SUGGESTED ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 ~ VANCOUVER TO THE SUNSHINE COAST (64 MI)

Depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 45 minutes on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to the Sunshine Coast. This scenic cruise takes you through fjord-like waters with mountains blanketed with virgin forests and glaciated peaks. At Langdale disembark the ferry and drive the leisurely and stunningly scenic route through forests and coastal fishing villages to your overnight accommodation

 

West Coast Wilderness Resort - Forest View Suite (B, D)

 

DAY 2 ~ SUNSHINE COAST

The beautiful natural landscape of Canada’s Pacific Coast will allow you to take part in a variety of outdoor adventures.

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West Coast Wilderness Resort - Forest View Suite (B, D)

 

DAY 3 ~ SUNSHINE COAST TO QUADRA ISLAND (47 MI)

Today, travel north to Earls Cove for a 50-minute BC Ferries ride (ferry toll included) to Saltery Bay, continue following the coast to Powell River to board another BC Ferries service (ferry toll included) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Continue north to Campbell River and your destination on Quadra Island (ferry toll included). 

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Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge - Main Lodge Double Room

 

DAY 4 ~ ECO WILDERNESS CRUISE INTO DESOLATION SOUND

By Zodiac, cruise through breathtaking Desolation Sound and enjoy the majesty of Toba Inlet to seek out Black Bears in their natural habitat (included).

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Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge - Main Lodge Double Room

 

DAY 5 ~ QUADRA ISLAND

Today is a free day to enjoy the sights and activities in Quadra Island, Campbell River, and the surrounding area.

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Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge - Main Lodge Double Room

 

DAY 6 ~ QUADRA ISLAND TO TELEGRAPH COVE (125 MI + FERRY)

Make your way to the ticket booth upon arrival at the Quadra Island BC Ferries Terminal. No voucher is required for this route.

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The highway north of Campbell River climbs through rugged and deserted country particular after Sayward, the Valley of a Thousand Faces (1400 famous faces painted onto cedar logs). Stop at Telegraph Cove where you will spend the night. Telegraph Cove is tucked away on the eastern coast of Northern Vancouver Island in one of the last virtually untouched areas of the North American continent.

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Telegraph Cove resort - Double Room

 

DAY 7 ~ WILDLIFE AND CULTURAL EXPEDITION

Departing from Telegraph Cove, combine cultural discoveries with world-class wildlife watching on an adventure into the heart of traditional First Nations' territory of the Kwakwaka'wakw: Vancouver Island North.Experience the elements on a fast-paced three to four-hour zodiac tour that puts you at one with nature and offers a personal perspective of the Kwakwaka'wakw culture. The adventure begins in Alert Bay at the U'mista Cultural Centre - a museum dedicated to telling the story of the people of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nation. Your tour guides, members of one of the 19 tribes of Kwakwaka'wakw, will interpret the exhibitions to delve deeper into the history of the artifacts. See the ancestral masks that were confiscated during the Potlatch Ban between 1884 and 1951, which outlawed traditional ceremonial feasts and potlatches and had a huge impact on indigenous people.

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With a greater understanding of the cultural and spiritual importance of wildlife to the Kwakwaka'wakw, you will take an exhilarating zodiac expedition to discover the home of orca, humpback, grey and minke whales. Watch them feed, spout and breach while waiting at a respectful distance from the whales and keeping an eye out for other wildlife; from eagles that soar across our bow to seals, sea lions and porpoises swimming in the waters surrounding you.

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Telegraph Cove Resort - Double Room

 

DAY 8 ~ TELEGRAPH COVE / TOFINO (274 MI)

Leaving Telegraph Cove today travel south to Campbell River, historically renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," lying at the heart of neighboring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight.

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Continue south through Comox, Courtenay and Qualicum Beach to Port Alberni. The small community of Coombs, the Bakery and the Old Country Market with famous "Goats on the Roof" make a perfect rest stop to buy picnic supplies before you enter Cathedral Grove (Macmillan Provincial Park).

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Best Western Tin Wis  - Double Room

 

DAY 9 ~ TOFINO HOT SPRINGS

This tour combines a hot springs and whale watching tour (weather conditions permitting). From Ucluelet you will travel 32 km/19 mi to the north end of Clayoquot Sound; some stops may include a sea cave, black bear viewing, an eagle's nest and a seabird nesting island depending on the time of season. You will then travel to a series of thermal rock pools. While on shore, a 2 km hike through the rainforest boardwalk trail from dock to springs where the natural sulphur hot springs are located (about 110 F).

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Best Western Tin Wis - Double Room

 

DAY 10 ~ TOFINO / PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its miles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rain forests on a selection of well groomed trails. Also today, enjoy a 3-hour whale watch cruise (included) through the Clayoquot Sound, revealing sensational scenery and wildlife such as Gray Whales, Sea Lions, Porpoises and Killer Whales. The area is also known for its variety of birds, including tufted puffins and resident bald eagles.

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Best Western Tin Wis - Double Room

 

DAY 11 ~ TOFINO / PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

Today you will be free to explore the area on your own.

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Best Western Tin Wis - Double Room

 

DAY 12 ~ TOFINO / VICTORIA (195 MI)

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).

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Inn at Laurel Point - Laurel Wing Room

 

DAY 13 ~ VICTORIA

Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn-of-the-century architecture, and British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with its 50-acre display of magnificent colour.

 

Inn at Laurel Point - Laurel Wing Room

 

DAY 14 ~ VICTORIA / VANCOUVER (43 MI)

Leaving Victoria, drive 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 where your journey with Island Ecoventures ends.

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END OF TRIP

(Code: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)

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LAND COST FROM:  $2,905 per person

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