Vancouver Island is located off the coast of mainland British Columbia. It is about 460km long and 100km wide and is home to the city of Victoria, which serves as the capital of British Columbia.

On this journey, you will be exploring the northern part of the island and both the Broughton Archipelago, which sits between northern Vancouver Island and the mainland, and the rugged Pacific coastline.

Day 1: Vancouver to Campbell River

Pick up your rental car in Vancouver and make your way to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, enjoying views of West Vancouver’s forested shoreline along the drive. Board a BC Ferries vessel and settle in for the scenic crossing of the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island.

Once in Nanaimo, stretch your legs with a stroll along the waterfront before heading north through relaxed coastal communities and landscapes defined by quiet beaches, lakes, and provincial parks.

Continue to Campbell River, a gateway to marine wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional whale and wildlife watching tour, with the chance to observe orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Day 2: Campbell River to Telegraph Cove

Begin your morning in Campbell River, known as the Salmon Capital of the World due to its location along a major salmon migration route.

A short drive brings you to Elk Falls Provincial Park, where trails wind through old-growth forest to a suspension bridge overlooking a dramatic waterfall.

From here, travel “up-island” on a scenic 2.5-hour drive through small communities with views of the coastal mountains. Your destination is Telegraph Cove, a historic fishing village established in 1912. Many of its original buildings — perched on stilts and linked by a wooden boardwalk — still stand, giving the settlement a distinctive character.

After checking into your lodge, explore the boardwalk, cafés, and local shops, and enjoy dinner overlooking the harbour.

Day 3: Port Hardy

Meet your guides in the morning for a half-day sea kayaking tour along the Johnstone Strait, one of the most productive marine ecosystems on the coast. Keep an eye out for seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and — if conditions allow — orcas and humpback whales. You may upgrade to a full-day kayaking experience or opt instead for a whale-watching tour.

After your time on the water, continue north to Port Hardy, the northernmost town on Vancouver Island. Stop en route at Fort Rupert and Storey’s Beach, known for its views of the coastline and nearby islands. Check into the Kwa’lilas Hotel, owned and operated by the Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Day 4: San Josef Bay & Cape Scott Provincial Park

Set out in the morning on a locally guided excursion to Cape Scott Provincial Park, located on the island’s remote northwestern tip. Covering 115 km of rugged shoreline, the park features sweeping white-sand beaches backed by dense old-growth forest.

A logging road leads you from Port Hardy toward San Josef Bay, where a well-maintained boardwalk trail brings you to the beach. Spend several hours exploring the area’s striking geology — sea stacks, tidal pools, and sea caves shaped by the Pacific.

Your guide will share stories about the local environment and the history of the Danish settler community that briefly attempted to establish itself here in the late 19th century.

Day 5: Port Hardy to Alert Bay

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Port Hardy before driving to Port McNeill to catch the ferry to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes.

On arrival, visit the U’mista Cultural Centre, home to one of the most significant collections of Indigenous masks and cultural treasures on the coast. During July and August, Saturday visitors may also have the opportunity to attend a cultural dance performance in the ’Namgis Traditional Big House.

Check into your family-run B&B and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day 6: Grizzly Wildlife Tour

Today brings a full-day, Indigenous-led grizzly bear and marine wildlife tour into the Broughton Archipelago. Your guides will navigate traditional territories where bears, wolves, whales, and seabirds depend on healthy coastal ecosystems.

The experience offers exceptional wildlife viewing while supporting local communities and providing insight into their cultural and ecological knowledge.

Day 7: Return to Vancouver

Start your morning with a walk in Alert Bay. Then, take the ferry back to Port McNeill and drive south to Campbell River. Depending on timing, you may have a chance to explore the harbour or local shops before continuing to Nanaimo for your return ferry crossing to Vancouver.

Upon arrival, return your rental car — concluding your journey along Vancouver Island’s wild northern coastline.