Immersive Vancouver Island Self-Drive Tour
Trip length: 8 days / 7 nights
Start/end: Campbell River
Towns: Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Port Hardy
Type: Self-guided
Group size: 2+ people
Price: from $2,995 per person
Experience the road less travelled on northern Vancouver Island with this 8-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 West Queen Charlotte Strait 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.
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Unwind and reflect on your experiences with morning yoga, quiet walks on the beach, and evening campfires.
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: Begin in Campbell River | 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 included: n/a.
DAY 2: Join guided sea kayaking tour (full-day) | Paddle the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands | Overnight in Telegraph Cove. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Lunch.
DAYS 3 - 4: Travel to the cultural mecca of Alert Bay | Cultural dance performance in the Big House (summer tours only) | Private tour of the U'Mista Cultural Centre | Cedar weaving workshop | Free time to explore the waterfront & town | Hike through the Ecological Gardens | Overnights in Alert Bay. Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: Dinner on Day 3; Breakfast and Lunch on Day 4.
DAY 5: Travel to Port Hardy | Visit Fort Rupert and Storeys Beach | Light hike on a forest trail | Optional float plane tour over the Broughton Archipelago | Overnight in Port Hardy. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 6: 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 7: Whale watching tour in Queen Charlotte Strait (full day) | Fine-dining dinner at hotel | Overnight in Port Hardy. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 8: Optional morning yoga | Free time to explore Port Hardy town | Travel to Campbell River | Tour ends. Meals included: 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.
Itineraries can be customized based on the interests, budget, and size of the group.
See "How it Works" for more details.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
Starting rates:
Groups of 2: $3,195 /person
Groups of 4: $3,095 /person
Groups of 6: $2,995 /person
All prices in Canadian dollars. GST tax (5%) not included.
Looking for a guided trip?
INCLUSIONS
8 days / 7 nights
All accommodation for 7 nights, including 2 nights at a lodge in Telegraph Cove, 2 nights at a bed and breakfast in Alert Bay, and 3 nights at a hotel in Port Hardy.
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner.
All activities listed in the itinerary, including sea kayaking tour, day tour to Cape Scott Provincial Park, wildlife viewing on the Queen Charlotte Strait, cultural activities and events, and more.
Custom itinerary design, pre-trip educational information, and remote support from our team 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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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
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Optional add-on activities pre/post trip, and during free time in Port Hardy
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).
The itinerary for your North Vancouver Island road trip begins on Day 1 in Campbell River. Consider arriving one night prior to your trip start date.
We can provide recommended hotels in Campbell River which can be included in your tour price. Optional pre- and post-tour packages are also available.
The trip ends on Day 8 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