Get your binoculars at the ready! We’ll begin our adventure with a little marine life spotting as we take a scenic ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. From there we will explore the lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and giant trees of Vancouver Island. Then we’re off to Sproat Lake to observe one of the finest panels of prehistoric Indigenous petroglyphs. Our day ends by settling into the quaint little fishing village of Tofino, and feasting on fish & chips (don’t worry, they have non-seafood options too!)
Meal Inclusions: Dinner
Moose Accommodation: HI Tofino - Whalers on the Point
Today is yours to do as you please! Cruise through the Pacific Ocean and go whale watching, soak in one of Tofino’s hot springs, or jump right into kayaking or surfing. Explore on foot, by bike, or go hiking - Tofino has lots on offer for your free day! As the evening draws in and the stars start to appear, we’ll be setting up a beach campfire (weather permitting) where we’ll toast some marshmallows and share each other’s stories of the day.
Moose Accommodation: HI Tofino - Whalers on the Point
We’ll start our day at Wickanninish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park, which was named after Chief Wickanninish who ruled Clayoquot Sound in the 1700s! Then we’ll be heading to the village of Coombs for a chance to spot the famous goats on the roof of the Old Country Market. Then, it’s the East Coast for us as we head down to Chemainus with its 39 giant outdoor murals for a little Al Fresco art appreciation. You’ll also get a chance to snap the world’s largest (ice) hockey stick! (only in Canada, eh?) This evening we’ll be staying in the BC provincial capital, Victoria, where you can enjoy the buzzing Inner Harbour night scene.
Moose Accommodation: Ocean Island Inn or HI Victoria
Today’s a day for history! We will begin our day with a walking tour starting in Victoria’s Chinatown, then make our way along the Inner Harbour to see the Empress Hotel, Parliament Buildings and learn about the Black Pioneers that arrived from San Francisco in 1858. Then we’ll head to Beacon Hill Park - known as the crowning jewel in Victoria’s park system, to gaze at the Terry Fox Memorial, and the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole. After that, the day is yours to explore Victoria as you wish, although we highly recommend checking out the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf. We’ll then congregate to take another scenic ferry through the Gulf Islands, across the Salish Sea and back to Vancouver.
Moose Accommodation: HI Vancouver - Jericho Beach
Have your camera ready for an amazing journey today! We’ll travel the breath-taking Sea to Sky Highway, past mountain peaks, glaciers, and stunning lakes, stopping off at two waterfalls, Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls. Upon our arrival in Whistler, we’ll take a guided tour of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre including a forest walk with a Cultural Ambassador, to learn about the Indigenous cultures of the Whistler Valley. We bet you’ll be hungry after this jam-packed day, so we’ll be dining together this evening. After that, check out Whistler’s nightlife scene or give axe throwing a go! (And yes, Canada hosts a World Axe Throwing League.)
Activity Inclusions: Guided tour of Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Meal Inclusions: Dinner
Moose Accommodation: HI Whistler
Ziplining, bungee jumping, mountain biking and hiking; these are just some of the things you could be doing today! We don’t leave until the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore Whistler village or the mountains. Alternatively, find a quiet spot in one of the beautiful parks and take in some raw unadulterated nature, before we head back to Vancouver, stopping en route for another photo opportunity!
Moose Accommodation: There is no accommodation included tonight. You will need to make your own arrangements. We recommend that you do not book onward travel on this day in case of traffic or weather delays.
- 5 nights mixed gender, hostel dormitory style accommodation
- Moose Bus transportation
- 2 scenic ferry rides to and from Vancouver Island
- Services of a professional & fun tour guide/driver
- Guided tour of Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
- Walking tour of Victoria
- 2 dinners
- National Park fees
