Haida Gwaii and the Canadian West Coast - 2 weeks vacation

Included in Tour offer:

• 14 nights accommodation

• All ground transportation as per itinerary

• Domestic return flight Vancouver - Sandspit (economy class)

• Professional local guides throughout

• All breakfasts

• 4 lunches

• 9 dinners

• All listed daily activities and excursions

• All applicable local taxes and national parks fees

• Gratuities

Note: Itinerary and inclusions can be subject to changes due to external factors such as weather or supplier constraints.

Excluded:

• Flights to/from Vancouver YVR

• Travel insurance

• Optional activities

• Meals not listed

• Personal expenses

Your journey begins in this West-coast city. Starting at noon, your tour director will invite you on a tour of Vancouver's highlights. See the totem poles in Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, Downtown, Chinatown and Gastown. Learn about the rich and diverse history of this magical place.

During the Welcome Dinner you will get to know the other travelers and your guide will tell you all you need to know about the next 2 weeks.

Inclusions:

Meals: Breakfasts
Accommodation:

• June 24 tour: Abercorn by Wyndham (in Richmond near airport)

• July 10 tour: Sheraton Wall Center

Activities of the Day: Vancouver Sightseeing Tour

Day 2: Cross the Georgia Strait by ferry and arrive on Vancouver Island – your home for the next week. The first highlight are the Butchart Gardens, a stunning assembly of flower gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Sunken Garden. In the afternoon you will arrive in BC’s capital Victoria, where your tour director gives you a tour from Chinatown to Mile Zero. Afterwards explore on your own – visit the Parliament Building, the Royal BC Museum or go for a stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Day 3 brings you to Sooke for a round of guided kayaking – the traditional mode of transport on Canada's coastline. Alternatively explore Sooke town. Afterwards take your time time to explore the lush Sooke Potholes Park, located in a mystical and forested river landscape. End the day with a group dinner.

Inclusions:

Meals: Breakfasts
Accommodation:

• June 24 tour: Best Western Plus

• July 10 tour: Huntingdon Hotel

Activities of the Day: Butchart Gardens, Kayaking with instructor

Day 4: Your journey continues through the interior of Vancouver Island, where you will meet some special residents: Wild animals in a rescue station that teach you about the beauty and fragility of Western Canada's wildlife. Afterwards the group goes on a short hike to the “Hole in the Wall” water feature. The destination for the day is Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park, known for surfing beaches, marine wildlife sightings and its west-coast lifestyle.

Day 5: Tofino waits you with an abundance of activities: Take a boat to Maquinna Provincial Park and go for a swim in the natural Hot Springs Cove. Spot sea lions, bald eagles and with a bit of luck a black bear from the boat.

Day 6: More opportunities to get active in Tofino: A moderate hike through the rain-forest to a plane crash site, visit beautiful beaches and try yourself with a surfing lesson or go on a whale watching tour. Not only is Tofino known for marine activities, but also for its vibrant restaurant scene!

Inclusions:

Meals: Breakfasts
Accommodation:

• June 24 tour: Tofino Motel Harborview

• July 10 tour: The Inn At Tough City

Activities of the Day: North Island Wildlife Rescue Center, Tofino Hot Springs Cove Boat Tour, choice of surfing lesson or whale watching boat tour

Vancouver Island has much more to offer. Day 7 begins with a visit of Ucluelet - or "Ukee". Hike the Wild Pacific Trail along the rough western coastline of Vancouver Island where high and mighty waves break over boulders and cliffs. This is the perfect spot to spot wildlife, listen to the sound of the ocean and have a picnic.

On the way to Campbell River you will stop for an old growth forest and for the bizarre forms of the Oyster Creek Potholes carved into the rocks. You will arrive in the world's salmon fishing capital Campbell River.

Campbell River is a “real” Canadian town and during the next day you will truly feel like a local.

Visit a salmon hatchery and learn about this keystone species of wildlife. Get impressed by the force of water when crossing the suspension bridge at Elk Falls. Visit the Campbell River museum and learn about indigenous culture, logging and fishing and watch evidence of history’s largest conventional explosion that took place near Campbell River.

• June 24 tour: July 1 is Canada day and you will celebrate with the locals. Come out to the peer and watch the town’s fireworks and live music from local bands!

• July 10 tour: Visit the traditional Tyee fishing club at the mouth the Cambell River. A fisherman will show you around the club how and tell you about his biggest catch of "Tyee".

Inclusions:

Meals: Breakfasts (one of them picnic style)
Accommodation: Above Tide Motel (ocean front rooms)
Activities of the Day: Wild Pacific Trail, Oyster Creek Potholes, Salmon Hatchery, Elk Falls

The tour leaves Vancouver Island and continues in Canada's 2010 Winter Olympics resort town Whistler.

Day 9, July 2:
After taking the ferry back to the mainland, the route to Whistler includes the most scenic drive in B: The Sea To Sky Highway. The road winds along the Howe Sound fjord with stunning views of islands and the Coast Mountains, inviting for some scenic stops along the route.

Whistler Village is one large pedestrian zone and Your tour director will give you a walking tour, so that you know the most interesting museums, the best places to ea and local stores to shop. 

This area is home to the Squamish Nation as well as the Lil’wat Nation. Both nations together established a cultural center that is always worth a visit. A representative will invite you with a song to their guided tour and you can learn all about the local traditions, arts and first nations history.

Day 10, July 3: It's time to get active in the mountains! You can chose from one of the most popular activities:

• Visit the Whistler Olympic Park. See the big ski jump and training facilities and join an introduction course for Olympic Biathlon - including using the shooting range!

• or: Ascend the Mountains and dare to board the Peak 2 Peak Gondola that spans from Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler Mountain.

• or: Get into a harness and go ziplining: traverse the mountains sliding on a steel rope over Fitzsimmons Creek.

• or: Do the opposite and relax in Whistler's famous Scandinavian Spa.

Your tour director will arrange the bookings for you and provide transportation.

This is the end of the first part of your vacation and the group meets for a joint dinner again.

Inclusions:

Meals: Breakfasts
Accommodation:

• June 24 tour: Pinnacle Hotel Whistler or Summit Lodge

• July 10 tour: Whistler Village Inn & Suites Hotel

Activities of the Day:
Day 9: Squamish & Lil'wat Cultural Center
Day 10: Choose between Whistler Olympic Park (w/ shooting range), Peak 2 Peak Gondola, Ziplining or Spa.

Day 11: One more time you pass along the Sea 2 Sky Highway and reach the airport of Vancouver. The group boards a flight to Sandspit in Haida Gwaii. This is where you meet your Ocean Edge Expeditions tour director who leads the last days of the tour.

Your Haida adventure begins with a scenic journey by highway and ferry to Graham Island. After checking into your comfortable accommodation, you’ll enjoy a traditional Haida dinner in the home of a local Elder, savoring authentic cuisine while learning about Haida Gwaii’s rich culture and history. This intimate gathering offers a deep connection to the land and its people, concluding with an orientation to prepare you for the incredible experiences ahead.

Day 12: Begin with a guided pole tour at the Haida Heritage Centre, where you’ll learn about the significance of Haida crest poles and their stories. Explore the Saahlinda Naay Haida Gwaii Museum, immersing yourself in the island’s history through ancient artifacts and Haida craftsmanship. In the afternoon, embark on a cultural interpretive hike along the GuulGa Siiwaay K’iiwaay/Spirit Lake Trail, guided by a local expert who will share the rich history and significance of the land.

Day 13: Immerse yourself in Haida artistry by visiting a local carving shed to learn about the intricate process of Haida crest pole creation. Then, explore Haida art galleries featuring both traditional and contemporary works. Next, visit the Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum to discover the region’s maritime history before heading to North Beach to see the tallest standing Haida crest pole in Hiellen Longhouse Village. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy hike to the blowholes, followed by an optional and more moderate trek up Tow Hill, a historic landmark once used by Haida navigators. Both trails offer breathtaking views and a deeper connection to the island’s cultural and natural landscapes.

Day 14: Embark on another Haida experience. Journey to K’uuna Llnagaay, an ancient indigenous village site, where an enclosed vessel takes you to a powerful historical landscape filled with original Haida crest poles and rich cultural stories. This tour provides excellent opportunities to witness marine life along the way, making for an unforgettable day on the water.

Day 15: On this last day, visit the iconic Balance Rock, a striking natural landmark perfect for reflection. We will then board the ferry to travel to Moresby Island to participate in a short, easy hike on the Louise Dover Memorial trail located in the Damaxyaa Conservancy. We will then enjoy a farewell lunch together prior to travelling to the Sandspit Airport to check-in for departure.

Inclusions:

Meals: All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks

Transportation: Domestic Flights in economy class between Vancouver and Haida Gwaii incl. 1 piece of checked luggage
Accommodation: Jags Guesthouse

Activities of the Day:
Day 11: Dinner with a local Elder
Day 12: Guided pole tour, Haida Gwaii museum, Spirit Lake trail hike
Day 13: Carving Shed, Dixons Entrance Maritime Museum, Blowholes Hike, Towhill Hike
Day 14: Boat journey to K’uuna Llnagaay
Day 15: Louise Dover Memorial Trail hike

• Prices including 5% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

• Deposit: A 25% deposit is required to secure the booking. Full payment is required 60 days before departure.

• No fees for Canadian Interac, European IBAN or US ACH payments.

• A 2.9% fee applies for credit card payments.

• Cancellations with more than...

  • 60 days notice: 75% of tour price will be refunded.

  • 30 days notice: 25% of tour price will be refunded.

  • No refund for shorter notice or no-show.