This driving tour begins in fabulous Vancouver. Traveling by ferry to Vancouver Island, you overnight in quaint Victoria before you begin your wildlife viewing adventure. You may see majestic Killer Whales near Victoria and Johnstone Strait, Grey Whales at Pacific Rim National Park, and Grizzly Bears from a remote fly-in lodge at the rugged and remote Knight’s Inlet.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver - Upon arrival, either pick up your rental car at the airport or transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Your Exclusive Documentation Package will be waiting for you at the front desk when you check in. Admission to the Lookout Tower is included.
Day 2: Vancouver To Victoria
Vancouver to Victoria - Travel by car and ferry through Active Pass to Vancouver Island. We suggest a stop at the world famous Butchart Gardens before arriving downtown. Take time to explore quaint Victoria. Admission to the Royal B.C. Museum is included.
Day 3: Victoria to Tofino
Victoria to Tofino - Travel north along the scenic Island Highway. Stop in the artists’ community of Chemainus and view the murals that adorn the town. Near the resort town of Parksville, you will head west through mid-island mountains to Pacific Rim National Park, set within ancient rainforest with miles of broad sand beaches.
Day 4: Tofino Exploring
Tofino Exploring - Choose either a Zodiac or hard-hulled boat to take you on a 2 1/2 hour grey whale-watching tour. Spend the rest of the day exploring the region, including miles of pristine sandy beaches, pounding surf, tide pools, and well-groomed rainforest trails. Or explore the quaint villages of Tofino and Ucluelet, with their bustling piers and artisan shops.
Day 5: Tofino to Campbell River
Tofino to Campbell River - You travel back east to Parksville, stopping on the way to marvel at the enormous cedar trees of Cathedral Grove. Upon reconnecting with the Island Highway, travel north to Campbell River, the “Salmon Fishing Capital of the World”.
Day 6: Campbell River
Campbell River/Telegraph Cove - Drive for 2-_ hours north to the fishing community of Telegraph Cove, where you will board a 4-hour killer Whale-watching cruise in Johnstone Strait, which is famous for the high number of Killer Whales in its waters during summer months. After the cruise, you will drive back to Campbell River.
Day 7: Campbell River to Knight Inlet
Campbell River to Knight Inlet - After a short drive to the floatplane base in Campbell River, you will fly by floatplane to Knight Inlet Lodge, a floating lodge moored in a sheltered bay. You will be taken on an excursion to see Grizzly Bears feeding along the shoreline. You may also witness Grizzly Bear mating rituals or Bear fishing for salmon. In the evening, you will enjoy an interpretive presentation by the Lodge’s naturalist. Lunch and dinner are included.
Day 8: Knight Inlet to Vancouver
Knight Inlet to Vancouver - After your provided breakfast, you will return to Campbell River by floatplane. You will then resume the driving portion of your tour, passing through the resort community of Parksville, where you may wish to pause and enjoy broad beaches and shops. A further 30-minute drive will take you to Nanaimo, where you will board a ferry for the return trip to Vancouver via Horseshoe Bay. (Overnight Vancouver)
Day 9: Tour ends.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Package Includes:
- 8 nights’ accommodation, any mandatory services charges & room tax;
- Four-hour killer whale-watching tour by cruise boat at Telegraph Cove;
- Two and a half hour Grey whale-watching tour by Zodiac or hard-hull boat in Tofino Grizzly;
- Bear-viewing at Knight Inlet (note special cancellation policy);
- Floatplane flights between Campbell River and Knight Inlet Lodge;
- Evening interpretive program at Knight Inlet Lodge;
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with wine) while at Knight Inlet Lodge;
- Admission to the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria;
- Exclusive documentation package, including maps, personalized itinerary, discount coupons for Vancouver attractions;
- All applicable taxes taking into account foreign visitor refunds and exemptions;
Not Included:
- Rental car and ferry tolls;
- Transfers (optional, please refer to Transportation section);
- Meals and gratuities when not at Knight Inlet Lodge;
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
British Columbia
Wildlife Viewing
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