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West Coast Voyage: Victoria, British Columbia and the American Pacific

Program Number: 20451RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/25/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 9 nights
Location: Canada/United States
Price starting at: $2,575.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 25; 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners    

From the majestic coast mountains of the Pacific Northwest to California’s energetic cities, experience natural beauty and fascinating cultures with local experts. Explore two of Canada’s most beautiful cities, Vancouver and Victoria, before setting sail along the sparkling coast of California where history and stories from the past will come alive.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some hilly, uneven terrain and stairs without railings.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Victoria (Canada), 2 nights; Vancouver, 2 nights; aboard Norwegian Pearl, 5 nights.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.



Days 1-2: Independent arrivals to Victoria (Canada):

Absorb the brilliant floral displays and hear about the history of the Butchart Gardens, a reflection of the early 20th-century beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. Explore the Inner Harbour and the spectacular Empress Hotel with a local historian.
Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Days 3-5: Ferry to Vancouver:

Arrive by ferry to Vancouver. Discover Vancouver’s finest neighborhoods and explore the Museum of Anthropology, then embark on the Norwegian Pearl.
Lodging: Centrally located hotel.



Days 6-7: Astoria, Ore./ At Sea:

Visit Fort Clatsop, a reconstructed fort at the site where Lewis and Clark hunkered down for a harsh winter.



Days 8-9: San Francisco, CA / At Sea:

Learn about San Francisco’s colorful history as you explore Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park and Chinatown.



Days 10: Los Angeles, CA / Disembark:

Arrival into Los Angeles, CA; independent departures.



Norwegian Pearl

The Norwegian Pearl launched in 2006 as the third in the series of Jewel-class vessels. The inclusion of a four bowling lanes is a unique touch among Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. She is immersed in jewel-toned designs, original art and upscale seating around its two pools and on the upper sun decks.
Meals and Lodgings
   Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
  Victoria, British Columbia 2 nights
   Best Western Sands by the Sea
  Vancouver, British Columbia 2 nights
   Norwegian Pearl
  At Sea 5 nights
 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, 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 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: 3:00 PM

 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

 Norwegian Pearl
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: The Norwegian Pearl launched in 2006 as the third in the series of Jewel-class vessels. This ship, with its spaces, its flow, its dining and lounge options, is one of the most enjoyable large vessels around. The inclusion of a four bowling lanes and the Bliss Ultra Lounge in the space where most NCL ships have their department-store-sized shopping venue is a point of differentiation. She is immersed in jewel-toned designs (mauve and teal, turquoise and magenta, purple and blue, all with the occasional touches of fuchsia and orange), original art, and filled with upscale seating around its two pools and on the upper sun decks (faux wicker chairs and padded chaises, some double loungers with pillows).
  Ship Information: NORWEGIAN SPIRIT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Year Built: 2005 launched in 2006 Passenger Capacity: 2,394 (double occupancy) Gross Register Tonnage: 93,530 Registry: Bahamas Overall Length: 965 feet Max Beam: 105 feet Draft: 27 feet Engines: Diesel Electric Cruise Speed: 25 knots Crew: 1,099 Class and Type: Jewel
  Contact info: Norwegian Cruise Line
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, FL 33126 USA
phone: 800-327-7030
web: www.ncl.com
  Room amenities: Each cabin has air conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, a sitting area, flatscreen television,tea/coffee makers, high-speed internet connection, refrigerator, safe, and a private bath with shower and hairdryer. Some have a separate tub or tub/shower combination. There are no irons in the cabins, but can be ordered from housekeeping should it be required. Please note that the ship reserves the right to upgrade cabins which may place participants on a different deck.
  Facility amenities: As with most NCL ships, the Pearl adheres to "Freestyle Cruising" which offers guests a more relaxed, resort-style cruise with flexible dining options, resort casual attire and leisurely disembarkation. The ship boasts 12 Freestyle restaurants; options run the gamut from a chi-chi and clubby steakhouse to a 24-hour comfort food diner, from an elegant French-inspired bistro to a fabulous Teppanyaki bar. There are 11 bars and lounges, the bowling alley, a five-level rock-climbing wall, and a contemporary kid's club. Other amenities include a swimming pool, chapel, casino, a spa and fitness center, basketball and tennis court, Full service Spa, internet lounge, library, video arcade, and a card room.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals, Victoria, British Columbia. Check-in to the hotel after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. You will be staying at Royal Scot Hotel and Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Independent departures from Los Angeles, California. Breakfast this morning will be at your leisure. Disembarkation begins at 10:00 a.m. You will be staying at Norwegian Pearl the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Valid passport 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:
Please contact the hotel directly for current parking rates. Please note it is not recommended that particiants drive to the program, as the program starts and ends in different locations.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Victoria, British Columbia
  Nearest city or town:  Victoria, BC
  Nearest highway: Island Highway
  Nearest airport:  Victoria International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Los Angeles
  Nearest airport:  Los Angeles International Airport
Travel Details
 

Vancouver to Victoria

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Coach and Ferry
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Coach approximately CAD$40.00 plus taxes; Ferry approximately CAD$15.00 plus applicable taxes
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours (subject to change) 
   

Pacific Coach Lines goes onto the ferry to Vancouver (including Vancouver International Airport YVR), then on to the main bus station. Contact PCL at 1-800-661-1725 or visit www.pacificcoach.com for up-to-date schedules and fares.
 

Victoria

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $21 + tax (Subject to change without notice)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 - 30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

27.8 km
   

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.
 

Victoria

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $5-$6 CAD (Subject to change without notice)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

Walking distance to 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

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately CAD$5
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

Five minutes by taxi or within walking distance from the hotel.
   

Taxi available from the hotel to the Bus Terminal. Hotel staff will be happy to arrange a taxi for you.
 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
SuperShuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Prices starting at $29 USD (Subject to change without notice)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

SuperShuttle provides shuttle service between the cruise ship terminal and LAX. From the disembark lobby, look for the transportation podium on the outer curb located to the left of the taxi stand. Look for the SuperShuttle guest service representative and advise him or her that you have a reservation. You may call (800) BLUE VAN (258-3826) to make a reservation or for assistance.
 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $60 to LAX (Subject to change without notice)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

25 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

Taxis are available inside the cruise ship terminal.
 
Driving Directions
  From Anacortes 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 35 minutes. Follow into the city where Hwy 17 becomes Blanshard Street. Keep going straight through town. Highway 17 becomes Blanchard Street and takes you to the Inner Harbour (Belleville Street). Pass the Legislative Buildings, turn left on Menzies Street and then right on Quebec Street. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites will be on your left.
  From Seattle, Washington USA Board the Victoria Clipper (walk on only) at Seattle and disembark at the Inner Harbour Victoria, BC. Take a taxi to the hotel. (www.victoriaclipper.com)
  From Vancouver by Ferry BC Ferries operates daily, year-round ferry service between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. Contact: 1-888-BCFERRY or www.bcferries.com Upon arriving in Swartz Bay you will automatically by on Highway 17. The highway will eventually become Blanchard Street and takes you to the Inner Harbour (Belleville Street). Pass the Legislative Buildings, turn left on Menzies Street and then right on Quebec Street. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites will be on your left.
  From Victoria Airport Following the Airport Road to Highway 17, turn right and follow the signs to downtown Victoria. Highway 17 becomes Blanchard Street and takes you to the Inner Harbour (Belleville Street). Pass the Legislative Buildings, turn left on Menzies Street and then right on Quebec Street. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites will be on your left.
  From the Port Angeles Ferry From Port Angeles MV Coho Ferry - cars and passengers. The ferry docks in Victoria's Inner Harbour are on Belleville Street. Travel up one block to Quebec Street and turn left. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites will be on your right.
  Schwartz Bay Ferry Terminal Leaving Swartz Bay, you will automatically by on Highway 17. The highway will eventually become Blanchard Street and takes you to the Inner Harbour (Belleville Street). Pass the Legislative Buildings, turn left on Menzies Street and then right on Quebec Street. The Royal Scot Hotel & Suites will be on your left.
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: Registration/Welcome
(Wednesday, September 25)
   
 Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 4:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Victoria's Inner Harbour/The Fairmont Empress/Butchart Gardens
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 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. During a visit to the Empress Hotel, learn of its history and famous past guests. Following our guided walk, we depart for the renowned Butchart Gardens to see all the lovely plants and flowers in full bloom.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Butchart Gardens at one of the coffee shops or restaurants at your leisure while at the gardens.
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: After lunch, enjoy a memorable excursion at 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 a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Royal Scot Hotel and Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Royal BC Museum/Ferry to Vancouver
(Friday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Visit 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 a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Transfer by coach and ferry from Victoria to Vancouver (1 1/2 hours). Arrive to Vancouver and check into hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Museum of Anthropology/Historic Chinatown Walk
(Saturday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: 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: Enjoy a traditional Dim Sum lunch in the heart of Chinatown.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After lunch, an expert on Asian history and culture will be our guide during an exploration of Chinatown and its brightly colored facades, street markets, and the buzz of modern-day Cantonese commerce. Built by Chinese people to authentically reflect their culture and traditions it is still predominantly populated by Chinese people. (Unlike San Francisco's Chinatown which was built by their Chamber of Commerce to attract tourists.) Discover Chinatown's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and incredible food markets while exploring the colorful streets and alleys. Indulge in steamed rice cakes and warm apple tarts from a traditional bakery. Learn about the Millennium Gate, a four-pillar, three-story high, brightly painted arch spanning Pender Street which was erected in 2002 to mark the millennium and commemorate the Chinese community's role in Vancouver's history.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: Best Western Sands by the Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Exploration of English Bay and Stanley Park/Embarkation
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: A local guide will lead a walking exploration of Stanley Park and the English Bay area. 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 urban park is a cool, lush, evergreen oasis situated on a peninsula in the heart of the city. Today, Stanley Park is recognized as one of the great parks of the world, offering a backdrop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees. The Stanley Park Seawall rings the peninsula of Stanley Park for a distance of 5.5 miles (8.85 km). It was designed in the early 1920s as a precaution to prevent erosion. It took nearly six decades to complete the entire seawall, and today it is the most popular spot in Vancouver, used by residents and visitors alike.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Depart for the ship. Arrive at Canada Place Pier and board the Norwegian Pearl. Use any free time this afternoon to explore the ship and all of its wonderful amenities.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Free evening to enjoy ship board entertainment.
 In Transit: Ship departs for Astoria, OR at 4:00 p.m.
   
Accommodations: Norwegian Pearl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Astoria Column/Columbia River Maritime Museum/Fort Clatsop National Monument
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Arrive To: Ship arrives at Astoria, OR at 9:00 a.m.
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: This moring, we arrive in Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. EXCURSION: At the Astoria Column which stands on the highest hill, climb the 160 steps for spectacular views overlooking the town of Astoria and the Columbia River estuary. FIELD TRIP: Explore the Columbia River Maritime Museum which chronicles the history of river navigation and of Astoria, the epicenter of the fur trading empire in the early 1800's. The Columbia River, the second-largest river in the United States, was the object of centuries of exploration in the Northwest, and, since its discovery in 1792, it has been essential to the region.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Bridgewater Bistro. Casual fine dining in the style of Pacific Northwest Cuisine at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria, Oregon.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit Fort Clatsop National Memorial and experience the full-scale reconstructed fort where Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery hunkered down from December 1805 to March 1806. This boldly designed museum, built to resemble waves on the ocean, tells the story of the Columbia River's maritime history. The Coast Guard, fishing, navigation, and naval history are also subjects of museum exhibits. Docked beside the museum and open to visitors is the lightship Columbia, the last seagoing lighthouse ship to serve on the West Coast. Return to the dock to re-board the ship.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Free evening to enjoy the many amenities of the Norwegian Pearl.
 In Transit: Ship sets sail for San Francisco, CA at 6:00 p.m.
   
Accommodations: Norwegian Pearl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: At sea.
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: This first presentation aboard ship will provide a thorough introduction to the upcoming coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest that will be explored on this program. Your study leader will highlight the diverse learning experiences that you will encounter at each port and city.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: History of the Pacific Coast in North America. What drew people from across the world to settle along the Pacific Coast? Hear a brief introduction to the First Nations people of the Coast, the arrival of the Europeans, then, immigration from around the world.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Free evening to relax and participate in shipboard activities.
 In Transit: Ship continues its journey down the coast to San Francisco, CA.
   
Accommodations: Norwegian Pearl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: History of San Francisco/San Francisco by Coach/Chinatown
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Arrive To: Ship arrives at San Francisco, CA at 8:00 a.m.
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: PRESENTATION & FIELD TRIP: Disembark in San Francisco and board your privately chartered motor coach for an exclusive presentation on the colorful history of San Francisco, while driving through its distinct neighborhoods. See the Franciscan Mission build by the Spaniards and learn how the city was founded. Travel the historic streets of the Barbary Coast and learn about the riotous days of the 49'ers Gold Rush. Drive along streets lined with beautiful Victorian architecture, to the highest point in the city with panoramic views. Experience the culturally significant Haight Ashbury neighborhood and enter Golden Gate Park, a thousand acre jewel in the middle of the city. Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to marvel at its elegance and engineering. Then travel by coach to Chinatown, the largest of its kind outside of Asia.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lovely Chinese lunch at a colourful local eatery.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Leave the coach behind and explore the bustling fish and vegetable markets, tea and herb shops of Chinatown on foot with expert guides. EXCURSION: There is free time in Fisherman's Wharf to explore on your own before you coach returns you to the ship in time to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and continue your cruise.
 Dinner: Dinner on board.
 Evening: Free evening to relax on board or enjoy the entertainment options offered on the Norweigian Pearl.
 In Transit: Ship sets sail for Los Angeles at 6:00 p.m.
   
Accommodations: Norwegian Pearl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: At sea.
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: New Lands along the Old Coast: Building the Pacific Northwest. As Pangaea ruptured during the birth of the Atlantic Ocean about 200 million years ago, the North American plate began drifting westward. Since that date, the western edge of the continent has grown westward as a succession of volcanic island chains and assorted ocean-floor rocks have been added along the continental margin. Examine the series of events in last 200 million years that evolved after the break up of Pangaea.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Documentary Film: Salmon Without Rivers, fisheries biologist Jim Lichatowich will offer an eye-opening look at the roots and evolution of the salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest. Hear about the evolutionary history of the salmon along with the geologic history of the Pacific Northwest over the past 40 million years - including the indigenous cultures of the region, and the emergence of salmon-based economies that survived for thousands of years. Examine the rapid transformation of the region following the arrival of European up and the history of efforts to protect and restore the salmon.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner on board.
 In Transit: Ship continues its journey down the coast to Los Angeles, CA.
   
Accommodations: Norwegian Pearl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Arrival in Los Angeles/Independent Departures
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Arrive To: Ship arrives at Los Angeles, CA at 8:00 am.
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board this morning will be at your leisure.
 Morning: Independent departures in Los Angeles, California. Disembarkation begins around 10:00 a.m.
   
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


A Traveller's History of Canada


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: HISTORY 2010 PAPERBACK 220 PAGES A readable and admirably concise march through Canadian history from prehistory to today, including a time line.



Eyewitness Top Ten Vancouver & Victoria


Author: Eyewitness Guides


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



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


Author: Terry Glavin, Carl Safina


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.



Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest


Author: Katharine Berry Judson


Description: LITERATURE 1997 PAPERBACK 204 PAGES Presented here with 52 photographs, these traditional stories, first collected in 1910, reveal myths and traditions of creation, alongside noted geographical features of the territory.



Vancouver & Victoria Colourguide


Author: Candace Brissenden


Description: GUIDEBOOK 2008 PAPERBACK 224 PAGES The third edition of this compact, illustrated guide, revised and updated, by a local expert with over 300 color photographs.



Moon Handbook British Columbia including the Canadian Rockies


Author: Andrew Hempstead and Jane King


Description: GUIDEBOOK 2008 PAPERBACK 480 PAGES 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 West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia


Author: Jean Barman


Description: HISTORY 2007 PAPERBACK 450 PAGES A fascinating history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. The author weaves portraits of major personalities and events into a readable overview of the cultural and social influences that have shaped the region.



Fodor's Vancouver and Victoria


Author: Fodor's


Description: GUIDEBOOK 2011 PAPERBACK 336 PAGES A practical guide in the popular series, saturated with valuable information on accommodation, shopping, sights, and dining.





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