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.
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.
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.
I think our vote is the Naturally Pacific as it gives maximum choices if people want to take it easy.
Plenty of activities local trip suppliers, Wildlife viewing $230 per person 4 hrs
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
Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour 9 hrs
https://campbellriverwhalewatching.com/tours/kayaking/
or
https://fishingstoriecharters.com/things-to-do/kayaking/
Hikes
-
Elk Falls Provincial Park: Lose yourself around the overwhelming power of the Elk Falls that includes a bridge walkway.
-
Tyee Spit / Dick Murphy Park: Walk along the Discovery Passage and the Campbell River estuary
-
Miracle Beach Provincial Park Trails: Trails lead through a mixture of old growth and second growth forest
-
Rotary Seawalk: A 13 km return of paved path that borders the ocean
-
Salmon Point Trail: A flat and scenic route along the ocean’s edge as well as the mouth of the Oyster River
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 !
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.
Need to book in the next 3 months for July 2027.
Berry Island
https://www.thebucketlistcollection.com/canada
https://berryislandlodge.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/2027+Berry+Island+Program+%26+Pricing.pdf
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.
Sointula Lodge on Malcolm Island
Further north than Berry Island 4-6 hr drive from Nanaimo.
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.
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 ?
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.
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 ?
