British Columbia is truly blessed with an overwhelming array of wildlife and over 10 days you'll be delighted and amazed by some of the greatest creatures Canada can offer. From the 'big hitters' including whales and bear, to the smaller seals and sea otters, this tour is designed to give you the very best chance of spotting British Columbia's best. Explore the stunning areas of Vancouver Island, both on and off the beaten paths, seeking wildlife in places it's known to frequent. This tour delivers a rare and glorious chance to delve under the skin of BC and all of its incredible wildlife.

Day one is a joining day and you are free to arrive at any time today. Please keep an eye out for the welcome notice in the hotel reception indicating the time of the evening meeting. Vancouver is often hailed as Canada's most beautiful city. This cosmopolitan and diverse metropolis is in stark contrast to the rest of British Columbia, but always proves to be a highlight.

This morning you have a guided city tour this morning with time to take in the sights of Gastown and Granville Island, from which there are some great viewpoints overlooking the city. In the afternoon, you transfer to the port to board a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a one and a half hour journey across the Strait of Georgia. You'll spend some time visiting this gateway city before settling into your hotel for the night.

Explore the ancient fossils and crystal formations on an optional visit to Horn Lake Caves Provincial Park, home to more than 1,000 caves. Discover the unique geology and history of the caves whilst exploring this magical underground world. If you prefer to stay above the surface take the Phil Whitfield Interpretive Trail, where you can still explore the interesting geology features of the area. Next you'll make your way to Ucluelet, with a stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of a temperate rainforest. Located between the dense forests of the Cascade Mountains and the desert-like Okanagan Valley, exploring this unique place is sure to impress. Walk the many trails of the park lined with beautiful giant Douglas-Fir trees and fascinating rock formations.

Nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island Range and the Pacific Coastline, Pacific Rim National Park boasts magnificent islands and dramatic seascapes. Due to the national park being the perfect combination of land and water you'll no doubt be amazed at the amount of wildlife that lives here, such as Black Tail Deer, Black Bear, Bald Eagles and the endangered Leatherback Turtle. In the afternoon it's time to head out on a three hour whale observation cruise. Humpback and Grey Whales are often seen in the area, but don't be surprised if you see seals and sea lions as well.

Tofino is Vancouver Island's most popular outdoor retreat, with people from the city heading over to what is said to be the 'jewel of Canada's West Coast', and the perfect place to escape city life to enjoy a spot of hiking or fishing. Surfing is another big draw in Tofino and with its easy going, laidback atmosphere you really won't want to leave. Head over to the beautiful Tofino Botanical Gardens for a spot of bird watching and keep your eyes peeled for Bald Eagles that can sometimes be seen soaring above. You've seen whales, now it's time to see some Black Bears as you board the Zodiac again.

Today we drive to Campbell River, also known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World'. With a river full of five different species of salmon, it's no surprise that bears frequent this area. Even though fishing takes precedence here, there are also some great boutique shops, art galleries and some delicious Farmer's Markets for you to also enjoy. Take a short walk in Elk Falls Provincial Park, one of the most popular provincial parks on Vancouver Island. The park boasts some impressive waterfalls, stunning hiking trails and more opportunities to fish.

Orford Bay is the original village of the Homalco First Nations People and today is a popular stop for visitors wanting to see some of British Columbia's finest wildlife in its natural habitat. Today you'll spend the whole day on the Orford River; one of the last pristine watersheds in the Bute Inlet where you'll find the largest concentration of Grizzly Bears in BC. From August to October it's not uncommon to spot over 35 Grizzly Bears within a small area, due to the return of the spawning wild salmon. Even though it's the bears that are the main attraction here, the surrounding scenery is spectacular so make sure you have your camera ready at all times.

Now it's time to board the ferry to Quadra Island for a day spent hiking the island trails or hitting the water for an optional kayaking trip. Quadra Island is part of a group of small islands, named the Discovery Islands that are located along the Inside Passage between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. With endless adventurous activities, stunning beaches and incredible wildlife, whatever you decide to do on Quadra Island there'll never be a dull moment as this unique landscape leaves you open-jawed with amazement.

With some sadness it's now time to leave this beautiful place behind and head to Victoria to board the ferry back to Vancouver. As you cross the Strait of Georgia you'll be rewarded with some superb views of the city skyline. Once you are back on dry land you may want to visit Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest and most beloved urban park. Here you'll discover miles of walking trails and beautiful beaches just waiting for you to explore. It's great place for you to end this incredible tour.