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- Discover Vancouver Island & Farewell Harbour Lodge
Discover Vancouver Island & Farewell Harbour Lodge
From £5,799 pp
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13 nights
Fly Drive
Wildlife-
Economy flights
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Available May - October
Vancouver Island is full of contrasts. From the tidal flats of the east to the wild coastline of the west, buzzing cities to remote communities and mountain peaks to fertile farmlands, there’s a lot to experience. This self-drive holiday takes you to the places you know, like Victoria with its grand buildings and lively downtown, to the places you might not, like Port Renfrew, which faces up to the wild Pacific Ocean. In the midst of this exploration is a 3-night stay at Farewell Harbour Lodge. Here you will experience the beauty of the Broughton Archipelago, whilst enjoying delicious meals and ocean-side suites. During your stay, passionate guides will take you in search of iconic wildlife such as grizzly bear, orca and humpback whales.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 12 days Intermediate car hire with Fully Inclusive insurance
- BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo including vehicle
- 3 nights at Farewell Harbour Lodge
- Full board at Farewell Harbour Lodge starting with lunch on day 1 and ending with lunch on day of departure
- Return water taxi transfers between Alder Bay and Farewell Harbour Lodge
- Wildlife excursions during your stay at Farewell Harbour Lodge including a full day excursion to one of the grizzly bear viewing areas
- BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen including vehicle
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1-2
Vancouver
Arrive at Vancouver International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. You have a free day to explore this enchanting coastal city at your leisure. Take a stroll round Stanley Park, head over to Granville Island to discover a world of food, art and culture or take a shuttle bus over to the North Shore and the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 70 metres over the Capilano River.
Day 3
Campbell River
Pick up you hire car and take the ferry crossing over the Strait of Georgia from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and continue up to Campbell River. Pay a visit to the nearby Elk Falls Provincial Park with its suspension bridge high above the river or back in town take a stroll round the fascinating Maritime Heritage Centre.
Day 4-5
Telegraph Cove
Follow Highway 19 north and marvel at the scenery as you pass through the forested mountain terrain of Northern Vancouver Island. Lake side rest areas provide an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way! You have a free day to explore the surrounding area, perhaps take the ferry over to Alert Bay with its cultural attractions or join a kayak tour from nearby Port McNeil.
Day 6
Farewell Harbour Lodge
Make the short journey to Alder Bay where you will join a scenic water taxi service across the Johnstone Strait to Farewell Harbour Lodge. Upon arrival at Farewell Harbour, you’ll be warmly greeted by the lodge staff, provided with a short orientation and lunch and then settled into your rooms. Afterward, head out onto the water for an afternoon marine mammal viewing excursion in the protected waters of Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound. Be on the lookout for a variety of marine life as Humpback whales, Bigg’s Orcas, Steller sea lions, Pacific White Sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoises and Sea otters all reside in the biologically rich waters of the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park.
Day 7
Farewell Harbour Lodge
After breakfast, meet on the dock for your full-day bear viewing adventure. Visit one of several estuaries where you will view bears either from a zodiac or on foot depending on the tide. Grizzlies forage on sedge, roots and berries in the spring, summer and fall in the broad, braided estuaries. Late summer and fall may also offer opportunities to see Grizzlies fishing for salmon if salmon returns are high enough. That evening after dinner, enjoy an evening presentation on aspects of coastal ecology.
Day 8
Farewell Harbour Lodge
Today you will head out on the water for your choice of a bear ecology tour, a more extensive marine or coastal exploration, sea kayaking or rainforest adventure. Marine excursions can also afford an opportunity to learn about the cultural traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations as you pass ancient villages sites, rock art called pictographs and other evidence of a rich history and vibrant presence in the region.
Day 9
Parksville
Your final morning at the lodge commences with your choice of activity: a short morning sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a marine excursion, rainforest or forest bathing walk, or Indigenous cultural site visit. Afterwards return to the lodge and take the 30-minute water taxi back to Alder Bay where you hire car awaits. Journey south to the relaxed seaside town of Parksville before taking a beachfront stroll at the Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Day 10-11
Port Renfrew
On today’s drive you will pass through the Cowichan Valley which is famous for its wineries, so we recommend popping into a cellar room and picking up a bottle to enjoy in the evening. At Lake Cowichan you can go tubing down the crystal-clear waters of the Cowichan River for a relaxed adventure suitable for all ages. Continue to Port Renfrew, known as The Jewel of the West Coast, where you will spend 2 nights. This gives you a full day to experience the tranquillity and beauty of the area so visit Botanical Beach, with its rich tidal pools and fascinating geological features and Avatar Grove, with its boardwalk meandering through an old growth forest of giant red cedars and Douglas firs.
Day 12-13
Victoria
With the ocean on one side and forested mountains on the other, todays drive down to Victoria will be spectacular. At Jordan River, the Cold Shoulder Café serves up delicious home baked treats that are well worth a stop. The next day you are free to explore Victoria, British Columbia's capital city. Take a stroll round the harbour, which is lined with historic buildings such as the BC Parliament Building, head over to Fisherman’s Wharf for a fresh seafood lunch or take to the air on a scenic floatplane tour.
Day 14
Fly Home
On the way to the BC Ferries terminal at Swartz Bay, pay a visit to the world-famous Butchart Garden. The ferry journey back to the mainland is especially scenic as it weaves through the Southern Gulf Islands. Your Canadian adventure has come to an end. Drop off you hire car at Vancouver International Airport ready for your flight home.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 31st March and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
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Accommodation in British Columbia Offer
Receive up to a 40% discount on hotel stays
Save up to 40% across our extensive hotel range in the province of British Columbia. Offer valid for selected dates and hotels for the 2025/2026 seasons. Call us today for more information.
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Featured wildlife lodge
Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:
