British Columbia
Vancouver & Victoria: Hike, Bike, Paddle and Explore Canada's Pacific Northwest
Program No. 21437RJ
Explore the Pacific Northwest by kayak, bicycle and hiking trail as you learn about mountain geology, Native cultures, Victorian-era sites and off-the-beaten path landmarks.
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800-454-5768
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8 days
7 nights
17 meals
7B 5L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Vancouver, British Columbia
2
Introduction to Vancouver, Gastown, Granville Island
Vancouver, British Columbia
3
Stawamus Chief Mountain, Free Time
Vancouver, British Columbia
4
Vancouver Mural Festival,Ferry to Victoria, Butchart Gardens
Victoria, British Columbia
5
Introduction to Victoria, Cycling Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
6
History of First Nations, Royal BC Museum
Victoria, British Columbia
7
Kayaking Sooke Basin
Victoria, British Columbia
8
Program Concludes
Victoria, British Columbia
At a Glance
Experience British Columbia’s iconic and hidden treasures in one great multi-activity adventure that ventures off-the-beaten path — discovering the best of Vancouver and Victoria, as ocean and mountain vistas follow you wherever you go. In Vancouver, take in stunning views of Howe Sound from Stawamus Chief hiking trails and wander the streets of historical Granville Island with its markets, restaurants and local artisans. Then, explore Victoria’s waterways, parks and gardens by bike, kayak and foot.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walk 3–5 miles with interpretive stops. Bike 12 miles over three hours on paved paths/trails. Kayak on calm, protected water, no experience required.
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.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover Vancouver on expert-led walks delving into the city’s distinctive architecture and vibrant murals.
- Learn about the First Nations people at the Royal British Columbia Museum and meander through the colorful Butchart Gardens.
- Explore Victoria’s historic Inner Harbour along with some of its treasured landmarks and seaside communities, by bike.
General Notes
You may enjoy our easier paced Signature City program, "Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria" (#20578) or our garden-focused program, "Victoria and Vancouver: Glorious West Coast Gardens" (#2679).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
John Atkin
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.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
John Adams
View biography
John Adams is the author of “Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas.” Part historian and part storyteller, John has turned a passion for the past into a long career in history. His family-owned business, Discover the Past, provides a variety of historical educational programs for the community. His natural, lively, humorous and clear style makes his presentations both informative and memorable.
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.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
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.
Vancouver & Victoria: Hike, Bike, Paddle and Explore Canada's Pacific Northwest
Program Number: 21437
The Raven Steals the Light
A classic collection of 10 Haida myths and legends with accompanying black and white etchings by Vancouver artist Bill Reid. These stories capture the storytelling traditions of the Haida.
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest
A world-leading expert shares her amazing story of discovering the communication that exists between trees, and shares her own story of family and grief. Suzanne Simard brings us into her world, the intimate world of the trees, in which she brilliantly illuminates the fascinating and vital truths—that trees are not simply the source of timber or pulp but are a complicated, interdependent circle of life; that forests are social, cooperative creatures connected through underground networks by which trees communicate their vitality and vulnerabilities with communal lives not that different from our own.
The Island Within
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.
The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia
PAPER, 834 PAGES, $32.95
A general history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. (Item no. CND116)
Klee Wyck
Originally published in 1941 this is the memoir of Canadian artist Emily Carr. Through short sketches, the artist tells of her experiences among First Nations people and cultures on British Columbia's west coast. The book won the 1941 Governor General's Award and occupies an important place in Canadian literature.
Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last Great Trees
Big Lonely Doug weaves the ecology of old-growth forests, the legend of the West Coast’s big trees, the turbulence of the logging industry, the fight for preservation, the contention surrounding ecotourism, First Nations land and resource rights, and the fraught future of these ancient forests around the story of a logger who saved one of Canada's last great trees.
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
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
17 meals (
7B, 5L, 5D
)
2 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
D
Stay:
Coast Coal Harbour
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the 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. 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
Introduction to Vancouver, Gastown, Granville Island
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Coast Coal Harbour
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 5 miles, approximately 20 minutes riding time. Walking up to 4 miles on mostly flat pavement.
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. Next, we’ll join our local expert on a walking field trip to explore the history, architecture, public art, and contemporary processes that make up Vancouver. The city's dramatic development will be revealed through a series of curated sites and stories.
Lunch:
We’ll taste the local cuisine at a popular Gastown restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will join an expert for a historical exploration of Granville Island. Explore the public market which welcomes local and globally influenced artisans, farmers, and food purveyors.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Stawamus Chief Mountain, Free Time
Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Coast Coal Harbour
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 75 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Getting on/off a gondola; elevation change of 1,968 ft. Hiking 2-3 miles, 3 hours; slight elevation change; groomed trails. Walking and other free time activities in the afternoon according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll board our motorcoach and travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish, a railway and First Nations community at the northern tip of Howe Sound. Here we will ride a gondola to the top of Stawamus Chief mountain. We will hike the trails with a local expert, learning about the regions towering old-growth trees in the coastal rainforest and taking in the panoramic vistas of Howe Sound at various lookout points.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a trailside boxed lunch in Squamish. Following lunch we will board our motorcoach and head back to Vancouver.
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. Explore Granville Island or take the False Creek boats to the mainland and enjoy some of the many sites and attractions of Vancouver. Choose from an array of outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, canoeing, and zip-lining. Tackle the Grouse Grind or explore the Museum of Anthropology, the Vancouver Art Gallery, or Robson Street. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the many dining options in the city, or join your group leader at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out in the morning and transfer to Victoria in the afternoon.
Day
4
Vancouver Mural Festival,Ferry to Victoria, Butchart Gardens
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Activity Note
The ferry crossing to Victoria is 24 nautical miles, approximately 1.5 hours; participants will be responsible for boarding and disembarking the ferry with their luggage. 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, 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. Next, we will board a ferry and enjoy the view and salty sea air as we make our way to Vancouver Island
Lunch:
On your own on the ferry
Afternoon:
En route to Victoria, we will make a stop at Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site, featuring 55 acres of floral displays. The gardens include meandering paths, rose-laden arches, serene Japanese Gardens, and more. Maps and flower guides will be provided on arrival for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Introduction to Victoria, Cycling Victoria
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Activity Note
Biking at a leisurely pace on paved streets for 12 miles throughout the day with multiple stops. Hybrid bikes and helmets included.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning’s lecture will present an overview of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Learn about the social economic and colonial influences which shaped this city. Then, we will head out to explore Greater Victoria and seaside communities on comfortable hybrid bikes, led by a local expert. We’ll begin at Inner Harbour before traveling along the spectacular Victoria waterfront into the gorgeous Oak Bay neighborhoods.
Lunch:
Enjoy a boxed lunch along the trail.
Afternoon:
The cycling journey continues through Greater Victoria and includes Beacon Hill Park, Emily Carr House, Craigdorrach Castle, Government House and many serene seascapes.
Dinner:
At a nearby restaurant.
Evening:
The evening may be enjoyed at your leisure.
Day
6
History of First Nations, Royal BC Museum
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Activity Note
Walking up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) for 1.5 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning,we will take a short walk to experience 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:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon in Victoria. Free afternoon to explore some of Victoria’s many attractions and activities, including kayaking in the inner harbour, High Tea at the Empress, or an exhilarating whale watching expedition in the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the many dining options: – taking a water taxi to Spinnakers Bistro for locally inspire cuisine and artisanal beer, High Tea or dinner at the historic Empress Hotel.
Day
7
Kayaking Sooke Basin
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Royal Scot Hotel & Suites
Activity Note
Kayaking up to 3 miles on the calm waters of the protected Sooke Basin. All equipment provided. Hiking up to 4 miles on mostly groomed trails. Some hills, rocks and roots.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will spend the morning on the water, kayaking to Basin Whiffin Spit, where the Sooke Basin empties into the open ocean. With a guide, we will paddle past Sooke Harbour and explore the unique ecosystem of the tidal flats.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we explore East Sooke Regional Park with our local expert hiking along the windswept bluffs, over hilltops and through rainforest.
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
8
Program Concludes
Location:
Victoria, British Columbia
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
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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MEALS
17 Meals
7 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
- Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
- Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025 (Vancouver, British Columbia to Victoria, British Columbia)
Participant Reviews
Based on 5 Reviews
Sort By:
Ali and Pete shared Vancouver's history and beauty during our walking tours. I really like Ali's perspective as a city planner. Both chronologically unpacked how the architecture or street art evolved over time. A+++
Coast Coal Hotel hotel was lovely, but breakfasts were neither varied nor appealing. Their food has room for improvement.
The Sea to Sky gondola and hiking above clouds was a highlight! It was nice to mix an "outdoorsy" adventure with the urban walking. Bus rides throughout this trip were not too long and the coaches were very nice.
Granville Island was disappointing, perhaps overhyped. Our guide Liesl shared her personal experiences on the island (where she shopped or performed theater) but not much else. The BIGGEST faux pas was scheduling Granville Island after a big meal! It would have been much better to arrive hungry and take advantage of the many food options and outdoor tables with a view of Vancouver.
The ferry was fun. Our leader Greg smartly suggested that we grab lunch to-go and eat it while in transit. Timing worked out well to stop at Butchart Gardens before heading into Victoria. A delightful day!
Scotsman Inn was kind of old and stuffy, but the location was good for spending free time in the Inner Harbor. Whoever switched the kayaking portion of this RS trip out to Sooke's calm harbor was GENIUS! Our group of 16 split up to alternate kayaking and hiking. We reunited for lunch and to switch activities midday. Smaller group size made both activities more interactive. The Sooke outfitter was amazing!
Chris, who led the biking tour and Sooke hike, is an animated storyteller. I highly recommend that RS continue to contract him for those segments. There was no need for an hour lecture before biking; we wanted to hit the road! Active parts of the trip were better for our demographic.
Lastly, this was Greg Holmes' first time as a RS leader. He is a kind and knowledgeable ambassador for Canada. RS should keep up the affiliation.
— Review left July 1, 2023
What a great group of people with similar interests! That made this adventure even more enjoyable.
— Review left June 26, 2023
Our trip to Vancouver and Victoria, BC, was our first experience with Road Scholar, and we are now grateful that they exist! This is how I will do any future big travel.
— Review left June 26, 2023
This was my 20th Road Scholar trip and was well done with a terrific group leader. The activities were really fun with beautiful scenery, but I don't think this trip was as active as my other trips with this assigned activity level. The bike ride was only 10 miles (about 2 hours) the kayaking was for about 2 hours. Would have enjoyed more time doing both.
— Review left October 26, 2019
I would like to commend our guide, Sara Mitchell. She was most professional in attending to our needs, leaving no details unmet.
Her information regarding the areas we traveled was most comprehensive. This included historical data, where to eat, what points of interest are available to visit and numerous tidbits of local folklore.
The program was well planned with enough free time to explore individually. The hotel accommodations were ideally suited to places of interest. The restaurants and meal selections were most lovely.
I am pleased to have chosen this adventuresome trip
— Review left July 11, 2019
