extraordinary explorations

Vancouver Island Uncovered

Venture off the mainland to search for whales and bears, explore a rainforest, sample ciders and beers, even try an original Nanaimo bar.

Date

September 9 - 17, 2021

Length

9 days

Pricing from Toronto

$5,739 CAD*

Explore Vancouver Island from city to surf, wildlife to wilderness. Begin in elegant Victoria, the island’s largest city and the scenic capital of British Columbia. Enjoy a city tour and extend your pinkie for afternoon tea. Wander lush gardens, enjoy a cider tasting and take to the water in search of whales. Follow Highway 1 and the Malahat, and gaze upon the Southern Gulf Islands. Visit Tofino and picture-perfect coastal communities. Savour lunch in a country market, indulge in a beer tasting and try an original Nanaimo bar. Explore ancient rainforests, wild islands and isolated beaches. Search for bears along the coast, learn about the First Nations and maybe even opt for an unforgettable fishing charter.

CAA Member-exclusive benefits:

$25 CAD Beverage card†
50 CAA Dollars^®^
25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Victoria – Depart Toronto for Victoria. Upon arrival, meet your guide and start with a city tour. Remainder of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner. D

Day 2

Victoria – Enjoy a morning three-hour whale watching tour. Afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. B

Day 3

Victoria – Visit Butchart Gardens. Before returning to Victoria, experience a cider tasting and lunch at Sea Cider Farm. Remainder of the day at leisure. B/T/L

Day 4

Tofino – Travel along the Malahat Highway, stopping at the Kinsol Trestle, Duncan and a lunch stop at Coombs Country Market. Continue to Cathedral Grove and walk around the ancient rainforest. B

Day 5

Tofino – Explore Tofino and the Tofino Botanical Gardens. In the afternoon, a bear-viewing tour by boat, followed by a visit to Tofino Brewing to enjoy a beer tasting. Remainder of the evening at leisure. B/T

Day 6

Campbell River – Head to the east coast of Vancouver Island, stopping in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Arrive in Campbell River. B

Day 7

Campbell River – Depart for Telegraph Cove. Travel to Port McNeill Ferry Terminal and take a ferry to Alert Bay to explore the U’mista Cultural Centre. Optional activity: spend the day at Painter’s Lodge on a 4- or 8-hour fishing charter. B

Day 8

Cowichan Bay – En route to Cowichan Bay, stop at Morningstar Farm in Parksville, Nanaimo and Chemainus for a visit to some of their murals. Farewell dinner tonight. B/D

Day 9

Transfer to the Victoria airport for your return flight to Toronto. B

View Full Itinerary

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B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting

A mesmerizing journey from city to surf.

From civilized afternoon tea to a casual country market lunch, and untamed rainforest walks to picture-perfect coastal town strolls, this itinerary is a stunning mosaic of contrasts.

Package Includes

• Return airfare from Toronto to Victoria

• 3-night stay in first-class accommodations in Victoria

• 2-night stay in moderate-class accommodations in Tofino

• 2-night stay in moderate-class accommodations in Campbell River

• 1-night stay in moderate-class accommodations in Cowichan Bay

• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 tastings and 2 dinners

• Land transportation via first-class motor coach

• Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary

• Local English-speaking guide throughout

• Hotel porterage of 1 suitcase per person

• Pre-paid gratuities to driver and guide

• Destination transfers

• CAA Host (Requires a minimum number of participants)

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