Self Drive Tours in Canada: Vancouver and Vancouver Island

ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER
Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Jonview Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check in. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

VANCOUVER
Enjoy the entire day discovering Vancouver and its many attractions Take advantage of many shopping opportunities in the historic Gastown area, along fasionable Robson Street, and in colourful Chinatown. Overnight in Vancouver.

VANCOUVER TO POWELL RIVER
Drive northwards along the coast of the Strait of Georgia past rugged scenery and serene inlets before boarding the first of several ferries on route to Powell River. Set against the backdrop of the Coastal Mountains, Powell River offers great opportunities for outdoor activities and the coastal waters boast a rich variety of marine wildlife. Overnight in Powell River.

POWELL RIVER TO QUADRA ISLAND
This morning starts with a refreshing B.C. Ferry
cruise across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver
Island. Look closely and you may even encounter
some orcas. From the ferry, you will drive north through Comox Valley
and up to Campbell River, a salmon-fishing paradise. Another short
ferry ride brings you to Quadra Island, where you can immerse yourself
for a few hours in rich native heritage and culture. Take to the hiking
trails and you will uncover many fascinating sites: including a native
village, authentic totem poles and mysterious native rock carvings.
Overnight on Quadra Island.

QUADRA ISLAND
Spend the day on Quadra Island and visit the Kwagiulth Museum and Cultural Centre, housing an extensive collection of potlatch ceremonial artefacts. Overnight on Quadra Island.

QUADRA ISLAND TO PARKSVILLE
Leave Quadra Island behind and travel on to Parksville.  Until the late 1800s, Parksville was known as The River. There is a tourist information centre on the main road near the park entrance. Parksville Community Park has picnic sites, playgrounds and easy access to a beautiful, sandy beach. Overnight in Parksville.

PARKSVILLE
Spend some time at  the Craig Heritage Museum offering local native and pioneer artefacts, newspaper and photograph archives, a restored fire hall (1942) and a fire truck (1946), or make a stop at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Overnight in Parksville

PARKSVILLE TO TOFINO
As you travel towards Tofino be sure make a visit to Port Alberni along the way. Port Alberni’s past is filled with gold, silver and copper mining. Presently however, industries such as forestry but also tourism keep the town’s economy going and it is known as a deepwater port, fishing and lumbering centre. Spend some time relaxing upon arrival in Tofino, surrounded by impressive islands and forests. Overnight in Tofino.

TOFINO
This fishing village attracts many visitors with its spectacular location on the Pacific Coast and has become a premier whalewatching station. A small but fine selection of restaurants, galleries and shops will make your stay a memorable one. Overnight in Tofino.

TOFINO TO NANAIMO
Today you will continue your journey on to Nanaimo. Nanaimo is the fastest growing city on Vancouver Island. Originally at Hudson’s Bay Co. outpost, then a coal mining centre, Nanaimo is a thriving forest products industry centre and a deep-sea fishing port. The forest industry is its single largest employer and revenue producer. Overnight in Nanaimo.

NANAIMO TO VICTORIA
Today’s coastal exploration brings you along the scenic Malahat Drive. En route, you will detour to visit the murals of Chemainus, the Forest Museum or the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan. Eventually, your trail ends in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. Visit
the harbour area, the totem poles of Thunderbird Park or the Royal British Columbia Museum. For an unforgettably elegant end to your day, visit the Empress Hotel for a traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria.

VICTORIA
A final day on the island reveals the serene beauty of the Saanich Peninsula with its quiet beaches, meandering lanes and colonial-style architecture. Visit Butchart Gardens, located in a former stone quarry and renowned for their horticultural diversity. Overnight in Victoria

VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
Travel on to Vancouver today where you will check in to your hotel for a one night stay.

VANCOUVER - END OF TOUR