British Columbia: Vancouver, The Sunshine Coast & Vancouver Island

Vancouver is one of North America's most scenic cities, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains on Canada's west coast. Surrounded by water and forests, it combines a lively urban life with extraordinary nature, ranking consistently among the world's most liveable cities. The vast Stanley Park, a green lung facing the sea and crossed by a famous seawall, invites scenic walks and bike rides. The historic Gastown district, with its bohemian atmosphere, the lively Granville Island market and Chinatown reveal the city's many faces. The skyline of glass towers reflects in the waters of the bay, while nearby mountains, such as Grouse Mountain and Cypress, offer skiing and hiking just minutes from downtown. The dining scene, rich in fresh seafood and Asian cuisine, is excellent. Between sea, mountains and culture, Vancouver embodies the perfect balance between metropolis and nature.

Powell River is a town on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, facing the Strait of Georgia in a scenic position between sea and forests. Once linked to the paper industry, it preserves a historic district and an authentic coastal-community atmosphere. Reachable by ferry, it is set in spectacular nature rich in lakes, rivers and coasts, ideal for outdoor activities. The area is famous for the Powell Forest Canoe Route, an evocative canoe route linking numerous lakes among the forests, and for diving in the crystalline waters of the strait, considered among the best in North America. Kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing complete the offering. Quiet and immersed in the nature of the Sunshine Coast, Powell River is a fascinating destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, sea and coastal landscapes on the Pacific coast of British Columbia.

Campbell River is a town on the east coast of Vancouver Island, famous worldwide as the "salmon capital", one of the best places for sport fishing of this prized fish. Facing the strait that separates it from the mainland, it is surrounded by extraordinary nature of forests, rivers and coasts rich in marine life. The area is ideal for spotting bears, eagles and whales, and for activities such as kayaking, diving and exploring the nearby islands. Campbell River is also the gateway to the spectacular Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest in British Columbia, with its mountains, waterfalls and alpine lakes. First Nations culture is rooted in the region. Between fishing, wildlife and grandiose nature, Campbell River is a fascinating destination for lovers of adventure and outdoor life.

Telegraph Cove preserves the charm of an old fishing village on Vancouver Island, its wooden stilt houses lined along a boardwalk facing the sea. It is one of British Columbia's best spots for watching orcas and humpback whales, which frequent the waters of Johnstone Strait in summer. Between boat trips, kayaking and lush forests, the village offers genuine contact with the Pacific's wild nature. Telegraph Cove is the ideal starting point for those dreaming of encountering the great whales.

Port Alberni is a town on Vancouver Island, set at the head of a long fjord reaching into the heart of the island, where the sea meets the mountains and rainforests. Historically tied to the timber industry, it is nicknamed the Pacific salmon capital, a sport-fishing paradise. Its central position makes it an ideal crossroads for reaching the wild western coasts of the island, from Tofino to Ucluelet, via a spectacular mountain road. From the harbour departs a historic mail boat, the MV Frances Barkley, which sails among the islands and remote villages of Barkley Sound. The surroundings offer waterfalls, lakes and ancient forests. Between fjord, salmon and nature, Port Alberni offers the authentic spirit of Vancouver Island.

Tofino is a community on the west coast of Vancouver Island, facing the Pacific Ocean at the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. Famous for its wild, wave-battered beaches, it is the Canadian capital of surfing and one of the most beloved destinations for "storm watching", observing the spectacular winter storms. Surrounded by ancient, lush temperate rainforests, it offers hikes among millennia-old trees, kayaking among the islands and whale and bear watching. The town retains a relaxed, creative soul, with its little harbour, fresh-fish restaurants and hot springs reachable by boat. First Nations culture is deeply rooted in the area. Between wild ocean, forests and waves, Tofino is a fascinating and authentic destination for lovers of the most untamed nature on Canada's Pacific coast.

The drive from Tofino to Victoria offers an extraordinary experience through breathtaking landscapes on Vancouver Island: the road continues through rainforests, mountains and enchanting lakes along the Pacific Rim road (Highway 4), offering spectacular views along the way, we head east along the Trans-Canada road (Highway 1) until we reach the town of Duncan, known for its totem poles and First Nations culture. From here you finally reach Victoria, capital of British Columbia, with its historic buildings and lush gardens. Victoria, capital of British Columbia, lies at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, facing the ocean and famous for its British-flavoured charm. The city preserves an elegant and refined atmosphere, with historic buildings such as the provincial Parliament and the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, overlooking the picturesque Inner Harbour. Its flowering gardens, particularly the famous Butchart Gardens, are among the most beautiful in the world and earn the city the nickname "city of gardens". The downtown streets invite strolls among shops, tearooms serving afternoon tea, and cafés facing the harbour. From Victoria, excursions set off for whale watching and discovering the island's nature. Mild and welcoming year-round, Victoria combines colonial elegance, lush gardens and marine beauty, one of the most charming cities in western Canada.

Boarding the ferry from Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver: the crossing is atmospheric, among dozens of sailboats and a wide variety of birds and sea animals.