Exploring Vancouver Island

Day 1 – Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – Victoria – Sooke – Port Renfrew

Depart Victoria this morning for a leisurely drive to Sooke—named for a small stickleback fish once found at the mouth of the Sooke River. At the Sooke Regional Museum, local storytellers bring the area’s rich history to life through engaging exhibits. Then we follow a spectacular wilderness highway—sculpted by forest, river, and coastline—arriving in the wild, coastal community of Port Renfrew. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcoming dinner in this cozy community.

Today’s dinner is included

Day 2 – Thursday, July 23, 2026 – Port Renfrew to Port Alberni

After breakfast, we climb eastward along a winding scenic route with panoramic views of Lake Cowichan’s backcountry. We stop for lunch at the delightful Coombs Country Market, then visit the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre—an eight-acre, world-class rehabilitation facility specializing in raptors and black bears. Next, marvel at the towering ancient Douglas firs at Cathedral Grove, some more than 800 years old. This evening we arrive in Port Alberni, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and streams, for a two-night stay.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included

Day 3 – Friday, July 24, 2026 – Port Alberni – Ucluelet – Pacific Rim – Port Alberni

After breakfast, immerse yourself in west-coast culture as we follow the Pacific Coast Highway to Ucluelet. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at fermentation in action at the Ucluelet Brewing Company, then continue through the dramatic coastal landscapes of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve—central to the sustenance and heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth people—with time to take in the sweeping sands of Long Beach. This afternoon, we return to the Alberni Valley for a relaxed evening at your leisure.

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 4 – Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Port Alberni to Campbell River

After breakfast, we visit McLean Mill, the only commercial steam-operated sawmill in Canada. Then it’s on to the Industrial Heritage Centre, where dedicated volunteers restore and operate an impressive collection of historic vehicles, machinery, and equipment. Board a locomotive for a scenic ride along the waterfront on historic rails. Later, we stop at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for a chairlift ride to the summit, where sweeping views of the Salish Sea and Strathcona Park await. We then continue to Campbell River, Vancouver Island’s third-largest city.

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 5 – Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Campbell River to Port Hardy

This morning we journey north along a tree-lined highway into Vancouver Island’s rugged northern wilderness. In Port McNeill, we board a boat and cruise the Goletas Channel toward Cape Sutil—the northernmost point of the island (weather permitting). This is a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with opportunities for wildlife viewing including humpback whales, orcas, and seabirds. Our tour concludes in Port Hardy, where we check in to a charming First Nations hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included

Day 6 – Monday, July 27, 2026 – Port Hardy – Port McNeill – Alert Bay – Telegraph Cove – Port Hardy

We make an early start to catch the ferry from Port McNeill to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. One of the oldest communities on northern Vancouver Island, it’s a remarkable Indigenous cultural destination, where heritage buildings and waterfront village homes still echo early pioneer days. Alert Bay is internationally renowned as a centre for First Nations culture and is home to the world’s tallest totem pole and the U'mista Cultural Centre. We return to Port McNeill for lunch and see the world’s largest burl, estimated at 72 tonnes and 45 feet in circumference. A short drive brings us to Telegraph Cove, nestled on Johnstone Strait, famous for its preserved, brightly painted stilt buildings and beautiful ocean views. Meet an award-winning wood carver at a local gallery and see how raw wood is transformed—one story at a time. Return to our Indigenous hotel in Port Hardy for a free evening.

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included

Day 7 – Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – Port Hardy to Qualicum Beach

We leave Port Hardy and travel south to Fanny Bay, famed for its delicious oysters. Enjoy lunch at a welcoming local restaurant in this small east-coast hamlet, then take time to browse artisan goods and coastal treasures at the Salish Sea Market. Later, we continue on to Qualicum Beach, where we settle in for the night at beachfront accommodations.

Today’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included

Day 8 – Wednesday, July 29, 2026 – Qualicum Beach – Chemainus – Victoria

This morning we head south to a small town with a big personality: Chemainus. Artists have transformed its buildings with heritage murals, creating what’s often called the world’s largest outdoor gallery. Enjoy lunch at the Chemainus Theatre, followed by a matinee performance—an ideal finale to your Island adventure. On our way home, we’ll raise a toast in the beautiful Cowichan Valley—cheers, and welcome back!

Today’s breakfast and lunch are included