Self-drive road trip · Canada
1 week through the Real Landscapes Behind a Beloved Television Series
Per person, estimatedUS$602
The community of Virgin River may be fictional, but its remarkable landscapes are very real.
Although the story is set in Northern California, the television series is primarily filmed in and around Vancouver and southwestern British Columbia.
Begin with two nights in Vancouver and visit several recognisable filming locations around the metropolitan area. Take an optional ferry excursion to Snug Cove on Bowen Island, whose village streets and waterfront helped create the atmosphere of the fictional community.
Collect your rental car and follow the magnificent Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish. Visit Shannon Falls, explore the Squamish River area and see the exterior location used for Jack’s Bar.
Continue to Whistler for two nights surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes before returning to Vancouver for your final night.
The route is designed to appeal both to fans of the series and to travelers simply looking for a beautiful British Columbia self-drive vacation.
The suggested package includes seven nights, but your journey is fully flexible. Add or remove nights, choose your preferred hotels and select the rental-car category that best suits your trip.
You decide how long you stay!
US$602per person
US$1,204total for 2 travelers
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Visit real filming locations from Virgin River
Drive the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway
Fully flexible — add or remove nights to suit you
Two nights each in Squamish and Whistler
Optional ferry trip to charming Bowen Island
Forests, waterfalls and mountain scenery throughout
No fixed hotel choices — pick what suits your style
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
Your stay in WELCOME TO VANCOUVERDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at VANCOUVER (E1C). It's yours for all 8 days.
Welcome to Vancouver and British Columbia!
After arriving at Vancouver International Airport, travel to your selected Vancouver hotel.
Check in and relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, walk beside the waterfront, explore Downtown Vancouver or enjoy dinner in one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Your rental car is not required during the first two days, allowing you to explore Vancouver without city parking expenses.
Airport transportation is not included unless specifically added during booking.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Overnight: Quality Inn & Suites, night 1 of 2
Today, take an optional excursion to Bowen Island.
Travel from Vancouver to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal and cross Howe Sound to Snug Cove. Ferry schedules, fares and operating conditions should be checked before departure.
Snug Cove and its surrounding streets, library, marina and small businesses helped create the welcoming small-town atmosphere seen in Virgin River.
Explore the waterfront, walk through the village and visit the shops and cafés around Artisan Square. The island’s forests, shoreline and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to understand why it was selected as a filming location.
Return to Vancouver during the afternoon or early evening.
The ferry journey and transportation between Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay are not included unless specifically added during booking.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Overnight: Quality Inn & Suites, night 2 of 2
“Experience warm, genuine hospitality at this downtown hotel where staff like Joey, Jake, and Vanessa go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. Located perfectly in the heart of the action with convenient metro access, guests love the comfortable rooms, excellent service, and nearby dining options that make exploring the city effortless.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 1221 Granville St
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let WELCOME TO VANCOUVER surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in VANCOUVER FILMING LOCATIONS AND SQUAMISH
Your stay in VANCOUVER FILMING LOCATIONS AND SQUAMISHDays 3–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 55–75 miles / 90–120 kilometers, depending on selected stops
Approximate driving time: 2–3 hours, excluding sightseeing
Collect your rental car from an available Vancouver city location.
Before traveling north, visit selected filming locations around Vancouver.
In North Vancouver, Murdo Frazer Park contains the caretaker’s cabin used for exterior scenes of Mel’s home. The building is not a visitor attraction, and access may be restricted. Customers should remain in public areas and respect all signs, barriers and filming activity.
You may also visit Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, which provided the setting for community scenes. The surrounding lake, lawns and heritage buildings capture much of the peaceful atmosphere associated with the series.
Continue through North Vancouver and join the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Travel beside Howe Sound toward Squamish, with mountains rising above the water throughout much of the journey.
Check in to your selected Squamish hotel.
Overnight in Squamish.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish, night 1 of 2
Spend a complete day exploring Squamish and its surrounding landscapes.
Begin at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, where a short walk leads toward one of British Columbia’s most impressive waterfalls. Waterfall scenes from the television series were filmed in this area.
Continue to the Squamish River and Brackendale, where mountains, forests and the broad river create some of the journey’s most recognisable scenery.
The Watershed Grill in Brackendale provides the exterior used for Jack’s Bar. The interior shown on television was created separately on a studio set, so the restaurant will not look identical inside.
Customers wishing to eat at the restaurant should check current opening hours and availability. Filming or private events can occasionally affect access.
Other possibilities include the Sea to Sky Gondola, walking trails, the Squamish Estuary or a visit to the town center.
Attraction tickets and optional activities are not included unless specifically added during booking.
Overnight in Squamish.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel & Suites Squamish, night 2 of 2
“Guests rave about the exceptional service at this newer Squamish hotel, with staff members going above and beyond to provide personalized recommendations and accommodations. The clean, comfortable rooms, convenient location, well-maintained amenities including a gym and pool, and complimentary breakfast make it an excellent value for families and travelers passing through.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 39400 Discovery Way
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let VANCOUVER FILMING LOCATIONS AND SQUAMISH surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in SQUAMISH TO WHISTLER
Your stay in SQUAMISH TO WHISTLERDays 5–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving time: 1 hour without stops
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Squamish before continuing north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
The drive to Whistler passes forests, mountain peaks, rivers and lakes. Stop only at designated viewpoints and parking areas.
Depending on the season and current conditions, you may visit Brandywine Falls Provincial Park before reaching Whistler.
Arrive in Whistler and check in to your selected hotel.
Spend the afternoon exploring Whistler Village. Walk through its pedestrian streets, visit local shops and restaurants or follow one of the nearby trails.
Although Whistler is not the fictional town of Virgin River, its forests, rivers and mountain setting perfectly complement the landscapes seen in the series.
Overnight in Whistler.
Overnight: Aava Whistler Hotel, night 1 of 2
Enjoy a complete day in Whistler.
Available activities vary considerably by season. During summer and early autumn, possibilities may include hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, scenic gondola rides or visiting nearby lakes.
During winter, Whistler becomes one of North America’s leading ski destinations. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other winter activities may be available.
Customers looking for a quieter day can explore Whistler Village, visit the Audain Art Museum, enjoy a spa treatment or spend time beside one of the area’s lakes.
All mountain activities remain subject to weather, seasonal schedules and operating conditions.
Overnight in Whistler.
Overnight: Aava Whistler Hotel, night 2 of 2
“This affordable, well-maintained hotel offers an ideal base for Whistler visitors with its prime location across from the village center, spacious comfortable rooms, and genuinely welcoming staff. Guests consistently praised the convenient underground parking, relaxing pool and hot tub facilities, and excellent value for money.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 4005 Whistler Way
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let SQUAMISH TO WHISTLER surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
Your stay in WELCOME TO VANCOUVERDays 7–8
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 75 miles / 120 kilometers
Approximate driving time: 2 hours without stops
Leave Whistler and return south along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
Make selected stops at viewpoints you may have missed during the outward journey. Depending on the weather and available time, stop beside Howe Sound or revisit Shannon Falls.
Continue to Vancouver and check in for your final night.
If time permits, visit New Westminster, where the exterior used for Doc Mullins’ clinic is located in a residential neighborhood. The building is private property and should be viewed only from public areas without disturbing residents.
Alternatively, spend your final evening exploring Vancouver’s waterfront, Stanley Park, Gastown or Granville Island.
Overnight in Vancouver.
Overnight: Quality Inn & Suites
“Experience warm, genuine hospitality at this downtown hotel where staff like Joey, Jake, and Vanessa go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. Located perfectly in the heart of the action with convenient metro access, guests love the comfortable rooms, excellent service, and nearby dining options that make exploring the city effortless.”
Included in your trip1 night, 1221 Granville St
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let WELCOME TO VANCOUVER surprise you.
Return your car at VANCOUVER (E1C), then check in for your flight home.
Enjoy your final morning in British Columbia.
Depending on your flight time, have breakfast, take a final waterfront walk or visit a nearby attraction.
Drive to Vancouver International Airport, return your rental car and continue with your onward journey.
Allow sufficient time for city traffic, refuelling, the rental-car return and airport procedures.
If seven nights are not enough, simply increase the number of nights—it’s your choice.
WHAT’S INCLU
Departure day · No overnight stay
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
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Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,204
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$602 | US$754 | US$567 | US$560 |
| Per night | US$86 / night | US$108 / night | US$81 / night | US$80 / nightBest |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 8 days, 7 nights |
| Stops | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Places | Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler | Vancouver, Whistler, Clearwater, Jasper, Banff | Halifax, Lunenburg, Wolfville, Baddeck | Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, Ottawa, Kingston, Magog |
| Start and finish | Vancouver | Vancouver – Calgary | Halifax | Montreal |
| On the road | ||||
| Total driving | About 120 km | About 1,010 km | About 560 km | About 910 km |
| Longest drive day | About 60 kmBest | About 335 km | About 380 km | About 450 km |
| Car included | Yes | Economy | Pickup Truck | Compact |
| Stays and extras | ||||
| Hotels included | 3-star hotels | 2 to 3-star hotels | 2 to 5-star hotels | 2 to 4-star hotels |
| Hotel choice | About 9 hotels per stopBest | About 9 hotels per stop | About 4 hotels per stop | About 7 hotels per stop |
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
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