This trip brings you the diversity of the Pacific Coast. On the one hand you have the very British city of Victoria and the beauty of its colonial heritage; on the other, the wildness of the Pacific coast at Long Beach and trekking the Juan de Fuca trail. We will go on a whale-watching excursion, take a boat trip to a hot springs on the edge of the ocean, perhaps surf the Pacific waves, hike the coastal trails and an explore the Horne Lake caves.
Meet your fellow adventurers and tour leader at 6 pm at the joining hotel in downtown Vancouver. Be sure to have your insurance documents and passports available for presentation to your tour leader. After your tour briefing, you may want to go out together for dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Overnight at the joining hotel. Read more
Enjoy the incredible scenery of the Gulf Islands as we cross to Vancouver Island, reaching China Beach, the start of the Juan de Fuca Trail trek, about noon. Today’s easy half-day trek to Bear Beach is a good orientation to the trail. Tonight we’ll set up camp and share camp responsibilities, as we also will for the next two nights. Read more
The second day of trekking the Trail is the toughest day, but the ocean scenery is spectacular. We’ll trek about 12 km to Chin Beach, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing evening, perhaps some s’mores around a fire, and tales of our various adventures.
The third day of the trek is somewhat easier than the second, though still rated as “moderate,” taking us another 12 km to Little Kuistsche Creek, away from the coast. Today’s trekking, while flatter, may be muddier than what we have experienced so far.
The final day of the trek is mostly flat, taking us the last 14 km of the trail to Port Renfrew. There we’ll spend some time enjoying Botanical Beach with it its unique geological and botanical tidal pools, and likely meet other adventurers joining us for the rest of the trip exploring Vancouver Island. We’ll spend tonight in the historic, very British, city of Victoria. Read more
Today we have quite a variety of interesting stops as we make our way, first up the coast, then across Vancouver Island to the Pacific coast. Take in the breath-taking views of the Malahat Drive on our way up island. A quick stop in Duncan gives us the opportunity to view some of their famous totem poles, historic symbols of the Coast First Nations, then it’s on to to Chemainus, where we spend some time wandering around this artsy community. After Nanaimo, we turn inland, and shortly we’ll stop at Coombs Country Market, world famous for its goats grazing on the roof. The market itself is an interesting place to wander and shop, and where we’ll likely have our lunch. Two other stops in the area include the North Island Animal Rescue Centre and Little Qualicum Falls. Before getting to the Pacific coast we’ll also stop at Cathedral Grove, the aptly named giant forest preserve. We’ll arrive in the Tofino area late afternoon, where we’ll set up camp for the next three nights. Read more
Today we take an included whale-watching excursion that culminates in Hot Springs Cove. More often than not, you’ll be treated not only to whales but also various other sea life such as harbour seals, porpoises and sea lions. At Hot Springs Cove, you’ll relax in the soothing hot mineral waters as ocean waves surge up to meet you. A true bucket list experience. Read more
Today we have a great variety of activities options associated with the Pacific Coast. Surf the waves of Long Beach, or simply relax on the beach; rent a kayak or canoe; take a guided First Nations canoe experience; hike in the rainforest. Explore the art galleries of Tofino, or simply grab your camera and capture the exquisite scenery of Clayoquot Sound and the Pacific Coast. Read more
After breaking camp, we’ll re-board our minibus for the return trip across the Island, arriving in Parksville around noon. This afternoon we go to the magnificent Horne Lake Caves for an included one-hour exploration. Those who wish, may add on a second hour to explore the caves. Back at Parksville by late afternoon, you’re free to explore this coastal community, perhaps spending your time to relax on Rathtrevor Beach, a completely different beach experience from that of the Pacific Coast. If you haven’t yet indulged in the famous Nanaimo Bar, make sure you treat yourself to that before leaving the Island. Read more
This morning we drive to the ferry terminal in Nanaimo, then cross back over to the British Columbia mainland. We’ll say good-bye on our arrival back in Vancouver, unless, of course, you are continuing on. If so, you’ll have time to catch an afternoon city excursion before meeting your tour leader this evening. If you are ending your trip with West Adventures here, please do not book flights leaving before 4 pm, to ensure you have time to get to the airport. Or if you have a few days before departure, we would be happy to arrange some tours for you to add on to your trip before you have to go home. Read more
We saw so much wildlife, & the fact that local guides were at no extra cost made a big difference to the things we saw. Other people without local guides walk right past things that our guides showed us, also very helpful getting great photos. Our tour guide was fabulous. Accommodations were great!
I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica and am beyond satisfied with the service provided. Everything was super straightforward and we were well looked after from the second we booked our trip. We had really lovely accommodation, reliable transport that ran on time and some delicious meals...
The West Adventures trip to Costa Rica was better than expected. Beautiful country, excellent guides. Excellent, experienced host guide, Becky. We saw almost all the animals. had wonderful adventures, zipline, exciting river cruise through Tortuguero National Park, a day at the hotsprings.
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