British Columbia's coast, mountains & wine regions self-drive

After included VIP airport lounge access, board your flight to Vancouver and transfer to your city-centre hotel. You’ll have the evening to explore – we recommend heading out to sample the city's renowned restaurant scene and buzzing waterfront harbour. Then, enjoy two free days to explore at your own pace. Perhaps soaring high above the Douglas Firs with breathtaking views across the city and surrounding peaks, the Grouse Mountain sky ride is a real highlight, putting the beauty of your location into true perspective; combine this with the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a leisurely day exploring. Other must-see highlights include historical Gastown, the colourful markets of Granville Island, lively Chinatown and the oceanside greenery of sprawling Stanley Park.

After breakfast pick up your hire car, leaving the coast to enter the verdant, farm-dotted fertile Fraser Valley to the Thompson Okanagan region, the fruit and wine centre of British Columbia. On the Coquihalla Highway, encounter some of the most dramatic scenery in the region and pass through the rugged cattle ranching country of the Merritt area. At Merritt, continue driving along the Coquihalla Connector, Highway 97C to Kelowna, to check into your hotel. We'd suggest sampling the one of many restaurants tonight for ultra-fresh seafood, with everything from fresh salt spring island mussels to seared albacore tuna on the menus.

Stay: The Royal Kelowna, Kelowna (Superior)

Leave the car behind for the next two days and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the flavours of the Okanagan Valley. Your guide will lead you through the rolling vineyards of East Kelowna on a scenic wine tour. Travelling along picturesque Lakeshore Drive and into the surrounding hills, you’ll visit four distinctive wineries, each offering its own atmosphere and selection of award‑winning wines.

Savour elegant whites, refreshing rosés and characterful reds while taking in panoramic views over the valley. Whether you are a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, this curated tour offers a delightful taste of Kelowna’s celebrated wine country.

Stay: The Royal Kelowna, Kelowna (Superior)

Today brings a half‑day Signature Sip tour through the renowned West Kelowna Wine Trail. This relaxed and engaging experience pairs exceptional wines with fascinating local stories from your expert guide. Enjoy sweeping lake vistas, vineyard‑covered hillsides and the warm hospitality that defines the Okanagan region. Ideal for both wine lovers and relaxed explorers, this is a charming and enjoyable way to experience another side of British Columbia’s thriving wine scene.

Stay: The Royal Kelowna, Kelowna (Superior)

Begin your journey north towards Salmon Arm, travelling through the fertile wine‑producing regions surrounding Vernon and Enderby. Your destination is a peaceful lakeside town set on the shores of Shuswap Lake, home to North America’s longest wharf.

The area lies within the Shuswap wine region, and we recommend tastings at Larch Hills Winery and Marionette Winery. After settling in, take time to explore the waterfront paths and enjoy the town’s varied dining scene, from Mexican and Italian to classic Canadian brewpubs—or stop by the beloved Shuswap Pie Company.

Stay: Prestige Harbourfront Resort, Salmon Arm (Superior)

Continue west towards Kamloops, located at the meeting point of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The region offers several wineries and a cidery, each shaped by its own distinct terroir. Your day also includes entry to the BC Wildlife Park, home to a range of native species such as wolves, bears and cougars. Later, travel the short distance southwest to Lac Le Jeune, where you’ll spend two peaceful nights in a wilderness retreat. Enjoy forest walks, calm waters and some of the region’s clearest night skies.

You'll then enjoy a full day to unwind in your serene lakeside surroundings. Explore woodland trails, relax by the water or simply enjoy the tranquillity that comes with being immersed in nature.

Stay: Lac Le Jeune Wilderness Resort, Kamloops (Superior)

Rejoin the Thompson Valley as you continue southwest towards Whistler. En route, we recommend stopping at Historic Hat Creek before reaching Lillooet—a former Gold Rush trading hub now gaining recognition for its growing wine industry. Your journey then continues along the spectacular Duffey Lake Road, one of British Columbia’s most scenic routes, offering dramatic vistas including magnificent views of Joffre Glacier. Arrive in Whistler later in the day.

Stay: Delta Whistler Village Suites (Superior)

Spend the morning exploring Whistler before embarking on an unforgettable alpine dining adventure. Travelling by Jeep Rubicon, you’ll ascend 6,000 feet up Blackcomb Mountain towards the Horstman Glacier, finishing at the iconic Crystal Hut.

Here, live entertainment accompanies a traditional Pacific Coast salmon bake, featuring cedar‑planked, maple‑glazed wild British Columbia salmon, fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and a decadent dessert—all enjoyed with exceptional mountain views.

Stay: Delta Whistler Village Suites (Superior)

Travel south along the iconic Sea‑to‑Sky Highway, one of Canada’s most picturesque routes. Your journey includes an ascent on the Sea to Sky Gondola, offering panoramic views over Howe Sound along with scenic walking trails and mountaintop lookouts. Continue past landmarks such as the towering granite face of Stawamus Chief and the cascading Shannon Falls before arriving in Vancouver mid‑afternoon to return your hire car and check into your city-centre hotel.

Enjoy a final morning in Vancouver – perhaps taking a stroll along the waterfront or visiting one of the city’s café – before boarding the SkyTrain to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving on Day 13.