Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Quebec Town and Country: History, Arts, Landscapes, Flavors by Road Scholar

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, Orientation
Montreal, QC D SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 5:30-5:45 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At a popular steak house restaurant on rue St-Paul, the oldest street in Montréal, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: We will return to the hotel after dinner for our Orientation session. 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. We will also have some useful tips to enhance this experience of French America. Periods in the daily 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
Exploring Montréal
Montreal, QC B,L SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as a hot dish, waffles, cereal, fruit, bread and pastries, milk, juices, coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water.

Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach with a local expert and ride through some of Montréal’s neighborhoods as we learn about history, architecture, immigration, and the astounding underground city that features a 20-mile network of pedestrian walkways. Along the way, we will make some stops to sample culinary specialities.

Lunch: At one of the city’s numerous cafés, we’ll order from a menu.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, we will go by motorcoach to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) for an overview of the Quebec and Canadian art exhibition. Founded in 1860, the MMFA has an outstanding permanent collection representing artistic achievements from antiquity to the present day with paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs, and decorative art objects in four major areas: international art, world cultures, decorative arts and design, and Québec and Canadian art that we will visit. Returns to the hotel will be via taxi in small groups for those who wish to leave earlier or stay later.

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: With our Group Leader, we will explore the Mémoire en histoire outdoor projection circuit. We’ll walk along the streets of Old Montréal that will be animated for the occasion with multi-media projections inspired by historical events.

Day 3
Explore Old Montréal & Discover Canadian Art
Montreal, QC B,D SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we’ll set out on a walking field trip in Old Montréal. We’ll learn about the delicate transformations of public art and architecture, and why the importance of blending old and new is at the heart of this urban conversion to create the Montréal of today.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

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 independently explore Old Montréal, Pointe-à-Calliere Museum, the port, the Botanical Garden.

Dinner: In Old Montréal, we will have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 4
Basilica de Notre-Dame de Montréal, Train to Québec City
Quebec City, QC B,L,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Getting on/off a train. The train ride is about 180 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will take a short walk to the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal for an expert-led exploration followed by a presentation for our group of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist. We will then walk back to the hotel and check out, take taxis to the train station, and board a train for the transfer to Québec City.

Lunch: Aboard the train, we’ll have box lunches from a local bakery with a sandwich, salad, and soft drink, coffee, or tea.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Québec City, we will take taxis to our hotel for check-in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: We will walk to a renowned pub in Old Québec for a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (meat, seafood, vegetarian), and dessert of the day, plus beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: Walking back to the hotel, we will begin to explore the streets of the Old City and see the famous Chateau Frontenac.

Day 5
Québec City History & Architecture
Quebec City, QC B,L Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles; varied terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we will go for a walking field trip through Québec's Historic District and be charmed by the very European atmosphere of its quaint streets as well as the history and architecture. There are two parts, the Upper Town that was the fortified area and the Lower Town that developed around the Place Royale and the harbor. The Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From the inscription: “A well-preserved integrated urban ensemble, the Historic District is a remarkable example of a fortified city of the colonial era, and unique north of Mexico.”

Lunch: At one of the city’s numerous cafés, we’ll order from a menu.

Afternoon: Free time. You might like to explore Quartier Le Petit Champlain and discover Musee de la Civilisation (voucher included) where you can visit the fabulous exhibition: This Is Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21st Century. This new permanent exhibition takes an in-depth look at today’s aboriginal cultures, from their diversity, worldviews, beliefs, and ways of identifying with their pasts, to contemporary expressions of aboriginality around the world.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Governor-General's Residence, Musée des Ursulines
Quebec City, QC B,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Led by an expert, we will visit the Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada, located within the Citadelle of Québec and overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River; a historic building housing an important collection of art and period furnishings. Québec, the cradle of French civilization in North America, is a repository of history and culture from the French, English, and Canadian periods. Its old fortified boundaries of the British fortress — La Citadelle — are the only such remaining walled defenses on the continent. It includes the official Québec residence of the Governor-General of Canada. After a terrible fire in 1976, it was restored with Canadian materials throughout to showcase the city’s history, modern cultural sensibilities, and outstanding artists.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We will re-group at the hotel and walk to Le Musée des Ursulines, an art and history museum where we will learn about the rich heritage of the oldest teaching order in Canada including Québec’s religious and social history. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Old Quebec, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (chicken, fish, steak), dessert of the day, and beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 7
Train to Baie St-Paul-Charlevoix
Baie St-Paul & La Malbaie - Charlevoix B,L,D Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Activity note: For the night of Saturday August 31, it will be possible to leave your luggage at Hotel Manoir Victoria in Québec and bring only a carry-on for the overnight stay in Charlevoix. Getting on/off a motorcoach; on/off a train. Walking up to 2 miles.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and ride the short distance to the foot of Montmorency Falls.

Lunch: We’ll have box lunches with a sandwich, salad, and soft drink, coffee, or tea.

Afternoon: We will have some time to explore Parc de la Chute-Montmorency — Montmorency Falls Park — independently. This is one of the most scenic spots in Canada. The spectacular falls are nearly 100 feet (30 meters) higher — though much narrower — than Niagara. You might like to take a short walk to the bridge that goes over the falls. Then we will ride the train from Québec City through beautiful scenery of the Charlevoix region along the St. Lawrence River to our destination, Baie St-Paul. We expect to arrive mid-afternoon at the lovely village of Baie St-Paul, renowned for its numerous art galleries and artisan workshops. Led by a local expert, we will explore Le Musée d’art contemporain of Baie St-Paul followed by time for independent exploration with a list of suggestions.

Dinner: At a bistro in the heart of Baie St-Paul, we’ll order from a menu.

Evening: We will board the motorcoach, drive from Baie St-Paul to La Malbaie (30 miles), and check in at our historic hotel, the Manoir Richelieu, perched high above the St Lawrence River. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 8
Train to St-Joseph de la Rive, Return to Québec City
Quebec City, QC BR,D Hotel Manoir Victoria
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach, on/off the train. The train ride is about 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles.

Morning: With a local expert, we will visit the Charlevoix Museum and attend a talk on the history of art in the region. We will then go to Domaine Forget, a music and dance academy in Saint Irénée.

Brunch: At Domaine Forget, we’ll have a buffet lunch featuring local gastronomy. As we dine, we will enjoy music performed by a guest of the Academy.

Afternoon: We will transfer to the train station and travel from Ste-Irénée back to St-Joseph de la Rive along the St. Lawrence River and see more of the magnificent shoreline. Stepping off the train in St-Joseph de la Rive, we will take a walking field trip with a local expert to visit a local landmark: the Papeterie St-Gilles, a paper-maker and the first economuseum. We will have a close up look at the intricate process of crafting traditional handmade paper. We will be able to see unique patterns, watercolors, binding, silk-screen prints, and original decorative objects by masters of their crafts. We will then return to Québec by motorcoach and check back in at our hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer (soup or salad), choice of entrée (meat, seafood, vegetarian), and dessert of the day, plus beverage choices including coffee (regular/decaf), hot tea, water; other beverages are available for purchase from the bar. Share experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 9
Program Concludes
Quebec City, QC B
Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

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!