Kayak with Whales
Take to the water in the remote wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, home to grey whales.
Self-Drive Family Adventure in British Columbia
Peaks, lakes, wilderness lodges and a dose of Tofino’s salty sea air.
With its wide open spaces, breath-taking scenery, thrilling outdoor pursuits and extraordinary wildlife, British Columbia is an enchanting destination for a memorable family adventure.
Combining the absolute freedom that comes with travelling in a hire car with a sprinkling of ferry rides, pristine wilderness lodges and two nights in Vancouver, this journey showcases the best of Canada’s westernmost province. Whether riding the waves of the nation’s surf capital of Tofino, canoeing through floating lilies on bright glacier-fed lakes, horseback riding in Whistler’s wilderness, or zip-lining over bear-inhabited forests, Canada has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Explore Whistler
Go mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding or zip-lining in a rugged mountain playground.
Family Surf Lesson
Learn to surf in Canada’s surf capital, Tofino where ancient rainforests line the vast sandy beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park.
Wild Accommodation
Spend three nights at a wilderness lodge scouting for bears, orca and humpback.
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Day 1
Vancouver (L'Hermitage Vancouver)
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Day 2
Vancouver
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Day 3
Vancouver - Whistler (Fairmont Chateau Whistler)
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Day 4
Whistler
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Days 5-6
Whistler
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Day 7
Whistler - Klahoose Wilderness Resort
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Days 8-9
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
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Day 10
Klahoose Wilderness Resort - Tofino (Pacific Sands Beach Resort)
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Days 11-12
Tofino
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Day 13
Tofino
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Day 14
Tofino - Vancouver
Day 1
Vancouver (L'Hermitage Vancouver)
Arrive into Vancouver and be transferred to your accommodation for the first two nights.
Day 2
Vancouver
Spend a full day exploring the sights of Vancouver, from cycling in Stanley Park to sampling local treats at Granville Island public market.
Day 3
Vancouver - Whistler (Fairmont Chateau Whistler)
Self-drive to Whistler along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky highway, making a stop in Squamish, a mecca for Eagles and outdoor adventure. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the next four nights.
Day 4
Whistler
Go on a family canoe safari through floating lilies on bright glacier-fed lakes, with a picnic lunch included.
Days 5-6
Whistler
From Whistler Blackcomb, head into the wilderness on an e-bike mountain adventure, hike through ancient cedar forests or go horseback riding through alpine meadows. Alternatively, simply enjoy Whistler village sampling ice cream, craft beers and poutine.
Day 7
Whistler - Klahoose Wilderness Resort
From Whistler, drive to Horseshoe Bay and catch the ferry to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. At Powell River take a short ferry crossing to Lund, where you will be met and transferred to Klahoose Wilderness Resort, your family base for the next three nights.
Days 8-9
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Spend quality family time at Klahoose where – by boat – you’ll explore the waters of Desolation Sound and Toba Inlet scouting for orca, humpback and bears feeding on the shoreline. There’s also a chance to learn about First Nations culture through cedar weaving, as well as the option for kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding and ocean foraging.
Day 10
Klahoose Wilderness Resort - Tofino (Pacific Sands Beach Resort)
Today, drive to Tofino – Canada’s surf capital – where ancient rainforests line the vast sandy beaches of the Pacific Rim National Park. Stay at the Pacific Sands Beach Resort, with an onsite surf shack and woodfired beachfront barrel saunas.
Days 11-12
Tofino
Head out on a coastal bear excursion through Clayoquot Sound in search of bears hunting for crab and salmon. Keep an eye out for eagles, sea lions and harbour porpoise who also inhabit the region. The following day, enjoy a free day to explore the Pacific Rim National Park.
Day 13
Tofino
Kayak to Meares Island, home to the Big Tree Trail and the world’s oldest cedar trees.
Day 14
Tofino - Vancouver
Drive to Nanaimo to catch the ferry back to Vancouver.
More Details
Vancouver & Mother Nature's Staircase
Journey on foot through the seaport city of Vancouver, uniquely characterised by its conflicting backdrops of snow-capped mountains and sandy beaches. When not sipping your way through the local craft beer breweries, take a gondola ride to the top of Grouse Mountain (or hike its arduous “Mother Nature’s Staircase”), amble around the city on a guided gastronomy tour, or watch an ice hockey match to experience the electric atmosphere of the national sport. We can arrange skip-the-line access to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, an exhilarating jet ski tour in Howe Sound or even a private sailing boat charter that takes in sweeping views of Vancouver’s majestic skyline.
Peaks, Lakes & Alpine Trails
From the vibrant and iconic village of Whistler Blackcomb, head into the wilderness on an e-bike mountain adventure, embark on an alpine hiking trip, or canoe through floating lilies on bright glacier-fed lakes. Traverse the Cloudraker Skybridge for breathtaking 360-degree views above Whistler Bowl, or rip through rivers on white water rafting adventures, the list goes on. We can also arrange float plane tours to crystal clear alpine lakes, an exclusive helicopter flight to a remote natural hot spring and horseback rides that end with a campfire supper.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Spend three nights off-grid at Klahoose Wilderness Resort located on the edge of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest. Days are spent ocean foraging, kayaking or stand-up-paddle-boarding, exploring the waters of Desolation Sound and Toba Inlet scouting for orca, humpback and bears feeding on the shoreline. Spend time with the Klahoose First Nation people, learning about their heritage and customs, including the chance to have a go at cedar weaving. In the evenings, enjoy family time around a campfire and witness the mesmerising bioluminescence of the microscopic plankton emitting an otherworldly glow beneath the water’s surface.
Kayak with Nuu-chah-nulth
Embark on a scenic drive to Tofino, looking out for foraging black bears as you travel along the highway – you might even hear locals honking their horns to encourage their safe return to the forest! Water-top journeys are the most unique way to explore the temperate rainforests of nearby Meares Island, and paddling to the Big Tree Trail is a memorable family experience with opportunities for whale-watching en route. In the company of a Nuu-chah-nulth guide, discover the long-standing beliefs and perspectives of these indigenous people of Canada’s Pacific Northwest Coast while hiking through the 1000-year-old cedar tree forests.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £5,295 Per person
When to travel
Canada in January
January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.
Canada in February
Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.
Canada in March
While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.
Canada in April
April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.
Canada in May
May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.
Canada in June
For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.
Canada in July
Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.
Canada in August
Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.
Canada in September
As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.
Canada in October
Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.
Canada in November
November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.
Canada in December
The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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