3 Days, 2 Nights
Beginning with an easy evening stroll in a local forest, we show you how to identify different wild foods and discuss the nutritional and medicinal properties of our surroundings.
The following morning, we visit one of the Island’s many bountiful farmers markets to sample fresh, local produce. Hopping on bicycles, we go directly to the food source and visit some local farms. Our senses will be delighted with fresh, tasty delicacies directly from farm to table. We continue our day with tour of a marine research facility, where we can touch sea creatures such as starfish, sea cucumbers, prawns, and many more. The day ends by dining on an extravagant seafood feast specially prepared for our group.
The final day takes us to the Cowichan Valley, where locally produced wine and artisanal cheeses are on the menu. Cowichan has a burgeoning wine industry and a well-deserved reputation for award-winning wines. After lunch at a local farm, we take a harbour boat cruise to view the beauty of Cowichan Bay from a different perspective. Once the boat docks, we make our way back to Nanaimo.
- Local, professional and fun guides
- All meals, accommodation, and transfers described in the itinerary
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages between meals
- Some beer, wine or spirits when appropriate
- Transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter Van
- Your choice of basic or comfort accommodations
- All gratuities for accommodations and restaurants
- Equipment for all activities listed
- Pickup from Nanaimo Airport, Nanaimo Ferry Terminals or Nanaimo Float Plane Terminals
- Good, strong and worn-in footwear
- Clothing for layering – Even in nice weather it may be a bit cold
- Breathable windproof and waterproof jacket
- Walking/hiking shorts or pants
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Hat, sunglasses, swimsuit and sunscreen
- Wallet with credit cards, bank cards, passport, etc.
- Cash for incidentals and gratuities
- Personal medications and prescriptions
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Daypack
May, June, July, August
Start Time: Welcome Dinner is at 17:00 at Painted Turtle Guesthouse (121 Bastion Street) in Nanaimo
Prices are per person (plus 5% tax) based on double occupancy.
For individual travellers, we will endeavour to find a roommate (same gender) for those guests who wish to share a room. If no roommate is available, a private room charge will apply depending on the specific tour and accommodation option. If a roommate is found then no additional fees are charged.
Basic accommodations:
- Nanaimo – Private room in a guest house located in the heart of downtown, simple yet comfortable rooms (includes all linens), queen sized bed, shared bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi.
- West Coast – Unique platform tent with an ocean view, shared washroom facilities. Includes all linens, mini kitchen and dishes, BBQ and wooden deck with lounge chairs.
Comfort accommodations:
- Nanaimo – Full-service hotel located in the heart of the downtown core, modern rooms boast king-sized beds and ocean views. Includes all amenities: full bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room television to name a few. Guest can also enjoy use of the fitness facility, spa, 24 hour room service and restaurant on the facility.
- West Coast – Two bedroom lodges in self-contained timber frame home complete with fireplaces, modern kitchens, luxury linens, spectacular ocean views, and walk-on beach access. Lodge rooms will accommodate two groups of two. All lodges have an eco-friendly design and meet Platinum LEED standards.
Group Dinner & Welcome
Plant & Nature Walk
Accommodations in Nanaimo:
Basic – Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Comfort – Coast Bastion Hotel Ocean View Room
Group Breakfast
Farmer’s Market
Food & Wine Tour
Group Lunch
Deep Bay Marine Station
Group Seafood Feast
Accommodations in Nanaimo:
Basic – Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Comfort – Coast Bastion Hotel Ocean View Room
Group Breakfast
Food & Wine Tour
Group Lunch
Cowichan Bay Tour
