Vancouver is the biggest city in the relatively untamed backcountry that is British Columbia, making it a great base from where to explore the region. One of the best ways to tame the great Canadian wilderness is with a 2-day trip from Vancouver.

The region features everything from sleepy fishing towns to cities sporting trendy cafes and miles and miles of old-growth forests — making a 2-day tour a great way to get a sense of this land, without creating too big a dent in your budget.

Here’s everything you need to know about these exciting multi-day trips from Vancouver.

Two-day trips from Vancouver to Tofino

When it comes to pristine Canadian wilderness, you can’t do much better than the small island community of Tofino.

The peaceful coastal town is surrounded by lush temperate rainforests, rolling waves that are perfect for surfing and an abundance of wildlife. This tour explores all of the things that make Canada’s great outdoors such a remarkable place to be.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day 1 — Vancouver to Ucluelet

The first day of the tour sees you head west from Vancouver, boarding the ferry to Nanaimo on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island.

From there you’ll head into the interior of the island — with the highlight of the day being a stop at Cathedral Grove in the MacMillan National Park. This magnificent boreal paradise is home to towering Douglas Fir trees.

Your final destination of the day is the charming resort town of Ucluelet and you’ll stay in a comfortable 1-bedroom apartment — perfect to unwind after a long day of exploration.

Day 2 — Ucluelet to Tofino to Vancouver

Early the next day you’ll head to Tofino where you’ll enjoy a short walking tour of the town center, before heading to the nearby rainforest. Here you’ll enjoy a delightful hike through virginal forest, before returning to Tofino for the start of your return journey. On your way back to Vancouver, you’ll stop at Port Alberni to enjoy a delicious lunch before catching the ferry home.

Which places are seen?

Tofino

One of the most popular destinations on the west side of Vancouver Island, Tofino draws visitors eager to bask in its natural splendor. The nearby rainforest is an ever-popular destination, as are the beaches of Cox Bay, Chesterman Beach and Long Beach which are great for surfing.

Pacific Rim National Park

The Pacific Rim National Park is a natural wonderland, filled with wildlife, pristine landscapes and unforgettable experiences. The park is perfect for hiking, swimming, surfing and kayaking. One of the most popular, and daunting, activities available here is the infamous West Coast Trail — a magnificent hiking trail that covers a gargantuan 75 kilometers.

Cathedral Grove

Located in MacMillan Provincial Park, Cathedral Grove is home to gigantic trees — with some reaching 80 meters high and with a ripe old age of well over 800 years. These trees are magnificent to behold, and they also represent a glimpse back into the past, showcasing what the forests were like before Europeans arrived.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is one of the main tourism hubs on Vancouver Island, acting as a gateway to the nearby Pacific Rim National Park. The name is a First Nations word that means “safe place to land”, illustrating that the town’s history stretches back to long before Europeans arrived.

The town still boasts a working harbor, and it continues to play an important role in local industry and ecotourism.

Which optional activities can be done?

Sightseeing

Traveling from Vancouver to Tofino over two days presents many opportunities for sightseeing and you’ll pass through and along numerous national parks and lakes.

Some spots you should look out for are Sproat Lake, MacMillan Park, Cameron Lake and the iconic Amphitrite Point Lighthouse in Ucluelet.

Hiking

Vancouver Island is known for its hiking, with the islet still home to large primal forests that remain relatively untouched by human hands.

One such trail is the West Coast Trail, which covers a total distance of 75 kilometers — sure to test even the most desiccated of hikers. If that sounds a little too challenging, don’t worry, there are a host of hiking tours available, catering to all types of hikers.

How much does it cost?

A 2-day tour from Vancouver to Tofino will cost US$1,800 per person — but for this price, you’ll have all of your transport taken care of as well as accommodation in the beautiful seaside town of Ucluelet. This is a private tour, with a maximum of party size of six people.

Two-day trips from Vancouver to Victoria with float plane flight

A lot of people think that Vancouver is the capital of British Colombia, but as it turns out, a lot of people are wrong.

The capital of the great wild Canadian hinterland is Victoria — a scenic coastal city famous for its flowers, which numbered close to 3 billion in 2022. The Garden City and its abundance of blooms is the main destination for this 2-day trip from Vancouver.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day 1 — Vancouver to Victoria

An early morning pickup at your hotel ensures that you’ll arrive in the state capital with most of the day to spare. Along the route, you’ll enjoy a ferry across the strait and around a couple of the Gulf Islands — presenting the opportunity to spot wildlife like sea lions and whales.

Arriving in Victoria, you’ll head to the Butchart Gardens for a detailed tour of the botanical gardens, presented by your guide. Then retire to your hotel or explore the city’s laidback nightlife.

Day 2 — Victoria to Vancouver

The next day you’ll enjoy a large chunk of free time to explore the city on your own or spend more time in its famous gardens. Consider consulting your tour guide for the best locations to visit to make the most of your time in Victoria.

Be sure to be at the meeting point at 5 PM to board a bus that will take you to a float plane for an airplane tour. Glide high above the islands for a truly unforgettable end to your 2-day trip.

Which places are seen?

Victoria

British Columbia’s state capital is far from the sleepy city that it is sometimes purported to be. Instead, you’ll find sophisticated restaurants, trendy cafes and buzzing bars lining the city streets. Throw a lively artistic scene and a kaleidoscope of flower-filled gardens into the mix and you have a destination for every traveler.

Chinatown

Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinese community in Canada, and the second oldest in North America, after San Francisco. Today, it’s classified as one of Canada’s National Historical Sites and much is being done to preserve the community’s authentic roots.

Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens is at the center of Victoria’s horticultural universe — a universe that includes close to 3 billion flowers. This botanical garden boats a history of over 100 years, making it a must-visit destination when in Victoria.

The garden covers a total of 23 hectares, 900 different bedding plant varieties and 26 greenhouses, to put the scope of the gardens into perspective.

Which optional activities can be done?

Walking tours

A walking tour in Victoria is a great way to explore the state capital and while gaining a general sense of the city. These tours come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with guided, small group and private walking tours all on offer. There’s even a couple of walking and street food tour combos, exploring the tastes of Victoria’s Chinatown.

Whale watching tours

The waters around Victoria are teaming with life — and whale-watching tours in Victoria are a great way to get up close to some of nature's most elusive giants. Grey, humpback, fin and mink whales all call these waters their home, and you might even spot a pod of orcas on the prowl.

Scooter tours

If you want to see as much of Victoria in as little time as possible without spending too much money, a scooter tour is just the ticket. These outings will have you zipping around the capital, visiting most of its landmarks without breaking a sweat.

How much does it cost?

A 2-day tour from Vancouver to Victoria will cost US$550 per person — a real bargain when you consider that it’s a small group tour with a float plane flight included.

2-Day Trips from Vancouver