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Vancouver Island Ski Safari

Canada

Vancouver Island - Calm Water
Embracing the best of west coast Canada, this diverse ski safari includes Whistler’s world-class slopes, the culture of Vancouver city, and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island.
  • Culture
  • Family Friendly
  • Honeymoons
  • Learn to Ski
  • Luxury
  • Nightlife
  • Non-Ski Activities
  • Once-in-a-Lifetime
  • Off the Beaten Track
  • Powder
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced

North America’s largest ski area, Whistler is regularly voted the world’s best resort. It’s the combination of a vast ski area, incredible heli-skiing and a vibrant ski town that makes it so popular. Along with Canada’s best après scene, the non-ski activities here make it a superb choice for families.

A scenic drive away, Vancouver is one of the world’s most liveable cities. There’s so much we love, it’s hard to know where to start. There’s the fresh seafood and Asian cuisine, the coffee shops and indie bars, the galleries and theatres, and the outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.

Across the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island feels a world away from Whistler. We suggest basing yourself on the west coast in Tofino where roaring surf pounds the coast, grey whales migrate past the shore, and ancient forests harbour some of the world’s largest trees.

5 out of 5
4 customer reviews
Rupert Hatfield - Headshot
Rupert Hatfield
Canada & USA Product Manager
"Whistler is easily Canada’s best all-round ski resort, and everyone who visits Vancouver city wants to move there! Topping this off with Vancouver Island is incredible - a real escape, Tofino has to be in my top five places on the planet."

Suggested itinerary

This itinerary is our suggestion of how you could divide your time between skiing, sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

Day 1

Leave the UK and fly to Vancouver. From Vancouver it is a two hour transfer to Whistler. 

Days 2 to 7

You will ski Whistler for 6 days. There are so many different on and off-mountain activities to do in Whistler – from ziplines to a day's ski touring with Extremely Canadian – something for everyone. Eating out in Whistler, you are spoilt for choice – Sushi to burgers and everything in between! On the afternoon of day 7, you will pick up your hire car for the next part of the adventure.

Day 8

Day 8 involves an early start (the earlier the better). Drive to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry over to Nanaimo. You will then drive four hours to Tofino. A great stopping point is Cathedral Grove - an ancient rain forest.

Days 9 to 11

Explore Tofino's endless beaches for the huge waves (the nearest landmass is Japan), walk through a stunted rainforest and get yourself booked on a nature tour - you may see whales, bears and eagles.

Day 12

Another early start - head back to Nanaimo and then on to Vancouver City. Drop the car off, check into your Vancouver hotel and head out for dinner.

Days 13 to 14

Explore the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver - why not hire bikes and cycle around Stanley Park, or get a ferry over to Granville Island and visit the market, or take a trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge. Eating in Vancouver is a delight - seafood as fresh as it could be, steaks to die for and some of the best Asian cuisine in North America.

Day 15

Transfer to Vancouver airport for your flight home.

Like the look of this itinerary?

Enquire now or call 01273 224060

Our Prices

Every holiday is tailor-made, just for you.

We publish a selection of prices online to give you a guideline, but each quote is individually built by an experienced ski specialist. Your dates, your group size, your preferences, your price.

We save you time and get more for your money.

We’ve spent 30 years building ski holidays. We know our destinations inside-out, and we know how to get the best value for your budget, from flights to hotels to all your ski extras. Leave it to us.

British Travel Awards 2025 - Best Small Travel Company for Ski/Winter Sports Holidays
Enquire now or call 01273 224060

How much?

The sample prices below give an indication of how much our suggested itinerary may cost. Speak to us for a tailored price with your choice of resorts, activities and accommodation.

14 nights from £2,799pp - Whistler, Tofino & Vancouver • March 2027

2 adults departing 7th March 2027

  • 7 nights at the 3*+ Aava Whistler
  • 4 nights at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort (Tofino)
  • 3 nights at the 4* Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
  • Flights, shared transfers and SUV car hire
  • Select departures in March 2027

Book by 30th September 2026

Enquire now or call 01273 224060

All prices are subject to availability and include accommodation, flights and transfers or car hire unless otherwise specified.

We can also book your lift passes, ski hire, ski school and extras like city add-ons, just let us know when you enquire!

Customer Reviews

What our customers say about Vancouver Island Ski Safari.

Spent a couple of nights in Vancouver, the drove to Vancouver Island for 4 nights. The city was lovely, but the island was amazing! Recommend this to acclimatise to 7hr time difference before skiing in Whistler.
Kenneth Hardman
23rd April 2024
We went to the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, it was just magical, a true treat and a special experience. Ski safari organised transfers via Whistler connections, both private for our party of Six and shared - all seamless. Dollar rental of giant SUV was hassle free, quick and easy.
Chris Dagnall
26th March 2024
Really easy picking up the car and driving from whistler to the island. Booking the ferries prior to the visit was easy. Tofino was very wet but very beautiful. We had a fantastic trip.
Eleanor Williams
6th February 2024
Excellent accommodation at Tofino (Pacific Sands), stunning location, friendly people, good food, activities and walks. No negatives. Vancouver - great end to the trip. Hotel room was quite dated with limited facilities but great location. Lots to do in the area. Efficient and friendly transfer to the airport.
Margaret Ross
24th April 2022
The Wickannish Inn was fantastic, great views, staff and food. Unfortunately the pool / hot tub etc were closed, but this was a minor hitch.
Mark Lloyds
24th March 2022
Excellent.
Paul Hartrick
2nd March 2022
We only skied at Whistler but Ski Safari organised us a fabulous trip which included stays in Vancouver Island. The Long Beach Lodge resort was incredible and we would definitely stay there again. The brief stay at the end in Victoria was fine for our purposes.
Katherine Alvey
6th May 2019
We enjoyed the skiing in Whistler. Tofino on Vancouver Island was lovely and the drive across Vancouver Island was spectacular. We liked the sea views from the Best Westen Tin Wis resort but it was located some distance out of Tofino which meant taking a 5 minute drive. The bear watching excursion with Jamies was excellent. We used Remote Passages for the whale watching as we wanted an enclosed bo…
Geremy Phillips
28th April 2019
Long Beach Lodge, Tofino - this hotel was absolutely gorgeous with an amazing setting overlooking Cox Bay. The central Great Room with huge windows overlooking the beach was the perfect place to relax and watch the waves and the happy hour from 3-6pm was an added bonus. Breakfasts and dinner all delicious.
Jennifer MacVicar
27th March 2019
OMG the place is amazing, will defiantly be heading back at some point in the summer the lifestyle is great and Long Wood Lodge was a great place to stay, recommend, recommend, recommend :)
Kirstie Loveridge
18th April 2018
View all reviews
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