Grizzlies, Whales and Black Bears
SELF-DRIVE TOUR
This tour is perfect for nature lovers. You’ll set out in search of whales, sea lions and other marine life, as well as black and grizzly bears. Stay in some of the most beautiful locations, like Vancouver Island’s Pacific coast and the beautifully remote Knight Inlet and British Columbia’s iconic cities Victoria and Vancouver. Knight Inlet is only accessible by floatplane and is set within stunning forest – it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7-9
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Day 10
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Day 11-12
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Day 13-14
Day 1 : UK - Vancouver - Victoria
Arrive at Vancouver airport, collect your car and take the short drive to the ferry terminal for your crossing to Vancouver Island. Continue to Victoria for your 3 night stay.
Day 2 : Victoria
A beautiful inner harbour nestled beside a city with historic landmarks and architecture, manicured gardens, friendly locals, eclectic neighbourhoods and Pacific Northwest nature at every turn; that’s Victoria. From First Nations history to British colonial and Asian traditions, Victoria is diverse in its culture and it makes for a welcoming atmosphere. A unique blend of old-world charm and new world experiences, Victoria boasts many historic buildings, some of the best museums in Western Canada and is home to some of the country’s most famous flower gardens. Perhaps drive to Butchart Gardens to see the 55 acres of wonderful floral display set in an old quarry.
Day 3 Victoria Whale Watch This morning set out on an exhilarating cruise of 50 to 80 kms in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. This afternoon is free to explore Victoria.
Day 4 : Pacific West Coast (195 miles)
Vancouver Island is an ocean-carved land that is beautifully raw and is home to some of the most stunning wilderness landscapes. See for yourself today as you drive to the Tofino / Ucluelet area where the Pacific coastal scenery is the best on the island and the seas are alive with marine life for a two night stay.
Day 5 : Tofino
Today enjoy a bear viewing cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean.
Day 6 : Campbell River (190 miles)
Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions & sea birds before heading across Vancouver Island to the east coast town of Campbell River. Drive through the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains and the majestic Sutton Pass and be sure to stop at Cathedral Grove to see the 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar. Drive along the coast through Parksville to your overnight stop in the Salmon capital, Campbell River.
Day 7-9 : Knight Inlet Lodge
Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road. A thrilling 30 minute flight (included) brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms.
There are few places in the world where so much magnificent wildlife, scenery and native culture can be experienced from one location. Knight Inlet is such a place; in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, Knight Inlet Lodge offers spectacular scenery and wildlife amidst tree-lined shores and snow-capped mountains. The lodge floats on the ocean, nestled in the only protected cove on the 100-mile-long inlet. The only neighbours are the bears, mountain goats, otters, seals and eagles that all make the inlet their home. During your stay you’ll enjoy a varied programme of viewing activities, so bring your camera - you’ll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tours in search of the grizzly bears.
All meals are included at Knight Inlet along with wine at dinner.
Day 10 : Vancouver (105 miles)
Leave Knight Inlet for the short flight to Campbell River. Collect your car and drive to the ferry terminal for you crossing to Horseshoe Bay on the mainland. From here it’s a short drive to Vancouver and your three night stay. Parking can be difficult so drop your car at the downtown office this afternoon after you’ve checked into your hotel.
Day 11-12 : Vancouver at Leisure
Simply a city like no other, Vancouver effortlessly combines the excitement and energy of a modern city with the invigorating appeal of the great outdoors. From spring’s abundance of cherry blossoms and summer’s sparkling waterfront days, through to the city’s fall cultural festivals and the snowy winter wonderland on the mountain peaks, Vancouver offers its visitors year-round adventures in this laidback urban metropolis right on the edge of a spectacular natural landscape. Explore diverse neighbourhoods, decadent dining, outdoor pursuits and multicultural attractions - in Vancouver, you won’t have to choose between city and nature.
Day 13-14 : Vancouver-UK
Time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before checking out of your hotel and making your way to the airport for your return flight to the UK
