Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears

Day 1 - Vancouver to Campbell River

Depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Vancouver Island. Your destination today is the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” lying at the heart of neighbouring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight. Surrounded by the backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and the Coastal Mountain range to the east. Overnight Campbell River.

Day 2 - Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge

Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. A thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera - you’ll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area. Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge (lunch and dinner is included)

Day 3 - Knight Inlet Lodge to Tofino

Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am, collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. Drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid afternoon. Overnight in Tofino.

Day 4 - Tofino

Today enjoy a Whale Watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald agles or Bear Viewing Cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean! Overnight in Tofino.

Day 5 - Tofino to Victoria

Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town and Duncan the “City of Totems”. Overight in Victoria.

Day 6 - Victoria

This morning depart on an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. This afternoon is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 7 - Victoria to Vancouver

Leaving Victoria drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your Self drive ends.