Travel advisory: Highway 17 Closures - Keating Cross Road Overpass Project - July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024 View ×

Posted on: Friday, July 19, 2024

Highway 17 Closures
Keating Cross Road Overpass Project
Victoria to Swartz Bay
July 25, 29 and August 7, 2024

Patricia Bay Highway (Hwy 17) between Victoria and Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island will be temporarily closed from Tanner Road to Island View Road due to the Keating Cross Road Overpass Project during the noted times on the following dates:

Scheduled Highway Closures

Thursday,
July 25, 2024

Monday,
July 29, 2024

Wednesday,
August 7, 2024

10:00 pm – 6:00 am

8:00 pm – 6:00 am

10:00 pm – 6:00 am


Customers looking to travel to or from Swartz Bay terminal during closure times will be impacted and should plan their travel accordingly. A detour will be in effect via Central Saanich Road. Customers should be prepared for a 15-20 minute delay as a result.

Those using transit to Swartz Bay are strongly advised to take earlier bus departures because of the detour. Additional information is available online at: https://alerts.bctransit.com/RouteAlertsDetail/45/70/724. 

For more information, please check the Keating Cross Overpass Project website here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/highway-17-keating-cross-overpass.

For up-to-date sailing and departure information, check Current Conditions, follow @BCFerries on X, or phone 1-888-223-3779 for further assistance.

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Package overview


Start planning your next adventure in the untamed wilderness of BC's Central Coast with BC Ferries Vacations Taste of Bella Coola experience. Your journey begins on Vancouver Island, exploring coastal communities like Courtenay & Port Hardy, before taking a sailing from Port Hardy to Bella Coola.

Once you’ve arrived in Bella Coola, you can have an eco-immersive wilderness & wildlife experience at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, which offers 60 acres of private land within the vast wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest. Indulge in world-class meals and a guided half-day nature tour. Finish your adventure in exploring Williams Lake and seeing the breathtaking mountains in Whistler.

SIX NIGHTS

+ RETURN FERRY

+ GUIDED TOUR 

FROM $2,119

+ taxes and fees, per person based on double occupancy

Package includes:

  • Six nights in five destinations including a two night stay at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
  • Two sailings for two adults and one vehicle: one-way from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island, and one-way from Port Hardy to Bella Coola
  • Ferry reservations
  • Half-day guided tour 
  • All meals at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge
  • Use of all sporting equipment
  • Available June 28 - August 14, 2024

Get in touch to start
planning your next adventure.
Call 1-888-223-3779 Ext. 3 or

Map & Itinerary

DAY 1

Metro Vancouver to Courtenay

Your adventure begins with a scenic sailing from Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island onboard BC Ferries. Once you have arrived in Courtenay, take a relaxing stroll down the beach in Seal Bay Nature Park.

Lodging: Bayview Hotel

1

DAY 2

Courtenay to Port Hardy

Explore downtown Courtenay in the morning and grab a delicious breakfast before continuing along to Northern Vancouver Island to your next destination of Port Hardy. 

Lodging: Kwa'lilas Hotel

2

DAY 3

Port Hardy to Tweedsmuir

Depart from Port Hardy and enjoy a scenic sailing through the mid-coast of BC before arriving in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Upon arrival at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge, check into your private chalet and get an orientation before enjoying a delicious dinner, and exploring the area.

Lodging: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

3

DAY 4

Tweedsmuir

Fill up on a hearty breakfast at the lodge before taking a half-day guided tour. You might take a scenic Atnarko River Drift, an adventurous assisted climbing experience on a Via Ferrata, or a guided interpretive nature walk through the awe-inspiring rainforest. Back at the lodge, try your hand at fishing, mountain biking, frisbee golf, lawn sports, swimming or archery. Afterwards, relax in the lodge with a delicious three-course dinner.

Lodging: Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

4

DAY 5

Tweedsmuir to Williams Lake

After soaking in Tweedsmuirs' stunning scenery, pristine wildlife and rich Indigenous culture, you will begin your drive to the charming city if Williams Lake. Take in the scenic views along the way, stopping in destinations like Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake & Tatla Lake to appreciate the abundant British Columbian wildlife and picturesque mountains.

Lodging: Coast Fraser Inn

5

DAY 6

Williams Lake to Whistler

The luscious green scenery continues with more stunning views on the drive from Williams Lake onwards to your final destination of Whistler. Nestled within the old-growth forests and towering snow-capped mountains lies the charming village of Whistler. With a vast number of things to do, whether it be breweries on the Whistler Ale Trail, or enjoying some sightseeing at Lost Lake Park or at the of, this charming village has never-ending options to offer all nature lovers.

Lodging: Listel Hotel Whistler

6

DAY 7

Whistler to Metro Vancouver

On the final day, drive from Whistler back to Vancouver at your own pace. Stay longer in Whistler to take a scenic hike, stop off in Squamish for a walk at the estuary, and take in sunset as you drive along the Sea to Sky Highway. 

7

Make the journey your own

Personalize your trip for the experience that is perfect for you. Ask our travel consultants for ideas and create a unique adventure to fit your travel needs.
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