Best of BC with Bears & Whales

Day 1 - Fly to Vancouver

On arrival in Vancouver you will be transferred by coach & ferry to Victoria.

Day 2 - Victoria

Spend the day at your leisure in Victoria taking in the sights. Victoria is very picturesque with a beautiful Inner Harbour.

Day 3 - Whales & Butchart Gardens

Today you will have a whale of a time on the Whales & Butchart Gardens Tour. (duration 5 hours)

This adventure makes the most of your vacation time by allowing you to enjoy two of Victoria's essential experiences in a single day: whale watching and The Butchart Gardens.

Explore the Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of the majestic wildlife that floods the local waters here in the summer months. Take advantage of the opportunity to view several different species of whales in the wild as well as an assortment of sea birds and other species of marine wildlife from downtown Victoria en route to the Butchart Gardens private dock and entrance via Tod Inlet. Enjoy at your leisure The Butchart Gardens with CVS return connections to Victoria departing the gardens regularly throughout the evening. Stay for dinner, the fireworks on Saturday evening or summer events!

Day 4 - Transfer to Vancouver

This morning you will depart Victoria and travel to Vancouver. (coach/ferry included) Once you are on the ferry you will get off your coach and can go up on deck to take in the stunning scenery. Keep your camera at hand as you pass by the Gulf Islands with the added chance of spotting wildlife too. Spend your afternoon at your leisure in Vancouver which has much to offer.

Day 5 - Vancouver

Today use your Hop on Hop off Vancouver Sightseeing pass to help you get around the city to take in the sights at your leisure. The pass allows you hop on/off at over 20 sights and attractions. We recommend timing a visit to Granville Island for lunch or an afternoon treat at the Public Market.

Day 6 - Great Bear Lodge

Depart the Blue Horizon this morning for Vancouver Airport for your 70 minute flight to Port Hardy. Upon arrival transfer (included) to the town of Port Hardy for lunch (own cost) and to explore the town. Mid-afternoon you will be transferred to the float plane base for your scenic flight over the Queen Charlotte Strait to the floating lodge. After a brief introduction to the lodge you will go on your first Grizzly Bear excursion.

Day 7 - Great Bear Lodge

In the morning, you will be on the trail of the grizzly bear again after some good coffee and breakfast. A typical viewing session lasts three hours. After a morning of adventure, you will return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax. Spend the early afternoon exploring the surrounding area with a guide. A popular activity is the interpretive rainforest walk, examining bear sign and the general ecology of the area. In mid-afternoon you will venture out to see the bears before returning to the lodge for dinner. On clear nights, the stars are amazing.

Day 8 - Great Bear Lodge

As your stay at the lodge continues, you begin to settle into the natural rhythm of the valley. The bears are generally most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours, which is why we focus our viewing sessions on these times. Over the course of your stay we will take you to a variety of sites, depending on the bear activity.

For the afternoon recreation today we may take a guided sea-kayaking tour of the estuary, or a boat cruise to explore the glacier-carved inlet. Or you may prefer to relax and enjoy the view from the lodge. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many animals, including grey wolves, otters, black bears, mink and bald eagles.

Day 9 - Depart Great Bear Lodge for Port Hardy

After your parting session with the bears you will enjoy lunch at the Great Bear Lodge. You will be returned to Port Hardy in the afternoon between 4pm and 6pm. Due to unpredictable weather conditions for flights around the lodge and Port Hardy we have included a nights accommodation in Port Hardy.

Day 10 - Fly Port Hardy to Vancouver

Transfer (not included) mid-morning to Port Hardy Airport for your return flight to Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal) . Make your own way to the Blue Horizon Hotel for your final 2 night stay in Vancouver.

Day 11 - Vancouver

Day at leisure in Vancouver. Relax and enjoy some final shopping or sightseeing.

Day 12 - Transfer to Whistler

This morning you will travel to Whistler by coach (included). You will travel the famous Sea to Sky Highway taking you from the coast up into the mountains. Check into your chosen hotel and spend the afternoon in Whistler at your leisure.

Day 13 - Whistler

Today you have your Peak 2 Peak Gondola ticket. We recommend you take the gondola up Whistler Mountain, spend some time at the top taking in a walk or hike before getting the chair lift up to the Summit before then taking your ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Spanning the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a breathtaking, 4.4-kilometre journey to infinite possibilities. Redefining the Whistler summer experience by creating limitless new ways to get up-close-and personal with the mountains, this engineering marvel breaks three world records.

Day 14 - Fly Vancouver to UK