Sample Itinerary, Seven Day SailPass

Board a BC Ferry in Horseshoe Bay for the 40 minute crossing through spectacular marine and mountain scenery to Langdale and the Sunshine Coast. On arrival stop in the nearby village of Gibsons  to browse the ships and galleries.. Head north through ocean vistas and lush forest to Sechelt. Continuing north on Highway 101, hike the forest trail from  Egmont to Skookumchuck Narrows with its boiling and bubbling rapids. At Earls Cove, board a ferry for the 50 minute crossing to Saltery Bay and the upper Sunshine Coast. Continue to Powell River, the Dive Capital of Canada. Overnight Powell River.

Spend the morning exploring the Powell River area (including spectacular Powell Lake and the village of Lund), then take one of the frequent sailings to Blubber Bay on Texada Island, where you  can explore the hiking trails, lakes and beaches of this popular recreational destination. Return to Powell River for overnight.

This morning, board the ferry for Comox and the wonders of the Comox Valley. Drive up Strathcona Parkway to Mount Washington, where panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia can be viewed from the chairlift that carries you to the top of the mountain. Returning to Highway 19, turn north to Campbell River. Take a side trip to Quadra Island: its sheltered coves and inland lakes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife including black-tailed deer, river otters, harbour seals, sea-lions, cormorants, snowy owls, the great blue heron and the elusive peregrine falcon. Overnight Campbell River.

Turning south take the more leisurely Oceanside route, Highway 19A which winds through charming beachfront communities. From Nanaimo Harbour take the short ferry trip to Gabriola  Island.  Known as the “Isle of the Arts”, many artists live on the island and their works can be bought in island galleries and craft shops. Overnight Nanaimo.

As you travel south on Highway 1, be sure to allow some time to explore Chemainus, home of the famous murals, before arriving at Crofton and taking the short ferry journey to Vesuvius on the west side of Salt Spring Island. From here spend a delightful day exploring the many galleries on the Island, experiencing the small town charm of Ganges and sampling the views from Ruckle Point Provincial Park. Overnight Salt Spring Island.

From Long Harbour, take one of the sailings to Otter Bay on Pender Islands. North and South Pender are joined by a small bridge over a narrow canal, and offer a sampling of a relaxing rural lifestyle that is difficult to find anymore.

Before heading back to Vancouver, take some time to enjoy the hiking trails on South Pender Island, one leading up to Mt. Norman and splendid views and the other following the canal over to Beaumont Marine Park with its white shell beaches and arbutus headland.