Portraits and Wildlife of Western Canada
The wilds of British Columbia are unique in the world, home to creatures that have perfectly adapted to their rugged, yet lush environments. This 13-night itinerary takes you across the province by road, rail and ship to reveal the hidden sanctuaries that offer the best in wildlife viewing and wilderness activities. Beginning in Vancouver, travel up to the picture-perfect village of Whistler along the scenic rail Sea-to-Sky Highway. In Whistler, enjoy a wildlife tour and see how the animals that have adapted to life around a bustling ski resort. Travel over your first system of ferries and highways to arrive at a northern Sunshine coast waterside wilderness resort. Crossing the Strait of Georgia, you experience both the gentle waters of Sonora Resort and after venturing across the heart of the island, the wave-beaten shoreline of the Pacific coastline and Eagle Nook Wilderness & Spa. After several days of kayaking, beach combing, hiking and other resort activities, you carry on to the civility of Victoria and a
thrilling whale watching cruise before your Canadian wilderness adventure draws to a close.
Day 1 & 2 - Arrival in Vancouver/ Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel where you check in and receive your information and travel kit. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks and restaurants of downtown Vancouver. Tomorrow, board a sightseeing trolley as you visit some of the city’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and attractions including Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden as well as admission to the Harbour Centre Tower. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 3 - Vancouver to Whistler
Today you pick up your car and depart Vancouver along the incredible Sea-to-Sky scenic highway. On your journey to Whistler, pass through the small communities such as Squamish that are skiing havens in the winter and are adorned with fields of wildflowers in the summer. Upon arrival at Whistler Village, the pedestrian squares and laneways offer a magnificent view of forested slopes and misty peaks in the distance. The rest of the day is free to explore this idyllic resort town with its many shopping, dining and recreational activities. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 4 - Whistler
Today you embark on a fascinating bear watching tour of the local area. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains support a population of up to 50 black bears that have adapted to feeding, mating, and hibernating amongst ski area habitats. Other wildlife such as Coastal Mountain black-tailed deer, coyote, ruffed grouse, red-tailed hawks, barred and great horned owls, and western hoary marmots are common to the forests surrounding the village. Riding in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle, you are lead through a maze of ski area roads that traverse the area’s diverse forests, meadows, and streams. This interactive experience also features short walks to bear feeding sites, daybeds, rub trees, and old growth trees where bears have hibernated during the winter. Overnight in Whistler.
Day 5 - Whistler to West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted  Boat Resort
Today you depart Whistler and travel towards Vancouver back along the Sea-to-Sky highway before boarding a modern, comfortable ferry at Horseshoe Bay for a trip to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast. The rugged landscape of the coastal region is your companion en route to either the West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted Boat Resort. Overnight at West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted Boat Resort.
Day 6 - West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted  Boat Resort
Today is at leisure to enjoy the amenities of your resort. West Coast Wilderness Lodge is surrounded by trails leading to breathtaking views, perfect for an invigorating day hike. Guests of Painted Boat Resort may enjoy a day by the outdoor pool or on the hiking trails. Perhaps rent a kayak from the nearby marina and spend an afternoon on the water. Overnight at West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted Boat Resort.
Day 7 - West Coast Wilderness Lodge or Painted  Boat Resort to Sonora Resort
Today you depart the resort and drive to the BC Ferries terminal at Earl’s Cove for a short ride to Saltery Bay, then board a second ferry at Powell River. Embark on a scenic passage to land on Vancouver Island at Comox terminal. You take to the road and drive north along the coastline to the adventure hub of Campbell River. After parking your car, you take a short water taxi and arrive on the docks of the beautiful Sonora Resort where an afternoon and evening of serene relaxation await you. Overnight at Sonora Resort. Dinner included.
Day 8 - Sonora Resort
You have the entire day at this luxurious wilderness resort to enjoy the many included facilities as well as optional excursions available at an additional cost. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy unlimited hiking, swimming, and tennis throughout their stay. Other optional activities include heli-tours, golf, whalewatching, nature cruises, spa treatments, salmon fishing trips or guided bearwatching trips by Zodiac. In the evening, sit down to a gourmet dinner, sip a fine wine on a terrace, or mingle with other guests in one of the lounges or games room. Overnight at Sonora Resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 - Sonora Resort to Parksville
After lunch you board the water taxi for your return trip to Campbell River and depart down the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. The coastline is strewn with charming villages and offers breathtaking vistas and nature reserves with abundant wildlife. En route, you may detour to visit the small town of Comox or Qualicum Bay. Overnight in Parksville. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 10 &11 - Parksville to Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort
Departing Parksville, you arrive at Ucluelet where you take a water taxi to Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort & Spa - a perfect retreat featuring exciting activities, comfortable accommodations and exquisite dining. Over the next two days, experience a variety of exciting and unique activities. Complementing the cultural sites and history of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation is the wide variety of wildlife that populates the shore and sea. Several unguided activities are yours to experience such as hiking or beachcombing along the shoreline, or kayaking and paddleboating in the calm waters of Jane Bay. A guided marine wildlife tour is also included as part of your daily activities. After your day of adventure, there are hot tubs and saunas waiting to soothe tired muscles before a satisfying dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients. Overnights at Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort. 2 Breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included.
Day 12 - Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort to Victoria
Take a water taxi back to Ucluelet and drive back to the east coast of Vancouver Island. En route you might want to visit Horne Lake Caves or Cathedral Grove. The coastal road winds through quaint seaside towns and the murals of Chemainus and the quaint Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre in Duncan are well worth the visit. The day winds down in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. This beautiful city has a fascinating maritime heritage and has carefully preserved its colonial charm. Visit the harbour area, the totem poles of Thunderbird Park or the Royal British Columbia Museum. For an unforgettably elegant end to your day, visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel for traditional High Tea. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 13 - Victoria
Today you venture out into the Strait of Georgia in search of whales and other marine wildlife. This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a 14-metre ocean cruiser. Comments by a certified Marine biologist and naturalist are provided. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 14 - Â End of Tour
Today your package comes to an end. If departing from Vancouver International Airport, please allow sufficient time for your return to the mainland by ferry (included) and travel to the airport prior to your flight.
-
Day
Accomodation
Location
1 & 2
Georgian Court Hotel or Residence Inn
Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver
3 & 4
Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or
Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
Whistler
5 & 6
Painted Boat Resort or The West
Coast Wilderness Lodge
Madeira Park / Egmont
7 & 8
Sonora Resort
Campbell River
9
The Beach Club Resort or Tigh-na-
Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Parksville
10 &11
Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort &
Spa
Ucluelet
12 &13
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
& Spa or Chateau Victoria Hotel &
Suites
Victoria
14
End of tour
• Accommodation for 13 nights
• Day 2, Vancouver - Vancouver Trolley Tour (Step-on / Step-off)
• Day 4, Whistler - 3-hour bear watching tour
• Day 11, Ucluelet - 4-hour marine wildlife tour
• Day 13, Victoria - 3-hour whalewatching by covered boat cruise
• Use of Sonora Resort facilities: kayaks, tennis courts, outdoor
swimming pool, exercise equipment, hiking trails, movie theatre
• Use of Eagle Nook Wilderness Resort & Spa facilities: hiking,
beachcombing, kayaking and paddleboating
• Water taxi transfer Campbell River to Sonora Resort and return
• Water taxi transfer between Ucluelet and Eagle Nook Wilderness
Resort and return
• Ferry crossings (underheight car and passenger)
- Day 5, Horseshoe Bay to Langdale (40 minutes)
- Day 7, Earl’s Cove to Saltery Bay and Powell River to Comox (1 hour
20 minutes)
- Day 14, Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen (1 hour and 30 minutes)
• Meals: Full board at Sonora Resort starting with dinner on Day 7 and
ending with lunch on day 9.
• A personalized Jonview Canada Roadbook, containing essential
travel information featuring overview notes of the area of travel, local
sightseeing and attractions, daily itinerary highlights, provincial maps
with city guides, hotel vouchers and customised day-by-day routing
maps
• Provincial Taxes and Federal GST, less tour package rebate
NOT INCLUDED
• Airport transfers
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Car rental, taxes and insurance