Hidden Cove Lodge

Western Canada Highlights

Classic Wildlife & Nature + 2 more + 3 more

Waterfalls, glaciers and outdoor adventures from Vancouver to Banff.

12 days

from £4,595 pp

Canada's Maritime Magic

Wildlife & Nature Culture & History + 1 more + 2 more

Big skies, coastal charm & Canadian hospitality.

18 days

from £3,990 pp

Mountains, Wine & Wildlife

Wildlife & Nature Foodie + 1 more + 2 more

Bears, wines & turquoise lakes in Canada’s great outdoors.

14 days

from £3,990 pp

Alaskan Cruise & Rocky Mountaineer

Wildlife & Nature Luxury + 2 more + 3 more

Two epic journeys, one unforgettable holiday by rail and sea.

15 days

from £6,995 pp

Cities of Eastern Canada

Classic Culture & History + 1 more + 2 more

A journey through Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City.

10 days

from £3,495 pp

Simply Vancouver Island

Family Wildlife & Nature + 1 more + 2 more

Victoria, wild beaches, sea kayaking & Vancouver Island.

14 days

from £3,995 pp

Quirky excursions

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Northern Vancouver Island - Ideas for Free Time

Much of this area’s appeal lies in its wilderness and dramatic coastline, offering excellent seasonal whale and bear watching, where you’re also likely to spot other wildlife and marine birdlife. Trips depart from Telegraph Cove to view whales in the Johnstone Strait and bears along the shores of Knight Inlet. Enhance your experience with a visit to the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, where you can learn about the biology and threats facing these mammals, as well as marvel at various skeletons that give you a true sense of their enormous size. For those who love the outdoors, there are numerous hiking trails from Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, and Port McNeill, along with plenty of opportunities for beachcombing for those seeking a more relaxed activity. Each of the three towns has a community museum with extensive archives, displays, and rotating exhibitions that tell the fascinating story of the area, helping to keep its history alive. Alert Bay, the oldest community on northern Vancouver Island, is located on Cormorant Island just off the coast. Once a thriving fishing hub, it is now dotted with colourful heritage buildings and boasts a bustling waterfront. This town is one of the few places where Indigenous peoples have preserved their traditions alongside the lifestyle of the trading pioneers who settled here. A short ferry ride from Port McNeill takes you to Alert Bay, where you can spend a day exploring the U’mista Cultural Centre—Canada’s longest-running First Nations museum—wandering amongst the totems, and soaking up the natural beauty of this remote and unique spot.

Kayaking on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a paradise for kayaking enthusiasts, offering an incredible mix of pristine waters, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking scenery. Whether paddling along sheltered coastal inlets, navigating the calm waters of a harbour, or exploring secluded islands, kayaking is one of the best ways to connect with the island’s natural beauty. With an abundance of guided tours and self-guided opportunities, there’s something for everyone, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Kayaking trips often take you through serene waters filled with marine life such as sea stars, crabs, and seals, while overhead, eagles and seabirds soar. Many routes include opportunities to admire the towering rainforest, rocky coastlines, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. Some excursions might include a stop on one of the region’s islands, where you can explore lush forest trails or relax on a quiet beach. Along the way, expert guides often share fascinating insights about the island’s ecology, cultural history, and the unique wildlife that thrives both above and below the water. Whether you’re paddling through the lively waters of a harbour, gliding past the rugged shores of Clayoquot Sound, or venturing into the tranquil Chain Islets, kayaking on Vancouver Island is a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Full Day Bear Viewing Safari

This small group excursion departs from Port McNeill and heads through the Broughton Archipelago and in to fiords of the mainland in search of grizzly bears. The scenic journey over to the inlets is complemented with a continental breakfast, tea and coffee along with some spectacular scenery – a great way to start the day. Once in Thompson Sound (Xakwikan) you are taken further up the river by a small truck and find a comfortable seating spot by the water’s edge to wait for the grizzlies. Your guide will share traditional First Nation’s stories and you will enjoy lunch here. On the return journey you will look for ancient pictographs and other sites of cultural importance, whilst all the time keeping an eye out for other wildlife such as dolphins an eagles.