With an area of 12,079 square miles, Vancouver Island has a lot to offer, and this itinerary combines the freedom of driving with amazing opportunities see wildlife whilst enjoying the spectacular landscape and seascape. With a remote wilderness retreat on the edge of the rainforest, this holiday is sure to be unforgettable.
What's included
• International flights from the UK based on economy class
• 11 nights accommodation
• 10 days intermediate fully inclusive car hire
• Ferry crossings on Day 3 & 12 to & from Vancouver Island
• Return water taxi transfers to Farewell Harbour Lodge
• Full board at Farewell Harbour Lodge, starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with lunch on the last day
• Wildlife excursions at Farewell Harbour Lodge
Upgrades
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver, independently transfer to your hotel for your two night stay. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and start exploring the city. The Vancouver Lookout or Fly Over Canada are great ways for you to start your holiday. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Vancouver
With a full day at leisure to visit, we would recommend exploring Stanley Park and its First Nations’ Totem Poles, walk or cycle along the Vancouver Seawall or go shopping at the Granville Island Public Market amongst other highlights. If you would like to extend your stay in Vancouver, let us know. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 3 - Vancouver to Campbell River
Once you have picked up your car rental, you will drive to Campbell River. This scenic drive will include the ferry crossing from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo across the Strait of Georgia, popular for whale watching. Famous for its salmon during spawning season, Campbell River offers great options for you to go fishing, bear or whale watching. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 4 - Campbell River to Alder Bay
Leave Campbell River in the morning and head up to Alder Bay where you will join a scenic water taxi service across Johnstone Strait to Farewell Harbour on Berry Island. Upon arrival at the Farewell Harbour Lodge, you will be greeted by the lodge staff and following some free time to settle down, you will head out for the afternoon onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion. Overnight at the Farewell Harbour Lodge.
Day 5-6 - Farewell Harbour Lodge
The following two full days will be spent at the Farewell Harbour Lodge. You will enjoy a full day bear viewing adventure where you will have the chance to see bears from either a zodiac or on foot depending on tides. The following day, you will have the choice of an additional bear ecology tour, marine or coastal exploration, sea kayaking and more. Overnight at Farewell Harbour Lodge.
Day 7 - Alder Bay to Parksville
During your final morning at the Farewell Harbour Lodge, you will have the choice between a sea kayak excursion, a marine excursion, a rainforest bathing walk or an Indigenous cultural visit before transferring back to Alder Bay. You will then drive South on highway 19 until reaching Parksville, famous for its large, sandy beaches. Overnight in Parksville.
Day 8 - Parksville to Tofino
Today you will drive across Vancouver Island to Tofino on the Eastern shores of the Island. Make sure to have your camera ready whilst driving through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. Famous for its wildlife and iconic scenery, Tofino will be your home during your visit of the Pacific Rim National Park. Overnight in Tofino.
Day 9 - Tofino
You will have the full day free at leisure so you can either decide to book a bear or whale watching tour, visit the Himwitsa Art Gallery or simply relax by one of the many beaches. If you are feeling more adventurous, sea kayaking is also an option! Overnight in Tofino.
Day 10 - Tofino to Victoria
Leaving the Pacific Rim National Park behind, you will drive South to Victoria. Make sure to take the time to enjoy this scenic drive and don’t hesitate to visit some of the highlights such as the Malahat Skywalk. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 11 - Victoria
British Columbia’s capital, Victoria has a lot to offer so make sure to plan your day accordingly. Popular attractions here include the iconic Butchart Gardens, whale watching excursions, scenic floatplane trips or cycling tours. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 12 - Fly from Vancouver
Spend some time visiting Victoria or buying some last minute souvenirs before traveling to the airport. Your drive will include a scenic ferry crossing before reaching Vancouver Airport for your return flight home.
Want to alter anything?Please call one of our travel experts on 0207 616 9184 to tell us your requirements
Dates
Selected departure dates between May - October
Please note prices and availability are subject to change
