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Summary

This two-week itinerary offers a comprehensive journey through southern British Columbia, from Kelowna to Vancouver, with stops in Whistler and Vancouver Island. Highlights include exploring vibrant cities, enjoying outdoor adventures, and experiencing the unique culture and natural beauty of the region.

Day1: Arrival in Kelowna

Begin your British Columbia adventure in Kelowna, exploring the Okanagan Lake waterfront and dining at Krafty Kitchen + Bar.

Krafty Kitchen + Bar

Popular farm-to-table eatery in Kelowna, known for using the best Canadian ingredients and home to Kelowna’s only duck fat fryer.

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Tips

Consider making a reservation to ensure seating.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +1 250-868-7228
🌐   Website: https://kraftykitchen.ca/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 1-2 hours
📍   Address: 281 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6L2, Canada
🔗   Profiles: Instagram Facebook

🌆 Day 4: Drive to Vancouver

Head west to Vancouver, explore downtown, bike around Stanley Park, and dine in Yaletown or Gastown.

🏞️ Stanley Park

  • 🌲 Location Summary: Stanley Park is a lush urban park with stunning views of the city, surrounded by water and featuring a seawall for walking or biking.
  • 📌 Tips: Rent a bike to explore the park's 17 miles of forested trails and stop by the totem poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.

🍽️ Yaletown

  • 🏙️ Location Summary: Yaletown is a trendy, upscale neighborhood known for its converted heritage buildings, fashionable boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
  • 📌 Tips: Indulge in a culinary adventure at one of the area's renowned restaurants, and don't miss the chance to explore the nearby False Creek waterfront.

🍁 Gastown

  • 🚂 Location Summary: Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, characterized by its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the famous steam clock.
  • 📌 Tips: Take a stroll along Water Street to discover unique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, and be sure to capture a photo with the iconic Gastown Steam Clock.

🌆 Day 5: Explore Vancouver

  • Spend a day visiting free attractions like Stanley and Queen Elizabeth Parks, Granville Island, and Kitsilano Beach, and explore Main Street's local restaurants.

🌳 Stanley Park

  • 🌳 Location Summary: Stanley Park is a lush urban oasis offering stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Visitors can explore its network of trails, visit the famous totem poles, and relax on the beaches.
  • 🌳 Tips: Don't miss the scenic seawall walk, which provides breathtaking vistas and is perfect for cycling or leisurely strolls.

🏞 Queen Elizabeth Park

  • 🏞 Location Summary: Queen Elizabeth Park is a beautiful and serene escape within the city, featuring meticulously landscaped gardens, including the stunning Quarry Garden, and panoramic views from the top of Little Mountain.
  • 🏞 Tips: Be sure to visit the Bloedel Conservatory, a lush tropical paradise housing exotic birds and plants.

🎨 Granville Island

  • 🎨 Location Summary: Granville Island is a vibrant hub of art, culture, and culinary delights. Visitors can explore the bustling Public Market, artisan shops, galleries, and enjoy street performances.
  • 🎨 Tips: Indulge in the diverse food offerings at the market, and take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront for picturesque views.

🏖 Kitsilano Beach

  • 🏖 Location Summary: Kitsilano Beach, or "Kits Beach," is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a laid-back atmosphere, stunning sunsets, and a backdrop of the North Shore mountains.
  • 🏖 Tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy the beachside ambiance, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters.

🌆 Day 6: Discover Greater Vancouver

  • Explore cities around Vancouver such as Richmond's Steveston, Burnaby, and North Vancouver for a variety of attractions.

🏞️ Steveston

  • Steveston, located in the city of Richmond, is a historic fishing village with a charming waterfront and a rich heritage. Visitors can explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, stroll along the boardwalk, and indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, where you can learn about the area's maritime history and enjoy scenic views of the Fraser River.

🏙️ Burnaby

  • Burnaby, a vibrant city east of Vancouver, offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Take a leisurely walk through Burnaby Mountain Park to admire stunning panoramic views of the city and beyond. The park is also home to the renowned Simon Fraser University, known for its striking architecture and academic excellence.
  • For a cultural experience, visit the Burnaby Village Museum, an open-air museum that showcases life in the early 20th century. Explore heritage buildings, a vintage carousel, and costumed townspeople bringing history to life.

🏔️ North Vancouver

  • North Vancouver, situated across the Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver, is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Embark on a scenic gondola ride up Grouse Mountain for breathtaking vistas of the city and surrounding landscapes. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where a suspension bridge sways high above the Capilano River amidst lush rainforest.
  • If you're seeking a tranquil escape, head to Lonsdale Quay Market to browse artisan shops, sample local delicacies, and soak in the waterfront ambiance. Additionally, consider taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront at Waterfront Park for a serene end to the day.

🌲 Day 7: To Whistler via Sea to Sky

Drive to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway, stopping at the Sea to Sky Gondola and Shannon Falls, then dine in Whistler Village.

🏞️ Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola offers breathtaking panoramic views of Howe Sound, with its turquoise waters and surrounding mountains. The suspension bridge and trails provide an immersive experience in the natural beauty of British Columbia.

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Tips

Before visiting, it's advisable to check the weather conditions and operational hours to make the most of your visit and capture the stunning scenery in the best light.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +1 604-892-2550
🌐   Website: https://www.seatoskygondola.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 25 min
📍   Address: 36800 BC-99, Squamish, BC V8B 0B6, Canada
🔗   Profiles: Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram X (Twitter)

🏔️ Day 8-9: Enjoy Whistler

  • Experience Whistler's outdoor adventures like skiing or mountain biking, relax at Scandinave Spa, and enjoy the vibrant après-ski scene.

🏨 Scandinave Spa Whistler

Scandinave Spa Whistler, nestled in the serene natural surroundings, offers a range of spa treatments including Scandinavian baths, massages, and hydrotherapy in a tranquil environment.

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Tips

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred treatment times and ensure a relaxing experience.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: (888) 935-2423
🌐   Website: https://www.scandinave.com/whistler
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 2.5-5 hours
📍   Address: 8010 Mons Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 1K7, Canada
🔗   Profiles: Facebook X (Twitter) TikTok Instagram

🌊 Day 10: Ferry to Vancouver Island

Drive to Horseshoe Bay, take a ferry to Nanaimo, then drive to Victoria, stopping in Cowichan Valley, and ending the day at Victoria's Inner Harbour.

🏞️ Cowichan Valley

  • 🌲 Location Summary: Cowichan Valley, known as "The Napa of the North," is a picturesque region renowned for its wineries, artisanal food, and stunning landscapes. The valley is home to lush vineyards, charming farm-to-table restaurants, and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.
  • 📌 Tips: Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the award-winning wineries in the area, such as Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Unsworth Vineyards. Additionally, explore the local farmers' markets to savor the fresh produce and artisanal products unique to the region.

🏰 Victoria's Inner Harbour

  • 🏰 Location Summary: Victoria's Inner Harbour is the heart of the city, offering a delightful blend of historic architecture, scenic waterfront views, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque harbor, admire the iconic Parliament Buildings, and indulge in the diverse culinary scene at the waterfront restaurants.
  • 📌 Tips: Take a leisurely walk along the Inner Harbour Causeway to enjoy street performances, visit the Royal BC Museum for a captivating journey through British Columbia's history, and consider taking a scenic harbor tour to gain a different perspective of the city's waterfront beauty.

🏰 Day 11: Discover Victoria

  • Explore Victoria's top attractions like Craigdarroch Castle, Butchart Gardens, and enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.

🏰 Craigdarroch Castle

  • 🏰 Location Summary: Craigdarroch Castle is a stunning Victorian-era mansion that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 1890s. The castle features exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a beautiful collection of period furnishings.
  • 🏰 Tips: Visitors should take their time to explore the various rooms and appreciate the detailed craftsmanship that went into creating this architectural gem.

🌷 Butchart Gardens

  • 🌷 Location Summary: Butchart Gardens is a botanical paradise, showcasing a diverse range of flora spread across 55 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and the vibrant Sunken Garden.
  • 🌷 Tips: It's recommended to visit during different seasons to witness the ever-changing displays of flowers and plants, each season offering its own unique charm.

🏨 Fairmont Empress

  • 🏨 Location Summary: The Fairmont Empress is an iconic hotel with a rich history and grand architecture. Indulge in the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of the hotel's Tea Lobby, complete with delectable pastries, finger sandwiches, and a selection of fine teas.
  • 🏨 Tips: Reservations for the afternoon tea experience are highly recommended, allowing guests to savor this quintessentially British ritual in a truly regal setting.

Day12: Journey to Tofino

Drive from Victoria to Tofino, stopping at Old Country Market in Coombs and Cathedral Grove, before reaching Canada's surfing capital.

Old Country Market

Famous for its goats on the roof, offering ice cream, baked goods, and a variety of gifts.

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Tips

Don't miss the chance to try the ice cream!

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +1 250-248-6272
🌐   Website: http://oldcountrymarket.com/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0, Canada
🔗   Profiles: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

🌅 Day 14: Return to Vancouver

Head back to Nanaimo, take the ferry to Vancouver, explore Whytecliff and Lighthouse Parks for photography, concluding the two-week journey.

🏞️ Whytecliff Park

  • 🌊 Location Summary: Whytecliff Park is a picturesque marine park known for its stunning views, diverse marine life, and unique rock formations. It offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant hues, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the rugged coastline.
  • 📸 Tips: For the best photography experience, consider visiting during the golden hour before sunset to capture the ethereal beauty of the park. Additionally, bring along a polarizing filter to enhance the colors and reduce glare when photographing the coastal landscapes.

🗼 Lighthouse Park

  • 🌲 Location Summary: Lighthouse Park is a nature lover's paradise, boasting old-growth forests, rugged coastline, and the iconic Point Atkinson Lighthouse. The park's trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding ocean and lush greenery, providing ample opportunities for capturing the natural beauty through photography.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Tips: When exploring Lighthouse Park, be sure to wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking, as some trails may be uneven or rocky. Additionally, consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the tranquil beauty of the park in the soft morning light.