Day 1 – Vancouver to 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 Long Beach Lodge - Forest view room (including continental buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Ocean view room (including continental buffet breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Deluxe Beachfront (including continental buffet breakfast)
Day 2 & 3 - Tofino
Today is yours to explore all that the area has to offer. At the resort, you can enjoy strolling along the beach or enjoy a spa treatment. You will also want to visit the town of Tofino. There are many excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes. You can also enjoy browsing in art galleries and gift shops featuring local artisans.
OPTIONAL TOURS:
Hot Springs Explorer Tour (Mar 15 – Oct 15) - 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.
Whale Watching Tour (Mar 1 – Oct 31) - 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, and Harbour porpoise). Also visit a sea lion colony and/or a seabird nesting sanctuary on route to whale watch areas.
Bears of Clayoquot (May 1 – Sep 30) - 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.
Moderate: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Forest view room (including continental buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Ocean view room (including continental buffet breakfast)
Deluxe: Overnight Long Beach Lodge - Deluxe Beachfront (including continental buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Depart Tofino
Depart Long Beach Lodge Resort and travel back to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights accommodation and room tax
- Continental Buffet Breakfast daily
- 4 day full size car rental including unlimited mileage, LDW, GST, personal accident insurance, personal effects coverage, provincial tax, PVRT, additional authorized operator fee
- 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
- Optional activities
- Gratuities
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)