Cox Bay, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island
Cox Bay, Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island
Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC
Rathtrevor Trail, Bird Watching and Coastal Scenery in Vancouver Island
Rathtrevor Trail, Bird Watching and Coastal Scenery in Vancouver Island
Pacific Rim National Park
Pacific Rim National Park
Coastal scenery in Tofino
Coastal scenery in Tofino
Wildlife sightings in Vancouver Island
Wildlife sightings in Vancouver Island
Sea Lions, Kayaking and Whale Watching at Telegraph Cove
Sea Lions, Kayaking and Whale Watching at Telegraph Cove
Nanaimo Waterfront & Butchart Gardens in Victoria
Nanaimo Waterfront & Butchart Gardens in Victoria

Explore BC - Wildlife and Beaches of Vancouver Island

13 nights from £2,269 per person Including Flights

Overview

We have created this itinerary as the perfect way to explore Vancouver Island – seeing the best of the landscapes, seascapes and wildlife. It’s a circular route from the lovely waterfront capital of Victoria in British Columbia. Explore this laid-back city on foot or by kayak and then drive through stunning provincial parks and along spectacular coastal routes. You’ll have the opportunity to see orca and grizzly bears in the wild, along with sea lions, seals, dolphins and eagles.

If you’d like to add on a few days in Vancouver at the beginning or end of this holiday, then we can extend the itinerary to include this wonderful city. Tailormade

Highlights

  • Take a bear watching excursion at Campbell River to see grizzlies in their natural habitat
  • Hit the surf capital of Tofino on the west coast, enjoying the endless beaches and exhilarating waves
  • Book a whale watching cruise to see Orca in the area with one of the highest concentration of killer whales in the world
  • Explore the coastal provincial parks, hiking the trails through forests and along beaches to admire the stunning coastline

Itinerary Overview

Fly into Victoria BC via either Toronto or Vancouver stay 2 nights – Sooke 2 nights – Parksville 1 night – Tofino 3 nights – Campbell River 1 night – Telegraph Cove 2 nights – Nanaimo 1 night – Victoria 1 night – Return flight from Victoria via either Vancouver or Toronto

Or you can fly into Vancouver and pick up your hire car there after a few days exploring this great city, and then take the ferry over the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island taking up the itinerary from there

 

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Fly to Victoria BC

Fly to Victoria on Vancouver Island, the capital of British Columbia and check in to your hotel for two nights. You could start this itinerary in Vancouver if you would like time in this great city, and then take a ferry ride over to Vancouver Island. Just let us know and we can extend this itinerary.

Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel or similar

Day 2

Victoria

Explore coastal city of Victoria, and we recommend a stroll along the harbour footpath that will take you all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you will find a bright array of food kiosks and quirky shops – a lovely place for an al fresco lunch. You could take a whale-watching trip by catarmaran to spot not only the beautiful whales, but also myriad sealife and birdlife.

Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel or similar

Days 3 & 4

Victoria – Sooke (25 miles)

It’s just a short drive along the coast to Sooke where you will be staying for a couple of nights. Here you will find gorgeous parks, with marked hiking trails to help you enjoy the best of the scenery. You’ll find sandy shores backed by dark green forests, beaches strewn with driftwood and handy picnic areas with good facilities. French Beach Provincial Park is a particular favourite and the Sooke Potholes are also worth a visit – if you don’t mind cold water, then this is a great place for a swim!

Overnight: Prestige Oceanfront Resort or similar

Day 5

Sooke – Parksville (97 miles)

Today drive up the south eastern coast of Vancouver Island to the coastal town of Parksville. Before arriving at Parksville, you could take a detour the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre where you see rescued birds and animals as they recuperate. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park is on the outskirts of the town and offers huge stretches of sandy beach at low tide, great for a stroll and spotting sea creatures in the tidal pools. Englishman River Falls is also just outside the town, and you can take the short walk to a couple of lovely waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Overnight: The Beach Club Resort or similar

Days 6, 7, 8

Parksville – Tofino (107 miles)

Traverse across Vancouver Island to the surf capital of Canada – Tofino. It will be a scenic drive to your destination today, with the route pass through several Provincial Parks, skirting various lakes and with the final stretch running through the Pacific Rim National Park. You’ll be staying two nights in this fun seaside town, so you have plenty of time to explore the fantastic beaches where you can swim (if you can brave the cold water), stroll and watch the surfers. We would also recommend a bear watching excursion from Tofino, by boat to visit the black bears feeding grounds along the coastline. You could also take a kayaking excursion through the sparkling waters of Clayoquot Sound, with a chance to see other wildlife including eagles, seals, porpoise and river otters.

Overnight: Cox Bay Beach Resort or similar

Day 9

Tofino – Campbell River (168 miles)

Today you’ll be crossing the island back to the east coast and then heading north to Campbell River, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island at the south end of Discovery Passage.

Overnight: Coast Discovery Inn or similar

Days 10 & 11

Campbell River – Telegraph Cove (125 miles)

Head further north to Telegraph Cove where we recommend a watching trip as this area has one of the biggest concentrations of Orca’s in the world. The best viewing is mid July to the end of September, and you’ll also have the opportunity to see minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, sealions and seals. Choose whether you would enjoy the whale-watching from a Zodiac, a zippy inflatable boat which allows you to get much closer to the action, or would prefer the comfort of a larger covered boat.

Overnight: Telegraph Cove Resort or similar

Day 12

Telegraph Cove – Nanaimo (221 miles)

After days of wildlife viewing, today is a quieter day as you drive back south down the island to Nanaimo. This is Vancouver Islands second biggest city, and has beautiful mountain views and a bustling harbour. The city offers wonderful seafood restaurants, and you can enjoy a lovely walk along the harbour front walkway, where you’ll also be able to shop for souvenirs.

Overnight: Best Western Dorchester Hotel or similar

Day 13

Nanaimo - Victoria (221 miles)

Time now to head back to Victoria and drop off your hire car. We’ve included another night in this lovely city, to give you chance to enjoy some of the great restaurants, visit the Royal BC Museum,  stroll through Beacon Hill Park or visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens. But you could head over the water to Vancouver for a few days in this fun city and then fly home from there.

Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel or similar

Day 14

It's time to fly home
 

  • International return flights
  • Fully comprehensive car hire
  • Electronic roadbook
  • 13 nights accommodation as detailed on a room only basis or similar

What’s not included

  • Meals
  • Car parking fees
  • Optional Excursions -  please see tab for further information

Approximate from prices per person:

  • Victoria Castles, 'Hoods & Legends Bike Tour - 2 hours - £50
  • Victoria Whale Watching by Catamaran - 3 - 4 hours - £100
  • Victoria Hop on Hop off City Tour - £40
  • Tofino Bear Watching cruise - 2 hours - £100
  • Tofino Whale Watching Cruise - 2 hours Covered Boat or Zodiac - £100
  • Tofino Sea Kayak & Rainforest Hike - 4 hours - £90
  • Telegraph Cove (Port Hardy Area) Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing - 3 hours Covered Boat or Zodiac - £100

Speak to our sales specialist on pre-booking these excursions for you

 

Emma Bolton
Book today

Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday

01342 331796 Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun

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