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Whales & Bears of British Columbia
Whales & Bears of British Columbia
TS

Highlights: Vancouver - Nanaimo - Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park - Cathedral Grove Provincial Park - Ucluelet - Pacific Rim National Park - Tofino - Elk Falls Provincial Park - Campbell River - Orford River - Quadra Island - Victoria

Other Departures: Manchester - £3549, Birmingham - £3549, Bristol - £3549, Norwich - £3549, Newcastle - £3549, Edinburgh - £3549, Glasgow - £3549

Alternate travel dates: 5 Sept 19 (£3499)

Activities & Excursions:
- Full day observation of Grizzly Bears in their natural surroundings
- Zodiac boat excursion to spot Black Bears in Clayoquot Sound
- Zodiac boat excursion for Orca, Humpback and Gray Whale observation with an experienced naturalist guide
- Discover birdlife at Tofino Botanical Gardens
- Tour of Vancouver including Gastown and Granville Island
- Visit National and provincial parks: Horne Lake Caves, Cathedral Grove, Pacific Rim and Elk Falls
- Scenic walks and hikes

Itinerary:

Day 1: Vancouver
Day one is a joining day and you are free to arrive at any time to explore the city at your own pace. Vancouver is often hailed as Canada's most beautiful city, and this cosmopolitan metropolis is a real contrast to the wild open spaces of British Columbia – but always proves to be a highlight. Please keep an eye out for the welcome notice in the hotel reception indicating the time of the evening meeting.

Accommodation: Hotel included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 2: Vancouver - Nanaimo
This morning you have a guided city tour of Vancouver, with time to take in the sights of Gastown and Granville Island, which has some great viewpoints overlooking the city. In the afternoon, you transfer to the port for the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 90-minute journey across the Strait of Georgia. You'll spend some time visiting this gateway city before settling into your hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 3: Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park - Cathedral Grove Provincial Park - Ucluelet
Explore ancient fossils and crystal formations on an optional visit to Horn Lake Caves Provincial Park, home to more than 1,000 caves. Discover the unique geology and history of the caves whilst exploring this magical underground world. If you prefer to stay above the surface, you could take the Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail, which uncovers some interesting geological features of the area. Next, you'll make your way to Ucluelet for a three night stay on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Stop en route at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island over 1,000 years ago. Walk the trails lined with beautiful giant Douglas Fir trees and fascinating rock formations.

Accommodation: Hotel included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park: CA$27-$80 + CA$9 for helmet

Day 4: Pacific Rim National Park
Nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island Range and the Pacific coastline, Pacific Rim National Park boasts magnificent rocky islands and miles of rugged beaches. You'll be amazed at the amount of wildlife that lives here, such as Black Tail Deer, Black Bears, Bald Eagles and the endangered Leatherback Turtle. In the afternoon, it's time to head out on a three hour whale observation cruise on a Zodiac boat with a specialist guide. Small Zodiac boats are an ideal nonintrusive way to approach wildlife. Humpback and Gray Whales are often seen in the area, but don't be surprised if you see Orcas, seals and sea lions as well.

Accommodation: Hotel included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 5: Tofino
Tofino has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere and is Vancouver Island's most popular outdoor retreat. It's the perfect place for city dwellers to escape to for a spot of hiking or fishing, and is said to be the 'jewel of Canada's West Coast'. Spot songbirds and hummingbirds at the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens and keep your eyes peeled for Bald Eagles which can sometimes be seen soaring above. Board your Zodiac again, this time heading into the sheltered bays of Clayoquot Sound in search of Black Bears, which we will stop to observe from the boat.

Accommodation: Lodge included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 6: Elk Falls Provincial Park - Campbell River
Take a short walk in Elk Falls Provincial Park, which boasts impressive waterfalls and stunning hiking trails, en route to Campbell River where you will stay for three nights at Painters Lodge or April Point, both stunning properties in a secluded setting. Campbell River is known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World'. With a river full of five different species of salmon, it's no surprise that bears as well as kingfishers and eagles frequent this area. Fishing takes precedence here, but there are also some great boutique shops, art galleries and Farmers Markets for you to enjoy.

Accommodation: Lodge included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 7: Orford River
Orford Bay is the original village of the Homalco First Nations People and today is a popular stop to see some of British Columbia's finest wildlife in its natural habitat. You'll take a boat excursion to the Orford River, one of the last pristine watersheds in the Bute Inlet where you'll find the largest concentration of Grizzly Bears in BC. You will visit a viewing platform from which to spot Grizzlies, and on the journey to and from here you may see Black Bears, whales and other marine life too. From August to October, it's not uncommon to spot many bears within a small area, sometimes with cubs in tow, due to the abundance of spawning salmon. Even though the bears are the main attraction here, the surrounding scenery is spectacular so make sure you have your camera ready at all times!

Accommodation: Lodge included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Day 8: Quadra Island
Board the ferry for a quick 10 minute ride to Quadra Island to spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches on foot. Alternatively, you can choose to hit the water for an optional kayaking trip with marine life observation guides. Quadra Island is part of a group of small islands, named the Discovery Islands, which are located along the Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. With stunning beaches and incredible wildlife, there will never be a dull moment however you choose to spend the day.

Accommodation: Lodge included
Meals included: Meals paid locally

Optional Activities:
Sea kayaking at Quadra Island: CA$95

Day 9-10: Victoria - Vancouver
With some sadness, it's now time to leave this beautiful place behind and head to Victoria to board the ferry back to Vancouver. As you cross the Strait of Georgia you'll be rewarded with some superb views of the city skyline. Once you are back on dry land you may want to visit Stanley Park, Vancouver's first and most beloved urban park. Here you'll find miles of walking trails and the famous totem poles just waiting to be discovered. It's great place for you to end this incredible tour.

Accommodation: Hotel included (1 night)
Meals included: Meals paid locally



Offer Includes

  • Flights from London Heathrow with Air Transat
  • Airport taxes
  • 9 nights accommodation as per itinerary
  • Ferry journeys to and from Vancouver Island
  • Ferry to Quadra Island in the Inside Passage for hiking and beaches
  • Services of a professional tour leader and naturalist guides
  • All transportation by private vehicle, ferry or Zodiac boat
  • Activities and excursions as per itinerary

Meal Plans

  • As per Itinerary