A foodie’s Bespoke journey through Vancouver Island: Wilderness adventures and exceptional coastal cuisine

<h2>Behind the Scenes of a Bespoke Vancouver Island Journey</h2>Our Bespoke Behind the Scenes series lets you in on some of the incredible trips that B&amp;R Experience Designers create for travellers. From multi-generational family reunions to once-in-a-lifetime journeys that explore remote destinations, our team works one-on-one with travellers to design adventures that meet every need and desire. Here, travellers John and Rachel share some of the culinary surprises Experience Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/tom-abraham">Tom Abraham</a> wove into the Bespoke itinerary and what it meant to them and their friends as they explored Vancouver Island.&nbsp;<h2>A Food-Led Adventure on Canada’s Wild West Coast</h2>For a third time, John and Rachel gathered with 18 of their friends to spend quality time together and discover a new (to them) part of the world. Their destination: the wild natural landscapes of Vancouver Island on <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/north-america/canada">Canada's west coast</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We asked Tom to create an itinerary that would be something that none of us have ever done, and to take us to a place where we were able to really be in nature and to pair that with wonderful food,” says John. “The whole crew is serious foodies, and we love meeting the people who are preparing our food.”&nbsp;Tom Abraham, one of our Experience Designers for Canada, was up to the task, dedicating just as much time to the incredible activities that would help the group explore the stunning landscapes found in Tofino, Ucluelet and Clayoquot as he did to planning memorable culinary moments.&nbsp; &nbsp;“I worked hard on the restaurant options, menus, special food events, such as picnics and a raw bar,” he says. He also had some help on the ground during the trip to ensure the tastes—and tastebuds—of the group were satisfied. "Courtney, the guide, had extensive five-star dining experience and a lot of good connections to oversee the meal plan and menus,” Tom explains.&nbsp;

<h2>Wilderness Experiences and Coastal Cuisine Across Vancouver Island</h2>Through their 10 days together, the group slipped into sea kayaks to paddle through the Broken Group Islands in Barkely Sound, an area within Pacific Rim National Park that features tranquil waters, remote islands, lagoons and archeological sites. "A magnificent day,” as John recalls it. They enjoyed a private soak at Hotsprings Cove, an exclusive experience that Tom worked with Ahousaht First Nations to organize. And while at the remote Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, they had multiple ways to explore the property’s 600 acres of wild natural landscape. John went canyoning, “which I’d never done before—that was mindblowing,” he says, while Rachel went horseback riding. “That was my favourite activity at Clayoquot,” she adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;And for every rewarding active experience there was an equally memorable meal. One day, Courtney surprised the group with a picnic on the beach. “She had set up blankets and pillows,tables and games. It was really sweet and thoughtful,” says Rachel. On another evening, the group savoured a private dinner at Heartwood Kitchen, a restaurant normally open only for breakfast and lunch, but which welcomed the group for a delicious seafood-focused evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;The chef and his wife shared with the group local salmon and oysters, local fish and terrific wine. “Everything had a story,” says John. “It was brilliant.”&nbsp;What sticks with the couple most to this day is the ability of the B&amp;R team to create moments and surprises perfectly tailored to the group and the opportunity to have this customized experience together with their closest friends. “Life is really short, and the ability to be with your favourite people and have these crazy encounters, that's what makes life full,” John says. “It’s priceless.”&nbsp;

Discover a bespoke Vancouver Island adventure designed for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From sea kayaking and hot springs to chef-led meals, private picnics and unforgettable local flavours, this tailor-made journey blends wilderness exploration with exceptional culinary experiences. 

British Columbia’s motto is Splendor Sine Occasu, or "splendour without diminishment." In Canada’s most biologically, geographically and climatically diverse province, it may be an understatement. The urge to explore this unbelievable variety of landscapes—from grasslands to soaring mountains, ocean to a modern metropolis—is irresistible. Gaze over Canada’s tallest mountain ranges, ride through cowboy country, fish salmon streams surrounded by coastal rainforest and visit beautiful Vancouver, a sophisticated world-class city.

Nature's Wonders

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Authentic Food

In British Columbia, the wild and the wonderful go hand in hand. Kayak with orcas, hike rainforest trails, bike past alpine lakes and toast it all with Okanagan wine. From coastal inlets to Rocky Mountain peaks, BC is where rugged beauty meets refined adventure and every trail leads to something unforgettable.

Canada's incredible West Coast

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Steep yourself in the great outdoors of Canada's British Columbia on a tailor-made, Bespoke journey with Butterfield & Robinson.

British Columbia Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

B&amp;R’s Women’s Only trips are designed by women, for women to experience new regions, cultures and communities from female perspectives. Venture to Canada’s west coast and discover the enchanting British Columbia—a haven of breathtaking coastlines, rugged mountain landscapes and lush, emerald forests. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where you'll savour local flavours at the renowned Granville Market and wander beneath the ancient, towering trees of Stanley Park. A short flight then whisks you to the magical town of Tofino, where you'll ride the Pacific waves in a female-led surf class and stroll along the pristine shores of endless beaches. Glide through the serene waters of Pacific Rim National Park in a kayak, and e-bike past beaches and forests on your way to Ucluelet. End your adventure learning about local traditions in a bead-making workshop led by a First Nations Elder, an experience that will leave you deeply connected to this serene corner of Canada.

Unforgettable Experiences

From city buzz to coastal bliss, this women's-only trip blends wild beauty with west coast soul. Savour bites at Granville Market, surf with badass women in Tofino, and kayak through Pacific Rim’s calm waters. E-bike past beach and forest, then bead with a First Nations Elder. It’s a soul-soothing, wave-chasing, memory-making kind of trip.

 A mindful journey through serene lands

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.