Exploring British Columbia's Majestic Mountains in 4 Days

  • Day 1: Vancouver
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 0 min; Estimated Distance: 0 mi

    Start your journey by visiting Stanley Park, a 405-hectare park located on the west of downtown Vancouver. This park has a great combination of natural settings and man-made attractions including the seawall, beaver lake, and Vancouver Aquarium. Lunch at Granville Island Public Market where vendors offer fresh seafood, locally produced food, and handmade items.

    Spend the afternoon exploring Grouse Mountain, a popular mountain to see breathtaking views of Vancouver. Get there using the Skyride gondola and experience a movie in the theater, skating rink, and interesting wildlife exhibits.

  • Day 2: Whistler
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 2 hr 10 min; Estimated Distance: 75 mi

    Head north to Whistler for a full day of hiking and exploring. Spend the morning hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park, a beautiful wilderness with over 90 km of trails surrounded by glaciers and mountains. Have lunch and shop for souvenirs at the pedestrian-only Whistler Village, a fun and lively destination. In the afternoon, take a break from hiking and practice your swing at the

    Whistler Golf Club
    while taking in scenic views of BC's finest landscapes.

  • Day 3: Jasper National Park, Alberta
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 4 hr 40 min; Estimated Distance: 325 mi

    Start the day early and head east to Jasper National Park, Alberta. Upon arrival, explore Maligne Lake, a glacier-fed lake recognized for its clear blue water and beautiful mountain ranges. Take the 90-minute boat tour to Spirit Island and experience the tranquility of the pristine surroundings. For a close-up view of the glaciers, take the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure tour, which includes a stop at the Glacier Skywalk for a stunning bird's eye view.

  • Day 4: Victoria
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 4 hr 40 min; Estimated Distance: 300 mi

    Take a morning ferry to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Visit Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre garden that features a variety of flowers and plants native to Canada. After lunch, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, a modern museum that is known for its comprehensive collection of artifacts, photos, and artwork. End your day by strolling along the beautiful Inner Harbour, a lively location that is ideal for romantic walks while taking in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Stanley Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Granville Island Public Market (2 hours, $10-$20)
  • Grouse Mountain (3-4 hours, $60-$70)
  • Garibaldi Provincial Park (4-6 hours, Free)
  • Whistler Village (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Whistler Golf Club (2-3 hours, $50-$100)
  • Maligne Lake Boat Tour (4 hours, $90-$100)
  • Glacier Adventure Tour (2 hours, $100-$200)
  • Butchart Gardens (2-3 hours, $30-$40)
  • Royal British Columbia Museum (2-3 hours, $20-$30)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $380-$590

Transportation

While exploring British Columbia, it's recommended to rent a car since there are several scenic drives that aren't accessible by public transportation. Keep in mind that traffic in Vancouver can be congested during peak periods, so plan accordingly. Estimated gas prices are CA$1.20-CA$1.50 per liter.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring the Okanagan Valley or the Sunshine Coast. If you have less time, cut your visit short to British Columbia to include Victoria and Vancouver. Keep in mind that weather can change quickly in the mountains, so make sure to pack accordingly.

Airports

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the busiest airport in British Columbia, located approximately 7 miles from downtown Vancouver. The airport offers direct flights to over 100 destinations, including international flights to Asia and Europe. Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located 12 miles from downtown Victoria and offers flights across Canada and the USA.

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