North Island Explorer

Starts/Ends:

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

From

$3,495.00

Overview

Experience the road less travelled on northern Vancouver Island with this 7-day self-drive tour from Campbell River to Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Port Hardy.

Our Vancouver Island road trips allow you to witness BC’s iconic wildlife and natural beauty while connecting to the region’s unique indigenous cultures and history.

For more information about the North Island Explorer tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Are you looking for more travel inspiration in Western Canada? Check out our full range of self-guided tours in BC.

Highlights

  • Join local guides on a tour of the Broughton Archipelago in search of whales and grizzly bears, learning the ancient stories behind the scenery and the sustainable approach to wildlife viewing.
  • Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
  • Embrace the cultural mecca of Alert Bay with a visit to U’Mista Cultural Centre and the renowned potlatch collection.
  • Enjoy a performance by the T’sasala Cultural Group Dancers in the ‘Namgis Traditional Big House (Saturdays in July/Aug).
  • Embark on a half-day kayak excursion in the hands of expert guides, paddling through ocean coves and channels with the chance to see orca, humpback whales, sea lions, and other wildlife.
  • Experience the comfort and welcoming hospitality of the First Nations’ owned Kwa’Lilas Hotel, featuring authentic cuisine and art.
  • Journey to the north-western shores of Cape Scott Provincial Park to discover the picturesque beaches, sea stacks and caves of San Josef Bay.
  • Enjoy fresh, local seafood and cuisine.

The Route

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Day by Day Itinerary

Arrive to Campbell River | Optional sightseeing and local tours | Dinner at leisure.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (upgrade available) | Meals: n/a.
Morning hike in Elk Falls Provincial Park | Drive to Telegraph Cove (~2.5 hours) | Free time in Telegraph Cove to explore this historic town | Waterfront dinner featuring local seafood | Overnight in Telegraph Cove.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals: Breakfast.
Join guided sea kayaking tour (half-day) | Paddle the Johnstone Strait and nearby islands | Travel to Alert Bay via Port McNeill ferry | Check-in to family-run B&B | Dinner on-site.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: n/a.
Indigenous-led Grizzly Bears & Whale-Watching Tour in the Broughton Archipelago (full day) | Overnight in Alert Bay.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Morning forest walk | Visit U'Mista Cultural Centre (Optional: Artist-led tour of galleries) | Cultural dance performance in the Big House (Saturdays in July & Aug) | Travel to Port Hardy | Check-in to Kwa'Lilas Hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast.
Guided full-day tour to San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park | Lunch and free time on the beach | Overnight in Port Hardy. Add-on/Alternative: Float plane tour over the Broughton Archipelago.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Lunch.
Free time to explore Port Hardy town | Visit Fort Rupert and Storey's Beach | Travel to Campbell River | Tour ends.
Meals: n/a.

Included/Excluded

  • All accommodation for 6 nights, including 1 night in Campbell River, 1 night in Telegraph Cove, 2 nights in Alert Bay, and 2 nights in Port Hardy. Mix of lodge, hotel and B&B.
  • 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches
  • 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.
  • Additional meals & activities not listed
  • Flights to/from and within British Columbia
  • Vehicle rental/usage and fuel
  • Ferry to/from Alert Bay
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Dates & Rates

Self-Guided Tours are fully customizable and available for any group size, based on availability. This itinerary includes locally-guided day tours. Your own vehicle is required for transportation.

Contact us to start planning!

We also offer guided tours on the North Island, West Chilcotin region, and Yukon Territory.

Tour Dates:

On-Request

Tour Rates:

From (per person, 2024)

$3,495.00

Based on double occupancy. Single supplement applicable. All prices are in Canadian dollars and subject to GST tax (5%).

Getting Here

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Guest Experience Specialist

Emma McLachlan

As a recent graduate with a Bachelors in Tourism Development, Emma has used her education and career opportunities to explore Canada, from coast to coast. Her previous experience in hotels, adventure guiding and travel consulting has relocated her to Lake Louise, Whistler, Montreal, Banff and Toronto.

Her exploration of the west coast ignited her love for adventure tourism, but also opened her eyes to the communities marginalized at the hands of the tourism industry. This flourished her passion for creating a more thoughtful relationship amongst tourism suppliers, local communities and tourists. With Mosaic Earth Travel, Emma is connecting her passions in regenerative tourism and travel.

​Originally from Ontario, Emma’s various relocations exposed her to her favourite activities; including back-country camping and hiking, rollerblading, snowboarding, rock climbing and dreaming of her next adventure. Emma is based in Montreal, QC.

Photographer & Guide

Josh McGarel

An avid photographer for over twelve years, Josh has gained experience with local and international businesses, world-renowned athletes, and individuals to build professional content and brand presence across a variety of platforms.

He has worked on assignment for an expedition cruise operator as Photographer in Residence along the East Coast of Canada, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Here, Josh connected with his love of travel as he documented daily excursions, wildlife, and life onboard, and shared his knowledge of photography through presentations and workshops for passengers.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Josh has lived in BC since 2014. He spends his time exploring the area by mountain bike and dreaming up crazy photo projects with friends.
Founder & Lead Guide

Pam McGarel

With a Masters of Science in International Development and Sustainable Tourism, Pam has dedicated her career to harnessing the power of travel to support the wellbeing of our planet and its people. She is an experienced guide, planner and project manager with a knack for logistics.

Prior to launching Mosaic Earth, Pam worked in sustainable tourism consulting where she helped develop a globally-recognized certification program for tourism businesses and destinations.

She has experience in public-private partnerships with a polar expedition cruise operator where she built relationships with world-leading field scientists, conservationists, and educators to facilitate their projects alongside the traveller experience. Pam is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Women Travel Leaders, and loves to connect with values-driven tourism professionals.

​Originally from Ontario, Pam moved to BC in 2016 seeking outdoor adventure, with favourite activities including hiking, sea kayaking, snowboarding, and road trips around this beautiful province.