Campbell River Trip Overview
As our signature trip, this 8-day adventure features the best of northern Vancouver Island, from the Indigenous culture and history to the abounding wildlife, water activities, and the feeling of being at the end of the road.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 days
Starts: Campbell River, Canada
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Campbell River Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada
As our signature trip, this 8-day adventure features the best of northern Vancouver Island, from the Indigenous culture and history to the abounding wildlife, water activities, and the feeling of being at the end of the road.
Itinerary
Day 1: Campbell River to Telegraph Cove
Stop At: Telegraph Cove, BC V0N 3J0, Canada
Telegraph Cove is a quaint fishing village that was established in 1912 as a one-room telegraph station. Over the years, a salmon saltery and sawmill were established along with a school and general store. Many of the historic buildings still stand, built on stilts above the water and connected by a boardwalk. We spend some free time here to wander the village and learn more about its history, with the option to visit the local museum, art gallery, and coffee shop.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Dinner: Waterfront dining near Port McNeill featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a Lodge in Port McNeill
Day 2: Port McNeill to Alert Bay
Stop At: Alert Bay, BC, Canada
Just 5km long and barely 1km wide, this island is home to the proud and active ‘Namgis First Nation community of about 500 people, along with a mix of Kwakwaka’wakw tribes and a small settler population. Alert Bay is a global centre for Indigenous culture, with highlights including the 12,000 person Big House for traditional gatherings, the World’s tallest totem pole, and the renowned U’Mista Cultural Centre.
Duration: 2 days
Stop At: U’mista Cultural Centre, #1 Front Street, Alert Bay, British Columbia VON 1A0 Canada
Private tour of U’Mista Cultural Centre to view one of the most complete and important Potlatch collections in the world, including Indigenous masks, regalia, and other artefacts.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Namgis Original Burial Grounds, 199 Fir Street, Alert Bay, British Columbia V0N 1A0 Canada
Learn more about the history of Alert Bay and the colourful, memorial totem poles that cover the burial grounds.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a family-run B&B on the water.
Day 3: Alert Bay
Stop At: ‘Namgis Traditional Big House, Wood Street, Alert Bay, British Columbia V0N 1A0 Canada
Visit the impressive Big House which seats 12,000 people and participate in a cultural dance performance (schedule dependent).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Alert Bay Ecological Park, Alert Bay, British Columbia, Alder Road / Travel Highway 19 to the community of Port McNeill located, Alert Bay, British Columbia Canada
Enjoy a scenic walk through the old growth forest and unique Ecological Park. Alert Bay is home to over 16km of walking trails.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Alert Bay Public Library and Museum, 118 Fir Street, Alert Bay, British Columbia V0N 1A0 Canada
Spend an afternoon strolling the waterfront boardwalk in town, visiting the harbour, the museum, galleries, visitor centre, and other local shops.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a family-run B&B by the water.
Day 4: Kayaking the Johnstone Strait
Pass By: Telegraph Cove, BC V0N 3J0, Canada
Return to Telegraph Cove to meet with your kayak guides.
Stop At: Johnstone Strait, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada
Spend the day kayaking the Johnstone Strait from Telegraph Cove, paddling at your own pace along the coastline, taking in the unique geology and scenery at every turn. Wildlife is all around us here – from the seals bobbing alongside the kayaks, to the bald eagles soaring above and the orcas and humpbacks gliding by in the distance. Lunch is enjoyed on a remote stretch of beach or nearby island.
Duration: 6 hours
Stop At: Port Hardy, BC, Canada
Arrive in Port Hardy in the early evening.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: A packed lunch is provided on the water.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a luxury, Indigenous-owned hotel in Port Hardy.
Day 5: Exploring Port Hardy
Stop At: Fort Rupert, BC V0N 2P0, Canada
Spend the morning hiking a local trail and visiting a scenic beach.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Copper Maker Gallery, 114 Copper Way, Port Hardy, British Columbia Canada
See renowned Totem Pole artists and carvers at work.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Port Hardy, BC, Canada
Explore the harbour-front town at your leisure, including eclectic shops, historical museum, and Carrot Park. Optional sea plane tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kwa’lilas Hotel, 9040 Granville St, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0, Canada
Optional cultural activities at the hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Packed lunch to enjoy on the trails.
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a luxury, Indigenous-owned hotel in Port Hardy.
Day 6: San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park
Stop At: San Josef Bay, BC V0N 1Z0, Canada
Travel to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park, the northernmost region of Vancouver Island. Cape Scott spans 115km of scenic, rugged shoreline, with vast stretches of white sand beaches surrounded by lush old-growth forests. A boardwalk through the dense forest takes us out to San Josef Bay, where we spend the next few hours exploring the expansive beach and unique geology of the area – including impressive sea stacks, tidal pools, and sea caves. Our guides share stories of the local environment and the history of the area, including attempts by the Danish to settle here in the late 1880s.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Packed-lunch provided at San Josef Bay.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a luxury, Indigenous-owned hotel in Port Hardy.
Day 7: Whale Watching on the Queen Charlotte Strait
Stop At: Queen Charlotte Strait, Mount Waddington A, BC, Canada
Join local guides for a day on the water in search of orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions. Cruise through scenic coves and around nearby islands while learning about the ecosystems and Indigenous history in the region.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Lunch and hot beverages provided on this tour.
• Dinner: Indigenous-inspired west coast cuisine.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a luxury, Indigenous-owned hotel in Port Hardy.
Day 8: Return to Campbell River
Stop At: Woss, BC V0N 3J0, Canada
We return to Campbell River via a scenic drive “down island”, stopping in Woss for a light hike.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Campbell River, BC, Canada
The tour ends in Campbell River. Optional hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
