Sooke (Vancouver Island, British Columbia) | Squamish (British Columbia) | Vancouver (British Columbia) | Whistler (British Columbia)
The following are Active West Coast Canada Discovery tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There's a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Settle in and scan the scenery as you take a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Located west of Victoria, this park is one of the more spectacular in the region offering lots of challenging hikes in a wilderness setting. It spans miles and miles of protected coastal landscapes and offers trails through forest, marsh, and fields with beaches, rocky bays, and tide pools sprinkled in for exploring. The views are amazing and it's definitely worth the challenge.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You'll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Covering 47 kilometres of dense coastal forest the Juan de Fuca trail is quite a feat for hikers. There are multiple trail options and it can be hiked in sections. It offers plenty of challenges with its rugged terrain featuring plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns. However, the adventure is worth it along this western edge of the world.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring Sooke and Victoria. Choose from optional activities like whale watching, sea kayaking, and renting a bicycle to make this day as memorable as possible.
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Bay where you'll go out on a kayak excursion. In the afternoon, leave Cowichan Bay behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay drive along the Sea to Sky highway up to Squamish. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
A vast and beautiful Cowichan Bay is the best location for getting out onto the water. Explore this stunning environment, keeping your eyes on the lookout for wildlife and taking loads of photos. Please note this kayaking excursion is considered sea kayaking and the group will be in the ocean along Cowichan Bay.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Today the group will hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region's best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refueling after the day's adventure.
This trail is known locally as, "The Chief" and happens to be one of North America's largest granite monoliths. Home to the Sea to Sky Corridor this challenging hike begins with a quick incline kicking your heart into overdrive right off the bat. It's divided into three summits and you can reach any of them from this one hiking trail. The views of the surrounding landscape make the climb well worth it.
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you'll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it's certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you'll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
The hike to Elfin lakes is 11km each way, but it's not very steep and actually very scenic on the way up. The trail is wide and you are surrounded by towering mountains all the way up to the lakes. At the top it's always a treat to dip into the icy waters. While the water is cold it is very clean and clear like a mirror. If you're lucky you'll see this on a sunny day with the massive mountains reflected in their surfaces.
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you'll have free time to enjoy Whistler before returning to Squamish. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you'll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
This hike provides you with incredible views of Black Tusk and the other mountain ranges. You'll start this hike from the top of Whistler Mountain and walk 9.5km gaining 420m in elevation. Pass by alpine lakes and see Flute Summit in the distance and ending with a loop around Harmony Lake.
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Active West Coast Canada Discovery tour:
2259 Phillips Road Sooke
BC
Sooke, Canada
1796 Depot Rd
BC
Squamish, Canada
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Active West Coast Canada Discovery tour:
Max 11.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. An afternoon of hiking in East Sooke Provincial Park. A trek along a portion of the Juan de Fuca trail. Canoe or kayak rental in Cowichan Bay. Ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay. A hike up The Stawamus Chief train. A visit to Garibaldi Provincial Park and a hike to the Elfin Lakes. A ride up the Whistler Gondola to hike the High Note trail. All transportation between destinations.
Hop on a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, Enjoy hikes in the lush Pacific rainforest in Sooke and along the Juan de Fuca trail, Paddle around Cowichan Bay, Hike to see the impressive views on the Stawamus Chief trail, Take a dip into the cold waters of the Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Ride the Whistler gondola to hike the High Note trail from the peak, Spend free time exploring Whistler
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Victoria- Bike Rental Sooke & Victoria- Zodiac Whale Watching Cruise (173.60CAD per person)Sooke- Sea Kayaking
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Participation camping (7 nts).
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Private vehicle, ferry, hiking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Camping:o Bug net/ bug sprayo Day Pack (with water bladder or refillable bottle)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoeso Sleeping bag and liner, 4 seasono Small travel towelo Sockso Sunglasseso Sunscreeno Thermal base layero Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)o Travel pillowo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof daypack covero Windproof rain gear (Rain and Windproof rain gear - pants and jacket)o Your own inflatable sleeping pad (or you can use the one provided)Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Please remember to bring mosquito spray and sunscreen on your adventure. Packing hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes is also very necessary.
Please remember to bring mosquito spray and sunscreen on your adventure. Packing hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes is also very necessary.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. For days in the outdoors, we recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made of wool or synthetic fibers. Cotton is not recommended for days spent hiking as it does not allow for heat or moisture to enter or escape, and it will not dry easily once wet.We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light jacket. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.NOTE: Mountains in the Canadian Rockies can have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in Summer time. Spring time could be snowy (until end of June) and fall season could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have equipment and clothing for all conditions!
Camping: Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
It is customary in North America to tip service providers such as waiters, bartenders and taxi drivers, at approximately 18-20%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip any local guides used. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $2-8 USD per activity depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide. If your CEO(s) exceeded your expectations, feel free to tip more.