Pacific Rainforest In Luxury

Itinerary

• British Columbia

  British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty.  The Coast Mountains and the Inside Passage's many inlets provide some of British Columbia's renowned and spectacular scenery, which forms the backdrop and context for a growing outdoor adventure and ecotourism industry. Seventy-five percent of the province is mountainous (more than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level); 60% is forested; and only about 5% is arable.  The Okanagan area is one of three wine-growing regions in Canada and also produces excellent ciders.  Given its varied mountainous terrain and its coasts, lakes, rivers, and forests, British Columbia has long been enjoyed for pursuits like hiking and camping, rock climbing and mountaineering, hunting and fishing and winter sprorts such as skiing, snowboarding, helihiking and telemarking.

• Tofino

  Tofino is a village of about 1,650 residents on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. Located at the western terminus of Highway 4, on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula, it is at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound. A popular tourist destination in the summer, Tofino's population swells to many times its winter size. It attracts surfers, nature lovers, campers, whale watchers, fishermen, or anyone just looking to be close to nature. In the winter it is not as bustling, however, many people visit Tofino and the west coast to watch storms on the water.

• Vancouver

  Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the world, based on its warm climate, beautiful scenery, modern infrastructure, and social community. Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52% of city residents having a first language other than English. The economy has traditionally relied on forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture; although, tourism has grown rapidly as more people discover this gem on the Pacific Ocean.

• Vancouver Island

  Vancouver Island is a large island in British Columbia, Canada.  In fact, it is the largest island on the western side of North America.  The Vancouver Island Ranges run most of the length of the island, dividing it into a wet and rugged west coast and a drier, more rolling east coast.  The climate is the mildest in Canada, with temperatures on the coast even in January being usually above 0 °C (32 °F).  The fauna of Vancouver Island is similar to that found on the mainland coast, with some notable exceptions and additions. For example, grizzly bears, mountain goats, porcupines, moose, skunks, coyotes, and numerous species of small mammals, while plentiful on the mainland, are absent from Vancouver Island. The island does support most of Canada's Roosevelt elk, however, and one species — the Vancouver Island Marmot — is unique to the island. The island's rivers, lakes, and coastal regions are renowned for their fisheries of trout, salmon, and Steelhead. It has the most concentrated population of cougars in North America.

• • Vancouver
  • Native Totem Pole in Stanley Park
  • Four Seasons Vancouver

  Day 1: Vancouver

  Enjoy a private transfer in a luxury vehicle with a professional guide who will meet you in the International Reception Lobby (IRL) located outside of customs.

  You will be provided with a pre-departure package which will include all necessary information that you will need for your trip including materials such as vouchers, maps, train tickets (if relevant) etc.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Enjoy a private, introductory tour of Vancouver (4 - 5hrs) highlighting the main sights of the city. With a private tour, you can set the pace and spend as much or as little time at each of the places of interest. Your driver/guide will delight in sharing their extensive knowledge of area's history, geography and current events. Places of interest on the tour include: B.C. Place, G.M. Place, Science World (Olympic Sites), Gastown - Historical area of Vancouver, Canada Place - Alaska Cruise ship terminal and home of the new convention centre, Stanley Park - The Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium (not included - optional) and Prospect Point as well as English Bay/Vancouver Harbour and Granville Island - which includes a stop at artists' studios, craft galleries, and the Granville Island Public Market. From here, the tour continues on to Queen Elizabeth Park before you are brought back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)

  At the hub of this international centre of commerce, culture and natural beauty is the cosmopolitan Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*), rising above the Pacific centre's 100 fine shops and featuring the award winning YEW restaurant and bar. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation and reflects the comfortable, elegant style of this quietly sophisticated urban centre with 373 classic, residential guest rooms, including 66 suites, all featuring large windows overlooking the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. The high level of service that you would expect at a Four Season's property is in evidence and the extensive facilities include an indoor-outdoor pool, state of the art gym and garden.

• • Helicopter over Whistler
  • Blackcomb mountain looming in the background

  Day 2: Vancouver - Whistler

  Travel to Whistler on a breathtaking three hour train trip between Vancouver and Whistler. Take in all of the wonderful land and seascapes as you travel through picturesque Howe Sound and the mighty Cheakamus Canyon to the four-season mountain playground and co-host of the 2010 Olympic winter games. Upon arrival at Whistler, there will be time for you to explore at leisure. Stroll the village shops, enjoy lunch on a sunny patio, ride a gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain… the possibilities are limitless. Then hop on the complimentary shuttle between Whistler and the floatplane base where you will take off on a late afternoon flight and experience British Columbia’s supernatural beauty with an eagle’s eye flight over the majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, unique volcanic formations and lush alpine meadows that surround the turquoise waters of pristine Garibaldi Lake. Don’t forget your camera! (The rail portion of your tour features quality service, extensive legroom, scenic views through large picture windows, assigned seating in classic rail coach, continental breakfast or light afternoon meal served at your seat and access to the Heritage Observation Car as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver and Whistler).

  Enjoy a private transfer from Whistler to Vancouver Airport in a luxury vehicle with driver. Transfer time is approximately 2 hours.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)
• • Tofino
  • Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

  Day 3: Vancouver - Tofino

  Transfer to/from your city centre hotel and departure/arrival point of your seaplane in a luxury sedan or SUV.

  Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour as you fly through the sky over the azure waters of the Georgian Strait from Vancouver to the remote wilderness eco lodge of Clayoquot resort in a remote corner of Vancouver island.

  Enjoy gourmet, world class cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks throughout your stay at the Clayoquot Wilderness resort including premium wines and spirits.

  Enjoy an evening pre dinner drink each evening overlooking the still waters in your beautiful surroundings as you go through the next few days options with the attentive staff. Together you can design your personal adventures for the next few days depending on weather, tidal charts, animal sightings and your frame of mind.

  Accommodation: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*)

  Some 30 minutes by boat from Tofino, or 20 miles as the eagle flies is the luxurious eco-safari Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*). Inspired by late 19th century Great Camps, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort promises the perfect pairing of soft adventure and soft beds - a delicious blend of childhood wishes and grown-up dreams. Situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River, where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord, an enclave of 20 great white canvas guest tents, massage and treatment tents, dining tents, lounge tents and a massive timber cookhouse peek out shyly from the dense bush just awaiting your arrival. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers a discreet paradox of individual pampering, and remote, untamed wilderness. The deluxe guest tents are roomy, great white canvas prospector-style quarters built on discreetly-situated raised wooden platforms and are connected by cedar boardwalks, which are hidden under a canopy of the rainforest along the water's edge amongst the hillside trees.

• • Surf Tofino

  Day 4: Tofino

  Enjoy any number optional activities (all included) during your sojourn at the wilderness resort. You may choose to be taken to a pristine and secluded beach to learn how to surf, have a First Nations guide escort you on a day long hike to the "Wild Side" interpretive trail and Flores Island, take on a mountain fed rushing river in a kayak, or experience a gentler ocean kayak cruise to private inlets and hidden coves where there are natural hot springs. Avail of a salt water guided fishing morning or afternoon (minimum of 4 guests per boat). Horsemanship and riding are signatures of the resort, with a range of talented horses for the beginner to the expert rider. Wildlife viewing is also part of daily life, whether you decide to go in search of black bears and whales or see the wildlife (such as whales, sea lions, sea otters, eagles and puffins) on the outskirts of camp. Archery, skeet shooting and rock climbing are other options that may interest you during your sojourn in this paradise.

  Enjoy a pre dinner drink on the house as you relax in the 3,000 square foot cookhouse with 70-inch-long wrap-around counters and huge open-kitchen as the resident chef invites you to pull up a stool, and see how he creates his magic. Real foodies often end up behind the counter or in front of the grill, leaving eventually with pockets full of notes and Chef's hand-written recipes. Enjoy!

  Accommodation: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*)
• • Massage

  Day 5: Tofino

  Choose from any of the previously mentioned activities to enjoy the day to the full, or simply relax, book in hand and revel in the peaceful surroundings of this remote and luxurious location.

  Enjoy a one hour massage treatment whenever you choose to avail of it throughout your stay at eco-safari style massage and therapeutic treatment centre on site. There are three massage tents and two treatment rooms, two wood-fired cedar hot tubs, a wood-fired cedar sauna, an outdoor shower and wrap-around sun decks artfully compose a rest and relaxation destination of intimate proportions. Relax as you succumb to the pampering with the muffled sounds of the surrounding wildlife. Near to the massage tents is a small fitness facility complete with treadmill, stair machine, rowing machine and free weights. A yoga studio complete with heated floors has scheduled morning classes which you may be interested in partaking in.

  Accommodation: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*)
• • Capilano Suspension Bridge

  Day 6: Tofino - Vancouver

  Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour as you fly from the remote resort outside of Tofino to cosmopolitan Vancouver.

  Consider taking a cruise along the harbour, a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island, an adventure filled day whale watching, a panoramic flight, or a day trip to Whistler crossing over the Capilano Suspension Bridge and forest canopy walkway. All of these options are available on a private or shared basis. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these interest you.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)

• Day 7: Vancouver

  Enjoy a private transfer in a luxury vehicle with professional driver. 

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Four Seasons Vancouver

  Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)

  At the hub of this international centre of commerce, culture and natural beauty is the cosmopolitan Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*), rising above the Pacific centre's 100 fine shops and featuring the award winning YEW restaurant and bar. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation and reflects the comfortable, elegant style of this quietly sophisticated urban centre with 373 classic, residential guest rooms, including 66 suites, all featuring large windows overlooking the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. The high level of service that you would expect at a Four Season's property is in evidence and the extensive facilities include an indoor-outdoor pool, state of the art gym and garden.

  • More information
• • Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
  • Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

  Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*)

  Some 30 minutes by boat from Tofino, or 20 miles as the eagle flies is the luxurious eco-safari Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (4*). Inspired by late 19th century Great Camps, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort promises the perfect pairing of soft adventure and soft beds - a delicious blend of childhood wishes and grown-up dreams. Situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River, where it spills into a nine-mile-long fjord, an enclave of 20 great white canvas guest tents, massage and treatment tents, dining tents, lounge tents and a massive timber cookhouse peek out shyly from the dense bush just awaiting your arrival. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers a discreet paradox of individual pampering, and remote, untamed wilderness. The deluxe guest tents are roomy, great white canvas prospector-style quarters built on discreetly-situated raised wooden platforms and are connected by cedar boardwalks, which are hidden under a canopy of the rainforest along the water's edge amongst the hillside trees.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon Holidays (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon Holidays
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-holidays.com
  Web: www.horizon-holidays.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-holidays.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote