Victoria Coastal Rainforest Hike
Magnificent rainforests, giant cedar trees, sandy beaches and west coast wildlife!
We depart from downtown Victoria and head west aboard our luxury coach to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We meander through the quiet country roads for 40 minutes until we reach East Sooke Wilderness Park.
The Coastal Trail Hike at East Sooke Wilderness Park is considered one of Canada's premiere day hikes. This exceptional trail features windswept pine, towering grand fir, giant cedar and the bark-shedding arbutus trees. There is also a chance to view ancient petro-glyphs etched into the rocks by the areas native peoples of the past.
The trail winds along the rugged coast and allows for breathtaking views overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. The trail contrasts greatly throughout the journey; one minute you are in a dark lush rainforest and the next you are on the sunny bluffs overlooking an ocean vista.
We keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, otters, and whales. Eagles, ravens and deer are a common sight. Your guide is a trained naturalist and is always keen to share the secrets and wonders of this diverse and magical environment.
The trail is approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles). Good footwear is recommended and rain gear can be supplied. A gourmet picnic lunch and refreshments are provided. The trail is suitable for anyone in reasonable physical condition as we proceed at a leisurely pace with lots of stops to take photos and explore the inter-tidal zones.
We depart at 9 a.m. and return at 3p.m.
We pick you up from your hotel, float plane dock or the bus station in Downtown Victoria.
Cost: $95.00 plus gst (includes transportation, naturalist guide, and lunch)
Juan De Fuca Marine Trail
This is one of Canada's best backcountry hiking trips. You follow the rugged coastline, along sandy beaches and in 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.
We have many incredible options for your West Coast Eco-Adventure!
Self-Guided Three Day Hiking Trip - 3 days and 2 nights
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)
Self-Guided and Supported Hiking Trip
Same as the above tour but one key difference- you carry only a day-pack with lunch and at the end of each day your camp is set up and your guide prepares dinner. This is called luxury camping! Carrying only a light day back allows you to explore the trail more and hike in comfort. Your guide prepares the dinner and also the next day's lunch. For intermediate hikers. We supply equipment such as a water filter, sleeping pads, cooking gear, stove and first aid kit.
3 Days and 2 nights - (includes food, equipment, transportation, maps and guide)
$499.00
3 or 4 Day Bed and Breakfast Hike
The same incredible hike but you do it with a daypack on and sleep in luxury B&B's!
Each day we meet you at the trail end and transport you to your oceanfront lodge. You look after the meals and we provide the rides, the accommodation, daypacks filled with lunch. The next morning you are whisked back to where you left off the day before. Can be done in 3-day sections or the entire Juan De Fuca Marine Trail can be done in 4 days.
From $649.00 (includes B & B accommodation, breakfasts and lunches, packs, transportation and map).
Juan De Fuca Day Trips
The incredible feature about the Juan De Fuca Trail is that some of the most spectacular parts of the trail can be accessed on day trips from Victoria. Island Adventure Tours has picked the best sites along the trail. These tours depart Victoria at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. and include a gourmet picnic lunch, naturalist guide and transportation.
Loss Creek to Sombrio River Suspension Bridge -
6 kilometers of rainforest trails that take you to the awe-inspiring Sombrio River Suspension Bridge. This bridge is one of the highlights of the 47 km. Juan De Fuca Trail.
Look down from over 200 ft. above the River. You can also visit the sea lion caves where sea lions congregate. This is one of the most rewarding day hikes that gives one a sample of the best that the Juan De Fuca Trail has to offer. For intermediate hikers.
Cost: $125 per person (includes lunch, guide and transportation).
Nootka Sound - Hesquiaht Harbour
Not for the faint of heart! The most amazing 5 days of hiking you can do on Vancouver Island! This 7-day adventure will take you to a hidden gem, a magical secret. Sssshhhhh! Don't tell anyone where you are going.
We limit this trip to 2 groups of 4-6 a year. Why? Only a few dozen people hike this trail each year. It is abundant in wildlife and scenic beauty and we do not want to spoil it. Simply put this is a special place that only a select few will visit each year.
Day 1
We depart Victoria and drive 4 hours to the town of Tofino on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island. We explore Pacific Rim National Park in the afternoon and then check into our waterfront accommodation in the town of Tofino.
Day 2
We depart early morning on a float plane to Nootka Sound for Beach Drop-off. We hike approximately 3 km.'s down a river to get to the beach and outer coast. We then hike along the beach and shoreline for an additonal 6 km.s. We overnight on the beach.
Day 3
We hike the outer beaches of Hesquiaht Peninsula and overnight on the beaches near Barcester Bay.
Day 4
We hike today to the historic Estevan Point Lighthouse (the only Canadian soil to be attacked in WW2).
Day 5
More beach hiking along the shores of the Hesquiaht Peninsula. We see prehistoric cave shelters and an abundance of wildlife.
Day 6
We hike along the beaches of Hesquiaht Harbour and end up back at Boat Basin where our float plane waits to take us to Hot Springs Cove and the M.V. Innchanter.
We soak our tired muscles in the hot springs and get a massage under the hot waterfall. The M.V. Innchanter features 7 staterooms and our host makes an amazing dinner.
Day 7
Depart around noon back to Tofino by boat and watch for whales along the way. We then drive back to Victoria or Nanaimo for connections home.
*This tour is for experienced hikers only. This route demands experience, coordination and fitness. Do not attempt this trip if you are in poor physical condition, uncordinated or unprepared. We walk on sandy beaches, rocky headlands, boulders, logs, through rivers and muddy jungles.
We tour in small groups of 4-6 experienced hikers. We carry loads of approximately 40 lbs. And sleep on the beach in tents. Food is gourmet, healthy and plentiful. We follow the coastline for 50 km.'s and everyday reveals a different type of terrain.
Cost : $1699 per person plus gst
Includes : Waterfront accommodation in Tofino, Overnight in the M.V. Innchanter, 5 nights of beach camping, membership to Boat Basin Foundation, Tour of Cougar Annie's Garden, transportation from Victoria, park fees, all meals, scenic float plane flights to Hesquiaht and guide.
This is a trip-of-a-lifetime! The West Coast Trail covers the same distance but does not compare to the rugged beauty of this hike, following the beach instead of walking through dense brush and rainforest.
Note : Island Adventure Tours is committed to the protection and preservation of the Hesquiaht Peninsula's beauty and wildlife. We only offer 2 trips a year and travel in small groups.
