Embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring the stunning waterfalls and ancient rainforest of Vancouver Island. This full-day tour offers flexible hiking options through lush landscapes, where you can marvel at cascading waters and towering ancient trees. With a knowledgeable guide, discover the natural beauty and rich history of these hidden gems. From the serene Englishman River Falls to the awe-inspiring Cathedral Grove, this tour promises to leave you captivated by the island’s breathtaking landscapes. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the secrets of this unique and pristine region.
Good To Know
- This full-day private nature tour from Victoria visits Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and Cathedral Grove, with flexible hiking options.
- The tour includes knowledgeable guides, group transportation, bottled water, lunch, and gratuities, providing a personalized and hassle-free experience.
- Highlights of the tour include the cascading waterfalls, turquoise pools, and towering old-growth forests, offering stunning scenery and serene ambiance.
- Guests can explore the trails at their own pace, marveling at the ancient trees and lush, mossy undergrowth in Cathedral Grove.
- The tour also includes a visit to a country market, showcasing the agricultural heritage and community of the region.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day, private nature tour from Victoria takes visitors on an exploration of some of Vancouver Island’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
The tour includes visits to Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum Falls, and the iconic Cathedral Grove, home to some of the island’s tallest and oldest trees.
Guests can enjoy flexible hiking options at their own pace, with a knowledgeable guide on hand to provide insights and ensure a personalized experience.
The tour also features a stop at a local country market and multiple photo opportunities to capture the stunning scenery.
With group pricing for up to eight people and all logistics taken care of, this tour offers a seamless way to take in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Victoria.
Inclusions and Logistics
The tour offers group pricing for up to eight people, with transport provided by a private vehicle.
Bottled water, lunch, umbrellas, and gratuities are all included, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off is available, adding to the convenience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, making it more inclusive.
-
The confirmation is received at booking, allowing travelers to plan with confidence.
-
Flexible payment options enable easy reservation, catering to various budgets and preferences.
-
The tour’s logistics are designed to prioritize accessibility, ensuring most travelers can participate and enjoy the experience.
Tour Experience and Reviews
With a perfect rating of 5.0 from 10 reviews, the hiking adventure in Cathedral Grove consistently delights travelers.
100% of reviewers recommend the tour, highlighting the accommodating guides, breathtaking natural beauty, and personalized service.
Travelers mention the delightful drives, lesser-known attractions, and overall impression of the tour’s seamless execution.
The reviews emphasize the guides’ ability to tailor the experience to individual preferences, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling exploration of the old-growth forests and waterfalls.
Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s combination of stunning scenery, educational insights, and the flexibility to hike at one’s own pace, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Vancouver Island.
Meeting and Pickup Information
Where can travelers be picked up for the hiking adventure in Cathedral Grove?
Pickup points are available in downtown Victoria, with the tour starting at 8:00 AM. Travelers can choose from flexible payment options and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
-
The tour includes private vehicle transportation, ensuring a personalized and exclusive group experience.
-
Pickup and drop-off services are provided, offering convenience and eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation.
-
With the flexibility of the pickup locations, the tour can accommodate a variety of starting points, making it accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Exploring Englishman River Falls
After departing from the pickup points in downtown Victoria, the hiking adventure takes visitors on a scenic journey to Englishman River Falls.
This stunning natural wonder features a series of cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools nestled amidst the lush, old-growth forest. Guests can explore the area at their own pace, taking in the serene ambiance and snapping photos of the captivating scenery.
The tour allows for flexible hiking options, ensuring visitors can customize their experience to suit their interests and abilities.
With the private guide’s expertise, travelers gain deeper insights into the local ecosystem and the significance of this natural treasure within Vancouver Island’s diverse landscape.
Discovering Little Qualicum Falls
The tour then ventures to the captivating Little Qualicum Falls, a lesser-known gem nestled within the enchanting Vancouver Island landscape.
This stunning waterfall cascades over a series of tiered rock formations, creating a mesmerizing display of rushing water and mist. Visitors can explore the surrounding trails, taking in the serene beauty and tranquility of the area.
The falls offer:
- A chance to witness the power and grace of nature in a serene setting
- Opportunities for breathtaking photography and rejuvenating moments in the great outdoors
- An escape from the crowds, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience
Marveling at Cathedral Grove
From Little Qualicum Falls, the tour winds its way to the captivating Cathedral Grove, home to some of Vancouver Island’s oldest and most impressive trees.
Towering Douglas firs and Western red cedars, some over 800 years old, create a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the well-marked trails, marveling at the sheer size and age of these giants.
The area’s lush, mossy undergrowth and nearby bubbling streams add to the enchanting ambiance. A highlight of the tour, Cathedral Grove offers a chance to connect with the island’s ancient forests and appreciate the region’s incredible natural beauty.
Additional Tour Insights
Beyond the serene beauty of Cathedral Grove, this hiking adventure offers deeper insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders. The private guide shares captivating local stories and perspectives, enriching the overall experience.
Plus, the tour’s flexibility allows guests to explore at their own pace, ensuring a personalized journey. The visit to a country market, for instance, provides a glimpse into the area’s agricultural heritage and vibrant community.
Further, the multiple photo stops encourage travelers to enjoy the stunning landscapes, creating lasting memories. This hiking tour truly delivers a well-rounded, enriching experience for nature enthusiasts.
- Captivating local stories and perspectives
- Personalized, flexible exploration at your own pace
- Insights into the region’s agricultural heritage and community
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Tour Sites?
The tour sites can be visited year-round, though the best time depends on one’s preferences. Spring and fall offer milder weather and lush greenery, while summer provides warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours for optimal exploration.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water, but allows guests to supplement with their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the hiking and exploration activities.
Do We Need to Have Any Special Skills for the Hiking?
No special hiking skills are required for this tour. The hiking options are flexible and tailored to the group’s pace, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty at their own comfort level.
Are There Any Opportunities to See Wildlife on the Tour?
The tour offers opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, birds, and perhaps even black bears or cougars in their natural habitats. However, wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed as they depend on the animals’ movements and activity levels during the tour.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?
Yes, the tour offers a flexible and customizable experience. Guests can tailor the itinerary to their preferences, with opportunities to adjust hiking options and visit additional points of interest along the way with the knowledgeable private guide.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a chance to explore the stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforest, and charming town of Coombs on Vancouver Island. Hikers can marvel at the cascading waters of Englishman River and Little Qualicum Falls, while marveling at the towering trees of Cathedral Grove. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of this picturesque region.
More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Victoria
More Tour Reviews in Victoria
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Victoria we have reviewed
- 25 Best Tours In Victoria
- Fully Narrated Tour of Butchart Gardens and Saanich Peninsula
- Private Transfer: Seychelles Airport to Victoria or Mahe Jetty
- Private Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour
- Victoria Whale Watching Tour on a Covered Vessel
- Vancouver Island Rainforest Guided Hike With Private Guide
- Vallee De Mai Tour (From Praslin)
- Private Small Group Transportation Cowichan Valley Wineries
- Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour
- Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tour
- Private Transfer From Seychelles International Airport to Mahé
- Nature Trail – Morne Blanc (Mahe)