Recently Viewed
San Josef Bay Tour: Immerse in Picturesque Sea Stacks of Vancouver Island
5.0
90 Ratings
Port Hardy
Experience the breathtaking beauty of San Josef Bay and its iconic sea stacks on this immersive tour of Vancouver Island. Witness nature's erosion masterpiece!
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
Cove Adventure Tours - The natural serenity of the wild west coast can offer hikers moments of nirvana!
CONTACT US FOR WEEKLY DEALS!
After leaving Port Hardy we will travel active logging roads and pass through the historic town of Holberg.
While aboard our comfortable 15 passenger van there is a good chance of Black Bear, Roosevelt Elk or other wildlife sightings. After making a quick stop at the Scarlet Ibis Pub guests can access washrooms and take a photo opportunity or catch some fresh air. We will continue approximately 30 minutes down the road past Holberg to the Cape Scott Provincial Park trail-head. From here we will walk approximately 45 minutes on a well-maintained trail that winds through old-growth stands of Western Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce. There is an outhouse at the trail head near the beach. Guests will be encouraged to stroll the magnificent beach and comb the shores or tide pools leading to the epic Sea Stacks that have been carved into the landscape!
What's Included
- Bottled water included
- Guided by a professional
- Snacks provided
- Lunch included
- Hotel pickup available (selected hotels only)
- Transport in an air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Tour Highlights:
Undeniably, the sea stacks at San Josef Bay are an awe-inspiring sight to behold. These sea stacks are among the few marine-weathered stacks on Vancouver Island, and undoubtedly, the most dramatic. The force of water, driving through sandy corridors at high tide, has gradually worn away the softer stone, leaving only the resilient structures in its wake. At certain locations, this phenomenon has resulted in the formation of the sea stacks - an extraordinary attribute, although commonly seen worldwide.
- Dress code is smart casual
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Location
9040 Granville St
Granville Street
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(90 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jenniferdo7552at
Jun 16, 2024
San Josef bay - Great trip! Nice pace, fabulous location, friendly knowledgeable guide. Lovely walk through the forest and at the bay. Thanks Brooks!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ojtharris
Jun 5, 2024
A hike to remember ! - Just a great day out with Brookes whose love and passion for his world as well as his humour shone through the day. The tough logging roads were no issue for the van (would avoid taking your hire car down them!) and we saw interesting sites on the way to a stunning beach that feels like it is at the end of the world, and all the better for it. A stunning highlight was watching a bear and her two cubs playing just across the river but even without this chance encounter I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. Five stars doesn’t do it justice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cass1959
Jun 4, 2024
Very much worth it. - Very well organized. The lunch provided was a delicious sandwich with fruit. Our driver, Chris, has been doing this for 8 years and had lots of information to pass on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gtfr
May 19, 2024
A great day with Cove Adventure Tours!! - I had such a wonderful day with the crew from Cove Adventure Tours. What friendly people who took me to San Josef Bay. Chris behind the wheel, together with Brookes and June, knew a lot about the area. On the way we came across a black bear with cubs. Euphoric!! Super cool!! Glad I went with Cove Adventure Tours because driving this road myself was not an option. Lots to see along the way. What a beautiful environment, overwhelming, and therefore a bit speechless. I really enjoyed the view, the smell, the colors, and everything there was to see. June was able to tell us a lot during the walk through the rainforest about the plants that grew there, etc. Nice walk across San Josef Bay, June explained what was growing and blooming, beautiful anemones, seastacks, wow what nature, had lunch with sandwiches that June handed out and then walked back through the rainforest and back by bus. Once on the bus we came across another black bear with cubs. Finally saw 8 black bears. Amazing. What a great day, fun, information, top crew, good communication via email. I would recommend anyone to go to San Josef Bay with Cove Adventure Tours
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K7365eijoyb
Sep 2, 2023
A magical summer day at San Josef Bay - Our visit to Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay was the highlight of our visit to the top end of Vancouver Island. I highly recommend you stay two nights in Port Hardy, or other surrounding towns, so that you have a full day to access the park. We drove two hours each way on logging roads, to reach the park, but it was worth it. There is a picturesque 45 minute easy walk through the park to the beach. Be sure to visit around low tide so that you can see the beautiful sea stacks on the beach, with trees and other plant life growing out the top.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C1658cdmattg
Aug 23, 2023
Wonderful experience - Brooks, our guide for the day, drove us through miles of bumpy roads, past several active logging sites to the trailhead leading to San Josef Bay. The hike to the Bay and the beach around the Bay are beautiful. Brooks knowledge and enthusiasm made the adventure memorable. Be ready for a few miles of bumpy road, but don't miss this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joannacd4426ml
Aug 16, 2023
Highlight of our vacation! - This tour was the highlight of our trip to north Vancouver Island! Brookes was an enthusiastic guide and June was just as passionate about her love of northern Vancouver Island. We couldn't drive the logging roads from Port Hardy to San Josef Bay with our rental car and we're glad we didn't. Instead, we relaxed and listened to interesting and entertaining stories on our way to the beach with a few stops along the way. The walk through the old growth forest was amazing, and the huge expanse of pristine sandy beaches with the gentle surf rolling in was awesome. Brookes and June let us take our time exploring the beaches and sea stacks. We had delicious sandwiches and fresh fruit for lunch. June gave me some helpful hints as I was taking pictures, and Brookes took us up a short trail to a great lookout. On the drive back, we stopped to take in the wonder of a massive Sitka Spruce. The scenery was incredible and our guides were fantasic. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamiec3751
Aug 12, 2023
Great tour - Great location, great guide, great day out! The beach was beautiful, the lunch was really good, what more can I say.....the road was very bumpy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Loisat
Aug 1, 2023
Awesome day! - Awesome day with Brookes - amazing san josef and the TREE! It was amazing at times serene at others. What a special place on this earth!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lrol
Jun 11, 2024
San Josef Bay - One needs to remember that Cape Scott is remote. San Josef Bay definitely is one beach you can walk to in the park without too much worry or equipment. I personally found San Josef Bay too crowded with walk in's and decided not to overnight there. Just didn't feel safe leaving my backpack on the beach. One must also consider the drive up island on unpaved rutted roads a consideration.
Review provided by Tripadvisor