Guided all-inclusive for $1899.00 (plus gst) 18 meals, 6 nights accommodation, transportation, luggage transfers, 2 eco-adventure tours and Lady Rose Ferry.

Add this package onto our Vancouver Island and Victoria packages for a complete BC Adventure Vacation!

Vancouver Island - Victoria, Tofino, Campbell River and Alert Bay

"Journey of the Spirit - A West Coast First Nations Cultural Tour"

July 18th - 25th, 2008

Experience the amazing cultures of the Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Kwagiutl First Nations. This spectacular adventure features rainforest walks, aboriginal cultural excursions, maritime villages, wildlife nature cruises, gourmet food, superb accommodation and much more!

The Island's first peoples were the Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, and Kwakiutl. Exploring their history and culture is an interesting and enlightening experience.

Villages, historic sites, museums, First Nation projects, feasts, artwork dances, archaeology, and wildlife. The past, the present and the future of this amazing culture.

Day 1

We depart from Victoria or Nanaimo around mid-day and proceed up the Inland Island Highway to Parksville, for a stroll on the long sandy beach. We visit Cathedral Grove, to see the 1,000 year old cedar trees. We wind our way past Sproat Lake until we reach Pacific Rim National Park. After checking into our Lodge accommodation we explore the seaside town of Tofino. And feast on the fresh salmon and crab. Moonlight strolls on the beaches are highly recommended.

Day 2

We rise early and after a sumptuos breakfast we depart for Hot Springs where our aboriginal guide explains the significance of the wildlife, headlands and hot springs to his people. And of course, we soak in the hot springs and look up at the towering rainforest. The journey takes us through many inlets and islands. We feast on a traditional native cuisine for lunch and then head back to Tofino through the tree covered islets. Tonight we are treated to a special presentation on native culture. Songs and legends are used to explain traditional beliefs and culture (on any marine adventure we always have an alternate plan is case of inclement weather. High winds especially can cause cancellation. Our alternate plan involves an exploration of aboriginal galleries, museums, and visits to First Nations communities.)

Day 3

We spend today exploring the beaches and rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park. Your guide takes you to the best places and to trails suited for your abilities and desires. Our lunch is a gourmet picnic on the beach. We make our way to the commercial and sport fishing center of Ucluelet. We spend the early afternoon exploring cultural sites and scenic trails before departing back to the east side of Vancouver Island.

Day 4

We then make our way up the scenic Island Highway towards Campbell River, stopping along the way for photos and refreshments. At Campbell River we will visit the local museum which features an extensive collection of Kwagiult artifacts. We then take a short ferry ride to Quadra Island to overnight at the grand "Tsay Kwa Luten Lodge" owned and operated by the Cape Mudge Indian Band. The luxurious accommodation features a grand entrance lobby that will be sure to inspire you. Aboriginal carvings and art-work and a traditional salmon B.B.Q. make this an entertaining stopover.

Day 5

After a sumptious breakfast and stroll on the beach, we take the ferry back to Campbell River. We then wind our way up the Island through the scenic Nimpkish Valley with a stopover at the picturesque boardwalk community of Telegraph Cove. We then depart for Port McNeil where we will catch the ferry to Historic Alert Bay, home of the Namgis Indian Band. Alert Bay is located on Cormorant Island in the midst of splendid scenery and abundant wildlife. We will visit the world famous "Umista Cultural Center". After settling into our accommodation we will have time to stroll along the harbour side village where old fish canneries and docks line the village.

Day 6

We have the good fortune of departing on a Aboriginal Cultural Tour to Village Island with the First Nations guardian of the island. We will see evidence of age-old villages and perhaps some whales or dolphins on the way there. We depart after lunch for the journey back down the island towards Victoria.

Day 7

We make our way to Victoria visiting Coast Salish carvers and artisans along the way. We stop at the Blue Raven Gallery for a traditional salmon BBQ and cultural presentations by the amazing artisans in this family-run gallery. We then make our way back to Victoria to say our farewells after a traditional Coast Salish farewell song.

$2199.00 cdn (plus gst based on double occupancy). Beautiful waterfront lodge accommodation, 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners, guides, outdoor activities and marine cruise, entrance fees and transportation. Travel aboard our luxury Van for extreme comfort. We travel in small groups of 4-10 people so our footprint is small and the personal attention is large.

Juan De Fuca Marine Trail

Self-Guided Three Day Backpacking Tour - 3 days and 2 nights - Departing July 4 - 6 from Victoria

This is one of Canada's premiere backcountry hiking trips. You follow the rugged coastline, along sandy beaches and the ancient rainforests. The views are spectacular as you look out over the Straight of Juan De Fuca to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. Experience rich inter-tidal life, eagles soaring overhead and the giant cedar, fir and hemlock trees. Explore Mystical Beach, Bear Beach, Sombrio Beach and Botanical Beach. Keep your eyes open for bears, cougars, deer, mink, whales, seals and sea lions. This is simply an amazing world-class trail.

Your trip starts as our van transports you 2 hours west of Victoria to the trailhead. We provide the pack, sleeping, bags and all equipment necessary for your adventure. We also provide the all-important map of special highlights and where to camp each night. We meet you at the end and transport you back to Victoria. For experienced hikers only. Trail gets very muddy and gators are recommended. Good hiking boots are a requirement.

$349.00 (includes food, sleeping gear, tent, pack, transportation and map)