Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears

Grizzlies, Orcas & Black Bears

The perfect tour for nature lovers, as you go in search of whales, sea lions and other marine life; black and grizzly bears. Stay in some of the most beautiful locations including remote Knight Inlet and Vancouver Island’s Pacific coastal town of Tofino.

What's Included:

• 9 nights accommodation
• 3 meals whilst at Knight Inlet Lodge(1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)
• 10 days intermediate car hire with GPS and additional driver fee
• BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo & Victoria to Vancouver
• Floatplane transfers to Knight Inlet Lodge
• Grizzly Bear viewing at Knight Inlet Lodge
• Black Bear Viewing in Clayoquot Sound
• Whale Watch Tour in Tofino
• Butchart Gardens Admission
• Whale Watch Tour in Victoria
• Comprehensive document pack

Highlights:

• Watch for Orca and Minke whales in Victoria
• Watch for Grizzly Bears at Knight Inlet Lodge – remote and close to nature
• Look for black bears, whales and sea lions in Tofino

Day 1: London - Vancouver

Arrive at Vancouver Airport, collect your car and drive to your downtown hotel.

Day 2: Vancouver to Campbell River (105 miles + ferry)

Leave Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail to Vancouver Island. Once on the island head north to Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, towards Parksville and your final destination of Campbell River.

Day 3: Campbell River to Knight Inlet Lodge

Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane (included) from Campbell River. A thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera - you’ll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears!

Day 4: Knight Inlet Lodge to Tofino (140 miles)

Early this morning return to the bear viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am. Collect your car and head to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar. Drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid afternoon.

Day 5: Tofino - Whale or Black Bear Cruise

Today enjoy a bear viewing cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean.

Day 6: Tofino - Whale Watch - Victoria (195 miles)

Enjoy a morning whale watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles before travelling back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and south to Victoria. A unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences, Victoria boasts many historic buildings, some of the best museums in Western Canada and is home to some of the country’s most famous flower gardens.

Day 7: Victoria - Whale watching

This morning depart on an exhilarating cruise of 50 to 80 kms in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. This afternoon is free to explore Victoria.

Day 8: Victoria to Vancouver (43 miles + ferry)

Leaving Victoria drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) to see the 55 acres of wonderful floral display. Continue to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (included) to Tsawwassen and on to Vancouver.

Day 9: Vancouver

A free day to explore Vancouver.

Day 10: Vancouver - London

Your tour ends with the check-out from your hotel and the return of your car. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Take the opportunity to spend more time at Knight Inlet Lodge and enjoy more bear viewing opportunities. You can extend your stay at the Lodge by 1 or 2 nights.