- Skyscrapers and food-trucks: the friendly atmosphere of Vancouver; parks and afternoon tea: the old school charm of Victoria
- Vancouver Island, between the Pacific and the primary forest: recharge your batteries in these pristine landscapes
- A cabin at the edge of the forest, fly over Vancouver by seaplane: personalise your trip
- Charming hotels, on-site Concierge
Contact one of our specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120
VANCOUVER TO TOFINO - THE OTHER WESTERN CANADA
British Columbia is a land of coasts riven with deep fjords where First Nations indigenous people, bears and salmon have lived in harmony for centuries. Today, indigenous culture and British tradition mingle. Vancouver has planted a forest of skyscrapers between the ocean and the mountainsides, between sea and river, and coves and fjords. For those fascinated by Indian culture, the city has a museum of anthropology where totem poles and ornaments tell the legends of the ancient tribes who made communion with nature a way of life. This unspoiled nature can be found off the coast of Vancouver, an hour and a half away by ferry, on Vancouver Island.
ECO-CHIC GLAMPING
Follow the road to Tofino, a fishing port at the end of the world. A taxi boat awaits you to take you further still, sailing on an inland stretch of the Pacific Ocean that is steeped in thick forests. Far from all civilisation, you reach a land of whales and killer whales, Clayoquot Wilderness Camp. This luxury safari camp is a glamping must in Canada. XXL beds, wood flooring, elegant wooden furniture, cosy lounges: a rustic-chic atmosphere on the edge of the great forest. Three days away from the world to greet bears fishing for salmon, watch eagles, admire whales, fly fish for trout... and enjoy the glorious spectacle of the deep red sunsets every night. The spa and gourmet restaurant complete nature's more than generous offering.
Route
International flight to Vancouver
Arrival in Vancouver, private transfer and accommodation at one of the city's finest beachfront hotels. The city, where downhill skiing and water skiing can be enjoyed on the same day, also entices visitors with its cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere. Vancouver is a very environmentally conscious city, and develops cultural and festive activities in former industrial districts. Designer shops open everywhere and a cool atmosphere reigns unceremoniously. Stanley Park puts nature and outdoor activities at the centre of city life.
Things to see and do - The Hotel Vancouver, with its great, chateau-style architecture (1929-1939) - at its foot, the enormous Anglican Christ Church Cathedral in a neo-gothic style. And for fans of contemporary architecture? There's the Vancouver Public Library (Moshe Safdie, 1995). The old, renovated warehouse district along the harbour is a must-see. To the northwest lies Stanley Park's 1,000 acres of cedar and fir trees. To the south, Granville Island. The formerly industrial island has recently evolved into a welcoming neighbourhood. Arrive by water taxi, go shopping, visit an exhibition and, most importantly, fill your shopping bag at the Public Market (food, including a farmer's market, crafts). In short, experience a modern urban life which is both rustic and bohemian.
Included in the itinerary - A tour of the city with a driver guide to discover its secrets.
Vancouver - Victoria
In the morning, pick up your rental car and then take a ferry through the islands of the Strait of Georgia to reach Victoria. With the bronze statue of Queen Victoria standing in the gardens of its Gothic Revival Parliament looking out over 'her' city, its Victorian architecture and double-decker buses, the capital of British Columbia has all the features of a small old-fashioned seaside resort in Sussex. Stay ten minutes from the city centre in Oak Bay, the most British neighbourhood of all, in a beautiful mansion style hotel, ideally located on the waterfront.
Unmissable - Bound by tradition, Victoria lives for teatime. The colonial bar at Fairmont Empress Hotel is a temple where, every afternoon, in the splendid lobby with its tiger skins and fans, one of Britain's finest ceremonies takes place: Afternoon Tea. Proper attire is a must if you are to have a chance of getting one of this venerable institution's tables with sea views, a glorious refuge for the good manners of the Empire, and eating the succulent pastries - fresh berries with Chantilly cream, toasted honey crumpets or homemade scones - served by an army of austere ladies in black dresses and white aprons.
Victoria - Tofino - Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Depart by car on the Pacific Rim road that crosses the island from Port Alberni to Tofino offering spectacular scenery. After the Mackenzie Mountains, you reach the Pacific Rim National Park, with its huge centuries-old forests and wild beaches which are popular with surfers. Continue to Tofino , a former fishing port and a favourite spot for whale, killer whale and bear watching. At the end of the day, transfer by boat taxi to your end of the world: the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, which is isolated from all civilisation. Stay in your luxury tent.
Into the wild
Two days immersed in an absolutely magnificent setting, cut off from the world. Nature awaits, and you can try the most diverse of activities, all of which are included in your itinerary: zodiac boat trips to spot bears, whales and killer whales, fishing, riding, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, multiple hikes with nature guides, not forgetting the spa to end an already exciting day. Your tent, like the most beautiful camps in Africa, is divine. It is the height of 'rustic chic' for nights under the stars lulled by the sounds of the surrounding wildlife and undulating forest.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort - Tofino - Ucluelet
Back to civilisation at the end of the day, but gently, with the choice of Ucluelet, a small fishing village which is less famous than Tofino, where you can relax in peace before returning to the city. Stay at a comfortable and modern studio with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Ucluelet - Vancouver
Road then ferry back to Vancouver. Stay at one of the city's most beautiful hotels: elegant, refined and perfectly located for exploring the city.
Optional - A foodie walk in Vancouver, from food truck to food truck, to meet chefs and artisans who have made a name for themselves in Vancouver: Japanese hot dogs, fish tacos, chocolate biscuits...
Vancouver - international return flight
Return your vehicle and return flight. Overnight. Arrive the next morning.
A la carte
A CABIN ON THE BAY
On the edge of Great Bear Rainforest, the world's largest expanse of rainforest, Nimmo Bay Resort is accessible only by seaplane or helicopter. Fly over the vast expanses of misty conifers, the emerald green ocean and the azure blue glacial lakes to reach one of the nine eco-friendly wooden cabins that open onto a lovely outdoor terrace with stunning views of the bay. A unique stay in the heart of unspoiled wilderness - the perfect place to unwind. Bear and whale watching, guided kayaking, fly fishing lessons, paddle boarding, hiking, sunset cruising and a helicopter flight over the rainforest are on the agenda.
Optional
Vancouver & Victoria from the sky
The best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Vancouver and its island is by seaplane. From Vancouver, you can see the harbour, the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and its totem poles and Horseshoe Bay. From Victoria, you can see the city, harbour, the coast and the Olympic Mountains in the distance as you climb above the waters which are sometimes so clear that you can see whales.
Optional
Panoramic view at FAIRMONT WATERFRONT
In Vancouver, staying the night at Fairmont is a luxury in itself. This glass tower rises above the harbour, Stanley Park and the surrounding North Shore Mountains. We offer the possibility to upgrade your room to 'harbour view' to enjoy this view at any time, from sunrise to sunset. It's a must.
Optional
A Rough Idea of Price
- International flights with a scheduled airline
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharge
- Nine days car rental
- Seven nights in a hotel, including breakfast
- Three nights in a luxury tent with full board and activities (a half-day sea fishing trip, a one-hour spa treatment, a one-day boat wildlife viewing trip, unguided free activities: hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, surfing, archery and climbing)
- Private transfer to the hotel upon arrival at Vancouver Airport
- Trip to Vancouver
- Return ferries to Vancouver Island
- Our local Concierge service
- A host of additional services are included when travelling with us, including Our local Concierge service
Our local concierges
Travel diary app
UK airport lounge
Perfect picks
Modify your itinerary
UK departure assistance
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