Whales & Island Trails

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Quadra Island/Campbell River
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £ 555.- per person (excluding flights)
From £ 450, - per child (up to 11 years)

The rugged Quadra Island and the nearby coastal town of Campbell River are perfect summertime destinations for families. Relatively small in size, Quadra is home to beautiful beaches, parks and wildlife, and offers plenty of outdoor adventure for those of an active disposition - young and old. Its surrounding waters are also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including orcas, dolphins, grey and humpback whales - which you will have an opportunity to witness on a whale-watching trip from Campbell River.

Day 1 – Arrive on Quadra Island

Easily reached from Vancouver Island, you’ll take a short ferry from Campbell River across to the island – your home for the next couple of nights. You’ll be warmly welcomed by the diverse community that inhabits Quadra, and your lodge will come fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable family getaway. The setting could not be more picturesque, with amazing views of Discovery Passage.

Day 2 – Free time to explore

Today you’ll have a whole day free to explore this beautiful island. You can wander some of the great hiking trails, hire bikes or learn about the island’s early settlers at Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, before relaxing at your cosy cabin for the evening. If you fancy having something pre-planned then we can organise a sunset sea kayaking trip with a local guide, where you’ll explore the rocky coves and spot sea lions lazing in the last rays of sun.

Day 3 – Whale-watching

Today, you’ll say goodbye to Quadra Island and take the ferry back over to Campbell River. From here you’ll head out on a boat with your skipper and a marine biologist for a truly memorable experience. Learning all about life in the water as you go, you’ll set off in search of some of the most incredible mammals on Earth – orcas and whales. Keep your camera handy and your eyes peeled for dorsal fins and spray fountains popping up above the water. After a few hours, you’ll return to land and have the rest of the day to explore the coastal city of Campbell River, where you’ll stay overnight in a central city hotel.

Day 4 – Depart Campbell River

All good things must come to an end, and today you’ll leave Campbell River and head on to the next stop of your amazing family adventure. But where’s next?

You have plenty of choices, and may look to head off to explore more of the wild, rugged landscape of Vancouver Island. Alternatively, you can easily catch a ferry back to the mainland and continue on to the majestic Rocky Mountains along one of the most stunning roads in the world: the Sea to Sky Highway.