Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Arrive to bustling Vancouver and transfer to the hotel. Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Come meet our group leader in the lobby and get your welcome packet. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in and the front desk will be happy to help you.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner

Evening: We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer.

Activity note: Getting on/off a coach. Walking approximately 1 mile, moderate pace; some standing at museum.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on Vancouver’s history and culture and how it has evolved into a modern, progressive city. Examine the historical precedents and urban planning that have enabled this city — situated in an exceptional natural environment — to achieve its status as one of the most “livable” cities in the world. We’ll then depart on a field trip by coach through Vancouver’s downtown core en route to the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. See some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods with commentary about points of interest along the way.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Anthropology, with one of the world's outstanding collections of Pacific Northwest Aboriginal artifacts, and get a glimpse into the remarkable lives of the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of British Columbia. On a self-guided exploration, see massive totem poles, carved boxes, bowls and feast dishes displayed in the Great Hall, and smaller but equally magnificent pieces in gold, silver, argillite, wood, ceramic, and other materials are exhibited in the galleries. Canada's largest teaching museum is located in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. Its collections, exhibitions, and programs are renowned for providing insight into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world. Next, take a short walk to the beautiful Nitobe Memorial Garden, part of the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden for walking field trip led by a local expert. This traditional, Japanese-styled oasis of serenity is considered one of the top five Japanese gardens outside Japan. It honors Nitobe Inazo (1862-1933), a noted agriculturalist, author, educator, and diplomat who wrote an internationally acclaimed book, “Bishido: The Soul of Japan.” Every element of the garden is designed to reflect harmony and an idealized conception of nature.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles, relatively flat terrain, some rocks, exposed roots.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: A member of the Stanley Park Ecology Society will provide a presentation on the natural history of the park, talking about the local flora and fauna. Then, follow our expert on a walking exploration of Stanley Park, a breathtaking space that remains unspoiled and a testimony to the giant trees which occupied the site of Vancouver in its former days. With the ocean and mountain vista as a backdrop, learn about this unique park and its temperate rainforest ecosystem. Its natural west coast atmosphere offers a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees which transports visitors to an environment rich in tranquility. World famous landmarks in the park will also be discussed including Lost Lagoon, totem poles, various monuments and sculptures, and the 5.5 mile seawall which encircles the entire park.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: After lunch we will board the coach, stopping at several points of interest in Stanley Park and then transferring to Queen Elizabeth Park. Stop at Queen Elizabeth Park for a short walk. The park has nearly 129 acres (52 hectares) of greenspace including a quarry garden, an arboretum with exotic and native trees, and sculptures. Visit the Bloedel Conservatory, a slice of the tropics in the heart of Vancouver.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking up to 2 miles during the day on paved paths and groomed trails, standing for short periods during field trip; a few stairs with railings.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: In Granville Island, we’ll be joined by an expert from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) for a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island and the Public Market, known for its eclectic mix of artisanal food shops, studios, fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, galleries, an exceptional fresh food market. In this bustling public marketplace, savor samples of the market's many globally influenced and locally impassioned artisans, farmers. and food purveyors, and taste what's been grown, fished, and cooked fresh Along the way, learn what makes the island both a sensory and historic delight.

Lunch: At the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts restaurant, we’ll enjoy cuisine prepared by talented students. The menu, featuring locally sourced foods, changes with the seasons.

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 return to the hotel and 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: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles during the day on paved sidewalks, paths; standing for short periods during field trip; a few stairs with railings.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Embark on a motorcoach field trip through Gastown with a stop at the Steam Clock, learning about this district's history. Then explore Chinatown by coach amid its brightly colored façades, street markets, and the buzz of modern-day commerce. Built by Chinese people to reflect their authentic culture and traditions, it is still predominantly populated by Chinese people. Learn about Chinatown's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and incredible food markets as we ride along colorful streets. Highlights include the Millennium Gate, a four-pillar, three-story high, brightly painted arch spanning Pender Street, erected in 2002 to mark the millennium and commemorate the Chinese community's role in Vancouver's history. Stop at a bakery for a Chinese apple tart and also stop at the Steam Clock in Gastown. Our next field trip is to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden, named for the man considered the father of modern China. It was the first of its kind outside China, an authentic representation of an age old garden tradition that reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Garden is characteristic of the private spaces within a Ming scholar's residence. With its asymmetrical arrangement of rocks and plants, winding paths and corridors, and vistas that overlook its courtyards, the Garden emulates the rhythms of nature.

Lunch: Lunch on own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery for a self-directed exploration of its beautiful works. The gallery has a permanent collection of more than 11,000 works of art including many by artists of the region. Among them are the largest group of paintings and works on paper by Emily Carr (1871-1945), one of the region’s most renowned artists, whose modernist style developed throughout her life. She is best known for themes on First Nations cultures, totems, and landscapes including rainforests. Other highlights of the Gallery include indigenous art, photography and conceptual art, and contemporary art from Asia.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and a wrap-up session after dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Hotel check out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. This concludes our program

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!