Pacific Rim Whales and Bears: Vancouver, Victoria, Tofino & More
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,700
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR MADE: A great trip to mix watching wildlife in their natural habitat and getting to know Vancouver and Victoria, both delightful cities with a distinctly different atmosphere. The third stop on this itinerary is Tofino on Vancouver Island, which you reach travelling through ancient rain forests and provincial parks. Whale-watching happens out of Victoria while your search for black bears is along Tofino’s coastline, both exhilarating outings to be remembered for a long time.
This 7-day tour of Canada’s west coast brings you to the beautiful shores of Vancouver, Victoria, and Tofino as you get up close and personal with whales and bears in their natural habitats. It features superior class accommodations and a mix of private and independent tours.
Your adventure begins in Vancouver, where you'll discover for yourself what gives Western Canada’s largest city its charm. Whether it's the hip art galleries of Gastown, the flavours of Yaletown’s trendy eateries, or shopping on Robson Street, Vancouver’s bustling streets will keep you wanting more. When nature calls you rather than pavement, a trip out to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or Grouse Mountain will give you a fresh dose of the outdoors without straying from city limits, while boasting breathtaking views. Renting a bike, lounging in Stanley Park, or strolling along the water are not bad ideas either, which can be finished off with a freshly-caught dinner at one of many restaurants in Vancouver’s culinary scene.
Next, feel the wind in your hair as you catch a ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, taking in the picturesque coastline and stretches of sandy beaches as you head to Victoria. The capital of British Columbia serves you its best west coast interpretation of the maritimes with its postcard-perfect streets and brightly coloured buildings. The next day, hold onto your hat as you embark on a thrilling whale watching cruise aboard a custom-built Zodiac, giving you high speeds on the seas on a 50-80 kilometre roundtrip in search of an intimate encounter with the gentle giants.
Last but not least, a coach will whisk you across Vancouver Island to Tofino, travelling through lush rainforests and provincial parks. Tofino is a wildlife lover’s paradise, as Pacific Rim National Park offers you ecological and geographical diversity that can’t be found elsewhere. After a day of greenery, you’ll be off on your next eco adventure, as you enjoy bear watching aboard a 14-meter panoramic cruiser that keeps you a safe distance from the bears’ feeding grounds. Take the time to relax and lower your excitement afterwards by searching for beach glass or seashells on Tofino’s sandy shores, or if you’re feeling up for another adventure, a walk or run on one of the many hiking trails lining the rugged coastline.
After filling your lungs with all that salty air, you’ll say your last goodbyes to Tofino by air, giving you aerial views of Vancouver Island and the waters below before landing back at Vancouver International Airport.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,700
Itinerary
Vancouver
Following your arrival at Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival you might have time to discover neighborhoods such as Yaletown or Gastown, venture along the meandering pathways along the ocean, visit a gallery, or indulge in some shopping on Robson Street. Alternatively, enjoy the rest of your day the day exploring city’s culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.
Overnight Vancouver
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Vancouver
Today is yours at leisure in Vancouver. This bustling metropolis may be western Canada’s largest city, but it retains a pedestrian-friendly charm and embraces a love of nature. Spend the day walking the sea wall of the mainland, or perhaps rent a bike and explore the vast network of trails throughout the city, one of the most memorable being the expansive Stanley Park. Trails crisscross the park through forests and open grass fields that interconnect to a city-wide trail system. Alternatively, visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or Grouse Mountain are both stunning sites making them top contenders for a visit.
Overnight Vancouver
Vancouver to Victoria
Today you transfer by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. Make your way to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm.
Overnight Victoria
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Victoria
An exciting day on the water awaits you as you embark on a fascinating whale watching cruise. This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of whales. You are going to ride aboard a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you a thrilling but safe and intimate whale watching experience.
Overnight Victoria
Victoria to Tofino
Today, you transfer by coach to fabulous Tofino. Your road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory here: Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity.
Overnight Tofino
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|
Tofino
It’s a day devoted to bear watching, followed by activities of your choice to lower the adrenalin level. Start off taking part in a thrilling bear watching expedition. At low tide, board the Stellar Sea, a 14-metre panoramic cruiser, and speed along the lush coastline to the bears’ feeding grounds. Back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline of long Beach in search of shells and driftwood.
Overnight Tofino
Tofino to Vancouver
Depart Tofino by air this morning, enjoying a scenic flight across the wilds of Vancouver Island and the waters of the strait before landing at Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal. Take the free shuttle to the international departure terminal for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in Vancouver.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: May 1 - October 10, 2023
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Vancouver
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Victoria
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Tofino
- Shared scheduled ferry transfer from Vancouver to Victoria
- Shared 3-hour whale watching in Victoria by Zodiac (covered boat available on request)
- Shared 2-hour bear watching tour in Tofino by boat
- Shared scheduled coach transfer from Victoria to Tofino
- Transfer from Tofino hotel to Tofino airport
- Flight transfer from Tofino to Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal)
- Complimentary shuttle from Vancouver South Terminal to Vancouver International departure terminal
- Travel and Information kit (supplied upon arrival)
- Provincial Taxes and Federal GST
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrance fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
SPECIAL NOTES:
Luggage allowance for flight transfer from Tofino to Vancouver: Luggage limit is 40 lbs (18 kg) per person total of all checked and carry-on pieces. Large hard sided suitcase risk being bumped to another flight time or day due to size and weight. Maximum suitcase size is 28 x 18 x 14 inches (71 x 46 x 36 cm) including handle and wheels. Please note, additional luggage may not travel on the same plane or same day as passenger due to weight and space limitations.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
1 Oct 2023
