Pre Convention Program For Vancouver and Victoria May 24 May 29, 2015
Vancouver Canada s Pacific Jewel Nestled between the sparkling blue Pacific and the white tipped peaks of the Coastal Mountains, Vancouver is truly Canada's "jewel" on the Pacific. Vancouver is an unforgettable place in south western British Columbia where majestic mountains and emerald forests meet the Pacific Ocean. It's a fashionable and cosmopolitan city with stylish boutiques, sidewalk cafes and seaside markets. Here natural beauty combines with local native and Pacific Rim cultures to create an endless variety of activities. Vancouver's multicultural heritage has evolved from the fur trade, the discovery of Caribou gold in the 1800's and finally the lumber industry. Frontiersman from around the world came to Canada's most western province motivated by the possibility of finding gold, plentiful forests, rich farmland and the delicacies of the ocean. In less than a century, Vancouver has grown from a shanty mill town into the major financial centre of British Columbia and a true incentive destination. For conference delegates, Vancouver offers it all; the Pacific Ocean playground the Coastal Mountains, a year round temperate climate, adventurous activities and fine cuisine and restaurants. 2
Victoria Forever Free Victoria is a unique blend of old world charm and new world experiences. As an island destination, Victoria offers visitors an escape from the hurried world and beams with ambience. Boasting the mildest climate in Canada we are green and beautiful year-round. In Victoria, heritage architecture, colourful gardens and traditions like afternoon tea mix with a plethora of outdoor adventure, world-class culinary experiences and a vibrant arts and culture scene. This combined with the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean and old-growth rainforests set against a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains makes Victoria the perfect getaway. 3
ITINERARY DAY 1: Arrival in Vancouver at the International Airport You will be met by an English speaking Trip Director You Guests will be required to bring your luggage through customs Transfer from the airport to downtown Vancouver hotel The transfer is approximately 20 minutes, pending traffic 19:00-20:30 Dinner at a local restaurant in walking distance Overnight in Vancouver DAY 2: 09:00 12:00 Short Sightseeing tour of Vancouver 12:00 13:00 Lunch at a local restaurant. 13:30 16:30 Bike Tour of Stanley Park 19:00 20:30 Dinner at a local restaurant in walking distance Overnight in Vancouver DAY 3: 09:00 Departure to North Vancouver 09:30 12:30 Admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge 12:30 13:30 Lunch on-site / local restaurant 13:45 Continue for Grouse Mountain 14:00 Arrival and admission to Grouse Mountain 19:00 20:30 Dinner at a local restaurant in walking distance Overnight in Vancouver DAY 4: 08:15 Depart for Victoria 10:00 Ferry crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay 12:30 13:30 Admission to Butchart Gardens 13:30 Lunch at Butchart Gardens 14:00 Approximate arrival in Victoria, BC 14:15 16:15 Sightseeing tour of Victoria 19:00 20:00 Dinner at a local restaurant in walking distance Overnight in Victoria DAY 5: 09:00-12:00 Three Hour Whale Watching Excursion 12:30 13:30 Lunch at local restaurant. 13:30 Continue for Duncan, BC 14:30 17:30 Quw utsun Salmon Barbeque (early dinner) and self-guided tour 17:45 Return to Victoria, BC Overnight in Victoria DAY 6: 09:00 10:30 Admission to Royal British Columbia Museum 11:00 12:30 Admission to Victoria Butterfly Gardens 13:00 16:15 Transfer by coach to the ferry terminal where guests board the ferry for Vancouver. Departures from Vancouver at leisure. 4
THE FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is known as the 'Castle in the City and reflects timeless luxury and history. Holding a prime downtown location, steps from Vancouver s shopping and entertainment district, it is the perfect place to enjoy Vancouver's vibrant atmosphere. You will feel at home as their canine ambassadors, Mavis and Beau, welcomes you and the knowledgeable Concierge team is on site to help with local suggestions. 5
THE FAIRMONT EMPRESS Quintessentially Victoria- regarded on the Condé Nast Gold List and Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels of the World and a legendary Canadian landmark, Fairmont Empress Hotel graces Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour and beloved cultural city centre. Vancouver Island's most celebrated resort since 1908, explore exclusive special offers and create memories at Fairmont Empress. A local favourite for dining experiences with versatile restaurants, a visit to Victoria is only complete with world renowned Afternoon Tea. Enjoyed by royalty, celebrities and dignitaries, unwind, relax and enjoy the celebrated teatime experience. The hotel features full-service spa experiences at Willow Stream Spa, regarded as one of the best spas in Canada. 6
DAY 1: ARRIVAL VANCOUVER Arrival in Vancouver at the International Airport. Guests will be met by an English speaking Trip Director. Guests will be required to bring the luggage through customs on their own. Transfer per highway coach from the airport to downtown Vancouver hotel. The transfer is approximately 20 minutes, pending traffic. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vancouver DAY 2: FULL DAY VANCOUVER Short Sightseeing in Vancouver in the morning Surrounded by majestic mountains and shimmering water, Vancouver is one of the world's greatest ports and cosmopolitan cities. During the introductory trip the participants will see Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, historic Gas town, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Canada Place (site of Expo '86), Prospect Point and Lions Gate Bridge. Lunch at a local restaurant. Biking Around Stanley Park The 3 hour tour will primarily take us along the Sea Wall, paved bike trail that snakes around the perimeter of the park along the water. The approximately 12km ride is almost completely flat, and guests ride at a relaxed pace to take in the sights, so anyone with basic fitness can easily do this ride. Along the way we will stop to see Totem Poles and learn some First Nations history. We will check out a variety of statues, public art, and some of the recreational features the park has to offer including the favourite local beaches. We take a ride around Beaver Lake to learn some rain forest and lake ecology and this is one of the most beautiful spots in the park. Along the way, our guides will tell stories about the park and city, as well as the natural history and geography of the park and region. 7
Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Vancouver DAY 3: FULL DAY VANCOUVER Departure to North Vancouver in a 55 passenger coach. Admission at Capilano Suspension Bridge Experience nature, culture and adventure. Your pulse quickens as you step onto the swaying planks of the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest air as you make your way across Vancouver's famous landmark. Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you to the natural splendor of rainforest trails through magnificent evergreens and the unique perspective of Treetops Adventure, a walk high in the trees. Lunch at one of the local venues on site 8
Continue for Grouse Mountain. Grouse Mountain Admission to Grouse Mountain included. Step onboard the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, and get ready to experience a one-mile journey like no other. High above towering Douglas fir, breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, sparkling Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and snowy peaks unfold as you journey up the mountainside. Guests can also enjoy Hiking from the top of Grouse Mountain. An abundance of backcountry hikes weave their way into lush alpine terrain and the peaks of Dam, Fromme, Goat, and Crown Mountains. (Weather dependant) Guided interpretive hikes also available World Famous Lumberjack Show Grouse Mountain s Lumberjack Show features a crew of champion performers showcasing their skills atop Grouse Mountain. An impressive outdoor set features two logging camps from the early 1900's, where Johnny Nelson from the Green River logging camp prepares to battle Willie McGee from Blue Mountain to determine the top lumberjack. The 45-minute show offers fast paced entertainment and features log rolling, a 60-foot tree climb, two-man peg and raker saws, axe throwing, and an exciting springboard chop - the only three-board event in North America. Duration is 45 minutes. Private Show Time is after 6.00 pm to dusk. Dinner at a local restaurant. Transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in Vancouver 9
DAY 4: VANCOUVER - VICTORIA In the morning ferry crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. Admission to Butchart Gardens The Butchart Gardens is one of the world's premier floral show gardens. Jennie Butchart began to shape this magnificent landscape in 1904. She established, in the style of the grand estates of the period, several distinct gardens to evoke a range of aesthetic experiences. An abandoned limestone quarry was transformed into the dramatic Sunken Garden, a reflection of the early 20thcentury beautification movement and an exceptional achievement in Canadian gardening history. Through successive generations of the Butchart family, The Gardens has retained much of its original design, and continues the Victorian tradition of seasonally changing the outstanding floral displays. A lunch at Butchart Gardens. On arrival in Victoria, guests will be picked up by coach and will enjoy a sightseeing tour. Canada s gentlest city is a civilized place of unhurried streets and enchanting gardens. Some sites may include the Inner Harbour dotted with pleasure crafts, the imposing Parliament Buildings, Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park a forest of totem poles and Mile 0 of the Trans-Canada Highway. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Victoria 10
DAY 5: VICTORIA Whale Watching (3 hours) Whale watching is an experience many say they will never forget. Whale Watching Excursions in Victoria and around beautiful Vancouver Island provide visitors with their most wonderful memories of British Columbia. The rich marine wildlife of beautiful southern Vancouver Island is world renowned for its abundance and diversity. Killer Whales are magnificent and never fail to impress, but there are many other living treasures that share their waters. Bring your camera and your excitement because we are going to provide you with a trip you will remember forever! Local Marine Wildlife include: Orcas (or Killer Whales), Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall s Porpoise and Harbour Porpoise! Pinnipeds such as California Sea Lions, Northern (Stellar) Sea Lions, Elephant Seals and Harbour Seals are always a joy to see. Bald Eagles soar above the seas and Sea Birds fly close to the water looking for food. These are but a few of the fascinating mammals and sea birds that inhabit our oceans and beautiful island. Lunch at local restaurant. Continue for Duncan, BC. 11
DAY 5: VICTORIA Quw utsun Salmon Barbeque (early dinner) and self-guided tour The Quw utsun Cultural Centre is centrally located in Duncan on picturesque Vancouver Island. From Victoria embark on a 45 minute journey north through Goldstream Provincial park; which is best known for spawning salmon and nesting eagles. Travel over the Malahat with views of open oceans and many gulf islands. This spectacular trip is alive with the color and beauty British Columbia is known for. The centre is on 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds along the banks of the Cowichan River, a designated BC Heritage River. The QCCC offers a truly unique experience, sharing the stories and traditions of the Cowichan Native people from hundreds of years ago. It is a world of colour and pageantry, where first nations talent and pride are abundant. Overnight in Victoria 12
DAY 6: VICTORIA - VANCOUVER - DEPARTURE In the morning education activities before transfer back to Vancouver. Royal BC Museum The Royal BC Museum Corporation is one of Canada s greatest cultural treasures. The museum was founded in 1886; the Archives, in 1894. In 2003, these two organizations joined to become British Columbia s combined provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of British Columbia s natural and human history, safeguarding them for the future, and sharing them with the world. Victoria Butterfly Gardens Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a rare opportunity to experience a true tropical jungle in the best part of Canada. Victoria Butterfly Gardens is home to exotic butterflies, tropical ducks, stunning flamingos, rare tropical birds, Chameleons, Geckos, Poison dart Frogs, Tree Frogs, Sulcata and Red Footed Tortoises and giant Koi swimming in the stream and pond. Transfer by coach to the ferry terminal where guests board the ferry for Vancouver. 13
DAY 6: VICTORIA - VANCOUVER - DEPARTURE PER PERSON COST INCLUDES: 5 nights hotel accommodation based on double occupancy 5 breakfasts at hotels Applicable taxes and service charges Transportation and transfers as described Admission to attractions as listed unless stated optional Services of an escort throughout Lunches as outlined in the program with 1 pop OR 1 water per person Dinner as outlined in the program with 2 alcoholic drinks per person not at the Quw utsun Cultural Center PER PERSON COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Flights, insurance (flights can be arranged) Airport taxes and porterage Excess luggage transfers and personal expenses Meals and beverages other than listed above Anything listed as optional Baggage handling 1 piece per person at the hotels Per person price double occupancy... Per person price single occupancy... $3,695.00 Canadian $4,695.00 Canadian 14