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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At a Glance

Embark on an exploration of Vancouver and Victoria to learn about these world-class cities with British, European and Asian traditions. Discover the planning that has made Vancouver one of the world’s most livable cities and explore its fascinating neighborhoods, including Gastown and Chinatown. In Victoria, meet with a local expert and explore historic landmarks including Old Town, the Inner Harbor, the British Columbia legislature and the grand Empress Hotel.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile a day over varied terrain; climbing a few flights of stairs.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Granville Island with a local expert.
  • Admire the beauty of nature while on a self-led exploration at Butchart Gardens
  • Enjoy an expert-led whale watching cruise to learn about the ecosystem of the Salish Sea.
  • Get a first-hand look at the city’s Victorian architecture and see the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the historic Empress Hotel.

General Notes

You may enjoy our garden-focused program, "Victoria and Vancouver: Glorious West Coast Gardens" (#2679).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Phil Foster
A lover of math and physics, Phil graduated from Exeter University in England with a teaching degree. His long career in education has spanned three continents; he spent time in small communities and cities throughout England, Australia and Canada teaching and learning about each country’s unique culture. Truly passionate about spreading knowledge to others and about travelling, Phil loves nothing more than taking people on educational walks through historic Victoria, showing them what makes his home special.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Phil Foster
Phil Foster View biography
A lover of math and physics, Phil graduated from Exeter University in England with a teaching degree. His long career in education has spanned three continents; he spent time in small communities and cities throughout England, Australia and Canada teaching and learning about each country’s unique culture. Truly passionate about spreading knowledge to others and about travelling, Phil loves nothing more than taking people on educational walks through historic Victoria, showing them what makes his home special.
Profile Image of John Atkin
John Atkin View biography
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 is 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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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.
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8 days
7 nights
17 meals
7 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Vancouver, British Columbia
D
Coast Coal Harbour

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.

DAY
2
Vancouver Introduction, City Exploration, Mus. of Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
B,L,D
Coast Coal Harbour

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 Indigenous owned and operated 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.

DAY
3
Vancouver Mural Festival, Steveston Shipworks and Cannery
Vancouver, British Columbia
B,L,D
Coast Coal Harbour

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 join a local expert who will take us through the alleys and backstreets of the Vancouver Mural Festival. These stunning murals will tell the story of neighborhood changes, colonialism, immigration, gentrification, de-industrialization and the rise of the tech economy in Vancouver. Admire the many Indigenous artists, especially from the local Musqueum, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: 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. Next, we will enjoy a historical guided tour at Britannia Shipyard in the quaint fishing community of Steveston. Here we will learn about the multi-generational saga of the Murakami family.

Dinner: At a seaside restaurant in Steveston Village.

Evening: Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

DAY
4
Granville Island Public Market, Free Time
Vancouver, British Columbia
B,L
Coast Coal Harbour

Activity note: Getting on and off the bus, walking approximately a mile (1.6 km), standing for extended periods during the 2-hour market exploration.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Join an expert for a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island. Explore the public market which welcomes local and globally influenced artisans, farmers, and food purveyors.

Lunch: Enjoy locally sourced and seasonal cuisine at the market

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: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

DAY
5
Ferry to Victoria, Introduction, Inner Harbour Exploration
Victoria, British Columbia
B,D
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

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 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
6
Ocean Exploration, Free Afternoon
Victoria, British Columbia
B,L
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

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: At a local restaurant

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.

DAY
7
Victoria's Diversity, Coach Exploration, Butchart Gardens
Victoria, British Columbia
B,L,D
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites

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.

DAY
8
Program Concludes, Departure
Victoria, British Columbia
B

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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