Travel Kuoni

Epic British Columbia Road Trip

A two-week round-trip around mainland British Columbia, visiting highlight destinations and off-track spots.

Get a glimpse of everything that makes BC magical, be it headliners or surprising hidden gems, and cover some serious (but scenic) miles as you make an epic inland loop from Vancouver. Follow sea-to-sky highways and mill around mountain resorts; hit trails and chase waterfalls; and hop between tasting rooms and wineries in central British Columbia's beautiful and often unexpected Okanagan Region. This is one of those holidays where the journey is the adventure. We’ve packed plenty in – nine stops in all – but have kept the drives manageable so you can make those unexpected en route stops that become the stand-out moments.

Self drive
14 nights

From £2,625 to £3,425 per personAn additional CAD 42pp (approx £23pp) in taxes & fees is payable locally at your resort(s)

Itinerary overview

Days 1-3

You’ll touch down in glorious Vancouver where city meets sea meets mountains. Spend a couple of d...

Days 4-5

Pick your car and pass through North and West Vancouver (a short detour to Lighthouse Park for ci...

Day 6

Your second leg is more substantial but equally as beautiful. You’ll make your way through the Co...

Days 7-8

The mountain bound journey across BC continues as you drive to Clearwater, the gateway to the inc...

Day 9

The great views don’t quit as you turn south and then east to Revelstoke, a pretty-as-a-picture t...

Days 10-11

Follow BC Highway 23 south on the way to the Kootenay Rockies down in the southeastern corner of ...

Day 12

Double back on yourself along BC Highway 6 on the way to British Columbia’s wine country. We’ve s...

Days 13-14

Second up in the winelands wander is the Southern Okanagan region where the conditions are drier ...

Day 15

One final long but scenic drive brings you to the edge of slightly more urban BC, after a few las...

Day 16

You’ve got most of the day to meander back to the airport for your evening flight back home so do...

Days 1-3

Vancouver

You’ll touch down in glorious Vancouver where city meets sea meets mountains. Spend a couple of days getting your bearings, phasing out the jet lag and exploring what is one of Mother Nature’s finest metropolis settings; a trip to Stanley Park is a must – you’ll get some of the best views of the skyline and North Shore Mountains from the seawall promenade. Foodies should make a beeline for Granville Island from some local bites and sips sourced straight from the producer.

Granville Island market tour
Vancouver

Granville Island is Canada's second most visited destination and Vancouver's destination for lovers of food, art and culture. Offering fresh, local seasonal produce, it's where you might see Vancouver's chefs shopping for their menus. During the tour, you'll savour a variety of foods from independent farmers and food artisans from Vancouver and beyond. Award-winning charcuterie, local cheeses, artisan bread, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and world-class coffee and chai.

Walking tour Indulge in more than 20 food and drink tastings Tour the market with the expertise of a friendly local guide Soak up the vibe of the market, filled with artisans, musicians and performers

Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
Vancouver

This is a classic West Coast road trip, doable as a day trip from Vancouver, without the stress of driving it yourself. Leaving Vancouver behind, you’ll travel north along the Sea to Sky Highway, a stretch of road that manages to be genuinely distracting in the best possible way. One minute you’re skirting the edge of Howe Sound fjord with ocean views, the next you’re climbing into forested mountains. It’s a constant swap of scenery and one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

The first stop is Shannon Falls, dropping 335 metres down a sheer rock face and proving very quickly that British Columbia doesn’t do things by halves. From there, you continue to the Sea to Sky Gondola. A ten-minute ride lifts you up to the top of Habrich Ridge, where the perspective shifts dramatically. 

Back on the road, the journey continues towards Whistler, with views of the Tantalus Glacier appearing as the landscape opens up. Whistler itself is a purpose-built mountain resort with a pedestrian-only village, making it easy to explore on foot. You’ll have free time to browse the shops, grab a coffee, head out on an easy trail or simply sit back and enjoy the fresh alpine air.

The return journey is part of the appeal. As the coach winds south, the mountains slowly give way to the ocean, the forest thins, and the skyline of Vancouver comes back into view. It’s a full-circle day that shows off just how close serious wilderness sits to the city.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures 
• Operates 1 May - 31 October
• Group experience

National Hockey League (NHL) Tickets
Florida

The National Hockey League (NHL) is something of an institution across North America. Established in 1917, 32 teams compete against each other in ice hockey from October to June. Subject to availability, we can arrange tickets so that you can be rink side to witness the power and speed of the players as they attack and defend across the ice.

Hop-on hop-Off Sightseeing Vancouver - 48hr Classic Pass
Vancouver

The Classic Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of Vancouver. This ticket gives you unlimited access to all of the highlights and stops available along the route - 14 in total. The tour will provide you with commentary, lending a local's authentic take on the magic that makes Vancouver great. The clear-top buses are equally special. Your view of the city will be like no other as you tour the streets with the wind in your hair.

Hop-on-hop-off bus A flexible way to take in the sights of Vancouver Stops include Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Chinatown Explore Vancouver with a guide's commentary for genuine local insight.

Vancouver Scenic Seaplane Flight (Classic Panorama)
Vancouver

Harbour Air Seaplanes' most popular tour of the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver's bustling Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city. Photographers will especially enjoy a bird's eye view of Horseshoe Bay, English Bay and Deep Cove. The sensation of landing on water is always a memorable.

Sightseeing tour 20 minute seaplane flight Aerial views of the downtown skyline, Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains

Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Vancouver

Ride and relax with guided commentary through Vancouver's vibrant downtown. See spectacular waterfront landmarks including the sails of Canada Place and the bustling Robson Street shopping strip. Then soak in the view over Lions Gate Bridge as we venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here you'll be thrilled with both the natural surroundings and all the park has to offer. Take a stroll on the Cliffwalk, or saunter with the clouds in the Treetops Adventure. Next up are the sandy shores of English Bay on the west side of Stanley Park, and then a stop to tour the wonders of Granville Island. Finally, a scenic drive through the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown.

Sightseeing tour Combine city sightseeing with forest adventure Explore Vancouver with a guide's insight Drive through downtown, Stanley Park, Granville Island and China Town, amongst others.

Victoria Day Trip by Floatplane
Vancouver

Depart Vancouver Harbour by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. A coach tour to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and the famous Butchart Gardens, a privately owned 55-acre floral display garden, is included in your trip. While you're in Victoria, you can also take time for shopping and visiting museums. After returning to downtown Victoria, depart on the flight of your choice back to Vancouver.

Sightseeing tour Fly to Victoria via seaplane Coach tour to Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens Take time to explore Victoria at your leisure

Days 4-5

Whistler

Pick your car and pass through North and West Vancouver (a short detour to Lighthouse Park for city and inlet views is highly recommended) and the ferry terminal before hitting the jaw-dropping Sea to Sky Highway. It’s under an hour’s drive to Whistler so there’s plenty of time to pause on the way; a few of our top stop spots are Oliver’s Landing, the Sea to Sky Gondola and Brandywine Falls. Once you reach Whistler, you’ll have a full day to see the summer (or shoulder season) side of a world-famous mountain resort, following hiking or biking trails, riding the almost three-mile-long PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, teeing off or seeking out the Squamiah Lil’wat culture.

Summer Alpine Experience Day Ticket
Whistler

Traversing the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the incredible PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola offers 360 views of the Coast Range peaks and mountain resorts below. The gondola’s span is 2.7 miles and its record-breaking achievements include being the longest and highest lift in the world. As well as riding on the gondola and other chairlifts in the area, you can enjoy access to over 30 miles of hiking trails. This really is a unmissable Whistler experience!

Morning with the Bears: Land Rover Sunrise Excursion
Whistler

Just outside Whistler, black bears emerge from hibernation from late April onwards, drawn out by fresh spring growth in the alpine meadows and forest edges. This early morning, guided off-road experience takes you into known bear habitats by luxury Land Rover, led by local nature guides and wildlife photographers who know exactly where to look and when to slow down. Morning departures take advantage of the quieter hours around sunrise, when bears are often active, and the light is clean and fresh.

The route climbs into Whistler’s high backcountry, opening up wide views across the Coast Mountain Range. Expect a mix of landscapes along the way, from alpine lakes and waterfalls to old-growth forest and wetlands. Bears are the headline act, but this is a wildlife-rich area, and sightings may also include deer, moose, coyotes and, more rarely, animals like bobcats or mountain lions.

• Daily departures 
• Operates 5 May - 5 November
• Group experience

Afternoon with the Bears: Land Rover Scenic Excursion
Whistler

Just outside Whistler, black bears emerge from hibernation from late April onwards, drawn out by fresh spring growth in the alpine meadows and forest edges. This guided off-road experience takes you into known bear habitats by luxury Land Rover, led by local nature guides and wildlife photographers who know exactly where to look and when to slow down. Afternoon trips focus more on scenery and exploration, with strong chances of wildlife sightings as conditions warm up.

The route climbs into Whistler’s high backcountry, opening up wide views across the Coast Mountain Range. Expect a mix of landscapes along the way, from alpine lakes and waterfalls to old-growth forest and wetlands. Bears are the headline act, but this is a wildlife-rich area, and sightings may also include deer, moose, coyotes and, more rarely, animals like bobcats or mountain lions.

• Daily departures
• Operates 5 May - 5 November
• Group experience

Day 6

Sun Peaks

Your second leg is more substantial but equally as beautiful. You’ll make your way through the Coastal Mountains, across the Interior Plateau and into Sun Peaks. We’ve added this resort town as a charming journey breaker on the journey east, so we suggest getting out and stretching your legs on the Alpine trails.

Days 7-8

Clearwater

The mountain bound journey across BC continues as you drive to Clearwater, the gateway to the incredible, but often overlooked Wells Gray Provincial Park. We’ve set aside a couple of nights here, so you’ll have from dawn to dusk to hike, spot local wildlife, soak up the Cariboo Mountain backdrops and to see the roaring Helmcken Falls (as well as the park’s 39 other waterfalls). Catch the falls in June when the snowmelt is in full swing and you’ll see the waterflow at its wildest. In our opinion, this park is one of the unexpected highlights of this road trip.

Day 9

Revelstoke

The great views don’t quit as you turn south and then east to Revelstoke, a pretty-as-a-picture town at the foot of the Colombia Mountains. You can spend your afternoon here wandering around town dipping into artsy coffee shops and indie shops, or taking the switchbacks up to Mount Revelstoke National Park.

Days 10-11

Nelson Area

Follow BC Highway 23 south on the way to the Kootenay Rockies down in the southeastern corner of British Columbia. You’re in for a seriously scenic drive that few international visitors get to experience – this is a part of the country that you’ll get some serious travelling kudos for roaming. The daylight hours are best spent in the great outdoors; there are some fab hikes in the area like the short but steep Pulpit Rock Trail and the longer Lyon’s Bluff, and the lakeside beaches and parks are the perfect place to hang out on warm summer days. After the sun sets, the town’s craft brewery tap rooms are the place to hang out.

Day 12

Vernon/Kelowna

Double back on yourself along BC Highway 6 on the way to British Columbia’s wine country. We’ve set aside three nights and two stops so you can really get to know region. First up, you’ve got a choice between small town Vernon and livelier lakeside Kelowna. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be within easy reach of a whole host of wineries and tasting rooms serving up cool climate varieties like Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay, and light red wines such as Pinot Noir. Between vineyard visits, take lake dips, paddleboard or take a quiet moment of reflection in the Kasugai Japanese Gardens.

Days 13-14

Osoyoos

Second up in the winelands wander is the Southern Okanagan region where the conditions are drier and hotter than further north; perhaps surprisingly, this is Canada’s only desert. This is the spot for more hot climate wines – full bodied reds like Merlot and Cab Savs are the order of the day down here and tasting room hopping the activity of choice. To support local First Nations businesses while trying the local produce, we recommend heading to Nk'Mip Cellars, the first ingenious-owned winery in North America.

Day 15

Harrison Hot Springs

One final long but scenic drive brings you to the edge of slightly more urban BC, after a few last moments in the mountains at EC Manning Provincial Park. Your overnight stop is in a town that sits pretty on the south end of Harrison Lake; this gets you a little closer to Vancouver but keeps that slightly off-track feel. Alternatively, you can keep on going back into Vancouver for your final night.

Day 16

Depart Vancouver

You’ve got most of the day to meander back to the airport for your evening flight back home so don’t rush your last few hours on Canadian soil.

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Call our North America experts on

01306 744 988

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Other Itineraries

Call our North America experts on

01306 744 988

Available until 5pm

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