Mosaic Earth Travel
Mosaic Earth Travel
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Sunshine Coast & North Island Circle Route

Starts/Ends:

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

,

Dates

From

$4,995.00
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary
Inclusions
Dates & Rates

Overview

Embark on a 11-day adventure that perfectly combines the charm of the Sunshine Coast and the rugged beauty of Northern Vancouver Island. Beginning in Vancouver, this self-drive road trip travels up the Sunshine Coast to explore expansive beaches, lush rainforest trails, and the vibrant culinary and arts scene from Gibsons to Egmont.

From here, continue via ferry to Vancouver Island to experience the road less travelled from Campbell River to Telegraph Cove, Alert Bay, and Port Hardy. Witness British Columbia’s iconic wildlife, connect with unique Indigenous cultures, and marvel at the natural beauty that defines this extraordinary region.

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

North Vancouver Island Whale Watching
Town of Gibsons on the sunshine coast with mountains and ocean scenery
Telegraph Cove on northern Vancouver Island
Alert Bay Waterfront
sea kayaking on vancouver island
potlach collection at Umista cultural centre in Alert Bay
Black bears on northern Vancouver Island
8

Highlights

  • Join local guides on a boat tour through glacial-carved fjords, past Malibu Rapids and into Princess Louisa Inlet to explore the iconic Chatterbox Falls.
  • Explore the many protected inlets and coves around Sechelt on a half-day sea kayaking tour.
  • Spend an afternoon strolling the charming seaside towns of Sechelt and Gibsons, visiting the many eclectic shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.
  • Join local Indigenous 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.
  • Embrace the cultural mecca of Alert Bay with a visit to U’Mista Cultural Centre and the renowned potlatch collection.
  • Spend an afternoon strolling the boardwalks of Telegraph Cove, a former fishing and cannery village.
  • Enjoy an evening of waterfront dining featuring fresh local seafood and West Coast cuisine, or pull up a seat at one of the many local breweries.

The Route

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Quick Facts

Min. Group Size

1

Activity Level

Accommodation

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Day by Day Itinerary

Arrival day to Vancouver | Check-in to hotel & free time in the city (recommendations provided).
Accommodation: Hotel (4*) | Meals included: n/a.
Scenic ferry from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast | Lunch in Gibsons and free time to explore town | Optional hiking including Indigenous-led forest walk (add-on) | Drive to Madeira Park | Check in to Painted Boat Resort & Spa (Waterfront one- and two-bedroom chalets with full kitchen and balcony. Restaurant and spa-onsite).
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: n/a.
Sea Kayaking tour in Halfmoon Bay or Sechelt Inlet (half-day) | Afternoon at leisure around Sechelt and Madeira Park | Optional scenic floatplane tour | Enjoy the beaches, swimming, nearby hikes like Smuggler Cove Marine Park, or try fishing or mountain biking.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: n/a.
Guided boat tour to Princess Louisa Inlet and the iconic Chatterbox Falls (full-day) | Explore Egmont, including Skookumchuk Narrows hike and the West Coast Wilderness Lodge for dinner | Optional evening kayaking tour to see bioluminescence.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: n/a.
Ferry to Powell River & lunch | Ferry to Vancouver Island | Drive north to Campbell River (45 min) | Check-in to hotel | Dinner in town.
Accommodation: Hotel (3*, upgrade available) | Meals included: n/a.
Hiking and sightseeing in Elk Falls Provincial Park & Strathcona Provincial Park | Optional Wildlife & Cultural Boat Tour, fishing tours, and more | Overnight in Campbell River.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast.
Drive to Telegraph Cove (~2.5 hours) | Free time in Telegraph Cove to explore this historic town | Optional half-day sea kayaking or wildlife viewing tour | Waterfront dinner featuring local seafood | Overnight in Telegraph Cove.
Accommodation: Lodge | Meals included: Breakfast.
Free morning in Telegraph Cove | Travel to Alert Bay via Port McNeill ferry | Visit U'Mista Cultural Centre (optional: Artist-led tour of galleries) | Check-in to family-run B&B | Dinner on-site. Add-on: night in Telegraph Cove with full-day sea kayaking tour.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: n/a.
Indigenous-led Grizzly Bears & Whale-Watching Tour in the Broughton Archipelago (full day) | Overnight in Alert Bay.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast | Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Depart Alert Bay via ferry for Vancouver Island | Continue south to Nanaimo (~4 hours) | On-route, enjoy the beaches and trails of Miracle Beach Provincial Park | Overnight in Nanaimo or Parksville. Add-on: 1-2 nights in Port Hardy to visit San Josef Bay in Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Accommodation: Hotel | Meals included: Breakfast.
Ferry from Nanaimo to Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) | Tour ends. Add-on: nights in Victoria or Vancouver.
Meals included: n/a

Included/Excluded

  • All accommodation for 10 nights, including 1 night in Vancouver, 3 nights in Madeira Park, 2 nights in Campbell River, 1 night in Telegraph Cove, 2 nights in Alert Bay, and 1 night in Parksville. Mix of lodge, hotels, and B&Bs.
  • 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch
  • Sea kayaking tour in Sechelt/Halfmoon Bay (half-day)
  • Boat tour to Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls (full-day)
  • Indigenous-led grizzly bear and wildlife viewing tour from Alert Bay (full-day)
  • U'Mista Cultural Centre entry (optional add-on: Artist-led tour of the galleries)
  • Ferries from Vancouver to Gibsons, Powell River to Comox, and Nanaimo to Tsawwassen.
  • Custom itinerary design, local recommendations, and remote support from during your trip.
  • Additional meals and add-on activities
  • 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 (2025):

Off-Peak, Per Person (June/Sept)

$4,995

Peak Season, Per Person (July/Aug)

$5,295

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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Testimonials & Reviews

What Travellers Say

Pam designed a perfect tour for my friend and me to see all that North Vancouver Island has to offer. We had a great time, stayed at comfortable places, and were able to experience the area's wildlife, First Nations' people, beaches, hiking, and much, much more. Couldn't have had such a great time had it not been for the work that Pam put into our trip.
S.W.North Island, 2023
Mosaic Earth and their guides were awesome! I can’t say enough about the professional, organized, guest-focused approach that this company has. Many little touches throughout every day that made us feel special, well taken care of, and allowed us to completely relax, unplug and enjoy! We have travelled all over the globe and I can truly say that this one ranks among our top experiences.
V.D.West Chilcotin, 2022
Organizing a trip was something we might have done ourselves but having Mosaic Earth do the legwork made it effortless and removed any stress. That is a very valuable service. They also found "gems" that we would not have found ourselves
B.G.West Chilcotin, 2022
Mosaic Earth Guides were fabulous! Very considerate of their guests' needs, very professional and fun! They hit the right balance in terms of the amount and nature of educational information provided at/for the sites.
G.K.North Island In-Depth, 2021
For those considering a trip in Canada, I would heartily recommend it. You will be amazed at the ‘off the beaten track’ parts of Canada and comforted by the focus that Mosaic Earth Travel has on ensuring you have a most enjoyable time.
E.J.D.North Island, 2021
A fabulous holiday! Pam worked hard and consulted me often while planning a dog-friendly holiday. The itinerary was detailed and I followed it like a map. The Sechelt Indigenous-led hike was a highlight.
N.B.Sunshine Coast, 2023
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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.