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Vancouver Island: Wild Bears & Pacific Shores

From £6,299
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: May 2028 - Sep 2028
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From £6,299
Duration 12 Days
Departures from: May 2028 - Sep 2028

Tour Overview

A tour of Vancouver Island rewards travellers who are willing to leave the highway behind. The island opens into old-growth rainforest, wave-battered beaches and quiet inlets where bears wade for salmon. This journey takes you from Vancouver and onto Victoria, the surf beaches of Tofino, through ancient forests, and out onto the water in search of whales, eagles and, depending on the season, black bears or grizzlies.

Along the way, small coastal towns like Sooke, Tofino, and Campbell River offer a slower pace to explore. Discover the islands Indigenous First Nation heritage through Duncan’s totem pole trail, the Campbell River Museum and Homalco Wildlife and Cultural tours, learning how the connections between people, land and wildlife shape the history and culture of the First Nations. We conclude the tour in Whistler, learning about the shared heritage of the Squamish and Lil'wat Nations before heading home. With forests, rugged coastlines and mountains and time throughout to explore at your own pace, this is Canada's Pacific coast at its best.

Pace of trip: Active
For travellers who love to explore and discover multiple destinations - can include moderate walking and longer days.

Your Tour Includes

  • Smaller group experience
  • Services of an expert Holiday Director
  • 10 nights in great quality hotels plus 1 night in flight
  • 15 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Return flights from your chosen airport
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage
  • Changing lives through travel: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Experience

Included Tour Highlights

  • Discover Vancouver on a city tour
  • Lynn Canyon
  • Coastal village of Sidney
  • Explore Victoria
  • Whale-watching from Victoria
  • Malahat Skywalk
  • Tofino & Meares Island
  • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
  • Duncan and Chemainus
  • The Museum at Campbell River
  • Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
  • Bear Watching from Campbell River
  • Sea to Sky Highway
  1. Memorable Moment

    British Columbia’s coastal wilderness is as vast as it is varied. The Homalco First Nation has been navigating these lands and waters since time immemorial. You’ll be guided through the landscape to watch bears in their natural habitat. In spring look out for black bears emerging from hibernation, while in autumn grizzly bears can be seen searching for salmon.

Tour Itinerary

Vancouver

Day 1 UK to Vancouver

Our journey west begins with a flight to Vancouver, on Canada's Pacific coast. Settle in and get ready to spend the days ahead exploring one of the world's great coastlines.

Lynn canyon

Day 2 Vancouver

The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver sits between mountains and sea, and today we’ll discover some its highlights. Our tour takes in Stanley Park, where the totem poles at Brockton Point represent the Indigenous heritage of the Pacific Northwest with each pole telling its own story through carved figures. We’ll finish the tour with a welcome lunch in Granville Park.

In the afternoon, we’ll venture out of the city to Lynn Canyon for our first taste of the forest and river landscapes that define much of British Columbia. A walk along the suspension bridge that crosses the canyon, offers views down to the creek below.

Meals included: B,L
Sidney

Day 3 Vancouver to Sooke

This morning we take the ferry across to Vancouver Island. Our first stop is the charming village of Sidney that overlooks the Salish Sea offering views across the Gulf Islands. You’ll have time to explore here - wander along Beacon Avenue and look out for three-dimensional murals and life-sized bronze statues alongside a handful of second-hand bookshops and a waterfront sculpture park. You may prefer to step into one of the eateries for lunch, and you’ll find plenty of options.

We continue to Sooke, a small coastal town where the forest meets the sea. Sitting on the shores of the Sooke Basin, this was once a busy logging and fishing community. Now it surprises visitors with its coastal walks and laid-back West Coast lifestyle. The Whiffin Spit is a flat walking trail with views of the harbour on one side, the ocean on the other and Olympic Mountain in the distance.

Meals included: B,D
Whale-watching Victoria

Day 4 Victoria

Today we travel to Victoria. On arrival, we’ll have a short tour introducing the city, including its harbour overlooked by the ivy-clad Fairmont Empress, and the legislative buildings. We’ll then venture out on a whale-watching tour departing from Fisherman’s Wharf. Boats cut through the Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of orcas, minke and humpback whales, alongside sealions, seals, porpoise and marine birds that often circle overhead.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Victoria - its historic architecture, range of shops, thriving market and working docks.

Meals included: B
Duncan Totem Pole

Day 5 Sooke to Tofino

We leave Sooke behind today and head for the island’s wilder west coast. On our way we’ll stop at the Malahat SkyWalk, a spiral wooden walkway that rises through the forest canopy to a lookout with views stretching over fjords, mountains, inlets and islands.

We continue north to Duncan, known as the City of Totems, where than 40 hand-carved totem poles, created by local and regional Indigenous artists, line the downtown area. A short, easily walkable trail takes us past many of them, each one telling its own story. A little further on, we stop in Chemainus, an old logging town that reinvented itself as an outdoor art gallery. More than 70 murals and sculptures now cover its walls, depicting local First Nations heritage and history.

Later we arrive in Tofino and enjoy dinner together.

Meals included: B,D
Tofino

Day 6 Tofino

Today we will explore Tofino, a beach town known for its long sandy shores and year-round surf. We’ll take a boat across to Meares Island and you’ll find a choice of walks here - the Big Tree Trail leads along a boardwalk through temperate rainforest and ancient red cedars.

Later we’ll visit the Pacific Rim National Park, in the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. The coastline here opens into long, unspoiled beaches backed by dense rainforest.

Meals included: B
Elk Falls, Campbell River

Day 7 Tofino to Campbell River

Today we travel north to Campbell River, known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' a town shaped by its fishing heritage. Its position offers some of the richest experiences for wildlife watching such as orcas, bears and eagles. On arrival, we’ll visit Elk Falls, where a suspension bridge crosses the canyon and offers spectacular views of the falls thundering into the gorge below.

Meals included: B
Bear tracking

Day 8 Campbell River

Today is the wildlife highlight of the trip, a full day discovering some of the island’s bears and wildlife, with each season offering a different experience.

In spring, we take a boat tour across the Salish Sea in search of black bears emerging from hibernation, hungry after their winter slumber. We’re also likely to see migrating whales returning to their feeding waters and flocks of seabirds gathering to feed.

In autumn, we cross the Salish Sea to Bute Inlet, where Homalco guides lead us through their ancestral territory to watch grizzly bears wading through the river in search of salmon. While the focus of this unique tour is the bears, we're also likely to spot humpbacks, orca and eagles along the way.

Meals included: B,L
Campbell RIver

Day 9 Campbell River

Today is free to rest and reflect on the wildlife you’ve encountered on the tour so far. You may choose to take a stroll along Discovery Pier where salmon, eagles and the occasional whale are often spotted from the railings. Alternatively, a number of hiking trails wind through the forest surrounding the town. Or stroll around the coastal town itself where there is no shortage of places to enjoy a relaxed lunch.

This evening we'll gather for a dinner together and share some of the highlights of the trip.

Meals included: B,D
Whistler

Day 10 Campbell River to Whistler

Our tour continues as we take the ferry across to Horseshoe Bay and follow the Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia, to the mountain resort of Whistler.

Meals included: B
Squamish Lil'wat

Day 11 Vancouver to UK

We visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a Planeterra project run jointly by the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, whose traditional territories meet in this valley. Inside, exhibits and guides share the distinct histories, languages and traditions of both nations, offering a different view on a destination mostly known for its skiing.

We leave Whistler behind and return to Vancouver. Our journey through some of Canada’s lesser-visited regions comes to and end as we head to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B
Wild Pacific Coast

Day 12 UK

Today you’ll arrive back in the UK.

  1. Changing lives through travel

    Co-owned by local Nations, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre showcases Indigenous art, food, and stories - and funds cultural celebration and provides youth in the region with opportunities to train in the hospitality industry through the on-site museum and cultural tours.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

In the heart of downtown Vancouver is the elegant Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, where you'll find their own boulevard restaurant and oyster bar, wine merchant and Gerard Lounge bar, where you can relax by a fire. You may also wish to enjoy the heated indoor pool or modern fitness centre should you find time to relax. Each room has air conditioning, TV, safe, iron, hair dryer, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities. Free WiFi also available throughout.

In the heart of downtown Vancouver is the elegant Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver, where you'll find their own boulevard restaurant and oyster bar, wine merchant and Gerard Lounge bar, where you can relax by a fire. You may also wish to enjoy the heated indoor pool or modern fitness centre should you find time to relax. Each room has air conditioning, TV, safe, iron, hair dryer, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities. Free WiFi also available throughout.

Prestige Inn

Built in the style of a 1920s costal resort, the Prestige Inn in Sooke is the perfect place to stay on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. During your stay, why not take advantage of the pool and spa facilities, as well as the restaurant, sports lounge and café, and of course the views of the ocean and Olympic Mountains. Each room has air conditioning, a safe, iron, fridge and TV.

Built in the style of a 1920s costal resort, the Prestige Inn in Sooke is the perfect place to stay on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. During your stay, why not take advantage of the pool and spa facilities, as well as the restaurant, sports lounge and café, and of course the views of the ocean and Olympic Mountains. Each room has air conditioning, a safe, iron, fridge and TV.

Tofino Resort & Marina

The Tofino Resort & Marina is the perfect accommodation to take in the breath-taking views of the west cost of Vancouver Island and it's incredible wildlife. Facilities include a wood-fired floating sauna, where you can relax before plunging into the icy waters of Clayoquot Sound, waterfront fitness centre, bar/lounge with a view and restaurant. Each room has a TV, hair dryer, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities, so you can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the scenery from your own private balcony.

The Tofino Resort & Marina is the perfect accommodation to take in the breath-taking views of the west cost of Vancouver Island and it's incredible wildlife. Facilities include a wood-fired floating sauna, where you can relax before plunging into the icy waters of Clayoquot Sound, waterfront fitness centre, bar/lounge with a view and restaurant. Each room has a TV, hair dryer, fridge and tea/coffee making facilities, so you can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the scenery from your own private balcony.

Painter's Lodge

The historic Painter's Lodge in Campbell River is a timeless and comfortable retreat, offering stunning views as well as great dining and relaxing facilities such as an outdoor pool, fitness centre, badminton court, fishing and complimentary tea & coffee, as well as free WiFi. In each room you will find a TV, iron, fridge, hair dryer and tea/coffee maker.

The historic Painter's Lodge in Campbell River is a timeless and comfortable retreat, offering stunning views as well as great dining and relaxing facilities such as an outdoor pool, fitness centre, badminton court, fishing and complimentary tea & coffee, as well as free WiFi. In each room you will find a TV, iron, fridge, hair dryer and tea/coffee maker.

Hilton Whistler

Right in the centre of the famous ski village of Whistler is the Hilton Resort and Spa, with its year round facilities such as heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa, locally inspired dining and tennis courts. In each room you will find air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, TV, safe, ironing facilities and a fridge.

Right in the centre of the famous ski village of Whistler is the Hilton Resort and Spa, with its year round facilities such as heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa, locally inspired dining and tennis courts. In each room you will find air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, TV, safe, ironing facilities and a fridge.

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
  • Ocean & River Cruises - £400 per person

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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