Vancouver, Bears & Whales

Day 1 - Fly UK to Vancouver

On arrival at Vancouver Airport, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay.

Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing

This morning we have included the 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour.  

Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3 - Vancouver to Whistler (75mls)

Depart Vancouver and drive along the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler. This is a beautiful drive with many stop off and viewing points along the way. Be sure to stop off at Shannon Falls. Spend your afternoon at leisure in Whistler, there is so much on offer...if you fancy a dip head to Lost or Alta Lake nearby.   

Day 4 - Discover Whistler

Less than a 10 minute stroll away is the Gondolas, you have a ticket for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola included. The trip itself has the wow factor, just wait till the top for some spectacular views. A trip to the Western Canada is not complete without Whistler, it is popular holiday location for Canadians also. There is so much to see and do - helicopter ride for a birds eye view of the mountain ranges, glaciers and lakes is highly recommended, not to mention the endless hikes and trails on offer.

Day 5 - Whistler to Campbell River

Depart Whistler for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Vancouver Island. Upon departing BC Ferries head north through Vancouver Island's second largest city, Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, and Parksville, the beginning of Beach Country and home of the annual International Sandcastle Competition. Your destination today is the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," lying at the heart of neighbouring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight. Surrounded by the backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and the Coastal Mountain range to the east, massive cruise ships pass right by Campbell River's doorstep, and their parade of lights is best viewed from world-famous Discovery Pier as they venture up the Inside Passage for Alaskan destinations

Day 6 - 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 - you'll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area. Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge (lunch and dinner is included).

Day 7 - Knight Inlet Lodge

Today you will enjoy an extra Bear Viewing trip, interpretive hike of Kwalate River Valley and interpretive forest walk in the Glencover area.

Day 8 - Knight Inlet to Tofino (140mls)

Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am. Collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world's two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid afternoon.

Day 9 - Explore Tofino

Today enjoy a Whale Watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles or a Bear Viewing Cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean!  

Day 10 - Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park

Today is at your leisure. You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its midles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rainforests on a selection of well groomed trails.

Day 11 - Tofino to Victoria (195mls)

Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town, and Duncan the "City of Totems". If time permits visit the Quw'utsun' Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours - admission not included).

Day 12 - Whale Watching Cruise & Victoria

This morning depart on an exhilarating round trip cruise through the Haro Straight to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Watch the water for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales and orcas breaching the waves, and learn of their life cycle and migration habits. Pick from a covered boat or a open zodiac boat for this incredible experience at the time of booking. This afternoon is free for you to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions (such as high tea) and shops full of woollens and china.

Day 13 - Victoria to Vancouver (43mls + ferry)

Leaving Victoria drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver for your overnight stay.  

Day 14 - Vancouver

The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada's third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restuarants, shopping, galleries, museums, nightlife, entertainment and more. Why not speak to one of our Canada Experts about pre-booking a tour - a Sunset dinner cruise around Vancouver Harbour is very popular, perhaps even take a trip on the Mail Run floatplane.

Day 15 - Fly Vancouver to UK

Check out of the hotel and make your way to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight to the UK.