Vancouver Island has won more travel awards than some entire countries, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and world-class wilderness travel experiences.
Now, Maple Leaf Adventures is offering a new way to explore this iconic destination—north to south, east to west.
Introducing Vancouver Island’s Wild Side Supervoyage—a 13-day expedition that blends rugged coastal adventure with the comfort you come to expect from a Maple Leaf Adventures expedition.
This isn’t your typical Island tour. It’s a rare opportunity to access places that few ever see: storm-battered headlands, wildlife-rich refuges straight out of a nature documentary, and communities where cultural traditions run deep.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Few people set foot on these shores. Here, the ocean delivers stories—driftwood from distant lands, shells shaped by the tides, and the footprints of wildlife that passed through before you.
Wild Shores and Hidden Wonders
After a comfortable stay in Kwa’lilas Hotel, you’ll cruise aboard the MV Cascadia, a boutique expedition catamaran, visiting places only reachable by water. From the dramatic cliffs of Cape Sutil, the northernmost tip of the island, down to the glacial refugium of the Brooks Peninsula, this journey takes you into the heart of Vancouver Island’s true wilderness.
Along the way, expect encounters with whales, sea otters, and maybe the odd bear, visits to Indigenous cultural sites, and the kind of off-the-beaten-path experiences that have made Maple Leaf Adventures legendary. Solander Island’s puffin colonies, the thriving kelp forests of Checleset Bay, and the warm hospitality of the Kyuquot people are just a few of the highlights.
Photo: Daisy Garildini
A humpback’s fluke is as unique as a fingerprint. These ocean giants migrate thousands of kilometers along the Pacific coast to Vancouver Island.
True to Our Spirit, but Entirely Unique
Guided by expert naturalists and seasoned mariners, you’ll explore by air, land, and sea—hopping from plane, to zodiacs, to secluded rainforest trails. Exclusive experiences include a traditional salmon bake, a private historical tour of Victoria, and a Cowichan Valley winery visit. And after a day of adventure, you’ll return to chef-prepared feasts and a glass of wine, watching the sunset from Cascadia’s spacious deck.
For those who want the complete experience, the 13-day voyage runs from Vancouver to Victoria. A 12-day version skips the capital and focuses solely on the island’s wilder corners, ending in Campbell River. Either way, this is an expedition for those seeking a west coast adventure that goes beyond the ordinary.
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Beyond the end of the road, the true wild begins. These mist-shrouded fjords are a world apart—where black bears patrol tidal shores and the trill of eagles replace city noise.
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Getting here is half the adventure. With tenders at the ready, we access the otherwise unreachable—hidden coves, remote beaches, and thriving wildlife habitats.
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As the sun sinks behind the mountains, the water turns to liquid gold. Evenings like these remind us why the coast is best explored at water level.
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Savour fresh, local meals as you dine with stunning views of Vancouver Island’s East, North, and West.
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A face full of curiosity—sea otters were once nearly wiped out from these waters, but their return has transformed the ecosystem, bringing balance to the kelp forests they call home.
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No rush, no crowds—just miles of open ocean, forested isles, and the call of the wild. A view best enjoyed with coffee in hand and the sea breeze in your hair.
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The best classroom has no walls. Every tide pool, every eagle overhead, every bear print in the sand is a lesson for kids and adults!
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These towering poles stand as storytellers of the Kwakwaka’wakw people—each carving a chapter of history, resilience, and living culture. A visit to U’mista is a journey through time.
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Coastal black bears are skilled foragers, timing their meals with the tides. Keep an eye out for their moving shadows as we travel the coastline.
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Since 1908, the Fairmont Empress has welcomed explorers, dignitaries, and tea lovers alike. A true icon of Victoria’s waterfront.
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Stepping onto a shore few ever set foot on—where the only footprints belong to wolves, the only soundtrack is the waves, and the only schedule is the tide.
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Hard to see in most parts to Vancouver Island, these clowns of the sea may be awkward fliers, but underwater, they become swift and graceful hunters.
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Salmon, fire, and tradition—an age-old coastal feast. With the Kyuquot people, every meal is more than just food; it’s a connection to the land, the ocean, and generations of knowledge.
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With waters this clear and wild shores all around, the journey itself is the destination.
Choose Your Adventure—Inquire Today
Cascadia sets sail for Vancouver Island’s Wild Side on July 17th. Spots are limited—if you’re ready to experience Vancouver Island at its wildest, now’s the time to book.
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