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Vancouver · British Columbia · Canada
8-Day Premium Vancouver Island Expedition from Victoria to Tofino
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From $3,338.57 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Discover the diverse wonders of British Columbia’s premier island destination on this immersive 8-day expedition. Your journey begins with a breathtaking BC Ferries crossing from Vancouver to the charming provincial capital of Victoria. Over two nights, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre floral masterpiece, and enjoy ample leisure time to explore the city's historic Inner Harbour. As you head toward the rugged West Coast, the drive along the Pacific Rim Highway offers a spectacular prelude to your stay, featuring winding roads framed by ancient rainforests, hidden inlets, and dramatic mountain vistas. The adventure continues with three nights in the legendary surf town of Tofino, where the spirit of the Pacific is felt in every crashing wave and mist-covered beach. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the wild natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, characterized by its lush canopy and vast sandy shores. The final leg of your journey takes you into the heart of Northern Vancouver Island, a region prized for its solitude and raw, untouched landscapes. This secluded paradise rewards travelers with quiet beaches and rare opportunities to witness local wildlife in their natural habitat, offering a profound sense of connection to the Canadian wilderness.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Scenic BC Ferries crossing from Vancouver to Victoria
- Explore Victoria and visit worldfamous Butchart Gardens
- Stay in laidback surf town of Tofino
- Discover wild beaches, rainforest, lakes and inlets
- Drive stunning Pacific Rim Highway coastal route
- Experience rugged Northern Vancouver Island wildlife and solitude
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Vancouver
Boating. Welcome to Canada! Depart downtown Vancouver at 9:15am. Take a scenic ferry through the Gulf Islands.
Continued
Vancouver
Eco Tour at Butchart Gardens. The Gardens Arrive in Vancouver Island and visit the famous Butchart Gardens (admission included).
Continued
Victoria
Wine Tasting. Visit Sea Cider for a tour and enjoy a Cider Tasting.
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Victoria
Check-in at your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria. Evening at leisure to explore the city.
Day 2
Victoria
City/Town Tour at Government Street (Victoria, British Columbia). City Tour Enjoy a Victoria City tour this morning visiting Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf and Government Street. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You can stroll along Government Street or visit the well known Royal BC Museum. You also have the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
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Victoria
Accommodation.
Day 3
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Vancouver Island. Skywalk & Sightseeing Totems Early departure from your hotel and drive along the Malahat Highway where you can enjoy beautiful views over the Southern Gulf Islands. Stop at the Malahat SkyWalk – the newest outdoor experience on Vancouver Island. Embark on a 600 metre-long elevated walkway through an expansive Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest, leading to a 10-story, architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout – the first of its kind in BC. Rising 250 metres above sea level, you will enjoy 360-degree views of islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains in two countries. Stop in Duncan for a brief tour around the City of Totems and free time for lunch.
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Vancouver
Arrive in Tofino in the evening and check into your hotel. Your guide will tell you about all the great onsite amenities and best places for dinner tonight.
Day 4
Vancouver
Eco Tour at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The Island's Wildlife Today explore Tofino and its magnificent beaches including Long Beach and option to join your guide for a hike. Enjoy a visit to the Ucluelet Aquarium (admission included), displaying an amazing variety of local marine life and offering great education on the environment. Join your guide for a walk of the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse area, around Ucluelet, to see the rugged coastline and sweeping ocean views (optional)
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Vancouver
Accommodation.
Day 5
Vancouver
Leisure at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. A day to explore the park Today you have a full day to join an activity such as taking a boat cruise to Hot Springs Cove, kayaking, surfing, hiking through one of the many rainforest trails, or simply relaxing on the beach. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore the town of Tofino.
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Vancouver
Accommodation.
Day 6
Vancouver
Sightseeing at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Check out of your hotel this morning and depart Tofino, traveling back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island. Stop at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park where you can take a walk around the old-growth Douglas Fir rainforest.
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Vancouver
Local Flavor. Market visit Arrive in Coombs Market, famously known for the goat on the rooftop and today’s stop for lunch. Here you can find fresh produce, great sandwiches and the best ice cream on the Island. Continue your drive along Coastal Highway 19A that has you travel through coastal communities and along beautiful landscapes, stopping in Comox for dinner this evening. Arrive in Campbell River and your hotel for the night. Evening at leisure to explore the resort, watch the sunset and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Vancouver
Accommodation.
Day 7
Vancouver
Leisure at Vancouver Island. Exploring the island Morning at leisure with the option to participate in many different activities including kayaking, fishing, and whale watching (Additional Cost). Option to go on a full day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley (available from Aug 18-Oct 15). Arrive back at your hotel and free time for dinner.
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Vancouver
Accommodation.
Day 8
Vancouver
Eco Tour at Elk Falls Provincial Park. Parks & Farms Depart Campbell River in the morning. Visit Elk Falls Provincial Park and explore the extensive network of walking and hiking trails including Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and enjoy a walk on the elevated cantilevered viewing platform that offers an amazing view of Elk Falls. Stop at Morningstar Farm in Parksville. Morningstar Farm is a local food hub featuring self-guided tours, a farmgate store, seasonal “calfé”, a petting farm and trails. Stop in Nanaimo for a stroll along the Harbourfront. Don’t miss trying one of the famous Nanaimo Bars – a treat for everyone loving sweets. Take the 3:55 pm ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay.
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Vancouver
Thank you for visiting! Return to downtown Vancouver at approximately 6:30 pm. We are happy you came and hope to see you again soon!
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Mini-coach transportation Experienced, fun and friendly guide BC Ferries to Vancouver Island Admission to: The Butchart Gardens Malahat SkyWalk Ucluelet Aquarium All taxes and park fees
Not Included
Tips & Gratuity
What to Bring
Light jacket / windbreaker Hiking shoes/ comfortable shoes Beach Towel Bathing Suit Sunscreen Binoculars Water bottle Cash for personal use
Meeting & Pickup
Please meet us at Canada Place, 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4, Canada. Please look for a Discover Canada Tours guide dressed in bright green, happy to help them start their tour!
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 6 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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