TOFINO & the WHALE FESTIVAL
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Canada’s Hidden Gem
March 23 to 25, 2012
3 days from $279
** Of all the Amazing places to visit in Canada, Tofino was named #10 in TripAdvisors list of the Top 25 Canadian Travel Destinations!
Join us and discover why. **
Tofino webcam – Surf
PRICING
Student (with valid student card) & Youth (19 & under)= $289
Take off $10 if paying at our office with cash.
Adult price (20+) = $299
TOUR OVERVIEW
Every year some 20,000+ grey whales migrate past the coast just off of Tofino on their way to their way to the Bering Straight. Join us as we head to Tofino and the Wild West Coast for a chance to view these magnificent animals!
Tofino is a hidden gem on the rugged and wild West Coast of Vancouver Island. What was once a sleepy little fishing village is now turning in to a bustling tourist mecca and a centre for a variety of outdoor adventures. This is a great chance to see a small Canadian town that hasn’t yet been discovered by the crowds.
One of the highlights of this tour is the scenic ride aboard BC Ferries through the Gulf Islands. We encourage our guests to head out on to the open decks to enjoy the sea breeze and salty air. Keep your eyes peeled – you may spot dolphins playing in the wake of the boat or even see a whale or two.
Once we get to Nanaimo, we head across Vancouver Island through rain forests, past pristine freshwater lakes, waterfalls and even a market where the goats live on the roof! Most of our tours are smaller group tours conducted in a mini-coach where you can really get to know your guide and fellow travelers. You have time to explore the beaches and forests of this exciting and adventurous area.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- BC FERRY RIDE
– OCEAN VILLAGE RESORT! Spend 2 nights right on the beach at this premium location!
- CATHEDRAL GROVE. Walk amongst the giant trees, some over 70m high and 600 years old!
- PORT ALBERNI QUAY. We stop for lunch in this busy lumber town.
- COOMBS. We can’t miss the famous Goats-on-the-Roof market!
- LONG BEACH. Stroll along miles of wind swept beaches known for their big waves and as a surfers paradise!
- PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK
- WIKANINNISH INTERPRETIVE CENTER
- TOFINO. The most famous little town on the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island.
- BEACH CAMPFIRE & MARSHMALLOW ROAST (weather dependent)
TOUR INCLUDES
- Round trip transportation on BC Ferries
- Round trip transportation in a luxury mini-coach
- 2 nights accommodation at the spectacular Ocean Village Resort (price is based on 4 per room sharing 2 beds. Upgrades available on most tours.)
- Vancouver Island tour from Nanaimo to Tofino
- FUN & FRIENDLY Canadian Tour Guide
- All tips and taxes
TOUR OPTIONS
Make the most of your time on the Wild West Coast and try one of these great optional activities.
WHALE WATCHING – Only $80! Head out to the open sea in search of grey whales and humpbacks. 2.5 to 3 hours.
BEAR WATCHING – from $80. Tides must be right for this activity as you follow the shoreline looking for bears feasting on fish along the beach. 2.5 hours.
SURFING – Only $75. A great place to learn how to surf. Includes wet suit, surf board, and lessons.
HOT SPINGS COVE - Travel up Clayquot Sound enjoying amazing scenery en route to the Hot Springs. Once the boat is docked, you have a 2 km nature walk on a
boardwalk to reach the natural Hot Springs. Only $115. 6.5 to 7 hours.
Ocean Kayaking – $60. Explore the coves and inlets around Tofino. You’ll be amazed at how much sea life you can see!
TOUR DATES
March 23 to 25, 2012
TOUR ITINERARY (sample)
March 23
1:45 pm – Meet at the corner of Seymour St. and Cordova St. across from the Main Waterfront Skytrain & Seabus Station. Don’t be late as the ferry won’t wait!
Your journey begins as we catch a BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo – 1 hour and 35 minutes.
As we cross Vancouver Island we have stops at:
- Port Alberni Quay
- Wikaninnish Interpretive Center
After checking in to our hotel you have free time to explore Tofino before we head to the beach for a campfire and marshmallow roast.
March 24
In the morning your guide will help you with whatever activity you want to try. You can choose from a whale watching excursion, a soak in some natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove, Bear Watching, Beach Combing…
In the evening we enjoy a beach campfire listening to the sounds of the crashing surf!
March 25
The morning is free for more activities or exploring.
1:00 pm – We head back across the island with stops at:
- Cathedral Grove
- Coombs Market
7:30 pm – Arrive in Nanaimo for the return ferry
10:00 pm – Arrive back in Vancouver
TOUR NOTES
To guarantee space on optional activities you need to book and pay in advance. Waiting until you get to Tofino means that you may not get to do the activity of your choice. Some discounts are only available if you pay in advance.
What to bring:
- Bathing suit and towel if you want to go to the Hot Springs or if you want to try surfing
- Proof of medical insurance
- Government photo ID (passport) and student ID (in case you want to head to the pub for a pint…)
- Rain jacket or umbrella.
Policies:
- We recommend paying at least 10 days before departure to avoid disappointment
- The tour is NON-REFUNDABLE within 7 days of departure
- NO REFUND if you fail to show up at the meeting spot on time
