The Canadian Wilderness

Day 1 To Vancouver
Fly to Vancouver. You’ll pick up your car at the airport and stay overnight in this exciting harbour city on the bay.

Day 2 Vancouver to Campbell River
This morning you’ll depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hour 45 minutes on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island (the ferry toll is included in your package). Head north through Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo, known as the ‘Harbour City’, and Parksville, the beginning of Beach Country and home of the annual International Sandcastle Competition. Your destination today is the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and more recently as an eco-tourism hub, it’s the gateway to neighbouring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight. With a terrific backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park you’ll also see the rugged coast mountain range of mainland British Columbia in the distance. Cruise ships pass right by Campbell River’s doorstep, and their parade of lights is best viewed from world-famous Discovery Pier as they venture up the Inside Passage bound for Alaskan destinations.

Travel: 105 Miles / 177 Km including ferry

Day 3 Banff to Jasper
Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. A thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera – today is packed with adventure as you embark on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the magnificent grizzly bears that frequent this area. You’ll stay overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge where lunch and dinner is included.

Day 4 Knight Inlet Lodge to Tofino
Early this morning you’ll return to the bear viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am. Collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, we recommend photo stops 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. You’ll then continue your drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around midafternoon.

Travel: 140 Miles / 225 Km

Day 5 Tofino
Another adventure packed day filled with extraordinary wildlife experiences awaits, with viewing opportunities unique to this beautiful part of the world. Choose between a Whale Watch cruise in search of gray and humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles or opt for a Bear Viewing Cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source – the ocean!

Day 6 Tofino to Victoria
Travelling back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island you’ll head south to Victoria. En-route stops can be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town, and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits, visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours – admission not included). You’ll arrive in Victoria this afternoon with some time to look around this pleasant city on the island.

Travel: 195 Miles / 313 Km

Day 7 Victoria
This morning you’ll depart on an exhilarating cruise, covering 50 to 80 kilometres of the waters around Vancouver Island in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. This afternoon you’re free to explore Victoria independently. Enjoy the city’s many attractions including the stunning turn of the century architecture and embrace the British traditions that are prevalent here (such as high tea). There are also plenty of shops to wander that are full of woollen and china goods.

Day 8 Victoria to Vancouver
Leaving Victoria, drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) – fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, before continuing your drive north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal where you’ll take a 90 minute ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue onto downtown Vancouver and check in to your centrally located hotel.

Travel: 43 Miles / 69 Km plus ferry

Day 9 Vancouver
Enjoy a free day in Vancouver, where there is so much to see and do. This modern and cosmopolitan city, located between the ocean and the mountains has a variety of parks, beaches and shopping areas.

Day 10 Depart Vancouver
After a free morning, you’ll drop your hire car at the airport and catch your return flight to the UK.

Day 11 Arrive UK
Morning arrival into the UK.

Tour includes:

Rental cars from small compact automatics to convertible sport cars and minivans
Accommodation as detailed

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”