Canada · 9 days · 850 km · Loop
Vancouver Island — Pacific, whales and temperate rainforest
Pacific coast loop in Canada. Ferry from Vancouver, capital Victoria with afternoon tea, surfing at Tofino, ancient forests of Cathedral Grove, orcas at Telegraph Cove and back. The most intimate green side of Western Canada.
Highlights
- BC Ferries
- Butchart Gardens
- Victoria Inner Harbour + Empress afternoon tea
- Cathedral Grove (800-year-old Douglas firs)
- Tofino (surf and bears)
- Long Beach (Pacific Rim NP)
- Hot Springs Cove (by boat)
- Telegraph Cove (orcas July-August)
- Campbell River (salmon)
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Vancouver → ferry → Victoria
Vancouver → Victoria · 100 km
- · Tsawwassen ferry terminal
- · Butchart Gardens
- · Inner Harbour
Overnight: Goldstream Provincial Park
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Day 2
Victoria — full day
Victoria · 30 km
- · Afternoon tea at Empress
- · Royal BC Museum
Overnight: Goldstream Provincial Park
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Day 3
Victoria → Cathedral Grove → Tofino
Victoria → Tofino · 320 km
- · Cathedral Grove
- · Arrive in Tofino
Overnight: Pacific Rim NP Green Point Campground
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Day 4
Tofino — surf + Long Beach
Tofino · 50 km
- · Long Beach
- · Surf school
- · Schooner Cove Trail
Overnight: Green Point Campground
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Day 5
Tofino — Hot Springs Cove
Tofino · 30 km
- · Boat trip to Hot Springs Cove
Overnight: Green Point Campground
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Day 6
Tofino → Campbell River
Tofino → Campbell River · 240 km
- · Salmon Capital of the World
Overnight: Elk Falls Provincial Park
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Day 7
Campbell River → Telegraph Cove
Campbell River → Telegraph Cove · 200 km
- · Orca watching tour (July-August)
- · Whale Interpretive Centre
Overnight: Telegraph Cove Resort
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Day 8
Telegraph Cove → Nanaimo
Telegraph Cove → Nanaimo · 350 km
Overnight: Living Forest Oceanside Campground
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Day 9
Nanaimo → ferry → Vancouver (drop-off)
Nanaimo → Vancouver · 80 km