Bears, Whales & the Wild West Coast Self-Drive (Tour code: 11836)

Depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay, where your journey begins with a scenic BC Ferries crossing to Vancouver Island. Watch the city skyline fade as forested islands, coastal mountains and open waters come into view. Upon arrival, travel north through Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, and Parksville, the gateway to Vancouver Island’s Beach Country and home to the annual International Sandcastle Competition. Continue along the island’s east coast to Campbell River, historically known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Set between Strathcona Provincial Park and the Coast Mountains, Campbell River offers a dramatic coastal setting where cruise ships pass through Discovery Passage on their journey toward Alaska. In the evening, the parade of lights is best viewed from Discovery Pier.

Overnight in Campbell River at Painter's Lodge

This morning, enjoy a scenic floatplane flight to Knight Inlet, a remote fjord and natural habitat of the grizzly bear. After a safety briefing and morning tea, join your guide in search of the many bears that frequent the area. During the spring and summer season viewing is done from small boats that allow you to get close without disturbing the bears. During the fall season, viewing takes place from secure platforms overlooking the Glendale River, where grizzlies gather to feast on salmon. From your elevated vantage point, observe these majestic animals fishing, socializing, and preparing for winter.

There is more time for bear viewing after lunch, plus a cruise that takes in the natural wonders of Knight Inlet – tremendous waterfalls plummeting out of sheer rock faces, ancient glaciers with trails carving through the mountains and wild and remote rivers teeming with life.

Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge 

Each day at the Lodge you will experience one bear viewing tour, along with a choice of excursions for other wildlife viewing, depending on location and availability. Choices may include:

Scenic Cruise of Knight Inlet

Take a spectacular 2-hour scenic cruise through Knight Inlet, enjoying its natural wonders – waterfalls plummeting out of sheer rock faces, ancient glaciers carving through the mountains, and wild rivers teeming with life. 

Interpretive Forest Walks

Take a walk in an ancient, old-growth rainforest in the pristine Kwalate valley, a 20-minute boat ride from the lodge. We will walk up the valley along the beautiful Kwalate River to see giant moss-covered trees and stunning waterfalls, and learn about the rainforest and the various plants and wildlife that abound here.

Sea Kayaking in Glendale Cove

Drifting quietly in your sea kayak, you will see grizzly bears foraging along the shoreline near our lodge. Never kayaked before? No problem. We operate in a sheltered cove in calm water, and our trained guides will coach you in the fundamentals of sea kayaking so that you feel confident to paddle these seaworthy craft. 

Overnight stay at Knight Inlet Lodge

Early this morning, return to the Bear Viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30am - 11.00am. Collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.

Overnight in Ucluelet at ​​Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 

Today, you can personalise your day with a pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Ucluelet at ​​Black Rock Oceanfront Resort 

Freedom of Choice Options

• Coastal Bear Watch Cruise:

  Set out by Zodiac along the sheltered inlets and rocky shoreline of Clayoquot Sound in search of black bears foraging at low tide. From the comfort and safety of the vessel, watch for bears turning over stones in search of rock crab, framed by misty rainforest, tidal flats and the wild beauty of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Coast.

OR

• Whale Watching Cruise:

  Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound, where forested islands, ocean swells and snow-capped mountain backdrops create a remarkable setting for marine wildlife viewing. Depending on the season, you may encounter grey whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds and bald eagles soaring above the shoreline.

Leave the wave-washed beaches and rainforest trails of the West Coast behind as you travel back across Vancouver Island toward Victoria. The journey takes you from rugged Pacific scenery to rolling forests, coastal communities and the island’s gentler southern landscapes. En route, stop in Chemainus, known for its large outdoor murals, and Duncan, the “City of Totems.” If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village for insight into the traditions, stories and artistry of the northwest coast people. Continue south to Victoria, British Columbia’s elegant capital city, set beside the sparkling Inner Harbour.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point 
 

It's time to explore Victoria with a pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point

Freedom of Choice Options

• Butchart Gardens Admission:

  Explore the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most beautiful garden estates in the country. Wander through 22 hectares/55 acres of floral displays, landscaped pathways, sunken gardens and peaceful viewpoints spread across the 53-hectare/130-acre estate.

OR

• Eat like a Canadian Food Tour:

  Discover Victoria through its flavours on a guided culinary walking tour. Sample local ingredients, historic dishes and modern Canadian favourites while exploring the Inner Harbour and nearby neighbourhoods. Along the way, meet the chefs, makers and local food experts who help make Victoria one of Canada’s most enjoyable small-city dining destinations.

OR

• High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel:

  Enjoy the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress, one of Victoria’s most iconic landmarks. Settle into an elegant setting overlooking the Inner Harbour and savour fine tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries and freshly baked scones in a setting that reflects the city’s historic charm.

OR

• Whale Watch Cruise:

  Head out onto the Salish Sea for a thrilling 3.5-hour whale watching cruise from Victoria. Travel aboard a covered or open vessel in search of orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, porpoises and seabirds. Hydrophones may be used to bring the underwater world to life, adding another dimension to this remarkable marine experience.

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for the scenic 90-minute BC Ferries crossing to Tsawwassen. As you sail through the Strait of Georgia, take in views of the Gulf Islands, forested shorelines and distant mountain peaks. From Tsawwassen, continue to downtown Vancouver, where your Flexidrive ends after a journey filled with coastal rainforest, Pacific beaches, island wildlife, garden beauty and classic Brit ish Columbia scenery.