Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Exploring the Jewels of Quebec, Canada by Premier Tours & Travel

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Highlights of Montreal

Day 1

Upon arrival in Montréal — the City of a Hundred Steeples, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide to embark upon a private, guided panoramic tour of the city. You will have views of the diverse boroughs of the city in your private, roomy transport, before stopping for lunch in the bohemian Plateau neighborhood. You will then check into your boutique, 4* accommodations, Hôtel William Gray (or similar) and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 2

After breakfast, the group will be greeted by two tour guides to provide the most personal, private, informative walking tour of Vieux Montréal (Old Montréal) (10 people per guide). You will then board a roomy coach to embark on a foodie tour, which will highlight the diversity of the city in each bite. Before your day ends, you will have the opportunity to experience the spectacularly luminous show — Aura Basilica — at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. Your dinner will be at leisure this evening.

Day 3

After a morning at leisure, you will be transported to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (Museum of Fine Arts) — largest art museum in Canada by gallery space that is located on the historic Golden Square Mile stretch of Sherbrooke Street. You will have time to explore at your own pace and enjoy lunch at leisure at the museum café or a café nearby. You will then embark on a guided walking tour of the exciting street art peppered throughout the city — again enjoying very small groups of 10 with a dedicated, knowledgeable tour guide per group. Your evening will include walking to dinner at L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel (or similar), an historical institution and fine dining establishment renowned for its Quebec cuisine. The Auberge is also home to one of the trendiest spots in a city internationally renowned for its nightlife, and an elegant and welcoming for our small group.

Highlights of Québec City

Day 4

Today you will transfer to historic and enchanting Québec City via a luxury, spacious motor coach so you may experience the beauty of the region at a slower place. You will stop in Trois Rivières to experience a traditional sugar shack, Sugar Shack Chez Dany. A 20-year old tradition, Dany Néron’s sugar shack has been welcoming visitors for the last two decades. Chez Dany’s menu features copious, traditional meals. An accordionist, cellist and singer provide the musical ambience in this rustic building where you will learn all about how maple syrup and taffy is made. Upon your arrival in Québec City, your small group will be greeted by two local tour guides to provide a personal, guided walking tour of the city to get you acclimated to your home for the next two nights. After checking into Le Germain Québec (or similar), your 4* accommodations, you will have the evening to explore further at leisure.

Day 5

After a morning at leisure, you will be transported to Huron Wendat to learn about the culture and traditions of the First Nations Huron Wendat tribe with a private, guided tour (again with two guides in smaller groups of 10) of the Long House and museum, followed by lunch at Restaurant La Traite. Enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine at this gourmet restaurant. Savor game, fish and the fruits of an abundant harvest. Blending history and culture, this charming eatery boasts a superb décor and delightful terrace on the banks of the Rivière Akiawenrahk. After this full day’s activities, you will have the evening at leisure back in Québec City.

Highlights of Charlevoix

Day 6

Today you will ride through the beautiful, northern Québec countryside by way of Orlèans Island and Montmorency Falls (with photo stops) en route to Baie-Saint-Paul and 4* Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix (or similar) — your accommodations for your final two nights in Canada. Upon arrival you will be greeted by our local tour guides to help get you acclimated to Baie-Saint-Paul, known for its art galleries, shopping, and restaurants. You will then enjoy a tour of La Maison d’Affinage Maurice Dufour, a highly respected cheesemaking farm where you will have lunch with local cider pairings. You will have the balance of the day and evening at leisure to immerse yourself in the delights of this special town in the Baie-Saint-Paul Valley.

Day 7

Québec is one of the few places on Earth where you can see a wide variety of cetaceans (whales) — 13 species in total. Since they are in Québec mainly from May to October, attracted by the abundance of food, and the depths of the Gulf and Estuary of St. Lawrence, you will be visiting at a perfect time. Therefore, you will be transported to Tadoussac where you will board your boat and go straight into the VIP lounge and partake in an exciting whale watching cruise. You will enjoy lunch at Café Coquard (or similar) and have leisure time before a final, Farewell Dinner at Le Germain in the hotel.

Day 8

On your final day, you will be transferred via private motor coach to the airport in Québec City.