Our Best Picks For Your Vancouver Island Guided Hiking Tour

A Vancouver Island hiking tour is just a fantastic way to get off the beaten path and see some of the Island's natural beauty.

If you’re looking to join a one/multi-day guided hiking tour, we're finding some great ones to tell you about!

The companies that we recommend, offer both easy hiking (hikes for parents with kids and seniors), and rugged, wilderness hiking (those who have the stamina for "vertical" climbs/longer hikes).

We've only picked tours that we think offer a good "flavour" for the Island... where you'll be with knowledgeable guides who have lived here for a number of years, and know all the really good areas!

Our Top Picks For Best Guided Hikes

• Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre - Located on Central Vancouver Island, Strathcona Park Lodge is a MUST for those seeking multi-day hiking expeditions.

  Choose from guided hikes or set off on your own. Lodge offers accommodations, adventure packages, kayaking, a place to eat and summer adventure camps. Very popular place as hikers both local and from around the world descend upon the Lodge.

  For more information on the Lodge, Click Here for their website .

• PACIFIC RAINFOREST ADVENTURE TOURS - This is a small, well-run company located in Parksville, on central Vancouver Island.

  We like this one because the owners (Gary and Ronda) are long-time Island residents and can tell you a little bit about everything; from wildlife, to the Island's native history. A good way to hear about the Island from these folks!

  They offer year-round, guided day hikes - designed especially for families and seniors - and every route is easy enough for children!

  Not only do they have a very good variety of interesting hikes, but they’ll also create a customized one for you if there’s a specific area you’d really like to see.

  Here's a sampling of what they offer:

  • Rainforest trails (including famous Cathedral Grove)
  • Alpine and lake trails
  • Salmon spawning river trails
  • West coast Vancouver Island (Tofino and Ucluelet)

If you're interested in Vancouver Island wines, Gary and Ronda also offer wine tours. An easy outting you might really like, is one they have that includes just a little bit of everything – their Ocean, Woods and Wine Tour.

Reservations are recommended, and the cost depends on the tour you’re after. Contact them at: (250) 248-3667, or visit their web site at www.rainforestnaturehikes.com to book one of these great hikes!

• COASTAL REVELATIONS - Here's another really good hiking tour company located on Central Vancouver Island, called Coastal Revelations. A good mix of soft adventure, or more rugged (alpine) wilderness hikes.

  Seniors and families will like the variety of easy, 2 to 3-hour guided expeditions.

  Along with rainforest and wilderness hikes, some other interesting offerings are:

  • Bird watching
  • Salmon spawning tours
  • Seashore walking tours
  • Heritage and nature tours
  • Wildlife tours

Coastal Revelations is available year-round (with the exception of some of the alpine hikes, which are scheduled from June to September).

The owner (Patrick) is a friendly, knowledgeable Biologist who has lived on the Island for over 10 years. Although he focuses mainly on the Central Island region, he's willing to customize a hiking tour into other areas.

For more information on their tours and prices, visit their website at www.coastalrevelations.com . There's also a toll-free number, so call them at: 1-866-954-0110.

A great way to see this beautiful Island. Enjoy your guided hiking tour!




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