Day One: Vancouver to Victoria

Depart Vancouver for a 40 minute drive through agricultural country south of Vancouver to catch the British Columbia Ferry service to Vancouver Island. Priority boarding whisks us on board ship for a truly breathtaking 1 1/2 hour cruise through the Gulf Islands that stand between the mainland and Vancouver island.

Arriving on Vancouver Island , Butchart Gardens,

Depart Gardens Mid afternoon for the 30 minute drive to Victoria. City tour, check into hotel, Evening free time in Victoria, Overnight in Victoria.

Total Distance: 65.0 Kms (40.4 Mi )

Estimated Total Time: 3 hours, 2 minutes including cruise time.

Day Two: Victoria to Tofino/Ucluelet:

Chemainus:

From just five murals and lots of spirit in the summer of 1982, Chemainus has struggled, grown and succeeded in literally putting itself on the map. In 1983, it won the prestigious New York Downtown Revitalization Award for redevelopment of the town core. It has since gained world wide acclaim for the integrity and superb artistry of its huge depiction of the town's history, earning the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award (the Americas) in 1994.

Thirty-six larger-than-life historic paintings in this open air gallery and many statues now greet the gaze of hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Chemainus thrives as a result, but it remains a small town, with just over 4,500 residents. These welcoming people still dish out island hospitality, along with ice cream and afternoon tea and scones just as they always have.

The Quw'utsun Cultural Centre brings the heritage of the Cowichan people to life through live demonstrations, hands-on activities and a moving multi-media presentation of their oral history. There are 2.4 ha ( 6 ac) of landscaped grounds and a number of traditional buildings to stroll through and enjoy - don't pass up this unique chance to lunch on freshly barbequed wild salmon on the banks of the historic Cowichan River.

Lunch: Native Dance and Salmon BBQ
Experience the sights and sounds of traditional dance and food along the Cowichan River. The Cowichan Tzinquaw Dancers will perform on the river bank the traditional songs and dances passed down from many generations. The Barbeque features fresh salmon cooked on cedar stakes over an open fire in traditional native style. Every table receives their food on a cedar plank by servers in traditional native regalia. Guests favor our freshly baked native scow bread and blackberry pie.

Distance: 314 km or 195 mi

Approximate Time: 4 hrs, 8 min

Day Three: Tofino to Port Alberni

Morning Whale Watching on the west Coast

Most often viewed are the Pacific Gray Whales. the migration starts to show up along the coast of Vancouver Island in early February and continues through late April. From April on through November, we have our 'Resident' Gray whales feeding in Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound. Humpback whales are seen throughout our season, with the heaviest sightings in February, June, July, August and September. We see Orca whales (Killer whales) as well. There are 12 pods of 'Transient' Orcas that we see about once every two to three weeks throughout the year.

Afternoon: Guided walk on Long Beach

Late afternoon departure for Port Alberni

Overnight in Port Alberni

Distance: 122 km or 76 mi

Approximate Time: 1 hrs, 33 min

Over night in Port Alberni

Day Four: Port Alberni to Vancouver

Morning Departure Port Alberni:

The Bastion

The Bastion is the oldest freestanding Hudson's Bay Company fort in North America. A curious, octagonal building of three floors, it was constructed in 1852 without the use of nails, using 20-cm (8-in) squared cedar timbers that were notched and then fitted together with dowels. This French-Canadian construction method was called "poteau sur sole" ("post on sill"). The third floor, considerably larger than the first and second, was originally intended as a refuge for Hudson's Bay Company employees and their families in the event of an attack by the "natives" (no such one occurred). The building has since served many functions in the Nanaimo community, including jailhouse, meeting place and, currently, museum.

Cathedral Grove;

Walking through the immense, ancient trees of Cathedral Grove is a singular, awe-inspiring experience. The dense canopy creates a magical, dappled green light, matched by a profound quiet broken only by the occasional birdcall. One giant Douglas-fir on the south side of the highway measures more than 9 m (29.5 ft) in circumference. On the north side, western red cedars dominate the landscape by nearby Cameron Lake. Cathedral Grove is one of the most accessible stands of old-growth Douglas-fir trees on Vancouver Island - and not to be missed.

Coombs Market

The Market with the famous "goats on the roof" is located in Coombs, 37 kms. northwest of Nanaimo. Thousands of people each year travel through Coombs, stopping to visit with the goats.

Late afternoon cruise across the Straight of Georgia and return to Vancouver

Distance: 158 km or 98 mi

Approximate Time: 3 hrs, 33 min

End of Tour