This thrilling 14-day road trip encompasses some of British Columbia's most memorable highlights. Start in Vancouver to overcome your jet lag with time to explore historic Gastown, cycle around Stanley Park, or taste your way through the edgy food stalls on Granville Island. Take the car ferry over to Victoria on Vancouver Island and spend a few days driving up the island's east coast with a stop in Campbell River for gentle hiking along the beautiful trails. Once in Port Hardy, take an unforgettable seaplane flight over the Great Bear Rainforest to your floating lodge for some of the closest bear sightings imaginable. After a scenic drive to Nanaimo, the ferry will take you back to the mainland where you can drive along Route 66, the Sea to Sky Highway, to Whistler. Here you can round off your adventures with summer activities in the pristine lakes and mountains.
BEARS & WHALES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
HIGHLIGHTS
- A stay in a remote floating lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest, hosted by wildlife experts.
- Seeing Grizzly Bears from your rowing boat on a dawn safari.
- Driving Route 66, the Sea to Sky Highway, from Vancouver to Whistler.
- Glimpsing whales surfacing in unison in the Salish Sea.
- Delving into exhilarating summer activities in Whistler's lakes and mountains.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Vancouver
Land in Vancouver and be privately transferred to your central boutique hotel. Wander around historic Gastown this evening with its array of local breweries, bars and restaurants.
Overnight: The Loden
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Day 2 Exploring Vancouver
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Vancouver to independently explore this stunning waterfront city. Combat jet lag with an early morning cycle ride around Stanley Park with its totem poles and famous aquarium. Head to Granville Island to discover the edgy street art, stalls and cafes, or take the cable car up Grouse Mountain.
Overnight: The Loden
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Day 3 Ferry to Vancouver Island
After picking up your rental car, take the ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Victoria in the south of Vancouver Island. Drive 45 minutes to Oak Bay on the island's southernmost point for two peaceful nights with views of the Salish Sea.
Overnight: The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
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Day 4 Whale Watching in the Salish Sea
This morning, experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald eagles soaring overhead. Cut through the Strait of Juan de Fuca's currents in search of orcas and humpback whales, in the company of marine mammal specialists. Afterwards, perhaps visit the Royal BC Museum or Fisherman's Wharf to see the houseboat community.
Overnight: The Oak Bay Beach Hotel
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Day 5 Drive to Campbell River
After breakfast, set off on your journey up Vancouver Island's east coast. Stop at Butchart Gardens to stretch your legs and discover a colourful array of plants. Continue on for just over three hours to Campbell River. Once checked in, enjoy dinner in the hotel's waterfront restaurant.
Overnight: Painter's Lodge
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Day 6 Hiking in Campbell River
Today is a full day to relax. Elk Falls Provincial Park is on the doorstep with its hiking trails and waterfalls, and keen fishermen will love the fact that Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world. Campbell River and the Quinsam River are teeming with Chinook, Chum, Coho, and Pink salmon during the summer months.
Overnight: Painter's Lodge
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Day 7 Seaplane from Port Hardy to Great Bear Lodge
After a hearty breakfast, set off for the two and a half hour journey to Port Hardy. Here you can leave your car and fly by seaplane to Great Bear Lodge. Once in the air, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the central coast and Queen Charlotte Strait, home of orca, grey, and humpback whales. On arrival you will be welcomed by your hosts before your first wildlife safari, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Great Bear Lodge
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Day 8 Bear Viewing at Great Bear Lodge
After breakfast, head out for a morning on the trail of the grizzly bear. Return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding area with a guide. A popular activity is the interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear signs and the general ecology of the area. Later in the afternoon, venture out again, perhaps by rowing boat. In addition to bears, the Great Bear Rainforest is also home to grey wolves, otters, mink, and bald eagles. After dinner back at the lodge, enjoy a nightcap on the floating deck and stargaze in the endless night sky.
Overnight: Great Bear Lodge
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Day 9 Activities from Great Bear Lodge
After breakfast, head out again as the bears are generally most active in the early morning. Over the course of your stay you will be taken to a variety of sites, depending on the most recent bear activity. This afternoon, take a boat cruise to explore the glacier-carved inlet. Return to the lodge for your final dinner and a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Great Bear Lodge
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Day 10 Return to Port Hardy
This morning, head out to view the grizzly bears for a final time before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, say goodbye to the team at Great Bear Lodge and return to Port Hardy by seaplane. Tonight will be spent in Port Hardy.
Overnight: Kwa'lilas Hotel
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Day 11 Drive to Whistler
Today you will set out on a road trip through some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia. Drive four hours to Nanaimo and board the ferry across the Strait of Georgia to the mainland. From Vancouver it is only a one and a half hour drive up the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Highway, Route 66, to Whistler.
Overnight: Four Seasons Whistler
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Day 12 - 13 Activities in Whistler
Enjoy two full days of outdoor pursuits. Whistler is most famous for its winter sports, but in the summer the lakes come alive with watersports and the mountains provide the perfect setting for hiking and mountain biking.
Overnight: Four Seasons Whistler
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Day 14 Depart
Pack up your suitcases and head back to Vancouver today in time for your flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINES PRICES - Per Person
| High | $ 8,297 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Best time to go is May – October
- Price based on two people sharing a room
INCLUSIONS
- Roundtrip transfers in Vancouver
- Accommodation as detailed
- Non-private whale watching trip
- Car ferry to Victoria and back from Nanaimo
- Car hire - intermediate class with full cover
- Great Bear Lodge - all meals, snacks, drinks with meals, activities from the lodge, seaplane to/from the lodge
EXTRAS
- Flights
- Gratuities
- Activities not mentioned as included
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REASONS TO BOOK
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