Highlights of Vancouver Island
8 day Small Group Tour – from £2519
With flights from £3219
Contrast historic Victoria and the immaculate Butchart Gardens with Tofino’s wild beaches and Vancouver Island’s epic rainforests. This expert guided tour provides the best opportunities for viewing coastal Canada’s wonderful wildlife and scenery.
Highlights:
- Spot whales as you pass the Gulf Islands on the ferry to Vancouver Island
- Admire the pristine plants and colourful flowers in Butchart Gardens
- Enjoy the incredible panoramic views from the Malahat Skywalk
- Wander along the magnificent beaches around Tofino
- Option to join a Grizzly Bear viewing excursion to Bute Valley
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your holiday by adding extra nights and activities before or after your Vancouver Island tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.

After departing downtown Vancouver, begin your journey with a scenic ferry ride through the picturesque Gulf Islands, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding landscapes.
Upon arrival on Vancouver Island, your first stop will be the renowned Butchart Gardens, where you can explore acres of beautifully landscaped gardens (admission included). After the gardens, you can visit Sea Cider, a local cider house, where you will be guided through the facilities and enjoy a refreshing cider tasting.
Afterwards you will be taken to your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria for check-in. Once settled, you’ll have the evening free to relax or explore the charming city and waterfront at your own pace. Stroll along Inner Harbour, visit local shops, or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants Victoria has to offer.


Day 2 – Discover Victoria
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Victoria City tour, where you will visit iconic sites such as Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, and the historic Fan Tan Alley. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, with its floating homes and seafood vendors, before strolling along the charming Government Street.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can wander through the bustling shops along Government Street, or visit the renowned Royal BC Museum to discover the rich history of the region. You could choose to join a whale watching tour from the harbour, or if you prefer a more indulgent experience, you have the option to treat yourself to a traditional Afternoon Tea at the luxurious Fairmont Empress Hotel.


Day 3 – Victoria to Tofino
Begin the day with an early departure from your hotel, to be driven along the scenic Malahat Highway, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Your first stop will be at the Malahat SkyWalk, Vancouver Island’s newest outdoor experience. You will be able to walk along a 600-metre elevated pathway through a forest of Arbutus and Douglas Fir trees, leading to a 10-story spiral tower lookout, the first of its kind in British Columbia. At 250 metres above sea level, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the islands, inlets, fjords, forests, and mountains across two countries.
Next, there is a visit to Duncan for a brief tour of the City of Totems, known for its impressive collection of Indigenous totem poles, followed by some free time for lunch.
You will arrive on the west coast in Tofino by the evening. You will have time to check in at your hotel, and your guide will highlight the hotel’s amenities and recommend the best places to dine.


Day 4 – Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park
Today, you will be able to explore the stunning beaches of Tofino, including the famous Long Beach, with the option to join your guide for a scenic hike through the area. Next, you can visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, where you’ll discover an impressive variety of local marine life and learn about the region’s unique ecosystems.
You will also have the option to join your guide for a walk along the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop in Ucluelet, where you can take in breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the expansive ocean beyond.
The rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy at leisure—relax, explore, and take in the beauty of Tofino at your own pace.


Day 5 – Pacific Rim National Park
You have a full day today to choose from a variety of exciting activities…
You can opt for a boat cruise to the natural Hot Springs Cove, or try your hand at kayaking, learn how to surf, or explore one of the many lush rainforest trails on a hike.
If you prefer, you can also simply relax on one of Tofino’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.


Day 6 – Tofino to Campbell River
After checking out of the hotel in Tofino this morning and you will be driven back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island. Your first stop will be Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, where you can take a scenic walk through the old-growth Douglas Fir rainforest.
The scenic journey continue on to Coombs Market, known for its famous rooftop goats, where you’ll have time to enjoy a delicious lunch with fresh produce, sandwiches, and some of the best ice cream on the island!
The route continues along the beautiful Coastal Highway 19A, passing through charming coastal communities and stunning landscapes. There is a stop in Comox for dinner before continuing on to Campbell River for the night.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax, explore the resort, watch the sunset, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.


Day 7 – Elk Falls Provincial Park
You can relax and enjoy the morning at leisure with the option to participate in a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, or whale watching (additional cost). Alternatively, between the 18th August and 15th October, you can join a full-day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley.
In the afternoon, you can visit Elk Falls Provincial Park, where you can explore a network of walking and hiking trails, including the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Don’t miss a walk on the elevated cantilevered viewing platform, offering stunning views of Elk Falls.
Return to your hotel for the evening, with free time to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure.


Day 8 – Nanaimo to Vancouver
Today you will depart Campbell River in the morning and head to Morningstar Farm in Parksville, a local food hub where you can enjoy self-guided tours, visit the farmgate store, and explore the petting farm and trails.
You next stop is in Nanaimo for a leisurely stroll along the Harbourfront. Be sure to try one of the famous Nanaimo Bars; perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
In the afternoon, you will catch the ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, before being driven back to Vancouver to arrive in downtown around 6:30pm.

Your Itinerary
You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights and activities before or after your Vancouver Island tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Vancouver to Victoria
After departing downtown Vancouver, begin your journey with a scenic ferry ride through the picturesque Gulf Islands, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding landscapes.
Upon arrival on Vancouver Island, your first stop will be the renowned Butchart Gardens, where you can explore acres of beautifully landscaped gardens (admission included). After the gardens, you can visit Sea Cider, a local cider house, where you will be guided through the facilities and enjoy a refreshing cider tasting.
Afterwards you will be taken to your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria for check-in. Once settled, you’ll have the evening free to relax or explore the charming city and waterfront at your own pace. Stroll along Inner Harbour, visit local shops, or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants Victoria has to offer.

Day 2
| Discover Victoria
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Victoria City tour, where you will visit iconic sites such as Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, and the historic Fan Tan Alley. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, with its floating homes and seafood vendors, before strolling along the charming Government Street.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can wander through the bustling shops along Government Street, or visit the renowned Royal BC Museum to discover the rich history of the region. You could choose to join a whale watching tour from the harbour, or if you prefer a more indulgent experience, you have the option to treat yourself to a traditional Afternoon Tea at the luxurious Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Day 3
| Victoria to Tofino
Begin the day with an early departure from your hotel, to be driven along the scenic Malahat Highway, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Southern Gulf Islands.
Your first stop will be at the Malahat SkyWalk, Vancouver Island’s newest outdoor experience. You will be able to walk along a 600-metre elevated pathway through a forest of Arbutus and Douglas Fir trees, leading to a 10-story spiral tower lookout, the first of its kind in British Columbia. At 250 metres above sea level, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the islands, inlets, fjords, forests, and mountains across two countries.
Next, there is a visit to Duncan for a brief tour of the City of Totems, known for its impressive collection of Indigenous totem poles, followed by some free time for lunch.
You will arrive on the west coast in Tofino by the evening. You will have time to check in at your hotel, and your guide will highlight the hotel’s amenities and recommend the best places to dine.

Day 4
| Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park
Today, you will be able to explore the stunning beaches of Tofino, including the famous Long Beach, with the option to join your guide for a scenic hike through the area. Next, you can visit the Ucluelet Aquarium, where you’ll discover an impressive variety of local marine life and learn about the region’s unique ecosystems.
You will also have the option to join your guide for a walk along the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse Loop in Ucluelet, where you can take in breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the expansive ocean beyond.
The rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy at leisure—relax, explore, and take in the beauty of Tofino at your own pace.

Day 5
| Pacific Rim National Park
You have a full day today to choose from a variety of exciting activities…
You can opt for a boat cruise to the natural Hot Springs Cove, or try your hand at kayaking, learn how to surf, or explore one of the many lush rainforest trails on a hike.
If you prefer, you can also simply relax on one of Tofino’s beautiful beaches and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 6
| Tofino to Campbell River
After checking out of the hotel in Tofino this morning and you will be driven back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island. Your first stop will be Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, where you can take a scenic walk through the old-growth Douglas Fir rainforest.
The scenic journey continue on to Coombs Market, known for its famous rooftop goats, where you’ll have time to enjoy a delicious lunch with fresh produce, sandwiches, and some of the best ice cream on the island!
The route continues along the beautiful Coastal Highway 19A, passing through charming coastal communities and stunning landscapes. There is a stop in Comox for dinner before continuing on to Campbell River for the night.
The rest of the evening is yours to relax, explore the resort, watch the sunset, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 7
| Elk Falls Provincial Park
You can relax and enjoy the morning at leisure with the option to participate in a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, or whale watching (additional cost). Alternatively, between the 18th August and 15th October, you can join a full-day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley.
In the afternoon, you can visit Elk Falls Provincial Park, where you can explore a network of walking and hiking trails, including the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge. Don’t miss a walk on the elevated cantilevered viewing platform, offering stunning views of Elk Falls.
Return to your hotel for the evening, with free time to relax and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Day 8
| Nanaimo to Vancouver
Today you will depart Campbell River in the morning and head to Morningstar Farm in Parksville, a local food hub where you can enjoy self-guided tours, visit the farmgate store, and explore the petting farm and trails.
You next stop is in Nanaimo for a leisurely stroll along the Harbourfront. Be sure to try one of the famous Nanaimo Bars; perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
In the afternoon, you will catch the ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay, before being driven back to Vancouver to arrive in downtown around 6:30pm.

This Tour Includes
Departure Dates
2025-06-08
2025-06-22
2025-07-06
2025-07-20
2025-08-03
2025-08-17
2025-08-31
2025-09-14
2025-09-28
Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book your Highlights of Vancouver Island small group tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.
You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:
- Extra nights in Vancouver before or after your tour
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Canada Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Highlights of Vancouver Island
8 day Small Group Tour – from £2519
With flights from £3219
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and include meals where shown. Seasonal variations may apply, please call Freedom Destinations for more information and availability.
Tour Code: DCT-VIP
Map

You May Also Like…
Subscribe to our Newsletter
For the latest travel inspiration and offers delivered straight to your inbox.