Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city perched beside the mighty Pacific Ocean, is the ideal gateway to British Columbia. After exploring downtown Vancouver and vibrant Granville Island, head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and admire the serene rainforest setting while getting your adrenalin pumping on the world-famous bridge and thrilling Cliffwalk, set high above Capilano Canyon.

The Sea to Sky Highway takes you to Whistler, featuring a lively village centre with an array of fantastic eateries. This alpine wonderland boasts limitless outdoor adventures including the thrilling Peak 2 Peak Alpine Experience, showcasing spectacular views as you travel between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. For a taste of First Nations history, why not head to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

 

Northeast of Whistler lies British Columbia’s picturesque Cariboo region, home to 4* Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, an intimate property that gracefully combines cowboy life with elegant accommodation, a wonderful spa and delicious cuisine. Why not pull on your boots and head out on a horse ride or join a guided mountain bike or hiking excursion. 

Highway 97 takes you further North to Prince George through the Cariboo section of the Gold Rush Trail, following historic trading routes of Canada’s First Nations. Take your time to explore, with stops including Quesnel or nearby Pinnacles Provincial Park, or perhaps take a longer detour to Barkerville Historic Town & Park.

 

From Prince George, Highway 16 brings you to British Columbia’s Great Wilderness. Travel to the Lakes District where you can stop at Burns Lake for lunch or perhaps hire a kayak or mountain bike. In Smithers, admire the verdant surroundings as you take a walk through the historic town and visit a local brewery.

While visually stunning, the route to Prince Rupert is also rich in First Nations culture and history. Visit the ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum to learn the traditional ways of the Gitxsan people and look out for the many totem poles scattered along your drive, evidence of the deep connection of the Gitxsan and neighbouring Wet’suwet’en culture with the region. Continue through the beautiful natural surroundings of Terrace and Kitimat, before arriving in Prince Rupert. 

To really embrace British Columbia’s Great Wilderness, consider exploring this route in a motorhome. If you have time to spare, join the Stewart-Cassiar Highway at Kitwanga, delving deeper into the north following the Great Northern Circle Route, with opportunities for outdoor adventures galore!

 

From Prince Rupert, traverse the mesmerising Inside Passage route to Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, looking out for wildlife along the rugged shoreline, orcas breaching in the waters and mighty bald eagles overhead. 

Vancouver Island offers the perfect access point to the wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. After a full day’s ferry journey and overnight in Port Hardy, we recommend travelling to Campbell River where an exhilarating floatplane journey takes you to Glendale Cove, home of 3* Knight Inlet Lodge. After a brief orientation, your encounters with the Canadian grizzlies can begin! Embark on bear viewing tours, a scenic cruise of the beautiful inlet and enjoy hearty meals with your fellow guests during your stay. 

Back on the island, further along the east coast lies 3* Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort near Parksville, offering the perfect opportunity to relax, overlooking wide tidal sand flats and boasting views towards the Sunshine Coast. From Nanaimo, a short ferry takes you back to the mainland and Vancouver.

 

Follow our Ranches, Wildlife & Wilderness of British Columbia fly drive holiday, or for more inspiration take a look at our British Columbia Holidays page.