Compare Exploring Maritime Canada, from Southern Nova Scotia to Campobello Island by Road Scholar vs The Canadiana by Omega Tours

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Halifax, Nova Scotia D Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Arrive to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Program Registration 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet the Group Leader and 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, we’ll have a welcome dinner.

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.

Day 2
Intro to Nova Scotia, City Exploration, Maritime Museum
Halifax, Nova Scotia B,L Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 20 miles, about 2 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local historian for a presentation on the history of Nova Scotia and the city of Halifax. We’ll then depart by motorcoach for an expert-led exploration of the city of Halifax including the Citadel and “Titanic” cemetery.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for a field trip with local experts including a presentation on the maritime history of Atlantic Canada. The museum is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, first created by a group of Royal Canadian Navy officers who envisioned a place where the nation’s naval past could be preserved. We’ll learn about the age of steamships, local small craft, the Royal Canadian and Merchant Navies, and World War II convoys. The museum also tells the story of famous historical events such as "The Battle of the Atlantic," the Halifax explosion of 1917, Nova Scotia's role in the aftermath of the “Titanic” disaster, various shipwrecks and more.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Pier 21, Farmer's Market, Free Time
Halifax, Nova Scotia B,L,D Atlantica Hotel Halifax
Activity note: Walking 1.5 miles, about 2 hours, on pavement, boardwalks, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Morning: Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada through Pier 21. This was the entry point for one in five Canadians between 1928 and 1971. At the Museum of Immigration, discover how different waves of immigration have impacted our global tastes and pastimes. You may also want to take some time to visit the history centre, a free reference service to help you trace your own family's immigration story.

Lunch: At The Halifax Seaport Farmer Market.

Afternoon: After lunch at the seaport there will be some free time to explore independently at the waterfront. Then, we will depart to Chester, NS for dinner and check-in.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg Walk, Museum
Chester, Nova Scotia B,L,D Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 130 miles, about 3 hours. Walking 2 miles, about 3 hours, on pavement, boardwalk, some uneven terrain. Use caution near the shoreline at Peggy’s Cove.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: We leave Halifax and head for Peggy's Cove. The town is named after the sole survivor of a schooner shipwrecked on Halibut Rock off Lighthouse Point: Peggy (Margaret) of the Cove. The most well-known lighthouse in Canada, and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, was built here in 1914. Positioned on a granite ledge, it served as the local post office until November 2009.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll explore Lunenburg's narrow streets on foot with a local expert, visiting its historic churches and examining the Victorian architecture of the Old Town, the first British colonial settlement in Nova Scotia outside Halifax. Next, we’ll visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. While at the museum, we’ll experience life in a fishing community and discover, up close, life at sea with a local expert, exploring the living fish exhibit and wharf-side vessels.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Take advantage of the on-site amenities such as kayaks, bikes and beach.

Day 5
Windsor, Grand Pre, Wolfville
Chester, Nova Scotia B,L,D Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 110 miles, about 2 hours. Walking 1.5 miles, some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: This morning we depart for the north shore to visit Windsor, Grand Pre and Wolfville. We’ll stop at Grand Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the north east end of the Annapolis Valley, it borders on the Minas Basin and the tidal lands of the Bay of Fundy. The area was settled in the 1600s by French settlers from Port Royal who reclaimed the lands from the tides and made a fertile land. We’ll be joined by a local expert and learn about this exceptional living agricultural landscape. We’ll also hear the story of the Acadian deportation during the wars between the English and French, and the many villages in the area that were destroyed.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. Learn about both the native plant species of the area as well as the plants that have been introduced by the Acadians. This outdoor classroom experience will teach us about the Acadian community and their efforts towards educating about gardening, ecosystems, and the critical relationship between greenery and ecology.

Dinner: At the resort.

Evening: We’ll enjoy a cookout and campfire under the stars, listening to the waves while sitting on the beach.

Day 6
Kejimkujik National Park, Port Royal, Ferry to Saint John
Saint John, New Brunswick B,L Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John
Activity note: Getting on/off ferry. Ferry ride is about 2.5 hours. Docks may be slippery. Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 100 miles, about 2 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile, around 1 hour, on some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: En route to catch the ferry to Saint John, we will make some stops along the way. Visit Kejimkujik National Park to learn about the First Nations who inhabited this area and see evidence of their existence. On a walking field trip with a local expert, we will see some of the park’s petroglyphs. These fascinating stone-carved stories are one of North America’s largest such collections and have been vital clues for reconstructing regional history, some of the only remaining evidence of the ancient Mi’kmaw’s written history. Next, we’ll visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens for a self-guided visit before lunch. Named the 2015 Canadian Garden of the Year, the gardens tell the story of Nova Scotian history in this area through its plants. Explore the rich tapestry of heritage in one of the oldest European settlements in North America.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Our next stop is at Port Royal, France’s first successful settlement in North America. We’ll learn how Port Royal was established in 1605 and served as the capital of Acadia until it was destroyed by the British. It became the first European settlement north of Florida. We’ll hear about the history of the settlement that, while in existence only a few years, proved to be a model for future exploration of the continent. We’ll also learn how the French settled along the shores of the river at Port-Royal and began the distinctive dyke-land agriculture still in use today. Explore a replica village built using original plans, a gateway to the past where costumed interpreters take us back to the 17th century. Resuming our transfer, we’ll arrive in Digby and check in to the ferry terminal in Digby, Nova Scotia for the ferry trip to Saint John, New Brunswick.

Dinner: Dinner on own on the ferry.

Evening: Check-in to the hotel in Saint John, approximately 8:30 p.m.; the rest of evening is at leisure.

Day 7
Fundy Shore, Sea Caves, Fundy Tides & Trail
Saint John, New Brunswick B,L,D Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving approximately 75 miles, about 2 hours. Walking 2 miles, about 3 hours, on pavement, boardwalk, some slippery and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a breakfast buffet.

Morning: We will drive to the shore to discover quiet beaches, cliffs, sea caves, lighthouses, and covered bridges, while also learning about the tides, geology and history of the area with a local expert. We’ll watch the highest tides in the world sweeping in and out and learn how they carve sea stacks and caves into the rugged red cliffs that surround the village. Our expert will also discuss the legacy of the Loyalists and the shipbuilding history of this area.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: With a local expert, we’ll explore the phenomenon of the Bay of Fundy tides, the highest in the world, and learn about this natural wonder that draws many each year. We will explore on foot the Fundy Trail and breathtaking areas of the Bay of Fundy coastline that were previously unreachable.

Dinner: At a local inn.

Evening: We will return by motorcoach to Saint John after dinner.

Day 8
Campobello Island, Head Harbor Light
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 125 miles, under 2.5 hours. Walking 1 mile, about 2 hours, on some uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After breakfast, we will depart for Campobello Island. Campobello Island is one of the three Fundy Isles, located in the Bay of Fundy, just offshore of Lubec, ME, in the United States. The fishing industry remains the backbone of this area, including the harvesting of lobster, scallops, clams, herring, cod, pollock, mackerel, and farmed salmon.

Lunch: On Campobello Island.

Afternoon: Enjoy a presentation about life in Campobello Island from a seventh generation Campobello resident. Next, we will set out to explore Roosevelt Campobello International Park, named in honor of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s splendid summer home, preserved as a nature park and museum. The park is an extraordinary example of international cooperation, jointly run by the Canada and the United States.

Dinner: On Campobello Island.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Campobello Library & Museum, Whale Watching or Free Time
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Walking 1 mile, about 1.5 hours. Getting on/off whale watching boat, cruising approximately 30 miles over 2.5 hours on board. The group will be divided for the whale watching activity, with free time either Day 9 afternoon, or Day 10 morning.

Breakfast: At one of the cottages in the park, we will enjoy our breakfast.

Morning: The Campobello Public Library and Museum evokes the memories of bygone days, from its construction over a century ago. We will discover why FDR called Campobello his “beloved island” during a presentation at the island’s library and museum by the museum’s historian. We’ll also learn how this became the 19th-century summer retreat of well-to-do families like the Roosevelts. The museum houses many other links to the past, such as the Owen Carriage and a dining room table once owned and used by Captain William Owen himself.

Lunch: On Campobello Island.

Afternoon: One half of our group will then head out into the Bay of Fundy by boat to look for whales. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for minke, finback, humpback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales as we enjoy the fresh air and blue waters. Our second group with enjoy 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.

Dinner: On Campobello Island.

Evening: An evening presentation from a local expert will focus on marine ecology and whale rescue.

Day 10
Whale Watching or Free Time, Summer Home, Tea with Eleanor
Campobello Island, New Brunswick B,L,D Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Activity note: Walking 1/2 mile, about 1.5 hours. The group will be divided for the whale watching activity on Day 9 & 10, with free time either Day 9 afternoon, or Day 10 morning.

Breakfast: Cottage breakfast.

Morning: Completing yesterday’s activities, the second half of our group will whale watch on the Bay of Fundy, while the other enjoys free time.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will visit the Roosevelt's summer cottage and have tea with Eleanor. Local experts will tell of Eleanor Roosevelt's life on Campobello Island and her life in activism and public service, accompanied by Eleanor's favorite tea and cookies. We’ll see a special exhibit of rare photos of Eleanor on Campobello Island and a sample of her My Day Columns. Next, we will enjoy a presentation about the Atlantic Charter, a personal victory for FDR and Winston Churchill, in which goals like self-determination, international cooperation, and commitments to peace and disarmament were laid out for the postwar world.

Dinner: At one of the cottages in the park.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Transfer to Portland, Bar Harbor, Farewell Dinner
Portland, Maine B,L,D Holiday Inn by the Bay
Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Driving 215 miles, about 5.5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles, around 2 hours, on mostly paved roads.

Breakfast: Cottage breakfast.

Morning: Departing Campobello Island by motorcoach, we will cross the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge, with stops en route to Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park, home to much diverse flora and fauna, granite peaks, historic carriage roads, and Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast in the United States. We’ll explore Bar Harbor on an expert-led walk in what was once the premier summer resort in New England in the 19th century. We’ll see beautiful historic properties and Saint Saviour's Episcopal Church, with its 10 original Tiffany stained glass windows.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Bar Harbor.

Afternoon: Learn about the development of Acadia National Park, spearheaded by wealthy summer residents such as Joseph Kennedy and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. We’ll also learn about the devastating fire of 1947 and its effects on the island. We’ll then transfer to Portland to check into our last hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will have a farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for checkout and departure in the morning.

Day 12
Program Concludes
Portland, Maine B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we will enjoy a buffet breakfast, with coffee, tea, water included. This concludes our program.

Morning: 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 another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TORONTO

Arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Individual transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Toronto.

Accommodation at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, or similar

DAY 2: TORONTO

We get better acquainted with our traveling companions at breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Experience the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city as you explore the downtown area and residential areas. Highlights include the Eaton Centre, old and new City Halls, Casa Loma, Yorkville, and the University of Toronto. You will pass by the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and drive along the harbourfront for a complete impression of this city. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Toronto. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, or similar

DAY 3: TORONTO TO MONTREAL

Departing early, we enjoy a pleasant drive east. Following the north shore of Lake Ontario, we pass endless miles of rolling farmland. Our first destination is the beautiful Thousand Islands resort region, where we embark upon a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds of this river playground, we re-board our tour coach for the drive to Montreal. Overnight in Montreal. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Montreal, or similar

DAY 4: MONTREAL

This morning, we will tour the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area we view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal, and the bustling shopping streets. The afternoon is for leisure. Overnight in Montreal. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Montreal, or similar

DAY 5: MONTREAL TO QUEBEC CITY

This morning, we prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and partially follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway, the Chemin du Roy deep into French Canada. Winding our way through typical French-Canadian villages and towns, we experience true immersion in French culture. Upon arrival in Quebec City, we tour within the walls of the old city and view Lower Town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park, and the ornate city gates. Overnight in Quebec City. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Le Concorde, Quebec City, or similar

DAY 6: QUEBEC CITY

The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. You can enjoy an optional full-day excursion to Tadoussac including a 3-hour whale-watching tour on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Step aboard a regular boat and go in search of the world’s largest mammals. You will also visit the spectacular Montmorency Falls which are 30 meters higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls. Overnight in Quebec City. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Le Concorde, Quebec City, or similar

DAY 7: QUEBEC CITY TO OTTAWA

Following the shore of St. Lawrence, this morning we travel west past Montreal, across the Ontario border, and on to Ottawa — the nation’s capital. We stop for lunch along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne — an authentic sugar shack and pioneer-style restaurant. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we take a quick tour of Ottawa. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre, Ottawa, or similar

DAY 8: OTTAWA

In the morning we explore Ottawa on a city tour. We view the Parliament Buildings, residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Rideau Canal (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), and much more. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Ottawa’s many museums and fine galleries, shopping at the Sparks Street Mall, or perhaps a boat cruise on one of the city’s many waterways. Overnight in Ottawa. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre, Ottawa, or similar

DAY 9: OTTAWA TO MIDLAND

Our journey west from Ottawa features sparkling lakes, rushing streams, deep forests, and characteristic northern towns. The trip will be highlighted by a visit to Algonquin Provincial Park where we will take a walk along the scenic trails. This immense wildlife and forest preserve is a favorite destination for camping expeditions during the summer months, and your walk will give you the opportunity to experience a little of it for yourself. Soon, we enter the Muskoka resort region, our destination for the night. Overnight in Midland. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Super 8 by Wyndham, Midland, or similar

DAY 10: MIDLAND TO NIAGARA FALLS

This morning, upon arrival at Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons, we have breakfast. This fascinating three-acre historic site is a detailed reconstruction of the first inland European community in Canada. Next, we are driving south past Toronto and then through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula with a final destination of Niagara Falls.

A thrilling boat ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruises - Voyage to the Falls brings us to the foot of the thundering waterfalls for an unforgettable experience. We will take a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower providing a spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding district of Niagara. Afterward, you can enjoy an optional Niagara Helicopter Tour or Niagara Skywheel that gives you a breathtaking view of the Niagara Falls region. The evening is free for exploring North America’s “honeymoon capital”. Overnight in Niagara Falls. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel & Suites Fallsview, Niagara Falls, or similar

DAY 11: NIAGARA FALLS TO TORONTO

We leave Niagara Falls this morning. Our drive follows the scenic Niagara Parkway through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival. Here we see a small but thriving community, proud to display a carefully-preserved nineteenth-century atmosphere. This afternoon completes the tour with a short drive back to Toronto. The evening features our special “Farewell to Canada” dinner at the CN Tower. Overnight in Toronto. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, or similar

DAY 12: TORONTO TO CALGARY (FLIGHT)

Today we transfer to Pearson International Airport in Toronto and check in for our flight to Calgary, Alberta. Having crossed two thousand kilometres of Canadian wilderness and western wheatland, we arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to our hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free. Explore the Old West at the Glenbow Museum or Fort Calgary on your own, browse through the Eau Claire Market, ride up the Calgary Tower for a great view and savour the great restaurants and dynamic nightlife. Overnight in Calgary. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Calgary, or similar

DAY 13: CALGARY TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK

We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, we travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we approach Banff National Park, our first of several in the Canadian national parks system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel, Banff, or similar

DAY 14: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Today we will enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. An optional Helicopter Sightseeing Tour will give you the chance to see the eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, you can take an optional gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain. Bring your camera! The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings of Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Overnight in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel, Banff, or similar

DAY 15: BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper national parks promises to be a highlight of our Rockies Trail program. Shortly after leaving Banff, we visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterward, we travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway through a rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges.

At the Columbia Icefield, we board a specially constructed Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Close to Jasper, you have the chance to go on an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River. Your experienced guide will point out the natural and human history as you raft through short rapids and stretches of calm waters. Overnight in Jasper. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Lobstick Lodge, Jasper, or similar

DAY 16: JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO SUN PEAKS

Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lake in the park. You may alternately take an optional motorcycle tour of Jasper, riding in the comfortable sidecar with an unmatched view of the forests and mountains. Then, we travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia. Breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await visitors in every season of the year. The route takes us along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Meals: B

Accommodation at Sun Peaks Grand, Sun Peaks, or similar

DAY 17: SUN PEAKS TO WHISTLER

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites, Whistler, or similar

DAY 18: WHISTLER TO VICTORIA

The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us south through spectacular coastal scenery today. You will visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge suspended high above a magnificent canyon. From Horseshoe Bay, we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Arriving in Victoria, we embark on a city tour of this former British enclave. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 19: VICTORIA

Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in the many 19th-century landmarks throughout the city. Today we treat ourselves to a tour of the world-famous Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time will be allocated here for browsing through the regal gardens. You can take part in an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. You can also go on an optional Whalewatching Excursion aboard a Zodiac or a regular vessel. Watch for the magnificent orcas and the abundance of marine wildlife. The remainder of the day is at leisurely exploring the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 20: VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER

We continue through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we enjoy an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or simple relaxation. This evening features our farewell dinner. Overnight in Vancouver. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, or similar

DAY 21: VANCOUVER DEPARTURE

A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B