Immersive Vancouver Island Self-Drive Tour
Trip length: 9 days / 8 nights
Start/end: Campbell River
Towns: Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Port Hardy
Type: Self-guided
Group size: 2+
Price: from $3,495 per person
Experience the road less travelled on northern Vancouver Island with this 9-day self-guided tour from Campbell River to Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Port Hardy.
Our Vancouver Island road trips allow you to witness BC's iconic wildlife and natural beauty while connecting to the region’s unique indigenous cultures and history.
For more information about this tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Are you looking for more travel inspiration in British Columbia? Check out our full range of self-guided tours in BC.
HIGHLIGHTS
North Vancouver Island Road Trip
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Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
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Embrace the cultural mecca of Alert Bay with a visit to U'Mista Cultural Centre and the renowned potlatch collection
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Enjoy a performance by the T'sasala Cultural Group Dancers in the ‘Namgis Traditional Big House (summer tours only).
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Embark on a full-day kayak excursion in the hands of expert guides; As we paddle through ocean coves and channels, embracing the quiet of our surroundings, we look out for nearby orca, humpback whales, sea lions, and other wildlife.
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Experience the comfort and welcoming hospitality of the First Nations' owned Kwa'Lilas Hotel, featuring authentic cuisine, arts and cultural activities.
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Journey to the north-western shores of Cape Scott Provincial Park to discover the picturesque beaches, sea stacks and caves of San Josef Bay.
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Join local guides on a tour of the Broughton Archipelago in search of whales and grizzly bears, learning the ancient stories behind the scenery and the sustainable approach to wildlife viewing.
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Enjoy fresh, local seafood and cuisine, from the first night at a picturesque beach-front bistro, to freshly caught salmon on the BBQ.
Activities On This Trip
Light
Hiking
Cultural
Activities
Whale
Watching
Sea
Kayaking
Boat
Tours
Accommodation Style
Hotels & B&Bs
Cultural imagery use courtesy of U'Mista Cultural Centre, Culture Shock Gallery, and T'sasala Cultural Group.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
This is a sample itinerary that can be customized to your group.
DAY 1: Arrive to Campbell River | Optional sightseeing and local tours | Dinner at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: n/a.
DAY 2: Morning hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park | Drive to Telegraph Cove (~2.5 hours) | Free time in Telegraph Cove to explore this historic town | Waterfront dinner featuring local seafood | Overnight in Telegraph Cove. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast.
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DAY 3: Join guided sea kayaking tour (full-day) | Paddle the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands | Overnight in Telegraph Cove. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
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DAY 4: Morning in Telegraph Cove | Travel to the cultural mecca of Alert Bay | Cedar weaving workshop | Visit the 'Namgis Traditional Big House & World's Tallest Totem Pole | Overnight in Alert Bay. Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: Breakfast.
DAY 5: Grizzly Bears & Wildlife Tour in the Broughton Archipelago (full day) | Private tour of U'Mista Cultural Centre | Overnight in Alert Bay. Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
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DAY 6: Free day in Alert Bay | Explore the waterfront & town | Hike through the Ecological Gardens | Cultural dance performance in the Big House (Saturdays in July & Aug only). Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
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DAY 7: Return ferry to Port McNeill | Travel to Port Hardy | Visit Fort Rupert & Storeys Beach | Forest and estuary hiking | Optional float plane tour over the Broughton Archipelago | Overnight in Port Hardy. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast.
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DAY 8: Guided full-day tour to San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park | Lunch and afternoon on the beach | Overnight in Port Hardy. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
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DAY 9: Free time to explore Port Hardy town | Travel to Campbell River | Tour ends. Meals: Breakfast.
This trip is designed for...
Adults and youth age 12+ with interests in outdoor adventure, wildlife, and Indigenous culture and history. Basic mobility and moderate fitness level is recommended. Must be comfortable walking/hiking on light trails for 1-2 hours, and paddling for 2-3 hours at a time. No previous experience in sea kayaking necessary. Guests must be comfortable spending full days outdoors in potentially inclement weather.
Discover More About our Vancouver Island Self-Drive Tours
DATES + PRICES
Self-Guided Tours are available from June to September for groups of two or more people, based on availability.​
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Itineraries can be customized based on the interests, budget, and size of the group.
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See "How it Works" for more details.​
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
2024 starting rates:
Groups of 2-4: $3,595 /person
Groups of 6: $3,495 /person
All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to GST tax (5%).
Looking for a guided trip?
INCLUSIONS
9 days / 8 nights
All accommodation for 8 nights, including 1 night in Campbell River, 2 nights in Telegraph Cove, 3 nights in Alert Bay, and 2 nights in Port Hardy. Mix of lodge, hotel and B&B.
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8 breakfasts, 4 lunches.
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All activities listed in the itinerary, including full-day sea kayaking tour, wildlife-viewing tour, day tour to Cape Scott Provincial Park, cultural activities and events, and more.
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Custom itinerary design, local recommendations, and remote support during your trip.
Not Included:
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Additional meals not listed
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Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
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Ferry to/from Alert Bay
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Flights to/from and within British Columbia
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Travel insurance
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Optional activities in each town
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Gratuities for third-party tour providers and housekeeping services (to be given at your discretion)
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Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, medications, snacks, and souvenirs
GETTING AROUND - VANCOUVER ISLAND SELF-GUIDED TOURS
This is a self-guided trip and requires the use of your own vehicle. If travelling by air into BC, we recommend booking a connecting flight from Vancouver International Airport to Campbell River via Pacific Coastal Airlines and renting a car here for the duration of your trip (Budget and National are available). Alternatively you may choose to rent a car in Vancouver and drive to Campbell River (ferry required).
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The trip ends on Day 9 with the drive from Port Hardy to Campbell River around mid-day. The timing is up to you — there are no scheduled activities on this day. If you wish to stay longer on Vancouver Island, our team can provide some recommendations based on your preferences.
Reach out to our team for more information and to start planning your trip.
Email: info@mosaicearth.ca
Phone: (778) 400-5299