Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Canada - West
100% customisable for you
Arrival in Vancouver, private transfer and accommodation at one of the city's finest beachfront hotels. The city, where downhill skiing and water skiing can be enjoyed on the same day, also entices visitors with its cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere. Vancouver is a very environmentally conscious city, and develops cultural and festive activities in former industrial districts. Designer shops open everywhere and a cool atmosphere reigns unceremoniously. Stanley Park puts nature and outdoor activities at the centre of city life.
Things to see and do - The Hotel Vancouver, with its great, chateau-style architecture (1929-1939) - at its foot, the enormous Anglican Christ Church Cathedral in a neo-gothic style. And for fans of contemporary architecture? There's the Vancouver Public Library (Moshe Safdie, 1995). The old, renovated warehouse district along the harbour is a must-see. To the northwest lies Stanley Park's 1,000 acres of cedar and fir trees. To the south, Granville Island. The formerly industrial island has recently evolved into a welcoming neighbourhood. Arrive by water taxi, go shopping, visit an exhibition and, most importantly, fill your shopping bag at the Public Market (food, including a farmer's market, crafts). In short, experience a modern urban life which is both rustic and bohemian.
Included in the itinerary - A tour of the city with a driver guide to discover its secrets.
In the morning, pick up your rental car and then take a ferry through the islands of the Strait of Georgia to reach Victoria. With the bronze statue of Queen Victoria standing in the gardens of its Gothic Revival Parliament looking out over 'her' city, its Victorian architecture and double-decker buses, the capital of British Columbia has all the features of a small old-fashioned seaside resort in Sussex. Stay ten minutes from the city centre in Oak Bay, the most British neighbourhood of all, in a beautiful mansion style hotel, ideally located on the waterfront.
Unmissable - Bound by tradition, Victoria lives for teatime. The colonial bar at Fairmont Empress Hotel is a temple where, every afternoon, in the splendid lobby with its tiger skins and fans, one of Britain's finest ceremonies takes place: Afternoon Tea. Proper attire is a must if you are to have a chance of getting one of this venerable institution's tables with sea views, a glorious refuge for the good manners of the Empire, and eating the succulent pastries - fresh berries with Chantilly cream, toasted honey crumpets or homemade scones - served by an army of austere ladies in black dresses and white aprons.
Depart by car on the Pacific Rim road that crosses the island from Port Alberni to Tofino offering spectacular scenery. After the Mackenzie Mountains, you reach the Pacific Rim National Park, with its huge centuries-old forests and wild beaches which are popular with surfers. Continue to Tofino , a former fishing port and a favourite spot for whale, killer whale and bear watching. At the end of the day, transfer by boat taxi to your end of the world: the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, which is isolated from all civilisation. Stay in your luxury tent.
Two days immersed in an absolutely magnificent setting, cut off from the world. Nature awaits, and you can try the most diverse of activities, all of which are included in your itinerary: zodiac boat trips to spot bears, whales and killer whales, fishing, riding, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, multiple hikes with nature guides, not forgetting the spa to end an already exciting day. Your tent, like the most beautiful camps in Africa, is divine. It is the height of 'rustic chic' for nights under the stars lulled by the sounds of the surrounding wildlife and undulating forest.
Back to civilisation at the end of the day, but gently, with the choice of Ucluelet, a small fishing village which is less famous than Tofino, where you can relax in peace before returning to the city. Stay at a comfortable and modern studio with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Road then ferry back to Vancouver. Stay at one of the city's most beautiful hotels: elegant, refined and perfectly located for exploring the city.
Optional - A foodie walk in Vancouver, from food truck to food truck, to meet chefs and artisans who have made a name for themselves in Vancouver: Japanese hot dogs, fish tacos, chocolate biscuits...
Return your vehicle and return flight. Overnight. Arrive the next morning.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
