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The Enchanted Wilderness of Coastal British Columbia — Wildlife Viewing

Program Number: 12401RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/27/2012 - 6/3/2012; 5/26/2013 - 6/2/2013; 9/8/2013 - 9/15/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/22/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Price starting at: $1,664.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Science & Nature
Meals: 19; 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners    

Famous for 200 resident Orca, transient Minke and Humpback whales, bears and birds, majestic scenery and rich ecology, Vancouver Island and the Johnstone Straits offer visitors premier marine, freshwater and terrestrial wildlife viewing and outdoor learning. Led by environmental professionals, participants are introduced to the amazing terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of the area. See up close the rich biodiversity with biologists and environmentalists on field trips to several varied habitats at pristine wildlife reserves and parks, on land and sea.




Highlights

• Learn about life and fishing on the West Coast with a former Fisheries Officer who spent many years as a commercial fisher and enforcement officer.
• See Black and Grizzly Bears on the shores and inlets of the Discovery Islands; watch the bears fishing and feeding from the safety of viewing platforms.
• Ply the seas of the Juan de Fuca Straights, and capture a glimpse of the marine mammals, including healthy populations of orcas and sea lions.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles over varied terrain.




Date Specific Information

5-26-2013

Our focus on Day 5 will be Black Bears. We will travel through the exciting Seymour Narrows, Surge Narrows, Hole in the Wall; past Quadra, Cortex, Stuart and Senora Islands; where the Coast Mountains glaciers and ice fields perch high atop the peaks. Wildlife viewings on route could include Orca, Humpback, dolphin, porpoise, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, pelagic birds, otter and mink.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-8-2013

Our focus on Day 5 will be Brown Bears. We travel by boat to the Orford River estuary where our First Nations Guides will transport you to viewing platforms where you can spend three hours watching these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-15-2013

Our focus on Day 5 will be Brown Bears. We travel by boat to the Orford River estuary where our First Nations Guides will transport you to viewing platforms where you can spend three hours watching these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrivals, Victoria, 3 nights; coach to Courtenay (North Vancouver Island), 3 nights; coach to Victoria, 1 night; independent departures.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Victoria

This provincial capital on Vancouver Island is blessed with spectacular scenery and a mild climate year-round. Home to Butchart Gardens and the Empress Hotel, Victoria is rich in First Nations history, marine coastal ecosystems, cultural attractions and European charm that dates to its years spent under British colonial rule.
Accommodations
Victoria: Superb downtown hotel a short stroll from the renowned Inner Harbour and cultural centers. Courtenay: Comfortable hotel with swimming pool.
Meals and Lodgings
   Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
  Victoria, BC 3 nights
   Travelodge Courtenay
  Courtenay, BC 3 nights
   Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
  Victoria, BC 1 night
 Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: At Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites in Victoria we understand the smallest detail can make the difference between a good stay and a great stay. Our friendly and knowledgeable Guest Service Associates, Concierge and Guest Experience Leader are all here to ensure your visit with us is enjoyable. Whether travelling on business or leisure, we offer a full service hotel experience, from relaxing in our indoor heated pool or hot tub, to enjoying a perfectly grilled steak or a refreshing cocktail in Vic's Steakhouse & Bar. Explore the services and amenities we offer to make your stay comfortable, relaxing and memorable.
  Contact info: 345 Quebec Street
Victoria, BC V8V 1W4 Canada
phone: 800-663-5896
web: www.harbourtowers.com
  Room amenities: Complimentary high speed Internet access Working desk Cable TV Iron & ironing board Hairdryer Voicemail Complimentary coffee station
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Contact hotel for current rate A reduced room rate is available 3 days before and after the program (based on availability) for Road Scholar participants - ask the front desk for the Road Scholar rate when you contact the hotel.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Contact hotel for current rate A reduced room rate is available 3 days before and after the program (based on availability) for Road Scholar participants - ask the front desk for the Road Scholar rate when you contact the hotel.
  Check out time: 10:00 AM

 Travelodge Courtenay
Type: Hotel
  Contact info: 2605 Cliffe Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 2L8 Canada
phone: 250-334-4491
web: www.travelodge.com
  Facility amenities: In-Room Movies, New Releases On-Demand ¡Free In-room Coffee ¡Free Globe & Mail newspaper in the lobby ¡Voicemail ¡Air Conditioning (in some rooms) ¡Mini-Fridge & Microwave (in some rooms) ¡High-Speed Internet Access ¡Kitchenettes ¡Pet Friendly Rooms ¡Iron and Ironing board in some rooms ¡Same day laundry service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program starts at 4:30 at hotel in Victoria, BC. Check-in after 3:00 p.m. You will be staying at Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Departures from Victoria, BC after breakfast. Check-out is 10:00 a.m. You will be staying at Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for all travel between Canada and the United States (by air, land and sea) as of June 1, 2009. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at our hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Victoria, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Vancouver, BC
  Nearest highway: Highway #1 (Trans Canada Highway)
  Nearest airport:  Victoria International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Victoria, BC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Victoria

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5 - $6 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Walking distance to hotel.
   

The Victoria Clipper passenger ferry is from Seattle from Victoria's Inner Harbour. Travel time is 2 ½ hours. For more information, schedules and current fares please call 1-800-888-2535 or visit www.victoriaclipper.com
 

Vancouver

 

To Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
BC Ferries
phone: 888-223-3779
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Car and Passenger: $61.50 (approx), Passenger Only: $14.25 (approx) prices subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 30 minutes on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria Terminal (Swartz Bay) 
 

Distance:

 

30 Minutes from Victoria Terminal (Swartz Bay) to hotel
   

Check www.bcferries.com for current schedule and fare information. Reservations are highly recommended for vehicle traffic. See driving information for directions to the hotel. City bus available from the ferry landing to downtown Victoria.
 

Victoria

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
City Bus

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$2 - $3 Cdn
Prices are subject to change.
   

Pacific Coach Lines picks up at scheduled stops in Vancouver (including Vancouver Airport) and goes onto the ferry to Victoria, then on to the main bus station. Contact PCL at 1-800-661-1725 or visit www.pacificcoach.com City bus or taxi from bus station to the hotel.
 

Victoria

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
AKAL Airporter
phone: 250-386-2525
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $21 + tax
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 30 minutes 
   

Shuttles operate from 4:00 am until midnight or until last flight clears. airportshuttle@csp.net, www.victoriaairporter.com. Taxis are also available - approximately $50.00 CDN.

 
Driving Directions
  Anacortes, WA Ferry From the Anacortes,WA ferry arrival in Sidney - via Hwy 17 into Victoria. Exit with all traffic from the terminal - take a sharp left to the corner, and left again, following the waterfront. Then take a right to enter the highway - left at that light on the highway - following the signs into Victoria. You are on Hwy 17 that leads straight into Victoria - it takes about 25 minutes. Follow this Highway into the city where it becomes Blanshard Street. Keep going straight through town, until Blanshard curves to the Right and becomes Belleville Street. Continue on Belleville, passing the Royal BC Museum and the BC Parliament Buildings on your Left. Turn left at the second intersection after this onto Oswego Street and then the First Right on Quebec Street. The Hotel is on your Left on the corner.
  Port Angeles, WA Ferry From the Port Angeles Ferry - that takes cars and passengers from Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula.. These ferries dock in the Inner Harbour on Belleville Street. The Hotel is directly one block over. Turn off Belleville onto Oswego Street and then the First Right on Quebec Street. The Hotel is on your Left on the corner.
  Schwartz Bay Ferry Exit with all traffic off BC Ferries - you are on Hwy 17 that leads straight into Victoria - it takes about 35 minutes. Follow this Highway into the city where it becomes Blanshard Street. Keep going straight through town, until Blanshard curves to the Right and becomes Belleville Street. Continue on Belleville, passing the Royal BC Museum and the BC Parliament Buildings on your Left. Turn left at the second intersection after this onto Oswego Street and then the First Right on Quebec Street. The Hotel is on your Left on the corner.
  Seattle WA Ferry Board the Victoria Clipper (walk on only) at Seattle and disembark at the Inner Harbour Victoria, BC. Take a taxi or walk to the hotel. (www.victoriaclipper.com)
  Victoria Airport Exit the airport and follow the signs into Victoria. You are on Hwy 17 that leads straight into Victoria - it takes about 25 minutes. Follow this Highway into the city where it becomes Blanshard Street. Keep going straight through town, until Blanshard curves to the Right and becomes Belleville Street. Continue on Belleville, passing the Royal BC Museum and the BC Parliament Buildings on your Left. Turn left at the second intersection after this onto Oswego Street and then the First Right on Quebec Street. The Hotel is on your Left on the corner.
  Victoria Clipper Passenger Ferry This is a passenger only ferry with service to Seattle. These ferries dock in the Inner Harbour on Belleville Street. The Hotel is directly one block over. Turn off Belleville onto Oswego Street and then the First Right on Quebec Street. The Hotel is on your Left on the corner.
Elevation Note: This program remains at sea level.

Equipment Requirements: All necessary equipment is supplied. Participants might wish to bring binoculars and camera.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Orientation
(Sunday, May 27)
   
 Arrive To: Check into hotel after 3:00 pm 4:30 pm Program Orientation in hotel meeting room 6:00 pm Dinner at the hotel 7:00 pm Introductions
 Dinner: at hotel
   
Accommodations: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lecture and Field Trip: Flora and Fauna of Coastal BC /Beacon Hill Park/Royal BC Museum
(Monday, May 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at our hotel
 Morning: We begin our adventure with a lecture introducing the biogeoclimatic zones of the southern coast of British Columbia and the rich diversity and abundance of native species and habitats. Learn about the identified wildlife; species & ecosystems at risk; wetlands management; commercial recreational wildlife guidelines; and wildlife viewing sites. The second portion of our lecture focuses upon "Flora and Fauna of Coastal BC." Our naturalist leader uses slides to illustrate the species, their habitats and their life cycles. Learn about tides & intertidal zones; beach types; plants and algae; marine mammals; fin fish; intertidal invertebrates & adaptations; intertidal etiquette; creatures of docks and wharves; subtidal invertebrates; seasonal changes in species/migrations; and local field guides. We embark on a Nature Walk to Beacon Hill Park where we are introduced to the "Terrestrial Fauna of Coastal BC" as our naturalist leader uses slides to illustrate the species, their habitats and life cycles. Learn about characteristics of coastal rainforests; common plants and animals, adaptations and associations; old growth vs. second growth forests; wildlife trees; indicator species, soils and habitats; and sensitive environments. Management of wildlife, fish and their habitats is the priority land use but other uses may be permitted. In these areas, wildlife has special priority. .
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Our first field trip is the Royal British Columbia Museum, a place of discovery. Through unique galleries, the Museum showcases the human and natural history of British Columbia and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures. Authentic artifacts and specimens are displayed in highly realistic settings, giving visitors the experience of another time and place. Docent guides lead us through the three permanent galleries: First Peoples, Natural and Natural History. There is some free time after the museum for those who wish to explore the inner harbor and shops along the charming downtown streets. Be sure to search out Murchies Tea, Rogers Chocolate, Munro Books and Crown Publishing. Victoria's Chinatown is located within an easy walking distance as are the antique shops on Fort Street. City bus tickets are available for those who wish to return to the hotel on their own.
 Dinner: Dinner at a downtown Victoria restaurant.
 Evening: Evening is free for a walk or to catch up on rest.
   
Accommodations: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Fishing and Life on the West Coast/ Whale and Marine Safari on the Strait of Juan de Fuca
(Tuesday, May 29)

Note: Our boat is a covered comfortable vessel with washroom facilities, complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Guests can sit outside or inside. We do not use zodiacs.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at our hotel
 Morning: Lecture and Slide Presentation: "Life and Fishing on the West Coast" Vivian Johnston is an ex fisher and Fisheries Officer who spent many years on the waters around Vancouver Island as a commercial fisher and later as an enforcement officer. Her stories and pictures will tickle your funny bone and provide a personal insight to life on the West Coast of British Columbia.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we embark upon a marine wildlife viewing adventure in one of the most spectacular settings on earth, the southern coast of Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Our leaders are conservationists and pro-active in working to improve our environment and our natural resources. They are committed to responsible wildlife viewing and abide by the guidelines established by the Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest. Our vessels are equipped with engines that meet or exceed EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards. We join a marine safari that meets the highest safety standards, yet is exhilarating and action packed. The adventure is highly educational and leaves a lasting and memorable impression of local scenic beauty and a good understanding of our marine wildlife eco-systems. View seals, sea lions and marine bird species. Skim the waves with schools of porpoise. Watch majestic eagles soar overhead and come close to nature's gentle giant and awesome predator, Orca, the Killer Whale. Experience the excitement as fins as tall as a man break the surface all around you and these magnificent creatures blow. And, as they dive beneath you, you will hear them, thanks to the Hydrophone technology onboard. An unforgettable 3 hours on the wild side!
 Dinner: Dinner tonight is on your own... Victoria is a Mecca of fine dining.
 Evening: We return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner then those who wish, return downtown to enjoy the evening exploring the inner harbour and investigating the shops and streets of the Old City.
   
Accommodations: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: City Tour/Goldstream Park/Cowichan Bay Estuary/Chemainus/Hemer Provincial Park
(Wednesday, May 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning we check out of our hotel and load luggage onto our motor coach. Before leaving the city, we will take you on a city tour including Dallas Road, Oak Bay, Uplands , UVic, and Mt. Tolmie where you are presented with a fantastic 360 degree panoramic view of the city, the Islands, and surrounding waters. Our destination is Courtenay on North Vancouver Island but we have much to see and learn on route. Our morning field trip is to Goldstream Park. Our guide will take you on a short walk along the river, through old-growth fir and cedar, explaining the life cycle of the salmon which populate these waters during the spawning period. Board the coach for a beautiful scenic, drive over the Malahat Pass to the quaint fishing village of Cowichan Bay. Again, we will walk along the Cowichan River Estuary and learn about the importance these areas play in marine habitat preservation. On to Duncan and the garry oak Reserve and the Somenos Marsh Bird Sanctuary to Chemainus for lunch and a tour of the murals. In the heartland of the Cowichan Valley, Chemainus was once a mill town home to the largest completely covered sawmill in North America. The Port was one of the first developed in the Pacific Northwest. It was believed that the forestry sector would always thrive, however, during the early 1980s, the industry began to show signs of decline and many jobs were lost. In 1982, a downtown revitalization project was initiated to give a fresh new look to a tired main street in Chemainus and Karl Schutz, a local businessman, came up with the concept of painting history on the walls of Chemainus. Today, there are 38 murals painted on the downtown business walls each painting depicting a moment in the history of the community. We experience this community in a unique way from aboard a covered, open air carriage as we view the murals and learn the fascinating history of this vital and courageous group of people.
 Lunch: Lunch at a Chemainus Restaurant.
 Afternoon: We continue our travels north by motor coach to Cedar near Nanaimo. Here we will visit Hemer Provincial park. This is a second growth forest donated by the Hemer family to the province. We will walk through the forest and identify the different fauna and birds who call this beautiful area home. Our continued drive North will take us on the Scenic Oceanside Route through Parksville and Qualicum Beach to Courtenay where we will book into our hotel before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at a Courtenay restaurant.
 Evening: Free time to explore !
   
Accommodations: Travelodge Courtenay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Discovery Islands Cruise/Bear and Wildlife Viewing/Campbell River Museum
(Thursday, May 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at our hotel .
 Morning: Our focus on this outing is to see bears. Black bears are usually plentiful among the Islands and along the beaches. We also have some hidden coves and estuaries where grizzly bears are often spotted feeding on the new grasses. We set off on our day trip in comfortable, safe, and fast marine vessels for our destination, the Discovery Islands. Before our arrival at areas where we may see bears, our guides will review the requirements necessary to avoid disturbing the shy and easily disturbed animals from their food source. As the snows melt, both black and grizzly bears emerge from their hibernation dens on the mountain slopes and make their way down to feed on the spring sedge grasses in the river lowlands. At low tide the bears also feed along the inlet beaches, eating seaweed and turning over rocks to find crabs, barnacles and mussels. Early May to June 15 is the mating season. Early July is the season of newborn cubs scrambling along beside their mothers as they first explore their wilderness home.
 Lunch: Deli pack lunch & snacks available on the vessel throughout the day.
 Afternoon: We have planned the vessel trip carefully so that you will experience a circle route and travel to as many seasonal wildlife viewing sites as possible. No matter the season, wildlife is abundant in the wild and beautiful island archipelagos and waterways of this region. You will travel through the exciting Seymour Narrows, Surge Narrows, Hole in the Wall; past Quadra, Cortex, Stuart and Senora Islands; where the Coast Mountains glaciers and ice fields perch high atop the peaks. Wildlife viewings on route could include Orca, Humpback, dolphin, porpoise, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, pelagic birds, otter and mink. This afternoon we seek encounters with bald eagle, blue heron, white sided dolphin, Orca, Minki and Humpback whales, Dall's porpoise, seals, sea lions, mink, otter, deer and wolf to see and learn about their habits. To do this we travel through the Northern Gulf Islands and thrilling tidal rapids that make nutrients and food available for wildlife. Learn about park mandates: management roles: fish farms and shellfish culture sites. See small island communities, lodges, fish farms, shellfish aquaculture sites, logging camps and isolated private homes as we travel this enchanting route. Before heading back to Courtenay, we will explore by coach the city of Campbell River and visit the amazing Campbell River Museum, famous for its collection of First Nations Art and displays explaining early days of fishing, logging, and agriculture in the area.
 Dinner: Dinner at Courtenay restaurant.
 Evening: Evening is free to rest or explore the community of Courtenay.
   
Accommodations: Travelodge Courtenay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Protecting Our Habitat & Wildlife/I-Hos Gallery & Bighouse/Goose Spit
(Friday, June 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: This morning enjoy a lecture by a biologist "Protecting Our Habitat & Wildlife" Learn about the mandates and programs of governing agencies; clubs and interest groups; and conservation organizations. What are their goals? Who do they represent? How do they work? Where do we fit?
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant or deli Picnic.
 Afternoon: We travel by bus to the town of Comox and the First Nations Reservation to visit the traditional bighouse where feasts and potlatches are hosted. Our local native guide will discuss her experiences with her culture. We will learn about her people’s relationship to their environment and the life forms that sustain them. Discover how a people developed and maintained a highly sophisticated culture that survived along this coast for thousands of years without a written language. View the art displayed in totem poles, crest carvings, paintings, and regalia. This is a unique and genuinely moving experience.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Free evening in Courtenay
   
Accommodations: Travelodge Courtenay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cathedral Grove/North Island Wildlife Recovery Center/Coombs/Duncan: City of Totems
(Saturday, June 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Our motor coach awaits to return us to Victoria. We check out, load our luggage and we are off. Our first field trip is Cathedral Grove, an old growth forest. Cathedral Grove, home to a wide variety of plant species and wildlife, stretches aver 136,00 hectares of forestland consisting of Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Broadleaf Maple and Balsam Fir. Douglas Fir is the dominating species in this region with some trees estimated to be 800 years old and with the majority ranging from 300-400 years old. Learn about old-growth forests and the sizes, species, composition age class structure. Learn about the wide variation of trees and spacing the accumulation of large dead standing and fallen trees; multiple canopy layers; canopy lapses and under story patchiness; as well as elements of decay such as broken or deformed tops or trunks and root decay. The tops of the trees form a cathedral-like ceiling high above, while the thick tree trunks rise from the floor of delicate fern. Then we're off to Coombs, a farm market and Village where goats live on the roof of the moss covered store. This market sells everything imaginable. After lunch we will give you some free time to explore.
 Lunch: Lunch at Coombs.
 Afternoon: We continue our travels by motor coach to Errington and visit the Wildlife Recover Station & Educational Centre. This not for profit, volunteer facility receives injured wildlife from all over Vancouver Island and provides the necessary care and medical attention to heal before the creature is returned to the wild. Birds and animals which would be unable to survive in the wild are kept at the Educational Centre for the rest of their lives. We are able to view these animals closely and learn of their habitats, food requirements and physical features. The centre is beautifully designed and offers a wonderful introduction to Vancouver Island's fauna. Next, we travel back through Duncan and view the Totem Poles that make Duncan famous.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: This evening session is program wrap up. Your leader will help with the last minute travel arrangements and early breakfasts. Evaluation forms are turned in.
   
Accommodations: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Independent Departures
(Sunday, June 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Independent Departures after breakfast. Bon Voyage!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


I Heard the Owl Call my Name


Author: Margaret Craven


Description: The story of Mark Brian, a young vicar who is sent to a Native Indian village called Kingcome in British Columbia. He was sent by his bishop who knows that Mark is suffering from an unnamed, fatal disease. But he had a method to his madness... he wanted Mark to live the rest of his life to the fullest and not worry about the future he will never have. Mark struggles to gain acceptance from the people in the village by stressing the unity between their beliefs and his. Meanwhile, the villagers teach him about living in harmony with nature and accepting his fate. Other themes touched upon are the economic disadvantages and graft the village is facing, such as when the national government outlaws the village's time-honored festivals of potlatchs on the assumption they promote larceny. The village also owned a gigantic colorful mask. A white man manages to buy the mask for fifty dollars by getting one of the Indians drunk. In order to ingratiate himself to the village to gain access to the giant mask, the same white man also started dating an attractive young woman by promising to marry her. At first he treats her to things like hairdressing and nail polish, to which the village is naively impressed with her enhanced beauty and the fact she has a fiancée. When the con man has acquired what he was truly in search of, the giant mask, he leaves the young Indian woman to fend for herself on the streets of Vancouver, where she was only taken in at a beer parlor, working as a prostitute until she died of a heroin overdose. This is a turning point in the book for Mark as he ponders the "depth of sadness"; the destitution of the village, as well as man's greed and disrespect for women. Mark dies in the end, but not before having made an impact on the village and allowing the villagers to make a profound impact on him as well. Ironically, he doesn't die from the deadly illness that he possessed, instead he is killed when a landslide crushes his boat.



Coastal Bears


Author: Keith Scott


Description: A complete guide to the bears of the British Columbia Coast. Stories and an abundance of pictures of Black, Grizzly, and even Spirit Bears.



Field Guide to the Grizzly Bear


Author: Lance Olsen


Description: PAPER, 48 PAGES, $6.95 Sponsored by the Great Bear Foundation, this pocket book in the Sasquatch Field Guide series is a brief introduction to the ecology, natural history and conservation of the grizzly. (Item no. BST38)



National Geographic 5th Edition Field Guide to Birds of North America


Author: Jon L. Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer


Description: Birding is the fastest growing wildlife-related activity in the U.S., and even conservative estimates put the current number of U.S. birders at 50 million. According to the New York Times, some authorities predict that by 2050 there will be more than 100 million—and the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America will be the essential reference for field identification and the cornerstone of any birder's library. This is the ultimate, indispensable bird field guide—comprehensive, authoritative, portable, sturdy, and easier than ever to use.



The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America


Author: David Sibley


Description: PAPER, 474 PAGES, $19.95 A compact, geographically-specific version of the Sibley Guide with all-new range maps, the same glorious illustrations and expanded descriptions of each bird with status, habitat, range, voice and identifying marks. The book covers 703 species of birds occurring west of the Rockies. (Item no. USW418)



The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia


Author: Jean Barman


Description: PAPER, 834 PAGES, $32.95 A general history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. (Item no. CND116)




What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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