An ideal getaway from the busy streets of Vancouver, reached by ferry or floatplane, is delightful Vancouver Island. Stray from the quaint streets of the island’s capital Victoria and wild landscapes await. One of Canada's most accessible wilderness regions, the island offers magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged hinterland, endless outdoor pursuits including some spectacular wildlife spotting opportunities.
10 Hotels, 9 Tours, 10 Experiences
A real gem of a region, the Okanagan Valley, which is located in southern British Columbia is one of Canada’s warmest destinations and heaven for lovers of the outdoors. Visitors head here for the summer to spend time by the lake shores, on and in the water, and at the local wineries while in the winter the ski resorts in the surrounding hills open and offer a variety of snow-based sports.
2 Hotels, 1 Experiences
Just an hour from the Rocky Mountaineer stop-over point of Kamloops is the mountain resort of Sun Peaks. Smaller and more intimate than the likes of Whistler, Sun Peaks is a favourite with families who head here for winter sports and summer outdoor activities. It also has a more European resort feel than other North American resorts. Sun Peaks is our recommended stop-off point between the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver for self-drive holidays. During the summer, acitivities here include mountain biking or hiking.
2 Hotels, 2 Tours
Probably the most famous of Canada’s mountain resorts is beautiful Whistler, which played host to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here from around the world to enjoy the many activities on offer. This truly is a year-round resort with skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling popular in the winter, and hiking, mountain climbing and zip-lining drawing visitors in the summer. A ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which links Whistler to Blackcomb and offers 360-degree views of the breathtaking scenery, is a must.
4 Hotels, 3 Tours, 4 Experiences
Vancouver Island
Okanagan Region
Sun Peaks
Whistler
