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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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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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.
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
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
(13 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
Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form
An in-depth analysis of the form, shape and texture of the art of the Northwest Coast Indians by an artist, teacher and expert in the field, illustrated throughout.
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, with emphasis on the relationship between people and the land.
Bachelor Brothers' Bed and Breakfast
Lake Woebegone goes British Columbian in this humorous slip of a novel about an unconventional Vancouver B&B, which features twin bookworm brothers, a talking parrot and a motley crew of hotel guests.
The West Beyond the West, A History of British Columbia
A fascinating history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. The author weaves portraits of major personalities and events into a readable overview of the cultural and social influences that have shaped the region.
The Last Great Sea, A Voyage Through the Human and Natural History of the North Pacific Ocean
A wide-ranging conservation history of British Columbia and the North Pacific Ocean. Glavin lives in the Gulf Islands, where he writes frequently about fisheries and environmental issues facing the region.
Eyewitness Top Ten Vancouver & Victoria
A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Vancouver and Victoria.
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.
Must-See Birds of the Pacific Northwest
A practical, "blissfully unscientific" guide to the feathered friends of the Pacific Northwest. The 85 birds common to Oregon and Washington are profiled with color photographs and explanatory text that tells readers where to see and how to find each animal. Ideal for a long weekend birding trip!
Vancouver Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species
This pocket-sized reference for the bird enthusiast includes illustrations of over 120 species and a map of local birdwatching hotspots.
Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest
Presented here with 52 photographs, these traditional stories, first collected in 1910, reveal myths and traditions of creation, alongside noted geographical features of the territory.
Burrard Inlet, A History
A short history of Burrard's Inlet, the port surrounding Vancouver. The Inlet's story is one of Native Americans, developers, businessmen, environmentalists and other influential figures in the rise of the Greater Vancouver area.
Grass Beyond the Mountains, Discovering the Last Great Cattle Frontier on the North American Continent
Hobson's classic memoir of his cross-country trek and pioneering days as a rancher in British Columbia's undiscovered remote north.
Vancouver Then and Now
This installment in the Then and Now series takes stock of Vancouver’s evolution by placing antique photographs side-by-side with contemporary ones. It peels back the years so that readers can see city fixtures as they once were.