Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.
Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:
- One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 2
- One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 6
- One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 8
Expand the itinerary below for more details.
Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.
Itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver! Upon arrival in Vancouver you will be transferred by private SUV to Hotel Listel, situated on the city's most vibrant shopping and dining street.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Overnight in Vancouver at Hotel Listel in a Standard Room.
Today you can explore Vancouver! Enjoy a pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.
Overnight in Vancouver at Hotel Listel in a Standard Room.
Freedom of Choice Options
- Vancouver City Tour:
This tour is a great introduction to the scenic and historic highlights of Vancouver.
OR
- Granville Island Market Food Tour:
Granville Island is Canada’s second most-visited destination, behind Niagara Falls, and Vancouver’s destination for lovers of food, art andculture. During the tour, guests eat their way through the world-famous Public Market and hear the intriguing stories, culture, and history behind the tasty creations.
OR
- The Stanley E-Bike Tour:
Stanley Park is uniquely situated with incredibly scenic views of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, as well as English Bay and the Westend. Your guide will weave you down the pristine forest trails that criss-cross through the park, and give incisive information about this amazing wilderness city. You will walk or ride away with a deeper understanding of both Vancouver and its green treasure.
Pickup your rental car, depart Vancouver for Horseshoe Bay and sail for 1hr 45 min on BC Ferries to Vancouver Island. Upon departing BC Ferries head north through Vancouver Island’s second largest city, Nanaimo, known as the Harbour City, and Parksville, the beginning of Beach Country and home of the annual International Sandcastle Competition.
Your destination today is the city of Campbell River, historically renowned as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” lying at the heart of neighbouring Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mount Washington and Robson Bight. Surrounded by the backdrop of Strathcona Provincial Park to the west and the Coastal Mountain range to the east, massive cruise ships pass right by Campbell River’s doorstep, and their parade of lights is best viewed from world famous Discovery Pier as they venture up the Inside Passage for Alaskan destinations.
Overnight in Campbell River at Comfort Inn & Suites in a Standard Room.
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Today’s destination, Knight Inlet Lodge, is not accessible by road, so you’ll fly in by floatplane from Campbell River. A thrilling 30 minute flight brings you to the mouth of the Glendale River where Knight Inlet Lodge floats on large cedar booms. Bring your camera - you’ll be going on a bear watching and wildlife viewing tour in search of the grizzly bears that frequent this area.
Overnight in Knight Inlet at Knight Inlet Lodge in a Deluxe Room.
Knight Inlet Lodge Inclusions:
- Interpretive guided bear viewing tours
- Knight Inlet sightseeing cruise (weather permitting, no substitute)
- Use of kayaks on organized estuary tours
- All meals and snacks while at the lodge
- Complimentary house wine with dinner
- Rain gear if required: rubber boots, coats, pants
Early this morning return to the Bear Viewing platforms for a last photo opportunity before departing for Campbell River by floatplane. Arrival time is between 10.30 & 11.00am. Collect your car and head south west to Tofino on the rugged West Coast. En route, picture stops should be made at Cathedral Grove to enjoy the splendour of 800-year-old Douglas Fir and Cedar and the Mars Water-Bombers at Sproat Lake, the world’s two largest water-bombers used for the sole purpose of putting out forest fires. After the Mars Water-Bombers, drive through the majestic Sutton Pass and the Sawtooth Range of the Cascade Mountains to arrive in Tofino around mid-afternoon.
Overnight in Tofino at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in One Bedroom Lodge.
Today you can personalize your day! Enjoy a pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.
Overnight in Tofino at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in One Bedroom Lodge.
Freedom of Choice Options
- Coastal Bear Watch Cruise:
Search for foraging bears from the comfort and safety of a 24’ Zodiac vessel. Abundant on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, black bears roam the shores at low tide in search of their favorite delicacy, the Rock Crab.
OR
- Whale Watching Cruise:
Cruise through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound to view beautiful scenery and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter gray whales, humpback whales, sea lions, sea birds and resident bald eagles.
OR
- Tofino Food Tour:
Taste why Tofino is truly one of Canada’s best food scenes, combined with local stories & fascinating history. This tour includes 7 delicious tastings from some of Tofino’s best restaurants & food vendors.
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Travel back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island and head south to Victoria. En route stops should be made at the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town, and Duncan the “City of Totems”. If time permits visit the Quw’utsun’ Heritage Village which provides you with an insight into the lives of the northwest coast people (seasonal hours - admission not included).
Overnight in Victoria at Inn at Laurel Point in a Laurel Wing Guest Room.
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It's time to explore Victoria! Enjoy a pre-selected tour from our Freedom of Choice options below.
Overnight in Victoria at Fairmont Empress Hotel in a Fairmont Room.
Freedom of Choice Options
- Butchart Gardens Admission:
On its 100th birthday in 2004, the Butchart Gardens was named a National Historic Site of Canada. Explore 22 Hectares/55 acres of breathtaking gardens on the 53 hectare/130 acre estate.
OR
- Eat like a Canadian Food Tour:
Not many people can define exactly what Canadian food is. From local ingredients to historic dishes, this tour is the best way to experience Canadian culinary culture. Sip and savour local cuisine, explore the iconic Inner Harbour, and meet the chefs and owners that make Victoria such an exciting culinary hot spot.
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Leaving Victoria, drive the short and scenic route to Butchart Gardens (admission included) - fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, continue driving north to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride to Tsawwassen. On-board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Tsawwassen continue on to downtown Vancouver where your journey ends.
Hotel options
Vancouver
The Listel Hotel, located in the West End of Vancouver, is so much more than simply a place to sleep; it is a cultural tourist’s dream, as well as a leader in environmental responsibility. 129 boutique rooms and suites are filled with limited edition and original artwork and modern amenities including high speed Wi-Fi.
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Campbell River
Located on the waterfront in downtown Campbell River, the Comfort Inn & Suites offers unparalleled comfort in distinctive, West Coast style. After enjoying a great night’s sleep in our 100% smoke-free hotel, power up your morning with a free hot breakfast, admire the ocean views from your spacious suite or start your day with a soak in our indoor pool and hot tub. You can even bring your pet – to the hotel, not the pool! All of our hotel rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi, phone calls within North America, flat-screen HDTV, mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Plus, at our complimentary business centre, you can print out boarding passes and more. Whether you’re searching hotels in Campbell River for business or pleasure, our hotel is your perfect base for discovering the abundant pleasures and hidden treasures of northern Vancouver Island.
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Knight Inlet
Situated 60 kilometres from the mouth of the inlet is Knight Inlet Lodge. Our floating resort is tucked into Glendale Cove, which offers one of the few protected anchorages in the inlet, and it is here that you will begin each day's adventure. The lodge is a modern one story facility consisting of 5 cement floats, we like to call ourselves a floating village, plus support buidlings. All guest rooms feature comfortable queen size beds plus private washrooms with showers. The resort is finished with western cedar board and batten siding to give it a real west coast British Columbia look and feel. There are 2 outside deck areas, one complete with gas fireplace, for relaxing on those warm summer evenings.
Tofino
A 6-minute stroll from the Wild Pacific Trail, this chic oceanfront hotel built from granite and glass is also a 14-minute walk from downtown Ucluelet. Amenities include an ultrahip bar and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There's also a serene spa with 2 hot tubs, a lounge and a seasonal plunge pool.
Victoria
Overlooking Laurel Point Park, this waterfront hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Black Ball Ferry Line and a 10-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum. Featuring private balconies with water views, the airy rooms include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. There's a heated indoor pool, an exercise room and a Japanese garden, plus a Pacific Rim-inspired restaurant with a patio and harbour views.
