6 days

6 Day Vancouver Island Self-Drive

Start Location Victoria, BC
End Location Victoria, BC
Code
6VID
Starting From
$1,140 USD
Places Visited

Victoria, BC, Nanaimo, Tofino, Campbell River

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Tour Overview

Vancouver Island has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems with rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes, a premier location for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing.

Start Location Victoria, BC
End Location Victoria, BC

Top Highlights

Whether it's biking through iconic cities, exploring stunning coastlines, marveling at natural wonders, or getting up close with fascinating wildlife, these top picks promise an unforgettable journey through the heart of the land Down Under. Here's what awaits you:

  • Choice of Tofino activity (coastal bear watching excursion, whale watching excursion OR sea kayaking and rainforest tour)
  • Wildlife zodiac excursion in Campbell River
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Make this trip matter and reduce your carbon print.

As a responsible tour operator, we believe in creating experiences that not only enrich your life but also contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities. That’s why we will be planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us. 

A person standing in a serene forest surrounded by tall trees

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Victoria to Nanaimo

    Upon arrival in Victoria, Pick up your rental car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Nanaimo. Once in Nanaimo, check into your selected hotel.

    Overnight: Nanaimo


  • Day 2: Nanaimo to Tofino

    Today, Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, approximately 3 hours. Driving north, you'll go through several small towns along the coastline. Enjoy the sights like Little Qualicum Falls along Highway 4 before you reach Cathedral Grove. This BC Provincial Park has impressive waterfalls and walking trails. Just before you reach the Port Alberni Summit, there is a chance to stop and view the towering giants of Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. The town of Port Alberni is the final stop to fuel up on gas before the final stretch of your journey. There are also many picturesque places to stop and stretch your legs. As you turn onto Pacific Rim Hwy. on your final stretch into Tofino, you will finally catch a glimpse of the ocean as you descend the hill towards Long Beach.

    Overnight: Tofino


  • Day 3: Tofino Activity

    Today you can choose to take part in one of the following activities: Coastal bear watching: features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. In May they leave their dens and head for the closest food source - the ocean! While the bears forage in the intertidal zone, you can unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. Seals, sea lions and a range of bird life may also be included in this program. A great trip for photographers and bird watchers! Whale Watching: This educational program focuses on Gray whales as well as Humpback whales and on occasion Orcas (Killer Whales). Other marine mammals that may be observed are sea otters, sea lions and an array of different offshore birds. Both zodiac and covered vessels are used for this marine program. Guests on zodiac vessels are outfitted in a floater suit with built in flotation. Those choosing the covered vessel are issued an inflatable collar for additional safety. Hats and gloves are also provided as well as hot drinks on return Sea Kayaking: Depart Tofino and head towards the outer coast or in through the inlet islands of Clayoquot Sound. Watch for eagles, seals and river otters while paddling along quiet waterways. This is an interpretive paddle that allows participants to connect with a unique west coast wilderness. Short interpretive stops highlight this paddle. There is also time to build kayaking skills and learn about tides and currents.

    Overnight: Tofino


  • Day 4: Tofino to Campbell River

    Drive from Tofino to Campbell River, Approximately 3.5 hours Driving East on Highway 4 you will pass through Port Alberni and Little Qualicum Falls Park. Port Alberni is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Just before Qualicum Beach you take Hwy 19 (Inland Island Highway) The Highway travels along the side of the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, through Rosewell Creek Provincial Park, past Buckley Bay and Courtney. There are many places to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.

    Overnight: Campbell River


  • Day 5: Campbell River Activity

    Today take part in a wildlife zodiac excursion, provides an opportunity to view wild life, spectacular scenery, and experience BC's coastal playground. The 3-hr. Zodiac tour travels through Discovery Passage in pursuit of eagles, stellar sea lions, porpoises and bears, guided by a trained naturalist. We supply the best in weather gear including floatation cruiser suits.

    Overnight: Campbell River


  • Day 6: Campbell River to Victoria

    Drive yourself back to Victoria, Approximately 3 hours. Package ends once you have returned your rental vehicle.


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Trip start Trip End Accommodation Price Inquire
Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC
Moderate
$1,140 USD
We accept:
Visa Mastercard American Express

All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.

(does not include applicable taxes)

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.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • 5 nights of accommodation
  • 6 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.

Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Tour Questions

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

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.

This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please 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 the 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 Tours guidelines.

The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).

Yes! 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 and arrangements made for you.

For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

An unforgettable journey awaits you

Embark on a travel experience that will stay with you forever. We offer a blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility, ensuring every moment is filled with wonder. Whether you’re seeking thrill or relaxation, we create journeys that are truly unforgettable.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Customizable Itinerary

  • Day 1: Victoria to Nanaimo

    Upon arrival in Victoria, Pick up your rental car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Nanaimo. Once in Nanaimo, check into your selected hotel.

    Overnight: Nanaimo


  • Day 2: Nanaimo to Tofino

    Today, Drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, approximately 3 hours. Driving north, you'll go through several small towns along the coastline. Enjoy the sights like Little Qualicum Falls along Highway 4 before you reach Cathedral Grove. This BC Provincial Park has impressive waterfalls and walking trails. Just before you reach the Port Alberni Summit, there is a chance to stop and view the towering giants of Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. The town of Port Alberni is the final stop to fuel up on gas before the final stretch of your journey. There are also many picturesque places to stop and stretch your legs. As you turn onto Pacific Rim Hwy. on your final stretch into Tofino, you will finally catch a glimpse of the ocean as you descend the hill towards Long Beach.

    Overnight: Tofino


  • Day 3: Tofino Activity

    Today you can choose to take part in one of the following activities: Coastal bear watching: features black bears and explores the fjord inlets of Clayoquot Sound. In May they leave their dens and head for the closest food source - the ocean! While the bears forage in the intertidal zone, you can unobtrusively observe and photograph their behaviour. Seals, sea lions and a range of bird life may also be included in this program. A great trip for photographers and bird watchers! Whale Watching: This educational program focuses on Gray whales as well as Humpback whales and on occasion Orcas (Killer Whales). Other marine mammals that may be observed are sea otters, sea lions and an array of different offshore birds. Both zodiac and covered vessels are used for this marine program. Guests on zodiac vessels are outfitted in a floater suit with built in flotation. Those choosing the covered vessel are issued an inflatable collar for additional safety. Hats and gloves are also provided as well as hot drinks on return Sea Kayaking: Depart Tofino and head towards the outer coast or in through the inlet islands of Clayoquot Sound. Watch for eagles, seals and river otters while paddling along quiet waterways. This is an interpretive paddle that allows participants to connect with a unique west coast wilderness. Short interpretive stops highlight this paddle. There is also time to build kayaking skills and learn about tides and currents.

    Overnight: Tofino


  • Day 4: Tofino to Campbell River

    Drive from Tofino to Campbell River, Approximately 3.5 hours Driving East on Highway 4 you will pass through Port Alberni and Little Qualicum Falls Park. Port Alberni is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. Just before Qualicum Beach you take Hwy 19 (Inland Island Highway) The Highway travels along the side of the Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, through Rosewell Creek Provincial Park, past Buckley Bay and Courtney. There are many places to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.

    Overnight: Campbell River


  • Day 5: Campbell River Activity

    Today take part in a wildlife zodiac excursion, provides an opportunity to view wild life, spectacular scenery, and experience BC's coastal playground. The 3-hr. Zodiac tour travels through Discovery Passage in pursuit of eagles, stellar sea lions, porpoises and bears, guided by a trained naturalist. We supply the best in weather gear including floatation cruiser suits.

    Overnight: Campbell River


  • Day 6: Campbell River to Victoria

    Drive yourself back to Victoria, Approximately 3 hours. Package ends once you have returned your rental vehicle.


Download Full Itinerary

DATES & PRICES

Availability:  
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Trip start Trip End Accommodation Price Inquire
Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC
Moderate
$1,140 USD
We accept:
Visa Mastercard American Express

All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.

(does not include applicable taxes)

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.

Star Icon

OUR KEY TO EARNING TRUST IS

Transparency

What’s Included

  • 5 nights of accommodation
  • 6 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
  • Sightseeing and attractions as listed

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
  • Taxes as applicable
  • Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
  • Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
  • Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Download Itinerary

Get Full Itinerary with all includes and exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Booking & Flight Questions

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.

Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.

Tour Questions

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

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.

This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please 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 the 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 Tours guidelines.

The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).

Yes! 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 and arrangements made for you.

For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
Icon of chat

Do you have more questions?

If you still have questions or need more information, feel free to ask! Simply fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you with the answers you need

Ask A Question

or

YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Get in touch with one of our local travel experts.

Contact us to discover:

  • The ideal seasons to explore your next destination landscapes, perfectly aligned with your travel plans.
  • Tips on the most convenient routes and layovers for a hassle-free trip to your next destination.
  • Handpicked activity suggestions to ensure your next trip adventure is unforgettable.
YOU CAN CALL US AT
1-866-347-6881
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