Compare Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria by Road Scholar vs Active West Coast Canada Discovery by G Adventures

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.

Day 1 Vancouver/Sooke

Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Vancouver before catching the ferry to Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.

Day 2 Sooke

After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.

Day 3 Sooke

Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.

Day 4 Sooke/Parksville

In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Valley where you'll go out on canoes and kayaks in Cowichan Bay. In the afternoon the group will travel to Parksville and walk in Rathtrevor Park along the beach. Feel the sand beneath your feet, hear the waves crashing, see old growth forests along the shoreline, and look for wildlife in the tide pools. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.

Day 5 Parksville/Squamish

Leave Parksville behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay. Once across the water, the group will drive to Squamish and hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refuelling after the day’s adventure.

Day 6 Squamish

Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.

Day 7 Squamish/Whistler

In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler. Consider checking out the ​​Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.

Day 8 Whistler/Vancouver

Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.

Please book any departing flights no earlier than 4:00pm.