CLOCK
To evolve from apes 7 hrs
Homo Sapiens so far 10mins
Human history 30secs
1000 years 3secs
I year 3msec
Vancouver 2027
Idea
The idea is for a 3-4 night trip to Vancouver Island to enjoy the wilderness, wildlife and company ! There are 2 obvious spots; Tofino a Pacific Ocean side fishing village or the "Narrows" where a series of islands fill the inside passage between the Island and mainland. I think its fair to say that the Narrows is one of those unique spots for wildlife and scenery. Campbell River is a tourist town at the entrance to the Narrows. There are a number of choices. We can stay at a hotel in Campbell River, takes meals at local restaurants, and use local outfitters for trips into the Narrows. A fancier, and much more expensive, option is to use a full board wilderness lodge further into the Narrows. Tofino is similar to Campbell River; hotel, local restaurants and outfitters for ocean oriented trips. All the locations seem to have have eco/wildlife/photography day trips, as well as fishing. and kyacking.
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There are two ways to get there, seaplane fly in from Seattle in a seaplane, $500 per person each way, fly from Vancouver on small scheduled flight, or take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo and drive. Some locations have a schedules air service from Vancouver.
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​I worked out a per couple cost, assuming a 3-4 night - 2 trip stay.
The Sonora & Nanook Lodges are shown so that whatever we do choose will feel that we are being oh so frugal !! I explored all the options, I will say that our travel style emphasizes trips over fancy accommodations !​
Campbell River
Best Campbell River experience 4 nights at a Naturally Pacific a high end hotel with restaurent, spa, optional meals locally. Tour providers locally, for $3500 per couple. Eat at local restaurants, take day trips from local operations. Fly from Vancouver and rent 2 cars.
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I think our vote is the Naturally Pacific as it gives maximum choices if people want to take it easy.
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​Plenty of activities local trip suppliers, Wildlife viewing $230 per person 4 hrs
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https://www.eagleeyeadventures.com/tours/campbell-river-wildlife-tours
Wildlife - in the narrows 6 hrs
Whales - in the narrows 4 hrs
Eagle show 6 hrs July 12 - 16 2026 - look for window in 2027.
Sunset 2 hrs
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Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour 9 hrs
https://campbellriverwhalewatching.com/tours/kayaking/
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or
https://fishingstoriecharters.com/things-to-do/kayaking/
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Hikes
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Elk Falls Provincial Park: Lose yourself around the overwhelming power of the Elk Falls that includes a bridge walkway.
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Tyee Spit / Dick Murphy Park: Walk along the Discovery Passage and the Campbell River estuary
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Miracle Beach Provincial Park Trails: Trails lead through a mixture of old growth and second growth forest
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Rotary Seawalk: A 13 km return of paved path that borders the ocean
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Salmon Point Trail: A flat and scenic route along the ocean’s edge as well as the mouth of the Oyster River
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Sonora lodge
Highest rated and expensive, Meals - included
Day trips are only $700 per person per day extra !
There & Back - The fly in @500pp each way is the only choice as the water taxi is $400 pp each way ! ​
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Nanook Lodge
​The base rate including 3 meals a day, 3 full day and 2 1/2 day excursions, so more excursions than the other options.
A wide range of excursions. https://www.nanooklodge.com/eco-experiences
​ Fly in only realistic option.
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Need to book in the next 3 months for July 2027.
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Berry Island
https://www.thebucketlistcollection.com/canada
https://berryislandlodge.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/2027+Berry+Island+Program+%26+Pricing.pdf
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Berry Island is at the North end of the Narrows, so even more wildernessy. All inclusive package either 3 or 4 nights. This is the lowest cost wilderness option. We could ferry + drive it, 3.5 hours from Nanaimo. With Ferry 1hr plus getting to Vancouver 3hrs, this is s full day of travel. I think the way to do it is overnight in Nanaimo, so its 1/2 a day to get there. The pricing is for 3 nights at the lodge, 2 travel nights. This saves around $1500 per couple over flying.
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Sointula Lodge on Malcolm Island
​Further north than Berry Island 4-6 hr drive from Nanaimo.
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Klahoose Resort
Indigenous peoples resort, on BC side of the Narrows, level with Campbell river.
1 boat trip included, plus land tour to local communities. Scheduled air travel with Pacific Coastal Airlines.
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Steep Island
Island experience close to Campbell River. All meals included.
Day trips run by the lodge
There & Back - drive in $100 pp ferry each way + car rental ?​
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Tofino Lodge
https://tofinoresortandmarina.com/
On the Pacific Ocean side of Vancouver Island, so it is a ocean marina rather than the protected narrows. Probably more ocean wildlife than inland waterway. Day trips seem a little shorter 2.5 hrs rather than 4+ hrs.​
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Housing high end lodge
Meals - local restaurents $200 per day per couple
Day trips - $250 per person per day estimate
There & Back - drive in $100 ferry each way + car ?​
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