Highlights

  • Search for wild bears in beautiful Tofino
  • Stay in a luxury lodge on the beach, complete with indulgent spa and gourmet meals
  • Pair natural wonders with Vancouver's urban delights
  • Enjoy included hot spring visits and whale watching excursions
  • Explore with included car hire

Experience Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, where you’ll bear watch in ancient rainforests and spot humpbacks and orca whales on boat cruises and kayak paddles. It’s all enjoyed during a stay at the picturesque Wickaninnish Inn on the island's rugged Pacific coast. Here, alongside a host of activities, you'll have the chance to indulge with spa treatments and gourmet meals featuring catch-of-the-day seafood and paired with a world-class wine list. Then, over in buzzy Vancouver, you'll explore rainforest trails, verdant parks and eclectic culture while staying in an ultra-contemporary spa hotel.


Day 1

UK to Vancouver

After a complimentary VIP airport lounge access before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. Check in to your hotel on arrival, the ultra-modern Loden, located overlooking Vancouver’s attractive Coal Harbour.

Relax in your elegant room and take advantage of the hotel's luxury spa before exploring Vancouver. Perhaps rent a bike and cycle along the seawall, browse the boutique shops in Kitsilano, or relax in the world-famous Stanley Park. Be sure to sample one of the city’s myriad eateries, from excellent Japanese and Chinese offerings to ultra-fresh, just-caught seafood.

The Loden

Bedroom, The Loden

Vancouver Skyline, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver skyline


Day 2

Vancouver Island's rugged west coast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport for your included flight to Tofino. On arrival join your courtesy transfer to the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino – a region of pristine forests and idyllic bays on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast.

After receiving your wet weather gear, or a backpack and beach blanket if you're visiting during summer, head to the acclaimed onsite restaurant, The Pointe, where the likes of cured salmon tartare, Pacific halibut and Dungeness crab are served to sweeping ocean views. Then, why not enjoy a cocktail or two at the intimate Rocks Bar & Lounge, whose extensive menu includes a fantastic range of northwest wines and B.C single-malt scotches. 

The Wickaninnish Inn

The Wickaninnish Inn


Days 3 – 5

Bear watching & rainforest hikes at The Wickaninnish Inn

The next three days will be spent exploring the surrounding region and all it has to offer. There are sea kayaking trips, for the chance to spot orcas and humpbacks, and guided bear tours through the ancient rainforest. We’ve also included a hot springs and whale watching tour in the serene Clayoquot Sound, where you might spot everything from eagles to black bears.

There's much to enjoy at the inn, too, from the superb dining and coastal views at Driftwood Café to the range of treatments on offer at Ancient Cedars Spa. And, don’t miss the Lookout Library and Henry Nolla’s Carving Shed – if you see the ‘open’ sign, pop in and see what delights the local wood carvers are creating. Other highlights include free cycle hire, a self-guided art tour and a complimentary nature hike through the rainforest to a remote beach.

The Wickaninnish Inn

Black bear, The Wickaninnish Inn

The Wickaninnish Inn

The Pointe restaurant, The Wickaninnish Inn

The Wickaninnish Inn

Ancient Cedars Spa, The Wickaninnish Inn


Day 6

Vancouver's coastal charms

After breakfast, take the hotel shuttle back to the airport and board your short included flight from Tofino to Vancouver. On arrival, check into The Loden again, and take advantage of the delights you missed before – perhaps head to the myriad rainforest trails that surround the city, or cycle along the serene seawall.

Then there's the West End’s impressive public art and sculptures, as well as sugar-white beaches and lighthouse-dotted islets just outside the city centre. 

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, Canada

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver


Days 7 – 8

Depart for home

After breakfast, take your included transfer to Vancouver for your flight back to the UK, arriving on day eight.


About the itinerary

"I put together this itinerary to showcase the best of Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, where you’ll bear watch in ancient rainforests and spot humpback and orca whales breaching by your boat or kayak. The Loden and The Wickaninnish Inn contrast superbly – the ultra-modern Loden is the perfect city-stay, while The Wickaninnish Inn is a true Canadian gem, all pine-clad with unparalleled views and whale watching, bear tours and superlative food."

Andy Austen

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £2,815 pp incl. flights

01 Apr - 31 May / 01 - 31 Oct 2024 from: £2,815 pp
01 Jun - 30 Sep 2024 from: £3,710 pp

Includes

  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • Return flights between UK and Vancouver
  • 2 nts accommodation in Vancouver (1 x pre Tofino and 1 x post)
  • 4 nts accommodation in Tofino at the Wickaninnish Inn
  • Shuttle transfers between Tofino airport and Wickaninnish Inn
  • Whale Watching tour (choice of Zodiac or Covered boat option) 
  • 1/2 day Coastal Bear Watching excursion
  • Return flights between Vancouver and Tofino

Room upgrades available at the Wickaninnish Inn - please enquire for details


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