Tofino may be the west coast’s crown jewel, with its surf culture, vibrant dining, and expansive beaches, but it’s no longer a hidden gem. Its well-earned fame means larger crowds, busier beaches, and less of the solitude many come seeking. If your vision of Vancouver Island involves pristine wilderness, where nature’s soundtrack takes center stage, you might consider exploring Vancouver Island’s Wild Side.
Maple Leaf Adventures invites you to explore one of Vancouver Island’s most remote and pristine areas. This journey is not about luxury resorts or bustling towns. Instead, it offers unparalleled access to a nature and wildlife most will never see. But don’t let the remoteness fool you. This is no “roughing it” adventure. Guests enjoy the comfort of a floating lodge, Cascadia, complete with exquisite local cuisine, all while exploring some of the most untouched parts of the island.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Unwind in Style: Savour a glass of wine aboard Cascadia as you cruise Vancouver Island’s untouched wilderness.
Where the Crowds Can’t Reach
While Tofino has become the go-to spot for tourists, the Wild Side trip offers an escape to a part of Vancouver Island that still remains hidden from most. Separated by a mountain range with no roads, the island’s northwest coast is only accessible by plane or boat. It’s as wild as it gets—an area so remote that only two companies operate there, and Maple Leaf Adventures is one of them.
This trip was designed by Kevin Smith, an owner of Maple Leaf Adventures and the first marine park ranger in the area, who learned every hidden cove, thriving wildlife habitat, and unmarked trail. While Kevin doesn’t always lead the trip, the crew guiding you will have the same deep knowledge and passion for this rugged stretch of coastline.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Discover the beauty of Vancouver Island’s ancient rainforests, far from big cities and beach resorts.
A Floating Lodge with Gourmet Fare
The Wild Side expedition may take you cruising into one of the most remote places on Vancouver Island, but that doesn’t mean you have to spare comfort. Aboard Cascadia, you’ll enjoy the amenities of a well-appointed floating lodge while being immersed in nature. Each evening, after a day spent kayaking through quiet inlets, hiking ancient forests, or spotting wildlife from the deck, you’ll return to gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Dine on delicacies like freshly caught seafood and regional wines, all served in tranquil anchorages that offer breathtaking views. Your onboard chef prepares gourmet meals that would give many of Tofino’s best restaurants a run for their money—with everchanging views that money can’t buy. There are no crowds, no rush—just the timeless beauty of the wilderness around you.
Photo: Philip Stone
Indulge in locally sourced oysters during “happy hour” aboard Cascadia.
Which Calls to You: Tofino or the Wild Side?
Tofino’s lively atmosphere has its appeal, but during the summer months, it’s hard to avoid the crowds. If you’re the type who prefers solitude and a closer connection to nature, the Wild Side trip offers a perfect alternative.
On this journey, you won’t find tourist-packed beaches or busy restaurants. Instead, you’ll explore rainforests that have never been paved, kayak through secluded inlets where sea otters thrive and walk on beaches that seem untouched by time. Kelp forests sway with the currents, while puffins and sea lions gather on rocky outcrops. You’ll visit islands where few have set foot and immerse yourself in an environment where you’re far from everything but the raw, powerful beauty of the wild.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Gear up for adventure and kayak secluded bays, one of the many pastimes you will have access to while cruising Vancouver Island’s Wild Side
Itinerary Highlights: What Makes the Wild Side Stand Out?
- Brooks Peninsula: Jutting out into the Pacific, this dramatic, rugged landscape feels untouched by time. It’s one of the most remote and jagged parts of the island, and its unique ecosystem is a haven for wildlife.
- Spring Island: Kayak among islets and kelp forests, hike through ancient rainforests, and explore pristine beaches, all while surrounded by wildlife like sea lions, otters, and puffins.
- Cape Sutil: This northernmost point of Vancouver Island offers vast, empty beaches and sweeping views of the Pacific. It’s a place where the wild beauty of the coast shines.
- Puffin and Seabird Colonies: The rich waters of the northwest coast are home to thriving colonies of puffins, sea lions, and a wide variety of seabirds, making it a birder’s paradise.
- Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve: Explore one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in BC, where sea otters were successfully reintroduced, and marine life flourishes in protected waters.
- Kyuquot Sound: A visit to the village of Kyuquot offers a unique cultural experience. Guests are treated to a traditional Indigenous salmon bake around a campfire, paired with a west coast dinner, in a beautiful setting that feels deeply connected to the land and the local community.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Gear up for adventure and kayak secluded bays, one of the many pastimes you will have access to while cruising Vancouver Island’s Wild Side
West Coastal Adventure Like No Other
If you’re an experienced adventurer or someone looking for a Vancouver Island tour that’s beyond your typical summer vacation, our Wild Side trip promises the ultimate island adventure. Led by expert guides who have a deep love for this coast, you’ll come face-to-face with the true essence of Vancouver Island’s rugged wilderness.
If Tofino feels too crowded for you, consider exploring Vancouver Island’s wild side. It’s an experience few get to have—and once you do, you’ll never look back.
For those ready to start planning, there are opportunities to save on your journey. Pay in full for your expedition by November 30, 2024, and save $300 on your final balance. And if you book a 2026 trip you can enjoy 10% off your final balance when you pay in full by January 10, 2025. Both these offers can be combined with each other.
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