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Holiday Types- Escorted Tours
- Vancouver Island Premium Tour
Vancouver Island Premium Tour
From £3,789 pp
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10 nights
Escorted Tours-
Economy flights
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Available May - September
Experience dramatic landscapes, memorable wildlife encounters, windswept beaches and diverse plant life in the old growth rainforest. Enjoy a relaxed pace of life and indigenous experiences on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island with your fun and friendly guide.
What's Included
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- Small coach transportation
- Experienced, fun and friendly guide
- 7 breakfasts
- Return BC Ferries between Vancouver and Vancouver Island
- Admission to Butchart Gardens
- Admission to Sea Cider Tasting
- Admission to Malahat SkyWalk
- Water taxi to Meares Island to visit the Big Tree Trail
- All park fees
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to 30% on Hotels
Save up to 30% on selected hotel stays
Enjoy an up to 30% discount on selected hotel stays. Offer applies to holidays departing between 18th November 2024 & 31st October 2026. Selected hotels have limited availability so book now to avoid disappointment. Book by 31st December 2024.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Arrive in Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver, independently make your way to your downtown hotel. Spend the next 2 days exploring this vibrant city. Explore Stanley Park with its endless forested trails, world class aquarium and its 10-kilometre seawall by foot or by bike. Wander Vancouver’s varied neighbourhoods and must-see attractions such as Dr Sun-Yat Sen’s Chinese Gardens in Chinatown, the famous steam-powered clock in Vancouver’s Gastown district, chiming every 15 minutes on 5 brass steam whistles. Explore the rainforest and majestic evergreens in the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park on Vancouver’s North Shore or stay downtown for a spot of shopping on Vancouver’s Robson Street.
Day 3
Victoria
Spend the morning cruising through the Gulf Islands as you make your way from the mainland to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival in Victoria, British Columbia’s provincial capital you will visit the famous Butchart Gardens. Open year round the gardens offer beautiful blooms and landscapes over 55 acres, with 900 bedding plant varieties and 26 greenhouses. The 120-year-old gardens are a designated National Historic Site of Canada and offer up stunning views of Tod Inlet. After your visit to the gardens, partake in a Cider Tasting tour, with Victoria’s cider scene buzzing it’s the perfect way to gain knowledge and relax as your guide helps you to find your new favourite cider. This evening is at leisure to explore Victoria’s inner harbour, the parliamentary building and don’t forget to stop by the Fairmont Empress Hotel for stunning photo opportunities.
Day 4
Victoria
The day kick starts with a Victoria City tour, visiting Beacon Hill Park, Canada’s oldest Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf and Government Street. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, take the time to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or for a thrilling experience take to the water on a whale watching tour. The waters in nearby Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits provide sterling viewing opportunities for transient and resident Orcas as well as Humpback Whales. Other marine life includes Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Porpoises, Stellar and California Sea Lions, Harbour and Elephant Seals, otters, and a variety of birds.
Day 5
Tofino
As you make your way to the western point of Vancouver Island you will drive along the Malahat Highway where you can enjoy beautiful views over the Southern Gulf Islands. Stop at the Malahat SkyWalk and embark on a 600-metre-long elevated walkway through an expansive Arbutus and Douglas Fir Forest, leading to a 10 story architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in BC. Rising 250 metres above sea level, you will enjoy 360-degree views of islands, inlets, fjords, forests, and mountains in two countries. A stop is made in Duncan for a brief tour around the City of Totems and free time for lunch. On arrival in Tofino your guide will tell you about all the great onsite amenities and the best places for dinner tonight.
Day 6-7
Pacific Rim National Park
Explore the magnificent beaches of Tofino including Long Beach and take an optional hike with your guide. Take a water taxi trip over to Meares Island to visit the Big Tree Trail, the home to some of the largest old growth trees in British Columbia. Meares Island holds cultural and spiritual significance for the Tla-o-qui-aht people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The island is known as "Waa'kas" in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, which means "mountain in the sea," and it is considered a sacred place. Join a boat cruise to Hot Springs Cove, kayak, surf, or hike through the many rainforest trails or relax on the many beaches. With an exposed coastline with no landmasses between Tofino and Japan, the wind here builds up and produces powerful blue waves up to 20 feet in height, the entire area looks windswept and adds to the dramatic scenery of Tofino.
Day 8
Campbell River
As you make your back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island your first stop will be at Coombs Market, famously known for the goat on the rooftop and today’s stop for lunch. You can find fresh produce, great sandwiches, and the best ice cream on the island. After we continue the drive along the Coastal Highway, through coastal communities and along beautiful landscapes, a stop will made in Comox for dinner. Upon arrival in Campbell River explore the resort, watch the sunset, and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 9
Northern Vancouver Island
Take the morning participating in the many different optional activities including kayaking, fishing and whale watching. There will be an option to go on a full day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley (seasonal only). Visit Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and enjoy a walk on the elevated cantilevered viewing platform that offers an amazing view of Elk Falls. This evening you will have free time at the hotel.
Day 10
Vancouver
After departing Campbell River, the first stop of the day will be at Morningstar Farm in Parksville. Morningstar Farm is a local food hub featuring self-guided tours, a farmgate store, seasonal "calfé", a petting farm, and trails. After a stop in Nanaimo for a stroll along the Harbourfront, don’t miss out on trying one of the famous Nanaimo Bars. Then it’s time to board the ferry back to the mainland for your final night in Vancouver.
Day 11
Fly Home
Enjoy the last few hours in Vancouver prior to your return flight. If you have time head down to Canada Place to check out Flyover Canada, an immersive flying journey that connects you with Canada’s spectacular sights, sounds and stories.
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:
