British Columbia
Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria
Program No. 20578RJ
Enjoy beautiful gardens, architectural walks, visits to museums and fascinating lectures as you immerse yourself in the unique story of Vancouver and Victoria.
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
6B, 3L, 4D
)
4 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
D
Stay:
Blue Horizon Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 pm. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
4:00 p.m.: After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Vancouver Introduction, Mus. of Vancouver, City Exploration,
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Blue Horizon Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 1 mile at a moderate pace; some periods of extended standing.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for a lecture focusing on the history and evolution of Vancouver into a modern and progressive city. We’ll visit the Museum of Vancouver and deepen our understanding of the city and its relationship with the First Nations Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Learn about local First Nations history and culture in a lecture specially developed by the museum’s staff for Road Scholar. An expert from the museum’s educational department will lead us on an examination of the exhibition. There will be time to explore the museum independently.
Lunch:
At a local Indigenous owned and operated restaurant.
Afternoon:
By motorcoach with a local expert, we will explore some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods, including Gastown and Chinatown.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Steveston Shipworks, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Free Time
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Blue Horizon Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 30 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking about 1.5 miles on pavement, boardwalks, standing for short periods during the field trip. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach for our morning activities. We will enjoy a historical expert-led exploration at Britannia Shipyard in the quaint fishing community of Steveston. Here we will learn about the multigenerational saga of the Murakami family. Next, we will explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery with a museum expert and learn about the fish species that once populated the waters of the Georgia Strait and about the people that once congregated here to process their catch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to continue exploring the Market, visit one of the many museums and attractions in the city, or just relax.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
4
Ferry to Victoria, Introduction, Inner Harbour Exploration
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Grand Pacific
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Some periods of standing and climbing stairs with railings. Getting on/off a motorcoach and ferry; the crossing to Victoria is 24 nautical miles and takes approximately 1.5 hours; participants will be responsible for boarding and disembarking the ferry with their luggage.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll transfer by motorcoach to the ferry terminal from the hotel and cross to Vancouver Island. Cruising through the Strait of Georgia by ferry, enjoy the fresh air on deck and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for whales and eagles which sometime can be seen en route.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry at your own expense. Choose from a variety of hot and cold options.
Afternoon:
We will learn about the historic city of Victoria aboard a motorcoach with a local historian who will explain the social economic forces which shaped the city and gave it a sense of British charm. We’ll explore Victoria’s Old Town and Inner Harbour on foot and see the British Columbia Parliament buildings as well as the historic Empress hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, we will learn from a naturalist about life underwater and the thousands of species who call the Salish Sea "home".
Day
5
Ocean Exploration, Free Time
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Grand Pacific
Activity Note
Walking about 1 mile on pavement; standing for extended periods of time. Getting on/off a catamaran; riding approximately 3 hours depending on sightings. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following a walk to the dock, we will board a luxury catamaran for an adventure on the Salish Sea. We’ll learn from marine educators, about the more than 3,000 species, including whales, seals and several species of migratory birds, that call this body of water home. Back on land, we will adjourn for the day.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. Independently explore historic Government Street, or wander Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle or Fisherman’s Wharf.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Victoria's Diversity, City Exploration, Butchart Gardens
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Grand Pacific
Activity Note
Walking at Butchart Gardens at your own pace on paved pathways; standing for extended periods of time. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 20 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a presentation from a local historian on Victoria’s diversity. Home to Indigenous peoples for millennia, Victoria witnessed an influx of newcomers that began in 1843 and continued through the eras of the fur trade, gold rushes, railway construction and development of the city as BC’s capital and industrial hub. Next, we’ll embark on an exploration by motorcoach of Victoria’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, including the Government House, Mile Zero, Beacon Hill Park, Oak Bay, the University of Victoria, Mount Tolmie and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Lunch:
We will continue to the scenic Butchart Gardens for afternoon tea before embarking on our next field trip.
Afternoon:
We’ll explore the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site with 55 acres of floral displays and expansive lawns. Wander through the Sunken Garden and see the Ross Fountain, as well as the Japanese, Rose, and Italian gardens. Maps and flower guides will be provided on arrival for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 am.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.