Road Scholar : Home
Victoria and Vancouver: Glorious West Coast Gardens

Program Number: 2679RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/21/2013 - 7/28/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/22/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Price starting at: $1,828.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Homes & Gardens
Meals: 17; 7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners    

Cradled by sheltered waters and dramatic mountains and freshened by a gentle coastal climate, Vancouver is a city filled with parks and forests whose gardens reflect the city’s blend of cosmopolitanism, natural beauty and art. Across the Strait of Georgia, on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria’s Edwardian architecture accentuates the city’s Britannic refinement, of which no lovelier example exists than the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. Explore both cities and their gardens, uncovering rich history, natural beauty, First Nations heritage and more.




Highlights

• Experience Vancouver’s Asian-inspired gardens and the urban forest Stanley Park.
• Study First Nations art, culture and history at the Museum of Anthropology.
• Join local historians for fascinating stories in Victoria’s spectacular gardens.



Activity Particulars

Walking 1-2 miles a day over flat terrain.




Date Specific Information

7-21-2013, 9-15-2013

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



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Vancouver, 3 nights; coach and ferry to Victoria, 4 nights; departure.



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
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.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
John Atkin
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 if 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.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Best Western Sands by the Sea
  Vancouver, BC 3 nights
   Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
  Victoria, BC 4 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 bar 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 Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM

 Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: With our 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. Take a horse and carriage tour of Victoria with family and friends, create memories at Beacon Hill Park, and the Royal BC Museum is just around the block. Take in views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. There’s so much to see and do right at our doorstep! Enjoy yourself in the Royal Scot Hotel & Suite’s beautiful indoor pool, whirl pool, sauna and exercise room. Have some fun in our billiards room or gather with friends for a hand of bridge or a movie in the games room. We offer free wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. For your convenience our courtesy shuttle is available to take you anywhere within Victoria's downtown core. After a full day, rest easy in the cozy comfort of the Royal Scot Hotel & Suites and feel at home in downtown Victoria.
  Contact info: 425 Quebec Street
Victoria, BC V8V1W7 Canada
phone: 800-663-7515
web: www.royalscot.com/index.html
  Room amenities: Our guest rooms include daily newspaper delivery, comfortable lounge chairs, mini fridges, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, tea and cookies, complimentary high speed wireless Internet, iron and ironing board and bathrobes.
  Facility amenities: Our Guest Service Amenities include: Business Services Available Coin-Operated Guest Laundry Courtesy Shuttle between the Hotel and downtown Victoria daily Indoor Swimming Pool Hydrotherapy Pool Exercise Room with a variety of Fitness Equipment Billiards and Games Room Hotel Parking (for a fee) High speed Wireless Internet in all Guest Rooms and Hotel Common Areas Hotel Gift Shop Jonathon's Restaurant
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel in Vancouver. Check-in after 4 pm. Dinner is at 5:30 pm. at the hotel. You will be staying at Best Western Sands by the Sea that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast on the last day is at 7:30 am; independent departures after breakfast, Victoria, BC. Check-out of hotel is 12:00 noon. You will be staying at Royal Scot Hotel and Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. PASSPORTS: Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
At the hotel – For parking details at the Best Western Sands in Vancouver please contact the hotel directly, (604) 682-1831. At the airport – Approximately $10 per day or $60 per week plus taxes. For more information: www.yvr.ca/guide/parking/.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Vancouver, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Vancouver
  Nearest highway: Hwy 1
  Nearest airport:  Vancouver International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Victoria, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Victoria
  Nearest airport:  Victoria International Airport
Travel Details
 

Vancouver Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $35
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 30 minutes 
   

Taxis available at the Vancouver airport. Shuttle service is no longer available from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown Vancouver. For current arrival and departure information to/from the airport, please visit www.yvr.ca/en/getting-to-from-yvr.aspx.
 

Vancouver

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$7 - $10
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 - 45 minutes 
   

From airport take Sky Train to Yaletown/Roundhouse Station, signs will direct you to the Canada Line. Airport staff will direct you. From Yaletown/Roundhouse take C23 Davie St bus (with same ticket) west to Davie & Howe, walk 1 blk South to hotel or walk across the street and take C21 bus going west on Pacific, get off at Pacific & Howe. The hotel is 1/4 blk N. Bus stops right outside hotel. Visit www.TransLink.ca.
 

Vancouver

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Aero Car
phone: 888-821-0021
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately CAD$43-$55 (subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes 
   

Aero Car - Is a Sedan and Limousine Transportation Service that will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your required destination in downtown Vancouver. 24 hour reservations. For more information and up to date fares, please contact Aero Car directly at 604-298-1000 | Toll-Free: 1-888-821-0021 or visit www.aerocar.ca.
 

Vancouver

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Checker Cabs
phone: 604-683-4567

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10 -15
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 - 15 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 ˝ hours. For more information, schedules and current fares please call 1-800-888-2535 or visit www.victoriaclipper.com BC Ferries offers service between Victoria and Vancouver and other mainland ports. Crossing time is approximately 1 ˝ hours. For more information call 1-888-223-3779 from anywhere in North America, email: bcferries.reservations@bcferries.com, or visit www.bcferries.com/
 

Victoria

 

To Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
City Bus

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

CAD$2 - $3
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

 

To 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 
   

Victoria International airport has many direct flights from Air Canada (Jazz) which offers connections from across North America via Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. Shuttle provides daily 1/2 hour service to/from the airport to all hotels and motels in Greater Victoria. Shuttles operate from 4:00 am until midnight or until last flight clears. Reservations are recommended. For more information visit www.victoriaairporter.com or call 877-386-2525.
 
Driving Directions
  From East Take the Grandview Highway Exit to Granville Street. Turn right on Granville follow Granville across Granville Street Bridge. Turn Left on Davie Street and follow Davie Street to the ocean. The Best Western Sands will be on your right.
  From West Take Tsawwasswen Ferry Terminal, then follow Highway 17. Take exit to Highway 99 and follow Highway 99 to 41st Avenue. Turn Left on 41st Avenue and continue to Granville Street. Turn right on Granville; follow Granville across Granville Street Bridge. Turn left on Davie Street and follow Davie Street to the ocean. The Best Western Sands will be on your right.
  From the US (south) to Best Western Sands Take US Interstate 5 to Highway 99, follow 99 to 41st. Avenue. Turn Left on 41st Avenue and continue to Granville Street. Turn Right on Granville; follow Granville across Granville Street Bridge and turn left on Davie Street. Follow Davie Street to the ocean. The Best Western Sands will be on your right.
  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 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.
Equipment Requirements: Supportive/comfortable footwear, walking shoes or boots (all-weather or waterproof and broken-in are recommended). Raincoat and/or windproof jacket (lined for cooler temperatures); umbrella
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, July 21)
   
 Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid-to-late afternoon.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel at 5:30 p.m.
 Evening: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Nitobe Japanese Gardens/UBC/Museum of Anthropology
(Monday, July 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Experience the Nitobe Japanese Gardens at the University of British Columbia. Considered to be the best traditional, authentic Japanese Tea Garden in North America, it is among the top five Japanese gardens outside Japan. Each tree, stone and shrub has been deliberately placed and is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: At the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), enjoy an expert-led exploration of the museum. The MOA is Canada's largest teaching museum and world-renowned for its collections, research, teaching, public programs and community connections. It is also acclaimed for its spectacular architecture and unique setting on the cliffs of Point Grey on the grounds of UBC. Its exhibitions and programs provide access and 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.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: Vancouver History and Heritage. Enjoy a presentation on Vancouver with a local historian and heritage advocate. The presentation will be a walk and talk in and around the False Creek area (Olympic village and the old Expo 86 site), where the changes in the city over the last 20 years are most obvious and interesting.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Stanley Park/Natural History Presentation/Free Time
(Tuesday, July 23)

Note: The walk to/from and through Stanley Park will be approximately two miles over relatively flat terrain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: On an exceptional field trip, meet with a member of the Stanley Park Ecology Society for an in-depth exploration of Stanley Park, a breathtaking expanse that remains unspoiled and a testimony to the giant trees that occupied Vancouver in its former days. With the ocean and mountain vista as a backdrop, learn about this unique park and its temperate rainforest ecosystem. Its natural West Coast atmosphere offers a backdrop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees that transport visitors to an environment rich in tranquility. World-famous landmarks in the park will also be discussed, including Lost Lagoon, totem poles, various monuments and sculptures, and the 5.5-mile seawall that encircles the park.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on Vancouver's natural history. After the lecture, the group will have the opportunity to explore the city on their own.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore Vancouver’s wide array of dining options.
 Evening: You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites, take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Vancouver or relax at your hotel.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden/Ferry to Victoria
(Wednesday, July 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: We travel to historic Chinatown to visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first authentic Chinese garden to be built outside of China. Like every classical Chinese garden, the design is based on the harmony of four main elements: rock, water, plants and architecture. Together, these four elements combine to create a breathtaking experience of perfect balance, yin and yang. The garden enhances understanding between Chinese and Western cultures, promotes Chinese culture and was built using the time-honored principles and techniques of the original Ming Dynasty garden.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch on your own on the ferry.
 Afternoon: Transfer by coach and ferry from Vancouver to Victoria (1.5 hours). Arrive in Victoria and check into hotel. Explore the inner harbor before dinner.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will become familiar with the landscape, environment, culture and history of Victoria. Our speaker will discuss the forces that shaped Victoria, the current personality of the city, and what the future holds. Victoria has an old-British charm where the residents are warm and welcoming and delight in showing visitors the beauty of this Seaside gem.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: History of Victoria/Lily Maxwell's Private Garden/Government House Gardens
(Thursday, July 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy an exclusive visit to the private garden of Lily Maxwell. This beautiful garden is located in the Oak Bay area overlooking a vista of the Strait of Georgia and the magnificent, snow-covered Olympic Mountain range. Sweeping garden beds are filled with interesting, rare and unusual perennials. Explore this amazing garden that was selected the No.1 residential garden by the national Canadian Gardening magazine. The garden was described as a "celebration of the endless possibilities of trees, shrubs and perennials, of the exuberant play of color and texture, of the pleasing way that curbs work to enhance lawns, borders and pathways, and of the gardener's obvious passion for choosing excellent plants and coaxing the absolute best out of them."
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: After lunch we spend some time at the elegant Queens Gardens surrounding the home of the lieutenant governor's mansion, the Queen's representative to the province of British Columbia. The unique features of the Government House Garden estate include an extensive rockery developed on a natural rock outcropping overlooking the ocean and an herb garden for all the senses, and a formal tapestry planting featuring Mediterranean herbs. Near it is its neighboring culinary garden used by the chefs of the residence. Participants will walk under heritage rhododendrons, towering copper beeches, and giant Douglas firs and sequoias (California redwoods) and stand beside the towering metasequoia (dawn redwood), one of the first specimens to be planted in North America. Presentations will take participants back in time as they hear the story of how this living fossil from the dawn of time was reintroduced to North America.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.
 Evening: You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites, take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Victoria or relax at your hotel.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: History of Butchart Gardens/Inner Harbour Walk/Exploration of Butchart Gardens
(Friday, July 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Hear the inspiring story of Jennie Butchart and the Butchart family who beautified a worked-out limestone quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement at nearby Tod inlet. This presentation helps to foster a greater appreciation for our visit to the gardens in the afternoon. After the morning lecture, explore Victoria's inner harbour with a local expert.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own gives you an opportunity to explore the quaint pubs and cafes in Victoria.
 Afternoon: This afternoon we will journey off-the-beaten path along rolling countryside, ocean glimpses and old-growth forests to Butchart Gardens. Butchart Gardens is a Natural Historic site still owned and operated by family descendants. The gardens offer 55 acres of wonderful floral display and you will find spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of earlier times.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Enjoy a free evening to explore Victoria's inner harbor, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, explore Beacon Hill park, take a gentle walk along the seaside trail, or a harbor ferry exploration.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Royal BC Museum/Farewell Dinner
(Saturday, July 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Experience the Royal British Columbia Museum and Art Gallery. 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. Researchers at the museum, throughout British Columbia and around the world use its collections to reveal new insights into the natural world and human cultures of British Columbia.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to shop along historic Government Street and side streets, take tea at one of the numerous tea houses or the spectacular Fairmont Empress, or grab a pint at the charming pubs dotted throughout the Inner Harbour.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner in Victoria.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departures from Victoria
(Sunday, July 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Independent departures from Victoria after 7:30 a.m. breakfast. Check-out of hotel is 12 noon.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Vancouver, BC Grouse Mountain
Take the Gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain. If you want a real challenge - or at least a serious workout - try the Grouse Grind. A 2.9-kilometre (3700 ft.) trail straight up to the top of Grouse Mountain. When you do the Grind, it's recommended you wear hiking boots and carry water. For those in good shape the hike takes about an hour. An average time would be between one and a half to two hours. The world record for doing the Grind is under 27 minutes! It's free to hike up, but it's not wise (or advised) for you to hike back down so you'll need to pay for the gondola ride to the bottom ($10 - 15 CDN for gondola ride). The Grind is open from late Spring to early Fall, dependent on weather and trail conditions. For additional information, visit www.grousemountain.com
  VanDusen Botanical Garden
This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. The garden design features displays of plants in picturesque landscape settings. Specific garden areas are planted to illustrate botanical relationships, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical origins, as in Sino Himalayan Garden. These areas are set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and dramatic rockwork with vistas of the mountains and Vancouver cityscape. There is always something interesting to see, no matter what the season! For additional information, visit http://vancouver.ca/vandusen/
  Vancouver Aquarium
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/
  Victoria, BC Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle was built between 1887-1890 for Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. This legendary Victorian mansion, built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria announced to the world that Robert Dunsmuir was the richest and most important man in Western Canada. The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous Victorian era Furnishings. For additional information, visit www.thecastle.ca/
  Empress High Tea
Indulge in one of Victoria's grandest traditions - Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. For almost a century, the majestic lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England's most beloved ritual - the taking of Afternoon Tea. Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie works his magic, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience - from your very first sip of our secret Tea at The Empress blend tea, right through to his freshly baked raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. Served in the relaxing atmosphere of the elegantly restored Tea Lobby, overlooking Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbor in the stately Harborside Room or under the hand-painted ceiling of the Library, Afternoon Tea is an absolute 'must do' for all who visit Victoria. For additional information, visit www.fairmont.com/empress/GuestServices/Restaurants/AfternoonTea.htm
  Legislature Buildings
The Legislative Tour strives to provide an enjoyable and informative experience for all visitors focusing primarily on the role of the Legislative Assembly and MLAs and the history of both the province of British Columbia and the Legislative Buildings. The Legislative Tour Office staff promotes access to the Legislature and encourage a sense of pride and unity in the province. The goals are to foster an understanding of the legislative process, an awareness of B.C.'s political heritage and an appreciation for the beauty and significance of the Legislative Buildings. For additional information, visit www.leg.bc.ca/
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


Bachelor Brothers' Bed and Breakfast


Author: Bill Richardson


Description: Lake Woebegone goes British Columbian in this humorous slip of a novel about an unconventional Vancouver B&B, which features twin bookworm brothers, a talking parrot and a motley crew of hotel guests.



British Columbia Seashore Life


Author: Pocket Naturalist


Description: A fold-up, laminated card featuring color drawings and short descriptions of common marine plants, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, nearshore fish, birds and mammals of British Columbia.



Early in the Season, A British Columbia Journal


Author: Edward Hoagland


Description: A journal of seven weeks the author spent living in the bush of British Columbia. Filled with perceptive observations of the flora, fauna, geology and people of the region.



Eyewitness Top Ten Vancouver & Victoria


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Vancouver and Victoria.



Fodor's Vancouver & Victoria


Author: -


Description: A practical guide in the popular series, saturated with valuable information on accommodation, shopping, sights, and dining.



How to Be a Canadian, Even If You Already Are One


Author: Ian Ferguson, Will Ferguson


Description: A tongue-in-cheek portrait of Canadian people and society, written by two native sons. Not entirely (but mostly) in jest, the book is an insightful look at the Canadian national character.



Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast


Author: Hilary Stewart


Description: A concise, illustrated overview of the diverse art produced by the peoples of the Pacific Northwest. It focuses on the spiritual and cultural meaning of common motifs that characterize the rich art of the area.



National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest


Author: Peter Alden


Description: A compact photographic guide to the wildflowers, trees, mosses, butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals of the Pacific Northwest.



Snow Falling on Cedars


Author: David Guterson


Description: A beautifully wrought, extremely evocative novel set on San Piedro Island in Puget Sound in the 1950s. Readers are rewarded not only with some fine storytelling and beautiful prose, but also with a vivid glimpse of life on these islands in Puget Sound.



The Island Within


Author: Richard Nelson


Description: A beautifully written tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn from the author's journals, this is an account of the natural and cultural history of an island in the waters of Haida Strait, with emphasis on the relationship between people and the land.



The Last Great Sea, A Voyage Through the Human and Natural History of the North Pacific Ocean


Author: Terry Glavin, Carl Safina (Introduction)


Description: A wide-ranging conservation history of British Columbia and the North Pacific ocean. Glavin lives in the Gulf Islands, where he writes frequently about fisheries and environmental issues facing the region.



The Raven Steals the Light


Author: Robert Bringhurst, Bill Reid (Illustrator), Claude Levi-Strauss (Introduction)


Description: A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends with accompanying black and white etchings by Vancouver artist Bill Reid. These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.



Vancouver & Victoria Colourguide


Author: Candace Brissenden


Description: The third edition of this compact, illustrated guide, revised and updated, by a local expert with over 300 color photographs.



Vancouver Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species


Author: James Kavanagh


Description: This pocket-sized reference for the bird enthusiast includes illustrations of over 120 species and a map of local birdwatching hotspots.



Vancouver Map


Author: Berndtson & Berndtson


Description: A laminated, folded map of Vancouver, British Columbia at a scale of 1:15,000.



Victoria, Vancouver Island Map


Author: Map Art Maps


Description: A folded map of Victoria, Vancouver Island, at a nice scale of 1:25,000.





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