Whales, Bears & Vancouver Island Road Trip

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Stroll through Victoria’s charming harbor, lively Chinatown and lush Beacon Hill Park by the sea.
  • Cruise across shimmering waters on a Zodiac to spot orca, minke and grey whales.
  • Journey through ancient rainforests to Tofino, pausing at serene lakes and windswept Long Beach.
  • Watch black bears forage along the shore, then explore Tofino’s art galleries and coastal trails.
  • Discover Sonora Island’s wild beauty with guided grizzly viewing, before ending in vibrant Vancouver.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Round trip water taxi transfers between Campbell River and Sonora Resort
  • Ferry crossing (car and passengers): Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay
  • 2 nights premium accommodations in Victoria
  • 2 nights premium accommodations in Tofino
  • 2 nights premium accommodations at Sonora Resort
  • 2 nights premium accommodations in Vancouver
  • 9 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Toyota Corolla or similar)
  • Customized Self-Drive Roadbook (Digital version)
  • Shared Whale Watching by Zodiac (max 50 guests)
  • Shared Bear Watching by boat (max 37 guests)
  • Use of the resort recreational facilities in Sonora Resort
  • Shared Eco-Adventure Tour (max 12 guests)
  • Full board at Sonora Resort starting with dinner on Day 5 and ending with lunch on Day 7

 

Trip Excludes

  • Car Rental Insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Welcome to Victoria

Arrive in Victoria and pick up your rental car. The rest of the day is yours to explore British Columbia's charming capital, known for its colonial heritage, picturesque Inner Harbour, beautiful gardens, vibrant restaurants, and scenic waterfront. Overnight in Victoria.

 

Your Accommodation

Inn At Laurel Point

This hotel boasts a prime setting on a peninsula in Victoria, overlooking the harbour. The hotel is located just a short distance away from the Royal BC Museum and Government Street shopping opportunities. The bus station is situated just a 5 minutes' driving distance away. Guests will find themselves just 28 km away from Victoria International Airport. This wonderful hotel enjoys a stunning architectural design. The guest rooms are eloquently designed, offering a soothing ambience, perfectly conducive to rest and work. The hotel features a range of leisure facilities, ensuring the utmost in rejuvenation and relaxation.

Inn At Laurel Point

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Victoria

Today you embark on a fascinating wildlife viewing adventure aboard a fastmoving Zodiac rigid boat. A certified marine biologist provides insight into the environment and habits of orca, minke and grey whales as well as other marine wildlife. Return to your hotel afterwards and enjoy Victoria’s bars, pubs, brewpubs, and extraordinary range of restaurants. Overnight Victoria

 

Your Accommodation

Inn At Laurel Point

This hotel boasts a prime setting on a peninsula in Victoria, overlooking the harbour. The hotel is located just a short distance away from the Royal BC Museum and Government Street shopping opportunities. The bus station is situated just a 5 minutes' driving distance away. Guests will find themselves just 28 km away from Victoria International Airport. This wonderful hotel enjoys a stunning architectural design. The guest rooms are eloquently designed, offering a soothing ambience, perfectly conducive to rest and work. The hotel features a range of leisure facilities, ensuring the utmost in rejuvenation and relaxation.

Inn At Laurel Point

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Victoria to Ucluelet / Tofino (317 km / 197 miles)

Be sure to have your real or mental camera ready because the scenery about to unfold in front of you is astonishingly beautiful. Your road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory, exemplified by The Pacific Rim National Park, a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity. Overnight Tofino

 

Your Accommodation

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Located on a dramatic headland above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail and the rugged rocky coast of West Vancouver Island. Our stunning Ucluelet resort is minutes from Vancouver Island's amazing beaches, forests, restaurants, and attractions, including Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach, Ucluelet Aquarium, and Barkley Sound. Only 40 km from the village of Tofino. Experiences with these wild shores and dense temperate rainforest, take your spirit to a deeper level.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Ucluelet / Tofino

Today you board a Zodiac boat to take a captivating bear watching excursion and speed along the lush coastline to the bears' feeding grounds. When the tide goes out the bears emerge from the forests and forage along the shores in search of rock crabs, providing the perfect opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline in search of shells and driftwood. Perhaps enrich your experience with a visit to the Himwitsa Art Gallery and marvel at the collection of authentic pieces native to the Tofino area. Overnight Tofino

 

Your Accommodation

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Located on a dramatic headland above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is surrounded by the Wild Pacific Trail and the rugged rocky coast of West Vancouver Island. Our stunning Ucluelet resort is minutes from Vancouver Island's amazing beaches, forests, restaurants, and attractions, including Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach, Ucluelet Aquarium, and Barkley Sound. Only 40 km from the village of Tofino. Experiences with these wild shores and dense temperate rainforest, take your spirit to a deeper level.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Ucluelet / Tofino to Sonora Resort (290 km / 180 miles)

This morning, the spectacular winding road takes you back to the eastern coast of Vancouver Island with. Your route will introduce you to many gems you may wish to stop at for a brief visit at the native rock carvings at Sproat Lake or the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Upon arrival in Campbell River, you board a water taxi for the short boat ride to the stunning Sonora Resort. Settle in for the night at this quintessential west coast resort and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s day of adventure and discovery! Dinner included. Overnight Sonora Resort

 

Your Accommodation

Sonora Resort

Nestled in a Pacific Archipelago, Sonora Resort offers a rare alchemy of virgin wilderness and opulent comfort. Accessible only by sea or air, this is the stage for a breathtaking natural spectacle: eagles perched on towering trees, whales and sea lions surfing the currents. Spend adventurous days fishing, hiking, and observing grizzly bears in their natural habitat. For quieter moments immerse yourself in soothing mineral pools. Here, every room commands a stunning view of snow-capped peaks that seem to plunge into the emerald sea. Fresh local ingredients are prepared by accomplished chefs, paired with world class wines and served before an ocean vista.

Sonora Resort

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Sonora Resort

You have the entire day at this luxurious wilderness resort. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy unlimited hiking, swimming, and tennis throughout their stay. Today you enjoy one of two thrilling nature adventures: Embark on a thrilling 1-hour Eco-Adventure Tour aboard an 8.53m Zodiac boat, accompanied by your knowledgeable wilderness guide. In the evening, sit down to a gourmet dinner, sip a fine wine on a terrace, or mingle with other guests in one of the lounges or games room. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight Sonora Resort

 

Your Accommodation

Sonora Resort

Nestled in a Pacific Archipelago, Sonora Resort offers a rare alchemy of virgin wilderness and opulent comfort. Accessible only by sea or air, this is the stage for a breathtaking natural spectacle: eagles perched on towering trees, whales and sea lions surfing the currents. Spend adventurous days fishing, hiking, and observing grizzly bears in their natural habitat. For quieter moments immerse yourself in soothing mineral pools. Here, every room commands a stunning view of snow-capped peaks that seem to plunge into the emerald sea. Fresh local ingredients are prepared by accomplished chefs, paired with world class wines and served before an ocean vista.

Sonora Resort

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Sonora Resort to Vancouver (290 km / 180 miles)

Today you board the water taxi for your return trip to Campbell River where you continue your drive south along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island. Small seaside towns such as Comox offer delightful spots to stop for some shopping for reminders of your west coast experience. Arriving in Nanaimo, you board a BC Ferries vessel and sail across the Strait of Georgia to arrive in Vancouver where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Explore neighborhoods such as Gastown, Yaletown or Granville Island or dine out at one of Vancouver’s many excellent restaurants. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight Vancouver.

 

Your Accommodation

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center

The hotel features a luxurious 12,000 square foot health club which includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a European-style lap pool, personal trainers, Jacuzzis, saunas, and a hair salon. Or perhaps pamper yourself at the wellness spa, after a long day of sightseeing. The Sheraton Wall Centre offers gracious surroundings, dazzling views, and unsurpassed service in an extraordinary urban oasis.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Vancouver (160 km / 99 miles Land Only)

Today is yours to explore this vibrant cosmopolitan city. Boutique shoppes line Robson Street, offering everything from high fashion to aboriginal artwork. Perhaps pay a visit to Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery and Gift Shop, featuring masks, prints, gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by First Nation artists. Stanley Park is interwoven with paved forested trails and features an enthralling zoo at its centre and the fascinating Klahowya Village. The boardwalks along the seawall provide sweeping views of the water and the rising mountains of the mainland. Discover the charms and sights of this truly magnificent city on the water. Overnight Vancouver.

 

Your Accommodation

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center

The hotel features a luxurious 12,000 square foot health club which includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a European-style lap pool, personal trainers, Jacuzzis, saunas, and a hair salon. Or perhaps pamper yourself at the wellness spa, after a long day of sightseeing. The Sheraton Wall Centre offers gracious surroundings, dazzling views, and unsurpassed service in an extraordinary urban oasis.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center

Pick Up: Victoria Int'l Ap

Drop Off: Vancouver International Airport

 

Vancouver

When it's time, make your way to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your stay and continue discovering the beauty of British Columbia.


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request. Additional terms and conditions apply for car rental - please inquire.