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Highlights
Discover wildlife, kayak adventures, and Indigenous culture on Vancouver Island.
Spot whales and grizzly bears on a guided wildlife tour.
Experience Indigenous culture at Alert Bay’s U’Mista Cultural Centre.
Kayak through ocean coves and channels with chances to see orcas and sea lions.
Hike to San Josef Bay’s stunning beaches and sea stacks.
Discover the wild beauty of northern Vancouver Island on the 7-day North Island Explorer Tour. From the charming waterfront of Telegraph Cove to the cultural hub of Alert Bay, this self-drive tour immerses you in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich Indigenous heritage, and incredible wildlife. Highlights include a guided sea kayaking tour through ocean channels teeming with marine life, and an Indigenous-led wildlife tour where you’ll spot whales and grizzly bears in the pristine Broughton Archipelago. Along the way, enjoy the comfort of locally-owned accommodations and authentic West Coast cuisine.
This journey is perfect for those seeking adventure and cultural connection. Explore the picturesque beaches and dramatic sea stacks of San Josef Bay, visit the renowned U’Mista Cultural Centre to learn about Indigenous traditions, and experience the vibrant performances of the T’sasala Cultural Group. With a mix of guided activities and time to explore on your own, this tour offers the ideal balance of excitement, relaxation, and unforgettable moments in one of British Columbia’s most captivating regions.
Discover the wild beauty of northern Vancouver Island on the 7-day North Island Explorer Tour. From the charming waterfront of Telegraph Cove to the cultural hub of Alert Bay, this self-drive tour immerses you in the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich Indigenous heritage, and incredible wildlife. Highlights include a guided sea kayaking tour through ocean channels teeming with marine life, and an Indigenous-led wildlife tour where you’ll spot whales and grizzly bears in the pristine Broughton Archipelago. Along the way, enjoy the comfort of locally-owned accommodations and authentic West Coast cuisine.
This journey is perfect for those seeking adventure and cultural connection. Explore the picturesque beaches and dramatic sea stacks of San Josef Bay, visit the renowned U’Mista Cultural Centre to learn about Indigenous traditions, and experience the vibrant performances of the T’sasala Cultural Group. With a mix of guided activities and time to explore on your own, this tour offers the ideal balance of excitement, relaxation, and unforgettable moments in one of British Columbia’s most captivating regions.
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North Island Explorer Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Campbell River
Arrive in the coastal town of Campbell River. Optionally spend the day exploring sightseeing spots and taking part in local tours. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbell River
Meals: None
Day 2 Elk Falls Hike and Telegraph Cove Exploration
Start your day with a scenic hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park. Afterward, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Telegraph Cove, a charming waterfront village steeped in history. Spend the afternoon wandering the boardwalks and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner overlooking the water.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Telegraph Cove
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Kayaking Adventure and Arrival in Alert Bay
Join a guided half-day kayaking tour in the pristine waters of Johnstone Strait, where you may encounter orcas, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. In the afternoon, take the ferry from Port McNeill to Alert Bay where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Hardy
Meals: None
Day 4 San Josef Bay Guided Tour
Spend the day on a guided full-day tour to San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park, where you’ll enjoy lunch and have free time to relax on the beach. In the evening, return to Port Hardy for your overnight stay.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Hardy
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Cultural Immersion in Alert Bay
Start the day with some free time in Port Hardy before traveling to Port McNeill to catch the ferry to Alert Bay. Explore the U’Mista Cultural Centre, with the option of an artist-led tour of the galleries, and enjoy a cultural dance performance in the ‘Namgis Traditional Big House (available on Saturdays in July and August).
Overnight Location: B&B in Alert Bay
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Grizzly & Wildlife Tour
Enjoy a full-day Indigenous-led Grizzly Bear and Whale-Watching Tour in the stunning Broughton Archipelago, experiencing the region’s incredible wildlife up close. Return to Alert Bay for your overnight stay at a cozy Bed & Breakfast.
Overnight Location: B&B in Alert Bay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 Return to Campbell River
Start the morning with a forest walk and some free time in Alert Bay before taking the ferry back to Port McNeill. Continue your journey to Campbell River, where the tour concludes.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for North Island Explorer Tour The departures are available starting daily from May 15 to October 15, 2026.
The starting price for two people sharing a double or twin room is CAD2895 per person.
Accommodation on North Island Explorer Tour
This tour is based on a variety of options such as hotels, lodges and bed and breakfasts, each offering a unique and comfortable stay tailored to your needs.
What’s Included in the North Island Explorer Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This is a self-drive tour, requiring your own vehicle. Guided activities include transportation, but vehicle rental, fuel, and ferry costs are not included.
Also included
- Sea kayaking tour from Telegraph Cove (half-day)
- Indigenous-led wildlife-viewing tour (full-day)
- San Josef Bay/Cape Scott Provincial Park tour (full-day)
- U’Mista Cultural Centre entry (optional add-on: Artist-led tour of the galleries)
- Custom itinerary design, local recommendations, and remote support during your trip.
Not included
- Flights to/from and within British Columbia
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
- Ferry to/from Alert Bay
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- GST tax (5%)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Float plane tour over the Broughton Archipelago
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the North Island Explorer Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the North Island Explorer Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Campbell River to start this tour?
- Where does the North Island Explorer Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The tour involves moderate physical activities like kayaking, hiking, and full-day tours, which require a decent level of fitness. The driving distances and ferry travel might be challenging for some, and the weather can be unpredictable. Overall, it’s an active but manageable adventure.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
You can reach Campbell River by driving from Vancouver (via ferry to Nanaimo) or other Vancouver Island locations. Alternatively, fly into Campbell River Airport (YBL) from Vancouver. Buses from Victoria or Nanaimo are also an option.
The tour ends in Campbell River, where the journey began.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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