Embark on the trip of your dreams through British Columbia

Where do you start when planning a trip through an area that has so much to offer? In this article, we'll share a 28-night sample itinerary. With your rental SUV, you'll explore eleven diverse areas over four weeks. Let’s go!

Days 1-4: Vancouver

The journey gets off to a great start with three nights in Vancouver. This lively city is a perfect homebase for outdoor adventures. Surfing, hiking, biking, and skiing: here, you can do it all. Bring binoculars on your walks along the coast, as you might spot orcas emerging from the water in the distance.

^{Photo: Matt Wang / Unsplash}

Days 4-6: Nanaimo

On day four, cross the Strait of Georgia by boat. Nanaimo is located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where you'll stay for two nights. From the harbor, you can take a seaplane flight or board a safari boat. Walk along the Nanaimo Harbourfront Walkway for views of the mountains and the ocean.

^{Photo: Rick Hyne / Unsplash}

Days 6-9: Ucluelet

On day six, drive via a scenic route to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Here, you'll stay for three nights in the old fishing village of Ucluelet. The village is nestled against the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where you can enjoy beautiful hikes, bike rides, and kayaking. Along the waterfront, stroll along sandy beaches or surf the waves. There's a rainforest by the sea where you can hike for hours.

^{Photo: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve / Joel Wayne / Unsplash}

Days 9-11: Campbell River

About a three-hour drive northeast of Ucluelet lies Campbell River, where you'll stay for two nights. From here, you'll explore the wilderness of Strathcona Park and the Discovery Islands. Along the coast, you can spot orcas, dolphins, and whales. On land, wolves, elk, and deer roam free.

Days 11-14: Telegraph Cove

Two hours further to the northwest lies Telegraph Cove. Nestled between pine forests and the ocean are a few wooden houses and a harbor. The fishing village is the perfect base for three days of kayaking and boat excursions. Venture into Johnstone Strait to spot the orcas swimming in groups.

^{Photo: Ryan Neal / Unsplash}

Days 14-17: Desolation Sound

The next three nights will be spent in Desolation Sound, where you can peacefully enjoy the scenery. Sailing between the green islands and in idyllic bays, you'll have views of rugged mountain ranges. In the summer, the water temperature rises to 27°C, making it comfortable for swimming and snorkeling.

Days 17-19: Coast Mountains

After a picturesque drive north, spend two nights in the Coast Mountains. This water-rich mountain area is home to large populations of grizzly bears and black bears. During an excursion, you might also spot wolves, bald eagles, and other large Canadian animals.

Days 19-22: Whistler Valley

Drive south through the mountains to Whistler Valley, the largest skiing area in North America. In the summertime, this area becomes a playground for mountain bikers and hikers. Take on a challenging hike to one of the peaks for views of green valleys and turquoise lakes.

^{Photo: Brian Tafel / Unsplash}

Days 22-25: Chilcotin

The next three nights will be spent in the Wild West of Canada. In this area of yellow meadows, forested mountain slopes, and wild rivers, you'll embark on the most beautiful horseback rides. Prefer to keep both feet on the ground? Then you can hike along the extensive trail network with views of lakes, glaciers, and snowy peaks.

^{Photo: Photerrestrial / Unsplash}

Days 25-27: Okanagan Valley

For three days, immerse yourself in authentic Canadian life in the Okanagan Valley. Visit a farmers' market, taste locally made wine, and mingle with locals at festivals. Enjoy the sun on your skin at the sandy beaches and cool off in Okanagan Lake. Feeling adventurous? Hike to the top of Giant’s Head Mountain.

^{Foto: Suda Guan / Unsplash}

Days 27-29: Chilliwack

The last two nights of your tour will be spent in Chilliwack, a city in Fraser Valley. Explore its numerous farms during the Circle Farm Tour. Learn about beekeeping from a beekeeper, visit an organic grain and flour mill, and navigate your way through a corn maze. Purchase handcrafted souvenirs to take home the next day.

^{Photo: Vlad D / Unsplash}

→ View this sample itinerary in more detail here.

This article was written in collaboration with Little America. Does an adventurous tour of Canada also feature on your bucket list? Visit their website for more travel inspiration.