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 Butchart Gardens, themed murals in Chemainus, stately Cathedral Grove and tranquil MacKenzie Beach.

2023 Departure Dates
8 days | May 14, 2023
Canada West
Motorcoach
Passport Not Required

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”. Upon arrival, join your travel companions for a GET ACQUAINTED PIZZA PARTY.

2

Salmon Arm to Victoria

(2 nights) Monday. Enjoy the scenery as you travel 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 Hotel. This lovely property is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, near the Inner Harbour.

3

Victoria

Tuesday. Take a GUIDED TOUR this morning that combines the best of Victoria’s lovely homes and gardens with points of historic interest. A 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. Bid farewell to Victoria. Travel the Malahat Highway north, make a stop in the picturesque town of CHEMAINUS, travel through Nanaimo and continue to COOMBS COUNTRY MARKET, famous for the goats grazing on its roof. Travel west through 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 with its oceanfront rooms and landscaped grounds leading down to peaceful sandy MacKenzie Beach.

5

Tofino

Thursday. Enjoy a leisurely morning with free time on the beach before departing on 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 as gray whales arrive in the spring to feed as far north as Alaska.

6

Tofino to Vancouver Area

Friday. Travel back to the east coast of Vancouver Island, board a BC FERRY and sail to Horseshoe Bay. Arrive early afternoon and continue to the unique Vancouver hotel, Inn at the Quay, in New Westminster. Ideally located next to the Riverfront Boardwalk, it is built on pillars elevated over the Fraser River. Choose to relax from your over-the-water room with balcony and watch the boats go by or go exploring.

7

Vancouver Area to Three Valley Gap

Saturday. Depart the Fraser Valley, travel 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. Today’s travel provides a variety of spectacular mountain scenery. Wind your way over the majestic ROGERS PASS. Pass 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
Ferry crossings as indicated
Guided tour of Victoria
Butchart Gardens

Chemainus
Coombs Country Market
Cathedral Grove
Whale Watching Tour (Limited Seating)
Ghost Town
Farewell Dinner
Meals Include: 4 Breakfasts, Pizza Party, 1 Farewell Dinner.

2023 Pricing

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

Triple

$1,849.00

GST: $92.45

Twin

$2,029.00

GST: $101.45

Single

$2,739.00

GST: $136.95

Early Booking Discount

twin sharing per person

$41.00

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