With flights from £2585
This well planned itinerary is designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, with multiple opportunities to spot Canada’s iconic wildlife.
Highlights:
Upon arrival into Vancouver, make your way to your downtown Vancouver hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this wonderful city at your leisure.
Standard Hotel: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
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 multicultural ambiance. No trip to Vancouver would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge so we have included this for you today.
Standard Hotel: Rosedale on Robson (Breakfast included)
Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
After collecting your car this monring, depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries 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.
Standard, Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites
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.
Standard, Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Knight Inlet Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for the last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10:30 and 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.
Standard Hotel: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites
Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Black Rock Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Coastal Bear Watch Cruise
Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
Option 2: Whale Watching Cruise
Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
Option 3: Tofino Food Tour
Taste why Tofino is truly one of Canada’s best food scenes, combined with local stories & fascinating history. This tour includes 7 delicious tastings from some of Tofino’s best restaurants & food vendors.
Standard Hotel: Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites
Superior & Deluxe Hotel: Black Rock Resort
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).
Standard Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Victoria
Superior Hotel: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Today you have the FREEDOM of choice. Personalise your day by choosing one of the activities below to include in your holiday. Simply let your consultant know which you would prefer when booking your trip.
Option 1: Butchart Gardens Admission
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 130 acre estate.
Option 2: Eat like a Canadian Food Tour
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot
Standard Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Victoria
Superior Hotel: Inn at Laurel Point
Deluxe Hotel: Fairmont Empress Hotel
Leaving Victoria, drive the short and scenic route to Butchart Gardens with its fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display. Continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride 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 where your self drive ends.
Price is per person, based on 2 sharing a double or twin room and includes pre-booked accommodation, air-conditioned car and unlimited mileage. One-way fees charged locally. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard. Itineraries may vary for tours departing from 1 April 2022 onwards.
Enjoy independent touring at its very best. Book our self drives as they are or add extra days in the places you choose. Normally available in both directions.
Your self drive includes:
We are currently contacting all customers whose holiday may be affected by the current travel restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
For the latest Government advice regarding travel to any particular country please visit the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
