Vancouver Island has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems with rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes, a premier location for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.
Upon arrival in Victoria, Pick up your rental car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Nanaimo. Once in Nanaimo, check into your selected hotel.
Today, Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, approximately 3 hours. Driving north, you'll go through several small towns along the coastline. Enjoy the sights like Little Qualicum Falls along Highway 4 before you reach Cathedral Grove. This BC Provincial Park has impressive waterfalls and walking trails. Just before you reach the Port Alberni Summit, there is a chance to stop and view the towering giants of Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. The town of Port Alberni is the final stop to fuel up on gas before the final stretch of your journey. There are also many picturesque places to stop and stretch your legs. As you turn onto Pacific Rim Hwy. on your final stretch into Tofino, you will finally catch a glimpse of the ocean as you descend the hill towards Long Beach.
Today you can choose to take part in one of the following activities: Coastal bear watching: features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. In May they leave their dens and head for the closest food source - the ocean! While the bears forage in the intertidal zone, you can unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. Seals, sea lions and a range of bird life may also be included in this program. A great trip for photographers and bird watchers!
Whale Watching: This educational program focuses on Gray whales as well as Humpback whales and on occasion Orcas (Killer Whales). Other marine mammals that may be observed are sea otters, sea lions and an array of different offshore birds. Both zodiac and covered vessels are used for this marine program. Guests on zodiac vessels are outfitted in a floater suit with built in flotation. Those choosing the covered vessel are issued an inflatable collar for additional safety. Hats and gloves are also provided as well as hot drinks on return Sea Kayaking: Depart Tofino and head towards the outer coast or in through the inlet islands of Clayoquot Sound. Watch for eagles, seals and river otters while paddling along quiet waterways. This is an interpretive paddle that allows participants to connect with a unique west coast wilderness. Short interpretive stops highlight this paddle. There is also time to build kayaking skills and learn about tides and currents.
Drive from Tofino to Campbell River, Approximately 3.5 hours Driving East on Highway 4 you will pass through Port Alberni and Little Qualicum Falls Park. Port Alberni is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Just before Qualicum Beach you take Hwy 19 (Inland Island Highway) The Highway travels along the side of the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, through Rosewell Creek Provincial Park, past Buckley Bay and Courtney. There are many places to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Today take part in a wildlife zodiac excursion, provides an opportunity to view wild life, spectacular scenery, and experience BC's coastal playground. The 3-hr. Zodiac tour travels through Discovery Passage in pursuit of eagles, stellar sea lions, porpoises and bears, guided by a trained naturalist. We supply the best in weather gear including floatation cruiser suits.
Drive yourself back to Victoria, Approximately 3 hours. Package ends once you have returned your rental vehicle.
Yes. This is an independent self-drive itinerary. You pick up your rental car in Victoria and drive between Nanaimo, Tofino and Campbell River before returning the vehicle to Victoria at the end of the trip.
The itinerary takes you from Victoria to Nanaimo, Tofino and Campbell River before returning to Victoria. The route also includes scenic stops and attractions along the way, including Cathedral Grove, Little Qualicum Falls and Long Beach.
The drive includes several scenic stops, including Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. You then continue through Port Alberni before reaching the Pacific Rim Highway and Long Beach near Tofino.
The itinerary offers a choice of three Tofino experiences: a coastal bear-watching excursion in Clayoquot Sound, a whale-watching excursion for gray and humpback whales with possible orca sightings, or a sea-kayaking and rainforest tour.
Yes. The coastal excursion provides an opportunity to observe black bears foraging along the intertidal zone. Seals, sea lions and various bird species may also be encountered during the experience.
The excursion focuses on gray whales and humpback whales, with occasional opportunities to see orcas. Other marine wildlife, including sea otters, sea lions and offshore birds, may also be encountered.
The three-hour Zodiac excursion travels through Discovery Passage with a trained naturalist. Wildlife sightings may include eagles, Steller sea lions, porpoises and bears, and flotation cruiser suits and weather gear are provided.
The itinerary includes several longer scenic driving legs: approximately 1.5 hours from Victoria to Nanaimo, 3 hours from Nanaimo to Tofino, 3.5 hours from Tofino to Campbell River and 3 hours from Campbell River back to Victoria.
The package includes 5 nights of accommodation, a 6-day mid-size car rental with unlimited kilometres subject to special conditions, and the sightseeing and attractions specified in the itinerary, including the Campbell River wildlife excursion and selected Tofino activity.
The trip starts and ends in Victoria, British Columbia. The rental vehicle is picked up at the beginning of the itinerary and returned in Victoria at the end of the trip.
Contact our travel experts for current departure dates, prices and any changes you have in mind.
Escorted Tour
8Days
HAGWTour Code
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert
3Days
3TCSTour Code
3Days
3VACSTour Code
3Days
3VICSTour Code
