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British Columbia

Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria

Program No. 20578RJ
Enjoy beautiful gardens, architectural walks, visits to museums and fascinating lectures as you immerse yourself in the unique story of Vancouver and Victoria.

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At a Glance

Embark on an exploration of Vancouver and Victoria to learn about these world-class cities with British, European and Asian traditions. Discover the planning that has made Vancouver one of the world’s most livable cities and explore its fascinating neighborhoods, including Gastown and Chinatown. In Victoria, meet with a local expert and explore historic landmarks including Old Town, the Inner Harbor, the British Columbia legislature and the grand Empress Hotel.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile a day over varied terrain; climbing a few flights of stairs.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Granville Island with a local expert.
  • Admire the beauty of nature while on a self-led exploration at Butchart Gardens
  • Enjoy an expert-led whale watching cruise to learn about the ecosystem of the Salish Sea.
  • Get a first-hand look at the city’s Victorian architecture and see the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the historic Empress Hotel.

General Notes

You may enjoy our garden-focused program, "Victoria and Vancouver: Glorious West Coast Gardens" (#2679).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Phil Foster
A lover of math and physics, Phil graduated from Exeter University in England with a teaching degree. His long career in education has spanned three continents; he spent time in small communities and cities throughout England, Australia and Canada teaching and learning about each country’s unique culture. Truly passionate about spreading knowledge to others and about travelling, Phil loves nothing more than taking people on educational walks through historic Victoria, showing them what makes his home special.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of John Adams
John Adams View biography
John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.
Profile Image of Phil Foster
Phil Foster View biography
A lover of math and physics, Phil graduated from Exeter University in England with a teaching degree. His long career in education has spanned three continents; he spent time in small communities and cities throughout England, Australia and Canada teaching and learning about each country’s unique culture. Truly passionate about spreading knowledge to others and about travelling, Phil loves nothing more than taking people on educational walks through historic Victoria, showing them what makes his home special.
Profile Image of John Atkin
John Atkin View biography
John Atkin is an author, historian and heritage advocate who has been fascinated with Vancouver since moving to the city over 30 years ago. He is the co-founder of the Heritage Vancouver Society, has contributed to a documentary on the city, and has appeared regularly on television and radio, including CBC Television and CTV’s Canada AM. John is the author of four books on Vancouver, including “Strathcona: Vancouver’s First Neighborhood,” and is an editor for the B.C. Historical Federation.
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Routes Adventures Mobile Phone View biography
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Profile Image of Joanna Kucy
Joanna Kucy View biography
Joanna Kucy graduated from Fashion College in Fort Lauderdale. She and her husband travelled extensively, moving from place to place, and realized they loved the dynamic of living among travelers. Puerto Vallarta, Whistler, and lastly Victoria led to many careers within the customer service and floral industries. While in Whistler, Joanna’s awe of all she saw and experienced led her to a life of Group Leading. When not traveling, she enjoys recreating her adventures in photo books, swimming, walking where ever the road leads.
Profile Image of Alasdair Butcher
Alasdair Butcher View biography
Alasdair Butcher is a Vancouver-born and based local expert, community organizer, and educator. He has a B.A.H. in human geography from the University of British Columbia and a master's in urban studies from Simon Fraser University. In 2008, he founded Vancouver DeTours with the aim of reclaiming travel as an act of educational empowerment. Since then, he has taken more than 100,000 guests on explorations of Vancouver's social history, architecture, urban planning, public art, and contemporary topics through an approach he calls "pedestrian pedagogy."
Profile Image of Tom Filipovic
Tom Filipovic View biography
Tom Filipovic grew up near Niagara Falls in Ontario where he fostered a love for whales at a young age. Tom's dream of seeing killer whales in the wild was finally fulfilled on a trip to Vancouver Island in 2018 when he went on a boat cruise with Eagle Wing. Along with a passion for whales, Tom has a love for teaching and sharing knowledge with people. He holds a B.S. in geography and a B.Ed., and is a certified teacher.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
MEALS
17 Meals
7 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
  • Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024
  • Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
  • Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
4 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
With the convenient location in the heart of downtown Victoria, the largest city on Vancouver Island, BC, you can take a leisurely stroll along Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour, shop for treasures on Antiques Row or make business connections in Victoria’s nearby downtown core.
4 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
With the convenient location in the heart of downtown Victoria, the largest city on Vancouver Island, BC, you can take a leisurely stroll along Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour, shop for treasures on Antiques Row or make business connections in Victoria’s nearby downtown core.
4 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
With the convenient location in the heart of downtown Victoria, the largest city on Vancouver Island, BC, you can take a leisurely stroll along Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour, shop for treasures on Antiques Row or make business connections in Victoria’s nearby downtown core.
4 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
With the convenient location in the heart of downtown Victoria, the largest city on Vancouver Island, BC, you can take a leisurely stroll along Victoria’s famous Inner Harbour, shop for treasures on Antiques Row or make business connections in Victoria’s nearby downtown core.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.
3 nights
Location: Vancouver
The Coast Coal Harbour hotel located on the water in the heart of downtown Vancouver, BC, close to Stanley Park, Robson Street and the Gastown district.
3 nights
Location: Victoria
The Hotel Grand Pacific is a luxury hotel facing the Victoria's inner harbourfront. It is located only 2 blocks from the Victoria Conference Centre and 5 blocks from Fisherman's Wharf, a working harbour surrounded by an array of food kiosks, unique shops and ecotour adventures.





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