WESTERN CANADA SELF DRIVE TOUR
12 night self-drive tour from £ 3899pp
SOLO TRAVELLER from £ 5999pp
VANCOUVER ISLAND EXPLORER
12 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR
see Vancouver Island ’ s highlights • explore quirky communities • go wildlife watching
DAY 1 Fly to Vancouver On arrival collect your car and proceed to your hotel .
DAYS 2-3 Vancouver
Two full days at leisure to explore . We have a variety of fascinating pre-bookable experiences which you may wish to consider ( see page 22 ). If you ’ re happy to simply wander and see as many sights as possible , you ’ ll find Vancouver a very walkable city . Top spots include 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 4 Vancouver / Victoria
Travel by ferry across the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island and drive onwards to Victoria , the capital of British Columbia .
DAY 5 Victoria
Explore the beautiful Inner Harbour of Victoria or perhaps visit one of the city ’ s museums . Allow time also for worldfamous Butchart Gardens , where whatever the season you ’ ll see spectacular displays .
DAY 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 .
DAY 10 Campbell River / Knight Inlet
Morning transfer and departure by floatplane ( 30 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 to ensure you don ’ t miss a thing . This evening , relax whilst a guide gives an interpretive presentation .
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 have time for last minute shopping and sightseeing .
DAY 13 Vancouver
All too soon it ’ s time to return you car at Vancouver airport where you tour concludes with your onward journey .
Campbell River
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Tofino
Gulf of Alaska
Knight Inlet
Nanaimo
Cowichan Bay Victoria
Vancouver 3 nights ~ Victoria 2 nights Cowichan Bay 1 night ~ Tofino 2 nights Campbell River 1 night ~ Knight Inlet 1 night Nanaimo 1 night ~ Vancouver 1 night
Knight Inlet
Vancouver
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Daily between mid-May-early Oct . Accommodation : 3H BW Sands by the Sea , Vancouver ; 3HPlus The Oswego , Victoria ; 3H Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay ; 3H Middle Beach Lodge , Tofino ; 3H Comfort Inn & Suites , Campbell River ; 4H Knight Inlet Lodge ; 3H Coast Bastion , Nanaimo . Meals : Room only . Breakfast , lunch and dinner ( with wine ) is included on day 10 and breakfast on day 11 . Tour price : The price shown includes international flights , 13 days group B car hire , return ferry between Vancouver and Vancouver Island , accommodation as outlined , transfers to the floatplane base , return floatplane and sightseeing as outlined on days 10 & 11 . Luggage on the floatplane is limited to one14kg bag per person ( excess luggage can be stored at the floatplane terminal ). visit your travel agent or call 08444 937 666 • www . premierholidays . co . uk
Cowichan Bay
WESTERN CANADA 21