Vancouver Island: bears, whales & rainforest

After a leisurely start, you join a street food tour to discover why Vancouver has become a foodie hotspot in Canada. You'll visit several highly renowned, locally owned restaurants and taste a variety of deliciously eclectic food, with or without alcohol pairings. Along the way, your guide will tell you all about the stories and history of Gastown, one of the oldest parts of the city. This afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own. Don't miss seeing Stanley Park with its totem poles, Chinatown, False Creek, and the market and independent shops on Granville Island.

Today you'll make your way to Vancouver's waterfront to board your seaplane for the scenic 35-minute flight to Victoria's Inner Harbour. Once you have lift-off from Burrard Inlet, you'll enjoy views of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park, as well as a bird's-eye view of the Coast Mountains. En route, you'll fly over the small and wooded Gulf Islands, enjoying the coastal scenery. Upon arrival in Victoria's central Inner Harbour, you have the rest of the day to explore the 'garden city' independently.

This morning, join a three-hour guided group whale watching trip. Leading the field in environmental responsibility, this award-winning trip is guided by passionate, knowledgeable experts. Keep a sharp lookout for the resident orcas and other marine wildlife, as you learn all about this beautiful marine environment. This afternoon, you might like to feast your eyes on the vivid blooms of Butchart Gardens, indulge in afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel or visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, Craigdarroch Castle or the artist Emily Carr's house.

Check out of your hotel and collect your hire car, which includes all necessary insurance and an additional driver. Your journey today is scenic with plenty of places to stop and break up the drive. Departing Victoria, you'll drive through the verdant, tree-lined interior of Vancouver Island. You'll find that the road weaves around the rugged coast, and regular gaps in the treeline offer glimpses of the scenic Gulf Islands. As you head west, you'll traverse the verdant range of mountains that form the backbone of Vancouver Island before arriving in the small, hip town of Tofino, nestled on the edge of the mighty Pacific Ocean.

Included this morning is a guided small-group boat trip for black bear-watching. We have known this locally owned trip provider for many years; they employ excellent, knowledgeable guides to offer the best opportunity to see black bears at close quarters in their natural environment. The rest of the day is free to stroll along the beautiful expansive beaches, watch the surfers, or explore the ancient temperate rainforests protected within the adjacent Pacific Rim National Park.

There’s time this morning to go for a stroll along one of the beautiful driftwood-strewn beaches that Vancouver Island is known for. It’s then time to drive back across the mountains and head north on the scenic road to Campbell River. There are plenty of scenic stops and interesting communities to explore along the way. After checking into your hotel, there’s time to wander along the waterfront, explore the town, or simply relax after your journey.

Today you'll depart Campbell River by float plane, soaring over the coastal mountains blanketed in rainforest into the wilds of British Columbia, to Knight Inlet Lodge. The lodge is situated in the southern reaches of the Great Bear Rainforest and is a haven for bears, whales, marine mammals and birds. A friendly welcome awaits you from the team at this locally-owned lodge. Having been shown to your room, and all lodge introductions complete, there’s time to take part in one of the many activities on offer. All meals and activities are included during your stay.

Wake in the comfort of your beautiful en suite room and admire the spectacular views from your window. Perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee on the dining room patio before tucking into a hearty breakfast. There are so many activities that you can choose to do today — guided bear-viewing trips, searching for humpback whales, visiting the renowned Johnstone Strait to look for orca, enjoying hiking in the temperate rainforests, or you may prefer to simply relax at the lodge and make use of the kayaks and paddleboards.

You may wish to start your day with another chance to view grizzly bears. Your guides know the area intimately and provide excellent viewing possibilities. After lunch, there’s an opportunity to join a two-hour scenic cruise through Knight Inlet. You'll see thundering waterfalls, glaciers that have carved their way through ancient peaks, and rivers full of life. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the region's history and legends. After a full day of activities, return to the lodge and take advantage of the oceanside saunas.

After breakfast, it's time to leave this special spot. Say goodbye to the staff and your fellow guests as you return to Campbell River by boat, then by float plane. Back with your hire car, you might like to spend the rest of the day exploring the town and its surrounding area. The Museum at Campbell River is small but well worth a visit, featuring an excellent collection of First Nations displays. We’d also recommend a hike through Elk Falls Provincial Park just outside of Campbell River.

Leaving behind Campbell River, follow the coast road south alongside Discovery Passage, where you might see large cruise ships making their way to or from Alaska. Watch out for deer grazing along the verges as the road curves around Comox and then Qualicum Beach. When you reach Nanaimo, you'll board the BC Ferries car ferry to the British Columbia mainland. Continue your drive to Vancouver Airport to drop off your hire car and check-in for your onward flight.