ADULT ONLY
6 - 12 guests
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $4399/per adult
Next available departure
18 Jun - 23 Jun
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Breathe in the crisp, fresh air of the Pacific Northwest and set off to discover the wild beauty and relaxed charm of Vancouver Island. Stand in awe before centuries old Douglas firs and towering cedars. Understand the deep connection between the First People of Canada and the lands you explore each day. Get your blood pumping on daily adventures and relax in all the creature comforts Black Rock Resort has to offer. Vancouver Island is wrapped in an indescribable magic you’ll keep with you forever – there's nowhere quite like it!
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Day 1
Your Vancouver Island adventure begins in Victoria, the charming capital of British Columbia. After a brief welcome meeting, you’ll head north to start our bike journey in Cowichan Valley. Our route utilizes abandoned rail lines, and includes wonderful meadows, ponds, wildlife, magnificent views. We stop along the way for lunch at the spectacular curved Kinsol Trestle, one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail route. At 615 feet in length and standing 144 feet above the salmon bearing Koksilah River this is one of the tallest free-standing and most spectacular timber rail trestle structures in the world. After our ride we enjoy some time at Blue Grouse Estate Winery before heading north once again to the seaside town of Parksville.
Tigh-Na-Mara or Bayside Oceanfront Resort (Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 12 miles (20 kilometers)
Day 2
This morning, we venture out on a hike to Englishman River Falls to see views of the upper and lower falls from two bridges. Next it is off to wander among the giants of Cathedral Gove on a short, yet awe-inspiring hike among centuries-old Douglas firs. Enjoy lunch on the beach before hiking part of the Wild Pacific Trail to your home for the next three nights – Black Rock Resort. Relax and re-join your fellow travelers a bit later for dinner in the resort’s restaurant.
Black Rock Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers)
Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a kayaking adventure from Ucluelet Harbour to Barkley Sound. The area provides excellent opportunities to view both marine and terrestrial wildlife as you paddle along shorelines and through island channels & reefs that can only be accessed by sea kayak. Rest and enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before taking a costal hike to some of the beautiful coastal bays. Tonight is free to do as you please!
Black Rock Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Kayaking: 3-4 hours
Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometres)
Day 4
The wild natural beauty that surrounds Tofino unfolds before you today. En route to Hot Springs Cove – a remote area on Vancouver Island’s west coast with natural geothermal hot springs – scan the seas and the skies for whales, black bears, seals, sea lions, puffins, sea otters, bald eagles and more on a 90-minute cruise. Step off the boat and onto a boardwalk trail that winds through a lush old-growth forest. You’ll have time to soak in the hot springs, explore the jagged rock formations and steaming waterfalls, and eat a picnic lunch before your 90-minute return cruise. Discuss the day's adventures over dinner at a bistro in Tofino before returning to your hotel.
Black Rock Resort (Breakfast, Lunch)
Cruise: 3 hours
Hiking: 1 mile (1.6 kilometres)
Day 5
A thrilling adventure is in store for you this morning on a zip-line tour through Ha’uukmin Tribal Park. As you hike among the series of lines, a local guide will educate you about the history and lands that have sustained the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations people for generations. Feel the wind (and a smile!) on your face as you zip across the canyon. Refuel with a picnic lunch before departing for Victoria. We’ll break up the long drive with a short hike, allowing you to stretch your legs and take in more of the wild, rugged beauty of Vancouver Island.
Westin Bear Mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 1-2 miles (1.6-3.2 kilometers)
Day 6
Take a moment to stop and smell the roses this morning at Butchart Gardens. Explore the 5-acre Sunken Garden with tens of thousands of vibrant flowers and plants and experience the peaceful bubbling streams of the Japanese Garden. Your trip ends this afternoon, leaving you with memories (and hopefully new friendships) to last a lifetime!
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
Full
Almost Full
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional, warm and relaxed style of hosting. Plus, we’re always here to help with planning, travel, bookings... even hiking boot recommendations!
As soon as your trip starts, we've got everything covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With our small groups of typically no more than 14 (up to 18 max), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like. It’s all about going at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy a special experience, authentic local knowledge and an adventure like no other.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
