1-week roadtrip on the Canadian West Coast

? Do you love nature ? Museums and coffee shops ? Do you have one week of vacation ?
You will love this itinerary ! Between the Pacific Ocean and the Canadian Mountains, the wild Canadian West coast and the gorgeous cities of Vancouver and Victoria are waiting for you. ⏳

Itinerary of this 1-week roadtrip on the Canadian West Coast

Vancouver > Victoria > Goldstream Provincial Park > Tofino

? We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : Step by step

What to do in Vancouver ?

The perfect blend of city and nature. 

• Stanley Park, one of the biggest urban park of North America. A spectacular view over the ocean and mountains.
• Granville Island Public Market, one of the best marketplaces in Canada with amazing cheese, fruits, pastries and fish shops.
• English Bay Beach, an astonishing urban beach, bordered by palm trees.
• Vancouver Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum also hosting international exhibitions. It is nowadays a major actor in Vancouver’s art scene.
• Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a lovely and intimate garden where turtles swim around and might even come and see you. A true peaceful heaven in the heart of the city.

What to do in Victoria ?

Young and dynamic provincial capital. 

• Beacon Hill Park, overlooking the sea, this park displays a huge Native American totem. You will also be able to take part in victorian cricket game !
• Royal BC Museum, most informative museum of the region. Have fun and learn about natural history, an 1890 village’s life or a whool mammoth. Discover the permanent and temporary dinosaur or gold mining exhibitions.
• Fisherman’s Wharf, a wooden boardwalk. Follow the wharf and discover long houseboats, vintage shops and eat fish and chips in one of the very affordable restaurants.
• Craigdarroch Castle, exquisite manor highlighting Victoria’s historical wealth. Step in and get a feel of what life was like for the rich former residents, climb up the 87 steps and head up to the tower. You’ll get an exceptional view over the American mountains.

What to do in Goldstream Provincial Park ?

Wild forest just a few moments away from the city. 

• Explore a forest with trees over 500 years old and a preserved wildlife. You could even see bears and cougars and witness the salmon run.
• Enjoy this nature brake to go on a hike, fish or go camping !

What to do in Tofino ?

One of the best places to relax on the island. 

• On the road to Tofino, keep your eyes wide open and catch a glimpse of Cathedral Grove, boarding a 500-year-old-tree forest !
• Need to hit the waves ? Head to Long Beach and surf perfect waves.
• Don’t have enough balance to stand on a surfboard ? Go kayaking / canoeing and if you get lucky, you could get to see killer whales !
• Between November and March, take part in a popular local activity : hurricane observing ! Watch the waves surge at Cox Bay, Wickaninnish Beach, Chersterman Beach, Long Beach or Second Bay.
• From Tofino seaside, rent a kayak or boat and head to the Meares Island. Once on the island, take a walk on the Big Tree Trail, a wooden boardwalk winding through a primary forest and leading to an older than 1500 year red cedar tree.

Learn more…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country, by clicking here.
• Book a car rental at the best price, by this website we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment bellow ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !