Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs French Immersion: A Key to the Francophone World by Road Scholar
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5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 20 days |
| Price From | $ 6,285 | $ 2,049 |
| Price Per Day | $ 698 | $ 102 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | Three breakfasts and four picnic lunches are included on this trip. For meals not included, you usually eat out in local restaurants recommended by the tour leader. To help you budget, meals cost on average: Hotel breakfasts: 15-20 Canadian dollars (US$11-US$15) Lunches: 20-25 dollars (US$15-US$19) Dinners: 30-50 dollars (US$23-US$38), this does not include alcoholic beverages Drinks cost on average: Wine: 15-20 dollars (US$11-15) per glass Beer: 8-12 dollars (US$6-US$9) per bottle A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared. |
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| Description |
‘Beautiful British Columbia’ proclaim the number plates, for once without hyperbole. Sensational wildlife regularly presents itself amid a backdrop of rugged scenery. Here, whale and bear watching is the big draw but seals, elk and beavers ensure a truly authentic British Columbian wildlife encounter. Our adventures take us to Vancouver Island, where we explore beaches and walk trails at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and we hope to see humpbacks, orcas, black bears and more.Discover the wildlife and rugged scenery of Western Canada |
Inspired by Québec’s Old World architecture, renowned cuisine and friendly locals, learn French through immersion, gaining insider access to the francophone world. |
Day 1 Start Vancouver
The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)
Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island
In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)
Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)
Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears
Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)
Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park
Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)
Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears
Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking
Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea
We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)
Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver
It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.
Day 1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: The program is for all level of students but beginners should have some knowledge of French and computer knowledge. You must complete an on-line language placement test to determine your French level prior to the program. Group will be divided into 3 groups: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. This is a total French Immersion experience and Trois-Rivieres is a very French environment. All activities and field trips are conducted in French. Students are expected to speak French while on campus.
Afternoon: Arrivals and transfers to the University in Trois-Rivieres, QC. Check-in between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Included airport shuttle scheduled to arrive at 4:30 p.m. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The registration desk will be located in the Albert-Tessier Pavilion. Follow the signs to the registration desk.
Dinner: A light welcome buffet dinner will be offered at around 6:30 p.m.
Day 2
Orientation, Campus Visit, French Classes Begin
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Classes are three hours every morning, Monday to Friday (8:30 - 11:30). Each afternoon, you will practice what you just learned in the morning; either by joining workshops or during field trips. You will experience French Immersion at its fullest as all guided tours and field trips are conducted in French. Students are expected to speak French while on campus. Computer knowledge is required.
Breakfast: Breakfast at Bistro Urbain, a private room on campus reserved exclusively for our Road Scholar group. Meals are served buffet style.
Morning: Program presentation with the group leader along with the guide that will travel with you during outings. You will also have an orientation visit of the campus and student cards will be issued. You will live on a university campus in the same way as a student. You will meet other students on campus during your session. This is a full immersion program; please remember that other students are required to speak only French on campus or risk being expelled (they get two warnings). Please speak French only on campus.
Lunch: Lunch at Bistro Urbain, a private room on campus reserved exclusively for our Road Scholar group. Meals are served buffet style.
Afternoon: Classes: French As A Foreign Language. The group will be divided into three separate classes: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Class sizes are between 5 - 17 students depending on the total number of registrants. The emphasis is on developing written and oral skills in International French (not Parisian French). Instructors are university level teachers at UQTR. Most are native to the province of Quebec and have French as their first language.
Dinner: Dinner at Bistro Urbain, a private room on campus reserved exclusively for our Road Scholar group. Meals are served buffet style.
Evening: French movie screening or homework assistance workshop (optional).
Day 3
French Classes, Trois-Rivieres History, Diction Workshop
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus. Walking up to 1 mile on field trip.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: A local expert offers an overview of the history of Trois-Rivieres in the first days of the colony. Historical context, political organization and the relationships with the people of the First Nations will be examined.
Dinner: At the Bistro.
Evening: French movie screening or diction workshop (optional).
Day 4
French Classes, Old Trois-Rivieres, Homework Assistance
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus. Walking up to 1 mile on field trip.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: Take a guided walk in historic Trois-Rivieres.
Dinner: Group dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: French movie screening or homework assistance workshop (optional).
Day 5
French Classes, Conversation Workshop, Weekend Outings
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: French Conversation Workshop.
Dinner: At the Bistro.
Evening: French movie screening or diction workshop (optional).
Day 6
French Classes, Conversation Workshops
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms. Walking up to one mile (1.6 km) on the field trip.
Breakfast: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Morning: Continue your education of the French language in French as a Foreign Language class.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: Put your skills to the test in a conversation workshop.
Dinner: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Evening: Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 7
Montreal: Historic Neighbourhoods
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking up to one mile (1.6 km) on city streets, cobblestones, hills. Coach travel for 175 miles (280 km) for approximately 3.5 hours.
Breakfast: 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.
Morning: Travel by motor coach to Montreal. Stroll through history in the heart of three of the city’s emblematic neighborhoods: the Gold Square Mile, Milton Parc, and Ville-Marie.
Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. A reservation has been made for the group, however, the meal is not covered by the program cost.
Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon may be enjoyed at your leisure.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening: Travel to Trois-Rivieres.
Day 8
Bécancour: Vineyard, historic tour and Moulin Michel
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking up to one mile (1.6 km) on pavement. Coach travelling 115 miles (184 km) for approximately 2.5 hours.
Breakfast: On your own to explore the many diverse culinary experiences available.
Morning: Travel by motor coach to Bécancour. Explore the vineyard and visit the Moulin Michel, dating back to 1774, the mill is one of the last watermills in Quebec.
Lunch: Enjoy local flavors at a nearby restaurant. A reservation has been made for the group, however, the meal is not covered by the program cost.
Afternoon: Our exploration in the Bécancour region continues. Return to Trois-Rivieres later in the afternoon.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening: At your leisure.
Day 9
French Classes, Cooking Lesson, Homework Assistance
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: Make your own traditional Quebec meal under the guidance of a local chef.
Dinner: At the Bistro.
Evening: French movie screening or homework assistance workshop (optional).
Day 10
French Classes, Conversation & Diction Workshops
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: Conversation workshop.
Dinner: At the Bistro.
Evening: French movie screening or diction workshop (optional).
Day 11
French Classes, Cooking Class
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus. Walking up to 1 mile on field trip.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: Located in the former filtration plant of the Canadian International Paper Company (CIP) in Trois-Rivières, BORÉALIS shows the human face of the paper industry: a unique encounter between man and machine. The museum pays tribute to the thousands of lumberjacks, log drivers and workers who dedicated their lives to their job.
Dinner: At a local restaurant in Trois-Rivières.
Evening: French movie screening or homework assistance workshop (optional).
Day 12
French Classes, Conversation & Diction Workshops, Outings
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: A 5 minute walk on pavement from the campus apartments to the classrooms each day, there is a hill between the residences and campus.
Breakfast: At the Bistro.
Morning: Classes: French As A Foreign Language
Lunch: At the Bistro.
Afternoon: Conversation Workshop
Dinner: At the Bistro.
Evening: French movie screening or diction workshop (optional).
Day 13
French Classes, Conversation Workshop
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms.
Breakfast: A buffet breakfast may be enjoyed at the Bistro Urbain.
Morning: Attend French as a Foreign Language class to enhance your familiarity with speaking French.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: Enhance your conversational skills in the workshop, French Conversation.
Dinner: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Evening: Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 14
Québec City Day Trip
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking up to one mile (1.6 km) on city streets, cobblestones, and hills. Coach travel is approximately 200 miles (320 km) for 4 hours.
Breakfast: On your own to enjoy local fare.
Morning: Travel by coach to Quebec City where you can put your language skills to the test. Visit the Musée de la Civilisation and learn about the history of the people that shaped this province and city.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant. A group reservation will be made, however the meal is not covered by the program cost.
Afternoon: The afternoon may be enjoyed at your leisure. Discover Quebec City by exploring Dufferin Terrace, Place-Royale, the Petit-Champlain district, the Old Port, the Citadel, and Battlefields Park.
Dinner: On your own to explore the many diverse culinary experiences available.
Evening: Return to Tois-Rivieres by motor coach.
Day 15
Village québécois d’antan
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking up to one mile (1.6 km) on dirt and pavement. Driving distance is approximately 50 miles (80 km) for an hour.
Breakfast: On your own to enjoy.
Morning: Experience life in Quebec during the 1810-1930 period at Village Québécois d’antan. Hear captivating stories, see period buildings, and discover the lifestyle and traditions popular during the 19th century.
Lunch: Lunch will be onsite. Participants are responsible for this meal.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Village Québécois d’antan and apply your newly enhance French language abilities. Return to Tois-Rivieres by motor coach.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy local flavors.
Evening: At your leisure.
Day 16
French Classes, Musée POP, Zumba Class
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms.
Breakfast: A buffet breakfast may be enjoyed at the Bistro Urbain.
Morning: Enjoy French as a Foreign Language class where you’ll further enhance your language comprehension.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: The Musée POP offers visitors the chance to become familiar with the day-to-day experience and the concerns and values of the Quebecers. This museum views culture in an unique way, where fun leads to reflection and includes exhibitions as well as the Old Prison.
Dinner: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Evening: Get active with a Zumba class.
Day 17
French Classes, Conversation Workshops
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms.
Breakfast: A buffet breakfast, including hot and cold options, is available at Bistro Urbain.
Morning: Continue your education of the French language in French as a Foreign Language class.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: Presentation. Test your French language skills in a workshop and conference.
Dinner: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Evening: Attend an optional diction workshop to enhance your language abilities.
Day 18
French Classes, Music and Dance
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms. Optional dancing.
Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet breakfast at Bistro Urbain.
Morning: Deepen your knowledge of the French language in the class French as a Foreign Language.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: This afternoon, enjoy a brief presentation on traditional Quebec dancing by local experts. Working with the instructors, learn some of the basic moves and practice your new skills by dancing the afternoon away to traditional Quebec folk music.
Dinner: Enjoy a specially prepared meal by the chef of Bistro Urbain.
Evening: The evening may be enjoyed at your leisure.
Day 19
French Classes, Conversation Workshop, Diploma Ceremony
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L,D Campus: Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Activity note: Walking for 5 minutes over pavement and over a hill from campus residence to the classrooms.
Breakfast: Enjoy a buffet breakfast of hot and cold options at Bistro Urbain. Coffee, tea, and juice is included.
Morning: Enjoy your final class of French as a Foreign Language.
Lunch: Bistro Urbain buffet.
Afternoon: Impress yourself with your extensive knowledge of the French language at a conversation workshop.
Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional sugar shack.
Evening: Explore one of the staples of Canadian culture, a sugar shack. See how maple syrup is harvested and processed. Learn about traditional and modern methods for making maple syrup. Enjoy the diploma ceremony and dance the night away to the beautiful sounds of folk music.
Day 20
Program Concludes
Location: Trois-Rivières, Quebec Meal: B,L
Breakfast: Enjoy a final buffet breakfast at Bistro Urbain. This concludes our program.
Lunch: 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!
