GRIZZLIES, ORCAS & BLACK BEARS

Introduction

This wildlife rich self-drive holiday begins in the exciting and beautiful city of Vancouver, before heading over to Vancouver Island for a night in Salmon-capital Campbell River, ahead of an exhilarating float plane transfer to the remote wilderness of Knight Inlet Lodge. Spend a day in this pristine and tranquil location on a wildlife tour in search of grizzly bears and other spectacular wildlife. Back on Vancouver Island, visit the whale watching hot spot of Tofino on the rugged west coast and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Victoria.

Day-by-Day

Days 1 & 2: Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your downtown hotel, from which the next two days can be spent exploring one of Canada’s most popular cities and it’s easy to see why, with its explorable neighbourhoods, an exciting culinary scene, endless selection of activities and striking natural vistas. 

Day 3: Campbell River, Vancouver Island

Collect your hire car in Vancouver and catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island, then head north through Nanaimo, known as the harbour city. Arrive at Campbell River, historically renowned as the salmon capital of the World and ideally located at the heart of Strathcona Park with a backdrop of the Coastal Mountain range. 

Day 4: Knight Inlet Lodge

The lodge is not accessible by road, so today’s thrilling journey is by floatplane from Campbell River to the mouth of the Glendale River, where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on cedar booms. On arrival an experienced guide will meet you and explain the options for the days bear watching and wildlife tours, set in this tranquil and remote location and ideal Grizzly spotting territory.

Days 5 & 6: Tofino, Vancouver Island

Return by floatplane to Campbell River to collect the car and head southwest to Tofino on the rugged west-coast of the island. Recommended stops along the way include Cathedral Grove, to appreciate the splendour of the 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar. Drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains, arriving in Tofino mid-afternoon. The following day is yours to enjoy Tofino, with your choice of included excursion, perhaps a coastal bear watching cruise in search of black bears, a whale watching cruise on the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound or perhaps a food tour of the best eateries in Tofino – one of Canada’s best food scenes.

Days 7 & 8: Victoria, Vancouver Island

Leaving Tofino and the west-coast behind, head back to the east-coast of Vancouver Island and southwards towards Victoria. En-route, stop at the artist community of Chemainus, where huge murals adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan; The ‘City of Totems’ is a colourful stop. The following day in Victoria, chose to visit Butchart Gardens, where 55-acres of breath-taking gardens are sure to impress. Alternatively, a Canadian culinary tour reveals the best of the local cuisine and a chance to meet the chefs making Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.

Day 9: Vancouver

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz-Bay Ferry Terminal for the 90-minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen and enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. Drive into Downtown Vancouver to drop the car and check into your hotel for the final night.

Day 10: Departure

Check-out of your hotel and transfer to the airport ready for departure.

Prices

From £3,299 per person

Truly Individual Holiday Includes:

• International flights from the UK in Economy
• 9 nights accommodation
• Car hire in a mid-sized vehicle
• Return BC ferries to Vancouver Island
• Return floatplane to Knight Inlet Lodge
• Guided wildlife tours, use of kayaks and meals at Knight Inlet Lodge
• Choice of excursions in Tofino and Victoria
• Airport transfers

Price based on two people sharing accommodation. Any element of this holiday can be tailor-made to suit you. Simply enquire below!