Vancouver Island Tour (Explore The Gems of Vancouver Island)



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7 DAY GEMS OF VANCOUVER ISLAND

CODE
GOVI
STARTING FROM
$3,620 USD
PLACES VISITED
Victoria, BC, Nanaimo, Tofino, Campbell River
VANCOUVER ISLAND TOUR
A place where diverse ecosystems meet art and culture, Vancouver Island is simply like no other. Enjoy a taste of 'island life' with us as we discover the beauty and diversity of Vancouver Island.
Start Location: Victoria, BC End Location: Victoria, BC
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Victoria City Tour
  • Butchart Gardens
  • Chemainus Murals
  • Nanaimo Museum
  • Big Tree Tail
  • Wildlife & Bear Watching Tour
  • Cathedral Grove (MacMillan Provincial Park)
  • Whale Watching Tour
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria, BC

Victoria, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island is the gateway to Vancouver Island’s rugged coastlines, quaint towns, and vast, untouched wilderness.First settled in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England, Victoria was once the capital city of British North America and is now the capital city of the province of British Columbia. This old British city has transitioned into a beautiful modern city, young at heart and home to a thriving foodie and art culture. In the evening we meet for a group dinner at a Seafood restaurant.** Meet your Tour leader in the hotel lobby by 4 PM for meet & greet and for welcome dinner **
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Victoria, BC

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria and uncover the history of this old British city while showcasing its transition to the modern city it is today. We explore Oak Bay, the harbourfront, Beacon Hill, and Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America. We conclude our tour with time to enjoy the incomparable beauty of Butchart Gardens. At one time this was the site of a large limestone quarry. As the limestone deposits became exhausted, Jennie Butchart began transitioning her husband Robert Butchart’s empty quarry into the spectacular gardens we experience today. Showcasing an extensive and diverse variety of plants and flowers throughout the many areas of the gardens, visitors today are left in awe. We have lunch (on your own) before we head to our next destination. Next, we make our way to Westholme Tea Company, which is the first and only commercial organic tea grower in Canada. We will experience a private tea tasting of both iced and hot teas, taste a selection of local and handcrafted organic goods followed by time to shop and enjoy the outdoor flower garden. We take a short drive north to the town of Chemainus, now known for its thriving arts community, the town was once on the verge of economic collapse. As a way to save the town and rejuvenate it, a series of murals were created to showcase the history of the town which are now featured throughout the town. Our tour leader will take you on a tour of these murals that were created during the recession in 1981 in order to prevent the once-logging town from being a ghost town. It is considered the world’s leading community-driven art tourist experience. The Chemainus Festival of Mural Society restored, maintained, and introduced murals that were appropriate. There are 55 murals and 9 sculptures to visit while in this town.This evening is at leisure as we arrive in Nanaimo, a bustling coastal city and haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Indulge in an authentic local delicacy, the Nanaimo Bar; a chocolate and custard-filled sweet treat that is sure to leave you wanting more.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Victoria to Nanaimo, BC

This morning we will visit the Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Next, you will have the chance to walk the harbourfront and explore with some free time. Next, we will depart Nanaimo and make a few stops on our way to Tofino. Morningstar farm was established in 2001 and is home to Little Qualicum Cheeseworks, the farm aims to provide Canadians with Swiss-styled artisan. Our tour leader will take you on a guided tour around the farm where you will visit the gals in the dairy barn, learn about their milking robot, and meet the calves, sheep goats among other farm animals. Once the tour leader has finished the tour, you will have some free time to look around the farm and visit the Farmgate store where you can purchase the products made on the farm. For lunch (on your own), we will stop at the famous Old Country Market. The Old Country Market started as a roadside stand providing fresh produce to travelers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved and grown into a landmark with gifts, groceries, great food, and goats… on the roof! After lunch, we will arrive at Tofino and check into our hotel. Tonight, we will enjoy a group dinner.
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Nanaimo - Tofino, BC

This morning, we will experience a cruise through the calm inlets and pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound in search of Black Bears foraging for food along the stunning shoreline of the rainforest! At low tide, black bears emerge from the rainforest in search of one – crab. You may get to witness these beautiful animals effortlessly toss large rocks aside as they sniff out their meal. In addition to bears, we often enjoy views of bald eagles, seals, & porpoises throughout our journey. Then, we will visit Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, a renowned Canadian First Nations artist who began his career as a printmaker. People from all over the world travel to witness his creations, from the Limited Edition Prints to his Original Paintings and the building he built himself with close friends and family. After the gallery, you will have some free time to visit the First Nations gift shop and take some photos on the viewing deck, you might even see a whale!
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Tofino - Nanaimo, BC

TThis morning we will enjoy a stop at Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Park is one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Some of these trees are over 800 years old. You will have the opportunity to stroll at leisure through these old-growth fir trees on a network of trails, predominately shaded by their towering nature. We continue to Campbell River where we will check into our hotel and enjoy a group meal before an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Campbell River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Nanaimo - Victoria, BC

This morning we board a zodiac boat and travel into the Discovery Passage and the surrounding islands on a Whale Watching Tour. With an abundance of wildlife in the area, you are likely to encounter Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Bears, Steller Sea Lions, and so much more as we learn about the intriguing history of the Discovery Passage.We visit the Museum at Campbell River today. A modern museum recognized as one of the best in Canada, it shows the impressive history of the region with interactive exhibits focused on Aboriginal Culture, Pioneer life, and the logging and fishing industries that have richly impacted the lives of people in Campbell River.Tonight, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together.
Overnight: Campbell River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Depart Victoria, BC

Our incredible journey through Vancouver Island concludes this morning as we bid farewell to the island and our fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
AVAILABLE
Fri, 06 Sep 2024
Thu, 12 Sep 2024
$3,620 USD
$970 USD
$500 USD
(does not include 5% tax)

Note: Our tours are planned one year in advance and occasionally the itinerary may need to be adjusted, or schedule changes may occur. Tour management reserves the right to make any adjustments in plans, which may be necessitated due to circumstances beyond our control. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers.

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?

Anderson Vacations
Other Companies

Small Group Tours

Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.

Experienced Tour Leaders

Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.

(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)

Canadian Travel Experts

With at least 30 years of experience.

Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate

From past guests.

Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.

Without the distractions of tipping.

Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.

(Not as add-ons.)

Sustainability

Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.

 


WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Professional Tour Leader
  • 6 nights of accommodation (3-4 star)
  • Transportation on deluxe motorcoach
  • 10 meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners
EXCLUSIONS
  • 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
  • Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
  • Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
  • Meals not listed
  • Attractions not listed
  • Credit card payment fees, where applicable
  • Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Items of a personal nature

 


Why Take An Anderson Tour?

Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't

ACTA
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ask A Question
Tour Questions

What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

What are Guaranteed Departures?

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

What is the average age of passengers for this tour?

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

How much luggage should I bring?

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

Are gratuities included in the tour cost?

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.

TOURS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Ready? Have More Questions? Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
CLASSIC TOURS

The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years, these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions. Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.

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TOURS OF DISTINCTION

These tours are defined by their incomparably unique itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns, lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.

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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

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INDEPENDENT TRIPS

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Click Icon to Read More.