What is included in the 6 Day Vancouver Island Self-Drive?

Included are 5 nights moderate accommodation, a 6-day mid-size car rental with unlimited kilometres (special conditions apply), and all listed sightseeing and activities: a choice of Tofino wildlife activity (coastal bear watching, whale watching, or sea kayaking in Clayoquot Sound) and a 3-hour wildlife Zodiac excursion through Discovery Passage at Campbell River. Not included: airfare, applicable taxes (GST/PST/HST), travel insurance, all meals, unlisted attraction entrance fees, gratuities, and personal items.

When is the Vancouver Island Self-Drive available?

This independent self-drive tour is available from March through October. You choose your own start date within this window. The bear watching activity in Tofino is best from May onward when black bears emerge from their dens. Contact Anderson Vacations at 1-866-814-7378 to book.

What are the three Tofino activity choices on this tour?

On Day 3 in Tofino you choose one of three wildlife experiences: (1) Coastal Bear Watching — observing black bears foraging in the intertidal zone of Clayoquot Sound fjord inlets, best from May onward; (2) Whale Watching — an educational program focusing on Gray and Humpback whales, with occasional Orca sightings, conducted by zodiac (floater suit provided) or covered vessel; (3) Sea Kayaking — an interpretive paddle through Clayoquot Sound watching for eagles, seals and river otters, with tides and currents instruction.

What is the Campbell River wildlife Zodiac excursion?

The Campbell River excursion is a 3-hour guided Zodiac tour through Discovery Passage led by a trained naturalist. It offers opportunities to view eagles, Steller sea lions, porpoises, and bears along BC's coastal playground. Full weather gear including flotation cruiser suits is supplied.

Where does the Vancouver Island Self-Drive start and end?

The tour starts and ends in Victoria, BC. You pick up your rental car in Victoria on Day 1 and return it in Victoria on Day 6. The route loops north through Nanaimo, west to Tofino, north to Campbell River, and back south to Victoria — a round trip of approximately 750 km.

What natural highlights are passed on the drive to Tofino?

Driving from Nanaimo to Tofino on Highway 4, highlights include Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park with waterfalls and walking trails, and Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park — a stand of ancient old-growth Douglas fir trees some hundreds of years old. Port Alberni is the last fuel stop before the Pacific Rim Highway descent to Long Beach and Tofino.

Can this Vancouver Island itinerary be customized?

Yes. As an independent package, this itinerary can be adjusted to your travel interests, time frame, and budget. Anderson Vacations travel specialists can add extra nights, modify the route, upgrade accommodation, or include additional activities. Call 1-866-814-7378 or request a quote online.

6-Day Vancouver Island Self-Drive | Tofino, Victoria & Pacific Rim

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

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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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

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.

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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:

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.

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)

Tour Questions

Yes. This is an independent self-drive itinerary. You pick up your rental car in Victoria and drive between Nanaimo, Tofino and Campbell River before returning the vehicle to Victoria at the end of the trip.

The itinerary takes you from Victoria to Nanaimo, Tofino and Campbell River before returning to Victoria. The route also includes scenic stops and attractions along the way, including Cathedral Grove, Little Qualicum Falls and Long Beach.

The drive includes several scenic stops, including Little Qualicum Falls and Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. You then continue through Port Alberni before reaching the Pacific Rim Highway and Long Beach near Tofino.

The itinerary offers a choice of three Tofino experiences: a coastal bear-watching excursion in Clayoquot Sound, a whale-watching excursion for gray and humpback whales with possible orca sightings, or a sea-kayaking and rainforest tour.

Yes. The coastal excursion provides an opportunity to observe black bears foraging along the intertidal zone. Seals, sea lions and various bird species may also be encountered during the experience.

The excursion focuses on gray whales and humpback whales, with occasional opportunities to see orcas. Other marine wildlife, including sea otters, sea lions and offshore birds, may also be encountered.

The three-hour Zodiac excursion travels through Discovery Passage with a trained naturalist. Wildlife sightings may include eagles, Steller sea lions, porpoises and bears, and flotation cruiser suits and weather gear are provided.

The itinerary includes several longer scenic driving legs: approximately 1.5 hours from Victoria to Nanaimo, 3 hours from Nanaimo to Tofino, 3.5 hours from Tofino to Campbell River and 3 hours from Campbell River back to Victoria.

The package includes 5 nights of accommodation, a 6-day mid-size car rental with unlimited kilometres subject to special conditions, and the sightseeing and attractions specified in the itinerary, including the Campbell River wildlife excursion and selected Tofino activity.

The trip starts and ends in Victoria, British Columbia. The rental vehicle is picked up at the beginning of the itinerary and returned in Victoria at the end of the trip.

Do you have more questions?

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1-866-814-7378