Vancouver Island Sampler

$1,145.00

This 4-day tour is a fulfilling sample of what Vancouver Island has to offer. You will be enchanted by the Island’s majestic nature, rich culture, fascinating history and local culinary delights.

 
Vancouver Island Sampler

Clear

4 Days, 3 Nights

We begin this tour with an evening walk along a beautiful coastal trail that reveals the essence of Vancouver Island: rugged coastline, secluded beaches, salty ocean air, local wildlife and a magnificent sunset.

The following day we learn about the native plants of the Island during an informative forest walk. Next, we get a taste of Nanaimo’s diverse history on a city walking tour, including delicious samples of the famous Nanaimo Bar, the treat named after the city. We end the day by paddling peacefully to Newcastle Island where we take part in a traditional First Nations feast. We end the evening by paddling back to Nanaimo and watch the sun set in the distance.

We start the next day by heading underground and navigate the hidden passages of Horne Lake Caves. In the depths of the caves, we get up close to beautiful crystal formations and ancient fossils. Next, we get hands-on with underwater sea creatures at Deep Bay Marine Research Station. We end the day by feasting on a specially-prepared seafood dinner.

On the final day, we invite you to engage in local First Nations culture with an experience at Quwutsun Cultural Centre. Afterwards, we discover the local produce, artisanal goods and delicious wine that the Island has to offer. This sampling of food and drink will feature stops at Merridale cidery, local wineries and a farm where we will have dinner before finishing up the tour back in 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.

Day 1

Group Dinner & Welcome
Sunset Beach Walk

Accommodations in Nanaimo:
Basic – Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Comfort – Coast Bastion Hotel Ocean View Room

Day 2

Group Breakfast
Plant & Nature Walk
Group Lunch
Nanaimo Bar Trail
Nanaimo Museum
Group Dinner
Sunset Kayak / Stand Up Paddleboard

Accommodations in Nanaimo:
Basic – Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Comfort – Coast Bastion Hotel Ocean View Room

Day 3

Group Breakfast
Cave Tour
Group Lunch
Deep Bay Marine Station
Group Seafood Feast

Accommodations in Nanaimo:
Basic – Painted Turtle Guesthouse
Comfort – Coast Bastion Hotel Ocean View Room

Day 4

Group Breakfast
First Nations Cultural Centre
Group Lunch
Food & Wine Tour
Group Dinner

Accommodation

,

Dates

Please contact us for more information on this tour