Tailor-made Vacation · Canada
Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the pristine landscapes and captivating culture of western Canada with this meticulously curated itinerary. Over the course of nine days, travelers will immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystems and vibrant communities of Vancouver Island and the mainland.
The adventure begins in Victoria, the provincial capital, where travelers will have the opportunity to explore the charming streets and scenic waterfront of British Columbia's capital city. A thrilling whale-watching excursion sets the tone for the wildlife encounters to come, providing a glimpse into the fascinating world of orcas, minkewhales, and other marine life.
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From Victoria, the journey continues westward to the remote wilderness destination of Tofino, renowned for its untamed beauty and abundant wildlife. Here, travelers will embark on a captivating bear-watching excursion, observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat along the rugged coastline.
After soaking in the tranquility of Tofino, the adventure takes a luxurious turn with a stay at Sonora Resort, nestled amidst the pristine wilderness of the Discovery Islands. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the array of activities available, from hiking and swimming to thrilling nature tours and grizzly bear watching by boat.
As the journey draws to a close, travelers return to Vancouver, where they will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant cosmopolitan city at their leisure. From boutique shopping along Robson Street to leisurely strolls through Stanley Park, Vancouver offers endless opportunities for discovery and relaxation.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Victoria
Arrive in Victoria, pick up your hire car (not included) and check-in to your downtown hotel where you’ll pick up your Out Of Office Roadbook at the front desk. Take the rest of the day to create your own west coast island adventure amid the port lands, parks, restaurants and gardens of British Columbia’s capital city. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 2: Victoria
Today you embark on a fascinating wildlife viewing adventure aboard a fast-moving Zodiac rigid boat. A certified marine biologist provides insight into the environment and habits of orca, minke and grey whales as well as other marine wildlife. Return to your hotel afterwards for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 3: Victoria to Tofino
Be sure that you have your camera at the ready – a panorama of scenic beauty is about to unfold before you. Your road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory, exemplified by The Pacific Rim National Park – a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity. Overnight in Tofino.
Day 4: Tofino
Today you board a Zodiac boat to take a captivating bear watching excursion and speed along the lush coastline to the bears’ feeding grounds. When the tide goes out the bears emerge from the forests and forage along the shores in search of rock crabs, providing the perfect opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline in search of shells and driftwood. Perhaps enrich your experience with a visit to the Himwitsa Art Gallery and marvel at the collection of authentic pieces native to the Tofino area. Overnight in Tofino.
Day 5: Tofino to Sonora
This morning, the spectacular winding road takes you back to the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. Your route will introduce you to many gems you may wish to stop at for a brief visit at the native rock carvings at Sproat Lake or the picturesque falls at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park.
Upon arrival in Campbell River, you board a water taxi for the short boat ride to the stunning Sonora Resort. Settle in for the night at this quintessential west coast resort and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s day of adventure and discovery! Overnight at Sonora Resort. Dinner included.
Day 6: Sonora Resort
You have the entire day at this luxurious wilderness resort. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy unlimited hiking, swimming, and tennis throughout their stay. Today you enjoy one of two thrilling nature adventures:
ECONATURE TOUR (May 8 – Aug 25 departures) featuring a fascinating tour of the surrounding wilderness conducted by a knowledgeable guide.
BEAR WATCHING BY BOAT (Aug 26 – Oct 10) takes participants by boat to the prime feeding and gathering areas of the mighty grizzly bear. The guide communicates by headphones to passengers, ensuring the creatures are seen in their most natural an undisturbed state.
In the evening, sit down to a gourmet dinner, sip a fine wine on a terrace, or mingle with other guests in one of the lounges or games room. Overnight at Sonora Resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7: Sonora to Vancouver
Today you board the water taxi for your return trip to Campbell River where you continue your drive south along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island. Small seaside towns such as Comox offer delightful spots to stop for a quick lunch or some shopping for reminders of your west coast experience.
Arriving in Nanaimo, you board a BC Ferries vessel and sail across the Strait of Georgia to arrive in Vancouver where the remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to dine out at one of Vancouver’s many excellent restaurants, offering everything from Canadian/European fusion to authentic Far East Asian cuisine. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 8: Vancouver
Today is yours to explore this vibrant cosmopolitan and gay friendly city. Boutique shoppes line Robson Street, offering everything from high fashion to aboriginal artwork.
Stanley Park is interwoven with paved forested trails and features an enthralling zoo at its center and the fascinating Klahowya Village. The boardwalks along the seawall provide sweeping views of the water and the rising mountains of the mainland. Discover the charms and sights of this truly magnificent city on the water. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 9
Today drive to the airport for your onward flight.
Our Experts
Canada is such an incredible destination for travelers who love the outdoors. Mother Nature's wonderful diversity is definitely on display here.
For me, it's the people who make Canada. Here resides some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. It's such a welcoming destination, which is why our clients love it so much.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.