Northern Vancouver Island Explorer

Day 1: Vancouver to Campbell River

Pick up your rental car and head to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal, where you can enjoy stunning views of the West Vancouver shoreline. Board a BC Ferries vessel and relax as you cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. Take a stroll along Nanaimo's waterfront before driving north through the relaxed coastal communities, passing through captivating landscapes of vast beaches, serene lakes, and beautiful provincial parks. In the afternoon, optional whale and wildlife watching tour is available in Campbell River. It offers an chance to see orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Meals: n/a.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn (or similar)

Day 2: Campbell River to Telegraph Cove

Start your day in Campbell River, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. Enjoy a morning hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park, where you can walk through old-growth forests and cross a suspension bridge to view a stunning waterfall. Then, embark on a scenic drive "up-island" (approximately 2.5 hours), passing through small towns with breathtaking views of the coastal mountains. Your next destination is Telegraph Cove, a quaint fishing village established in 1912. Many historic buildings, built on stilts above the water and connected by a boardwalk, still stand. After checking into your lodge, spend the evening exploring the village, visiting the Whale Interpretive Museum, art galleries, and coffee shops. Enjoy dinner on the boardwalk with local specialties and fresh seafood. Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Telegraph Cove Resort (or similar)

Day 3: Kayaking the Johnstone Strait and Alert Bay

In the morning, meet your guides in Telegraph Cove for a brief paddling and safety training session before embarking on a kayaking adventure along the scenic coastline. Spot wildlife such as seals, bald eagles, and possibly orcas and humpback whales. Next, head to Port McNeill and board the ferry to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. This small island is a global centre for Indigenous culture, with highlights including the 1200 person Big House for traditional gatherings, the World's Tallest Totem Pole, and the renowned U'Mista Cultural Centre which holds one of the most complete and important collections of Indigenous masks and artefacts in the world. End the day at your B&B, watching the sunset over the ocean. Meals: n/a.

Accommodation: Alert Bay B&B (or similar)

Days 4: Grizzly Wildlife Tour

Experience an intimate encounter with the grizzly bears of British Columbia on a full-day, immersive wildlife-watching journey in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. This adventure, led by Indigenous guides, provides unparalleled opportunities to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. It also supports local communities and offers insight into their rich history and culture. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation at: Alert Bay B&B

Day 5: Alert Bay to Port Hardy

Start your day with a hike through the old-growth forests and Ecological Park, followed by a visit of U'Mista, which explores the history and culture of BC's Indigenous peoples. You may also enjoy a cultural dance performance and cedar weaving demonstration (optional). Travel to Port Hardy, the northernmost town on Vancouver Island. Stop at the historic village of Fort Rupert, an old Hudson's Bay Company outpost. There are some hikes along Storey's Beach, among forest trails, and the Quatse River Estuary. In the afternoon, there is an optional Float Plane tour available over the Broughton Archipelago in a unique amphibious Grumman Goose aircraft. Upon arrival to Port Hardy, check into the Kwa'Lilas Hotel, owned and operated by the local First Nations. Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Kwa'lilas Hotel (or similar)

Day 6: San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

On a locally-guided tour, you'll set off in the morning towards Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Cape Scott spans 115km of scenic, rugged shoreline, with vast stretches of white sand beaches surrounded by lush old-growth forests. A logging road takes you from Port Hardy across the island to San Josef Bay, where a boardwalk through the dense forest brings you out to the beach. Spend the next few hours exploring the 2km beach and unique geology of the area - including impressive sea stacks, tidal pools, and sea caves. Your guides share stories of the local environment and the history of the area, including attempts by the Danish to settle here in the late 1880s. Meals: Lunch.

Accommodation: Kwa'lilas Hotel (or similar)

Day 7: Return to Vancouver

You may want to start your morning with a brief visit to Port Hardy's waterfront, where you can explore local shops, the history museum, and Carrot Park. Then, begin your journey back to Vancouver. As you travel south, take in the diverse natural beauty of the region. Upon arrival in Vancouver, return your rental car and take a moment to reflect on the picturesque landscapes and memorable experiences of your trip. Meals: N/A.