North Island In-Depth

Starts/Ends:

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

From

$3,495.00

Overview

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

  • Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
  • Embrace the cultural mecca of Alert Bay with a visit to U’Mista Cultural Centre and the renowned potlatch collection.
  • Enjoy a performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group Dancers in the ‘Namgis Traditional Big House (summer tours only).
  • 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.
  • Experience the comfort and welcoming hospitality of the First Nations’ owned Kwa’Lilas Hotel, featuring authentic cuisine, arts and cultural activities.
  • Journey to the north-western shores of Cape Scott Provincial Park to discover the picturesque beaches, sea stacks and caves of San Josef Bay.
  • 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.
  • Enjoy fresh, local seafood and cuisine, from the first night at a picturesque beach-front bistro, to freshly caught salmon on the BBQ.

The Route

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Quick Facts

Min Group Size

2

Max Group Size

6

Activity Level

Accommodation

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Day by Day Itinerary

Arrive to Campbell River | Optional sightseeing and local tours | Dinner at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: n/a.
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.
Join guided sea kayaking tour (full-day) | Paddle the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands | Overnight in Telegraph Cove.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free time to explore Port Hardy town | Travel to Campbell River | Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast.

Included/Excluded

  • 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.
  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches.
  • ​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.
  • Custom itinerary design, local recommendations, and remote support during your trip.
  • Additional meals & activities not listed
  • Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
  • Ferry to/from Alert Bay
  • Flights to/from and within British Columbia
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Dates & Rates

Self-Guided Tours are available for groups of two or more people, based on availability.

Itineraries are fully customizable based on your group’s interests and budget. Contact us to start planning!

We also offer guided tours on the North Island, West Chilcotin region, and Yukon Territory.

Tour Dates:

Tour Rates:

Starting from (per person)

$3,495.00

Based on double occupancy. Single supplement applicable. All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to GST tax (5%).

Getting Here

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Testimonials & Reviews

What Travellers Say

Guide

Sarah Hain

Based on Vancouver Island, Sarah holds a BA in International Development and an MA in Sustainable Leisure Management. Sarah is passionate about elevating responsible tourism practices that benefit both visitors and residents alike while protecting the fragile environment of the places we love to explore. Sarah has experience guiding in Central America where she led multi-day trips up volcanoes and through the remote foothills of Guatemala. She has since partnered with several non-profit tourism organizations in Guatemala, Belize, Canada, and the US to provide transformative experiences for travellers and empower local communities.

When not working, you can find her skiing, fishing, caring for her chickens, and volunteering her time to restore and protect salmon habitats.

Photographer & Guide

Josh McGarel

An avid photographer for over twelve years, Josh has gained experience with local and international businesses, world-renowned athletes, and individuals to build professional content and brand presence across a variety of platforms.

He has worked on assignment for an expedition cruise operator as Photographer in Residence along the East Coast of Canada, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Here, Josh connected with his love of travel as he documented daily excursions, wildlife, and life onboard, and shared his knowledge of photography through presentations and workshops for passengers.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Josh has lived in BC since 2014. He spends his time exploring the area by mountain bike and dreaming up crazy photo projects with friends.
Founder & Lead Guide

Pam McGarel

With a Masters of Science in International Development and Sustainable Tourism, Pam has dedicated her career to harnessing the power of travel to support the wellbeing of our planet and its people. She is an experienced guide, planner and project manager with a knack for logistics.

Prior to launching Mosaic Earth, Pam worked in sustainable tourism consulting where she helped develop a globally-recognized certification program for tourism businesses and destinations.

She has experience in public-private partnerships with a polar expedition cruise operator where she built relationships with world-leading field scientists, conservationists, and educators to facilitate their projects alongside the traveller experience. Pam is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Women Travel Leaders, and loves to connect with values-driven tourism professionals.

​Originally from Ontario, Pam moved to BC in 2016 seeking outdoor adventure, with favourite activities including hiking, sea kayaking, snowboarding, and road trips around this beautiful province.