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Vancouver & Victoria: Signature Cities of Canada's Pacific Northwest

Program Number: 20578RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/11/2012 - 6/18/2012; 6/10/2013 - 6/17/2013; 8/5/2013 - 8/12/2013; 9/9/2013 - 9/16/2013; 12/19/2013 - 12/26/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Price starting at: $1,698.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 16; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Embark on an exploration of Vancouver and Victoria to learn about these world-class cities with time-honored British, European and Asian traditions. Discover the planning and development that have made Vancouver one of the world’s most livable cities and explore its most fascinating neighborhoods, including Gastown and Chinatown, for perspectives on the people and events that shaped the west coast before the era of glass and concrete. 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.




Highlights

• Explore Granville Island with a local expert chef and sample tastings of regional foods from a variety of local vendors.
• Enjoy an expert-led exploration of Vancouver’s Stanley Park with an expert from the Stanley Park Ecology Society.
• Inside the Empress Hotel, observe some of the most breathtaking architecture in all of Victoria and hear the stories of famous guests who have stayed here throughout the years.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile a day over varied terrain; climbing a few flights of stairs.




Date Specific Information

6-11-2012

On Day 3 the group will be joined by an expert from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island.



6-10-2013, 8-5-2013, 9-9-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



12-19-2013

This departure will take place over Christmas. On Christmas Day, a special dinner will take place at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrival Vancouver, 4 nights; coach and ferry to Victoria, 3 nights; independent departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Vancouver (British Columbia)

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Vancouver for its breathtaking hiking and biking trails and majestic views of the tree-lined waterway, the Strait of Georgia. With distinctive neighborhoods, top-rated restaurants and a thriving theater and arts scene, Vancouver is also a sophisticated destination. It is renowned as one of the world’s best cities.
Accommodations
Vancouver: Hotel a half-block from beach at English Bay and three blocks from Stanley Park's 1,000 acres of trails and gardens. Victoria: Top-ranked hotel steps from Inner Harbour, B.C. Parliament buildings and picturesque Beacon Hill Park.
Meals and Lodgings
   Best Western Sands by the Sea
  Vancouver, BC 4 nights
   Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites
  Victoria, BC 3 nights
 Best Western Sands by the Sea
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Best Western Sands by the Sea is conveniently located one half block from the beach at beautiful English Bay and three blocks from Stanley Park's 1,000 acres of trails and gardens. Three bus routes stop at the front door for easy access to other parts of town.
  Contact info: 1755 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC V6G 1W5 Canada
phone: 604-682-1831
web: www.bestwesternsandshotelvancouver.com
  Room amenities: In-room coffee makers, iron and ironing board, hair dryers.
  Facility amenities: Hotel amenities include a sauna and exercise room. Same-day dry-cleaning and laundry service is available, and there is a laundromat six blocks from the hotel. Restaurant and 2 bars on site.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Cleland Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The QV Hotel & Suites are located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from many of Victoria's sightseeing highlights. We are situated directly beside the Royal B.C. Museum and the historic Empress Hotel, and are a 3-minute walk from the scenic Inner Harbour and the B.C. Parliament Buildings. Picturesque Beacon Hill Park, all approximately 180 acres of it, is just 50 metres from our front door and features walking trails, totem poles, a petting zoo, concerts and much more. Nestled between us and the Royal B.C. Museum is Thunderbird Park, one of Victoria's most impressive and historical parks. Enjoy the view while dining in our restaurant, Samuel's by the Park.
  Contact info: 655 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC V8V 2P9 Canada
phone: 250-386-1312
web: www.qvhotel.com
  Room amenities: Guest rooms feature AM/FM alarm clock radios, coffeemakers, hairdryers, dataports, cable TV, and telephones.
  Facility amenities: Business Services Available, Coin-Operated Guest Laundry, Complimentary Downtown Shuttle Service upon availability, Custom designed Jacuzzi, Daily Newspaper Available, Fitness Room, Hotel Parking - $4.00 Nightly, In-Room Safes, Laundry Valet Service, New Indoor Pool, New Sauna Room, Restaurant, Wireless Hi-Speed Internet.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: $159.00 Call for availability
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program starts at the hotel in Vancouver. Check-in after 3 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. You will be staying at Best Western Sands by the Sea that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 8:00 am. Independent departures from Victoria after breakfast. Check-out of the hotel is 12:00 pm. You will be staying at Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A passport is required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for information.
  Parking availability:
Vancouver - Parking is approximately $15.00 per day. Victoria - Parking is approximately $9.00 per day.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Vancouver, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Vancouver
  Nearest highway: Highway 1 - Trans Canada
  Nearest airport:  Vancouver International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Victoria, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Victoria
  Nearest airport:  Victoria International Airport
Travel Details
 

From Vancouver Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Aeroshuttle
phone: 604-299-4444
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $14 one way.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

20 - 30 minutes to the hotel
   

Shuttle service available from Vancouver Airport to the hotel. Toll free number for shuttle 1-877-921-9021 or visit aeroshuttleyvr.ca/

 

Vancouver Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $35
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
   

Taxis available at the Vancouver airport.
 

Vancouver

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Sky Train/Canada Line
phone: 604-953-3333

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$7 - $10 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 - 45 minutes 
   

From the airport take the Skytrain (25 minutes to downtown) there will be signage depending on where you get off, directing you to the Canada Line. Any airport staff member will direct you. Get off at the Yaletown/Roundhouse station and take the C23 Davie St bus (with the same ticket) west to Davie and Howe and walk 1 blk south to hotel or walk across the street and take the C21 bus going west on Pacific, get off at Pacific and Howe and the hotel is 1/4 blk north.
 

Vancouver

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Checker Cabs
phone: 604-683-4567

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
   

Taxis available at train station or use call box. Amtrak, Via Rail & Greyhound all provide service to Vancouver. Taxis available from the bus or train depot.
 

Victoria

 

To 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 from the hotel.
   

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

 

Victoria

 

To 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 Victoria and goes onto the ferry to Vancouver (including Vancouver Airport), 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
  From the airport: Head south on Grant McConachie Way E, keep right at the fork and follow the signs for Granville St E/ City Centre/ Centre-Ville/ BC 99 N. Merge onto SW Marine Drive. Continue on to Granville St. Make a slight left at Granville St/Granville Bridge. Turn left at Davie St, the Best Western Sands Plus Hotel will be on your right. (Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.)
  From the east: Take the Trans Canada Highway west to Vancouver. Merge onto BC 1W. Take Exit 25 for McGill St and merge onto McGill St. Turn left at Renfrew St N, then right at Dundas St and continue onto Powell St and Water St. and then turn right at W Cordova St. Turn left at Howe St going south to Davie St; turn right, the Best Western Sands Plus Hotel will be on your right. (Travel time from Chilliwack, BC is approximately 1.5 hours.)
  From the north: Take Highway 99 south to Vancouver. Take exit 13 for BC 99 S/BC 1A-E towards Vancouver/Taylor Way. Keep right at the fork and follow signs for BC 99 S/Taylor Way, S/Vancouver, and merge onto Taylor Way/BC 1A S/BC 99 S. Turn left at Marine Dr/BC 1A S/ BC 99 S. Take the ramp to Bridge Vancouver and merge onto Lion’s Gate Bridge Rd/ BC 1A S/ BC 99 S. Turn right at Denman St and left at Davie St, the Best Western Sands Plus Hotel will be on your left. (Travel time from Whistler is approximately 1.5 hours)
  From the south: Take Highway 99 north to Vancouver. Take exit 41B on to Marine Drive West, and merge onto SW Marine Drive. Continue on to Granville St. Make a slight left at Granville St/Granville Bridge. Turn left at Davie St, The Best Western Sands Plus Hotel will be on your right. (Travel time from the Canada-US border is approximately 1.5 hours.)
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
(Monday, June 11)
   
 Arrive To: ARRIVALS & CHECK-IN: Independent arrivals to the hotel in Vancouver in the afternoon. Check-in after 3:00 p.m. Group registration, welcome and orientation activities.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: An evening presentation will explore the history of Vancouver from a social, ethnic and economic perspective. Meet with local historian, author, and heritage advocate, who will discuss Vancouver's multi-faceted personality from past to present. Learn about its historical precedents and urban planning that have enabled the city to achieve its status as one of the most "livable" cities in the world.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Museum of Anthropology/Bill Reid Gallery
(Tuesday, June 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full breakfast which includes a great selection of hot and cold items such as eggs, bacon, fruit, cereals, tea, coffee, juice, muffins, croissants, etc.
 Morning: Visit the Museum of Anthropology, Canada's largest teaching museum and world-renowned for its collections and research. Your local guide will take you through the exhibitions providing insight into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world. The Museum houses some 535,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects, many of which originate from the Northwest Coast of British Columbia.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Meet with an art historian and explore the beautiful collection of the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Bill Reid was the pivotal force in introducing to the world the great art traditions of the indigenous people of the Northwest Coast. He is an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, spokesman and one of Canada's greatest artists. Highlights include over 40 pieces of Bill Reid's gold and silver jewelry, Reid's bronze masterpiece Mythic Messengers and several of Reid's works that are featured on Canadian currency.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Boathouse overlooking English Bay.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Historic Walk/Granville Island/Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
(Wednesday, June 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full breakfast which includes a great selection of hot and cold items such as eggs, bacon, fruit, cereals, tea, coffee, juice, muffins, croissants, etc.
 Morning: Enjoy a presentation on the settlement of Vancouver and the distinct communities and neighborhoods that define this multicultural metropolis. Field trips will take you on a historic walk of Vancouver's well-known neighborhoods. Alongside a local historian, explore two of Vancouver's most fascinating communities, Gastown and Chinatown. Gain a sense of how the city of Vancouver functions by someone who knows the city like few others, gaining fascinating (and occasionally offbeat) insights to the city's history, architecture, and people. Beginning in Gastown, the city's birthplace, walk through this historic neighborhood, with much of its early architecture and character intact, and see how it is evolving into one of the city's newest residential areas. Explore the bustling neighborhood of Chinatown, boasting rich culture and a striking collection of heritage buildings recalling the contributions of early pioneers and leaders.
 Lunch: Dim sum lunch.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Join an expert from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island and the Public Market, known for its eclectic mix of artisanal food shops and studios. Recognized as the first culinary school in Canada to embrace Ocean Wise status and Green Table Network programs, discover this urban oasis filled with fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, galleries, studios and the most spectacular fresh food market you've ever seen. Savor the wares of the market's many globally influenced and locally impassioned artisans, farmers and food purveyors. Explore and taste what's been grown, fished and cooked fresh in this bustling public marketplace. Along the way, learn about what makes the island both a sensory and historic delight.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own at the Pacific Culinary Institute’s Bistro 101.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Vancouver Art Gallery/Free Afternoon
(Thursday, June 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full breakfast which includes a great selection of hot and cold items such as eggs, bacon, fruit, cereals, tea, coffee, juice, muffins, croissants, etc.
 Morning: Field Trip to Vancouver Art Gallery. On a guided exploration of the Vancouver Art Gallery, examine the work of leaders in the field of contemporary art, Vancouver's internationally renowned artists, and peruse the most extensive collection of work by Emily Carr, a beloved Canadian painter and designer. Its permanent holdings number more than 10,000 artworks, making the Gallery among the most valuable collections in Canada.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Gallery Cafe.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Stanley Park/Ferry to Victoria/Butchart Gardens
(Friday, June 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full breakfast which includes a great selection of hot and cold items such as eggs, bacon, fruit, cereals, tea, coffee, juice, muffins, croissants, etc.
 Morning: Field Trip to Stanley Park. Explore Stanley Park's extensive grounds by coach with a naturalist from the Stanley Park Ecology Society. Learn about rainforest and coastal ecology and discover some of the Park's most famous landmarks - Vancouver Lookout, Lion's Gate Bridge, the famous Totems and the 5.5 mile seawall that encircles the entire park. The history of Stanley Park coincides with the early days of Vancouver, opened in 1888 and named after Lord Stanley, then Governor General of Canada. This spectacular urban park is a cool, lush, evergreen oasis situated on a peninsula in the heart of the city and only steps away from your hotel. Today, Stanley Park is recognized as one of the great parks of the world, offering a backdrop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees. Ferry departs for Victoria.
 Lunch: Box lunch on ferry.
 Afternoon: Begin your journey to Vancouver Island with a memorable excursion to Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada. Learn about the story of Jennie Butchart who crafted this gem from a limestone quarry. Still owned and operated by family descendants, the expansive gardens offer 55 acres of wonderful floral display. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of earlier times.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Historic Walk/Royal BC Museum
(Saturday, June 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. All breakfasts are served with coffee and tea and include a selection of the following each day: Assorted juices, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, brown and white toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, ham, hash brown potatoes, hot cereal or cold cereal are often provided.
 Morning: Field Trip: Enjoy a historic walk of Victoria's Old Town and Inner Harbour. A walk along Wharf Street in the heart of Old Town provides a look at the many examples of Victorian architecture. Despite a fire in 1910 which ravaged the city core, many fine buildings remain and many restorations are evident. Our local historian will discuss the well-marked and hidden treasures of Victoria including the BC Legislature, Old Town, the historic Empress Hotel and the Inner Harbour. Visit a well-known local bakery and the Silk Road Tea Gallery to experience an educational tea and chocolate pairing.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Visit the Royal BC Museum. Explore the natural and cultural history of this region through an array of unique galleries. Each exhibit and gallery tells important stories about British Columbia and provides an engaging and thought-provoking window on the province's past, present and future. Participants will learn about the rich marine biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest found off the shores of Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own. Explore downtown and enjoy one of many wonderful dining options.
   
Accommodations: Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Royal Visits/The Historic Empress Hotel/Farewell Dinner
(Sunday, June 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. All breakfasts are served with coffee and tea and include a selection of the following each day: Assorted juices, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants, brown and white toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, ham, hash brown potatoes, hot cereal or cold cereal are often provided.
 Morning: Lecture: Royal Visits and the Empress. Meet a local historian and hear about the Royal visits and one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The hotel has hosted notable guests including Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling, Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy, Princess Margaret, Rita Hayworth, the King and Queen of Siam, and the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Excursion: Enjoy the opportunity to explore Victoria's most prestigious landmarks with some of the most breathtaking architecture in all of Victoria.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the afternoon to explore along historic Government Street and side streets; stop and enjoy tea at one of the many tea houses, indulge in traditional High Tea at the Empress, or grab a pint at the charming pubs found throughout the Inner Harbour.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in Victoria.
   
Accommodations: Queen Victoria Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Departures from Victoria
(Monday, June 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 8:00 am.
 Morning: Independent departures from Victoria after breakfast.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Vancouver, BC Vancouver Aquarium
Canada’s largest aquarium, the Vancouver Aquarium is dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life through display, interpretation, education, research, and direct action. You can experience all of this and more when you visit us. Research is ongoing at Aquarium labs and with display animals, by graduate students and staff. For additional information, visit www.vanaqua.org/home/
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


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)



Vancouver Island Book of Everything


Author: Peter Grant,


Description: From Hudson's Bay outpost to gold rush fever and coal and lumber barons to political scandals Island-style to the mighty Douglas fir and Pacific salmon and profiles of Emily Carr, Cougar Annie and the Dunsmuir clan, no book is more comprehensive than the Vancouver Island Book of Everything. No book is more fun! Well-known Islanders weigh in on their favorite things about Vancouver Island. Robert Bateman shares his five most inspiring island locales



Victoria, A History in Photographs


Author: Peter Grant


Description: 1996, PAPER, 112 PAGES, $12.95 The story of Victoria, British Columbia from its days as a mining colony to its development into a city. Nearly 150 archival photographs are organized together with a short text. (Item no. CND117)





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