Recommended itinerary: 6 Days, 5 Stops
Travel advisory:
Overnight Closures Planned for George Massey Tunnel
View
×
Posted: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Overnight Closures Planned for George Massey Tunnel
The Ministry of Transportation has scheduled overnight closures of the George Massey Tunnel for maintenance from September 18 - 20.
Scheduled Highway Closure Times:
- Northbound - Friday, September 18 from 9:00 pm to Saturday, September 19 at 6:00 am
- Southbound Closure - Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 pm to Sunday, September 20 at 6:00 am
Customers travelling to or from Tsawwassen terminal around these times should plan for additional travel time or consider an alternate route via the Alex Fraser Bridge.
Please check DriveBC for the latest road conditions and closure updates here.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, check Current Conditions, follow @BCFerries on X, or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.
EXPERIENCE
Great Bear Circle Tour
Credit: Ian McAllister/National Geographic Creative
Step into the heart of the wild
Travel up the coast of Vancouver Island to Port Hardy and embark on a remarkable ferry ride. Sail past some of the most stunning landscapes in the world into the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Watch grizzly bears in the wild, search for the rare Kermode bear, or simply soak in the incredible natural surroundings.
RECOMMENDATION 1
Metro Vancouver to Courtenay
Start your trip with a scenic sailing from Metro Vancouver to Nanaimo, and then drive up the coast of Vancouver Island towards Courtenay. Stop off on the way to see goats on the roof at Coombs Old Country Market
Book activities:
Big Animal Encounters Comox Wildlife Tour
Big Animal Encounters Comox Fishing Charter
RECOMMENDATION 2
Courtenay to Port Hardy
Start your day with a tasty breakfast in one of the eclectic cafes in Courtenay. Fill up your growler at a local brewery before heading out of town and driving up to Port Hardy. Along the way, stop in local fishing towns like Sayward or Telegraph Cove—where you can join a whale watching tour for a chance to spot orcas, humpbacks, and other marine wildlife in the surrounding waters.
Book activities:
Prince of Whales Telegraph Cove Whale Watching
Credit: Destination BC/Shayd Johnson
RECOMMENDATION 3
Central Coast Sailing to Bella Coola
Sail through stunning West Coast landscapes, keeping an eye out for wildlife and remote Indigenous villages along the route.Credit: Destination BC / Albert Normandin
RECOMMENDATION 4
Bella Coola
Set out on a wilderness adventure. Depending on the season, join a thrilling river wildlife tour accompanied by a biologist and river guide, or a grizzly bear tour to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.Credit: Destination BC / Eric Berger
Credit: Taylor F. Kennedy
RECOMMENDATION 5
Bella Coola to Williams Lake
Journey along Highway 20 to Williams Lake. Discover the city’s rural charm, and learn about its ranching culture and gold rush history.Credit: Julie Elizabeth/Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism
RECOMMENDATION 6
Book activities:
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Williams Lake to Whistler
Drive past sweeping vistas and through rugged wilderness on your way to the resort community of Whistler, where you can enjoy outdoor adventure and superb restaurants. While you are there, take time to visit the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre for an inspiring look at local Indigenous history, art, and traditions.Book activities:
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
Credit: Destination BC / Leo Zuckerman
RECOMMENDATION 7
Book activities:
Britannia Mine Museum
Whistler to Metro Vancouver
Finish your trip stopping at viewpoints on the Sea to Sky Highway, voted one of the best drives in North America, as you drive home to Metro Vancouver. Be sure to stop at the Britannia Mine Museum along the way for an underground tour and a glimpse into the region’s rich mining history.Book activities:
Britannia Mine Museum
Credit: Destination British Columbia
