Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities, rich with culture, nature and world-class shopping, dining and hotels. It is also home to the Coast Salish Peoples including the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish Nations. Explore Aboriginal culture at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park and discover First Nations treasures at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Other activities include a canoe adventure with Takaya Tours, a round of golf at the Takaya Golf Centre, or a visit to the Khot-la-Cha Gallery and Gift Shop. Stay for 2 nights in Vancouver.

 

This morning pick up a hire car and depart Vancouver. Travel east into the lush Fraser Valley, the primary agricultural region in southwestern BC. Framed by the Coast Mountains on either side, this region is home to attractions, gardens, golf courses, historic sites, the mighty Fraser River and the beautiful Harrison Lake. Stay for 1 night in Harrison Hot Springs.

 

A short drive from Harrison Hot Springs will bring you to the town of Hope, a major highway junction, from where you can travel on three different routes into BC's interior. By the time you reach Hope, you will have left the valley behind and entered the rugged Coast Mountains, blanketed with evergreen forest and snow-capped peaks. The further east you travel, the more arid the climate, vegetation and geography will become. By the time you arrive in Osoyoos, you are in Canada's only true desert. This region is home to the Osoyoos First Nation. The name Osoyoos is derived from Soyoos, an Aboriginal word meaning "gathered together". Stay for 2 nights in Osoyoos.

 

Relax and explore Aboriginal culture and a wide range of unique services and activities this region has to offer. Discover the legends of Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Center or sip on a glass of chilled chardonnay wine served on the patio of Nk'Mip Cellars.

 

Enjoy a spectacular drive through British Columbia's world-famous wine country. Along the route, tour wineries and learn about winemaking techniques and sample your favourite varietal at the vineyards' tasting rooms. Stop at Kekuli Cafe in Westbank for fresh bannock and delicious organic, fair-trade coffee. This First Nations - owned cafe/restaurant also offers Aboriginal-inspired cuisine, as well as local art. Upon arrival in Kelowna, relax at the lake or visit some of the nearby orchards. Stay for 1 night in Kelowna

 

From Kelowna, cruise into the picturesque Shuswap Lake area with a shoreline of over 1,000km. Near the community of Chase you will leave the highway and travel through the First Nations community of Squilax / Little Shuswap Lake to the Secwepmec band-owned Quaaout Lodge & Talking Rock Golf Club, nestled on the sandy north shores of Little Shuswap Lake. Stay for 2 nights in Chase.

 

There are many activities available including horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing, Aboriginal dance performances and talks about First Nations heritage. The resort also boasts a world-class golf course, Talking Rock Golf Club.

 

From Chase travel west on Highway #1 and then Highway #99 to Lillooet. Enroute, stop in Kamloops to visit the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park. This 12-acre heritage park lets visitors discover the rich history and culture of the Secwepemc through exhibits, oral histories and legends, photos, artefacts and videos. Stay for 1 night in Lillooet.

 

In the morning, partake in an excursion with Xwisten Experience Tours and visit the traditional fishing grounds of the St'at'imc people. Learn time-honoured techniques such as preparing the salmon for presentation through wind drying. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely drive to the resort town of Whistler. Stay for 2 nights in Whistler.

 

Take the day and explore this beautiful and world-famous resort. Activities available are hiking, bear-viewing, biking, sightseeing via the PEAK2PEAK gondola, canoeing, shopping and more. The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre invites guests to experience the art and heritage of the Squamish and Lil'wat people through a welcome song, guided tour or the museum and exhibits, cultural forest walk, craft-making in the center's longhouse and exploration of the cafe and gift shop.

 

On arrival in Vancouver make your way to the ferry terminal and take a cruise through the Straight of Georgia from Vancouver to Victoria aboard BC Ferries. Travelling by ferry comes with many benefits: an unlimited supply of fresh air, a deck-side view of breath-taking scenery not accessible by land and a high probability of spotting marine wildlife. On-board, enjoy incredible sights as you cross the Straight of Georgia and travel through Active Pass – make sure to have your camera ready! Wildlife such as whales, dolphins and sea lions frequent the waters along this route and it’s not uncommon to spot them, especially during the spring and summer months. Arrive in Victoria late afternoon for your 2 night stay. 

 

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the best museums in Western Canada. The area is also home to some of the country's most exhilarating scenery: there's an ocean or mountain (or both!) vista around every corner, and the city's flower gardens are famous the world over. Established in 1843 as a fort for the Hudson's Bay Company, Victoria's British ancestry is apparent in the double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, formal gardens and tearooms. The city is now a cosmopolitan centre with a lively entertainment scene and a wonderful array of attractions.

 

The journey takes only 40 minutes and there are several flights a day to choose from, so you will have most of the day either in Victoria or doing some last minute shopping in Vancouver before your evening flight home. Return to the UK.