Page 17 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

DISC OVERING THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST  15

1 Week in Southern
British Columbia
• Airports Arrive at Victoria
International Airport,
located north of the city,
and depart from Kelowna
International Airport.
• Transport Although hiring
a car will make for an easier
journey, various bus and
boat services connect
major British Columbia
cities and towns. Travelers
may opt to use bus and
boat connections for
longer journeys, then British Columbia’s Parliament Buildings, located in Victoria
hire rental cars within
particular destinations. for history lovers. As nightfall Day 6: Whistler to Kamloops
approaches, retreat to Victoria Make the drive to Kamloops
to enjoy a dinner of bountiful (p262), located at the
Day 1: Victoria local produce and seafood confluence of the North and
Explore British Columbia’s at one of the city’s award- South Thompson Rivers. The
capital, Victoria (p250–55). winning restaurants. attractive city holds a pair of
Begin your visit on the scenic must-sees: the Secwepemc
Inner Harbour (p250), snapping Days 3 and 4: Vancouver Museum and Heritage Park
pictures of the attractive See the Vancouver itinerary on p13. (p262), which provides a peek
waterfront, and continue to the into the region’s history, and the
imposing Parliament Buildings Day 5: Whistler British Columbia Wildlife Park
(p254). One can easily lose North of Vancouver, the year- (p262), perfect for animal lovers.
oneself in the buildings, some round resort town of Whistler
of which date back to 1897. (pp260–61) lures visitors drawn Day 7: Okanagan Valley/
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at to its world-class skiing and Kelowna
one of British Columbia’s most inviting summertime activities. Continue east, then south,
famous hotels, the Fairmont The neighboring Whistler and and you’ll arrive in Kelowna
Empress (see p253). Finish the Blackcomb Mountains house (p262). The city, which lies on
day with a visit to the Royal BC some of North America’s most the eastern shore of Okanagan
Museum (pp256–7), which challenging ski runs. In warmer Lake, provides an ideal base for
tells the story of the province weather, visitors can enjoy a exploring the Okanagan Valley
through its natural history, bevy of activities on Alta Lake (p263). Learn about the area’s
geology, and peoples. (p261). The shops, cafés, and history with a visit to the Father
bars of Whistler Village (p261) Pandosy Mission (p262), then
Day 2: Vancouver Island are constantly packed. Splurge end the afternoon with a visit to
Take your pick from numerous on an overnight stay (or one of the acclaimed wineries
outdoorsy activities and afternoon tea) at the Fairmont that make up Canada’s second-
destinations on Vancouver Chateau Whistler (p260). largest wine region.
Island, all of which are
accessible from Victoria. To extend your trip…
Amateur horticulturists should Further immerse yourself in
make a beeline to Butchart the Okanagan Valley by visit-
Gardens (p258). In the summer, ing two of its charming small
the gardens often host special towns. Summerland (p262)
programs such as live classical is filled with 19th-century
music and fireworks. To best buildings, and visitors can
appreciate the area’s rugged take in breath taking views
landscape and breathtaking by scaling Giant’s Head
natural beauty, spend the Mountain. Nearby, tiny
afternoon visiting one or two Penticton (p263) lures wine
of the Gulf Islands (p259). lovers with several wineries.
Depending on one’s interests, Take a stroll along the
there’s something for everyone: town’s Okanagan Beach,
Saltspring has inviting shops where the adventur ous
and cafés; Galiano is ideal Verdant vineyards in the Okanagan Valley can enjoy water sports.
for hikers, and Mayne is best wine region

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