Whales, Bears, Cities, and Nature – Escape to Vancouver Island

Responsible tourism means that the experience creates a positive impact for all involved–not just the traveller. Responsible Indigenous tourism in BC means that travel includes consideration of all which is of value to Indigenous Peoples–their communities, languages, and cultures; water, animals, and lands.

In Victoria, the shared territory of the Esquimalt, Songhees, and Saanich people, embark on an exciting whale-watching journey. Travel to remote Tofino in Nuu-chah-nulth Territory to discover the remote and untamed rainforests and pristine ocean beaches seldom seen by people, home to bears and eagles; and paddle east of Tofino in a traditional dugout canoe to Meares Island, a home to the Ahousat people for thousands of years.

A captivating stay on Quadra Island in Kwakwakaw’akw lands provides a perfect base for nature viewing excursions in search of whales and other marine life and bears.

Day 1: Explore Victoria

Upon arrival in Victoria, drive to your hotel. Victoria offers visitors an ideal and enticing mix of Indigenous and colonial histories with vibrant, cosmopolitan features – everything from sunny beaches and sparkling lakes to championship golf courses, spas, shopping, gourmet restaurants, and a happening nightlife. Victoria is also home to innovative museums, engaging art galleries, and historical sites.

Victoria has a wide range of accommodations to choose from.

Day 4 - Explore Tofino

Enjoy an excursion in a traditional Indigenous dugout canoe to Meares Island, one of the homes of the Ahousat people, with T’ashii Paddle School. Join a Nuu-chah-nulth guide and learn about Indigenous culture, history, and the local environment.

In the afternoon, visit Roy Vickers Gallery. The gallery is owned by world-renowned artist Roy Henry Vickers: accomplished carver, design advisor of prestigious public spaces, sought-after keynote speaker, and author of several successful books. Built by the owner and his family, the beautiful traditional Northwest Coast longhouse features a carved and painted cedar plank exterior and doors of beaten copper and is a Tofino landmark.

Day 5: Travel Tofino to Quadra Island

This morning, your route will lead you to cultural and natural features, including the 13,000-year-old Hupacasath petroglyphs at Sproat Lake. Visit the picturesque falls and deep gorges at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, bordered by steep mountains.

Upon arrival in Campbell River, you will have a 10-minute ferry ride to Quadra Island, followed by a short drive to your beautiful oceanfront resort, the Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge. This Indigenous-owned and operated lodge features Pacific Coast Kwagiulth architecture, traditional and contemporary native art, the freshest seafood, and the Kwakwakaw’akw culture of Laichwiltach First Nation.

Day 6: Wildlife-viewing

Today, Explore the Salish Sea and traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation with Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours. Three different options exist depending on the season.

People, Water, Land Tour: Join this exclusive group for a day of whales, cultural discovery and wildlife. Travel to Bute Inlet and through the Salish Sea, while searching for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bald eagles and other marine wildlife. Accompany a First Nation guide on an interpretive journey to learn about traditional uses of the land while watching for grizzly bears and more.

The Great Bears of Bute: Witness grizzly bears in their natural habitat on this breathtaking wildlife, cultural and marine tour. Join an Indigenous guide and visit the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation in Bute Inlet. Bear viewing, whale watching and cultural exploration make for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Whales, Wildlife and Culture: Enjoy an unforgettable experience with orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and more remarkable marine mammals in their natural habitat as we venture through the Salish Sea. Bear witness to BC’s magnificent coastal mountain range and watch for bald eagles, other marine birds and wildlife on this notable expedition.

Day 8: Explore Vancouver and Urban Walking Tour

This morning, you will join one of Talaysay Tours cultural ambassadors for a leisurely 90-minute Talking Trees walking tour through what is now Stanley Park in Vancouver. Your guide will share the many stories of this region, as well as intimate cultural and scientific knowledge of the Northwest coast trees and plants. You will hear how the Coast Salish people continue to use these plants for food, medicine, art, and technology.

Afterward, you will have free time to explore the city on your own. Be sure to visit Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, a public gallery named after the acclaimed Haida artist, Bill Reid.

You may wish to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner at the celebrated Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro, featuring a menu of local wild fish, organic and free-range meats, bannock and other culinary delights inspired by a variety of Indigenous traditions.