Vancouver - Day by Day

In early spring 2022, my mom and I decided to go back to one of the countries that makes us feel the most home: Canada. And more precisely, in British Columbia, around Vancouver and its Island. We spent two weeks road tripping around impressive and wild nature, hiking above waterfalls and enjoying the arability and welcomeness of the locals while tasting delicious products.

By reading this article, you will find a detailed recap of the journey, and links to related articles.

Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you may have.

Day 1: From Paris to Vancouver

On the 5th of May, we landed in Vancouver Airport after a 10hours flight that took us back in time and made us land at the same time as we took off. A bit disoriented but excited (after 7 years from our last trip here).

We checked in at the Loden Hotel, before going on a little walking tour around the Gaston neighbourhood. We wondered through the street arts, the famous steam clock, trendy stores and industrial designs all the way to the Waterfront. There, we got happily surprised to see the white and blue Circus Tent of Le Cirque du Soleil and their amazing show Allegria. So we treated ourselves and sat, mesmerised, in between confettis, costumes, tears and laughters, fighting against the jet lag!

At 19.30 we sat at the Blue Water Cafe to enjoy some sea food before walking back to the hotel and jumping straight into our beds.

Day 2 and 3: Enjoying Vancouver

We woke up quite early and headed to Le Tableau for an enjoyable breakfast.

After that, time to head towards Bike City Tour and rent two of their red bikes and head straight to Stanley Park in order to relive some old memories.

We rode from the Coal Harbour to the Totem Poles and the Girl in a Wetsuit before stoping to admire the Prospect Point Lookout and the Siwash Rock. After a quick detour to the Hollow Tree, we biked all the way to the Second Beach Pool before heading back to the rental company.

We enjoyed a well deserved lunch at Cardero’s with a nice and sunny view of the harbour.

The jet lag still hitting us, we decided to take it slow in the afternoon and to go back to the hotel before a nice Italian diner in the loud but yummy Tavola Restaurant.

In the morning, we pick up the rental car and drove to the MOA (Museum of Anthropology) to meet with Julio our guide for the visit. We learned a lot that day, about British Columbian History and the aborigine culture of the original people living on this land. It really felt like the new generations were trying hard to make amends and bring justice to what has happened in the past.

In the afternoon, we wandered around Lynn Park and walk and the Suspension bridge before relaxing on the Kitsilano Beach.

For diner, we drove to Acorn for a high end tasty vegetarian experience.

Day 4: To Vancouver Island

Time to sail towards Victoria on board of the 11AM ferry.

We debarked at 12.30 under an enjoyable sunshine and started driving towards East Sokepoint Ocean View, a wonderful location for breathtaking view. Unfortunately, the hotel forgot to mention that a big chunk of it was under construction, and it ruined a lot of the experience. We should have stayed longer, but decided to leave in the morning for another location.

Day 5: Hiking to Victoria

Even though the night didn’t go as planned, we decided to make the best out of being in East Sooke Regional Park, parked at Anderson Cove and started the Anderson Cove trail. On the way, we took a detour to the Mount McGuire to then walk on the Coper Mine trail, the Coast trail, the Park heights trail, the Interior trail and back to the Anderson trail, exhausted.

Indeed, this was NOT the plan! But at one point, we could only keep going, and this became a 15km hike during 10hours.

The landscape was gorgeous though, but the journey wasn’t easy.

We head back on the road and drove to Victoria to check in Oak Bay Beach Hotel and start enjoying their spa facilities as fast as possible. THAT WAS WELL DESERVED! We melted in their outdoor pools and hot tubs with cocktails in hand before ordering room service in bed and sleep peacefully. ‘Cause holidays are also about that!

Day 6 and 7: Salt Spring Island

We left Victoria behind us and drove to take a little Ferry towards Salt Spring Island under a gorgeous sunshine. This creative island is filled with artisanal farms, art galleries and and breathtaking viewpoints.

We debarked at Fulfort and drove on the hilly road towards Garry Oak Winery for some wine tasting. After that, time to try some delicious products at the Salt Spring Island Cheese farm while enjoying the view of the happy goats and taking it all in. We continued on the farm road a little bit before checking in the sensational property of Hastings House.

I took the time to read under the blossoming cherry trees, a cat at my feet, before relaxing during an hour of full body massage and getting ready for diner at the Harbour.

In the morning, fresh muffins were left in front of our room door, and this is how we started the day.

After that, we drove to the artisanal market where we wanted to buy everything! I purchased some local moon shine, handmade soap and some candles. Then, we drove to visit a lavender farm before walking a bit in the Ruckle Provincial Park and on the Grandma Beach.

The evening took place in the Treehouse cafe where we drank some cocktails and enjoy nice country music.

Day 8: Back on Vancouver Island towards Tofino

We hopped on another ferry from Vesunrius that took us back to Vancouver Island, under the rain. There, we drove approximately 4hours in between cliffs, forests, lakes and rivers to arrive at Wickanninish Inn.

The view was everything. And on our little balcony, under wool blankets, we enjoyed some red whine and a smocked salmon plate. “What a life” we thought, while watching the waves crash on the shore below our room.

After some time, we drove to the centre of Tofino and had our diner at the Wolf in the Fog.

Day 9: Whale watching

We met Ering at the James Whaling Station where we got equipped with red waterproof jumpsuits and sat on a zodiac boat.

During 3hours, we watched sea otters, grey and humpback whales and sea lions dive in between strong waves, and we remained speechless. It is not the first time I have the chance to go out in the sea for such a show, but every time I am mesmerised (see here).

After being back on land, we drove back to the hotel to have diner in front of the beautiful view of their restaurant.

Day 10: Bear watching

That morning, we woke up at 07.30 and met with Liam and Lenny to hop on their little boat and sail around the shore, looking for bears.

Apparently, they encounter averagely 2 bears a day… and me saw 9!! We also got the chance to spot sea lions and bold eagles. WHAT A DAY!

After that, we drove towards Ucluelet for some lunch and shopping before heading back to Wickaninnish Inn.

For diner, we headed to 1909 and had a loud but tasty experience.

Day 11: Traveling to the Sunshine Coast

A storm was coming our way, and to make sure to be safe, we left the hotel quite early, as they were planning on closing the roads.

First we took a little ferry from Como to Powell River, and then another one from Saltery Bay to Earl’s Cove.

This area is very secluded and peaceful, it was very relaxing to check in at the West Coast Wilderness Lodge and enjoy a quiet diner in their restaurant. The view says it all.

Day 12: Sailing through Egmont

It’s under a gorgeous blue sky that we met our guide from the Egmont Adventure Centre and sailed for 4 breathtaking hours in between cliffs, seals, waterfalls. I got so blown away by the view that tears came rolling on my cheeks. This landscape is untouched and beautiful, quiet and impressive. It was such a chance to here.

Soon it was time to head back and enjoy a vivid sunset on our balcony.

Day 13: Driving around

We had pre-planned nothing for that day, so we just decided to explore the towns around.

First we stopped to appreciate the Ruby Lake, then went to Flying Anvil Studio and shopped some crafted jewellery, before driving to Madeira Park.

On the way back, we stopped to hike 8km towards to falls, close by the hotel.

Once back in the room, we enjoyed a nice diner and another beautiful sunset.

Day 14: Driving Back to Vancouver

It is now time to say goodbye to the Sunshine Coast…

but before that, we had to stop by Sechelt and its artisanal market (yes, one more!) and Gibson and its delicious seafood restaurant Smitty’s Oysters house.

Then, we went to buy our last souvenirs at Coast Raven Studio (THE PLACE TO BE) before hopping on our last ferry towards Vancouver and checking in at the Hotel Seaside.

Apparently, the 21st of May is a holiday, and the town had celebrations everywhere. So we went on an evening stroll down by the Shipyard quarter and enjoyed watching people dance and sing.

After a last diner at Fishworks, it’s time to go to bed for our long journey back home.