CLOSE TO HOME TOUR SERIES

Vancouver Island, Victoria and Pacific Rim

DEPARTURE: Edmonton 7:00 am | Red Deer 9:00 am | Calgary 12:00 pm

Discover the west coast of Vancouver Island, known for its spectacular beaches, scenic wilderness and casual hospitality. A fun whale watching tour will make for an amazing day!

Highlights include the unique charm of Victoria, the floral beauty of The Butchart Gardens, themed murals in Chemainus, stately Cathedral Grove and tranquil MacKenzie Beach.

Guaranteed date
- 8 days | May 12, 2024
- Canada West
- Motorcoach
  Passport Not Required

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1

Edmonton to Calgary to Salmon Arm

: Sunday. Your Vancouver Island Holiday begins as you are welcomed aboard your deluxe coach in Edmonton. Travel south via Red Deer to Calgary meeting additional travel companions enroute. Sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Cross the border into British Columbia and continue to Salmon Arm, the “Gem of the Shuswap,” to overnight at the Comfort Inn. Located on a hill overlooking Shuswap Lake, your hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere. This evening features a GET ACQUAINTED PIZZA PARTY.

2

Salmon Arm to Victoria

(2 nights) Monday. View high mountain passes, rushing rivers and massive snowsheds as you roll along the Coquihalla Highway. Motor through Surrey to Tsawwassen and board a BC FERRY for a scenic sailing to Vancouver Island. Continue to the retirement paradise of Victoria for a two-night stay at the Chateau Victoria. This lovely property is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, near the Inner Harbour.

3

Victoria

Tuesday. This morning take a GUIDED TOUR that combines the best of Victoria’s lovely homes and gardens with historic points of interest. An afternoon visit to the beautiful BUTCHART GARDENS will conclude a memorable day. See 50 acres of floral wonderland mixed with spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds.

4

Victoria to Tofino

(2 nights) Wednesday. As you bid farewell to Victoria, follow the Malahat Highway north, making a stop in the picturesque town of CHEMAINUS. Continue through Nanaimo and visit COOMBS OLD COUNTRY MARKET, the island landmark famous for the goats grazing on its roof. Head west, stopping to stretch your legs at CATHEDRAL GROVE, home of 800-year-old Douglas-fir trees. Arrive at the coastal community of Tofino for a two-night stay at the Best Western Tin Wis Resort, where the oceanfront rooms and landscaped grounds lead to the sheltered sands of MacKenzie Beach. Join the group for an included dinner.

5

Tofino

Thursday. This morning, experience an unforgettable WHALE WATCHING TOUR (Limited Seating – if not available a refund will be given for the boat tour). Tofino is a great place for whale watching! Gray whales are commonly seen in the spring as they migrate to feed in northern waters, along with orcas and humpback whales. Back on land, find some lunch as you wander around Tofino. Return to your hotel for some free time to bury your toes in the sand or beachcomb along the shoreline.

6

Tofino to Vancouver Area

Friday. Travel back to the east coast of Vancouver Island, board a BC FERRY and sail to Horseshoe Bay. Proceed to the unique New Westminster hotel, Inn at the Quay. Ideally located next to the riverfront boardwalk, it is built on pillars elevated over the Fraser River. Choose to relax in your over-the-water room and watch the boats sail by from your balcony or go out and explore the area.

7

Vancouver Area to Three Valley Gap

Saturday. Depart the Fraser Valley, journey through Merritt and Kamloops and continue to Three Valley Gap for overnight at the Three Valley Lake Chateau. Take a tour of the GHOST TOWN prior to your last evening together. Share memories with your fellow travellers at a HOSTED FAREWELL DINNER.

8

Three Valley Gap to Calgary to Edmonton

Sunday. Take in views of lofty peaks and deep valleys as the road climbs over the majestic ROGERS PASS. Continue through Banff National Park and have lunch enroute. Arrive mid-afternoon in Calgary and then continue to Edmonton.

Included in Your Holiday

First class transportation on an air conditioned, washroom equipped motorcoach
Quality accommodation and tax
Services of an experienced Tour Director and Driver
Baggage handling, one average piece per person
Travel bag
Admission to attractions and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
Pizza Party
Ferry crossings as indicated
Guided tour of Victoria

Butchart Gardens
Chemainus
Coombs Country Market
Cathedral Grove
Tofino Dinner
Whale Watching Tour (Limited Seating)
MacKenzie Beach
Ghost Town
Farewell Dinner
Rogers Pass
7 Meals Include: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners.

2024 Pricing

Cost per person| Prices in Canadian Dollars| Prices subject to change

Triple

$2,149.00

GST: $107.45

Twin

$2,359.00

GST: $117.95

Single

$3,229.00

GST: $161.45

Early Booking Discount

twin sharing per person.

$47.00

BC Legislature, Victoria BC

Orca Whale

Group Photo 2019, Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Goats On The Roof, Coombs BC

Beach - TinWis Resort, Tofino

Whale Watching Boat