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Guided Walking : North America

British Columbia: Vancouver Island

Easy Terrain: 2-4 miles daily

British Columbia: Vancouver Island - Guided Walking Vacation Map

In the coastal wilderness of Vancouver Island, “a walk in the woods” is something truly inspirational. Along dramatic Western shores, vast swaths of sylvan forests rise from wide beaches and alongside rocky headlands lashed by ocean surf. Soaring cedars, among the tallest trees on earth, tower over Douglas firs, oaks, and dogwoods from a primitive forest floor carpeted with ferns and velvety moss. It’s a remarkably fertile landscape fed by misty Pacific breezes and a stunning network of waterfalls, streams, and fjords. Begin your journey in Vancouver and conclude in the culture-rich British Columbia capital of Victoria. Between, witness the legacies of First Nations people and trace pastoral footpaths through the old-growth forests of Pacific Rim National Park, with a delightful excursion by ferry to the quaint island of Newcastle. Explore remote coastal inlets by Zodiac boat in search of black bears. Savor delectable farm-to-table picnics in spectacular settings and dine on the bounty of the sea, ending each unforgettable day at oceanfront five-star resort accommodations.

AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards - 2018 Winner


Tour Highlights:
  • Set out in search of black bears during a private Zodiac expedition, exploring hidden coves and inlets inaccessible by land.
  • Follow breathtaking walking trails in Pacific Rim National Park, along dramatic coastline and in lush rainforests that host some of the largest and oldest cedars on earth.
  • Savor a lunch at Butchart Gardens and then explore this magical setting.
Flight + Tour Combo

8 days, 7 nights

FROM $4,748 USD

per person, double occupancy

Tour extension available
Victoria
1 night $298

Tour Only

6 days, 5 nights

FROM $3,948 USD

per person, double occupancy



Reserve Online Contact Us

OR Call to Book 800.234.6900

Your Tour Includes:

  • All meals except one dinner
  • Local wine and/or beer with dinner
  • Exceptional boutique accommodations
  • Local Guide(s) with you 24/7

Flight + Tour Combo Includes:

  • All tour inclusions
  • International round-trip airfare
  • Pre- and post-tour night accommodations
  • Overseas airport transfers
  • Breakfasts
  • Business-class upgrades available

Itinerary & Accommodations

View the Tour Only Itinerary Open
Download Full Itinerary
Day 1

Join your Country Walkers British Columbia: Vancouver Island tour and ferry to Vancouver Island

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park 1-2 miles, easy. Qualicum Falls; 2.5 miles, easy

Your guides will meet you at 7:15 a.m. in the lobby of the St. Regis Hotel. They will have a boxed breakfast for you. After a brief introduction to the group, your adventure begins.

From Vancouver City, ferry to Vancouver Island, arriving in the “Harbor City” of Nanaimo. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and a hike in the pastoral Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 2

Pacific Rim National Park

Schooner Cove Trail; 2 miles, easy. Wild Pacific Trail: Ancient Cedar’s and Artists Loops; 2 miles, easy

In Pacific Rim National Park, follow trails through old-growth forests and past dramatic rocky shores. This primitive landscape is home to giant red cedars, some of the tallest trees in the world. This afternoon, choose from two short picturesque walks.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 3

Private Zodiac-style bear watch excursion

Wild Pacific Trail: Lighthouse Loop; 2 miles, easy

Embark a Zodiac craft and pilot into a calm fjord inlet in search of black bears foraging for food on shore. Later, explore the Wild Pacific Trail skirting rocky headlands and the windswept coast. Visit the site of an ancient First Nations canoe beach.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 4

Newcastle Island

Marine Provincial Park; 3 miles, easy

En route to Victoria, stop to ferry over to Newcastle Island, part of the Snuneymuxw First Nations Traditional Territory. Meet a Snuneymuxw guide here and learn about traditional medicines and edible plants before a breathtaking walk through the Marine Provincial Park.

Accommodation: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Brentwood Bay

Located in the heart of Victoria’s wine country, the 5-star Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa enjoys an oceanfront setting, 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and just across the bay from Butchart Gardens. The glass walls of the dining room provide breathtaking views of the bay and local artwork brings the character of Victoria to your every moment. You may indulge in a spa treatment or a swim in the pool before retiring to your ocean suite, outfitted with luxury furnishings and bedding, a fireplace, and a balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Day 5

John Dean Provincial Park

2.5 miles, easy with moderate sections. Butchart Gardens; 1-1.5 miles, easy

Follow the footpaths of the John Dean Provincial Park, a preserved wilderness sitting atop Mount Newton and overlooking Saanich Bay, the Gulf Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. This afternoon, savor the delightful setting of Butchart Gardens, where a tasteful lunch awaits. Later, tour Butchart Gardens at your leisure before returning to the resort. Raise your glass to toast your week’s adventures followed by a celebratory dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Accommodation: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Brentwood Bay

Located in the heart of Victoria’s wine country, the 5-star Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa enjoys an oceanfront setting, 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and just across the bay from Butchart Gardens. The glass walls of the dining room provide breathtaking views of the bay and local artwork brings the character of Victoria to your every moment. You may indulge in a spa treatment or a swim in the pool before retiring to your ocean suite, outfitted with luxury furnishings and bedding, a fireplace, and a balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Day 6

Your British Columbia: Vancouver Island tour concludes

Victoria city and harbor walking tour; 2-3 miles, easy

After a morning guided tour of charming Victoria, often described as “more British than Britain,” your tour concludes.

View the Flight + Tour Combo Itinerary Close
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Flight

Flight & Arrival

Fly from USA to Vancouver, British Columbia. Please refer to your air itinerary for your specific flight details.

Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia. Upon arrival at Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR), a representative holding a Country Walkers sign will meet you as you exit the baggage-claim area. After an included transfer to your hotel, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Accommodation: St. Regis Hotel

Serene and elegant, the historic St. Regis was established in 1913. The central 4-star boutique hotel was recently renovated for the 21st century. Its location in the heart of downtown Vancouver puts the entire city at your door. Original works of art lend a sophisticated atmosphere throughout. Indoor and outdoor dining options serve everything from light fare to fine steaks. Your room offers all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including free Wi-Fi.

Day 1

Join your Country Walkers British Columbia: Vancouver Island tour and ferry to Vancouver Island

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park 1-2 miles, easy. Qualicum Falls; 2.5 miles, easy

Awakening refreshed, you your guides will provide an included boxed breakfast at your hotel before meeting your group at 7:15 a.m. in the lobby of the St. Regis Hotel. After a brief introduction to the group, your adventure begins.

Your guides will meet you at 7:15 a.m. in the lobby of the St. Regis Hotel. They will have a boxed breakfast for you. After a brief introduction to the group, your adventure begins.

From Vancouver City, ferry to Vancouver Island, arriving in the “Harbor City” of Nanaimo. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and a hike in the pastoral Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 2

Pacific Rim National Park

Schooner Cove Trail; 2 miles, easy. Wild Pacific Trail: Ancient Cedar’s and Artists Loops; 2 miles, easy

In Pacific Rim National Park, follow trails through old-growth forests and past dramatic rocky shores. This primitive landscape is home to giant red cedars, some of the tallest trees in the world. This afternoon, choose from two short picturesque walks.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 3

Private Zodiac-style bear watch excursion

Wild Pacific Trail: Lighthouse Loop; 2 miles, easy

Embark a Zodiac craft and pilot into a calm fjord inlet in search of black bears foraging for food on shore. Later, explore the Wild Pacific Trail skirting rocky headlands and the windswept coast. Visit the site of an ancient First Nations canoe beach.

Accommodation: Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet

Inspired by the surrounding land and sea, the 5-star Black Rock Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast combines elegance and contemporary comfort. Its innovative architecture – of rock, water, glass, steel, and wood – features expansive spaces, natural light and breathtaking seaward vistas from its decks and dining room. From your luxurious Studio Trail Suite, you have access to Big Beach and the Wild Pacific Trail as it winds through the resort. Your room offers a sofa, a spa-inspired bathroom with heated floors, a soaker tub and rain shower.

Day 4

Newcastle Island

Marine Provincial Park; 3 miles, easy

En route to Victoria, stop to ferry over to Newcastle Island, part of the Snuneymuxw First Nations Traditional Territory. Meet a Snuneymuxw guide here and learn about traditional medicines and edible plants before a breathtaking walk through the Marine Provincial Park.

Accommodation: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Brentwood Bay

Located in the heart of Victoria’s wine country, the 5-star Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa enjoys an oceanfront setting, 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and just across the bay from Butchart Gardens. The glass walls of the dining room provide breathtaking views of the bay and local artwork brings the character of Victoria to your every moment. You may indulge in a spa treatment or a swim in the pool before retiring to your ocean suite, outfitted with luxury furnishings and bedding, a fireplace, and a balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Day 5

John Dean Provincial Park

2.5 miles, easy with moderate sections. Butchart Gardens; 1-1.5 miles, easy

Follow the footpaths of the John Dean Provincial Park, a preserved wilderness sitting atop Mount Newton and overlooking Saanich Bay, the Gulf Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. This afternoon, savor the delightful setting of Butchart Gardens, where a tasteful lunch awaits. Later, tour Butchart Gardens at your leisure before returning to the resort. Raise your glass to toast your week’s adventures followed by a celebratory dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Accommodation: Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa, Brentwood Bay

Located in the heart of Victoria’s wine country, the 5-star Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa enjoys an oceanfront setting, 20 minutes from downtown Victoria and just across the bay from Butchart Gardens. The glass walls of the dining room provide breathtaking views of the bay and local artwork brings the character of Victoria to your every moment. You may indulge in a spa treatment or a swim in the pool before retiring to your ocean suite, outfitted with luxury furnishings and bedding, a fireplace, and a balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Post-Night

Your British Columbia: Vancouver Island tour concludes.

Victoria city and harbor walking tour; 2-3 miles, easy

After a morning guided tour of charming Victoria, often described as “more British than Britain,” your transfer to the Magnolia Hotel and Spa for a Post-Tour night.

Accommodation: Magnolia Hotel & Spa

Just steps from Victoria’s Inner Harbor, the 5-star Magnolia Hotel & Spa offers refined décor with a mix of modern and traditional furnishings. Large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city while you enjoy complimentary bottled water and fresh fruit. Soaker tubs, complimentary WiFi, an on-site restaurant, and coffee, tea, and cool drinks always available in the lobby ensure a lovely stay in a convenient location close to the waterfront and Chinatown.

Flight

Departure

This morning a complimentary small-group transfer is provided to the Victoria Airport based on your departure time. (Your departure transfer time will be communicated to you by your guides on tour).

Add a Tour Extension to Your Flight + Tour Combo
Post-Tour Extension: Victoria

1 night from only $298

  • One night at the 5-star Magnolia Hotel
  • Small-group airport transfer
  • One breakfast

For those guests reserving our Flight + Tour Combo, you may wish to further extend your time in Victoria with an additional night at the lovely, 5-star Magnolia boutique hotel. Delight in the art, history, culture, and cuisine in this charming city on the harbor. The Magnolia Hotel offers a series of self-guided maps should you wish to embark on a historical walk, garden walk, or perhaps even a walk to some of Victoria’s most popular eateries.

Single Supplement: $198

Tour Extension Available

Victoria
1 night from only $298

Learn More

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Dates & Prices

Tour Only

Availability 2019 Dates Per person, double occupancy Single Supplement
more info
 Reserve Online
Currently Full May 26 - May 31 $3,948 $648 Join Waitlist
Filling Fast! Jun 2 - Jun 7 $3,948 $648 Reserve Online
Filling Fast! Sep 20 - Sep 25 $3,948 $648 Reserve Online

Flight + Tour Combo

Availability 2019 Dates LOS ANGELES Change Departure Airport
Flight + Tour Combo
more info
 Single Supplement
more info
 Reserve Online
Currently Full May 25 - Jun 1 $4,748 $1,048 Join Waitlist
Filling Fast! Jun 1 - Jun 8 $4,748 $1,048 Reserve Online
Filling Fast! Sep 19 - Sep 26 $4,748 $1,048 Reserve Online
Additional gateway cities available; please call for details. Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Prices include all airline surcharges and Government taxes and fees. Call for details. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only. We reserve the right to correct errors.

Guides

Guides

Our guides' experience, dedication, and enthusiasm make them ideal ambassadors for your destination. They chart the course, finesse the details, and speak the language (English, as well as the local language). They also possess a truly rare skill, knowing when to let serendipity and inspiration take the lead.

Walking Tour Guide Genevieve Gobeil
Geneviève Gobeil

Born and raised in Eastern Canada, Geneviève Gobeil speaks French, English, and Spanish, holds a degree in Communications, and has years of experience in adventure travel. Her love for the outdoors and contagious energy coupled with her friendly disposition makes her an ideal guide throughout her native Canada. Whether touring by bike – her favorite mode of transportation – or climbing to the top of a snow-covered peak, Geneviève has covered the globe, often traveling with her children. During the winter months she also runs her own life coaching company and teaches seminars, but, mostly, you’ll just find her skiing!

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