Holiday Overview
Vancouver, Bears & Whales fly drive holiday
Visit cosmopolitan Vancouver and explore the wilderness of Knight Inlet Lodge, the rugged coastline of Tofino, and the Pacific Rim National Park on this once in a lifetime road trip.
Start your holiday in Vancouver. The city’s spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restaurants, galleries, museums and nightlife. Take a scenic drive along the world-famous Sea to Sky highway and experience an exhilarating Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride in Whistler.
Board a whale watching cruise in search of orcas, Minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. In the afternoon explore Victoria with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions (such as high tea) and shops full of woollens and china.
And the undoubted highlight of your holiday – Knight Inlet Lodge. The lodge is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. This thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms.
Bring your camera - you’ll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area.
Vancouver, Bears & Whales includes:
- Return flights from the UK
- 14 nights accommodation
- Car Hire for 11 days
- BC Ferries
- Meals whilst at Knight Inlet Lodge
- Whale Watching or Black Bear Viewing in Clayoquot Sound
- Vancouver Hop on Hop off 24 hour pass
- Whale watch tour in Victoria
- Whistler - Peak 2 Peak Gondola (may not be available on some dates. If not running price will be adjusted)
Day 1 - Fly UK to Vancouver
On arrival at Vancouver Airport, transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Day 2 - Vancouver Sightseeing
Use your Hop on Hop off Vancouver 24hour Sighseeing Pass to take in some of the cities best sights. Choose to Hop-Off at any of the 20 plus stops, and Hop-On again to continue the tour. Highlights of the route include English Bay, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, and the Entertainment District. After dinner head to English Bay for the sunset.
Featured accommodation
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Enhance your experience
Sheraton Wall Centre
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 3 - Vancouver to Whistler (75mls)
Depart Vancouver and drive along the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler. This is a beautiful drive with many stop off and viewing points along the way. Be sure to stop off at Shannon Falls. Spend your afternoon at leisure in Whistler, there is so much on offer...if you fancy a dip head to Lost or Alta Lake nearby.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 4 - Discover Whistler
Less than a 10 minute stroll away is the Gondolas, you have a ticket for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola included. The trip itself has the wow factor, just wait till the top for some spectacular views. A trip to the Western Canada is not complete without Whistler, it is popular holiday location for Canadians also. There is so much to see and do - helicopter ride for a birds eye view of the mountain ranges, glaciers and lakes is highly recommended, not to mention the endless hikes and trails on offer.
Featured accommodation
Aava Hotel
Enhance your experience
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Unmissable Experiences
Whistler Experiences
Day 5 - Whistler to Campbell River
Depart Whistler for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1 hr 45 min on BC Ferries (ferry toll included) to Vancouver Island. Upon departing BC Ferries head north through Vancouver Island's second largest city, Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, and Parksville, the beginning of Beach Country and home of the annual International Sandcastle Competition. Your destination today is the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," lying at the heart of neighbouring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight. Surrounded by the backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and the Coastal Mountain range to the east, massive cruise ships pass right by Campbell River's doorstep, and their parade of lights is best viewed from world-famous Discovery Pier as they venture up the Inside Passage for Alaskan destinations
Featured accommodation
Comfort Inn Campbell River
Unmissable Experiences
Campbell River Experiences
Day 6 - Campbell River to Knight Inlet
Today's destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you'll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. A thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera - you'll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area. Overnight at Knight Inlet Lodge (lunch and dinner is included).
Featured accommodation
Knight Inlet Lodge
Day 7 - Knight Inlet Lodge
Today you will enjoy an extra Bear Viewing trip, interpretive hike of Kwalate River Valley and interpretive forest walk in the Glencover area.
Featured accommodation
Knight Inlet Lodge
Day 8 - Knight Inlet to Tofino (140mls)
Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am. Collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En-route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800 year old Douglas Fir and Cedar and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world's two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid afternoon.
Featured accommodation
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach
Enhance your experience
Cox Bay Beach Resort
Wickaninnish Inn
Day 9 - Explore Tofino
Today enjoy a Whale Watch cruise in search of gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles or a Bear Viewing Cruise in search of black bears who head for the closest food source - the ocean!
Featured accommodation
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach
Enhance your experience
Cox Bay Beach Resort
Wickaninnish Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Tofino Experiences
Day 10 - Tofino & Pacific Rim National Park
Today is at your leisure. You may wish to walk along the famed Long Beach, with its midles of pristine sandy beach and pounding surf, or explore the rainforests on a selection of well groomed trails.
Featured accommodation
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach
Enhance your experience
Cox Bay Beach Resort
Wickaninnish Inn
Unmissable Experiences
Tofino Experiences
Day 11 - Tofino to Victoria (195mls)
Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En-route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town, and Duncan the "City of Totems". If time permits visit the Quw'utsun' Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours - admission not included).
Featured accommodation
Oswego Hotel
Enhance your experience
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Day 12 - Whale Watching Cruise & Victoria
This morning depart on an exhilarating round trip cruise through the Haro Straight to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Watch the water for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales and orcas breaching the waves, and learn of their life cycle and migration habits. Pick from a covered boat or a open zodiac boat for this incredible experience at the time of booking. This afternoon is free for you to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions (such as high tea) and shops full of woollens and china.
Featured accommodation
Oswego Hotel
Enhance your experience
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Day 13 - Victoria to Vancouver (43mls + ferry)
Leaving Victoria drive the short and richly scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min Ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Tsawwassen. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver for your overnight stay.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 14 - Vancouver
The day is yours to discover the coastal city of Vancouver. Canada's third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port city with a multi-cultural ambiance. The spectacular setting invites you outdoors; explore the restuarants, shopping, galleries, museums, nightlife, entertainment and more. Why not speak to one of our Canada Experts about pre-booking a tour - a Sunset dinner cruise around Vancouver Harbour is very popular, perhaps even take a trip on the Mail Run floatplane.
Featured accommodation
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
Enhance your experience
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Unmissable Experiences
Vancouver Experiences
Day 15 - Fly Vancouver to UK
Check out of the hotel and make your way to Vancouver Airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Few hotels can rival the elegance, European charm and hospitality of The Sutton Place Hotel. One of Vancouver’s most beautiful boutique hotels, situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The spectacular setting allows guests to experience exceptional service and all the needed amenities within the cosmopolitan ambience of the city set against a majestic backdrop of mountains and sea.
Sheraton Wall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Sheraton Wall Centre is a short walk from business and entertainment neighbourhoods, Robson Street shops and Yaletown restaurants.
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver
The Fairmont Waterfront luxury hotel showcases the best of Vancouver. Conveniently located, the hotel connects by covered walkway to the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, and the Sky train. Situated on scenic Burrard Inlet, it has a central to sightseeing and shopping in Vancouver.
Aava Hotel, Whistler, British Columbia
The Aava is just a snowballs throw from Whistler Village and a few more footsteps to the lifts of Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains. Experience Whistlers’ culinary excellence and vibrant nightlife. Whether for business or fun, the Aava is the perfect hotel to relax in affordable style.
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel, Whistler British Columbia
Summit Lodge is Whistlers quirky award-winning boutique hotel. It is located just steps away from the Olympic Plaza and some of Whistlers top restaurants.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia
Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler's landmark ski-in ski-out hotel and golf resort, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler defines mountain luxury. Naturally spectacular, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort hotel delivers an ideal setting for families, meetings and weddings alike.
Comfort Inn Campbell River
Located on the waterfront in downtown Campbell River, the Comfort Inn & Suites offers unparalleled comfort in distinctive, West Coast style.
Knight Inlet Lodge
Knight Inlet is a 100 km long fjord carved by glaciers in the coastal mountains. This pristine wilderness is the native habitat of the Grizzly Bear. Every spring when the bears come out of hibernation, they can be seen from a boat on the banks of Glendale Cove eating sedge grasses, mussels and barnacles that abound in the cove.
Middle Beach Lodge - at the Beach, Tofino
Spectacularly perched on 40 acres of secluded West Coast oceanfront, Middle Beach Lodge features almost a mile of private beach, rugged headlands, two magnificent lodges, and twenty rustic self-contained cabins. This tranquil, natural domain offers the perfect sanctuary for those seeking a quiet retreat to restore spirits, a getaway to rekindle romance, or a wilderness adventure to strengthen family ties. It is the perfect setting for enjoying the super natural beauty of British Columbia and for getting away from it all.
Cox Bay Beach Resort, Tofino, British Columbia
A stunning beach resort located just off the Pacific Rim Highway and just a 10-minute drive from Tofino, British Columbia. This resort offers stunning views of Cox Bay Beach and access to the beautiful Long Beach Golf Course located within walking distance of the resort.
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
The Wickaninnish Inn offers direct access to Chesterman Beach, and panoramic ocean or beach views from every guest room. The Inn has 75 deluxe guest rooms and suites (with fireplace, soaker tub and individual balcony), and a 720 sq. ft. meeting/banquet room (accommodating up to 60 people). The Pointe Restaurant seats 75 and the full-service Ancient Cedars Spa is a destination spa offering extensive body and esthetic treatments.
Oswego Hotel, Victoria BC
The Oswega is a sophisticated, urban, boutique hotel steps away from the Inner Harbour and downtown Victoria. The hotel’s combination of modern design, incredible service and luxury amenities makes it the perfect place to get a taste of the city’s natural surroundings and urban vibe.
Hotel Chateau Victoria
Discover Victoria at its finest through an authentic local experience in the heart of downtown. With deeply entrenched roots in the local community and a strong sense of environmental responsibility – the Chateau Victoria strives to share all that makes Victoria special to each and every guest.
Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria BC
The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is just 2 blocks from Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour and in the heart of the city’s best shopping, dining and entertainment.
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, Vancouver
Located in the heart of Vancouver, this family-friendly hotel is a favourite for sports fans & theatre goers. The hotel is just two blocks from BC Place Stadium, home of the BC Lions, and just three blocks from Rogers Arena, home of the Vancouver Canucks. The hotel is also close to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver Playhouse, and Orpheum Theatre.
Image & Video Gallery
Campbell river, whale
Campbell river, Bear
Campbell River Fishing Pier
View of Vancouver from Granville Bridge at night
Vancouver
Vancouver Gastown Maple Tree Square
Vancouver Gastown Water Street
Bear Knight Inlet
Cub Knight Inlet
Knight Inlet
Bedroom Knight Inlet
Victoria Orca
Bastion Square Victoria
Whistler Mountain
Tofino
Tofino
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0069 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Holiday Offers
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Whistler
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Holiday Offers
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive
- 13 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Emerald Lake
- Moraine Lake
- Jasper
- Lake Louise
- Clearwater
- Whistler
- Vancouver
Ontario & Quebec
Best of the East Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Algonquin Park
- Ottawa
- Mont Tremblant
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Kingston
Peaks & Grapes Fly Drive
- 12 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Jasper
- Banff
- Kelowna
Canada Family Holidays MCT
Vancouver, Bears & Whales
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Campbell River
- Knight Inlet
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Vancouver Island & the Grizzlies Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Desolation Sound
- Whistler
Yukon & Alaska
The Grand Prospector Fly Drive Holiday
- 17 Nights
- Whitehorse
- Haines
- Haines Junction
- Valdez
- Anchorage
- Talkeenta
- Denali National Park
- Fairbanks
- Tok
- Dawson City
The Charms of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Delights Self Drive
- 7 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Liscombe Mills
July Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria