VANCOUVER ISLAND EXPLORER
Overview
Join the ultimate Vancouver Island road trip, from historic cities to rugged coastlines, and everything in between. This tour is packed with scenic ferry rides, thrilling hikes, stunning beaches, and plenty of free time to soak it all in with fellow globetrotters like yourself! Along the way, visit some of BC’s best craft breweries from the BC Ale Trail, where you can kick back with a cold one, and experience the province’s legendary beer scene. This trip is all about adventure, good vibes, and making memories with new travel buddies, ideal for young groups, backpackers, or solo travelers. Discover the iconic spots and hidden gems of Vancouver Island, and try optional activities like kayaking or surfing in Tofino!
Itinerary
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and it is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or road closures.
Vancouver to Victoria
- Depart from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure
- Drive to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, and take a scenic ferry to Swartz Bay in Vancouver Island, sailing through the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands. Be sure to keep an eye out for marine wildlife!
- Arrive in Victoria, the capital of BC, and enjoy a tour of the downtown area, including Mile 0, Ogden Point, Empress Hotel, and the famous Fan Tan Alley in Historic Chinatown
- Stop at a brewery and enjoy a group beer tasting
- Check into your centrally located hotel in downtown Victoria
- Enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Your guide is ready to assist you with suggestions on the best restaurants, top breweries, shops, and hidden gems
Victoria to Parksville
- Enjoy the morning at leisure to sleep in or book optional activities in Victoria, like whale watching or visiting the Royal BC Museum (additional cost)
- This afternoon, visit Goldstream Provincial Park to enjoy a short hike through old-growth forests, and see stunning waterfalls
- Stop in Duncan for a brief tour around the City of Totems, the largest outdoor First Nations Totem Pole collection in the world
- Arrive in the town of Parksville and check into your hotel accommodations
- Have free time to explore the nearby beach boardwalks or join your guide for a visit to the Little Mountain Lookout
- Enjoy a complimentary round of mini-golf at Paradise Fun Park across the street from your hotel (open until midnight all summer)
Parksville to Ucluelet
- This morning, depart for the West Coast of the island with a stop at the famous Coombs Market, where you’ll have free time to get breakfast. Don’t forget to look up to spot the resident goats on the roof!
- Stop to visit Little Qualicum Falls
- Arrive in Ucluelet and have the opportunity to hike the Lighthouse Loop on the Wild Pacific Trail with your group
- Check into your accommodations in Ucluelet
- Enjoy the evening to relax or join your guide for a campfire & marshmallow roast on the beach (weather and fire-ban permitting)
Tofino
- Depart early this morning to make the short drive to Tofino
- Today you will have the full day to explore this laid-back surfing town on your own, or book one of the available optional activities at an additional cost, such as whale watching, bear watching, surfing, or kayaking. Availability for these activities is very limited, we highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot
- Option to join your guide on a walk to Tonquin Beach, easily accessible from downtown Tofino, or rent a bike to head to the famous Tacofino food truck for lunch
- Free evening to relax at the hotel back in Ucluelet
Ucluelet to Vancouver
- Today you will travel back to Vancouver. Along the way, visit the famous Long Beach, the largest and longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
- Head for Nanaimo with a stop in Port Alberni to purchase lunch
- Stop in Nanaimo for a stroll along the Harbourfront. Don’t miss trying one of the famous Nanaimo Bars – a treat for everyone loving sweets!
- Check in for the ferry and bid farewell to the beautiful Vancouver Island
- Arrive in downtown Vancouver at approximately 9:00pm, depending on traffic
FAQs
Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely! This trip is designed for backpackers, adventure-seekers, and social travelers, making it perfect for both solo adventurers and friend groups. You’ll meet like-minded people from around the world, with plenty of group activities and free time to explore on your own.
If you’re traveling solo, you will be staying in same-sex rooms, or you can upgrade to a private room for extra comfort.
What kind of accommodations are included?
You’ll be staying in comfortable 3-star hotels in great locations around Vancouver Island, with several occupancy options to cater to all budgets (from quad-share to single). All hotels incude indoor amenities, and are centrally located close to restaurants, breweries, and attractions, so you can easily explore during your free time.
Are meals included?
Meals aren’t included, giving you more flexibility to eat wherever and whatever you like. We make plenty of stops at local cafés, restaurants, and markets, and your guide will always have great recommendations. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, try fresh seafood, or visit a brewery for a meal and a pint, the choice is yours!
What is the weather like in Vancouver Island?
In the summer, Vancouver Island enjoys mild, pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 18–25°C (64–77°F). Expect sunny days, but always be prepared for some light rain – this is the West Coast, after all! Coastal areas can be breezy, and it cools down in the evenings, so bringing a light windproof and waterproof jacket is a always a good idea.
How many breweries from the BC Ale Trail do we visit?
We stop near several top-rated breweries along BC’s Ale Trail, and you’ll receive vouchers to use at select locations near every hotel we stay at. Since this tour gives you plenty of free time, you can visit as many breweries as you’d like! Your guide will also have recommendations for must-try local craft beers at each stop.
Duration
Size
Student
Quad
Triple
Double
Single
Highlights
- Take in stunning ocean views on a roundtrip ferry ride through the Gulf Islands
- Explore Victoria’s historic downtown, including Fan Tan Alley and the Inner Harbour
- Hike through old-growth forests, visit waterfalls, and stroll along breathtaking coastal trails
- Stop by the quirky Coombs Market to see the famous rooftop goats
- Sample local craft beers along BC’s Ale Trail with vouchers included
- Enjoy free time for optional adventures like whale watching, surfing, or kayaking in Tofino
Inclusions
4 nights hotel accommodations- Roundtrip mini-coach transportation from Vancouver with onboard entertainment
- Roundtrip BC Ferries from Vancouver to Vancouver Island
- Experienced, friendly & fun tour guide
- Tour of downtown Victoria, the capital of BC
- Mini-golf at Paradise Fun Park
- 1 beer tasting and BC Ale Trail brewery vouchers near each hotel
- Campfire & s'mores (weather dependent)
- All park fees
- Discounted optional activities if you book in advance
4 nights hotel accommodations
Experienced, friendly & fun tour guide
Tour of downtown Victoria, the capital of BC
All park fees
Discounted optional activities if you book in advanceWhat to Bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Waterproof light jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimsuit for hotel’s amenities
- Small backpack and water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Extra funds for meals and shopping
Optional Add Ons
We highly recommend booking your optional activities in advance to get the best rates (subject to availability). You can add them online at the time of booking or after you get your confirmation email. You can also contact us directly and we will book them for you. Availability on tour is very limited.
Royal BC Museum
Whale Watching
Surfing Lesson
Kayaking
