Vancouver Island, Sonora Resort and Whistler Self-Drive

Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver

Fly from the UK to Vancouver, where you'll be met and transferred to the Sutton Place Hotel. The hotel sits in the heart of downtown, just around the corner from Robson Street, so the evening is easy to spend on foot. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 - Vancouver City Highlights Tour

This morning you'll join a 3.5-hour guided tour, which we've included as the easiest way to get your bearings in Vancouver. You'll travel through the historic streets of Gastown and Chinatown, stop at the markets and studios of Granville Island and take in the forest and seawall views of Stanley Park.

The afternoon is free, perhaps to return to a favourite spot from the tour or to walk or cycle part of the Stanley Park seawall. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 3 - Vancouver to Victoria

Collect your hire car downtown this morning and drive south to Tsawwassen for the ferry to Vancouver Island. The 90-minute sailing weaves through the Gulf Islands, and from the outside decks you may spot eagles, sea lions or even whales.

From Swartz Bay it's a short drive to Victoria and Abigail's Hotel, a 1930s Tudor-style mansion on a quiet street close to downtown, with three-course breakfasts included. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 4 - Victoria at Leisure

A free day gives you time to enjoy Victoria, British Columbia's capital, at an easy pace. Much of the city is walkable, and you might stroll around the Inner Harbour, visit the Royal BC Museum or see the Parliament Buildings. With the car, you could also drive out to the Butchart Gardens. Breakfast included. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 5 - Victoria to Tofino

Today's drive takes you up the island and west across its mountainous spine to Tofino on the Pacific coast. The road passes old-growth forest, lakes and rivers, and there's plenty of scope to break the journey along the way. Your base for the next three nights is Long Beach Lodge, set right on the sands of Cox Bay, so you can end the day with a walk along the beach. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 6 - Black Bear Watching in Clayoquot Sound

Set out on an included bear watching tour aboard an open-air Zodiac, exploring the sheltered fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. In spring and summer, black bears come down to the shoreline at low tide to forage for crabs and other food, and the boat's shallow draft lets you watch them quietly from the water. Tour times follow the tides, as these give the best chance of seeing bears.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Tofino, a laid-back surfing town surrounded by rainforest. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 7 - Tofino at Leisure

We've kept a full day free here because the Pacific Rim coast rewards slowing down. You could walk the rainforest trails and long sandy beaches of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, try surfing or kayaking, or simply enjoy the views from the lodge. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 8 - Tofino to Campbell River

Leave the west coast behind and drive back across the island and north along the east coast to Campbell River. Your hotel, Painter's Lodge, sits on the waterfront surrounded by evergreens, with views across the water. Overnight in Campbell River.

Day 9 - Whale and Wildlife Tour

This morning's 4-hour whale and wildlife tour aboard a covered boat explores Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait, waters known for their marine life. Look out for humpback whales, orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Steller sea lions and bears along the shore. The covered boat keeps you comfortable whatever the weather.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Campbell River and its waterfront. Overnight in Campbell River.

Day 10 - Water Taxi to Sonora Resort

After a relaxed morning, board your afternoon water taxi for the 90-minute journey through the Discovery Islands to Sonora Resort. There are no roads to Sonora Island, and arriving by water sets the tone for your stay. After settling in, enjoy a Pacific Northwest dinner in the lodge restaurant. Meals, house wine and beer are included throughout your stay. Overnight at Sonora Resort.

Day 11 - Sonora Resort

A full day at Sonora Resort is yours to spend as you like. You can book optional guided adventures on the water and in the surrounding wilderness, unwind in the spa, or simply relax and take in the scenery of the island and its channels. All meals, house wine and beer included. Overnight at Sonora Resort.

Day 12 - Sonora Resort to Whistler

Enjoy a final morning at the resort before your water taxi returns you to Campbell River in the early afternoon. From here you'll drive south to Nanaimo for the ferry from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, a 100-minute sailing back to the mainland.

From Horseshoe Bay, the Sea to Sky Highway climbs above the fjord of Howe Sound towards Whistler. It's a long travel day, so we've booked you three nights at Nita Lake Lodge, set on the shores of Nita Lake, giving you time to relax on arrival. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 13 - Whistler Gondola Sightseeing

Ride the gondola up the mountain for sweeping views over forests, valleys and the peaks of the Coast Mountains. At the top, you might stop for a meal at one of the mountain-top restaurants, with Whistler Valley spread out below. The rest of the day is free to explore Whistler Village. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 14 - Whistler at Leisure

A free day in Whistler lets you choose your own pace. You could walk or cycle the Valley Trail, explore the lakes around the resort or browse the shops and galleries of the village. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 15 - Sea to Sky Gondola and Fly Home

Drive south along the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish for your final included experience, the Sea to Sky Gondola. The 10-minute ride rises to 885 metres, with views over Howe Sound and the granite face of the Stawamus Chief. At the summit, you can cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and walk the viewing trails.

Afterwards, continue to Vancouver Airport, where you'll return your hire car before your flight home to the UK.