Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 4:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.

Lodging: Best Western Sands by the Sea

Meals Included: Dinner

Growth and Development in Vulnerable Communities/Exploration of Vancouver

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Located in a stunning ocean harbor and surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks, Vancouver is often described as one of the world's most livable cities. It is also a city on the leading edge of public policy and planning, and it has enforced a plan for sustainable development. PRESENTATION: Take part in a lecture and discussion on the challenges facing communities like Vancouver that are located in unique and vulnerable biosphere reserves. In committing to sustainability, a community needs to consider major environmental issues, including those related to water, air, climate change, sustainable development and responsible consumption. This large metropolitan center provides an international gateway for exploring the natural wonders of southwestern British Columbia. Explore the singular natural beauty of this city and discover how it strives to balance and enhance the environmental, economic and social needs of the community.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Vancouver's vibrant Chinatown district.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: On a walking tour accompanied by a local historian, explore the central neighborhoods of this beautiful, multicultural city. With views of the mountains and water at every turn, Vancouver is one of the most picturesque urban centers in the world. Experience the hustle and bustle of Robson Street, exotic Chinatown, historic Gastown and trendy Yaletown. Each neighborhood has its own distinctive feel. Chinese immigrants first arrived in British Columbia during the Fraser Gold Rush in the 1850s. The families who flocked to the east side established a town filled with colorful and exotic Chinese architecture. Take a walk through beautiful Stanley Park. The history of Stanley Park coincides with the early days of Vancouver. In 1886, the first city council dedicated the 1,000-acre (400-hectare) peninsula for park and recreation purposes. Today, Stanley Park is recognized as one of the great parks of the world, an evergreen oasis close to the downtown core offering a backdrop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore the many dining options the city has to offer.

Evening: Enjoy a free evening to explore Vancouver on your own or relax at your hotel.

Lodging: Best Western Sands by the Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Note: Today you will hike approximately 3-5km (2.1-3.1 miles) at a moderate pace. The trail will be paved, gravel or groomed with little elevation.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Explore University of British Columbia's Pacific Spirit Park. Hike the 3-5 kilometre beach trails and old growth forests leading up to the Museum of Anthropology. FIELD TRIP: Guided by UBC graduate students of Anthropology, you will gain a remarkable glimpse into the lives of the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of British Columbia. Explore one of the worlds outstanding collections of Pacific Northwest Aboriginal artifacts. Massive totem poles, carved boxes, bowls and feast dishes are displayed in the Great Hall, while smaller (but equally magnificent) pieces in gold, silver, argillite, wood, ceramic and other materials are exhibited in the galleries. Canada's largest teaching museum is located in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea, and its collections, exhibitions and programs are renowned for providing insight into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world.

Lunch: Lunch at the museum.

Afternoon: Depart by coach for Whistler, BC. The Whistler corridor is a magical place for nature enthusiasts from every walk of life. Nestled in the Coast Mountains, Whistler is 25 miles (40 kilometers) inland from the Pacific Ocean and 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Vancouver. The landscape around Whistler includes five main ecological areas: temperate rainforest, wetlands, sub-alpine forest, high alpine tundra and disturbed sites such as logged areas and roadsides. Few places possess so much biodiversity in such a small area as the Coast Mountain Range of southwestern British Columbia. The coastal rainforest fills the deep valley bottoms, while alpine flowers retrace the steps of receding glaciers. Whistler has come to be known as a world-class destination resort and a progressive leader in planning and sustainability. Learn how amenity migration, the movement of people for pleasure rather than for economic reasons has become a major phenomenon in the mountainous regions of western North America, with considerable economic, social and environmental consequences. Check-in to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: PRESENTATION: Take part in a lecture and discussion about the challenges facing towns such as Whistler and nearby Squamish as they strive to balance building attractive resort communities with maintaining the natural habitat that draws visitors and residents alike. Sustainability is the watchword here.

Lodging: Listel Whistler Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Inland Whistler Coast Mountain Trail Hike/Squamish Lil'wat Native Cultural Center

Note: Today you will be hiking approximately 8km (4.9 miles) at a moderate pace over uneven ground. There will opportunity along the way to stop for photos. The Lost Lake Trail includes mostly paved, groomed or packed trails, with a small amount (< 1/4 km) of rocky/uneven terrain. Two small inclines (1 minute and 5 minutes). The Inland trails include packed pathway, several suspension bridges and small slopes.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: A morning hike has participants exploring the woodlands and marshes of Lost Lake Park with the group leader. FIELD TRIP: The inland trails of Whistler's Coast Mountains and learn about the areas diverse natural environment with an experienced naturalist guide. A 30 minute drive into the mountains will lead you to well known hiking trails up to 8 kilometres long. You can expect an invigorating hike as you cross uneven ground and travel along aging glacier-fed streams under the towering canopy of ancient cedars and Douglas firs. This hike is rated as a moderate level hike and allows time for you to stop and observe the simplicity of nature at one of the popular lake lookouts. This is prime habitat for bears, deer and cougars.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: The Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation celebrated the official opening of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler on July 10, 2008. The Native Cultural Centre showcases the local Aboriginal cultures through historical and contemporary exhibits and galleries, art, food, language, interactive crafts and engaging performances. A spectacular 15 minute film introduces guests to the Centre and provides context to the art and exhibits on display. Squamish and Lil'wat hosts welcome guests and provide guided tours.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy the many dining options Whistler has to offer.

Evening: The evening is free to explore Whistler on your own or relax at the hotel.

Lodging: Listel Whistler Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach to Horseshoe Bay, then board a ferry bound for British Columbia's beautiful Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast forms the eastern component of the Georgia Basin Ecosystem, an ecological system unique in Canada. The Sunshine Coast is so named for good reason. It receives approximately 2,400 hours of sunlight a year, making it drier and sunnier than other destinations along the coast. Its mild climate and long growing season support many rare plants, animals and plant communities, including several species at risk.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you continue your journey through the Sunshine Coast to Lund. Today, Lund is a hub of coastal activity. The bustling harbor is home to a fleet of commercial prawn boats, sail boats, and recreational motor vessels. The small community is also a base for nature enthusiasts who want to discover Desolation Sound, coastal inlets and islands.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Brief introduction and orientation with local hiking adventure expert and educator.

Lodging: The Historic Lund Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hurtado Trail Loop/Studio Tours/Walking tour of Lund/Dinner Cruise to Desolation Sound

Note: Today you will be hiking approximately 5km (3.1 miles) at a moderate pace, with elevations ranging from 125 to175 meters above sea level. Hikes in Lund may include trails on packed pathways or some gravel/road ways.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: On the Hurtado Point Trail Loop, explore some of the finest and most accessible coastal rainforest trails. Take a shuttle to the trail head and enjoy the 6 kilometre loop that begins at sea level and reaches an altitude of approximately 300 feet. Learn about the Coastal Douglas Fir biogeoclimactic zone from its moist bogs to its dry bluffs next to the seashore, all with unique plants and trees reflective of the moisture of the soil. Less than 1% of this zone remains intact in British Columbia. Fascinating trees and shrubs like the Arbutus (Madrone) and Manzanita grace the bluffs of this easy to moderate level trail, with scenic views of the Straight of Georgia and the mountains of Vancouver Island.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: EXCURSION: Visit local art studios displaying their works from raku pottery to stained glass to the soap stone carvings at the gallery right at the hotel. FIELD TRIP: Introduction to the area and an hour long guided walking tour of Lund. The area around Lund has been known to the Coast Salish people as Gl'amin for thousands of years and was a year-round village site of the Sliammon, Klahoose and Homalco peoples. In 1889, the advancing forest industry brought European settlers. Two of these were Swedish brothers, who established the town and named it after the Swedish city known for its university and cultural museums and heritage. Thus began the intertwining of roots from the Salish and Swedish cultures that is unmatched in modern-day British Columbia.

Dinner: Explore Desolation Sound in style on a Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard the 58 foot "Swan Spirit". Enjoy a fabulous "Banquet at Sea" buffet meal while taking in the unforgettable scenery as the boat meanders amongst the bays and islands of Desolation Sound.

Evening: FIELD TRIP: Desolation Sound, British Columbia's largest marine park, was established in 1973 and is one of the most visually stunning areas. You will travel through fjords with mountains literally rising right out of the sea's protected waters. The area attracts recreational boaters from around the world because of its splendid scenery, temperate summer climate, unusually warm waters, numerous sheltered harbors and the snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains. You will be greeted by any manner of wild and marine life from porpoises, to eagles, to seals, sea lions and the occasional bear foraging along the shore line.

Lodging: The Historic Lund Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunshine Coast Trail Hike/Introduction to Aquaculture and Educational Discussion on Coastal First Nations

Note: Today you will be hiking approximately 5.5km (3.4 miles) at a moderate pace, at elevations of 250 to 340 meters above sea level. Hikes in Lund may include trails on packed pathways or some gravel/road ways.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: After a morning of free time to explore the beauty of Lund, you will take a shuttle to one of the sections of the 180 km long Sunshine Coast Trail. Walking the Thunder Ridge to Toquenatch (Okeover) section you will pass beautiful big Douglas Fir Trees in an incredibly lush mossy portion of the trail.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: PRESENTATION: This afternoon, finish your hike at the Okeover Provincial Park, (traditionally named Toquenatch by the local First Nations) in the heart of both modern day aquaculture and historical First Nations village sites where your guide will discuss aquaculture and a First Nations member will joins us for an educational discussion about First Nations past and present.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant, featuring local produce, overlooking the beautiful and scenic Okeover Inlet.

Evening: The evening is free to explore Lund on your own or relax at the hotel.

Lodging: The Historic Lund Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Today you will be hiking approximately 6.5km (4.03 miles) at a moderate pace, at elevations of 175 to 340 meters above sea level, with 4 ups and downs in that range. Hikes in Lund may include trails on packed pathways or some gravel/road ways.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Our Shuttle will take us from the hotel to the trailhead of the Manzanita Bluffs section of the Sunshine Coast Trail Loop. Joined by one of the founders and builders of the Sunshine Coast Trail system, Eagle Walz, the trail climbs moderately in elevation coming out to the beautiful Manzanita Bluffs and the new overnight hut built there. Eagle will share his unique perspective on trails, forestry and tourism during this beautiful hike.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: A water taxi will transport you to Savary Island, known as the "Hawaii of the North". You will walk along the sandy beaches perhaps taking a dip in the warm waters, while learning about Savary's unique geological and human history.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Enjoy your last night on the Sunshine Coast!

Lodging: The Historic Lund Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Today you will be hiking approximately 5km (3.1 miles) at a moderate pace.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Travelling back to Vancouver along the Sunshine Coast, we'll stop for a short hike before having lunch.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Continue travelling along the Sunshine Coast, and board ferry for return to Vancouver.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Farewell celebrations.

Lodging: Best Western Sands by the Sea

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 7:00 am.

Morning: Independent departures after breakfast. Check-out is 12:00 noon.

Meals Included: Breakfast