This programme offers lively urban centres, remote wilderness destinations and the unrivalled beauty of Vancouver Island’s
scenery. From the bustling city of Vancouver, you will plunge right into a whalewatching journey from Victoria and the Pacific Rim National Park. Stepping aboard a floatplane you will head inland, to go in search of grizzly bears, eagles and foxes near Knight Inlet. The final leg of your adventure takes you back to the mainland where you will explore the rugged seascapes of the Sunshine Coast en route to Vancouver.

Day 1:Arrival in Vancouver
Arrive independently at your downtown hotel and collect your documentation. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2:Vancouver to Victoria
(70km land only) The B.C. Ferries cruise across the Strait of Georgia will transport you past the rugged
coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and on to Victoria.Victoria has a fascinating marine heritage and has retained its colonial charm.This afternoon, you will launch into the Pacific aboard a Zodiac powerboat.You will seek out orca, minke and grey whales, seals, porpoises and other marine wildlife.You may end your day with a visit to the Empress Hotel for a traditional high tea. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 3:Victoria to Tofino
(320km) Be sure that you have a lot of film in your camera – 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 here,The Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity. Stay 2 nights in Tofino.

Day 4:Tofino
Take part in a thrilling whalewatching expedition. Search for the Pacific grey whale, sea lions and puffins and you will hopefully be rewarded with an unforgettable close encounter in Clayoqout Sound with one of the world’s largest mammals. Back on dry land, explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or walk the shoreline of Long Beach in search of shells and driftwood.

Day 5:Tofino to Campbell River
(290km) This morning, the spectacular winding road takes you back to the eastern coast of Vancouver Island with visits to Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove.Your route will introduce you to many gems – including native rock carvings at Sproat Lake and the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.Tonight explore the quaint town of Campbell River. Stay 2 nights in Campbell River.

Day 6: Campbell River
Enjoy a day in the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Stroll down the Discovery Pier for a chance to see salmon, eagles, or even whales; take in views of Discovery Passage, Quadra Island and the rugged Coast Mountain range of mainland British Columbia; or partake in one of the many locally available fishing excursions. Campbell River is also the gateway to Strathcona Park, the oldest park in British Columbia and the largest one on Vancouver Island. Here you will find the highest waterfall in Canada, the 440m high Delta Falls.The park is a wildlife sanctuary, home to most species of mammals living on the island and to a wide variety of birds.

Day 7: Campbell River to Knight Inlet
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: today you’ll be going on a bearwatching and wildlife viewing tour. Be prepared to relish the lush West Coast rainforests and marvel at the abundance of wildlife! Mostly in the spring, the river is a popular fishing spot for hungry grizzly bears. Overnight in Knight Inlet. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 8: Knight Inlet to Vancouver
(160km land only) Return to Campbell River by floatplane.Your route back to Vancouver will take you through breathtaking coastal scenery as you cruise across the Strait of Georgia and then drive down the Sunshine Coast.The Sunshine Coast Highway connects water-based communities along a 180km stretch of beautiful coastline of sparkling surf, secluded beaches, bays and fjords.The Coast Mountain Range in the hinterland forms the backdrop to rugged headlands, serene lagoons and dense lush forests. Keep a keen eye out for loons,
bald eagles, Canada geese, deer and black bears. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast included.

Day 9: End of tour
Return your car at the airport where your tour ends.

• 8 nights accommodation
• Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner at Knight Inlet
• Victoria – 3 hour whalewatching trip on Zodiac boat
• Pacific Rim National Park – 3 hour whalewatching on Zodiac boat
• Knight Inlet – return airfare from floatplane base in Campbell River. Arrive at Campbell River floatplane base by 09:00 hrs. Car can be parked at the base Max 17 kg luggage and small carry-on allowed.
  Return to Campbell River by 11:00 hrs.
  - Welcome orientation briefing
  - Complimentary wine with dinner
  - Scenic boat ride through Glendale Cove
  - All transportation to bearwatching platforms (in Spring, viewing is from boats)
  - Interpretative guide
  - Evening interpretative programme
• Applicable taxes
• A personalised Canada Roadbook, containing essential travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing maps
  
  NOTE: Meals, attractions, park entrance fees, ferry charges, transfers, car rental and gratuities (Knight Inlet, recommended $20 per person, per day) not included.
  FERRY DETAILS: Ferry crossings for 9 day tour on days 2 and 8 cannot be pre-booked or pre-paid.
  Allow approximately $90 total for car and driver and an additional total of $22 per each extra person.