Grizzlies, Orcas and Black Bears Vancouver Island Road Trip

Day 1 Vancouver to Campbell River | 177 km/110 mi + Ferry 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.

Day 2 Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge and the Grizzly Bears Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is accessible only by air, adding a true sense of adventure to the journey. Depart Campbell River by floatplane for a thrilling 30-minute flight over coastal wilderness, forested islands and remote waterways before arriving at the mouth of the Glendale River. Here, Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms in one of British Columbia’s most remarkable wilderness settings. After arrival, set out on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent the area. Bring your camera — this is a rare opportunity to experience British Columbia’s wild coast up close. Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge. (Lunch and dinner are included today.)

Day 3 Knight Inlet Lodge | Freedom of Choice Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of these wilderness experiences. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included today.) Option 1. Extra Grizzly Bear Viewing Return to the bear viewing areas around Glendale Cove, home to one of the largest concentrations of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Watch for these powerful animals as they move through the estuary, forage along the shoreline and roam through one of Canada’s most impressive coastal wilderness habitats. Option 2. Interpretive Rainforest Walk Travel by boat to the Kwalate Valley, one of the few pristine watersheds remaining in this region. Follow an interpretive trail alongside the beautiful Kwalate River, surrounded by ancient rainforest, moss-covered trees and the quiet atmosphere of Vancouver Island’s remote coastal wilderness. Option 3. Wildlife tracking to make plaster casts of animal prints Head into bear habitat on a slow, guided drive along old forestry roads in search of signs of wildlife. Look for bear trails, day beds, rub trees and animal tracks, and if suitable tracks are found, create a plaster cast as a unique keepsake from your time in the wilderness. Option 4. Walk the Clouds Hike Enjoy a scenic walk along a raised wooden boardwalk leading to a panoramic lookout over Glendale Cove and Knight Inlet. From this elevated viewpoint, take in sweeping wilderness views and an eagle-eye perspective of the surrounding mountains, forest and sheltered coastal waters.

Day 4 Knight Inlet Lodge to Tofino | 225 km/140 mi Early this morning, return to the bear viewing platforms for one final opportunity to photograph the grizzlies before departing Knight Inlet Lodge by floatplane. Arrive back in Campbell River between approximately 10:30am and 11:00am, collect your car and begin the drive southwest toward Tofino on Vancouver Island’s rugged West Coast. En route, stop at Cathedral Grove to walk among towering 800-year-old Douglas fir and cedar trees, then continue to Sproat Lake, known for its historic Mars Water Bombers. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you travel through Sutton Pass and the island’s mountain interior before descending toward Tofino, where rainforest, surf beaches and Pacific Ocean scenery create one of Canada’s most spectacular coastal settings. (Breakfast is included today.)

Day 5 Tofino | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by choosing one of two unforgettable West Coast wildlife experiences. Option 1. Coastal Bear Watch Cruise | Min age 5 yrs 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. Option 2. Whale Watching Cruise | Min age 3 yrs 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 gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seabirds and bald eagles soaring above the shoreline.

Day 6 Tofino/Ucluelet to Victoria | 313 km/195 mi 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.

Day 7 Victoria | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of four Victoria experiences. Option 1. 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. Option 2. 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. Option 3. 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. Option 4. 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.

Day 8 Victoria to Vancouver | 69 km/43 mi + Ferry 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 British Columbia scenery.