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Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive

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Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive
From $5,250USDBook Now
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16 days from $5,250USD
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Lighthouse at Vancouver Island, British Columbia
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The Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive is a 16-day self-drive discovery of the beautiful natural places along the west coast of Canada. Go at your own pace, and enjoy the freedom to hike, paddle, and explore as you please.

This wonderful itinerary begins in Vancouver, but you’ll soon leave the busy city behind as you travel north. Enjoy the unique communities as you drive along the Sunshine Coast. You’ll spend three days communing with nature at a wilderness lodge in Desolation Sound before you cross the Strait of Georgia to the Gulf Islands. You’ll continue enjoying nature and looking for wildlife on your visit to Quadra and Vancouver Islands. No trip to the west coast could be complete without seeing the spectacular Tofino beaches and rainforest, or the picturesque city of Victoria. This tour offers you a beautiful overview of the coastal regions of British Columbia and a chance to embrace its relaxed lifestyle.

Canada, North America
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Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive

Discover the culture, communities, and wildlife on this road trip on the spectacular west coast
4.40
(41 reviews)
16 days from $5,250USD
Easy quote
Duration
16 days
Season
May-Oct
Self-Drive
Type
Partially-Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
Difficulty
Very Easy (1/5)
From $5,250USD (see prices for this tour)
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Got any questions?
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National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Lighthouse at Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive is a 16-day self-drive discovery of the beautiful natural places along the west coast of Canada. Go at your own pace, and enjoy the freedom to hike, paddle, and explore as you please.

This wonderful itinerary begins in Vancouver, but you’ll soon leave the busy city behind as you travel north. Enjoy the unique communities as you drive along the Sunshine Coast. You’ll spend three days communing with nature at a wilderness lodge in Desolation Sound before you cross the Strait of Georgia to the Gulf Islands. You’ll continue enjoying nature and looking for wildlife on your visit to Quadra and Vancouver Islands. No trip to the west coast could be complete without seeing the spectacular Tofino beaches and rainforest, or the picturesque city of Victoria. This tour offers you a beautiful overview of the coastal regions of British Columbia and a chance to embrace its relaxed lifestyle.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Visit the charming fishing villages and artistic communities along the gorgeous Sunshine Coast.

Walk along the endless beaches, rainforest paths, and beneath ancient trees as you explore Vancouver Island.

Watch for whales and other marine wildlife gazing at the beautiful view of the mountains beyond the water.

Immerse yourself in nature and the Klahoose culture during your stay at a waterfront wilderness lodge in Desolation Sound.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Tour Begins in Vancouver
Pick up your rental vehicle from the airport when you arrive in Vancouver. Get settled in your hotel and explore the city. Take a stroll through Gastown and visit one of the many lively downtown restaurants.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Vancouver
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Enjoy Vancouver
Spend today exploring Vancouver. Take a walk or bike ride along the seawall in Stanley Park, or visit the beautiful beach at English Bay. Take a walk downtown to see the shops on Robson Street. Visit Granville Island to wander the markets or False Creek to see the Olympic Village from the 2010 Winter Games. To go off the beaten track, check out Commercial Drive and Main Street to see Vancouver like the locals do. However you spend today, you’re sure to be caught off guard by the beautiful water and mountain views.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Vancouver
Included Meals None
Day 3
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Travel to the Sunshine Coast
This morning, you’ll leave for the Sunshine Coast. Take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, and check in to your hotel in Gibsons. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque town, where you’ll find beautiful ocean views and charming restaurants and shops. Since you took a ferry, you’ll feel like you’re on an island, but in fact, you’re still connected to the mainland!
Distance 46km
Overnight Location Hotel in Gibsons
Included Meals None
Day 4
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Explore the Coastal Communities
Today, you can take your time and explore all the little points of interest as you drive up the coast along the Georgia Strait. There are many artistic communities with art galleries to visit, as well as artisanal shops, where you can sample the local handmade delicacies. Robert’s Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, and Secret Cove are all wonderful places you may want to explore. When you arrive at Egmont, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Vancouver Island.
Distance 81km
Overnight Location Hotel in Egmont
Included Meals None
Day 5
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Enjoy the Outdoors in Egmont
Along with its magnificent views, Egmont offers many ways to spend an enjoyable day. You can take a sea kayaking trip or visit the rainforests for a peaceful hike. You can also visit one of the cultural centres to learn about the First Nations communities of the Sunshine Coast.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Egmont
Included Meals None
Day 6
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Ferry to Saltery Bay and Journey to Lund
To reach the north coast, you’ll need to take the ferry to Saltery Bay. Spend some time in Powell River to indulge at one of their micro-breweries or world-class restaurants. You can also take a water taxi across to Savary Island to visit its gorgeous sandy beach with water so warm you’ll think you’re in the tropics. Tonight, you’ll stay in the quiet seaside village of Lund.
Distance 83km
Overnight Location Hotel in Lund
Included Meals None
Day 7
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Take a Boat to Your Lodge in the Wilderness
Today, you’ll embark on an adventure to Desolation Sound. A boat will take you to your wilderness lodge, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Klahoose Aboriginal greeting. You’ll immediately feel at peace as you disconnect from the world at this luxury eco-resort.
Distance None
Overnight Location Wilderness Lodge in Desolation Sound
Included Meals Dinner
Day 8
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Desolation Sound and Klahoose Adventures
Enjoy a quiet breakfast before embarking on your boat tour of the sound and Klahoose along the Great Bear Rainforest (available May to August). If you’re visiting between August and October, you may choose to go looking for grizzly bears instead. This excursion takes you to the Toba Inlet, where a guide will take you to platforms on the river to watch for grizzlies in their natural habitat.
Distance None
Overnight Location Wilderness Lodge in Desolation Sound
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9
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Choose Your Own Adventure in Klahoose
Today is a free day for you to explore however you choose. You could take another bear watching trip or book a helicopter or boat trip from the lodge. You’ll find the atmosphere at the lodge so tranquil that you may wish to sit outside and simply enjoy the fresh air and views.
Distance None
Overnight Location Wilderness Lodge in Desolation Sound
Included Meals Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10
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Ferry Travel to Quathiaski Cove
In the morning, the boat will return you to Lund, where you’ll begin your day of ferry travel. First, you’ll take the ferry to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, and then you’ll take a smaller ferry to Quadra Island. The journey will be scenic as the ferries travel across the strait, and you may get lucky and see a whale or two along the way.
Distance 131km
Overnight Location Hotel in Quadra Island
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 11
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Spend the Day Exploring Quadra Island
Quadra Island is a beautiful natural paradise, and you’ll have the whole day to discover its secrets. Visit the beach or take a stroll to admire the views of the islands and mountains across the water. You can also book one of the optional tours and take a sea kayak or zodiac excursion to look for bears, sea lions, seals, whales, and bald eagles.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Quadra Island
Included Meals None
Day 12
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Travel to the Island’s West Coast
In the morning, you’ll return to Vancouver Island and start your drive to the famous Pacific Rim. As you drive across the island, stop at Cathedral Grove and take a walk in the forest of ancient Douglas Fir trees that tower above you. When you arrive at the coast, you’ll be awed by beautiful, rugged beaches that stretch endlessly before you.
Distance 276km
Overnight Location Hotel in Ucluelet or Tofino
Included Meals None
Day 13
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Beach and Rainforest Walks in Tofino
While watching the powerful waves crash onto the beaches this morning, you’ll understand why Tofino is such a popular spot to surf. After a walk along the ocean, you can head inland and hike on one of the many paths through the rainforest. You can also take one of the optional excursions on a zodiac tour to look for marine wildlife, including whales, seals, and eagles.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Ucluelet or Tofino
Included Meals None
Day 14
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Spend the Day in Beautiful Victoria
Take a final beach walk before you begin your drive down the island to Victoria. Explore the shops downtown and take a walk on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit Fisgard Street, where you’ll find the oldest Chinatown in Canada. Make sure to stroll along the water in the evening to see the twinkling lights of the waterfront government buildings.
Distance 292km
Overnight Location Hotel in Victoria
Included Meals None
Day 15
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Ferry to Vancouver
Take a final look at the Olympic Mountains from Victoria before taking the ferry back to the mainland. You have the rest of the day in Vancouver to visit anywhere you may have missed at the beginning of the tour.
Distance 115km
Overnight Location Hotel in Vancouver
Included Meals None
Day 16
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Tour Concludes
Today, your tour comes to a close. You can return your rental vehicle to the airport and begin your travels home. You can also opt to extend your stay in Vancouver if you want to spend more time in the city or visit the Rocky Mountains.
Distance 276km
Overnight Location None
Included Meals None

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Dates and prices

This partially-guided tour to the Canada is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.

Prices below are per person:

  • Groups of 2+: from $5,250USD per person*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners are included during your stay at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort. Other meals are not included in this tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 15 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Vancouver are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.

Also Included

  • Standard vehicle rental Category B
  • 24/7 access to helpline
  • Canadian taxes
  • All ferries on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island
  • Boat transfers between wilderness resort and Lund
  • Meals and on-site activities at the resort

Not included

  • Flights to and from Vancouver
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Admissions or entrance fees to attractions
  • Optional activities
  • Entrance fees to parks
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Fuel

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions:
    • Sea kayak excursion in Egmont
    • Helicopter tours in Desolation Soundi
    • Sea kayak excursion on Quadra Island
    • Wildlife zodiac tour on Quadra Island
    • Wildlife and whale watching tour in Tofino

Accommodation for Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive

This tour is based on hotels and lodges. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star standard accommodations that are near to local sights and amenities. During your stay in Klahoose, you’ll stay in a luxury eco-lodge in the wilderness.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request and may incur an additional fee.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive?

We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose the hikes and activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?

Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.

Is the vehicle insurance included?

No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.

What does partially-guided mean?

Booking a partially-guided tour is a perfect choice for those who like to be in charge of some of their time while travelling, but also don’t want to be on their own during activities. In most cases, a partially-guided tour doesn’t have a tour leader assigned to a group, but some or most of the activities, such as hikes, city walks, or historic site visits, are led by different guides. Also, in most cases, booking a partially-guided tour is way cheaper than booking a fully-guided tour!

Are meals included on the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive?

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners are included during your stay at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort. Other meals are not included in this tour.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover any activities you plan to do. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Vancouver to start this tour?

Fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You will pick up your rental vehicle from the airport.

Is the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive in English?

The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.

Where do the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Self-Drive end?

This tour ends in Vancouver, where you can drop off your rental vehicle at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?

The best time to travel to the west coast for this overland tour is during the summer and early fall, so you can enjoy long, warm days and ideal hiking conditions. This tour is available from May to October.

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