Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria 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 Vancouver, British Columbia

Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 pm.

Program registration begins at 4:00 pm. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the 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.

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. Periods in the 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.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at 6:00 pm at the hotel.

Day 2 Vancouver Introduction, City Exploration, Mus. of Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia

Getting on and off a motorcoach. Walking approximately a mile (1.6 km) at a moderate pace; some periods of extended standing.

Learn about Vancouver’s multi-faceted character from the past to the present from a local expert. Explore by motorcoach some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods, including Gastown, and Chinatown.

We’ll visit the Museum of Vancouver and deepen our understanding of the city and its relationship with the First Nations Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Learn about local First Nations history and culture in a lecture specially developed by the museum’s staff for Road Scholar. An expert from the museum’s educational department will lead us on an examination of the exhibition. There will be time to explore the museum independently.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel. Coffee, tea, and water are included. Other beverages are available for purchase.

We’ll enjoy a catered lunch at the Museum of Vancouver.

Taste local cuisine as we dine at a nearby restaurant.

Day 3 Multicultural Vancouver, Steveston Shipworks and Cannery Vancouver, British Columbia

Getting on and off a motorcoach, walking approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on pavement, boardwalks, standing for short periods during the field trip. Driving for approximately 2 hours.

Travel by coach with a local expert and listen to a lecture while exploring the city’s multicultural neighborhoods. Learn about Vancouver’s approach to immigration and discuss the melting pot and mosaic attitudes towards immigration. Enjoy a historical and multi-sensory experience at Britannia Shipyard in the historical fishing community of Steveston. Savor a sample of smoked salmon and mochi while learning about the multi-generational saga of the Murakami family.

Explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery with a museum expert and learn about the fish species that once populated the waters of the Georgia Strait and about the people that once congregated here to process their catch.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

A buffet breakfast will be provided at the hotel.

Taste local flavors at a seaside restaurant in Steveston Village.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant in Vancouver.

Day 4 Granville Island Public Market, Free Time Vancouver, British Columbia

Getting on and off the bus, walking approximately a mile (1.6 km), standing for extended periods during the 2-hour market exploration.

Join an expert from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) for a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island. Explore the public market which welcomes local and globally influenced artisans, farmers, and food purveyors.

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 just relax.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

A buffet breakfast, including hot and cold options will be provided by the hotel.

Enjoy locally sourced and seasonal cuisine prepared by the talented students at PICA.

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.

Day 5 Ferry to Victoria, Introduction, Inner Harbour Exploration Victoria, British Columbia

Walking up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) for 1.5 hours. Getting on and off a motorcoach and ferry, some periods of standing, and climbing stairs with railings. The ferry to Victoria is 24 nautical miles and takes approximately 1.5 hours, participants will be responsible for boarding and disembarking the ferry with their luggage.

Transfer to the ferry terminal from the hotel and cross to Vancouver Island. Cruise through the Strait of Georgia by ferry, enjoy the fresh air on deck and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for whales and eagles which sometime can be seen en route.

Learn about the historic city of Victoria aboard a motorcoach with a local historian who will explain the social economic forces which shaped the city and gave it a sense of British charm. Explore Victoria’s Old Town and Inner Harbour on foot and see the British Columbia Parliament buildings as well as the historic Empress hotel.

At your leisure.

Enjoy a breakfast buffet at the hotel.

On your own to enjoy aboard the ferry. Choose from a variety of hot and cold options.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Day 6 Tradition of Tea, Robert Bateman Centre, Free Afternoon Victoria, British Columbia

Walking approximately a mile (1.6 km) on pavement, standing for extended periods of time.

Learn about the tradition of Afternoon Tea during a special presentation which will elaborate on the history of the tea trade and the varieties of tea. Visit the Robert Bateman Centre featuring a collection of one of Canada’s best-known artists and naturalists who has been recognized by the Audubon Society as a “hero of conservation” for his dedication to environmental and preservation initiatives.

Free time. Independently explore historic Government Street, or wander Inner Harbour, Craigdarroch Castle or Fisherman’s Wharf.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

A buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

On your own to enjoy local fare.

Day 7 Monarchy in Canada, Coach Exploration, Butchart Gardens Victoria, British Columbia

Walking at Butchart Gardens at your own pace on paved pathways; standing for extended periods of time. Getting on and off a motorcoach. Driving approximately 1.5 hours with stops.

Join a retired BC Government Protocol Officer who will explain the Canadian system of Government, the role of the Prime Minister, the Queen, and the Lieutenant Governor. Embark on an exploration by coach of Victoria’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, including the Government House, Mile Zero, Beacon Hill Park, Oak Bay, the University of Victoria, Mount Tolmie and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Explore the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site with 55 acres of floral displays and expansive lawns. Wander through the Sunken Garden, see the Ross Fountain, see the Japanese, Rose, and Italian gardens. Maps and flower guides will be provided on arrival for independent exploration.

Reminisce with your fellow Road Scholar travelers and share your favorite memories during our final evening together.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy afternoon tea lunch at the scenic Butchart Gardens.

A farewell dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Program Concludes, Departure Victoria, British Columbia

Hotel check-out by 11:00 am.

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!

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel. This concludes our program.