Hiking Vancouver Island Tour Itinerary

Hiking Vancouver Island Tour Itinerary
REF: NA17
VERSION: 5

Duration:	7 days - Vancouver to Vancouver
Countries Visited:	Canada
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	12
Transport:	Private Minibus, On Foot, Ferry
Accommodation:	Camping at campsites with facilities (6 Nights)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour – Driver/Guide - All Taxes are Included - All Meals from Dinner Day 1 to Lunch Day 7 (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners) - All Entrance Fees to National Parks - All Camping Equipment (except Sleeping Bag) - Hard Foam Mattress - Camping fees - Daily Hikes accompanied by an Expert Guide
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Vancouver - Vancouver Island - Juan de Fuca Marine Trail - Botanical Beach - Port Alberni - Mount Arrowsmith - Strathcona Park
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Introduction:	Vancouver Island is the largest island on the west coast of North America and offers incredible natural beauty and an array of hiking options. Among the many rewards awaiting hikers are ancient rainforests, wildflower meadows, blue alpine lakes, glaciers and cascading waterfalls. During this 7 day guided camping tour trails range from easy walks on the beach to moderate full-day alpine treks. You have the benefit of hiking with an expert who knows the terrain in all kinds of weather and trail conditions and has information on the local history, flora and fauna.
Meeting Point:	The tour begins in downtown Vancouver at 8.00am on Day 1 of the tour. The meeting point is: Empire Landmark Hotel 1400 Robson Street Vancouver British Colombia V6G 1B9 Tel: +1-604-687-0511
Day 1:	VANCOUVER / JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL - This morning you meet your guide at the meeting point at 8.00am in downtown Vancouver. You board the mini bus for the drive to the ferry terminal and the 90 minute crossing to Vancouver Island. Lunch is by the picturesque Inner Harbour in Victoria and now it is off to your first campground under giant cedar trees by the beach. The 47 km (29 mi) shoreline park along the south western edge of Vancouver Island is designed as a wilderness hiking trail. It is an extension of the famous Westcoast Trail but not quite as remote and rugged. The isolated beaches can be accessed by several trailheads and make it possible to chose from easy, moderate or strenuous day hikes. After consulting the tides table the guide decides which part of the beach to hike: suggested for this afternoon is an excursion to hidden pools and waterfalls. Dinner by the campfire and hopefully another spectacular ocean sunset. Hiking time 3 to 4 hours. (D)
Day 2:	JUAN DE FUCA MARINE TRAIL - Botanical Beach has one of the most unique and richest tidal areas along Canada’s west coast. There are tide pools with purple and orange starfish, urchins, sea anemones and cucumbers, shoreline trails with fantastic geological formations of shale and quartz. So many impressions, so many photo opportunities during today’s outing of up to 20 km (12.5 mi). You have a good chance to see marine wildlife like whales, sea lions, seals and eagles. Hiking time 4 to 7 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 3:	PARKSVILLE - A short climb from the beach ends at a rock shelf with a fascinating view down into a secret inlet. Behind a rock arch leading to caves where seals congregate to socialize and to give birth. This magical place which was discovered only a few years ago, it has to be approached with care and respect. Depending on the tide chart there are further parts of the beach and reef shelves to explore, always the views of the Olympia Mountains across Juan de Fuca Strait. Late afternoon you move to the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. The new campground (showers) features majestic old growth forest of Douglas firs and a wide sandy beach near the city of Parksville. Hiking time 2 to 4 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 4:	PARKSVILLE / STRATHCONA PARK - Some of the best wilderness hiking on Vancouver Island is among the glaciated peaks of the Central Island. Strathcona Park was created in 1911 for those who seek adventure in remote alpine surroundings. You can reach the “Forbidden Plateau” via several routes. A 15 km loop trail near Mt. Washington starts already at the 1100 m (3665 ft) level and offers panoramic views over southern BC. Hiking time 5 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 5:	PORT ALBERNI - The mountains, the sea, the forest characterize Port Alberni, a small town at the end of an inlet set against a backdrop of rugged mountains. The highest among them is Mount Arrowsmith with 1819 m (6057 ft). Trails offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, surrounding lakes and neighbouring peaks. Camping (showers) for the next two nights by a freshwater lake for swimming and relaxing. Hiking time 4 to 6 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 6:	PORT ALBERNI / TOFINO - In the centre of the island is Cathedral Grove with some over 800 year old cedars and Douglas fir trees, one of them is 9 meters (30 ft) in diameter. You walk on a network of short rainforest wilderness trails which weave amongst moss and fern blanketed fallen trees. End of the highway is in Tofino, a magical place to relax or to explore, dig clams in the tidal flats at low tide, watch tremendous waves rolling in all the way from Asia. Artists have made the charming villages of Ucluelet and Tofino their home, in the small boutiques you find your perfect local souvenirs. Highly recommended are an optional cruise to observe bears feeding on crabs and clams at low tide, to go sea kayaking or whale watching. Hiking time 1.5 hours. (B, L, D)
Day 7:	RETURN TO VANCOUVER - Return via the coastal highway to Victoria and Vancouver. Arrival in downtown Vancouver late afternoon. Accommodation is not included in Vancouver. (B, L)
Finishing Point:	Empire Landmark Hotel 1400 Robson Street Vancouver British Colombia V6G 1B9 Tel: +1-604-687-0511

Pre Departure Information Follows


Please note:	This tour is operated in conjunction with our local partners in Canada. You will be joined by other Kumuka passengers as well as travellers who have booked through other agencies. The itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However, this tour visits areas that can be unpredictable and there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to abnormal weather patterns, the presence of wild animals, or any unforeseen local conditions that are out of our control. Please be flexible and respect the changes that your Tour Leader may have to make during the tour.
What to Pack:	As well as your day to day clothes and personal items, you will need the following: A rucksack or backpack (we do not recommend bringing a suitcase) A daypack to carry camera, jacket, water, snacks, etc. on day hikes and outings 3 or 4 season sleeping bag (a hard foam mattress is provided, however you may wish to bring an inflatable mat for extra comfort) Waterproof jacket and trousers A good pair of walking boots, preferably waterproof, as well as a comfortable pair of shoes for wearing around the camp or in towns at night Fleece jumper Sun hat and warm hat and gloves A torch Sunglasses and sunscreen (for skin and lips) Power adaptor to suit US/Canada voltage type and plug fitting Water bottle Swimming suit and towel A walking stick is recommended but not essential (especially useful for walking downhill) Insect repellent
Travel Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise care in keeping it safe. It should be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take photocopies of your passport in case of loss or damage. Alternatively, you can scan copies of these pages and email them to yourself so that you can access them if you happen to lose your passport whilst abroad and have to apply for a new one at your nearest Embassy.
Visa & Entry Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your North America trip. The Kumuka website www.kumuka.com provides visa information, yet entry regulations can change without notice. Further consultation with your Travel Agent or nearest Embassy is recommended. Each client is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary visas and entry requirements before joining a tour. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. Important: If your travels involve entry into the United States, please read the following: Beginning 1st August 2008, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be accessible via the internet for citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States under the VWP. The ESTA system becomes effective on 12th January 2009. All VWP travellers will be required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. Full details are available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Money:	We recommend that you bring your personal funds in local currency (including small denominations), travellers cheques, and/or use an ATM card to withdraw cash as you travel. ATMs are widely available, and Credit Cards are accepted in almost all shops and restaurants.
Tipping:	In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars). Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table. It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour.
Participation:	The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from it, after all, group tours are all about participation. You will be expected to get involved with the daily duties and to assist the Tour Leader with setting up camp, pitching your own tent, preparing camp meals, washing up, and keeping a clean camp. The most successful tours are those where people become involved and it's also the best way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Optional Activities:	During the tour your Tour Leader will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit: http://www.kumuka.com/North-America-Optional-Activities.aspx IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1 therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Please check the tour itinerary. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area. Again, please check the itinerary.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
Map:

This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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