Canadian Wildlife & Vancouver Island - Reverse

As you board the ferry to Vancouver Island and take in the amazing views across the Salish Sea, your Canadian adventure is under way! You'll arrive in Victoria, Vancouver Island's main city and the capital of British Columbia. It's a remarkable mix of English Edwardian, First Nations and Chinese architecture, and was home to the first Chinatown in Canada. Victoria is well-known for being the ultimate place to spot Orcas so we have included a zodiac tour to search for these magnificent mammals in their natural environment. In the late afternoon we'll also enjoy a brief tour of the city's highlights with free time for you to explore afterwards.

Accommodation: Victoria Strathcona (or similar) 

The west coast of Vancouver Island is well-known for its whale and bear sightings. This morning we undertake a boat trip for a unique chance to observe Black bears searching for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches near Tofino. Experienced on-board guides know the area in depth, and we may even be lucky enough to spot whales on this tour. The afternoon is free to enjoy another optional activity - try a zodiac whale watching boat trip, sea kayaking, or discover the many hiking trails in this area (see previous day for guideline prices)

Accommodation: Meares Vista Inn (or similar) 

An absolute delight for wildlife lovers, the Inside Passage offers one of the most amazing ferry journeys in the whole of North America, with everything from frozen fjords to forest-covered hillsides flanking your route. The journey involves taking a 10-hour direct ferry and the scenery is simply spectacular: towering, forest-clad peaks surround the deep fjords and those with a keen eye can often spot Bald eagles and bears. The Inside Passage also supports one of the world's richest marine environments and it may be possible to see Grey whales, Orcas, Pacific White Sided and occasionally Humpback whales. The remoteness of the Inside Passage is its most stunning feature; this area is largely inaccessible by road and the tiny communities that spread along it rely on boats for transportation. 

Accommodation: Bella Coola Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is completely off the radar for most tour groups, despite being named as British Columbia's most beautiful park. It was named after the 15th Governor General of Canada, Baron Tweedsmuir, who travelled extensively throughout the area by float plane and horseback. The park has varied landscapes on offer, and you can expect to come face to face with rugged mountains, deep lush valleys and spectacular ocean fjords. A healthy population of Grizzly and Black bear exists throughout the park, as well as elk, deer, moose and coyote; it is possible to see any of these whilst visiting Tweedsmuir. Wildlife aside, the colours of the mountains combined with the flora and the wilderness feel will ensure that Tweedsmuir is a park that you'll remember. 

Our overnight location for the next two nights is on picturesque Nimpo Lake, a popular lake for fly fishing that supports an eclectic mix of wildlife. This area has very basic facilities but is extremely beautiful and off the tourist trail.

Please note: due to the remote nature of this property, some cabins will be more basic than others, often with shared bathroom facilities with a capacity of two to four people maximum. 

Accommodation: Chilcotin's Waterfront Resort & Motel(or similar) - multi share

Our travels continue to Clearwater, the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park where we can discover the parks forest trails and bewitching waterfalls.

Accommodation: Clearwater Lodge (or similar)

Jasper is much quieter and less developed than Banff, which means it is much easier to escape the crowds and spend the day getting to know the national park and its surroundings. There are several options for today. We recommend taking the SkyTram and walking to the summit, which provides fantastic views over the Canadian Rockies. Alternatively, there are various hikes at Mount Edith Cavell including a short hike in the alpine meadows with chances to see caribou, and from where you'll enjoy spectacular views of Angel Glacier, a beautiful hanging glacier in the shape of angel wings.

Optional activities:

• SkyTram cable car CA$50
• Float trip on the Athabasca River CA$70

Accommodation: Pocahontas Cabins (or similar) 

Banff National Park is one of the highlights of any visit to Western Canada, with its magnificent mountains, lakes and forests. Banff was Canada's first national park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff town can easily be explored on foot and with plenty of optional activities there's more than enough to fill your time. Check out the iconic Banff Springs Hotel where tourism in the Canadian Rockies first began, visit some of the many souvenir shops in town or take a short trail to the tumbling Bow Falls. You could also walk along Tunnel Mountain trail for a view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain for rewarding panoramic views of the Rockies, or simply relax in the heated, natural pools of the Banff Hot Springs.

Optional activities:

• Aerial gondola/tramway CAD$49-64
• Hot Springs CA$9

Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar)