West Coast Summer Explorer 8 days / 7 nights
Trip Overview
This is a what a British Columbia summer is all about -- the cosmopolitan delights of Vancouver and Victoria on warm sunny days; meandering through the Gulf Islands by ferry and bicycle; visits to vineyards, farmers’ markets and artists studios; and a bit of whale and bear watching...Nothing beats it!We designed this trip based on our Vancouver team’s ‘best kept summer secrets’ - and we know it will make for one of the best vacations to Canada you’ve ever experienced.
Trip Images
Taking a moment to catch your breath and admire the beautiful scenery of Vancouver!
One of plenty small marinas found throughout the west coast of BC and Vancouver Island.
Stroll through one of many farmer's markets picking out the locals fresh fruit and vegetables.
Keep your eyes open for Orca whales that you may come across onboard ferry crossings.
Butchart Gardens is world-renowed for it's amazing year-round garden displays.
Map
1 night Victoria
2 nights Salt Spring Island
2 nights Campbell River
1 night Vancouver
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver
Settle into your downtown hotel and get out to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world - surrounded by mountains and ocean, with a laid-back ‘west coast’ feel - the ideal start to Canada family vacations. Enjoy a leisurely meal or a drink at an outdoor cafe; or shake off the cobwebs of your flight with a walk or cycle around Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 2 - Embrace the Charms of Victoria on Vacations to Canada
Choose to spend the morning exploring Vancouver some more then pick up your hire-car and drive to the ferry terminal south of the city, for a leisurely ferry ride through the Gulf Islands to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Or head out early and spend your afternoon in Victoria. Be sure to make a stop at Butchart Gardens which is on your way into the city of Victoria, admission has been included.Take a stroll around the bustling harbor, or visit one of Victoria’s fascinating museums or splendid gardens. Overnight in Victoria.
Day 3 - In Victoria/Travel to Salt Spring Island
Spend the morning touring Victoria, or choose from a number of activities to enjoy in Victoria which the Fresh Tracks staff can assist you with. Choose an afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel, tour the Royal BC Museum or take in a thrilling whalewatching tour.
You will then make your way to the ferry terminal for your 2nd ferry journey of the trip to the Vancouver Gulf Island - Salt Spring Island. You will spend the next 2 nights at a country bed & breakfast.
Day 4 -Salt Spring Island Explorations
Today is free to explore the island - once a hippy haven it is now a little more up-market, yet still ‘alternative’ in its own way. You may choose to rent a bicycle or a sea-kayak, or simply drive around the island stopping when you choose to browse around an artist’s studio, visit a farmers’ market, or taste some local wines at a few different wineries.
Day 5 - Visit Campbell River
Today you explore the eastern side of Vancouver Island. Leaving Salt Spring Island by ferry, you then drive a few hours north to ‘The Salmon Capital of the World’, Campbell River. Take your time traveling to Campbell River as there are plenty of coastal small towns to drive through such as Qualicum Beach. A stop at Chemainus is highly recommended where you can see the huge heritage murals that have painted throughout the town. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 6 - Wildlife Cruise - Campbell River
Today you will join a wildlife cruise by Zodiac in search of black bears, stellar sea lions, minke whales, pacific white-sided dolphins, bald eagles and more... the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Campbell River.
Day 7 - Campbell River to Vancouver
Journey part way down Vancouver Island where you then make your away back to the mainland of Vancouver. You will disembark off of another ferry this time ending up in Horseshoe Bay - a great place to enjoy some fish and chips! Then it’s a short drive to downtown Vancouver where you will spend your last night.
Day 8 - Depart Vancouver
Today, alas, your vacation ends as you return your car at Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight home.
Which part of Canada or Alaska should I explore?
Talk to a friendly local expert now.
| US & Canada | UK 0-800-917-5924 | AUS 1-800-992-872 |
Accommodations
Boutique hotels, country house, and ocean resortOptions & Upgrades
Options & UpgradesThis trip can be customized for your perfect vacation - call us for friendly local advice
• Add extra nights to explore cosmopolitan Vancouver
• Go bear watching at the world famous Knight Inlet Lodge
• Combine this trip with Tofino, the ultimate wilderness beach destination
Dates & Prices
2010 Package Start DatesAvailable daily - May 1 -October 5
| USD $ | ||
| Double | Single | |
| May 1 - Jun 25 2010 | 2,060 | 3,915 |
| Jun 26 - Aug 26 2010 | 2,338 | 4,372 |
| Aug 27 - Oct 5 2010 | 2,457 | 2,457 |
• Prices are per person based on twin share
Includes
• 7 nights accommodation
• private luxury airport to downtown Vancouver transfer on day 1, including meet & great
• 7 day Intermediate Car rental
• 200 km’s per day, extra km’s charged at $0.20 per km
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
• Vehicle licensing fee
• continental breakfast at Magnolia hotel in Victoria
• morning wake-up hamper, full English breakfast and afternoon tea each day at Hastings House on Salt Spring Island
• Ferry fare for car and 1 or 2 adults, Tswassen to Swartz Bay (day 2) and Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay (day 7)
• Butchart Gardens admission
• Wildlife adventure cruise in Campbell River
• documentation
Not Included
• Ferry fares between Vancouver Island & Saltspring Island on day 3 & 5
• Fuel and refueling fees
• Additional drivers fees
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
• Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
• Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Canadian sales taxes (pre-rebated by 50% for visitors to Canada)
HAVE A CHAT
From UK toll-free: 0-800-917-5924
From Australia toll-free: 1-800-992-872
Other countries: (int.l prefix +) 1-604-737-8743
Your vacation is important and to make the most of it, we strongly advise talking to a local expert first.