Eco-Conscious Vancouver Island: 12-Day Self-Drive Tour Between Sea & Mountains
Vancouver Island Eco-Responsible, from the Pacific to Ancient Forests, in Harmony with Indigenous Peoples
Duration
12 days
From
€1,825/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Our planet matters, and protecting it concerns us all. Responsible gestures adopted in daily life have their place when traveling: by being mindful of what we consume and how we do so, we contribute to preserving the environment. More and more tourism players are making commitments: eco-friendly accommodations, nature-respecting activities, cuisine made from local products. This itinerary on Vancouver Island lets you discover beautiful seascapes and mountain landscapes while respecting the environment, thanks to local partners chosen for their responsible initiatives.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Vancouver!
Arrival in Vancouver and check-in at your hotel in the heart of downtown.
Nestled in the trendy West End neighbourhood, The Listel Hotel stands out as much more than simple accommodation: its public spaces and rooms showcase an original collection of limited edition works signed by local and international artists. A pioneer in environmental matters, the establishment, rated 5 Green Keys, multiplies initiatives to save energy, reduce waste and limit its ecological footprint. Its Forage restaurant, a leading figure on the local culinary scene and a pioneer of responsible management, offers farm-to-table cuisine striving towards zero waste. Depending on your schedule, begin your first exploration of the surroundings of the hotel.
Night in Vancouver.
Vancouver by Electric Bike
Full day dedicated to the discovery of Vancouver. With your electric bike rental, explore the streets of Gastown and Chinatown, stroll along the beaches of Sunset Beach and English Bay, cross through Stanley Park and, if timing allows, make a detour to Granville Island to stock up on local products.
Night in Vancouver.
Whistler by the Sea to Sky
Pick up your rental vehicle and drive to Whistler, an iconic resort that hosted several events at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Take the Sea to Sky Highway, skirting Howe Sound and savoring the panoramic views.
Time for thrills and excitement: strap in and soar above the treetops on North America's longest zipline, then cross suspended bridges and elevated platforms offering exceptional mountain vistas.
Ziptrek Whistler applies United Nations ecotourism principles, supports organizations dedicated to environmental education, and generates its own renewable energy.
After this high-altitude interlude, settle in at The Crystal Lodge, ideally situated in the heart of the pedestrian village and awarded 4 Green Keys for its numerous eco-responsible initiatives.
In the evening, dine at Araxi for cuisine featuring local produce.
Night in Whistler.
Vancouver Island by ferry
From Whistler
Head to Vancouver Island by boarding a ferry
To Parksville
Then head towards the Parksville and Qualicum Beach region.
Take time to explore this stretch of coastline with its long sandy beaches, bordered by shallow and pleasantly warm waters, ideal for swimming.
Stay at the Tigh-Na-Mara, a waterfront property designed for relaxation. Driven by the 4 "Rs" - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink - the establishment positions itself as a green leader in its sector.
Night in Parksville.
Heading to Campbell River
Head north to reach Campbell River.
Along the way, plan a lunch stop at Locals in Courtenay, recently named among Canada's 6 most eco-responsible restaurants.
Depending on your timing, opt for an excursion to Quadra Island or a short trip to Elk Falls Provincial Park, where impressive waterfalls await you.
Night at Coast Campbell River hotel.
Campbell River & Bute Inlet
A day dedicated to discovering the local wildlife - humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, dolphins, bald eagles and other seabirds - as well as the culture on the traditional territory of the Homalco First Nation at Bute Inlet.
Participate in immersive visits enriched with an indigenous perspective, including (in season) bear and marine wildlife observation, as well as exchanges around the culture and history of the First Nations. On foot and aboard a comfortable small boat, experience a unique adventure alongside passionate local guides.
Night in Campbell River.
Heading to the Pacific Coast
The road towards the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island winds between lakes and mountains. At Cathedral Grove Provincial Park, stop to discover the last remnant of the temperate rainforest that covered the island over a thousand years ago: admire the majestic Douglas firs, the oldest of which is 800 years old.
Arrival in the charming community of Ucluelet and check-in at your stunning hotel perched on the cliff, the Black Rock Ocean Front Resort. A choice address in the region, it also stands out for its multiple green initiatives.
3 nights in Ucluelet.
Bohemian Tofino
Head to Tofino, a flagship destination in Pacific Rim with a bohemian atmosphere that has become Canada's west coast surf mecca. Soak up its laid-back vibe: stroll through the heart of the village, browse the small boutiques selling local products, or explore its beaches, each more stunning than the last.
Then embark on a sea kayaking trip with Remote Passages to discover the rainforest ecology and local history.
After the adventure, it's time for culinary delights: at the Shelter restaurant, enjoy cuisine crafted from local organic ingredients, ethically raised natural meats, seafood caught by Tofino fishermen, free-range poultry from Vancouver Island, as well as fresh produce and herbs from their own garden.
Pacific Rim at Your Own Pace
Full day to savor the Pacific Rim at your own pace.
In Ucluelet, explore the Wild Pacific Trail for stunning panoramic views of the rugged coastline, an ideal spot to watch waves crash against the rocks during the famous winter storms.
Night in Ucluelet.
Optional activity — Black bear observation by zodiac
Cowichan Bay & Victoria
Return towards the east coast of Vancouver.
Before Victoria, stop at Cowichan Bay for a boat excursion (max. 12 people) for whale and orca watching with Ocean Ecoventures, a company deeply committed: member of the 1% for the Planet program, support for local conservation organizations and researchers, and vessels with the lowest sound footprint in the industry to preserve marine mammals.
Capital of British Columbia, Victoria stretches at the foot of small mountains and along a vast waterfront: stroll its colorful wharves animated by artists or shop in its typical 19th century streets. Stay overnight at the Oswego Hotel, a proud member of the Green Keys program, whose restaurant offers dishes that protect endangered species, minimize impact on the marine environment and limit bycatch.
Night in Victoria.
Last Moments on Vancouver Island
Make the most of your last moments on Vancouver Island before boarding the ferry to Vancouver.
Upon arrival, go and explore other neighborhoods of the city to continue your discovery.
Night in Vancouver.
See you soon in Vancouver!
Departure for the airport.
Return your car at the rental counter, then board your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Drinks
- Entries to the parks
- Optional activities
- Car rental
Included
- Standard accommodation in double occupancy
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 phone support
- Electric bike rental in Vancouver — 1 day
- Tree Trek at Whistler
- Day excursion to Campbell River with Indigenous guide (boat/zodiac) and interpretation of local wildlife and flora
- Guided sea kayaking excursion departing from Tofino — 4 hours — discovery of rainforest ecology and local history
- 1/2 day whale and wildlife observation (Cowichan Bay)
- Ferries to Vancouver Island
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Canada for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay. It is however strongly advised that it remains valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
The document must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps and be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Canadian nationals must present their Canadian passport or permanent resident card according to their status.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Canada.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 6 months upon entry to the territory, at the discretion of the Canadian border services officer.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
documentation regarding the purpose and conditions of your stay.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Nationals of the EEA and Switzerland traveling by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. This requirement does not apply to travel by land or sea.
The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and allows Canadian authorities to verify traveler eligibility. It is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, for multiple entries.
To obtain it, you must provide:
passport information
a valid email address
a payment method (fees amount to 7 CAD)
The application must be submitted online on the official Canadian government website, ideally several days before departure. Confirmation is generally sent by email within minutes, but may sometimes take several days.
Health
No vaccines are mandatory to enter Canada. It is nonetheless recommended that you ensure routine vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, measles, etc.) are up to date before departure.
Purchasing travel health and repatriation insurance is strongly advised, as medical costs in Canada are particularly high for foreign visitors not covered by a public health plan.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a child travels with only one parent or an adult who is not their parent, Canadian authorities may request a letter of consent signed by the absent parent(s), accompanied if possible by identification documents from them. While this document is not systematically required, it is strongly recommended to avoid any issues upon entry.
In some European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Canadian embassy or consulate in their country of residence or consult the official Canadian government website.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for worry-free travel!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend taking out one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For tourist stays, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) must be obtained online before departure (approximately 7 CAD, valid for 5 years). The eTA is nearly instantaneous. A valid passport for the duration of your stay is required. Before booking your trip, please check the requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, expect between 230 and 370 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (500-900 euros return) are additional. Distances and car rentals represent a significant budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mountainous West
Coordinator of Major Canadian Journeys, based in Montréal
A beautiful trip to Canada starts with solid preparation. My role is to transform travelers' wishes into a clear, smooth, and well-structured itinerary.
— Oriane
