Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears Self-Drive

Day 1 : Vancouver > Campbell River

Pick up your car in Vancouver and drive to Horseshoe Bay. Sail on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island and head to the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the “Salmon Capital of the World”.

Day 2 : Campbell River > Knight Inlet Lodge

Today you will drive the short distance to the floatplane base for your flight to Knight Inlet Lodge. Enjoy a bear-watching and wildlife-viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area.

Day 3 : Knight Inlet Lodge > Ucluelet

Return to Campbell River by floatplane, collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.

Day 4 : Ucluelet > Tofino > Ucluelet

Today you can personalise your day by choosing one of two cruise excursions. You can search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel on a coastal bear watch cruise, or you can cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife on a whale watching cruise.

Day 5 : Tofino > Victoria

Travel back to the east coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, and if time permits, the Quw’utsun Heritage Village which provides you with an authentic First Nations experience.

Day 6 : Victoria

Today, personalise your experience and choose from one of four captivating excursions: Option 1: Butchart Gardens admission allowing you to explore this National Historic Site of Canada, boasting 22 hectares of captivating gardens on a 52-hectare estate, a centenary celebration of beauty and tranquillity. Option 2: An Eat Like a Canadian food tour exploring a culinary journey through Canadian cuisine, savouring local flavours, uncovering historic dishes, and exploring Victoria’s Inner Harbour—a vibrant gastronomic adventure. Option 3: A whale watch cruise where you will encounter killer whales in their natural habitat on a guided 3.5-hour cruise equipped with hydrophones, offering an intimate Salish Sea experience and a chance to hear these majestic creatures. Option 4: High Tea at the Fairmont Empress where you will Indulge in the tradition of High Tea—a lavish affair of exquisite teas, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones in the elegant setting of this historic Victoria landmark, a delightful immersion into British Columbia’s charm.

Day 7 : Victoria > Vancouver

Leaving Victoria, drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a scenic 90-minute ferry ride to Tsawwassen. Continue to Vancouver International Airport or downtown Vancouver, where you return your rental car and your journey ends.