Vancouver Island Explorer
12nt self-drive tour from
£ 5649pp
Solo Traveller from £ 8599pp
Western Canada- Tour
Butchart Gardens
Vancouver Island Explorer
12nt self-drive tour
DAY 1 Fly to Vancouver On arrival collect your car and proceed to your hotel.
DAY 2 Vancouver
If you’ re happy to simply wander and see as many sights as possible, you’ ll find Vancouver a very walkable city. We recommend lush Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, the shops of Robson Street and the fascinating public market on Granville Island. For those with a head for heights, admire the views from the Vancouver Lookout or the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain gondola ride.
DAY 3 Vancouver / Victoria
Travel by ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island and drive onwards to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
DAY 4 Victoria
Explore the beautiful Inner Harbour of Victoria or perhaps visit one of the city’ s museums. Allow time also for the world-famous Butchart Gardens, where whatever the season you’ ll see spectacular displays.
DAY 5 Victoria / Cowichan Bay
Drive onwards to the Cowichan Valley, a fertile crescent of rich farmland, lush vineyards, heritage river systems and scenic backroads in the south eastern corner of Vancouver Island. The village of Cowichan Bay and the surrounding area is home to a host of artists, craftspeople and cottage industries, including some fine local wineries.
DAY 6 Cowichan Bay / Tofino
Travel to Tofino, regarded as the jewel of the west coast thanks to its stunning location in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. An ideal destination for lovers of the great outdoors as well as foodies, with a variety of excellent restaurants.
DAY 7 Tofino
At leisure in this nature lover’ s paradise where activities available include fishing, kayaking, whale watching, bear watching and hiking to name but a few.
DAY 8 Tofino / Campbell River
Drive across Vancouver Island to Campbell River on the east coast. Along with breathtaking scenery Campbell River enjoys a sterling reputation among anglers from all corners of the globe.
Knight Inlet Lodge
see grizzly bears in the wild • perfect for lovers of the great outdoors • quirky communities
DAY 9 Campbell River / Knight Inlet
Morning transfer and departure by floatplane( 45 minute flight) to Knight Inlet Lodge. Once settled embark on a small boat excursion in the estuary. In the afternoon begin with a two hour bear viewing tour( by boat in spring and summer, or on a viewing platform late August to October) of Glendale Cove, home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia. This is followed by a two hour Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise. On each tour you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide trained in the local wildlife and natural history of the area. This evening, relax and enjoy an interpretive presentation.
DAY 10 Knight Inlet
In addition to the bear tours, other excursions are available for you to enjoy during your stay. These include walking tours in ancient old-growth rainforest, an interpretive tracking tour and sea kayaking.
DAY 11 Knight Inlet / Nanaimo
Morning bear viewing trip before you return to Campbell River by floatplane. On arrival drive south to Nanaimo where you have time to stroll around the lovely harbour and bustling waterfront.
DAY 12 Nanaimo / Vancouver
Return by ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver where you can enjoy some last minute shopping and sightseeing.
DAY 13 Vancouver
Return your car at Vancouver airport where the tour concludes with your onward journey.
Vancouver
Campbell River
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Knight Inlet
Cowichan Bay
Vancouver 2nts | Victoria 2nts | Cowichan Bay 1nt Tofino 2nts | Campbell River 1nt Knight Inlet 2nts | Nanaimo 1nt | Vancouver 1nt
What you need to know:
Daily departures mid-May-early Oct.
Vancouver
3H Blue Horizon, Vancouver; 4HPlus Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria; 3H Oceanfront Suites, Cowichan Bay; 3H Tofino Resort & Marina; 3H Comfort Inn & Suites, Campbell River; 4H Knight Inlet Lodge; 3H Coast Bastion, Nanaimo.
Room only. Breakfast included on days 9-11, lunch & dinner( with house wine) included on days 9 & 10.
The price shown includes international flights, 13 days compact fully inclusive car hire, return ferry between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, accommodation as shown, transfers to and from the floatplane base, return floatplane and sightseeing as outlined on days 9-11.
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 666 • www. premierholidays. co. uk Western Canada 23
Tofino
Gulf of Alaska
Nanaimo
Victoria