
Canada
Canada - Vancouver Island by land and water
Canada - Vancouver Island by land and water
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Vancouver
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Tent
Overview
On this guided camping trip you hike through ancient rainforest and across mountain meadows to alpine lakes and glaciers in Strathcona Park. The highlight is a kayak trip from Tofino to uninhabited Vargas Island with a night of wilderness camping right on the beach.
Vancouver Island offers an incredible variety of day hikes. Rewards for hikers include ancient rainforests, wildflower meadows, deep blue mountain lakes, glaciers, and rushing waterfalls. During this guided camping trip, hikes range from easy beach walks to more challenging day hikes in the high mountains. Another highlight is a kayaking trip to uninhabited Vargas Island with an overnight wilderness camping experience right on the beach. You'll hike with an experienced guide who knows all the trails in any weather and can share fascinating insights into the local history, flora, and fauna. Camping beneath towering cedars, the sound of the waves, a crackling campfire—life can be so good.
Tour Code
Tour language

German, EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Vancouver Island
Tent
3-4 h / 13 km / 420 m elevation
approx. 3.5 hours (including ferry crossing)
In the morning, you'll meet your tour guide at a hotel near Vancouver Airport. From there, a minibus will take you to the ferry for the 90-minute crossing to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, you can take a stroll along the lively and picturesque Inner Harbour and have lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included). Afterwards, you'll continue to the first campsite (with showers) located by a river beneath towering trees. You can choose between easy and challenging hikes or a relaxing picnic on the riverbank. A short drive to a small nature reserve is highly recommended: Over millennia, the Sooke River has carved deep pools and caves into the rock – perfect for swimming and marveling at the natural wonders. Those who are up for it can embark on a moderate hike to two secluded mountain lakes.
Welcome to Vancouver Island
Day 1
Tent
3-4 h / 13 km / 420 m elevation
approx. 3.5 hours (including ferry crossing)
In the morning, you'll meet your tour guide at a hotel near Vancouver Airport. From there, a minibus will take you to the ferry for the 90-minute crossing to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, you can take a stroll along the lively and picturesque Inner Harbour and have lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included). Afterwards, you'll continue to the first campsite (with showers) located by a river beneath towering trees. You can choose between easy and challenging hikes or a relaxing picnic on the riverbank. A short drive to a small nature reserve is highly recommended: Over millennia, the Sooke River has carved deep pools and caves into the rock – perfect for swimming and marveling at the natural wonders. Those who are up for it can embark on a moderate hike to two secluded mountain lakes.
Day 2
Sooke
Tent
3-4 hours / 12 km
Another park in the region offers an exciting mix of forest and coastal trails. Today's 12 km hike takes you across weather-beaten cliffs, past small coves and fjords, always with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Peninsula. With a bit of luck, you might spot whales, seals, and eagles. Afterward, the trail leads into wooded hills and back to the starting point. In the evening, a cozy campfire awaits you—perhaps even with a sunset.
Sooke
Day 2
Tent
3-4 hours / 12 km
Another park in the region offers an exciting mix of forest and coastal trails. Today's 12 km hike takes you across weather-beaten cliffs, past small coves and fjords, always with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Peninsula. With a bit of luck, you might spot whales, seals, and eagles. Afterward, the trail leads into wooded hills and back to the starting point. In the evening, a cozy campfire awaits you—perhaps even with a sunset.
Day 3
Parksville
Tent
2-4 h
Today you'll stop at Botanical Beach, one of the most biodiverse tidal zones on Canada's west coast, with fascinating rock formations of slate and quartz. Lunch will be at a beautiful lake before continuing to the campground (with showers) on the east coast – surrounded by majestic Douglas firs and near the beach in the town of Parksville.
Parksville
Day 3
Tent
2-4 h
Today you'll stop at Botanical Beach, one of the most biodiverse tidal zones on Canada's west coast, with fascinating rock formations of slate and quartz. Lunch will be at a beautiful lake before continuing to the campground (with showers) on the east coast – surrounded by majestic Douglas firs and near the beach in the town of Parksville.
Day 4
Parksville & Strathcona Park
Tent
5 hours / 15 km
In the central part of the island, amidst glaciated peaks, you'll find some of the most beautiful wilderness hikes. Strathcona Park was established in 1911 for adventurers seeking alpine solitude. You can reach the "Forbidden Plateau" via various routes. A loop hike near Mt. Washington starts at an elevation of 1,100 meters and offers magnificent panoramic views across southern British Columbia.
Parksville & Strathcona Park
Day 4
Tent
5 hours / 15 km
In the central part of the island, amidst glaciated peaks, you'll find some of the most beautiful wilderness hikes. Strathcona Park was established in 1911 for adventurers seeking alpine solitude. You can reach the "Forbidden Plateau" via various routes. A loop hike near Mt. Washington starts at an elevation of 1,100 meters and offers magnificent panoramic views across southern British Columbia.
Day 5
Tofino & Vargas Island
Tent
ca. 5 hr Paddle Time
Today your kayaking adventure begins: In two-person kayaks, you'll explore the tranquil bays and ancient rainforests of Clayoquot Sound. No prior experience is necessary. The route is designed to be suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers – one kayak guide will accompany a maximum of six participants. From Tofino, you'll paddle to Meares Island, where a short walk beneath giant cedars will introduce you to the area's natural and cultural history. Afterward, you'll continue to the wilderness of Vargas Island. Luggage will be transported by Zodiac (motorboat). Your guide will stay with you to set up camp on the beach. Those who prefer not to paddle can also take a boat across.
Tofino & Vargas Island
Day 5
Tent
ca. 5 hr Paddle Time
Today your kayaking adventure begins: In two-person kayaks, you'll explore the tranquil bays and ancient rainforests of Clayoquot Sound. No prior experience is necessary. The route is designed to be suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers – one kayak guide will accompany a maximum of six participants. From Tofino, you'll paddle to Meares Island, where a short walk beneath giant cedars will introduce you to the area's natural and cultural history. Afterward, you'll continue to the wilderness of Vargas Island. Luggage will be transported by Zodiac (motorboat). Your guide will stay with you to set up camp on the beach. Those who prefer not to paddle can also take a boat across.
Day 6
Tofino & Ucluelet
Tent
1.5-4 h
The kayak guide returns and accompanies you on a different route past Stubbs Island back to Tofino. In the afternoon, an excursion to Pacific Rim National Park awaits, with its mysterious boardwalks and fairytale forests full of ferns, lichens, and millennia-old trees. Those who wish can also stroll through the charming towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, purchase handcrafted goods, or participate in optional excursions such as whale or bear watching and even surfing lessons. Campsite in Ucluelet (with showers).
Tofino & Ucluelet
Day 6
Tent
1.5-4 h
The kayak guide returns and accompanies you on a different route past Stubbs Island back to Tofino. In the afternoon, an excursion to Pacific Rim National Park awaits, with its mysterious boardwalks and fairytale forests full of ferns, lichens, and millennia-old trees. Those who wish can also stroll through the charming towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, purchase handcrafted goods, or participate in optional excursions such as whale or bear watching and even surfing lessons. Campsite in Ucluelet (with showers).
Day 7
Vancouver
On the way back, you'll visit Cathedral Grove with its over 800-year-old cedars and Douglas firs – one of which measures a whopping 9 meters in circumference! A short circular path will immerse you in a fairytale rainforest atmosphere of moss, ferns, and fallen, overgrown giants. Then it's time to say goodbye!
Vancouver
Day 7
On the way back, you'll visit Cathedral Grove with its over 800-year-old cedars and Douglas firs – one of which measures a whopping 9 meters in circumference! A short circular path will immerse you in a fairytale rainforest atmosphere of moss, ferns, and fallen, overgrown giants. Then it's time to say goodbye!
Services
What's included
6 nights in spacious 2-person tents
Transport in a 15-seater minibus
Ferry crossings according to the program
English- or German-speaking guide (depending on the date)
2 days sea kayaking with guide
Camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
Foam sleeping mat
Camping fees
Entrance to the national park
Maximum 12 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tips
Meals and drinks (you should budget about CAD 100 for this)
Optionally bookable: Whale watching (approx. CAD 165)
Optionally bookable: Bear watching (approx. CAD 156)
Optionally bookable: Hotel accommodation near Vancouver Airport (approx. CAD 250 per night)
Sleeping bag and Thermarest mattress
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This trip is an active nature and camping adventure. The hikes range from easy beach walks to more demanding day tours in the high mountains of about 1.5 to 5 hours, with up to 15 kilometres and around 420 metres of ascent; you only carry a light daypack. For the kayak trip to Vargas Island (about 5 hours of paddling) you need normal fitness – if you prefer not to paddle, you can be taken to the island by boat. You sleep in tents at campgrounds and spend one night in the wild on the beach, so you should enjoy simple outdoor living. Weatherproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are important.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single tent surcharge
€125.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
