Compare Tofino Coastal Explorer by Great Canadian Trails vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 4 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 868 | $ 1,799 |
| Price Per Day | $ 217 | $ 225 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Camping |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included |
3 Breakfasts |
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Tofino is located on the western shores of Vancouver Island, just north of Long Beach and Pacific Rim National Park. It has been named the best surf town in North America, but is also the perfect base for exploring the riches of Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A perfect add-on to your west coast adventure, this 4-day itinerary offers an idyllic getaway combined with marine exploration by kayak and zodiac. On the water, you may spot whales, sealions, bald eagles, and black bears. During land excursions, enjoy old growth forest, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. No kayaking experience required. |
Get your heart pumping and your bodies moving with this eight-day adventure through some of British Columbia’s most sought-after landscapes. Venture by ferry to Vancouver Island and embark on hikes in East Sooke Provincial Park and the famed Juan de Fuca trail. Camp under the stars, hike up mountains in Squamish and Whistler featuring views of alpine lakes and glacier capped peaks, and see for yourself why the west coast is the best coast. |
Day 1: Arrive Tofino
Make your way to your centrally-located accommodations in beautiful Tofino. Offering beauty and unaffected hospitality, Tofino is a feat of art, culture, and cuisine. A rich community heritage combined with an idyllic setting north of Pacific Rim National Park and on the doorstep of Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve make this the ultimate destination for the nature lover. Whether you spend your day absorbing Aboriginal traditions, daring body and soul to conquer the world-class surf, or engulfing your palate in the vast sea of local flavours, there is truly something for everyone in Tofino.
Day 2: Marine Safari and Hot Springs
A 5 minute walk brings you to the dock house where you meet your guides. An early afternoon departure by zodiac takes you on an exciting marine safari to explore Clayoquot Sound on the way north to Maquinna Provincial Park. Stops can include California and Stellar sea lion haul-outs, bald eagle lookouts, and a scenic nesting island. Frequently includes whale observation and possibly black bear sightings. At the remote north end of the sound, we reach the park entrance which is accessible only by water or air. We enjoy a walk along the rainforest trail to natural sulfur hot springs (about 50C/110F) where we spend the next 1-2 hours enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot mineral pools. The natural pools are a very unique feature - The geothermal hot springs cascade down a waterfall into half a dozen rocky pools. These pools flow from one level to the next, becoming gradually cooler as the fresh spring water is cooled by ocean swells. Afterwards, we return to the zodiac and retrace our path to Tofino as the sun sets on the western horizon.
Day 3: 4 Hour Kayaking Excursion
Back to the dock house this morning. After a short, land-based training session, we take you from Tofino harbour to the quiet waters nearby where rainforest, beaches, and tidal flats surround you. Move through the protected waters and inlets and listen as your knowledgeable guide explains the rainforest ecology and the natural and cultural history of Clayoquot Sound. We stop to explore Meares Island's old growth forest and walk on the 'Big Tree Trail' (approx 40 minutes), known for its giant redcedars. Keep an eye open for eagles and migratory birds on the mudflats at low tide.
Day 4: Departure Day
No services are included today. Check-out is at 11am. We hope to see you again!
Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Day 2 Sooke
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Day 3 Sooke
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Day 4 Sooke/Parksville
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Day 5 Parksville/Squamish
Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.
Day 6 Squamish
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
Day 7 Squamish/Whistler
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.
