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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to the West Coast of Canada
The West Coast is magic. It’s where modern luxury meets untouched nature, where every meal somehow tastes fresher, and every view looks like a postcard. Flying over the mountains, sipping wine by the ocean, walking through ancient forests—it all feels surreal, no matter how many times you’ve done it. And if you leave without trying a Tacofino fish taco, doing a Cessna intro flight, or filling your suitcase with Salt Spring Island lavender products? You’re simply doing it wrong.

Luxury, Wilderness, & a Perfect 10-Day Itinerary

The West Coast of Canada is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. It’s where towering mountains meet the Pacific, ancient forests hum with life, and every meal somehow tastes fresher because the air is just that clean.

It also happens to be home—Vancouver is where I live, and no matter how far I travel, nothing beats returning to a city where I can have a morning croissant at Mon Pitou, a mountain adventure in the afternoon, and a world-class seafood dinner by nightfall.

This itinerary is the ultimate luxury escape through Vancouver, Whistler, Tofino, Vancouver Island, and Salt Spring Island—a mix of five-star stays, jaw-dropping nature, and food so good you’ll start considering a move west.

Oh, and one thing I always recommend to people? An intro flight on a Cessna or a small private air tour over the mountains. I love flying, and it’s one of the best ways to experience the scale and beauty of this coastline—especially if you’re renting a car and can’t take Harbour Air to one of the islands.Now, let’s hit the road—after a proper breakfast at Mon Pitou, of course.

Where to Stay: The Most Stunning Hotels & Resorts

Vancouver: Urban Elegance Meets Coastal Views

  1. Fairmont Pacific Rim – Sleek, stylish, and home to one of the best lobbies in the city (live music, cocktails, and a fireplace that always feels inviting).
  2. The Loden Hotel – Boutique, refined, and perfectly discreet. If you love quiet luxury with impeccable service, this is the place.
  3. Rosewood Hotel Georgia – Classic glamour in the heart of downtown. The rooftop pool is a dream, and Hawksworth (its restaurant) is one of the best in Canada.

Whistler: Mountain Luxury & Chalet Chic

  1. Fairmont Chateau Whistler – A true alpine lodge experience with ski-in/ski-out access and a fireplace waiting for you at the end of the day.
  2. Four Seasons Resort Whistler – Understated luxury with the best service in town—because nothing beats ending a day in the mountains with a private hot tub and a glass of wine.

Tofino: Rugged Beauty on the Pacific Edge

  1. Wickaninnish Inn – One of the most magical hotels in the country. Oceanfront rooms with fireplaces, private beach access, and a spa that makes you forget the world exists.
  2. Pacific Sands Beach Resort – Sleek, modern, and perfect for storm-watching with a glass of wine in hand.

Vancouver Island & Salt Spring Island: Seaside & Countryside Escapes

  1. Brentwood Bay Resort (Victoria) – A stunning oceanfront retreat with a world-class spa and private hot tubs overlooking the bay.
  2. Hastings House (Salt Spring Island) – A storybook-perfect country inn with roaring fireplaces, gourmet dining, and gardens straight out of an English novel.
A 10-Day Luxury Itinerary Through the West Coast

Day 1: Vancouver – City Meets Nature

  • Breakfast at Mon Pitou (croissants, coffee, and a couple of sandwiches and sweets for the road).
  • Explore Stanley Park – Walk or bike the Seawall and take in the mountain views.
  • Lunch at Blue Water Café – The best seafood in the city. Order the oysters, sablefish, and a glass of B.C. wine.
  • Afternoon at Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain – The views are worth the mild cardio.
  • Dinner at Published on Main – Michelin-starred, seasonal Canadian cuisine at its finest.

Day 2-4: Whistler – Mountain Adventure & Après-Ski Vibes

  • Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway – One of the most scenic drives in the world.
  • Check into Fairmont Chateau Whistler or Four Seasons.
  • Morning intro flight on a Cessna – A must-do for an aerial view of glaciers, valleys, and untouched wilderness.
  • Lunch at Alta Bistro – French-inspired mountain cuisine with a local twist.
  • Afternoon spa at Scandinave Spa – Hot pools in the forest? Yes, please.
  • Dinner at Rimrock Café – The best game meats and seafood in Whistler.

Day 5-7: Tofino – Pacific Coast Luxury

  • Drive back to Vancouver and fly (or ferry + drive) to Tofino.
  • Check into Wickaninnish Inn or Pacific Sands.
  • Morning surf or long beach walk on Chesterman Beach.
  • Lunch at Tacofino – The best fish tacos you’ll ever have.
  • Afternoon boat tour to Hot Springs Cove.
  • Dinner at The Pointe at Wickaninnish Inn.

Day 8: Victoria – Seaside Elegance

  • Ferry from Tofino to Vancouver Island.
  • Check into Brentwood Bay Resort.
  • Tea at The Empress – Because high tea in Victoria is a tradition.
  • Explore Butchart Gardens or whale watching.
  • Dinner at Il Terrazzo – Old-world Italian charm in a hidden courtyard.

Day 9-10: Salt Spring Island – The Perfect Slow Finish

  • Ferry to Salt Spring Island, check into Hastings House.
  • Wander through the Salt Spring Saturday Market (if visiting on a weekend).
  • Afternoon at Salt Spring Vineyards for a wine tasting.
  • Dinner at House Piccolo – A charming fine dining experience.
Where to Eat: The Best Dining Experiences

Vancouver

  1. Blue Water Café – The best seafood in the city.
  2. Published on Main – Michelin-starred seasonal perfection.
  3. St. Lawrence – French bistro charm with a Canadian twist.

Whistler

  1. Rimrock Café – Game meats, seafood, and rustic mountain dining.
  2. Araxi – Elegant farm-to-table cuisine.

Tofino

  1. The Pointe (Wickaninnish Inn) – Dine while watching the waves crash.
  2. Tacofino – Legendary Baja-style tacos.

Victoria & Salt Spring

  1. Il Terrazzo (Victoria) – Romantic, candlelit Italian.
  2. House Piccolo (Salt Spring Island) – Cozy, seasonal, and charmingly slow-paced.
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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to The Canadian Maritimes
Travel
A Jonathon Hawes Guide to The Canadian Maritimes
The Maritimes are woven into the fabric of who I am. The foggy mornings, the golden sunsets, the way the ocean air always smells just a little saltier here than anywhere else. And while I may not be living here full-time (yet), I know I’ll always return. Because some places are just meant to be part of you forever. And if you leave without a cozy wool sweater from a tiny shop, a deep love for fresh-baked bannock, and at least one boat ride where you swear you saw a whale? You’re simply doing it wrong.