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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.
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Signature CitiesSmall GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
7 days
Rating (4.82)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,149

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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. Read More.
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
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 pm.
Afternoon:
Program registration begins at 4:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
Enjoy a welcome dinner at 6:00 pm 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. 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.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking approximately a mile (1.6 km) 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 restaurant.
Afternoon:
Explore by motorcoach some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods, including Gastown, and Chinatown.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach, walking approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on pavement, boardwalks, standing for short periods during the field trip. Driving for approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will board our motorcoach for our morning activities.We will enjoy a historical guided exploration at Britannia Shipyard in the quaint fishing community of Steveston. Here we will learn about the multi-generational 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. Take this opportunity for 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. You might like to continue exploring the Market, visit one of the many museums and attractions in the city, or just relax.
Dinner:
on own
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) for 1.5 hours. Getting on and off a motorcoach and ferry, some periods of standing, and climbing stairs with railings. The ferry 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:
Transfer to the ferry terminal from the hotel and cross to Vancouver Island. Cruise 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. Choose from a variety of hot and cold options.
Afternoon:
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. 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 the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we will learn from a naturalist about life underwater and the thousands of species who call the Salish Sea "home".
Activity Note
Walking approximately a mile (1.6 km) on pavement, standing for extended periods of time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will board a luxury catamaran for Salish Sea Adventure. Learn about the 3,000 + species, including whales, seals and several species of migratory birds, that call this body of water home.
Lunch:
On 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:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Activity Note
Walking at Butchart Gardens at your own pace on paved pathways; standing for extended periods of time. Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving approximately 1.5 hours with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, 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, embark on an exploration by coach 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:
Afternoon Tea at Butchart Gardens
Afternoon:
Explore the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site with 55 acres of floral displays and expansive lawns. Wander through the Sunken Garden, see the Ross Fountain, see the Japanese, Rose, and Italian gardens. Maps and flower guides will be provided on arrival for independent exploration.
Dinner:
A farewell dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Reminisce with your fellow Road Scholar travelers and share your favorite memories during our final evening together.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 am.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
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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