Day 1 – Vancouver to Victoria
With the taxi and motorcoach vouchers that are supplied, make your way to Victoria on Pacific Coach Lines. The coaches depart frequently from the Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station and travel to Victoria onboard a BC Ferry. The voyage through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island is very scenic and often has wildlife sightings. If you have the time, arrive in Victoria early and spend the day exploring this beautiful “Capital City” of British Columbia. Tonight, meet your traveling companions at the Welcome Dinner in the hotel restaurant. (Dinner)
Moderate: Overnight Best Western Carlton Plaza
Day 2 – Vancouver Island/Port McNeill
Today you will be transferred to the VIA Rail Station for the 8:00 AM departure of the E & N Malahat Dayliner departure to Courtenay. This all day trip will take you along a scenic route that travels up the center of Vancouver Island. Spectacular canyons, mountains and ocean vistas await as your cozy train makes its way north passing through rural communities and past seaside resorts. Lunch will be served onboard and refreshments are always available. When you arrive in the bustling city of Courtenay, you will be transported to the rugged community of Port McNeil for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Moderate: Overnight in Port McNeil (Hotel TBA)
Day 3 – Discovery Coast/Queen of Chilliwack
This morning its “breakfast on the run” in the coach as you head further north towards Port Hardy and the Bear Cove terminal of the “Queen of Chilliwack” a unique vessel of the BC Ferry fleet. Departing at 9:30 AM the vessel will spend the next 13 hours sailing through the beautiful and rugged waters of Queen Charlotte Strait, Fitz Hugh Sound, and Burke Channel. Orca Whales, eagles, bears and other wildlife are often sighted in the shore on in the adjacent coves and inlets. Good meals are available in the ships cafeteria. Your voyage ends in the remote village of Bella Coola as the sun sets. (Continental Breakfast)
Moderate: Overnight in Bella Coola (Hotel TBA)
Day 4 – History and Nature
This is a day that is open for you to explore the history and traditions of the area. The culture of the First Nations Peoples will be presented by an expert local guide who will also interpret the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds you. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Moderate: Overnight in Bella Coola (Hotel TBA)
Day 5 – Bella Coola to Williams Lake
Your day starts with an adventurous and spectacular climb out of Bella Coola up the infamous “Big Hill”, one of the few privately constructed roads still in operation in BC. The next part of your motorcoach journey will take you out of the coastal rainforest and through Heckman Pass deep into the Chilcotin area of the province. This vast area is home of the Gang Ranch, one of the largest cattle ranches in North America. Along the way, pass through historic Anaheim Lake village, Kleena Kleene and Alexis Creek on your way to your stop for the night in Williams Lake. (Breakfast, Lunch & Snack)
Moderate: Overnight in Williams Lake (Hotel TBA)
Day 6 – Williams Lake to Whistler
Another exciting and scenic day waits as you journey through the ranchlands of the southern Cariboo region arriving at Clinton for lunch. This is the route of the original Cariboo Wagon Road, built in the 1850’s to carry thousands of Miners and their supplies as they headed to the Gold Fields of Barkerville. In the afternoon your coach heads through the Cayoosh Canyon and along the scenic Duffy Lake Road. Following the rugged canyons of the Fraser River your journey will take you through historic Lillooet and into the lush farmlands of the Pemberton Valley. Your journey for today ends in the dynamic resort community of Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Moderate: Overnight in Whistler (Hotel TBA)
Day 7 – Whistler to Vancouver
Today you have lots of leisure time to thoroughly enjoy this world famous resort. Walk through the village, explore the shops or take a gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the rail station to board the Whistler Mountaineer for a beautiful trip through the mountains to the fast growing city of Squamish. From there, the train winds its way along the shoreline of fjord-like Howe Sound, eventually completing its journey in North Vancouver. A beverage and light meal will be served onboard. A short transfer to Vancouver will bring your journey to and end. (Snack)
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Services of a Tour Escort
- Meals: 2 Dinners, 4 Lunches, 5 Breakfasts & 2 Snacks
- Transportation by motor coach, taxi or Van, as outlined in itinerary, for duration of the tour
- BC Ferries passenger toll from Tswwassen to Swartz Bay (Vancouver Island), & Bear Cove to Bella Coola
- Whistler Mountaineer from Whistler to Vancouver in Coast Classic Class including light meal and motorcoach transfers in Whistler & Vancouver
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities for guides, driver and tour escort
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)