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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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Multi-SportSmall GroupCity DiscoveriesMulti-City Discoveries
Length
8 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,399

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Protecting the Environment

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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
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
16 meals ( 7B, 4L, 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
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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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 5 miles, approximately 20 minutes riding time. Walking 4-5 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:
On own.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will walk through Stanley Park with your Group Leader. Stanley Park is known for its natural West Coast rainforest, scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along the Park's famous Seawall. Many trails to choose from, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. This is an experience you will never forget.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
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. 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.
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. Walking 3-4 miles. Driving approximately 1.5 hours with stops.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will 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 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.
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.
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 have a presentation on the First Nations with a local expert and then 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.
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:
At a local restaurant.
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.
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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