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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8 days
7 nights
17 meals
7B 5L 5D
3
Stawamus Chief Mountain, Free Time
Vancouver, British Columbia
7
Kayaking Sooke Basin
Victoria, British Columbia
8
Program Concludes
Victoria, British Columbia
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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
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

  • 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
Profile Image
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.

Profile Image of John Adams
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.
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, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Vancouver, British Columbia
D
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
Vancouver, British Columbia
B,L,D
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
Vancouver, British Columbia
B,L
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
Victoria, British Columbia
B,D
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
Victoria, British Columbia
B,L,D
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
Victoria, British Columbia
B,L
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
Victoria, British Columbia
B,L,D
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
Victoria, British Columbia
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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