Day 1 - Arrive in Tofino
Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, pick-up your rental car and begin your journey to Tofino. You will get there via a 95 minute BC Ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, passing the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches from Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver to Nanaimo's Departure Bay. As you continue your journey to Tofino, you will travel through spectacular old-growth forests; Cathedral Grove is well worth a visit, across the central Island to the Pacific Rim National Park. Today's 6-7 hour journey will end in the small resort community of Tofino, nestled on the most western part of Vancouver Island.
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Tin Wis Resort
Superior: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Ocean view room (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Deluxe Beachfront (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Day 2 - Hot Springs Explorer Tour
Today you will enjoy a Hot Springs Explorer tour. Travel 32 km from Tofino, via Zodiac or cabin cruiser, to the north end of Clayoquot Sound. Highlights on this marine program are planned stops at a sea cave, eagles' nest, and wildlife viewing, including whale watching (primarily Gray whales also Humpback, Killer and Minke whales) and bear watching. From the dock of Hot Springs Cove, take a 2 km walk along a boardwalk trail, through ancient rainforest, which ends at the natural thermal pools (average temperature 42 C) where you can soak in natural hot springs at the ocean's edge. You will have approximately 2 hours at the pools before returning to Tofino. We suggest taking along a picnic lunch to enjoy at the hot springs.
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Tin Wis Resort
Superior: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Ocean view room (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Deluxe Beachfront (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Day 3 - Whale Watching Excursion / Bears of Clayoquot Tour
This morning you will embark on a 3 hour Whale Watching Excursion. Travel along open coast to where whales are active (primarily Gray whales also Humpback, Killer and Minke whales). Program stops introduce rainforest and marine ecosystems of the area, highlight marine wildlife (regularly including seals, sea lions, Bald eagles, Black bear, Harbour porpoise). Also visit a sea lion colony and/or a seabird nesting sanctuary on route to whale watch areas.
In the afternoon join this relaxed 2.5 hour quiet water excursion, traveling through the quiet fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. While bears come out of the rainforest to feed on clams, barnacles & rock crabs at low tide, visitors unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. Additional wildlife sightings frequently include Bald eagles and seals. As you observe wildlife on shore from the comfort and safety of a 24' Zodiac vessel, your knowledgeable guide shares information about Black bears and other inlet wildlife, including seals, eagles, porpoise and heron. This is a favourite program for photographers and bird watchers.
Note: Departures times for bear viewing are dependant on the tides - Therefore, whale watching & bear viewing tours may be reversed.
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Tin Wis Resort
Superior: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Ocean view room (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Deluxe Beachfront (includes continental buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Depart Tofino
The morning may be spent taking a walk on the beach or exploring the village before driving to Nanaimo where you will take a BC Ferry route back to Vancouver.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights accommodation, room tax, & any mandatory service charges
- 4 day full size car rental including unlimited mileage, LDW, GST, personal accident insurance, personal effects coverage, provincial tax, PVRT, additional authorized operator fee
- Hot Springs Explorer Tour via Zodiac or cabin cruiser (6 hours)
- Whale Watching Excursion via Zodiac or cabin cruiser (3 hours)
- Bears of Clayoquot Tour via Zodiac (2.5 hours)
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: refueling service charge, baby seats, toll highway charges, additional driver taxes, and credit card security deposit
- BC Ferry tolls
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)