Island Wildlife & Adventure

After collecting a rental vehicle and heading to the ferry terminal, the adventure begins by sailing through spectacular scenery en route to Vancouver Island. After disembarking the ferry, continue to the city of Victoria.

Join an easy guided cycling tour around Greater Victoria.This unique tour explores Victoria’s island community, revealing the sights and sounds of James Bay, Oak Bay and Rockland neighbourhoods. Highlights include the mansions, gardens, seashores and distinctive neighbourhoods that make up the diverse artistic background of this port city. With insightful commentary along the way, this tour will show participants what makes Victoria one of the most visited and treasured cities in the world. Hybrid-style or Classic City Cruiser bicycle, helmet and guide are included.

A scenic drive today as you travel through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range to the rugged west coast. Perhaps visit the Raptors Centre in Duncan en route to meet eagles, hawks, owls, falcons and vultures face-to-face.

Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity as you will see as you pass through dense rainforests, steep ravines and windswept beaches.

Launch out of Tofino with the west coast wilderness only a few minutes paddle across the harbour. Explore the quiet inlet waters and ancient coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound. Bird life abounds in this area, and it is a pleasure to unobtrusively observe shoreline activity from the kayaks. At Meares Island, land the kayaks and take time for a short hike into the rainforest. Experience the wonder of giant cedars in the ancient coastal forest. Continue the exploration to the village of Opitsaht, rich in native history of the west coast.

Watch for wildlife as you travel through ancient rainforests back to the east coast of the Island, heading towards the fishing town of Campbell River. 

The self-proclaimed “Salmon Capital of the World”, Campbell River offers some of the best fishing action available anywhere. You are sure to return with fish tales about the whopper you caught or the proverbial “one that got away”.

Travel north, to the tip of the Island, gateway to some of Canada’s best grizzly bear viewing. The Quatse River Salmon Stewardship Centre features fun-filled displays and educational tours within steps of a salmon spawning river and hatchery. 

Get up close and personal with British Columbia’s grizzly bears on an intimate and immersive wildlife watching experience. Reconnect with nature and learn about First Nations culture in an all-in-one experience that combines respectful wildlife viewing with a sustainable tour through the super natural scenery of northern Vancouver Island and coastal mainland BC. Low volume tours take a maximum of ten guests on authentic adventures through the natural habitat of Western Canada’s grizzly bears. Please note that wildlife is not guaranteed, and your guide may alter the itinerary based on wildlife sightings. (B) (L)

From May through October, this region is home to the magnificent Orca. The protected waters provide an ideal location to view and listen to orcas and other marine mammals as they feed, socialize and raise their young. Humpback whales, Dalls porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins are also regularly encountered.

For the adventure seekers, choose to experience one of the coolest attractions on Vancouver Island and discover the mysteries of the underground world at Horne Lake Caves. After an exhilarating cave adventure, we recommend checking out the Grotto Spa at your resort, with 20,000 square feet of spa bliss. Finish your spa experience with an endless tapas dinner, wearing your robe and overlooking the surrounding forest.

Heading back to catch the ferry for the mainland, make sure to sample a famous Nanaimo Bar before leaving the Island.