British Columbia - suggested route

Explore the soaring mountains, glorious lakes and views that stretch for miles – it’s not called beautiful British Columbia by accident Drive roads such as the stunning Sea to Sky Highway and discover the mountains, lakes and oceans by car, foot, motorhome or ferry – or perhaps a combination of all four

The following tour of the scenic lakes and mountains of British Columbia - with either motorhome or car and hotels - will take about two weeks. It can be extended, shortened or amended to suit your needs

DAY 1 - Vancouver

Arrive into Vancouver and overnight

DAY 2 - Vancouver to Harrison Hot Springs (75 miles)

After your vehicle has been handed over, head for Harrison Hot Springs to overnight at the Sasquatch Springs RV Resort or the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel.

DAY 3 - Harrison Hot Springs to Okanagan Valley (160 miles)

Stopping at Hell’s Canyon enroute, travel through the Manning National Park and into the valleys of the Cascade Mountains. The area is home to beautiful golf courses, wineries and fruit growers so plenty of opportunities for roadside purchases. The valley has a great selection of campsites and boutique hotels around the main cities of Kelowna, Peachland or Summerland.

DAY 5 - Okanagan Valley to Kootenay Lake (200 miles)

Moving north up the Okanagan Valley you turn east at Vernon towards Lumby. This is a beautiful and historic area with much evidence of mining, forestry and some opportunities for spotting wildlife. At Crawford Bay, on Kootenay Lake overnight at the Kokanees campground & RV Park or the Kokanee Springs Golf Resort.

DAY 6 - Kootenay Lake to Fairmont Hot Springs (140 miles)

The journey starts with a free ferry across the lake and continues through Creston then northward again towards Fairmont Hot Springs, a resort hotel with an RV Park right next door. Here you will be able to relax in the naturally heated pools and take advantage of the resorts other facilities.

DAY 7 - Fairmont Hot Springs to Kicking Horse (90 miles)

Follow the Columbia valley through Radium Hot Springs to Golden. The Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge operates a wilderness centre for research, education, and conservation at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The 22 acre sanctuary is the largest protected enclosed grizzly bear refuge in the world; there are also lots of activities for the outdoor enthusiast with world class mountain biking, hiking and rafting.

DAY 8 - Kicking Horse to Salmon Arm (156 miles)

Learn about wolves and their role in a healthy ecosystem at the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre and drive part of the Trans Canada Highway to the Lake District around Sorrento and Salmon Arm where you can rent a house boat on Shuswap Lake or a fishing rod to catch your supper.

DAY 9 - Salmon Arm to Whistler (252 miles)

Drive west through cowboy country and along the stunning Duffy Lake road to the Alpine resort of Whistler where you should spend at least two nights because of the amount of activities in the area. Take your pick from golf, canoeing, rafting, world-class mountain biking, hiking or even just some retail therapy.

DAY 11 - Whistler to Parksville (112 miles)

Travel the Sea to Sky Highway south to take the ferry to Vancouver Island. Spend one night on the east coast at Parksville.

DAY 12 - Parksville to Tofino (106 miles)

Head even further west to the Pacific Ocean and Tofino. Enroute, stop at Cathedral Grove to see the ancient Red woods. Tofino is a one road in and one out-town nestled in the Pacific Rim National Park. From here there are a number of whale watching tours plus wonderful surfing and sea kayaking. You should try and spend a couple of days here if possible.

DAY 14 - Tofino to Vancouver (175 miles)

Back the way you came to Nanaimo and the ferry to Horseshoe Bay. If you are staying in your RV head for the Caribou RV Park and for a couple of days use the vehicle as a hotel room. There's excellent public transportation so getting around is easy. Visit Stanley Park, Gas town or pick up some bargains in the Robson Street shops.