Bears & Whales British Columbia Tour

On your bears and whales of British Columbia holiday, you will have the opportunity to whale watch with experienced naturalist guides, search for black and grizzly bears in their natural surroundings and walk the Pacific Rim National Park amid rainforest islands and seas rich with wildlife.

This fantastic tour applies to selected departure dates between September - October.

Suitable for age 16+ and considered activity level leisurely, no experience required. Meals not included.

At a glance...

9 nights, 10 days

Flights from London
All accommodation - 8 nights comfortable hotels, 1-night standard
Transport and listed activities - minibus, ferry and Zodiac
Tour leader throughout in a group normally between 5 - 12

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver

After landing, you will be met and transferred to the first hotel in Vancouver, before meeting your guide and fellow travellers in the evening.

Day 2 Vancouver - Vancouver Island

You will have an orientation tour in the morning with time to take in the sights of Gastown and Granville Island. In the afternoon transfer to the port to board a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1.5-hour journey across the Strait of Georgia. Spend time exploring this gateway city before heading to the hotel for the night.

Day 3 Ucluelet or Tofino

After breakfast, you will be driven to Ucluelet or Tofino, where you will stay for 3 nights. On the way, you will have an opportunity to stop for a walk at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a thousand years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas-fir trees in the province with many trails to choose from. Total journey time is 3.5 hours.

Day 4 Pacific Rim National Park

Boat Excursion to observe Grey and Humpback whales

The day starts with a walk inside the park, usually taking one of the trails to the beach during low tide, in order to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. In the afternoon (depending on low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier) you will board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who will lead a 2.5 - 3 hour whale observation excursion. The goal, to see Humpback and Grey whales, but it is also common to come across Orcas, seals and sea lions!

Day 5 Tofino Botanical Gardens

Boat Excursion to observe Black bears

Spend the morning at the Tofino Botanical Gardens to obtain a greater understanding of the rainforest environment. Birds such as woodpeckers, songbirds and hummingbirds can be seen in the birdwatching area and sometimes Bald eagles circling overhead. In the afternoon (depending on the low-tide schedule, may take place earlier) you will board Zodiacs for a 2.5-hour expedition to observe Black bear and bald eagle. In Clayoquot Sound, Black bears can be found searching for food on the rocky beaches.

Day 6 Campbell River

Depart Ucluelet for Campbell River on the North Shore of Vancouver Island, known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World'. It has been designated as a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia - following the fish are bears, seals and kingfishers. In the afternoon, take a short walk to Elk Falls Provincial Park to view its impressive waterfalls.

Day 7 Orford River

Boat Excursion to observe Grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River to see the grizzly bears in their natural habitat. The spawning salmon at this time of year will bring the Grizzlies down to feats. A 2-hour journey by boat takes you to the mouth of the river with its spectacular backdrop of mountains. From here you will take a short bus journey inland, where there are 5 viewing platforms to continue watching the bears catching their meal. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, you may also see Black bears, whales, dolphins, porpoise and sea lions.

Day 8 Quadra Island

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island where you will spend the day exploring the islands by foot. There is also an optional 3-hour excursion to try sea kayaking accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guide, suitable for beginners. You could see eagles, herons, sea lions and dolphins!

Day 9 Transfer to Victoria

Approx. 4-hour drive to Victoria, with stops along the way to enjoy the scenery of Vancouver Island for the last time. In the afternoon you will board a ferry across the Strait of Georgia, to the city of Vancouver. You will have some free time to explore Vancouver at your own pace late afternoon.

Day 10 Vancouver

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Note: If you love the look of this tour just ask us for prices, however if would prefer to make a few amendments, please speak with one of our Travel Specialists for a tailored option!

Looking for something slightly different? We are totally flexible and have many other tours at our fingertips!

Call Holiday Warriors today on 03301 74 10 50 or place an enquiry and we can start to plan your incredible wildlife holiday.