Ranches, Wildlife & Wilderness of British Columbia

Day 1  Vancouver      
Begin your adventure in Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city perched beside the mighty Pacific Ocean.      

Day 2  Vancouver      
Today get your bearings on a fantastic city tour. After exploring downtown 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.      

Day 3  Vancouver to Whistler      
Leave the city behind and drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. This evening, get to know the lively village and take your pick from an array of fantastic eateries.    

Day 4  Whistler        
Enjoy the range of experiences Whistler has to offer, from limitless outdoor adventures to First Nations history at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Be sure to take a few hours to enjoy your included Whistler Peak 2 Peak Alpine Experience, marvelling at the spectacular views as you travel between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Day 5  Whistler to Echo Valley Ranch & Spa      
Travel to British Columbia’s picturesque Cariboo region and the 4★ Echo Valley Ranch & Spa, an intimate property that gracefully combines cowboy life with elegant accommodation, a wonderful spa and delicious cuisine.      

Days 6-7  Echo Valley Ranch & Spa  
Your Signature Experience includes unlimited activities, so pull on your boots and head out on a horse ride, join a guided mountain bike or hiking excursion and make time to enjoy an included massage or relax with forest bathing, yoga and meditation classes. However you choose to spend your days, this is set to be a highlight of your Western Canada experience!      

Day 8  Echo Valley Ranch & Spa to Prince George      
Set off for Prince George via British Columbia’s Highway 97 and 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.

Day 9  Prince George to Smithers      
After a night in Prince George, today’s drive takes you along Highway 16 to Smithers, on British Columbia’s ‘Great Wilderness’ route. Travel to the Lakes District and stop at Burns Lake for lunch and perhaps hire a kayak or mountain bike. In Smithers, admire the verdant surroundings as you take a walk through the historic town for a visit to a local pub or brewery.      

Day 10  Smithers to Prince Rupert      
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 for the evening.        

Day 11  Prince Rupert to Port Hardy      
Today’s early start is well worth it as you traverse the mesmerising Inside Passage, looking out for wildlife along the rugged shoreline, orcas breaching in the waters and mighty bald eagles overhead. Settle in for the day on your comfortable ferry, you have 16 hours to sit back and relax before overnighting in Port Hardy.      

Day 12  Port Hardy to Campbell River      
Drive to the quaint coastal town of Campbell River. Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh sea air from Discovery Pier, before spending the night in your comfortable hotel.      

Day 13  Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge      
This morning, depart on an exhilarating floatplane journey to Glendale Cove, home of 3★ Knight Inlet Lodge. After a brief orientation, your encounters with the Canadian grizzlies can begin! Embark on a bear viewing tour followed by a scenic cruise of the beautiful inlet, before enjoying a hearty meal with your fellow guests in the evening.    

Day 14  Knight Inlet Lodge      
Your wilderness adventure continues! The area’s native wildlife remains the focus today as you venture out with Knight Inlet Lodge’s passionate and knowledgeable guides, ensuring you are well looked after and educated on the local inhabitants.      

Day 15  Knight Inlet Lodge to Parksville      
Another scenic floatplane takes you back to Campbell River. Pick up your car and take a drive along Vancouver Island’s east coast to 3★ Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort, near Parksville.      

Day 16  Parksville      
Relax at your resort, overlooking wide tidal sand flats and boasting views towards the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy the indoor pool or why not treat yourself to a treatment in the spa.  

Day 17  Parksville to Vancouver      
Make your way to Nanaimo for the ferry back to Vancouver and drop off your car.  

Day 18  Vancouver      
Spend some time exploring this wonderful city before taking your return flight home.