About this tour
When Em from our BugBitten team ran this 9-hour guided tour on Vancouver Island, it ticked every box for a proper outdoor day out. You're driven from Nanaimo through the Coombs area hitting three solid stops: Englishman River Falls (with a short hike to the base for photos), the quaint village of Coombs itself, and Cathedral Grove—a rainforest where trees have been standing for over 500 years. It's billed as a private tour for up to 8 people, so it feels more intimate than a packed minibus job. The scenery shifts from waterfall drama to old-growth forest vibes across nine hours of pretty steady activity.
Highlights
- Englishman River Falls hike rewards with cascading water and photo angles
- Cathedral Grove's ancient cedars and firs tower overhead, genuinely humbling
- Private vehicle means no fighting for window seats or stopping slots
- Coombs village break lets you wander and grab lunch at your own pace
- Professional guide handles route timing and knows the forest stories
- Little Qualicum Falls offers a quieter waterfall stop mid-tour
- Hotel pickup included if you need it—no self-driving stress
What to expect
The day kicks off with a pickup (if you've chosen that option) and a scenic drive to the Coombs area. First real stop is Englishman River Falls, where you'll do a manageable walk up and down to the base—nothing too gnarly, but you're getting your steps in and your camera out. The hiking isn't punishing, though it does involve some uneven terrain and stairs, so wear proper shoes.
From there you swing through Coombs village—Em reckoned it's a nice breather for a wander and to grab lunch (not included, so sort that yourself beforehand or there). The Little Qualicum Falls is a gentler second waterfall, then the real showstopper: Cathedral Grove. This is where the old-growth rainforest lives—massive, quiet, genuinely awe-inspiring if you've not seen 500-year-old trees up close. Your guide will point out the ecology and history. By hour nine you're back to your hotel, properly tired but satisfied.
What travellers say
- Private vehicle cuts out crowded tour-bus chaos and stops
- Cathedral Grove's ancient forest genuinely delivers on scale and calm
- Manageable hikes suit mixed fitness levels without being tedious
- Guide knowledge adds context that solo wandering wouldn't offer
- Hotel pickup removes driving logistics for visitors unfamiliar with the island
- Lunch not included—you'll need to plan and budget separately
- Nine-hour day can feel rushed if you prefer a slower pace
- Muddy forest tracks and wet stairs require proper waterproof footwear
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly for mixed-fitness groups—there's no scrambling or serious cardio required, just steady forest walking and stair climbing. Families travel well here (kids need an adult, obviously), and the private-tour format means you're not herding with 30 other tourists. The vehicle and guide are sorted, umbrellas are supplied (essential on the island), and if you need hotel pickup, you're covered.
Lunch is on you, so pack something or eat in Coombs—there's a gap in inclusions there. The rainforest sections can be muddy and slippery even in dry spells, so waterproof footwear is non-negotiable. Nine hours is a long day; if you're jet-lagged or prefer leisurely pacing, it'll feel a bit rushed. Peak times (summer holidays, weekends) may mean busier carparks at popular stops. Pricing is per group, not per person, so it's a good deal for 6–8 people but pricier if you're solo or two of you.
Bring proper hiking boots, a rain jacket, and sun protection. Water is supplied. Specialised infant seats available. Public transport nearby if you're not doing the pickup. Suitable for all fitness levels, but the walks do involve steps and uneven ground.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.