Not only does Vancouver Island play host to our province’s capital but also to one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. There are rainforests, marshes and meadows, mountains, rivers and beautiful beaches. The diversity of this ecosystem creates habitats for a multitude of species as well as being a premier location for whale watching.
Vancouver Island has long been a favourite destination for Wells Gray Tours. Every year we design a number of tours to highlight different aspects of the Islands attributes. With five tours to choose from, there is bound to be something that will entice you to get out there and explore.
In February and March, we have three short tours that offer theatre, beaches and history:
February 21st Long Beach & Victoria Theatre – 6 days
Stay snuggled up by the fire at the lovey Tin Wis Resort as you watch a storm throw its fury at the coast, or pull on your over coat and venture out to beautiful Long Beach and feel the storms fury or sunshine on your face. All rooms at the Tin Wis are located on McKenzie Beach and have ocean views. We have included two performances on this tour; Once in Chemainus and the Pacific Opera’s presentation of Puccini’s opera, La Bohème
March 8th Theatre On the Island – 5 days
You will see 4 Stage Shows on this tour; Broadway Lights with Victoria Symphony at Royal Theatre Once at Chemainus Theatre, Sense & Sensibility at Langham Theatre and Pinocchio at McPherson Playhouse. The Chateau Vitoria will be your home for the duration of your stay. A visit to Butchart Gardens and afternoon tea at Abkhazi Garden is included on this fun tour.
March 25th Victoria History & Mystery – 5 days
Two local historians, Danda Humphreys and John Admas will take you on drives and walks sharing stories of Victoria’s interesting past. Danda loves to bring Victorian characters alive through story telling, while John is an expert on unexplained events of days gone by and the citie’s ghosts. What fun you will have returning home to share your new found knowledge with family and friends!
May and June tours:
Vancouver Island Gardens – May 9, 2018 – 6 Days
Calling all garden lovers! Polish up your green thumb and join us to explore 9 exquisite Island gardens! Along our garden route we have included popular gardens such as Abkhazi Garden, where you will enjoy lunch, Butchart Gardens with a behind the-scenes tour and Victoria’s Butterfly Gardens, a tropical jungle with thousands beautiful butterflies adding colour to the foliage. A visit to three private gardens with either the homeowner or a local garden expert providing commentary is sure to be a highlight. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the spring blooms.
Vancouver Island From Toe To Tip – June 7, 2018 – 9 Days
Our first two nights are in Victoria, BC are provincial capital. That is only the start of your island exploration. This tour is designed to get you into remote areas, off the beaten path and to see things not accessible by vehicle. We have chartered two different vessels to get you out to see the remote shores of Race Rocks off Victoria and Cape Sutil (not Cape Scott) north of Port Hardy. A third charter takes you to Nootka Sound. We have made it easy for you to see these little known places.
Exciting Victoria Tour!
Quadra Island & Nootka Sound – July 8, 2018 – 5 Days
Steeped in history and surrounded by the natural beauty of the west coast of Vancouver Island, Nootka Sound is a paradise for those seeking to explore and enjoy the magnificent wilderness surroundings. A cruise on the MV Uchuck offers splendid coastal scenery and Chuck Syme, local historian and Nootka expert, is with us to provide interpretive talks and walks. Yuquot, also known as Friendly Cove, was the summer home of Chief Maquinna and the Mowachaht/Muchalaht people for millennia, and retains historic significance today as the site of the first contact between Europeans and First Nations people in British Columbia. This tour is full of breathtaking scenery and relaxation. We stay two nights on Quadra Island at the splendid Tsa-kwa-luten Lodge overlooking Discovery Passage and two nights in historic Gold River.
Vancouver Island is a paradise any time of year and we hope you will join us on one of these tours for some Island fun.
Written by; Joan Niemeier
