Tour Itinerary

Wednesday, July 26^th – The fun begins as you arrive in beautiful Seattle.  

We will then be treated to a scenic drive around the Olympic Peninsula on our way to Port Angeles where we will board the MV Coho for a 90-minute crossing to Victoria.  The ship has floor-to-ceiling windows, easily accessible outside decks, cafeteria, gift shop and a covered solarium which provides passengers stunning, close-up views of the Olympic Peninsula and the wildlife that live in and around the Strait of Juan de Fuca such as the resident orca whales.  We’ll arrive in style as the ship glides into the picturesque inner harbor of Victoria and is just minutes away from our amazing hotel, the Chateau Victoria.  Victoria is just magical in the evenings – so much so that you just won’t want to go to sleep.

Thursday, July 27^th – – After breakfast we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria, known as the “City of Gardens.”  The Greater Victoria area, nestled in beautiful, rugged west coast terrain, is home to dozens of gardens and parks and is a photographer’s dream destination.   The tour will introduce you to the famous landmarks of the city and you’ll learn the fascinating history behind them.  Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, Chinatown, the Inner Harbor and the historic Empress hotel.  This afternoon, we will make our way to the world-famous Butchart Gardens.  A Canadian National Historic Site, the gardens are also referred to as the crowning jewel of British Columbia.  In the early 20th century, Jennie Butchart, the chemist at her husband’s cement company, turned their used-up limestone quarry into a Sunken Garden – and later added several other gardens.  Be sure to check out the Italian Gardens and the Japanese Gardens.  Back in Victoria you’ll have the evening free to enjoy the romantic waterfront harbor and the strolling musicians.  (breakfast included)   

Friday, July 28^th – This morning we will enjoy a morning sightseeing drive up the Island Highway to Nanaimo.  Enroute we will make a stop in Duncan, the “City of Totems,” most famous for its 40 world-renowned totem poles.   Then we’re off to the charming, artistic town of Chemainus, known for its more than 40 murals which can be found throughout the town.  These historic depictions have turned Chemainus from a mill town into the Island’s largest outdoor gallery, making it one of the most popular Canadian destinations for artists and creative minds alike.  We will continue to Cathedral Grove for a walk among the towering Yellow Cedars, (so large that it would take 5 people  to circle 1 tree).  In the afternoon, we will board the BC Ferry for the 1.5 hour crossing through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay.  Keep a lookout for your chance to view some of the local wildlife, including bald eagles, seals and even orca whales!  We will overnight at the wonderful Listel Hotel in Vancouver.  (breakfast included)

Saturday, July 29^th – This morning our Vancouver sightseeing tour will include Canada Place and the waterfront, historic Gastown (Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood) with its 19th Century buildings, the world-famous steam-powered clock, cobblestone streets and hidden passageways, along with picturesque Granville Island with its fabulous markets, arts and craft shops and many cafes and restaurants.    We will spend time in Stanley Park, which is a designated National Historic site of Canada.  Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver.  We’ll explore together the natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky and majestic trees along Stanley Park’s famous Seawall.    We will also meander through evergreen forests filled with a rich diversity of lush plant life, such as century old western red cedars, moss dripped bigleaf maples, and the towering Douglas firs.   Have your cameras ready for the nine totem poles at Brockton Point, BC’s most visited tourist attraction. 

This evening Vancouver is hosting the International Fireworks Competition known as Celebration of Light.  This amazing show of light and sound is one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world and is located about a mile from our hotel over English Bay.  Check with your tour guide if you would like to enjoy this optional late-night entertainment.  (breakfast included)

Sunday, July 30^th – Our adventure today will take us to the resort village of Whistler.  We will start by crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore and follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway along the beautiful Howe Sound, then pass through the coastal community of Britannia Beach.  We will stop at Shannon Falls, which is composed of a series of cliffs rising 1100 feet above the Highway, making it British Columbia’s third highest waterfall.  Along the route we’ll see Stawamanus Chief, the second largest standing piece of granite in the world and a popular rock-climbing area.  You’ll have free time to enjoy the charm of the alpine, pedestrianized Whistler Village before we return to Vancouver later in the day.   (breakfast included)

Monday, July 31^st – This morning we will leave Vancouver and drive to Seattle, the “Emerald City.”  Some of the highlights included in our Seattle sightseeing tour are:  Queen Anne Hill, Pike Place Market (the oldest continually operating farmers market in the United States), salmon fish ladders, Government Locks and views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain Range, and even more sights to be seen.  Early this evening we will report to the Seattle/Tacoma airport for our flight home. (breakfast included)