Vancouver Island Discovery - 8 days Tour by On The Go Tours

8 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

22 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Vancouver, Canada

Ends

Vancouver, Canada

Highlights

Victoria - Saunter through the stunning Butchart Gardens, enjoy award winning cider and partake in a guided city tour

Malahat - Conquer the Malahat Skywalk elevated over Arbutus and Douglas Fir Forest to embrace beautiful vistas that span across two countries

Meares Island - Embark on the Big Tree Trail, and discover the cultural and spiritual significance of the "mountain in the sea" which is considered a sacred place (2025 itineraries only)

Tofino - Explore the magnificent beaches and enjoy hiking, rainforest trails, kayaking, surfing and other activities in this picturesque town

Choombs Market - Browse the market for the finest fresh produce the Island has to offer - keep an eye out for the goat that lives on the roof

Campbell River - Partake in a range of activities with optional Bear and Whale watching and enjoy a visit to Elk Falls Provincial Park which hosts a suspension bridge and viewing platform for panoramic views

Nanaimo - Stroll along the Harbourfront and make sure to try a famous Nanaimo Bar, suited for those with a sweet tooth

Itinerary

Vancouver Island’s untamed beauty is yours to explore on the Vancouver Island Discovery – 8 Days tour. Starting and ending in Vancouver, this easy-paced guided group trip is designed for seniors and experienced travelers keen to uncover the region’s diverse landscapes.

Wander the bustling streets of Victoria, taste local cider, and embark on guided hikes along stunning coastlines. Optional adventures like whale watching in Tofino and nature walks in Campbell River add to the allure. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, the unique selling point of this journey is its immersive, yet relaxed, approach to discovering both the wild and cultural sides of Vancouver Island.

day 1 - Welcome to Vancouver!

Vancouver - Victoria. We depart from downtown Vancouver at 9:15 am (please arrive no later than 9:00 am). Start the day with a picturesque ferry ride through the Gulf Islands. Upon arrival in Vancouver Island, we pay a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens. Afterwards, we head to Sea Cider for a tour and indulge in some cider tasting. Once we reach Victoria, it's time to check into our conveniently located hotel in downtown Victoria. Spend the evening at leisure to further explore the city, Vancouver Island's capital.

OverNight:Victoria

day 2 - Exploring Victoria

Victoria. Embark on a tour of Victoria, visiting highlights including Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Government Street. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Consider taking a leisurely walk along Government Street or visiting the renowned Royal BC Museum. Additionally, there is the option to tuck into Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Victoria

day 3 - Malahat SkyWalk and Tofino

Victoria - Tofino. Wake up early and journey along the Malahat Highway, enjoying memorable panoramic views of the Southern Gulf Islands enroute. We make make a stop at the Malahat SkyWalk to stretch our legs, and partake in a 600-metre long elevated walkway over the lush Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest. The walkway leads to a 10-story spiral lookout tower - a unique architectural marvel in British Columbia. The tower stands 250 metres above sea level, and offers stunning 360-degree views of the area including islands, inlets, fjords, forest and mountains, which span across two countries.

After an exhilarating excursion, we take some time in Duncan for a tour of the City of Totems, and free time to relax for lunch. We then carry our journey on to Tofino, and check into our hotel for the night. The guide will provide some recommendations and information for the hotel amenities and places to dine in Tofino.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tofino

day 4 - Adventures in Tofino

Today we explore Tofino and its stunning beaches, including the famous Long Beach. You may also choose to join your guide for a hike. We then visit the Ucluelet Aquarium - a wonderful community-run attraction showcasing the incredible diversity of local marine life and offering fascinating insights into the surrounding marine environment.

Afterwards, we join our guide for a walk along the Wild Pacific Trail Lighthouse section, where we can admire the dramatic coastline and sweeping ocean views. The evening is at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tofino

day 5 - Activities in Tofino

Tofino. Our second day in Tofino is completely free for you to do as much or as little as you like. Unwind in the hotel, head out on one of the area's many hiking trails or participate in a wide array of activities such as kayaking, surfing, or a boat cruise to Hot Springs Cove. Your guide will be able to help you get the most from the day. Take the rest of the evening to further explore the quaint town of Tofino.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Tofino

day 6 - Journey to Campbell River

Tofino - Campbell River. We say goodbye to Tofino and depart east to the other side of

Vancouver Island. We stop at Coombs Market for lunch. Browse the finest fresh produce, delicious sandwiches and best ice cream the island has to offer.

We'll continue along the Coastal Highway 19A, traversing through coastal communities and stunning landscapes, eventually stopping for dinner in Comox. Our final destination is Campbell River, where we check into our hotel for the night.

Please note: In 2026, this day will have itinerary changes. Please see Trip Notes for details.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Campbell River

day 7 - Exploring Campbell River

Campbell River. This morning is free to relax or embark on an array of optional activities, including fishing, kayaking and whale watching (additional cost). There's an optional Grizzly Bear expedition, venturing into the Bute or Toba Valley (August 18th - October 15th). Unwind back at the hotel, and browse the local area for dinner.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Campbell River

day 8 - Nanaimo and Back to Vancouver

Campbell River - Nanaimo - Vancouver. On our final day of the tour, we head for Elk Falls Provincial Park, which hosts a selection of walking and hiking trails, including the magnificent Elk Falls Suspension Bridge - not to be missed. Elk Falls is also home to an elevated cantilevered viewing platform, showcasing panoramic views of Elk Falls.

Next, we stop at Morningstar Farm in Parksville. The farm serves as a local food hub offering self-guided tours, a farmgate store, a seasonal café, petting farm and trails. We then make our way to Nanaimo for a leisurely stroll on the harbourfront. While there, be sure to try one of the famous Nanaimo bars - a must try for anyone with a sweet tooth. We catch the 3:55 pm ferry to Horseshoe Bay, completing our round trip. Schedule permitting, we aim to arrive back in downtown Vancouver for 6:30 pm.

Please note: The tour itinerary may be adjusted at the time of travel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather, road closures, and traffic.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights 3-4 star hotels

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

All relevant transportation in a private minibus or coach

Guide

Escorted by an experienced, friendly and fun tour guide

Others

BC Ferries to Vancouver Island (round trip fees included)Admission to the Ucluelet AquariumSightseeing and free time in Tofino and Campbell RiverSea Cider TastingAdmission to Butchart Gardens & Malahat SkyWalkOne piece of luggage and a small backpack or handbag per guestAll taxes and park feesNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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