West Coast Summer Explorer
7 nights
Enjoyable for all in reasonable health.
Quality transportation and accommodation in an uncommon environment, with the chance of occasional slight discomfort. E.g. an arctic polar bear tour
Trip Overview |
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Accommodation |
This is a what a British Columbia summer is all about -- the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver and Victoria on warm sunny days; meandering through the Gulf Islands by ferry and bicycle; visits to vineyards, farmers’ markets and artists studios; a bit of whale and bear watching; and relaxing in a beautiful retreat on the Sunshine Coast... Nothing beats it!
We designed this trip based on our Vancouver team’s ‘best kept summer secrets’ - and we know it will make for one of the best vacations to Canada you’ve ever experienced.
We designed this trip based on our Vancouver team’s ‘best kept summer secrets’ - and we know it will make for one of the best vacations to Canada you’ve ever experienced.
Outline
1 night Vancouver
1 night Victoria
2 nights Salt Spring Island
1 night Campbell River
2 nights Sunshine Coast
1 night Vancouver
1 night Victoria
2 nights Salt Spring Island
1 night Campbell River
2 nights Sunshine Coast
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver
Settle into your downtown hotel and get out to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world - surrounded by mountains and ocean, with a laid-back ‘west coast’ feel - the ideal start to Canada family vacations. Enjoy a leisurely meal or a drink at an outdoor cafe; or shake off the cobwebs of your flight with a walk or cycle around Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Embrace the Charms of Victoria on Vacations to Canada
Spend the morning exploring Vancouver some more then pick up your hire-car and drive to the ferry terminal south of the city, for a leisurely ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Take a stroll around the bustling harbor, or visit one of Victoria’s fascinating museums or splendid gardens. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 3 - In Victoria/Travel to Salt Spring Island
All Canada family vacations are customizable, add one of the following activities to your trip:
• Cycling . For those who feel like stretching their legs, consider a visit to world-famous Butchart Gardens followed by a self-guided bicycle ride back to the city through gorgeous countryside, with optional stops at a local vineyard, and even an organic ginnery.
• Whale-watching. Otherwise a wonderful whale-watching cruise awaits - in search of pods of Orca Whales and other marine mammals that inhabit the area. A naturalist accompanies you to explain all about these fascinating creatures and to explain the local ecology.
Your Canada family adventure continues to Salt Spring Island.
Day 4 -Salt Spring Island Vacations
Today is free to explore the island - once a hippy haven it is now a little more up-market, yet still ‘alternative’ in its own way. You may choose to rent a bicycle or a sea-kayak, or simply drive around the island stopping when you choose to browse around an artist’s studio or to visit a farmers’ market. It’s up to you on vacations to Canada!
Day 5 - Visit Campbell River on Canada Family Vacations
Today you explore the eastern side of Vancouver Island. Leaving Salt Spring Island by ferry, you then drive a few hours north to ‘The Salmon Capital of the World’, Campbell River. There you join a wildlife cruise by Zodiac in search of black bears, stellar sea lions, minke whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, bald eagles and more... returning in time for a great seafood dinner. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 6 - The Sunshine Coast is a Must on Vacations to Canada
You are now getting to know and love BC Ferries! After breakfast you take a short drive from Campbell River and catch a ferry back across The Straight of Georgia to the small town of Powell River, then drive down the Sunshine Coast to quaint little Pender Harbor and the gorgeous new resort of Painted Boat, where you will relax and soak up the atmosphere for two nights.
Day 7 - At Painted Boat
Here’s where all your cares melt away on Canada family vacations! The Sunshine Coast is so-called because it reputedly gets more hours of sunshine than Hawaii (thought it is admittedly a little cooler). Relax by the pool and enjoy the view with a good book, luxuriate in the world-class spa, or go for a sea kayak around the local bays, or a stroll around the town’s galleries. Overnight at Painted Boat.
Day 8 - Painted Boat to Vancouver
Today, alas, your vacation ends as you journey back from Pender Harbor by car and ferry, to the airport for your flight home...
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver
Settle into your downtown hotel and get out to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world - surrounded by mountains and ocean, with a laid-back ‘west coast’ feel - the ideal start to Canada family vacations. Enjoy a leisurely meal or a drink at an outdoor cafe; or shake off the cobwebs of your flight with a walk or cycle around Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Embrace the Charms of Victoria on Vacations to Canada
Spend the morning exploring Vancouver some more then pick up your hire-car and drive to the ferry terminal south of the city, for a leisurely ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Take a stroll around the bustling harbor, or visit one of Victoria’s fascinating museums or splendid gardens. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 3 - In Victoria/Travel to Salt Spring Island
All Canada family vacations are customizable, add one of the following activities to your trip:
• Cycling . For those who feel like stretching their legs, consider a visit to world-famous Butchart Gardens followed by a self-guided bicycle ride back to the city through gorgeous countryside, with optional stops at a local vineyard, and even an organic ginnery.
• Whale-watching. Otherwise a wonderful whale-watching cruise awaits - in search of pods of Orca Whales and other marine mammals that inhabit the area. A naturalist accompanies you to explain all about these fascinating creatures and to explain the local ecology.
Your Canada family adventure continues to Salt Spring Island.
Day 4 -Salt Spring Island Vacations
Today is free to explore the island - once a hippy haven it is now a little more up-market, yet still ‘alternative’ in its own way. You may choose to rent a bicycle or a sea-kayak, or simply drive around the island stopping when you choose to browse around an artist’s studio or to visit a farmers’ market. It’s up to you on vacations to Canada!
Day 5 - Visit Campbell River on Canada Family Vacations
Today you explore the eastern side of Vancouver Island. Leaving Salt Spring Island by ferry, you then drive a few hours north to ‘The Salmon Capital of the World’, Campbell River. There you join a wildlife cruise by Zodiac in search of black bears, stellar sea lions, minke whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, bald eagles and more... returning in time for a great seafood dinner. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 6 - The Sunshine Coast is a Must on Vacations to Canada
You are now getting to know and love BC Ferries! After breakfast you take a short drive from Campbell River and catch a ferry back across The Straight of Georgia to the small town of Powell River, then drive down the Sunshine Coast to quaint little Pender Harbor and the gorgeous new resort of Painted Boat, where you will relax and soak up the atmosphere for two nights.
Day 7 - At Painted Boat
Here’s where all your cares melt away on Canada family vacations! The Sunshine Coast is so-called because it reputedly gets more hours of sunshine than Hawaii (thought it is admittedly a little cooler). Relax by the pool and enjoy the view with a good book, luxuriate in the world-class spa, or go for a sea kayak around the local bays, or a stroll around the town’s galleries. Overnight at Painted Boat.
Day 8 - Painted Boat to Vancouver
Today, alas, your vacation ends as you journey back from Pender Harbor by car and ferry, to the airport for your flight home...
Options & Upgrades
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
Go bear watching at the world famous Knight Inlet Lodge
Combine this trip with Tofino, the ultimate wilderness beach destination
This trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
Accommodation
Boutique country house, hotels and beach lodges
Boutique country house, hotels and beach lodges
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Dates + Prices |
HIGHLIGHTS
Lovely boutique hotels & resorts
Watching whales & bears
Cycling pastoral backroads
Visiting vineyards, farmers’ markets & artists’ studios
- Exploring Canada’s west coast by car and ferry
- The cosmopolitan cities of Vancouver & Victoria
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Reserving Your Trip Is Easy
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Call us toll free
1 800 667 4744 (US/Can)
0 800 917 5924 (UK)
1 800 992 872 (Aus.)
Office hours:
M-F, 6am - 6pm Pacific Time.
Sat 10am - 4pm.
A personal trip advisor will help you book your perfect trip.
-
Reserve Online using the form at left.
We will contact you as quickly as we can and you will not be under any obligation until after we have confirmed all details with you.
At that time a US$500 per person deposit is payable and you will be subject to our usual terms and conditions.
Reserve your spot without obligation for 48 hours. Our consultants will contact you to confirm details before you pay a deposit.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
2009 Package Start Dates
Available daily
May 1 -Oct 7
Price Notes
• Prices are per person based on twin share
Includes
• 6 nights accommodation in small, unique non-chain properties, where the focus is on superior food and service
• 7 days Intermediate Car rental
• 200 km’s per day, extra km’s charged at $0.20 per km
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• 1 Breakfast
• 2 wake up hampers
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Choice of either : Self-guided cycling tour from Butchart Gardens near Victoria OR Whale watching aboard a covered boat from Victoria
• Wildlife adventure cruise to spot Black Bear, Stellar sealions, Minke Whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and eagles
Not Included
• Ferry charges and booking fees
• Airport transfers
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
Available daily
May 1 -Oct 7
| USD $ | CAD $ | |
| Double | Double | |
| May 1 2009 - May 29 2009 | 1,727 | 1,952 |
| May 30 2009 - Jun 21 2009 | 1,931 | 2,182 |
| Jun 22 2009 - Sep 27 2009 | 2,131 | 2,408 |
| Sep 28 2009 - Oct 7 2009 | 1,927 | 2,178 |
• Prices are per person based on twin share
Includes
• 6 nights accommodation in small, unique non-chain properties, where the focus is on superior food and service
• 7 days Intermediate Car rental
• 200 km’s per day, extra km’s charged at $0.20 per km
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• 1 Breakfast
• 2 wake up hampers
• Vehicle licensing fee
• Choice of either : Self-guided cycling tour from Butchart Gardens near Victoria OR Whale watching aboard a covered boat from Victoria
• Wildlife adventure cruise to spot Black Bear, Stellar sealions, Minke Whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins and eagles
Not Included
• Ferry charges and booking fees
• Airport transfers
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Park entrance fees
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• GST
