Overview
Experience the road less travelled on northern Vancouver Island with this 8-day guided tour from Campbell River to Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Port Hardy, including the Great Bear Rainforest.
Our North Island In-Depth guided tour allows you to witness and learn about British Columbia’s natural beauty and iconic wildlife like whales and grizzly bears, while connecting with the region’s unique Indigenous cultures and history.
This tour is designed by Mosaic Earth Travel in partnership with local guides and businesses across Vancouver Island. Travelling on an itinerary planned by us, you have the opportunity to deeply connect with this unique destination and the wonderful locals who make it so special.
Join us June 12-19, 2027! Complete the booking form here to request your spot.
Looking for more travel inspiration in Western Canada? Check out our full range of guided & self-drive tours in BC & the Yukon.
Highlights
- Join local First Nations 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.
- Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
- Embrace the cultural mecca of Alert Bay with a private, Artist-led tour of U’Mista Cultural Centre and their renowned potlatch collection.
- Embark on a half-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 and art.
- Journey to the north-western shores of Cape Scott Provincial Park to discover the picturesque beaches, sea stacks and caves of San Josef Bay.
- Enjoy fresh, local seafood and cuisine.
The Route
Submit this form to request your spot. We’ll be in touch soon with next steps!
See Mosaic Earth Travel’s Terms & Conditions for Guided Tours.
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Activity Level
Towns Visited
Related Tours
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrive to Campbell River Airport | Optional sightseeing, local wildlife and cultural tours | Check-in to historic waterfront lodge (1 night) - oceanfront room | Welcome Dinner in town.
Add-on: 1-2 nights in Campbell River pre-tour.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: Dinner.
Light hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park, through old growth forest to the suspension bridge | Drive to Telegraph Cove (~2.5 hours) with packed lunch on-route | Free time in Telegraph Cove to explore this historic boardwalk village | Check-in to lodge rooms (2 nights) | Waterfront dinner featuring local seafood.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Join a half-day guided sea kayaking tour, paddling the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands | Afternoon & dinner at leisure | Visit the Whale Interpretive Museum | Option to extend to a full-day kayaking tour including lunch, or add-on an afternoon whale watching tour.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast.
Travel to Port McNeill and ferry to the cultural mecca of Alert Bay | Packed lunch by the waterfront | Visit the 'Namgis Traditional Big House & World's Tallest Totem Pole | U'Mista Cultural Centre private tour by a local artist | Check-in to family-run B&B (2 nights) - all rooms feature private balcony overlooking the ocean | Dinner on-site.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Indigenous-led Grizzly Bear & Whale Watching Tour in the Great Bear Rainforest (full day including breakfast and lunch) | Dinner at leisure in Alert Bay.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Breakfast in the Sun Room | Morning forest walk | Cedar weaving workshop with local Indigenous weaver | Ferry to Port McNeill & lunch | Drive to Port Hardy (30 min) | Visit Fort Rupert and Storey's Beach | Check-in to Kwa'Lilas Hotel (2 nights) | Dinner at leisure.
Add-on: Scenic floatplane tour over the Broughton Archipelago.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Full-day guided tour to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park | Lunch and free time on the beach | Farewell dinner in Port Hardy.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Free time in Port Hardy town | Transfers to Port Hardy airport or Campbell River for return flight home | Tour ends.
Meals included: Breakfast.
- Additional nights in Campbell River, Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, or Port Hardy. Add-on a stay in Nanaimo, Vancouver, or Victoria pre/post tour.
- Culture & wildlife tours in Campbell River.
- Flightseeing over the Broughton Archipelago from Port Hardy.
- Ferry to/from Vancouver Island.
- Flights to/from Campbell River or Port Hardy.
Included/Excluded
- All accommodation for 7 nights, including 1 night in Campbell River, 2 nights in Telegraph Cove, 2 nights in Alert Bay, and 2 nights in Port Hardy. Mix of lodge, hotel and B&B.
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Sea kayaking from Telegraph Cove (half-day)
- Indigenous-led grizzly bear & whale watching tour (full-day)
- San Josef Bay/Cape Scott Provincial Park tour (full-day)
- Artist-led tour of U'Mista Cultural Centre
- Cedar weaving workshop
- All transportation from the start/end point of Campbell River in a comfortable passenger van. Option to end in Port Hardy.
- Ferry to/from Alert Bay.
- Gratuities for third-party guides, group meals, and housekeeping.
- Mosaic Earth Tour Leader & driver for the duration of the trip to provide local knowledge, interpretation, logistical expertise and support.
- Flights to/from and within British Columbia.
- Additional meals not listed, and add-on activities.
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuity for Mosaic Earth driver/guide(s).
Dates & Rates
Join us on this North Vancouver Island small-group tour.
Scheduled tours require a minimum of 4 travellers to run. This tour can also be booked privately and customized to your group’s interests and budget.
Enquire for more details.
You may also be interested in our custom Self-Drive Tours.
Tour Dates:
Dates
Tour Rates (2027):
Regular
$6,995
Single Supplement
$985
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to GST tax (5%).
See Mosaic Earth Travel’s Terms & Conditions for Guided Tours.
Getting Here
This trip begins in Campbell River on the evening of Day 1, where your guide will meet you with our passenger van to commence the trip. If travelling by air into British Columbia, we recommend booking a connecting flight from Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal) to Campbell River via Pacific Coastal Airlines.
The trip ends in Port Hardy or Campbell River on Day 8. Transfers can be provided to Port Hardy airport, or back to Campbell River airport – your choice. Flights are available daily from either destination back to Vancouver International Airport. Pacific Coastal Airlines flights can be booked by Mosaic Earth Travel.
If you wish to continue your journey on the Island, rental cars are available from Campbell River.
