Night 1-2
Hotel in Seattle
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this iconic PNW city. The restaurant, music, and arts scenes are thriving, and you’ll have no trouble filling your time here.
Drive among the incredible scenic beauty of Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is full of diverse and beautiful landscapes for you to discover on this self-drive adventure. This itinerary leads you to the mountains and coastline so you can hike and explore Seattle, Whistler, and Vancouver Island.
The Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour begins in Puget Sound, where you’ll have time to visit Seattle and then travel to the spectacular Olympic Mountains. Then, it’s on to the charming towns on Vancouver Island before you return to the mainland. Your tour ends with a journey from sea to sky as you get to explore both the port city of Vancouver and the world-famous mountain resort, Whistler. The Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour is the perfect go-at-your-own pace adventure that features the pacific coast's remarkable and unique landscapes.
Your tour officially begins today when you arrive in Seattle. Pick up a rental vehicle at the Seattle airport, and check into your hotel. You’re free for the rest of the day to explore Seattle.
Today, you will enjoy exploring this beautiful harbor city. You may want to start your day at the original Starbucks location and then take your coffee to go while you wander the famous Pike Place Market. You can also walk along the waterfront or visit the Chihuly Gardens & Glass Museum to view the incredible glassworks of this famous local artist. End your day with a trip up the Space Needle to view the skyline from the top of this free-standing tower.
Today, you’ll begin your road trip into the Olympic Mountains. Drive to the little city of Port Angeles, which will be your gateway to finding rugged sandy beaches, lush forests, and the beautiful Olympic Mountains.
Spend the day hiking in Olympic National Park, where you’ll find numerous trails through the endless green of the rainforest and into the mountain valleys. You may also want to drive to some of the marked whale-watching spots along the Whale Trail to see if you can catch a glimpse of the enormous creatures. To cap off the day, you can stop at Sol Duc for a relaxing visit to the hot springs.
This morning, you’ll need to leave your rental car behind in Port Angeles and board the ferry to Vancouver Island. When you arrive in Victoria, you can pick up a new Canadian rental car and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting Victoria—make sure to stroll downtown in the evening to view the picture-perfect scenery of the harbour and government buildings covered in bright lights.
Take a quiet stroll along Dallas Road for a spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains across the water, or visit the lively Fisherman’s Warf and Inner Harbour of downtown Victoria. Before you leave the city, you may want to book the optional Scenic Seaplane Tour that showcases the breathtaking Juan De Fuca Strait and the mountains surrounding this pretty city. In the afternoon, you’ll start your drive up-island through the temperate rainforest to the remote surf town of Tofino.
Begin your day with a coffee from a cute café like Rhino Tofino and take a stroll to watch the surf crash into the beach. Then, you can take a free walking tour in Pacific Rim National Park and hike through the lush forests. In the afternoon, you’ll take a zodiac whale-watching tour of Clayoquot Bay and look for whales, seals, sea lions, eagles, and other marine life.
Continue your road trip north towards Campbell River. Stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park for a walk through the ancient Douglas firs that soar above you. Spend the evening discovering the charming town of Campbell River.
Today, you’ll be exploring the beautiful hiking trails in Elk Falls Provincial Park. Take a hike to view the spectacular waterfalls and cross a dramatic suspension bridge over the canyon. You can also book a wildlife tour to get to know the local fauna.
This morning, you’ll take the spectacular coastal drive down to Parksville. Spend the day relaxing at Qualicum Beach and exploring the treasures of Parksville.
Drive to Nanaimo and take the ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy the scenic ride and watch for whales and other marine wildlife on the journey to Horseshoe Bay. Then, you’ll take the Sea to Sky Highway into the mountains to Whistler. You’ll have two nights to enjoy this spectacular ski resort village.
You have the whole day to enjoy everything Whistler has to offer. Take a scenic gondola ride for incredible mountain views, go hiking, or even take advantage of the thrilling mountain biking tracks. You could also spend the entire day exploring the shops and world-class restaurants in the pedestrian village.
Take a final stroll through Whistler before you begin your drive to Vancouver. When you arrive, you can check in to your hotel and then head out to explore the city. Go for a walk around Stanley Park, or visit historic Gastown and Chinatown. You have the option to book an hour Vancouver Harbour cruise, which is the perfect way to end the day.
You have another full day to spend in Vancouver. You could visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge or challenge yourself on the 3-kilometre trail of stone stairs on Grouse Mountain known as the Grouse Grind. If you stay in the city for the day, walk up and down Commercial Drive or Main Street to brush shoulders with the locals. Take your pick of several delectable restaurants and breweries while you’re here.
Your tour officially ends when you return your rental vehicle to the Vancouver International Airport. Take your flight home or continue on the next stop on your journey.
This self-guided tour of the Pacific Northwest is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based on hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are standard 3-star and offer comfortable rooms with modern conveniences. Your hotels have been selected to be in convenient locations along your route.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this iconic PNW city. The restaurant, music, and arts scenes are thriving, and you’ll have no trouble filling your time here.
Relax in this quaint town that doubles as the gateway to Olympic National Park. Support the local businesses while you’re here and choose born-and-bred restaurants.
Victoria draws visitors year-round for its pleasant climate, undeniably kind and laid-back people, and charming downtown core. Check out the Inner Harbour, Cook Street Village, and Dallas Road.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a mystical land when you see the sandy beaches in Tofino at the edge of the forest. This popular surf town keeps its cool and hasn’t been over-developed.
This mid-island adorable town has rustic charm written all over it. Make sure to try some local salmon after a full day of exploring the surrounding nature.
Parksville sits on Vancouver Island’s coast and has several sandy beaches, perfect for strolling. The town has a sandcastle-building competition every summer from mid-July to mid-August.
This world-class destination awaits outside of your local digs. Enjoy exploring Whistler and then kicking back in your comfy bed.
Welcome to Vancouver! Settle in and sleep off any jetlag at your comfortable hotel.
Meals are not included in this tour.
Accommodations for 14 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Seattle and after the tour in Vancouver are not included but can be added as a supplement.
This is a self-drive tour; however, your rental vehicles in the US and Canada are not included. The ferries between Port Angeles and Victoria, and Nanaimo and Vancouver are included.
How hard is the Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose the hikes and activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level.
Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada and the United States?
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada and the United States; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check these sources about driving with foreign license in Canada and in the United States.
What does partially-guided mean?
Booking a partially-guided tour is a perfect choice for those who like to be in charge of some of their time while travelling, but also don’t want to be on their own during activities. In most cases, a partially-guided tour doesn’t have a tour leader assigned to a group, but some or most of the activities, such as hikes, city walks, or historic site visits, are led by different guides. Also, in most cases, booking a partially-guided tour is way cheaper than booking a fully-guided tour!
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada or the US?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour?
Meals are not included in this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover any activities you plan to do. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Seattle to start this tour?
Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Washington. You can rent a vehicle directly from the airport.
Is the Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour in English?
The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.
Where does the Pacific Northwest Self-Drive Tour end?
This tour ends in Vancouver, BC. You can fly out of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada or the USA?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada or the USA?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to travel to the Pacific Northwest for this overland tour is during the summer and early fall to avoid the rainy days that cloud the rest of the year. This tour is available from June to October.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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21 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose the hikes and activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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