Pacific Northwest · Route map
Coastal Rainforests and Mountain Peaks
This road trip pairs the dramatic peaks of Whistler with the wild, wave-swept shores of Tofino. Seven nights is tight for this iconic loop, but a morning ferry keeps the driving manageable and magnificent.
- 1
Vancouver
arriving Vancouver Airport
2 nights
Urban paths and world-class oceanfront dining
- 2
Whistler
2 nights
Alpine peaks and scenic Sea-to-Sky driving
- 3
Tofino
3 nights
Ancient rainforests and wild Pacific beaches
- 4
Vancouver
departing Vancouver Airport
Return ferry and departure flight home
- ✦4 stops · 7 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the Pacific Gateway
Arrive into Vancouver
Flight · Morning · Vancouver
Land at Vancouver International Airport.
SkyTrain transit to downtown
Transfer · Morning · Vancouver
Take the Canada Line rapid transit directly into the city centre.
Tap your credit card at the fare gates to skip the ticket machine queues.
Seawall walk and temperate rainforest
Excursion · Afternoon · Stanley Park
Rent a cruiser bike from Spokes nearby to span the full nine-kilometre loop easily.
Overnight in downtown Vancouver
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Vancouver
Coastal Flavours and Island Views
Granville Island Public Market
Excursion · Morning · Granville Island
Grab Lee's Donuts early before the daily line ups stretch out the door.
Aquabus ferry ride and False Creek
Excursion · Afternoon · False Creek
Evening dining in historic Gastown
At leisure · Evening · Gastown
Book a table at L'Abattoir for incredible French-influenced Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Overnight in downtown Vancouver
Accommodation · Evening · Downtown Vancouver
The Sea to Sky Highway
Pick up hire car in Vancouver
Car hire · Morning · Downtown Vancouver
Self-drive Vancouver to Whistler
Self-drive · Morning · Sea to Sky
Drive the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway for roughly two hours.
Shannon Falls roar
Excursion · Afternoon · Squamish
The short boardwalk trail gets you close enough to feel the cold glacial mist.
Overnight in Whistler Village
Accommodation · Evening · Whistler
High Alpine Peaks
Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride
Excursion · Morning · Whistler Mountain
Ride the record-breaking lift between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Wait for the silver-bottomed cabins for a thrilling glass-floor view of the valley.
Stroll Whistler Village pedestrian-only paths
At leisure · Afternoon · Whistler Village
Stop by Purebread for the best artisan bakery treats in the province.
Overnight in Whistler Village
Accommodation · Evening · Whistler
Voyage to Vancouver Island
Self-drive Whistler to Horseshoe Bay
Self-drive · Morning · Sea to Sky
Drive south down the highway back to the ferry terminal.
BC Ferry to Nanaimo
Transfer · Morning · Strait of Georgia
Sail across the Strait of Georgia for two hours.
Reserve your vehicle sailing online weeks in advance to avoid multi-hour ferry wait times.
Self-drive Nanaimo to Tofino
Self-drive · Afternoon · Vancouver Island
Drive across the spine of the island for three hours.
Walk among giants at Cathedral Grove
Excursion · Afternoon · MacMillan Provincial Park
Look for the fallen giant trees to truly appreciate their massive root systems.
Overnight in Tofino
Accommodation · Evening · Tofino
Wild Pacific Ocean
Pacific Rim whale watching cruise
Excursion · Morning · Clayoquot Sound
Search for whales and sea lions by boat.
Dress in heavy layers as the temperature drops dramatically on the open ocean.
Beachcombing at Chesterman Beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Tofino
Walk out to Frank Island at low tide, but watch the incoming tide closely.
Overnight in Tofino
Accommodation · Evening · Tofino
Ancient Rainforest and Shorelines
Hike the Rainforest Trail loops
Excursion · Morning · Pacific Rim National Park
Take Loop B to see signs explaining the complex forest ecology of the coast.
Explore Tofino's artisan shops
At leisure · Afternoon · Tofino
Sip a draft beer flight on the forest-view deck at Tofino Brewing Company.
Overnight in Tofino
Accommodation · Evening · Tofino
Return to the Mainland
Self-drive Tofino to Nanaimo
Self-drive · Morning · Vancouver Island
Drive three hours east back to the eastern coast.
BC Ferry to Horseshoe Bay
Transfer · Afternoon · Strait of Georgia
Sail across the strait to the mainland.
Self-drive to Vancouver Airport
Self-drive · Afternoon · Vancouver
Drive through West Vancouver to the airport terminal.
Drop the car at Vancouver Airport
Car hire · Afternoon · Vancouver
Fly out of Vancouver
Flight · Evening · Vancouver
Depart from Vancouver International Airport.
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