Experience British Columbia's diverse and ever-changing geography as you travel from the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains to semi-arid deserts, charming lakeside towns, and some of the most fertile farmland in the province. After spending some time exploring metropolitan Vancouver's downtown lights, the trip takes you through the lush Fraser Valley to British Columbia's spectacular wine country.
Day 1-2- Fly from London to Vancouver
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
Day 3- Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs / Agassiz
Departing 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. Your home for tonight is the beautiful Sasquatch Crossing Eco Lodge. Originally built in 1903, the B&B features nine unique guest rooms, a library, living room with a fireplace, dining room and more. Relax at the B&B or visit the nearby town of Harrison Hot Springs.
Day 4- Harrison Hot Springs to Agassiz / Osoyoos
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". Relax and unwind at the Aboriginal-owned Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa for the next three nights.
Day 5-6- Osoyoos Exploring
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.
Day 7- Osoyoos to Kelowna
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.
Day 8- Kelowna to Chase
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.
Day 9- Chase Exploring
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.
Day 10- Chase to Kamloops and Lillooet
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.
Day 11- Lillooet to Whistler
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 leisure drive to the resort town of Whistler.
Day 12- Whistler to Vancouver
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. Your tour ends with a 2 1/2-hour drive back to Vancouver.