6 DAY VANCOUVER ISLAND SELF-DRIVE
VANCOUVER ISLAND ROAD TRIP
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.
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Start Location: Victoria, BC
End Location: Victoria, BC
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Choice of Tofino activity (coastal bear watching excursion, whale watching excursion OR sea kayaking and rainforest tour)
- Wildlife zodiac excursion in Campbell River
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
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.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
(does not include applicable taxes)
(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.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 5 nights of accommodation
- 6 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- 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
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
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.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
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.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
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.
Can you assist with booking flights?
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.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
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.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
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+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
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.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
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.
How much luggage should I bring?
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.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
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.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
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
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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
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Tour Code
6VID
6 Day Vancouver Island Self-Drive
6 days
Created On: 20 Jan 2025
Highlights
- Choice of Tofino activity (coastal bear watching excursion, whale watching excursion OR sea kayaking and rainforest tour)
- Wildlife zodiac excursion in Campbell River
Inclusions
- 5 nights of accommodation
- 6 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply)
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- 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
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate
Victoria, BC
Victoria, BC
$1,140 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* (does not include applicable taxes)
* (does not include applicable taxes)
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.
