Vancouver Island & Malahat SkyWalk & Cidery Tour

Explore the natural wonders and cultural riches of Vancouver Island on this captivating full-day excursion. Set out on a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Journey through the picturesque Malahat Highway, culminating in a visit to the Malahat SkyWalk, where breathtaking vistas await. Enjoy the region’s Indigenous heritage at the City of Totems, and indulge in a refreshing cider tasting at Merridale Cidery & Distillery. With a wealth of experiences packed into a single day, this tour promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. But the real question is, are you ready to embark on this captivating adventure?

Good To Know

• This full-day excursion showcases the natural beauty and cultural highlights of Vancouver Island, including a scenic ferry ride and wildlife spotting opportunities.
• The tour includes a visit to the Malahat SkyWalk, offering panoramic views, and a stop at Merridale Cidery & Distillery for complimentary cider tasting.
• The tour features a deluxe mini-coach with air conditioning and large windows, an experienced guide, and roundtrip ferry admission.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but caters to a wide range of ages and mobility levels, with a maximum group size of 24 travelers.
• Travelers have reported exceptional knowledge and hospitality from the guides, as well as enjoyable experiences and recommendations for the tour.

Tour Overview

The Vancouver Island Tour is a full-day excursion that encompasses the natural beauty and cultural highlights of this picturesque region.

Travelers embark on a ferry ride, keeping an eye out for porpoises and whales along the way. The tour then takes them along the stunning Malahat Highway, where they’ll visit the Malahat SkyWalk for panoramic vistas.

Next, they’ll stop at the Merridale Cidery & Distillery for a complimentary cider tasting. The final highlight is the City of Totems, showcasing the area’s rich indigenous heritage.

With an experienced guide, air-conditioned transport, and all necessary admissions, this tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour includes a deluxe mini-coach with air conditioning and large windows, providing a comfortable and scenic journey.

An experienced tour guide accompanies the group, sharing their knowledge and ensuring a seamless experience.

Roundtrip ferry admission aboard BC Ferries is included, allowing travelers to spot porpoises and whales during the ride.

The tour also covers admission to the Malahat SkyWalk, offering stunning views.

Plus, a complimentary cider tasting at Merridale Cidery is provided.

An optional walking tour in Duncan is available, though food, drinks, hotel pick-ups, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Located at the Vancouver Cruise Pier, 999 Canada Pl, travelers will find the meeting point for the Vancouver Island Tour.

The tour departs promptly at 7:00 am, so it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early. Look for the guide in lime green at the FlyOver Canada Ticket Centre.

The tour ends at the same location as the meeting point.

This full-day adventure explores the highlights of Vancouver Island, including the Malahat Highway, Malahat SkyWalk, Merridale Cidery & Distillery, and the City of Totems.

With a deluxe mini-coach and an experienced guide, travelers can look forward to a comfortable and informative journey.

Accessibility and Age Requirements

The Vancouver Island Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but foldable strollers are allowed with prior notification. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Travelers aged 16 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while those aged 17-18 can travel without a guardian if a waiver is signed on the departure day.

The tour has a maximum group size of 24 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group, the tour caters to a wide range of ages and mobility levels, making it an accessible option for many.

Positive Traveler Reviews

Positive reviews for the Vancouver Island Tour highlight the exceptional knowledge and hospitality of the guides, such as Kim and Meghan.

Travelers praised the enjoyable experience and recommended the tour to others. The feedback emphasizes the guides’ efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere and address queries.

Some key points from the reviews:

1. Guides possess in-depth knowledge of the local area and share fascinating insights during the tour.

2. Guides go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable and comfortable experience.

3. The tour provides an excellent value, with the guides’ service being a standout highlight.

Recommended Enhancements

Although the Vancouver Island Tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are a few enhancements that could further improve the experience.

Offering pickups from select downtown hotels would make the tour more accessible to travelers who prefer not to make their own way to the meeting point.

Plus, providing a light snack or refreshment during the tour could help maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Considering a short stop at a local eatery for lunch, even if not included in the package, would give guests the option to sample regional cuisine.

These minor additions could elevate an already exceptional tour to an unforgettable experience.

Tour Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, where guests may spot porpoises, seals, and perhaps even whales in their natural habitat.

The highlights of the day include:

1. Malahat Highway, a stunning drive along the coast with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.

2. Malahat SkyWalk, a 650-meter elevated walkway and spiral tower that offers breathtaking vistas of the region.

3. Merridale Cidery & Distillery, where guests can enjoy a complimentary tasting of the company’s award-winning ciders and spirits.

The tour also includes a visit to the City of Totems, where visitors can explore the area’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Tour Duration and Route

The tour spans a full day, beginning with a ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver. Guests will spot porpoises and whales as they make their way to Vancouver Island.

Once on the island, the tour takes them along the scenic Malahat Highway, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

The highlight of the day is the Malahat SkyWalk, a 650-meter-long elevated walkway that provides panoramic vistas of the region.

The tour also includes a visit to the Merridale Cidery & Distillery, where travelers can enjoy a complimentary cider tasting.

The day concludes with an optional walking tour in the City of Totems, Duncan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, food and drinks are not included in the tour. Travelers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but the tour does not provide any catering services.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer discounts for seniors or students. Food and drinks, other than the complimentary cider tasting, are not included in the tour and must be purchased separately.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

Customers can’t customize the tour itinerary or activities. However, the tour operator offers flexibility, allowing guests to opt-out of certain stops or join optional activities like the Duncan walking tour.

Do We Need to Bring Any Specific Gear or Equipment?

The tour doesn’t require any specialized gear or equipment. Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and sun protection are recommended. Travelers should also bring their camera to capture the scenic views along the way.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is primarily conducted in English, but accommodations can be made for other languages. Travelers should inquire about availability when booking, as the tour provider may be able to arrange for multilingual guides or provide translation services.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour offers an immersive Vancouver Island experience, combining stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and local culinary delights. From the scenic ferry ride to the impressive Malahat SkyWalk and the charming Merridale Cidery, this excursion promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural and Indigenous wonders. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply looking for a memorable day trip, this tour is sure to exceed your expectations.