Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Whale Tales: Adventures in Québec With Your Family 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

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Palace Royale

Check-In, Program Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table 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 when and where the Orientation session will take place. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the hotel in Quebec City, we’ll enjoy a tasty Welcome Dinner together.

Evening: 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 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac

Quebec Aquarium, Transfer to Tadoussac

Activity note: Driving approx. 3.5 hours total for the day; about 1.5 hours to Baie-Saint-Paul in the morning and 2 hours to Tadoussac in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll make our way to the Quebec City Aquarium for an educational and fun field trip as we see some of the animal residents. We’ll then begin our transfer to Tadoussac with a stop for lunch in Baie-Saint-Paul.

Lunch: In Baie St. Paul.

Afternoon: After completing our transfer in the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Tadoussac and check into the hotel with some time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We'll then settle in for a video on "The Mighty River."

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac

Whale Watching & CIMM Museum, Saguenay Fjord

Activity note: Getting on/off a boat; enclosed and open decks.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll embark on a whale watching safari to look out for fin, minke, and beluga whales in St. Lawrence Estuary. A sort of haven kingdom for whales, the estuary has been an extremely popular destination since the 1980’s for those hoping to encounter these gentle giants. If we’re lucky, we may even see a humpback, or even a blue whale. Expert naturalists will provide insightful commentary while aboard this comfortable boat with multiple covered and uncovered panoramic decks, terraces, and an observation platform. They are like an open air laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. We'll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll go to the CIMM Museum (Centre for Interpretation of Marine Mammals) for a field trip led by on-site specialists. We’ll learn about the fascinating and mysterious world of the St. Lawrence whales including where can one expect to spot them and when as well as how to accurately identify the species. The museum’s exhibitions include a skeleton collection, reconstitutions of sea-mammals, films, slide-shows, stunning photographs, and a cache of underwater sounds of the Saguenay River that one can listen to. The Group Leader will then lead an elective walk to the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord behind the wharf. Our student assistant and a lifeguard will be happy to supervise any children who wish to remain at the hotel and enjoy the pool.

Dinner: At Le Bateau restaurant, a local favorite, in Tadoussac.

Evening: We’ll then relax and enjoy an award-winning Canadian animated short film.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac

Cap-de-Bon-Desir, Essipit Innu Reserve, Marine Center

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles; approx. 4 hours. Driving about 40 miles; approx. 1 hour.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Cap-de-Bon-Désir is another excellent place from which to admire the St. Lawrence Estuary and the many species of marine mammals there such as minke, common, blue, and beluga whales along with many species of seals and seabirds. While here, divers in wet suits will bring up a variety of sea animals (sea urchins, sea stars, sea cucumbers, crabs, etc.) from about 40 feet below the surface. The animals will be put in small wading pools while a student biologist tells us about each animal. At the end of the activity, we’ll all be invited to touch the various animals before the divers return them to the sea! Then we’ll board a bus for an expert-led bus field trip through the Innu Reserve at Essipit. Established where traditional shipping routes intersected, it took advantage of its enviable location to do business with travelers. Reserve residents have developed new economies based on trade and crafts.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After seeing how peat moss is harvested, we will visit the Marine Discovery Centre where we will learn how ships’ captains conquered the St. Lawrence over the years in an exhibition on navigation on the river. We’ll also see examples of how tiny the food is that whales consume. Our final stop of the day will be to Archo-Topo at Bergeronnes for a field trip during which grandchildren will make pottery just as the aboriginal peoples did thousands of years ago. There is also an interesting collection of local stuffed animals, birds and fish.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We’ll then gather to take part in a fun quiz on whales.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Tadoussac

Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Sand Dunes, Whale Safari

Activity note: Walking about 1 mile; approx. 1 hour Getting on/off boat; ride is about 30 miles; approx. 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll begin with a presentation of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Originally established to protect the local declining beluga population, we will learn about the total picture and responsibilities of this huge marine park. Next, we’ll travel to the sand dunes where we can run, jump, roll, slide and somersault down the sand dunes descending 200 feet to the shore. This is a highlight for the grandchildren. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Setting out on second whale watching safari, we’ll get another chance to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. The onboard museum will also provide us with more insight on these majestic animals.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Tadoussac.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Palace Royale

Whale Watching Point-Noire, Montmorency, Farewell Dinner

Activity note: Driving about 140 miles; approx. 3.5 hours throughout the day. Walking approximately 1/2 mile; about 1 hour.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll set out for return trip to Quebec City. Along the way, we’ll stop at Pointe-Noire for an impressive panoramic view of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Estuary. From its strategic geographic location, we may be able to see whales and other marine mammals, as well as other oceanic phenomena indigenous to the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Continuing, we’ll make another stop, this time for a visit at Montmorency Falls which towers approximately 272 feet (83 meters) above the St. Lawrence River. The view from the bridge over the top of the falls is unforgettable. We’ll then complete our transfer to Quebec City.

Dinner: In Quebec City, we'll enjoy a delicious farewell dinner together.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast

Program Concludes

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

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!