Self-Drive Whales, Bears & Vancouver Island

Tour Information

8nt Tour Begins & Ends Vancouver: 2nts Vancouver; 2nts Victoria; 2nts Tofino; 1nt Campbell River; 1nt Knight Inlet

This programme offers lively urban centres, remote wilderness destinations and the unrivalled beauty of Vancouver Island’s scenery. From the bustling city of Vancouver, you will plunge right into a whalewatching journey from Victoria and Pacific Rim National Park. Stepping aboard a floatplane you will head inland to go in search of grizzly bears, eagles and foxes near Knight Inlet. The final leg of your adventure takes you back to the mainland where you will explore the rugged seascapes of the Sunshine Coast en route to Vancouver.

Day 1

FLY FROM THE UK - VANCOUVER
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. Take the rest of the day to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions in downtown Vancouver.
Overnight in Vancouver at Coast Coal Harbour or Sheraton Wall Centre.

Day 2

VANCOUVER TO VICTORIA (44 Miles)
The B.C. Ferries cruise across the Strait of Georgia will transport you past the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Continue down the Saanich Peninsula to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Victoria has a fascinating marine heritage and has retained its colonial charm. You may end your day with a visit to the Empress Hotel for a traditional High Tea.
Overnight in Victoria at Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

Day 3

VICTORIA
Today, you will launch into the Pacific aboard a Zodiac powerboat. You will seek out orca, minke and grey whales, seals, porpoises and other marine wildlife. Following your excursion, drive through the serene beauty of the Saanich Peninsula for a visit to Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria’s most celebrated sites and rated among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Once there, stroll through the colourful arrangements of the Sunken Garden, the Japanese and Italian
Gardens, the English Rose Garden and the magnificent Ross Fountain.
Overnight in Victoria at Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

Day 4

VICTORIA TO TOFINO (198 Miles)
Be sure that you have your camera at the ready – a panorama of scenic beauty is about to unfold before you. Your road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory here: The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity.
Overnight in Tofino at Best Western Tin Wis or Clayoquot Orca Lodge.

Day 5

TOFINO
Today you are taking part in a thrilling whalewatching expedition. Your search for the Pacific grey whale, sea lions and puffins will hopefully be rewarded with an unforgettable close encounter in Clayoqout Sound with one of the world’s largest mammals. Back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline of
Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood.
Overnight in Tofino at Best Western Tin Wis or Clayoquot Orca Lodge.

Day 6

TOFINO TO CAMPBELL RIVER (180 Miles)
This morning, the spectacular winding road takes you back to the eastern coast of Vancouver Island with visits to Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. Your route will introduce you to many gems – including native rock carvings at Sproat Lake and the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Tonight you will have time to explore the quaint town of Campbell River. Stroll down the Discovery Pier for a chance to see salmon, eagles, or even whales; take in views of Discovery Passage, Quadra Island and the rugged Coast Mountain range of mainland British Columbia; or partake in one of the many locally available fishing excursions.
Overnight in Campbell River at Heron’s Landing Hotel.

Day 7

CAMPBELL RIVER TO KNIGHT INLET
Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. A thrilling 30-minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River, where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera: today you’ll be going on a bearwatching and wildlife viewing tour. Be prepared to relish the lush West Coast rainforests and marvel at the abundance of wildlife! Mostly in the spring, the river is a popularfishing spot for hungry grizzly bears.
Overnight in Knight Inlet at Knight Inlet Lodge.
Lunch and dinner included.

Day 8

KNIGHT INLET TO VANCOUVER (99 Miles land only)
This morning you will return to Campbell River by floatplane. Your route back to Vancouver will take you through breathtaking coastal scenery. The Coast Mountain Range in the hinterland forms the backdrop to rugged headlands, serene lagoons and dense lush forests. Keep a keen eye out for loons, bald eagles, Canada geese, deer and black bears. Take a cruise on B.C. Ferries back to Vancouver.
Overnight in Vancouver at Coast Coal Harbour or Sheraton Wall Centre.
Breakfast included.

Day 9

END OF TOUR
Return to Vancouver International Airport in time to check-in for your departure flight.

Day 10

ARRIVAL BACK TO THE UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic schedule flights
• Car hire (economy size) from day 2
• Accommodation for 8 nights
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner at Knight Inlet
• Day 3, Victoria – 3-hour whalewatching by Zodiac
• Ferry crossings (under height car and passengers): Day 2, Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (1 hour 35 minutes). Day 8, Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay (1 hour 15 minutes).
• Day 5, Pacific Rim National Park – 3-hour whalewatching by Zodiac
• Day 7, 8, Knight Inlet – return airfare from floatplane base in Campbell River (Arrive at Campbell River floatplane base by 09:00 hrs. Car can be parked at the base. Max 17 kg luggage and small carry-on allowed. Return to Campbell River by 11:00 hrs.) Includes Welcome orientation briefing, Complimentary wine with dinner, Scenic boat ride through Glendale Cove.
• All transportation to bearwatching platforms (in Spring, viewing is from boats)
• Day 7, bearwatching and wildlife tour includes Interpretative guide and Evening interpretative programme
• A personalised Canada Roadbook containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing maps

NOT INCLUDED

• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Gratuities (Knight Inlet, recommended $20 per person, per day)