Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

8-Day Family Adventure Road Trip: Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island

Viewed by 160 travelers

Day 1: Explore Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

9:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Café

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Jam Café, known for its creative brunch menu and amazing pancakes.
Located in Yaletown, close to many attractions.
CAD30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Stanley Park

Explore the sprawling paths of Stanley Park by bike, where you can see scenic views of the ocean, city, and wildlife.
Bike rentals available at various shops within and outside the park.
CAD60 for bike rentals, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Granville Island Public Market

Savor local flavors at the iconic Granville Island Public Market, where food stalls offer various delicious options.
Take a short ferry ride or a drive from Stanley Park.
CAD50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Science World

Let the kids enjoy hands-on exhibits at Science World, a fun way to engage curious minds.
A short drive or SkyTrain ride from Granville Island.
CAD80 (family pass), 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Indulge in a family-friendly steak dinner with kids' options and a cozy atmosphere.
Situated in downtown Vancouver.
CAD120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Vancouver

Day 2: Adventure in Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

8:30AM

Breakfast at Cora

Kick start your day with a colorful breakfast at Cora, famous for its fruit-heavy dishes.
Located in the heart of the city.
CAD40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Grouse Mountain Skyride

Take the Skyride gondola up Grouse Mountain for breathtaking views and activities like hiking or lumberjack shows.
Short drive or public transit to the mountain.
CAD110 (family pass), 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Observatory

Enjoy a scenic lunch at the top of Grouse Mountain with panoramic views.
On-site restaurant.
CAD100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Experience the thrill of walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge amidst stunning scenery.
A short drive from Grouse Mountain.
CAD92 (family pass), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The White Spot

Dine at this family favorite chain, known for its burgers and fish & chips.
Multiple locations in Vancouver.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Vancouver

Day 3: Journey to Whistler

Whistler, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before hitting the road to Whistler.
Enjoy a leisurely start; the drive begins around 9:00 AM.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Whistler

Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, a beautiful drive with views of mountains and sea along the way.
Follow Highway 99 for about 1.5 hours to Whistler.
CAD50 (gas), 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Whistler Village

Arrive in Whistler and stroll around the charming pedestrian village filled with shops and cafes.
Park in one of the village's parking lots.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mexican Corner

Enjoy a vibrant Mexican meal at The Mexican Corner, perfect for families.
Located centrally in Whistler Village.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whistler Blackcomb Adventure Park

Have an adventurous afternoon at the Adventure Park with zip lines, ropes course, and bungee trampolines.
Near Whistler Village, accessible by foot.
CAD120 (family pass), 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Lost Lake

Unwind by the tranquil waters of Lost Lake; let the kids splash while enjoying nature.
Short drive from the village or a scenic walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Earls Kitchen + Bar

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at Earls with diverse family-friendly menu options.
Located in the heart of Whistler.
CAD100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Whistler

Day 4: Fun in Whistler

Whistler, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Wildflower

Savor a delightful breakfast at the Wildflower, offering a range of fresh and local ingredients.
Located inside the Fairmont Hotel.
CAD80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Zipline Adventure

Thrill the family with an exciting zipline adventure over the breathtaking forests and mountains of Whistler.
Book ahead for the best experience.
CAD350 (family pass), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pita's

Grab a quick and healthy lunch at Pita's, where you can create your own pitas with a variety of delicious fillings.
Centrally located in Whistler.
CAD60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Whistler Museum

Learn about the history of this beautiful resort town at the Whistler Museum, featuring interesting exhibits.
Walking distance from the village.
CAD25 (family pass), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Scenic Gondola Ride

Finish the day with a serene gondola ride, capturing awe-inspiring views of the mountains.
Located near the village.
CAD150 (family pass), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Bearfoot Bistro

Experience fine dining with a family twist, renowned for their unique and fun dining environment.
Located in Whistler Village.
CAD200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Whistler

Day 5: Ferry to Vancouver Island

Nanaimo, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel before departing for Vancouver Island.
Enjoy a leisurely start.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Take a scenic drive to Tsawwassen, where you'll catch your ferry to Vancouver Island.
Follow Highway 99 South to Tsawwassen.
CAD40 (gas), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Ferry to Nanaimo

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the strait to Nanaimo, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Ferries leave regularly throughout the day.
CAD90 (family pass), 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Nest Taphouse Grill

Arrive in Nanaimo and enjoy lunch at this relaxed eatery with diverse pub-style options.
Located near the ferry terminal.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Newcastle Island Provincial Park

Take a short ferry ride to Newcastle Island to explore beautiful trails and beaches perfect for a family picnic.
Use the ferry service from Nanaimo's harbor.
CAD50 (family pass), 3 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at hotel

Check in to your hotel and relax a bit before dinner.
Choose a centrally located hotel in Nanaimo.
CAD250, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Pirate Chip

Dine at this local favorite for fish and chips, perfect for families looking for casual dining.
A short drive from your hotel.
CAD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nanaimo

Day 6: Explore Victoria

Victoria, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel before heading to Victoria.
Planning to drive to Victoria today.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Victoria

Take a scenic drive down the island to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway for about 2 hours.
CAD30 (gas), 2 hours

11:00AM

Royal BC Museum

Visit the Royal BC Museum to explore exhibits on the natural and human history of the region.
Located in downtown Victoria.
CAD70 (family pass), 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf

Enjoy lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf with fresh seafood and unique food stalls.
A short walk from the museum.
CAD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Butchart Gardens

Take a short drive to the stunning Butchart Gardens, famous for its beautiful flower displays.
About 30 minutes from downtown Victoria.
CAD60 (family pass), 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 10 Acres Kitchen

Dine at this farm-to-table restaurant in Victoria, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
Located near downtown.
CAD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Victoria

Day 7: Discover Sidney

Sidney, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Sidney.
Plan to leave for Sidney this morning.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sidney

Head to the charming seaside town of Sidney, known for its bookshops and waterfront.
A short drive along the coast; about 30 minutes.
CAD10 (gas), 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Sidney Waterfront

Spend the morning exploring Sidney's waterfront and its scenic walking paths.
Park at one of the waterfront lots.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Sidney Spit

Take a short ferry ride to Sidney Spit, part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Ferries depart regularly from the Sidney marina.
CAD50 (family pass), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Beachfront Bistro

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at the Beachfront Bistro, with stunning ocean views.
Located in Sidney, near the waterfront.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the British Columbia Aviation Museum

Learn about the history of aviation in BC, with various aircraft on display.
A short drive from the restaurant.
CAD30 (family pass), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sidnee Bar & Grill

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at The Sidnee Bar & Grill, perfect for a casual evening.
Situated near the waterfront.
CAD80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Sidney

Day 8: Return to Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have your final breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on the wonderful memories made.
Preparation time before heading back.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Victoria

Return to Victoria for the ferry back to Vancouver.
A short drive, about 30 minutes.
CAD10 (gas), 30 minutes

10:30AM

Ferry to Tsawwassen

Enjoy one last scenic ferry ride back to Tsawwassen on the mainland.
Ferries leave frequently from Victoria.
CAD90 (family pass), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsawwassen Mills

Grab lunch at the Tsawwassen Mills mall, offering various dining options.
Located near the ferry terminal.
CAD70, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Delta Nature Reserve

Spend the afternoon exploring the Delta Nature Reserve, with accessible trails and beautiful landscapes.
Short drive from Tsawwassen Mills.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Head back to Vancouver

Conclude your journey by driving back to Vancouver.
Follow Highway 99 back into the city.
CAD20 (gas), 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Vancouver
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About vancouver, bc, whistler, and vancouver island

Best Canada Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Best Way to Explore Whistler, Vancouver & Vancouver Island
Travel Expert
Best Way to Explore Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your vancouver, bc, whistler, and vancouver island Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go