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| Hiking Tours on the Beaches and the Glaciers of Vancouver Island |
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Home > Summer > Escorted Tours > Hiking Tours on the Beaches and the Glaciers of Vancouver Island
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-Duration : 7 days / 6 nights
-Theme : Hiking and camping on Vancouver Isalnd
-Begin : Vancouver
-End : Vancouver |
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| Vancouver Island offers incredible choices of day hikes. Among the rewards awaiting hikers are ancient rainforests, wildflower meadows, blue alpine lakes, glaciers and cascading waterfalls. During this guided camping tour trails range from easy walks on the beach to demanding full-day alpine treks. You have the benefit of hiking with an expert who knows the terrain in all kinds of weather and trail conditions and has information on the local history, flora and fauna. |
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Day 1 - Vancouver / Victoria:
This morning you meet your guide as arranged at a hotel in downtown Vancouver. You board the mini bus for the drive to the ferry terminal and the 90 minute crossing to Vancouver Island. Lunch is by the picturesque Inner Harbour in Victoria and now it is only a short drive to your first campground (showers) under giant cedar trees with it’s own little waterfall. Camp is set up for the next three nights before you start out on your first hike. A short but steep path of 5 km (3 mi) with 370 m (1230 ft) gain leads to the top of a mountain overlooking a fjord. Return under giant cedars and Douglas fir trees. Walking time 2 – 3 hours. You can of course join in Victoria instead of Vancouver.
Day 2 - Juan de Fuca Marine Trail:
The 47 km (29 mi) shoreline park along the south western edge of Vancouver Island is designed as a wilderness hiking trail. The isolated beaches can be accessed by four trailheads and make it possible to chose from several easy, moderate or strenuous day hikes of up to 25 km (15.5 mi) . Be prepared for creek crossings, steep changes in elevation and sections that are covered at high tide. After consulting the tides table the guide decides which part of the beach to hike: a mossy path in the shade of coastal forest giants or winding beach trails over sand and rock shelves. You have a good chance to see marine wildlife like whales, sea lions, seals and eagles. Drive back to the campground after the hike. Walking time 4 – 6 hours.
Day 3 - Juan de Fuca Marine Trail:
Botanical Beach has one of the most unique and richest tidal areas along Canada’s west coast. There are pools with purple and orange starfish, urchins, sea anemones and cucumbers, shoreline trails with fantastic geological formations of shale and quartz. So many impressions, so many photo opportunities during today’s outing of up to 20 km (12.5 mi). Walking time 4 - 7 hours.
Day 4 - Port Alberni:
The mountains, the sea, the forest characterize Port Alberni, a small town at the end of an inlet set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. The highest among them is Mount Arrowsmith with 1819 m (6057 ft). Trails offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, surrounding lakes and neighbouring peaks.
Another attraction is Cathedral Grove with giant cedars and Douglas fir trees, some over 800 years old. One of the Douglas firs is 9 meters (30 ft) in diameter. A network of short rainforest wilderness walking trails weaves amongst moss covered fallen trees, covered in blankets of ferns. Camping (showers) for tonight by a freshwater lake with beach. Walking time 4 hours and 1.5 hours.
Day 5 - Strathcona Park:
Some of the best wilderness hiking on Vancouver Island is to be found among the glaciated peaks of the Central Island. This park was created in 1911 for those who seek adventure in remote alpine surroundings. Today as well you camp by a lake (showers) and soon you are off to explore one of the many mountain trails. For a real workout the guide might suggest a 5 km (3 mi) one way trip with 1250 m (4162 ft) gain rewarded with excellent views. There are of course less strenuous choices.
Walking time 4 hours.
Day 6 - Strathcona Park:
Pack your lunch for a full day hike. For example the 19 km (12 mi) loop with 1200 m (3996 ft) gain past two lakes, or 11 km (6.8 mi) one way with 600 m (1998 ft) gain following the Elk River up to Landslide Lake. Walking time 6 - 8 hours.
Day 7 - Victoria / Vancouver:
Return via the coastal highway to Victoria and Vancouver. Arrival in downtown Vancouver late afternoon.
Combine this tour with a sea kayak trip, professionally guided and all gear included.
Paddle along amazing shorelines to remote island destinations. Set up camp where Mother Nature provides you with remarkable beaches and gorgeous sunsets. Leave with memories of whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles and black bears encountered during these kayaking adventures.
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| Departures dates |
 July 18, 25
August 08, 15, 22, 29 |
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| Price per person: |
Occupancy |
Tent Accommodation |
| double |
1210 $ CAD- Tx. Incl. |
| single |
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| The cost includes: |
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The cost does not include: |
· The personalized roadbook of the perfect Globe-Trotter:road map, detailed itinerary, useful infos, touristic guides, etc.
· Transportation from and to Vancouver
· Ferries as mentioned
· Spacious tents (2 person / tent)
· Welcome gift
· All meals from dinner day 1 to lunch day 7
· Cooking- and eating utensils
· Camping gear (except sleeping bag)
· Hard-foam mattress
· Camping and parks fees
· Services of a guide who accompanies the group on all hikes
· The applicable taxes and the contribution to the compensation Fund |
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· Air travel (available for this program, please see the quote request form or purchase your airline tickets our website)
· The travel insurance
· Personal equipment
· Light day pack |
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