The Victoria West Coast Big Tree Coastal Adventure promises a truly immersive experience for outdoor enthusiasts. This 10-hour tour, designed for small groups, allows participants to explore ancient forests, stunning coastal beaches, and iconic Western Red Cedars. With a flexible cancellation policy and convenient pickup options, guests can enjoy breathtaking views, spot local wildlife, and navigate potentially muddy hiking conditions. But what exactly awaits those who embark on this coastal adventure?
Key Points
- A small-group tour exploring ancient forests, coastal beaches, and the iconic Western Red Cedars in Victoria’s West Coast, lasting 10 hours.
- Flexible pickup options and cancellation policy, with transportation provided in a large SUV.
- Highlights include hiking at Botanical Beach, Sombrio Beach, and Upper Avatar Grove, with potential bonus stops.
- Suitable for adventurous travelers aged 10-70, with proper hiking shoes and water recommended.
- Opportunity to immerse in the geological history and spot local wildlife, such as whales, sea lions, seals, and otters.
Overview and Pricing
The "Victoria West Coast Big Tree Coastal Adventure" is a 10-hour tour that costs from Kč 5,125 per person.
It’s a small-group tour limited to 6 participants and is available in English and French.
There’s a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and the tour operates rain or shine, so guests should expect hiking in potentially muddy conditions.
Looking for more options in Vancouver Island? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking and Flexibility
As the tour allows guests to reserve their spot without upfront payment, travelers can book the "Victoria West Coast Big Tree Coastal Adventure" and pay later.
The tour offers flexible pickup locations, including hotel lobbies, ferry terminals, airports, or residential addresses, with transportation provided in a large SUV.
Guests should be aware that the tour operates rain or shine, and they may encounter potentially muddy hiking conditions.
This ensures a memorable experience exploring the West Coast’s ancient forests, coastal beaches, and stunning natural wonders, regardless of the weather.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from Victoria and includes several captivating stops along the West Coast.
First, hikers explore Botanical Beach Provincial Park for 2 hours.
Next, they visit Port Renfrew for a 30-minute lunch.
The adventure continues at Sombrio Beach with 1.5 hours of hiking, followed by a 1.5-hour hike at Upper Avatar Grove.
The final stop is a 20-minute walk at Harris Creek Spruce Recreation Site before returning to Victoria.
Potential bonus stops include Mystic Beach, Sancut Beach, and Muir Creek Beach, where visitors can discover fossils, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Tour Experience
Participants on the Victoria West Coast Big Tree Coastal Adventure can expect to enjoy the ancient grandeur of the region’s Jurassic Grove.
This tour showcases the iconic Western Red Cedars, some exceeding 1,000 years old and reaching an impressive 3.6 meters in width.
Guests will also have the opportunity to:
-
Spot whales, sea lions, seals, and otters in their natural habitats.
-
Explore millions of years of geological history, including fossils and waterfalls.
-
Opt for an overnight extension with a yurt stay and additional stops along the Pacific Marine Circle.
Participant Requirements and Recommendations
This tour is not suitable for children under 10, individuals over 70, or those with mobility impairments. Participants are encouraged to wear proper hiking shoes and bring sufficient water. Prohibited items include oversize luggage, weapons, and sharp objects.
| What to Bring | What Not to Bring |
| — | — |
| Hiking shoes | Oversize luggage |
| Water | Weapons |
| | Sharp objects |
The terrain can be muddy, so proper footwear is essential. This adventure takes place rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for potentially challenging hiking conditions.
Exploring Botanical Beach Provincial Park
Nestled along the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, Botanical Beach Provincial Park beckons adventurers to explore its unique geological wonders.
Visitors can discover:
-
Expansive tide pools teeming with vibrant marine life, including sea stars, crabs, and anemones
-
Fascinating rock formations carved over millions of years, featuring intricate patterns and textures
-
A network of trails leading to stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged shoreline
Spending two hours hiking through this captivating landscape, guests can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and uncover the secrets hidden within its tidal zones.
Discovering Port Renfrew and Sombrio Beach
After exploring the wonders of Botanical Beach, the tour continues to the charming coastal town of Port Renfrew, where participants enjoy a 30-minute lunch break.
The group then heads to Sombrio Beach, known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and waterfalls. During the 1.5-hour hike, they may spot whales, sea lions, seals, and otters in the waters below.
The ancient forests surrounding Sombrio Beach offer a peaceful respite before the tour moves on to the next destination, Upper Avatar Grove, home to the iconic 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars.
Visiting Upper Avatar Grove and Harris Creek Spruce Recreation Site
The tour then ventures to the renowned Upper Avatar Grove, a hidden gem where the group spends 1.5 hours exploring the ancient forest‘s towering 1000-year-old Western Red Cedars.
The group marvels at the magnitude of these ancient giants, some measuring over 3.6 meters in diameter.
The tour guide shares insights about:
-
The unique ecosystem and biodiversity found in the grove
-
The cultural significance of these trees to local Indigenous communities
-
The conservation efforts to protect this old-growth forest
The tour then moves on to the Harris Creek Spruce Recreation Site, a 20-minute walk through a serene forest setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Transportation Is Provided for This Tour?
The tour provides transportation in a large SUV with branding. Pickup locations include the hotel lobby, ferry terminal, airport, or residential address to transport participants during the 10-hour excursion.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on This Tour?
The tour does not provide any special dietary accommodations. Participants are responsible for bringing their own snacks and meals. The tour focuses on the natural scenery and outdoor activities rather than catering to specific dietary needs.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour With Additional Activities?
Yes, there’s an optional overnight extension with a yurt stay and additional stops along the Pacific Marine Circle, including the Malahat Skywalk, providing an opportunity to further explore the region’s natural wonders.
Can I Leave Personal Belongings on the Tour Vehicle During Stops?
Yes, participants can leave personal belongings on the tour vehicle during stops. The tour operator recommends against bringing oversize luggage, weapons, or sharp objects, which are prohibited items on the tour.
How Often Do the Guides Rotate During the Multi-Hour Tour?
The guides typically rotate at scheduled stops throughout the multi-hour tour, ensuring participants receive knowledgeable commentary from different experts. This rotation allows the guides to provide breaks and maintain high-quality experiences for the entire duration.
The Sum Up
The Victoria West Coast Big Tree Coastal Adventure offers an immersive 10-hour tour exploring ancient forests, stunning beaches, and local wildlife. With a flexible cancellation policy and convenient pickup options, guests can experience breathtaking views, discover iconic Western Red Cedars, and navigate potentially muddy hiking conditions at a cost of Kč 5,125 per person for small groups of up to 6 participants.
You can check availability for your dates here: