Begin the morning with a guided city tour through Victoria, British Columbia’s coastal capital. Take in Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf and Government Street, tracing the city’s mix of waterfront scenery, heritage architecture and lively neighbourhoods.
The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. You might stroll the Inner Harbour, browse Government Street or spend time at the Royal BC Museum, with plenty of cafes and waterfront paths close by when you’re ready to slow the pace. You also have the option to enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel.
Leave Victoria early and follow the Malahat Highway, a scenic route known for views across the Southern Gulf Islands.
Stop at Malahat SkyWalk and follow the 600-metre elevated walkway through the forest to a 10-storey spiral lookout, high above the ocean. From 250 metres above sea level, take in wide views across islands, inlets, fjords, forests and mountains before continuing to Duncan.
After a brief tour of the City of Totems and free time for lunch, travel onward to Tofino, arriving in the evening to check in at your resort.
Spend the day exploring Tofino and the coastal landscapes of Pacific Rim National Park. Long Beach brings you to one of the region’s defining stretches of sand, where open Pacific views, surf and rainforest meet along Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Continue to Ucluelet Aquarium, with admission included, to learn about local marine life and the coastal ecosystems that shape this part of British Columbia. If you wish, join your guide for a walk through the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse area around Ucluelet, where forested paths open onto rugged coastline and wide ocean views.
The evening is at leisure in Tofino, giving you time to wander the town, choose a local dinner spot or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of the coast.
Enjoy a full day to experience Tofino your way, choosing from activities that make the most of its wild west coast setting. You might take a boat cruise to Hot Springs Cove, go kayaking, try surfing, follow one of the area’s rainforest trails or simply slow down on the beach.
The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring Tofino. Consider seeking out Indigenous-led storytelling to learn more about the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, before finding a quiet spot away from town lights for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Check out this morning and travel back towards the east coast of Vancouver Island. Stop at Coombs Market, a local landmark known for its rooftop goats, with time for lunch among its produce stalls, gifts, sandwiches and ice cream.
Continue along Coastal Highway 19A, tracing Vancouver Island’s east coast through seaside communities and forested stretches.
This evening, arrive in Campbell River, set within the territory of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, this coastal city is a gateway to outdoor adventures, from wildlife tours and fishing to hiking, diving and water sports. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.
Spend the morning at leisure in Campbell River, choosing how active you want the day to be. At additional cost, you may arrange local experiences such as kayaking, fishing or whale watching, making the most of the city’s position on Discovery Passage.
For departures between 20 August and 15 October, there may also be the option to join a full-day Grizzly Bear Expedition into the Bute or Toba Valley (at additional cost). Later, return to your hotel and enjoy free time for dinner.
Depart Campbell River this morning and travel to Elk Falls Provincial Park, where forest trails lead to the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge and an elevated viewing platform overlooking the falls.
Continue to Morningstar Farm (Little Qualicum Cheeseworks) in Parksville, a local food hub with self-guided tours, a farmgate store, seasonal cafe, petting farm and walking trails.
Later, stop in Nanaimo for a harbourfront stroll and the chance to try a classic Nanaimo bar before boarding your ferry to Horseshoe Bay, arriving back in downtown Vancouver in the early evening.