West Coast Island Discovery

Arrive at Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver.

Over the next two days, explore this vibrant city, offering many attractions such as Canada Place, the dynamic Robson Street, Chinatown and historic Gastown. Perhaps visit Stanley Park en route to Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Here you can cross the 137m-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure for even more incredible views of this old growth forest.

Today you depart on your journey to Whistler – the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of the premier outdoor recreation villages in North America. You will travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, traversing five distinct climatic zones from rainforest to semi-arid alpine forest. The road also crosses the historic Pemberton Trail and Gold Rush Trail, used by prospectors in the 18th century. Travelling through small towns such as Squamish and skirting the shores of Daisy Lake, you arrive in picturesque Whistler Village set at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased the multitude of sights and activities available in Whistler, many of them operating year round. The local cafes and restaurants of the village provide the perfect destination for visitors leisurely exploring the pedestrian walkways and town squares. Woodland trails surround the village, as does a well-developed network of biking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.

After another scenic drive down the Sea-to-Sky Highway, it’s time to head up the stunning coastline en route to the first resort of your package! Crossing the pleasant waters of Horseshoe Bay on BC Ferries vessel, disembark in Langdale and travel northward through such small, seaside communities as Davis Bay, and past the headwaters of the stunning Sechelt Inlet. Relax or perhaps walk the docks along the waterfront. The infinity pool and hot tubs entice all guests to relax, and canoe and kayak rentals allow you to explore the local waterways.

Today, you will depart to stay at the iconic Knight Inlet Lodge, one of the premier grizzly bear viewing holiday spots in the world. Set amidst the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Canada’s rugged coastline. Knight Inlet Lodge, located 80 kilometres north of Campbell River, is a wild and remote area of the Pacific Northwest known as Knight Inlet. Tucked into Glendale Cove 60 kilometres from the mouth of the inlet is the floating wilderness resort. Glendale Cove is home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia. It is not uncommon for there to be up to 40 bears within 10 kilometres of the lodge in the peak fall season, when the salmon are returning to the river.

Packages include one night in Campbell River and 2 nights at the Lodge. If you would like to extend your stay here, please just let us know!

Be sure that you have your camera at the ready – a panorama of scenic beauty is about to unfold before you. Your road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory, exemplified by The Pacific Rim National Park – a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity.

Outdoor adventure is the order of the day here; take excursions to see whales, Black bears or go kayaking in the beautiful waters around the island. Back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline in search of shells and driftwood. Perhaps enrich your experience with a visit to the Himwitsa Art Gallery and marvel at the collection of authentic pieces native to the Tofino area.

Victoria is the provincial capital and stands at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. A wonderful city to explore by foot as all the downtown attractions are within a short walk of each other. Visit the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, the Empress Hotel and the Royal B.C. Museum – the city has streets lined with well-preserved old buildings, trendy shops in restored historic areas and horse drawn carriages to get you around. One of the main attractions is Butchart Gardens – a must see if you are at all interested in gardening.

Today, take a ferry back to Vancouver and spend a final night in the city before flying home tomorrow.