Travelpack

Highlights: Victoria - Nanaimo - Tofino - Campbell River

Other departures: Manchester - £2849, Birmingham - £2849, Bristol - £2849, Norwich - £2849, Newcastle - £2849, Edinburgh - £2849, Glasgow - £2849

Tours & Activities:
- Visit Butchart Gardens
- Victoria City Tour
- Visit Chemainus Murals
- Visit Meares Island
- Visit Big Tree Trail
- Visit Hot Springs Cove
- Visit Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
- Wildlife Tour

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Victoria
Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island is the gateway to Vancouver Island’s rugged coastlines, quaint towns and vast, untouched wilderness.

First settled in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England, Victoria was once the capital city of British North America, and is now the capital city of the province of British Columbia. This old British city has transitioned in to a beautiful modern city, young at heart and home to a thriving foodie and art culture. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at a Welcome Dinner!

Overnight: Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA (Dinner)

Day 2: Victoria - Nanaimo
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria and uncover the history of this old British city while showcasing it transition to the modern city it is today. We explore Oak Bay, the harbourfront, Beacon Hill and Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America.

We conclude our tour with time to enjoy the incomparable beauty of Butchart Gardens. At one time the site of large limestone quarry, as the limestone deposits became exhausted, Jennie Butchart began transitioning her husband Robert Butchart’s empty quarry in to the spectacular gardens we experience today. Showcasing an extensive and diverse variety of plants and flowers throughout of the many areas of the gardens, visitors today are left in awe.

Departing Victoria we take a short drive north to the town of Chemainus, now known for its thriving arts community, the town was once on the verge of economic collapse. As a way to save the town and rejuvenate it, a series of murals were created to showcase the history of the town which are now featured throughout the town. A local guide will meet us to take us on a tour of some of these murals and explain the significance and history of each masterpiece.

This evening we arrive in Nanaimo, a bustling coastal city and haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Indulge in an authentic local delicacy, Nanaimo Bar; a chocolate and custard filled sweet treat that is sure to leave you wanting more.

Overnight: Coast Bastion Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Nanaimo - Tofino
This morning our journey turns we journey to the west coast of Vancouver Island, soon arriving in Tofino. Located on the edge of Clayoquot Sound, surrounded by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tofino is an eclectic town loved by all; a laid back destination for beach lovers, exceptional surf conditions draw adventurers and the untouched rainforest for nature lovers to enjoy. We take a water taxi across a small area of water to Meares Island, now a protected area, was once in great danger of clear cut logging. In the early 1980’s local residents of Tofino, the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and concerned environmentalists fought the logging companies to save this centuries old forest.

On Meares Island, we explore Big Tree Trail, surrounded by towering trees that are over 1000 years old and fern covered forest floor. We learn about the islands eco system as we make are way along the trail to the spectacular Hanging Garden Tree. With a circumference of 18.3 metres and a towering height of over 42 metre, this tree, a Western Red Cedar is believed to be 2000 years old and one of the oldest living trees in the world. Take some time to explore the trail at your leisure before we return to Tofino on water taxi.

Overnight: Best Western Tin Wis Resort (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: Tofino
This morning take some time to experience Tofino and its surrounding area as you choose with some time at leisure. This afternoon, rejoin the group as we embark on an exciting excursion to Hot Springs Cove. Situated in Maquinna Provincial Park, Hot Springs Cove is accessible only by boat or seaplane. We will travel by boat through Clayoquot Sound with the possibility to see many locals along the way – whales, black bears, seals, sea lions and sea otters are often spotted along this incredible coastline.

Enjoy plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty of Hot Springs Cove, often referred to as Mother Nature’s Hot Tub. Soak in the geothermal heat of the natural, salty water with refreshing steaming raindrops falling on your face. Relaxed and rejuvenated we once again travel through the beauty of Clayoquot Sound and return to Tofino.

Overnight: Best Western Tin Wis Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Tofino - Campbell River
As we bid farewell to Tofino, we make our way back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island. After a scenic drive, we experience Horne Lakes Provincial Park, located in the heart of Vancouver Island the park is home to more than 1000 natural, protected caves. A park guide will meet us and leaf us on a tour of the caves to discover the crystals and ancient fossils firsthand for the opportunity to leave about the unique geology of featured in the park. (An alternative, self-guided, above-ground option is offered to those who prefer not to go underground)

Later today we arrive in Campbell River, known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ and an important coastal city located on the edge of Discovery Passage and the famed Inside Passage. Like most towns and cities on the island, Campbell River has a rich Aboriginal heritage, whose influence is showcased throughout the area.

Overnight: Coast Discovery Inn (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6: Campbell River
We visit the Museum at Campbell River today, a modern museum recognized as one of the best in Canada focuses on the impressive history of the region with interactive exhibits focused on Aboriginal Culture, Pioneer life, and the logging and fishing industries that have richly impacted the life of people in Campbell River.

This afternoon we board a zodiac boat and travel in to the Discovery Passage and the surrounding islands. We explore the shoreline, and discover the wildlife of the region including, Sea Lions, Black Bears, Eagles and so much more as we learn about the intriguing history of the Discovery Passage.

Overnight: Coast Discovery Inn (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7: Depart Campbell River
Our incredible journey through Vancouver Island concludes this morning as we bid farewell to the island and fellow travellers.

(Breakfast)

Offer Includes

Meal Plans