Pair Your Tofino Escape with Vancouver Island’s Lesser-known Wild Side

Tofino is a beloved destination for good reason—its vibrant surf culture, culinary scene, and breathtaking beaches have made it an iconic west coast escape.

But did you know there’s another side of the island that complements the Tofino experience perfectly? For travellers seeking unparalleled solitude and access to nature, Vancouver Island’s Wild Side reveals a different side of the island—one that few ever get to see.

For those looking to enhance their time on Vancouver Island, the Wild Side trip offers the perfect counterbalance to Tofino’s vibrant energy. 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.

Where the Crowds Can’t Go

Where is this magical place? North and west. As the Island stretches north it also leans west, out to the continental shelf. Here, hidden behind Vancouver Island’s mountainous spine, the jagged Brooks Peninsula subsides down to sandy beaches against the Pacific’s edge. Tucked in among the headlands, secluded inlets carve out a peaceful world where bears eat berries and sedges, rainforest towers, and freshwater creeks slide into the sea. There are no roads here, just islands where sea otters wrap themselves in kelp. So you must explore by boat, which means while you might see a whole lot of puffins and sea lions, you’re not going to see many (maybe any) other people out here.

Maple Leaf Adventures’ rugged but comfortable catamaran Cascadia was built for places like this. With 12 cabins and the stability of her two pontoons, she carries adventure minded guests through Vancouver Island’s Wild Side for a week at a time.

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.

Why Choose Tofino and theWild Side?

Tofino is perfect for travellers seeking lively energy and iconic beaches, while the Wild Side presents opportunities for an immersive connection to nature. Both represent the beauty of Vancouver Island but provide subtly different experiences. If you have time for both, we highly recommend it.

Whether you’ve already fallen in love with Tofino or are planning your first visit, consider adding the Wild Side to your itinerary. If you’re looking for an adventure beyond the norm, you’ll find that and more—a place where time slows, nature thrives, and solitude abounds.

And for those ready to embark on this journey, there are opportunities to save. Pay in full by November 30, 2024, and save $300 on your final balance. For 2026 trips, pay in full by January 10, 2025, and receive 10% off. These offers can be combined, making now the perfect time to plan your escape to Vancouver Island’s hidden hotspots.

Itinerary Highlights: What Makes the Wild Side Stand Out?

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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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