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Expeditions in the Canadian Galapagos: Wilderness and Culture in Haida Gwaii

Program Number: 16802RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/12/2013 - 6/23/2013;
Duration: 11 nights
Location: Canada,
Price starting at: $6,375.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising; Independent City Discoveries
Meals: 30; 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Isolated off the British Columbia coast for millennia, Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands) are referred to as Canada's own "Galapagos." From towering old-growth forests to the magnificent totem poles of old Haida villages, the otherworldly solitude of this corner of the world envelops your sailing voyages to sacred sites inaccessible by car.




Activity Particulars

All shore excursions require transfer by specialized Zodiac tenders. Region has very little trail development and is still very much a wilderness.



Due to the nature of this program, assisted-listening devices are not available.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Vancouver, 1 night; Sandspit, 1 night; aboard Island Roamer, 8 nights; Vancouver, 1 night.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.



Days 1-2:
Independent Arrival Vancouver (British Columbia) / flight to Sandspit / embark Island Roamer:

Explore the Haida Gwaii Museum and Heritage Centre and savor a traditional meal with a Haida family in its home in Skidegate.
Lodging: Comfortable hotels.



Days 3-6:
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve:

As you voyage through a park where only 2,000 visitors are allowed annually, onboard naturalists point out wildlife and discuss local history, culture and ecology of these fascinating islands. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, fin whales and orcas, learning about the latest scientific research on these mammals and listening to their calls on an underwater microphone. Look to the shoreline for puffins and the Queen Charlotte Islands black bear and turn your attention skyward to spy soaring bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Stand in awe at old-growth forests draped in moss and the natural treasures left by 24-foot tidal range.



Days 7-10: Haida Heritage Site:

In Burnaby Narrows, set off on Zodiac boats and sea kayaks to float above a garden of colorful starfish, anemones and urchins just below the surface. Discover one of Canada’s last whaling stations at Rose Harbour and explore old Haida villages, known widely for their enormous totem poles and long houses. At the UN World Heritage Site of Ninstints, marvel at the largest number of original, standing totem poles anywhere on the coast. Experience the natural mineral pools of Hot Springs Island with the San Cristoval Mountains looming in the distance. Discover the crumbling town of Windswept Skedans (Koona), a once-thriving Haida village where the totems are beginning to fall.



Day 11-12:
Moresby Camp / disembark / coach to Sandspit Airport / flight to Vancouver / independent departure




Island Roamer

The Island Roamer is a custom, 68-foot ketch. Accommodating 16 passengers, the vessel features eight private, double-occupancy cabins, three heads with hot showers, a large lounge with an extensive library, and a well-equipped galley.


Canada

Participation in World War I solidified Canada’s sense of identity, cementing with popular sentiment the groundwork laid by confederation in 1866. A mixed English, French and First Nations ancestry was no longer a source of cultural ambiguity but rather constituted a new, distinctly Canadian heritage showing decreased deference to British authority. Today’s Canada is a G-8 country with a progressive government favoring policies of social welfare.
Meals and Lodgings
   Best Western Sands by the Sea
  Vancouver, BC 1 night
   Seaport B&B
  Sandspit, BC 1 night
   Island Roamer
  Queen Charlotte Islands 8 nights
   Best Western Sands by the Sea
  Vancouver, BC 1 night
 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.
  Ship Information: N/A
  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 iron 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 two bars on site.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Check for availability. Please contact the hotel directly.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Check for availability. Please contact the hotel directly.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Seaport B&B
Type: Bed and Breakfast
  Contact info: 371 Beach Road
Sandspit,  BC Canada
phone: 250-637-2215
web: www.moresbyexplorers.com/seaport
  Room amenities: Alarm clock
  Facility amenities: 8 spacious guest rooms built in the spring of 2011, large covered deck and lots of space to enjoy the great ocean views. Common area with phone equipped with voicemail, coffee maker and a variety of teas. No internet access, but it is available at locations nearby.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Island Roamer
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Ship features large inside seating area on deck and an extensive library. Double and single stable kayaks and two motorized zodiacs for shore excursions. Vessel is large enough for comfort and privacy and small enough to ensure a wonderful rapport between participants and crew.
  Ship Information: Each ship is a 60 ton motor-sailor, ketch rigged. Built as large yachts with wonderful woodwork and large windows, these vessels meet all the requirements of the Canadian Ministry of Transport passenger vessel regulations. Designed by Stan Huntingford and built by Cooper Yachts in the 1980's, these vessels are sister ships with the same hull and nearly identical layout. Their design, safety and comfort make them ideal for travel in remote areas - each vessel has twin diesel main engines, a generator for electricity, and well equipped galley. In addition each ship is rigged for sailing with three working sails. This is not a 'sailing' trip per se, but a natural history trip, where traveling aboard a large yacht and the opportunity to sail are additional highlights. Each ship measures 20 meters in length, 5 meters wide and extends over 2 meters below the water. The main mast is over 22 meters above the water.
  Contact info: c/o Bluewater Adventures
#3 - 252 East 1st Street
North Vancouver, BC V7L 1B3 Canada
phone: 604-980-3800
web: www.bluewateradventures.ca
  Room amenities: Each cabin has an opening porthole for fresh air, reading lights, smoke detectors, drawers and a hanging locker for storage of personal effects.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Shipboard facilities are 3 heads (toilets) with hot showers. Every cabin has a head closeby. It is important to remember that a boat is totally self contained and in wilderness areas not always near a water supply. We ask you to conserve water.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 pm, Vancouver, BC You will be staying at Best Western Sands by the Sea that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast, Vancouver, BC You will be staying at Best Western Sands by the Sea the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. In addition to the Participant Information Form, please complete and return the included Bluewater Adventures Liability Release. This form can be mailed, faxed or emailed to: Road Scholar Adventures Afloat 11 Ave De Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111 FAX: 617-728-4933 afloatops@roadscholar.org 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 for more information.
  Parking availability:
The Best Western Sands in Vancouver has parking for guests at approximately CAD$15 per night. Parking is limited. For complete parking details please contact the hotel directly.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Vancouver, BC
  Nearest city or town:  Vancouver
  Nearest highway: Highway 1 - Trans Canada
  Nearest airport:  Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  From End of Program
  Location: Vancouver, BC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Vancouver

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

The cost is approximately CAD$25 - $30 one way.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the hotel to the airport 
 

Vancouver

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

The cost is approximately CAD$25 - $30 one way.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to the hotel 
   

At present time airport shuttle service is no longer offered to the hotel. Taxi service is readily available from the airport to the hotel.
 
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.
  From North Take Highway 99 south and turn right on Taylor Way, exit 13. Turn left on Marine Drive. Follow signs for Vancouver, cross Lions Gate Bridge, and continue on West Georgia. Turn right on Denman Street and then turn left on Davie Street. Follow Davie Street to the ocean.
  From South 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.
  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.
Equipment Requirements: Full list of items to bring will be provided. Suggested items: • We ask that you bring a sleeping bag as there are no facilities for laundry onboard. If you are taking a trip in the Spring or Fall a warm sleeping bag is recommended. • Rain gear needs to be completely waterproof and strong enough to stand up to wear. • Rubber boots should be comfortable. Knee high boots will ensure dry feet. Expect daily use stepping ashore from small boats at the ocean’s edge and walking in west coast rainforest. • We cannot accommodate suitcases aboard the boat and ask that your clothing and equipment be brought aboard in soft sided, compressible bags, for example duffel bags or some other soft case that can be easily stowed.
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: Arrivals/Welcome Dinner
(Wednesday, June 12)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK IN: Check-in to the hotel after 3:00 p.m.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Best Western Boardroom. Meet in the Boardroom (hotel staff will guide you) at 5:30PM. Our local guide, John Atkin, will be there to discuss the program and begin introductions.
 Evening: Following dinner, we will have introductions and an orientation of the program to review the updated schedule, responsibilities, safety, guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Flight to Sandspit
(Thursday, June 13)
   
 Breakfast: Plated breakfast in the Best Western Boardroom. Breakfast starts at 7:30AM.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Enjoy a guided walk of Stanley Park and the area with John. Return to the hotel and pick up your boxed lunch, then transfer from the hotel to Vancouver Airport for our flight to Sandspit Airport.
 Lunch: Eat your boxed lunch en route.
 Afternoon: FLIGHT: Flight from Vancouver to Sandspit. The Bluewater Shuttle will meet you at the Sandspit airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Please look for the Bluewater Shuttle when you get off the plane. The Sandspit airport is small and finding the shuttle should not be a problem.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own. Hotel can recommend local eateries nearby.
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: Seaport B&B
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Haida Heritage Centre/Traditional Haida Lunch/Board Vessel
(Friday, June 14)
   
 Breakfast: Begin your day with a home cooked breakfast served in the Seaport dining area at 7:15AM.
 Morning: The group will meet in front of The Seaport B & B at 8:30AM. Please be sure to check out of your room with luggage in hand, prior to this time. You will be greeted by our shuttle bus driver/guide for your Haida Gwaii land tour. You will travel to the ferry landing at Alliford Bay to take the ferry across to Skidegate Landing on Graham Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately 20 minutes. We often take a one hour walk up the ‘Louise Dover Trail’ to see old growth forest, discuss local vegetation and see signs of historic forest use by the Haida First Nation. It is then a half hour ferry across Skidegate Inlet to Graham Island and the Haida community of Skidegate. Upon arrival we will visit a local Skidegate family for a traditional Haida lunch.
 Lunch: Traditional Haida lunch hosted by a local Skidegate family.
 Afternoon: Haida Heritage Centre provides a wonderful introduction to local natural history and the Haida culture. In 2001, six new totem poles were raised outside, and a major expansion was completed in 2007. We visit the canoe shed to see examples of a 50 foot Haida canoe carved from a single cedar tree. After our tour of the Haida Heritage Centre, the group will catch the ferry back to Moresby Island, and will be transferred down to Moresby Camp where our sailing vessel “Island Roamer” is awaiting guests' arrival. Upon boarding, guests are assigned cabins and receive an introduction and safety orientation. After guests are settled, dinner will be served.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: An evening lecture and orientation to the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site will be given in preparation for our journey into the protected area the following day.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sailing Cumshewa Inlet/Queen Charlotte Islands
(Saturday, June 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at either 7:30 or 8:00am. The anchor is raised early this morning and the ship gets underway to take advantage of the tides.
 Morning: After breakfast we depart Moresby Camp aboard Island Roamer heading west out Cumshewa Inlet. If the winds are favorable we will sail, but among the islands we often need to motor until we reach more open waters. We often see Queen Charlotte Island black bears feeding along the shores, and bald eagles atop shore side trees here, and will take the yacht close to land for a better look.
 Lunch: Lunch will be served onboard while we travel.
 Afternoon: At the mouth of the Inlet, we expect to see some large concentrations of seabirds. The on board naturalist will offer educational information to participants and help identify different species.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served buffet style once we are anchored for the night.
 Evening: The Captain and ship's naturalist will review plans for the trip. The Captain will review the trip highlights and will review the day using local maps or charts as they are called aboard ship. The naturalist will update the species list with the assistance of all passengers. Overnight at anchor - Thurston Harbour.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kayak Orientation/Village of Tanu/Lyell Island
(Sunday, June 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at either 7:30 or 8:00am. The anchor is raised early this morning and the ship gets underway to take advantage of the tides.
 Morning: There will be a kayak safety orientation and first opportunity to try out the 5 sea kayaks onboard in the protected waters of the bay. Mid-morning we arrive at the old Haida village of Tanu. This will be our first introduction to Haida culture as we walk among the remains of some 25 longhouses and fallen totem poles. Famous carver, Bill Reid has his headstone in Tanu, as his mother was from this village. If the tide is low we will also do an intertidal walk along the beach and rocks in front of the old village, finding various species of starfish, anemone and urchins.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard ship.
 Afternoon: Our afternoon stop is planned for Windy Bay – the site of the final stand-off on Lyell Island that stopped the logging and lead to the creation of these southern islands becoming the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in 1987. The Haida built a traditional longhouse here where Haida Watchmen spend the summer, but our main activity is focused on hiking beside a sparkling creek into the amazing old-growth forest with some truly gigantic trees. Later in the summer salmon will be visible in the creek.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: Review the day's activities and outline plans for the next day. The naturalist will commonly then provide background information on local animals. Overnight at mooring – Murchison Island.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Gwaii Haanas/Skincuttle Inlet
(Monday, June 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board at either 7:30 or 8:00am. Early risers can take advantage of the sea kayaks for a paddle before breakfast.
 Morning: Heading out early from our anchorage we enter Juan Perez Sound, one the best areas in Gwaii Haanas for whale-watching. When we see whales, we will stop the yacht to watch their behavior and often get some excellent chances for photographs. Humpback whales are the most common and like to feed using their enormous pectoral fins and tails to corral the fish. Killer whales or orcas are seen throughout the islands. The most common here are called ‘transient’ whales and feed on other marine mammals.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard ship.
 Afternoon: As we set sail, we may see them near seal or sea lion haulouts (similar to running into a pride of lions on the hunt). We occasionally see elusive Minke whales as we leave Juan Perez Sound and round Burnaby Island heading south. EXCURSION: Entering Skincuttle Inlet, we will stop on one of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Ashore we will find burrows that seabirds use to nest under the ground, and some interesting shore side flowers.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: Captain will review the day using local maps or charts. The naturalist will update the species list with the assistance of all passengers. Overnight at anchor – Bag Harbour.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Burnaby Narrows/Rose Harbour
(Tuesday, June 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at either 7:30 or 8:00am. The anchor is raised early this morning and the ship gets underway to take advantage of the tides.
 Morning: After an early breakfast we head out to explore the best known intertidal area in Gwaii Haanas, Burnaby Narrows. With up to a 23-foot (7m) tidal range, these islands have some spectacular low tide exploring. Using the two zodiac inflatable boats and all the sea kayaks we will float above a garden of colorful seastars, anemones and urchins just inches below the water. It is a spellbinding experience. Nearby, we will walk into a grove of old-growth trees and see cedar trees that were used by the Haida for making baskets and tested for making a canoe.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard ship.
 Afternoon: Moving through Skincuttle Inlet, we sail past Garcin Rocks we will watch for Steller sea lions. Large males can weigh 2000 lbs (900kg). FIELD TRIP: Entering protected Houston Stewart Channel we have reached the southern end of Moresby Island, and the historic site of one of Canada’s last whaling stations in Rose Harbour. We will go ashore to learn about the last days of whaling and how these islands, situated on the edge of the continental shelf, provided whales for over 40 years.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: Captain will review the day using local maps or charts as they are called aboard ship. The naturalist will update the species list with the assistance of all passengers. Overnight at mooring – Rose Harbour.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ninstints US World Heritage Site/Haida Watchmen
(Wednesday, June 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at either 7:30 or 8:00am. Early risers can take advantage of the sea kayaks for a paddle before breakfast.
 Morning: Today will be the highlight of the voyage for many, as we visit the UN World Heritage Site of Ninstints. This old Haida village holds the largest number of original, standing totem poles anywhere on the coast – and the experience is magical. We will spend much of the day on the island, so there will be plenty of time to photograph, talk with the Haida Watchmen, and explore the island.
 Lunch: Lunch on the island.
 Afternoon: Later in the day, if the weather allows, we will sail off the west coast searching for whales and offshore birds, like colorful puffins and majestic albatross. At this point we are only one hour’s travel away from the edge of the continental shelf and waters over 5,000 feet deep.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: Captain will review the day using local maps or charts. The naturalist will update the species list with the assistance of all passengers. Overnight mooring – Louscoone Inlet.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Ikeda Cove/Hot Springs Island
(Thursday, June 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board at either 7:30 or 8:00am. Early risers can take advantage of the sea kayaks for a paddle before breakfast.
 Morning: Morning walk ashore exploring a wonderful sand beach looking out on the open Pacific ocean. We occasionally find Japanese glass fishing floats – a true beachcomber’s treasure! Then we return to the protected eastern side of the islands, and Ikeda Cove. This lovely cove is named after a Japanese fisherman who discovered copper here in the early 1900’s. There are still remains to be seen from their hand mining operation, some lovely big trees and songbirds singing in the canopy.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard ship.
 Afternoon: As we round Scudder Point returning to Juan Perez Sound, all hands scan the horizon for whales. Next stop is lovely Hot Springs Island. With a view looking out over the ocean to the San Cristoval Mountains beyond, these are probably the finest natural hot springs on the coast. There is a bathhouse, and four natural pools, all at different temperatures.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: Captain will review the day using local maps or charts. The naturalist will update the species list with the assistance of all passengers. Overnight at anchor beneath the San Cristobal Mountains in De La Beche Inlet.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Bischoff Islands
(Friday, June 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board at either 7:30 or 8:00 am.
 Morning: Today we will explore a new ecosystem… the Alpine. However, we don’t need to climb thousands of feet to reach it. In many places in the islands the tundra-like alpine environment can be reached within a few hundred feet of the ocean. We will search for some of the endemic bog flowers, like Newcombe’s butterweed and carnivorous plants, like butterwort and sundew.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard ship.
 Afternoon: Next stop is a lovely area to explore by kayak or motorized skiff, the Bischoff Islands. We then head up scenic Darwin Sound into the heart of the mountains. All year there will be snow on the highest peaks.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served once we have reached our evening anchorage. Each evening the ship turns off all engines and generators allowing everyone onboard to enjoy the peace and quiet - definitely one of the benefits of traveling aboard this size of ship.
 Evening: The final evening aboard ship will be a social night. The Captain will review the trip highlights. Overnight at anchor – Anna Inlet.
   
Accommodations: Island Roamer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Disembark/Flight to Vancouver/Farewell Dinner
(Saturday, June 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is served at either 7:30 or 8:00am.
 Morning: Ship returns to Moresby Camp for disembarkation. Mid morning departure at Moresby Camp from the Island Roamer. The charter bus will meet participants and return them to the Sandspit Airport late morning. Guests will have time for a leisurely lunch, and perhaps a walk along the shingle beach before catching the afternoon flight back to Vancouver.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: FLIGHT: Flight from Sandspit to Vancouver. Meet the shuttle driver outside of Arrivals and transfer to Best Western Sands by Sea. The driver will have a Road Scholar sign.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel located in the Best Western Boardroom.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Departures
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Departures from Vancouver hotel to airport for flights home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Vancouver, BC Vancouver Museum
The Vancouver Museum houses permanent displays, exhibitions and educational programs about the natural, cultural and human history of the Vancouver region. Canada's largest civic museum moves into its second century, it continues to explore the human and natural history of the Vancouver region, the Pacific Northwest Coast and Pacific Rim with exciting, ever-changing new exhibitions. The Vancouver Museum continues to celebrate the rich legacy and heritage of our diverse multicultural society through varied programs. For additional information, visit www.vanmuseum.bc.ca/index.htm
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


Moon Handbook British Columbia Including the Canadian Rockies


Author: Andrew Hemstead, Jane King


Description: This comprehensive practical guide in the Moon series published in the Pacific Northwest stakes out the best food, transportation, accommodation, and sights throughout British Columbia. The guide nicely balances practical detail and a good overview of the region and its attractions.



The Raven Steals the Light


Author: Robert Bringhurst, Bill Reid, Claude Levi-Strauss


Description: A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends as presented by scholar Robert Bringhurst and the Vancouver artist Bill Reid (who also provides accompanying black and white etchings). These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.



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, focusing on geology, marine life, wildlife, habitats and Koyukon heritage. Much in the tradition of Barry Lopez, the author focuses on the relationship between people and the land.



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. Apart from its 1,000 photographs, the book also includes an overview of the ecology and habitats of the region and a list of parks and preserves.





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