comfort food like hearty ramen with vegan options as well.
• Shelter Restaurant – Excellent date night option with amazing moody ambiance and fresh local eats.

Want to Stay Longer In The Tofino Area? Discover the best places to stay in Tofino, BC! (camping, budget + luxury!)

Day 6: Tofino To Campbell River

Driving Distance: 3.5 hours, 270 kilometers

Campbell River is located on the north-eastern side of Vancouver Island ,  along the edge of the Discovery Passage waterway. Known for its iconic Tyee fishing spots and  abundant outdoor activities this is a great spot for nature lovers of all ages.

Stay awhile in Campbell River for their unique local eateries like Beach Fire Brewing (with crazy Tuesday experimental brews!) and carefully sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients at the famous Anglers Restaurant .

They are also known for being close to nature, which means you can grab brunch in town and be out on the trails just a half-hour later!

No matter how many days you choose to stay, Campbell River is a must-stop destination on your Vancouver Island trip! Here’s what we suggest doing while you’re here…

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Visiting Elk Falls is one of the most popular activities in Campbell River, BC. Located just a quick drive from town (we’re talking only 10 minutes!) Elk Falls provides a fun opportunity for the whole family to get outside.

With just a 2-kilometer trail you can experience epic views of Elk Falls from the platforms, as well as walk across the suspension bridge to view the powerful 25-meter drop .

Come for the short trail to the falls, or stick around longer to take an extended hike (6 kilometers) farther down the river for more magical river views.

Read More: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Campbell River, British Columbia

Take The Trail To Myra Falls (+ Other Waterfalls Near Campbell River)

Another amazing activity to do along your Vancouver Island Road Trip is to discover the many nearby waterfalls in Strathcona Provincial Park . One of the easiest waterfalls to reach is Myra Falls, a 1-kilometer out-and-back trail with a killer view of this multi-tiered falls.

Come to the two viewpoints (upper and lower) and explore around the rocks to discover even more places to view the falls from up close! Don’t forget to pack a picnic to share along the shores of Buttle Lake , the endpoint of Myra Falls .

Love chasing waterfalls? Here are some other waterfalls on Vancouver Island to explore!

• Lupin Falls: A tall 30-meter drop viewable from a short forest trail.
• Lady Falls:  Old-growth trail leads to a viewing platform to feel the mist from this powerful Vancouver Island waterfall.
• Niagara Falls: Near Victoria, BC, this waterfall requires just a quick walk from the parking lot. Continue farther up the trail to visit Niagara Trestle, too (scroll down for more info on that!).

Relax At Dolphins Resort

After a long day of driving and exploring along your Vancouver Island Road Trip, it’s time for the ultimate evening of relaxation at Dolphins Resort ! This unique resort in Campbell River offers the luxury of oceanside views combined with the feeling of being tucked away in the woods.

Berty and I stayed at their room called the Beach House , which is a converted studio with unobstructed views of the water, specifically over Discovery Passage. It was an incredible place to watch the sunrise , as well as feel rejuvenated and restored for a new day of adventure ahead!

Day 7: End Your Vancouver Island Road Trip From Campbell River To Victoria

Driving Distance: 3 hours, 265 kilometers

Your Vancouver Island Road Trip has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the adventure stops on your way back! Driving from Campbell River back to Victoria, BC, here are some stops you should check out on your drive…

Sunrise at the Discovery Pier

Before leaving Campbell River, make sure to watch the sunrise from Discovery Pier. This historic pier is 180-meters long, with plenty of unobstructed views of Discovery Passage and Quadra Island across the water.

Grab some coffee at the Java Shack beforehand, and take a walking tour of the pier before you start your trip south to Victoria.

Niagara Trestle

The Niagara Trestle (also referred to as the Goldstream Trestle) is located in Goldstream Provincial Park , just 30 minutes north of Victoria. The hike to the trestle is short but extremely steep , so be prepared to take plenty of breaks on the way up.

The actual trestle itself is on private property , so respect the area and please do not walk along/across the top that’s suspended above the river. Feel free to take photos from the sides, though! On the way back to the car, make sure to stop by Niagara Falls – it’s the most powerful in the springtime!

Here are some other similar attractions to check out along the way:

The Kinsol Trestle: The Kinsol Trestle, located in Cowichan Valley, has been converted into a walking bridge towering 44 meters above the Koksilah River below. Come to stretch your legs during your Vancouver Island Road Trip!

Todd Creek Trestle: Located in the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, this wooden trestle in Vancouver Island is a fun stop along your route.

Want To Extend Your Vancouver Island Road Trip?

Not ready to leave Vancouver Island? There are so many places to explore on the island that you won’t be able to see everything in just one trip (which is fine because we’re already itching to come back!)!

If you want to even further customize your trip or take some side trips along the way, here are more suggestions for making your Vancouver Island Road Trip unique to you!

Port Hardy and San Josef

Ready to explore the northern Vancouver Island ? Cape Scott Provincial Park  and Port Hardy are some of the most remote communities and parks you can visit on the Island, which brings a lot more opportunity to see wildlife and more space to yourself.

Don’t forget to check out Telegraph Cove near Port McNeill , a picturesque village on the edge of the water.

West Coast Trail

The backpacking trip of all backpacking trips is hands down on The West Coast Trail .  This 5-7 day backpacking trip is 75-kilometers along the coast in the Pacific Rim National Park . Permits are required, children are not allowed, and you are strongly encouraged to be an experienced backpacker.

From hand-carts across raging rivers, root-crossed trails, several ladders, and more, this is one of the most exciting and daunting backpacking trips out there.

Thirty minutes south of Tofino is the opposite side of the peninsula – a small town called Ucluelet . It’s worth an extended visit all its own! You’ll get the same climate and vibe as in Tofino, however, it’s home to the Wild Pacific Trail , awesome camping opportunities, and dramatic swells along the rocky ocean shores.

Ucluelet is more affordable than Tofino, but you’ll have that extra 30-minute drive into town . Expect amazing views of craggy shores and views of the Broken Group Islands to the south, and one of the longest beaches in the area, aptly named Long Beach for lots of different activity choices.

Sooke is a town on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, just 40 minutes from Victoria, BC. Here, you can experience unspoiled beaches , several hiking trails , East Sooke Provincial Park, The Sooke Potholes , and Roche Cove Park (to name a few favorites!).

This is a great stop along the Pacific Marine Circle Route if you’re looking to make Victoria a home base with smaller day trips around the area.

Pacific Marine Circle Route (Condensed Vancouver Island Road Trip)

Don’t have an entire week for your Vancouver Island road trip? Or maybe you don’t want to spend long hours in the car? Try taking the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which connects Victoria, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and then back to Victoria.

This condensed version of a Vancouver Island Road Trip can be accomplished in 2-3 days, or you can spend an entire week just on this route, spending a lot of time in each area!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary Examples (5 Days, 1 Week, 2 Weeks)

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in just a one week Vancouver Island Road Trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re  sharing some more example itineraries  for a shorter 5 days in Vancouver Island and longer 2 weeks in Vancouver. Read below to find your perfect itinerary!

Note:  For the sake of convenience, we’re starting these Vancouver Island itineraries in Victoria, BC. If you’d like to start in Nanaimo or another place, just accommodate for your starting location!

Five Day Vancouver Island Itinerary (Pacific Marine Circle Route)

Highlights:  Quick access beaches, short hikes, easy-to-reach locations just off the highway.

Five days in Vancouver Island is a  perfect way to see all the highlights  on a quick Vancouver Island road trip. With a five day Vancouver Island itinerary, you will have lots of time to explore the island’s most easily accessible beaches and attractions.

Prepare either for  lots of time spent in the car , OR prioritizing a few places and saving some Vancouver Island destinations for another trip. Five days is a perfect amount of time to explore a smaller section of the island like the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This means saving the rest of the island for another trip, which isn’t a bad idea!

No matter what you choose, there are tons of beautiful places to visit on Vancouver Island and you won’t be disappointed!

• Day 1:  Victoria, BC to Port Renfrew, BC
• Day 2:  Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan, BC
• Day 3:  Lake Cowichan to Duncan, BC
• Day 4:  Duncan, BC to Victoria, BC
• Day 5:  Overnight in Victoria and spend the day exploring downtown!

Two-Week Vancouver Island Itinerary

Highlights:  More time in each destination, longer hikes, less-visited destinations.

We think two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend on a Vancouver Island Road Trip.  During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would experience and MORE. You will have more time to take longer hikes and reach farther places, exploring more parts of the island!

This will give you a  deeper look into the hidden gems of Vancouver Island,  and allow you to see places not many others get to experience!

Here’s how we suggest you break down your days on a two-week Vancouver Island Road Trip:

• Day 1:  Victoria, BC to Port Renfrew (see Sooke along the way)
• Day 2:  Explore Port Renfrew (Big Lonely Doug, Avatar Grove, Botanical Beach, etc)
• Day 3:  Drive from Port Renfrew to Tofino
• Day 4:  Explore Tofino Beaches
• Day 5:  Visit Hot Springs Cove, Tofino
• Day 6:  Explore Tofino and Ucluelet (Pacific Rim National Park)
• Day 7:  Drive from Tofino to Campbell River
• Day 8: Explore Campbell River Area
• Day 9: Explore Campbell River
• Day 10: Drive to Port Hardy
• Day 11: Camp in Cape Scott Provincial Park Day 12: Drive back down to Campbell River (stop at Telegraph Cove)
• Day 13: Campbell River to Victoria, BC
• Day 14: Explore Downtown Victoria, BC and return home!

Want a printable Vancouver Island itinerary? Sign up below and get your free downloadable copy!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Map (Downloadable!)

Below, you can find a map of Vancouver Island, the best spots to visit, and our favorite stops on a road trip itinerary! Save this map by clicking the top left corner to refer back to it later!

What stop are you most looking forward to on a Vancouver Island Road Trip? Any stops you would add to our Vancouver Island itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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