5 Days in British Columbia – 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 5 days, you’ll want to focus on a specific region of British Columbia given the first and last days of your trip will likely be spent getting there and back again. You’ll then have three full days to really enjoy the experience without feeling too rushed, whether your goal is to base yourself in one location or experience a new destination each day. Each of the following routes focuses on a different region and can be further customized to create the perfect adventure.
Itinerary #1: Pacific Rim Adventure
| Highlights: Whale watching, coastal rainforest, hiking | Flying time: 2 hours (Two domestic flights) | |

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Vancouver to Pacific Rim (1 hour) | Pacific Rim |
| Day 3 | Explore Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim |
| Day 4 | Pacific Rim to Vancouver (1 hour) | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Depart Vancouver |
From downtown Vancouver, it’s a short scenic floatplane flight directly to Tofino in the heart of the Pacific Rim National Park. Here, bunker down in a B&B or wilderness lodge along the coast and spend three days exploring the rainforest trails, driftwood-strewn beaches, and the abundant wildlife by kayak. For the more adventurous, you can camp on one of the islands or charter a boat or floatplane to remote hot springs. See the full itinerary.
Itinerary #2: Okanagan Valley Vineyards
| Highlights: Vineyards, lakes, biking/hiking | Driving time: 11 hours | Distance: 580 miles (930 km) |

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver, Drive to E.C. Manning Provincial Park (2 h 30 min) | E.C. Manning Park |
| Day 2 | E.C. Manning Provincial Park to Kelowna (3 hours) | Keremeos |
| Day 3 | Explore around Kelowna | Kelowna |
| Day 4 | Kelowna to Vancouver (5 h 30 min) | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Depart Vancouver |
This route takes you into the heart of British Columbia’s wine country, where you’ll find hundreds of local wineries (as well as craft breweries). It’s also the warmest region in the province with numerous lakes where you can escape the heat. Kelowna, the largest city in the region, has a number of great restaurants and shops, but it’s the small towns and scenic backroads where you’ll escape the crowds and stumble upon this region’s true charm. For outdoor lovers, there are also a number of great biking and hiking trails to choose from, such as the Kettle Valley Railway Trails. See the full itinerary.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Itinerary #3: Pacific Marine Circle Route
| Highlights: Beaches, old-growth forests, history | Driving time: 5 h 30 min | Distance: 170 miles (270 km) |

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Victoria, Drive to Sooke (1 hour) | Sooke |
| Day 2 | Sooke to Port Renfrew (1 h 30 min) | Port Renfrew |
| Day 3 | Port Renfrew to Cowichan Bay (2 hours) | Cowichan Bay |
| Day 4 | Cowichan Bay to Victoria (1 hour) | Victoria |
| Day 5 | Depart Victoria |
This road trip is easily accessed from Victoria and takes in many of the things that Vancouver Island is famous for—windswept coastline, waterfalls, coastal rainforest, and an abundance of local history. Spend the first couple of days exploring the beaches and coastline as you head to Port Renfrew before veering inland through old-growth forest. The majority of the route follows scenic backroads that were recently paved. With short driving distances each day, you’ll have plenty of flexibility to linger or head out on a longer forest or water-based adventure. See the full itinerary.
Itinerary #4: Sea-to-Sky Highway
| Highlights: Mountains, lakes, local breweries | Driving time: 4 h 30 min | Distance: 150 miles (240 km) |

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Vancouver to Squamish (1 hour) | Squamish |
| Day 3 | Squamish to Whistler (45 min) | Whistler |
| Day 4 | Explore Garibaldi Provincial Park | Whistler |
| Day 5 | Whistler to Vancouver, Depart (2 h 30 min) |
This iconic highway takes you from downtown Vancouver up into the nearby mountains of the Coastal Range and is a popular escape for those looking to get out of the city for a few days. Most people head straight to Whistler where they base themselves for a couple of days, but we recommend driving slowly and taking time to explore the countless hiking trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints along the way. The smaller towns and provincial parks around Whistler are great for escaping the crowds and getting outdoors in a short amount of time. This route is best suited for those who love the mountains and outdoor activities. See the full itinerary.
Itinerary #5: Sunshine Coast Getaway
| Highlights: Coastal towns, outdoor adventure | Driving time: 5 h 30 min | Distance: 85 miles (135 km) |

| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver, Drive to Sechelt (3 hours) | Sechelt |
| Day 2 | Explore the Lower Sunshine Coast | Sechelt |
| Day 3 | Sechelt to Vancouver (2 h 30 min) | Vancouver |
| Day 4 | Explore Vancouver’s Downtown & Neighborhoods | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Depart Vancouver |
Travelers often overlook the Sunshine Coast in favor of Whistler, but this is the perfect route to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of British Columbia’s coastline. After taking the ferry from Horseshoe Bay just outside of Vancouver, you’ll enter the Sunshine Coast and make your way north along the coast. Gibsons and Sechelt are the perfect towns to base yourself out of, with great restaurants, local breweries, and wellness resorts. See the full itinerary.
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Map of 5 Days in British Columbia – 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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