Journey to the wonders of Vancouver Island

This itinerary explores the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer. Begin with a spectacular BC Ferries crossing from Vancouver to BC’s capital city of Victoria, where you spend two nights. Explore the famous Butchart Gardens and have sufficient time to explore the city at your leisure. Enjoy 3 nights in the laid-back town of Tofino located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and characterised by wild natural scenery including lakes, inlets, ancient rainforest and sandy beaches. The drive on the Pacific Rim Highway is stunning with views of the rugged coastline and lush rainforest. The journey continues to Northern Vancouver Island, known for its rugged beauty that rewards guests with solitude, secluded beaches and glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat.

DAY 1 | PARIS / VANCOUVER

• Flight from Paris on a scheduled flight to Vancouver
• Own airport transfer
• Overnight in a hotel in Vancouver

DAY 2 | VANCOUVER / VICTORIA

• Departure from downtown Vancouver at 9.15 am.
• Crossing the Gulf Islands by ferry.
• Arrival on Vancouver Island and visit the famous Butchart Gardens.
• Visit Sea Cider for a tour and enjoy a cider tasting.
• Check-in at your hotel in downtown Victoria.
• Evening free to explore the city.

DAY 3 | VICTORIA

• Breakfast at the hotel (included).
• In the morning, enjoy a city tour of Victoria visiting Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf and Government Street.
• The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You can stroll along Government Street or visit the well-known Royal BC Museum. You also have the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

DAY 4 | VICTORIA / TOFINO

• Breakfast at the hotel (included).
• Early departure from your hotel and drive along the Malahat Highway where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Southern Gulf Islands.
• Stop at the Malahat SkyWalk, the newest outdoor experience on Vancouver Island. Embark on a 600-metre-long elevated walkway through an expansive forest of arbutus and Douglas fir trees, leading to an architecturally-inspiring10-story spiral observation tower – the first of its kind in British Columbia. Rising 250 metres above sea level, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains in two countries.
• Stop in Duncan for a brief tour to the City of Totems and free time for lunch.
• Arrive in Tofino in the evening and check into your hotel.

DAY 5 | TOFINO / PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast (included).
• Explore Tofino and its magnificent beaches, including Long Beach and option to join your guide for a hike.
• Enjoy a visit to the Ucluelet Aquarium, which is a fantastic locally run aquarium displaying the amazing variety of local marine life and offering great education on the local environment.
• After visiting the aquarium, join your guide for a trail walk to the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse area, around Ucluelet to discover the rugged coastline and sweeping ocean views.
• Evening at leisure.

DAY 6 | TOFINO / PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK

• Breakfast (included).
• Full day to take part in an activity such as a boat cruise to Hot Springs Cove, kayaking, a walk through one of the many rainforest trails, or simply relaxing on the beach.
• The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore the town of Tofino.

DAY 7 | TOFINO / CAMPBELL RIVER

• Breakfast (included).
• Check out of your hotel in the morning and depart Tofino, traveling back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island.
• Arrive at Coombs market, famously known for the goat on the rooftop. Stop for lunch. You’ll find fresh produce, great sandwiches and the best ice cream on the island.
• Continue along Coastal Highway 19A through coastal communities and beautiful scenery, stopping in Comox for dinner.
• Arrive in Campbell River and check into your hotel for the night.
• Evening free to explore the resort, watch the sunset and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

DAY 8 | NORTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND

• Breakfast at the hotel (included).
• Free morning with the option to participate in many different activities, including kayaking, fishing and whale watching.
• Option to go on a full day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley
• (available from Aug 18-Oct 15.).
• Visit Elk Falls Provincial Park and explore the extensive network of walking and hiking trails, including the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, and enjoy a walk on the elevated
• cantilevered viewing platform that offers an amazing view of Elk Falls.
• Return to the hotel and free time for dinner.

DAY 9 | CAMPBELL RIVER / NANAIMO / VANCOUVER

• Breakfast at the hotel (included).
• Departure from Campbell River in the morning.
• Stop at Morningstar Farm in Parksville. Morningstar Farm is a local food hub featuring self-guided tours, a farmgate store, seasonal “café”, a petting farm, and trails.
• Stop in Nanaimo for a stroll along the Harbourfront. Don’t miss trying one of the
• famous Nanaimo Bars – a treat for everyone loving sweets.
• Take the 3.55pm ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay.
• Return to downtown Vancouver around 6.30pm.

DAY 10 | VANCOUVER / PARIS

• Own accommodation/airport transfer.
• Flight from Vancouver on a scheduled flight to Paris.

DAY 11 | PARIS

• Arrival in Paris

HOTEL OVERVIEW :

• Victoria: Grand Pacific or similar (2-nights)
• Tofino: Tofino Resort & Marina or similar (3-nights)
• Campbell River: Naturally Pacific Resort (2-nights)