Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Day 1 Arrive Halifax

Tour starts: 5:30 PM, The Prince George Hotel. A transfer is included from Halifax International Airport to The Prince George Hotel in the heart of historic Halifax. Kick off an exciting week with a welcome reception in Halifax at Pier 21, "Gateway to Canada," which features exhibits chronicling 20th-century Canadian immigration and the poignant multimedia production, Oceans of Hope.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Prince George Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Halifax, Canada

Day 2 Lunenburg & Peggy's Cove

From Halifax, start the day with a visit to Peggy's Cove – a picturesque Nova Scotia fishing town that's one of the most-photographed spots in North America – before continuing along the rugged Atlantic coast to the fishing village of Lunenburg, renowned for its rich shipbuilding and maritime legacy. Established in the 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best surviving examples of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. After lunch, you have a choice of sightseeing in Lunenburg – see the village's 18th- and 19th-century timber-built houses on a walking tour, or visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, housed in historic waterfront buildings, to gain insights into the Maritime Provinces' seafaring heritage. Return to Halifax for an evening at leisure.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The Prince George Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Day 3 Historic Halifax & a Citadel Evening

You may spend the entire day exploring Halifax, Nova Scotia's provincial capital and the Maritimes' largest city, as you please – or, if you wish, join your Tauck Director for a city tour, and our local guide for a tour through the Halifax Public Gardens. This evening, join us for a Tauck Exclusive – a private tour and dinner at Halifax's venerable Citadel National Historic Site, a witness to 300 years of history offering spectacular views of the city and its celebrated harbor.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : The Prince George Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Halifax, Canada

Day 4 To Prince Edward Island by Ferry

Bid a temporary goodbye to Nova Scotia as you ride a ferry to lovely Prince Edward Island. Following lunch, arrive mid-afternoon in Charlottetown, where your hotel is just steps from the Charlottetown boardwalk and Peake's Wharf. The remainder of the day is spent as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Delta Prince Edward

PORTOFCALL : Prince Edward Island, Canada

Day 5 P.E.I. National Park & Green Gables

Following a morning at leisure in Charlottetown, set out to discover the wildlife-rich salt marshes and dramatic coastal bluffs of Prince Edward Island National Park. You'll find yourself immersed in local culture later in the day as you visit the Green Gables House, the old farmhouse immortalized in Lucy Maud Montgomery's cherished 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables. Tonight, cap a very special day by digging into a traditional lobster dinner – a must-have experience on P.E.I.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Delta Prince Edward

PORTOFCALL : Prince Edward Island, Canada

Day 6 A Bridge to History in Nova Scotia

Depart Prince Edward Island and cross the Confederation Bridge to the province of New Brunswick, then return to Nova Scotia once again. Explore French pioneer life from the early 17th century as recreated by costumed interpreters and artisan demonstrators at the Port-Royal National Historic Site and the Habitation, a reconstruction of one of North America's earliest European settlements. Continue on to a two-night stay in Digby; your historic seaside resort was built in 1929 and overlooks the Annapolis Basin and the Bay of Fundy.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Digby, Nova Scotia

Day 7 Whale Watching Cruise

Set off with a naturalist for a whale watching cruise off Digby Neck on the Bay of Fundy, offering world-renowned whale and bird watching; keep an eye peeled for finback, minke and humpback whales and lots of seals, drawn to the bay's abundant plankton. Back at your resort in Digby, pursue what interests you most in the afternoon, then join us at this evening's farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Digby, Nova Scotia

Day 8 Journey Home

As you head back to Halifax for your journey home, wind your way through Nova Scotia's rich Annapolis Valley farmland to visit Grand-Pré National Historic Site, where the British deported the French Acadians in 1755; the incident inspired Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem, Evangeline. Tour ends: 11:45 AM, Halifax International Airport. For guests wishing to extend their stay in Halifax, Tauck can arrange additional nights at The Prince George Hotel; a transfer to Halifax International Airport is included for these bookings. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Halifax, Canada