Holiday Overview
Explore Vancouver Island on this 14-night family summer holiday.
Begin with a stay in the Alpine town of Whistler and get the perfect view across the village on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and enjoy a thrilling canoe experience through Alta Lake. Continue your stay on Vancouver Island home to a diverse landscape from rugged coastlines, beaches, and rainforests you will be totally immersed in the great outdoors. Vancouver Island is a wildlife haven spot black bears along Tofino’s coastline and watch humpback whales breach in Victoria. Ending with a 3-night stay in Vancouver.
This itinerary is filled with adventure, wilderness and wildlife there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Vancouver Island Family Self Drive includes:
- Return Flights from the UK
- 14 Nights Hotel Accommodation
- Car Hire
- Whistler Treetrek Canopy Walk
- Whistler Canoe Experience
- Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Tofino Costal Bear Watch
- Victoria Whale Watching
- Flyover Canada
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Ask our experts for prices for children over 11 years old
Day 1 - UK to Whistler
Arrive at Vancouver Airport and picking up your car hire and make the journey to Whistler for your 4-night stay.
Featured accommodation
Westin Hotel Whistler
Day 2 - Whistler Treetrek Canopy Walk
Journey high among the treetops on a spectacular network of suspension bridges, suspended stairways, boardwalks and trails on the TreeTrek Canopy Walk. You'll explore the magnificent old-growth rainforest and enjoy stunning vistas on this unique adventure. Perfect for all ages with no ziplining required.
Featured accommodation
Westin Hotel Whistler
Unmissable Experiences
Whistler Experiences
Day 3 - Whistler Canoe Experience
This 3-hour summertime paddle from Whistler takes you on an enchanting canoe journey from Alta Lake to Green Lake. Alta Creek is also known as the River of Golden Dreams, as it boasts gorgeous scenery of British Columbia. Wildflower-lined banks, old-growth forests and local wildlife are all part of your passing tableaux.
Featured accommodation
Westin Hotel Whistler
Day 4 - Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Today we have included a admission to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola links Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains and is currently only accessible via the Blackcomb Gondola in the Upper Village. Approximately a 7-10 minute walk from Whistler Village. A feat of engineering, the gondola boasts the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kms/1.88 miles). It is also the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres (1,427 ft). Sightseeing on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is a must do while in Whistler. At the top of Whistler Mountain try the Peak Suspension Bridge which is 427 ft (130 meters) long and at the peak of Whistler Mountain, at an elevation of about 7,200 ft above sea level. This bridge is one of the highest elevation suspension bridges in the world.
Spending the rest of your day at leisure.
Featured accommodation
Westin Hotel Whistler
Unmissable Experiences
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Day 5 - Whistler to Parksville (203km/126miles)
Today make the drive from Whistler taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay across to Vancouver Island continuing your drive to Parksville. Spending the rest of your day in Parksville at lesuire.
Featured accommodation
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Day 6 - Parksville
Parksville is located on the coast of Vancouver Island, home to Qualicum Beach, enjoy spending the day at the beach or explore the nearby walking trails.
Featured accommodation
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Day 7 - Parksville to Tofino/Ucluelet (145km/90miles)
Depart Parksville for Tofino/Ucluelet. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar trees, as well as the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest waterbombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires.
Featured accommodation
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Day 8 - Tofino Coastal Bear Watch
This tour features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. During the winter, local black bears are in semi-hibernation. Come May, they leave their dens and head for the closest food source - the ocean! While the bears forage in the intertidal zone, you can unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. You will experience the tour aboard an open-air, rescue-style, 24' rigid-hulled Zodiac suitable for this calm water program. The vessel's shallow draft is especially good for manoeuvring in the small sheltered bays while you are watching for bears and learning about this unique environment.
Featured accommodation
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Day 9 - Explore Tofino/Ucluelet
A day at leisure to explore the Tofino and Ucluelet area ask our Canada Specialists if you would like to add on one of our Tofino experiences.
Featured accommodation
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Unmissable Experiences
Tofino Experiences
Day 10 - Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria (292km/182miles)
Your drive today takes you to British Columbia's capital Victoria. Filled with historical buildings and some of western Canada's top museums and Victoria's top attraction Butchart Gardens there is plenty to explore.
Featured accommodation
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Day 11 - Whale Watching in Victoria
British Columbia is known to have some of the best scenery in the world, not to mention the incredible sunsets. Take advantage of a unique whale watching experience & the wonderful evening light. Take advantage of the opportunity to view killer whales and humpback whales in the wild as well as an assortment of seabirds and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Victoria. The vessel features a main interior cabin that is heated and includes comfortable seating next to windows. The upper deck is open and covered seating for guests that want to view from outside. A snack bar is serving light food with hot and cold drinks available for purchase, the revenue generated is donated to Wild ARC Foundation to assist in rehabilitating sick and injured wildlife.
Featured accommodation
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Unmissable Experiences
Victoria Experiences
Day 12 - Victoria to Vancouver (115km/72miles)
Today's drive takes you across to Vancouver on the ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen, for your 3-night stay.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Day 13 - Explore Vancouver
Today we have included admission to two of Vancouver's top attractions.
Buckle up your seatbelt and prepare for the flight of your life! FlyOver Canada incorporates state-of-the-art technology to bring you some of Canada's most thrilling sights like you have never seen them before. Groups of up to 60 guests at a time will hang suspended, feet dangling, immersed in a huge 20m spherical screen while our film takes you on a thrilling 8 minute journey from east to west across Canada. It will be a fully immersive experience including wind, mist and even scents!
Immerse yourself in nature's splendor moments from downtown Vancouver. History meets the great outdoors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you wander through the stunning temperate rain forest. Soar over the Capilano River as you cross the suspension bridge, climb through old-growth fir trees on the Treetops Adventure, and rise high above the canyon along a towering wall of granite on the new Cliffwalk.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Day 14 - Vancouver
A free day to explore Vancouver, explore Stanley Park or ask our Canada Specialists to book one of our Vancouver Experiences.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Day 15 - Vancouver to UK
Today transfer to Vancouver Airport for your onward flight home.
Westin Hotel, Whistler holidays.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler is a full service, all suite 4 Diamond property offering 400 suites at the doorstep of vibrant Whistler Village. Located directly adjacent to the Whistler Village Gondola and just steps away from gondolas to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Nestled in one of British Columbia’s most natural settings, Tigh-Na-Mara is a completely unique log themed resort. From this incredible seascape and 22 acres of Arbutus and Fir Forest, it’s a perfect setting for any escape. A variety of authentic log buildings are nestled throughout our property with each unit offering a cozy fireplace, many with jetted bathtubs and all with kitchen facilities.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Black Rock Resort is one of the most stunning new outposts on Canada’s wild Pacific coast.
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Discover Victoria at its finest through an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown. With deeply entrenched roots in the local community and a strong sense of environmental responsibility – the Chateau Victoria strives to share all that makes Victoria special to each and every guest.
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, Vancouver
Located in the heart of Vancouver, this family-friendly hotel is a favourite for sports fans & theatre goers. The hotel is just two blocks from BC Place Stadium, home of the BC Lions, and just three blocks from Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks. The hotel is also close to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver Playhouse, and Orpheum Theatre.
Image Gallery
Tofino
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Victoria Parliment Buildings
Tofino Bear
Whale Watching Victoria
Whistler
Whistler
Vancouver
Parksville
Tofino Bears
Tofino
Victoria Harbour
Victoria
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Vancouver
Flyover Canada
Canopy Tree Walk Whistler
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Rockies Family Motorhome
- Calgary
- Waterton
- Drumheller
- Book by 31 October & save £200 per booking on RV holidays
- Price Per Person based on a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years old)
- Stunning scenery
- Freedom to travel in a RV
- Family Fun
- Canadian Rockies
11 Nights from £1979pp
Eastern Canada Family Motorhome Tour
- Toronto
- Kingston
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- Book by 31 October & save £200 per booking on RV holidays
- Price Per Person based on a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years old)
- Explore the wilderness of Ontario & Quebec
- Visit three of Canada's cities - Toronto, Ottawa & Montreal
- Explore the open road
- Family Fun
9 Nights from £2159pp
Vancouver Island Family Self Drive
- Whistler
- Parksville
- Tofino
- Victoria
- Vancouver
- Book by 31 October & save £100 per person
- Receive a free M&S Gift Voucher
- Price Per Person based on a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years old)
- Spot bears on Tofino's coastline
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola Whistler
- Enjoy a whale watching experience in Victoria
14 Nights from £2999pp
Family Canadian Rockies Self Drive
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Clearwater
- Whistler
- Vancouver
- Book by 31 October & save £100 per person
- Receive a free M&S Gift Voucher
- Price Per Person based on a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years old)
- Banff Gondola
- Jasper Harley Davidson Tour
- Columbia Icefield Adventure Combo - Glacier Skywalk & Ice Explorer
14 Nights from £3079pp
Family Alaska Cruise & Vancouver Stay
- Vancouver
- Alaska Cruise
- Book by 31 October & save £100 per person
- Receive a free M&S Gift Voucher
- Price Per Person based on a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children under 11 years old)
- City highlights tour of Vancouver
- A spectacular 7 night Disney Cruise
- Whale Watching Experiences in Vancouver
- Perfect for the whole family
11 Nights from £3579pp