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The final leg of our West Coast journey was filled with thrilling adventures, heartwarming reunions, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From soaring zip lines in Whistler to the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island, every moment left us with unforgettable memories.
If you missed the first part of our adventure, where we traveled from Toronto to Thunder Bay, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
If you missed the first part of our adventure, where we traveled from Thunder Bay to Saskatoon, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
If you missed the third part of our adventure, where we traveled from Saskatoon to Banff, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
If you missed the fourth part of our adventure, where we traveled from Banff to Coquitlam, you can catch up on all the highlights here.
Day 13: Whistler – Peaks, Waterfalls, and Trails
We left Matilda and Dennis’ early in the morning and headed toward Whistler along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, a drive as scenic as its name suggests. Upon arriving in Whistler, Jean-Luc, Nick’s mom, and I geared up for an exhilarating zip-lining adventure. Soaring between peaks at dizzying heights was both thrilling and surreal, made even better by our incredible guides. With a small group, we finished the course faster than expected, giving us extra time to explore.
Next, we wandered through Whistler Village, taking in the Olympic rings and the charming alpine vibe.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
From there, we made our way to the Blackcomb Resort Gondola and ascended to the summit. The views from the top were incredible, but the highlight was the Peak-to-Peak Gondola, connecting Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain. Suspended high above the valley, the gondola offered 360-degree views of glaciers, forests, and endless peaks. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch on Whistler Mountain, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
On our way back to Coquitlam, we stopped at Brandywine Falls, where the water cascades over unique rock formations.
Our final stop of the day was in Squamish, where we rode the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for yet another incredible vantage point. The suspension bridge at the summit provided awe-inspiring views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Exhausted but content, we decided to skip Capilano Suspension Bridge (we will return one day to tackle it) and returned to Matilda and Dennis’ for a quiet evening.
Day 14: A Relaxed Day in Vancouver
After an action-packed day in Whistler, we slowed things down. We began the morning at Wendel’s Bookstore & Café in Port Langley, enjoying a delicious breakfast with our friend Carol.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
From there, we headed to Grouse Mountain, where we took a gondola ride up to the first stop. We explored the area, visiting two rescued grizzly bears, marveling at intricate wood carvings, and even watching some axe throwing. The highlight of the visit was an open-air gondola ride to the summit, where we were treated to panoramic views of Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding mountains.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Later, we drove around Stanley Park, appreciating the views from the comfort of our car. By the end of the day, we decided to return early to Matilda and Dennis’ to relax and spend quality time with our hosts. After nearly two weeks of travel, this quiet evening was much needed.
Day 15: Ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria Adventures
We woke up early to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. Watching the sunrise over the water was magical, and the views of the islands in Vancouver Harbour were a treat.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Once we arrived, we headed straight to the Victoria Harbourfront, where we explored the impressive Parliament Buildings and admired the towering giant sequoia trees on the property.
The highlight of the day was a picnic at Beacon Hill Park, organized by our friend Laara. Meeting so many friends we’d only known virtually was heartwarming, and the event was filled with laughter, great food, and wonderful memories. Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was truly a special moment on our trip.
After the picnic, we drove to Nanaimo, stopping at the Malahat Skywalk along the way. This unique structure offered stunning views, and sliding down the spiral slide was an unexpected thrill!
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
In Nanaimo, we checked into the Coast Bastion Hotel, strolled along the harbor, and ended the day with a delightful dinner at the Lighthouse Bistro and Pub, overlooking the water.
Day 16: Tofino and Cathedral Grove
Our second day on Vancouver Island began with an ambitious plan: driving to Tofino. Many had warned us about the difficulty of the trip, but we not only did it—we did it in record time!
The winding roads and rock faces made for a thrilling and scenic drive, leading us to Long Beach, where we marveled at the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Jean-Luc and I dipped our feet in the water, marking our second time this year experiencing the Pacific, following our Los Angeles trip earlier this year.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
On the way back, we stopped at Cathedral Grove, home to some of the largest and oldest trees in Canada. These towering giants, some over 800 years old, left us speechless. Standing beside these ancient wonders was humbling, and it’s a memory we’ll cherish forever.
We returned to Nanaimo early caught an early-afternoon ferry back to Matilda’s, ending our day with gratitude for the experiences we’d shared.
YouTube shorts
Click the links below to view clips from our adventure
Day 17: Goodbye, West Coast
Our final day began with breakfast, followed by packing and heartfelt goodbyes. Matilda and Dennis’s hospitality had made this leg of the trip truly special, and it was hard to leave.
We drove to the airport, reflecting on the incredible journey we’d just completed. This trip was one of the most memorable adventures we’ve ever undertaken, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.
Closing Thoughts
The West Coast had been a dream for years, and this journey exceeded every expectation. From the rugged beauty of Northern Ontario’s winding roads and endless views of Lake Superior, to the flat yet captivating landscapes of the Prairies, every mile brought a sense of wonder. The transition from the vastness of the plains to the towering peaks of the Rockies was nothing short of breathtaking, and the tranquil shores of Vancouver Island provided the perfect finale to our adventure. Each region offered its own unique charm—whether it was the towering trees of Cathedral Grove, the glacial-fed waters of Moraine Lake, or the incredible cultural and natural beauty of Canada’s towns and cities.
We wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering this trip to take the leap and experience it for themselves. Driving allowed us to immerse ourselves in the diverse landscapes and explore places we might have missed otherwise. From scenic lookouts to small-town gems, the road itself became part of the adventure. Flying home was definitely the right choice—by the end, we were so grateful to simply sit back and reflect on all the incredible experiences without the strain of a long return drive.
This trip reminded us of the vastness and beauty of Canada, and we know we’ve only scratched the surface. For anyone looking to explore the diversity of this amazing country, this journey is one we can’t recommend enough. Start planning, hit the road, and discover the wonders waiting for you along the way!
Special thanks to our event assitants and organizers—Gerri in Winnipeg, Glenda in Regina, Andra in Saskatoon, Matilda in Vancouver, and Laara in Victoria—for making this trip so seamless and memorable. We’re also deeply grateful to Gerri and Matilda and Dennis for opening their homes to us and providing such warm and welcoming accommodations.
A special shoutout to our amazing travel companions, Nick's mom Lisette and Lynn, who made this journey truly unforgettable. Having them along for the ride filled the car trips with laughter and made the time fly by. Together, we shared countless moments—some too hilarious (or too chaotic!) to even be put into words. We experienced the highs of breathtaking sights, the lows of exhaustion, and everything in between, creating memories that we’ll all cherish forever.
The gifts, laughter, and experiences shared along the way made this journey an adventure of a lifetime.
While this journey is over, we’re already dreaming of our next adventures. Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Alberta’s Jasper National Park and more of British Columbia are definitely on our list for the future. Until then, we hope you’ve enjoyed following our West Coast road trip. Stay tuned for more travel blogs and adventures at jeanlucandnick.com!
Jean-Luc and Nick ❤️
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