Compare Signature Cities Vancouver & Victoria by Road Scholar vs Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Option, Classic Group With Rocky Mountaineer Silverleaf Service Classic Group by Insight Vacations

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: Welcome to Banff

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Banff

Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.

Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.

Day 5: Glacier Adventure

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Day 6: Exploring Jasper

Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start

Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 8: Board the Rocky Mountaineer

This morning, start your spectacular Rocky Mountaineer Journey and get transferred back to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey on this luxurious train begins westward bound through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades experience, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food as you indulge in this unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that make up the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Rockies. This evening you will disembark in Kamloops where you will overnight at your inviting hotel.

Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. Airport arrival time is between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.