Vancouver Island Explorer

Departing from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver, be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. You’ll then drive to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and take a scenic ferry ride to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island, sailing through the Salish Sea and Gulf Islands, with the chance to spot marine wildlife along the way. Upon arrival in Victoria, the capital of BC, enjoy a guided tour of the downtown area, including Mile 0, Ogden Point, the Empress Hotel, and the famous Fan Tan Alley in Historic Chinatown. Afterward, stop at a local brewery for a group beer tasting. Check into your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria and enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Your guide will be available to offer suggestions on the best restaurants, top breweries, shops, and hidden gems to check out.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Victoria, where you can either relax or book optional activities like whale watching or visiting the Royal BC Museum (additional cost). In the afternoon, head to Goldstream Provincial Park for a short hike through old-growth forests and enjoy the beauty of stunning waterfalls. Next, stop in Duncan to explore the City of Totems, home to the largest outdoor collection of First Nations totem poles in the world. Continue to Parksville, where you’ll have free time to explore the nearby beach boardwalks or join your guide for a visit to the Little Mountain Lookout. End the day with a complimentary round of mini-golf at Paradise Fun Park, located across the street from your hotel (open until midnight during the summer).

This morning, depart for the West Coast of the island with a stop at the famous Coombs Market, where you’ll have free time to get breakfast. Don’t forget to look up and spot the resident goats on the roof! Next, stop to visit Little Qualicum Falls before arriving in Ucluelet, where you’ll have the opportunity to hike the Lighthouse Loop on the Wild Pacific Trail with your group. Afterward, check into your accommodations in Ucluelet and enjoy the evening to relax or join your guide for a campfire and marshmallow roast on the beach (weather and fire-ban permitting).

You will depart early this morning for the short drive to Tofino, where you’ll have the entire day to explore this laid-back surfing town at your leisure. Alternatively, you can book one of the available optional activities at an additional cost, such as whale watching, bear watching, surfing, or kayaking. As availability for these activities is limited, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot. You also have the option to join your guide for a walk to Tonquin Beach, which is easily accessible from downtown Tofino, or rent a bike and head to the famous Tacofino food truck for lunch. In the evening, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel back in Ucluelet.

Today, you will travel back to Vancouver, making a stop at Long Beach, the largest and longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Along the way, visit Port Alberni to purchase lunch before continuing to Nanaimo, where you can take a stroll along the Harbourfront and try a famous Nanaimo Bar—a must for anyone with a sweet tooth! Afterward, check in for the ferry and bid farewell to the beautiful Vancouver Island. You will arrive in downtown Vancouver at approximately 9:00 pm, depending on traffic.

The Vancouver Island Explorer Tour takes you to Victoria, British Columbia’s beautiful capital city, and to the picturesque beaches of Parksville, before travelling across to the rugged west coast and the villages of Tofino and Ucluelet.

Free activities range from sightseeing and walks/hikes, to a guided tour of Victoria. And we even include some local craft beer sampling along the BC Ale Trail! You can also choose to partake in the optional activities listed below, at an additional cost.

Note: The below optional activities can be pre-booked at a discount, but if you want to wait, you can easily book and pay through your tour guide during the trip!

On tours operated by West Trek, hotel accommodation is included for all nights of the tour in same-gender rooms, based on quadruple-occupancy with 2 beds. Or, for an additional cost, you can upgrade to having your own bed or even your own room! There are numerous options available.

Please contact us for more information about accommodation on West Trek tours.

Please note that our itineraries are subject to change, and activities may be cancelled without notice due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, traffic, or unforeseen events. If this happens, alternative options may be available, or you may have the opportunity to enjoy more free time to explore on your own!

All tour finish times are approximate. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT book onward travel for the final day of the tour, as traffic or other unforeseen circumstances may cause delays.