The Experience
As humpback whales breech in the pristine waters off Vancouver Island and majestic bald eagles soar overhead, take a moment to breath in the fresh sea air and reflect on the incredible natural paradise that lies before you.
Soak up the sights of Vancouver from high above the city skyline aboard the Grouse Mountain Skyride across the Lions Gate Bridge from the CBD; meet the grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife on the North Shore; and walk across the world’s longest suspension bridge through the forest canopy. Travel to the world-renowned ski village of Whistler via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway and take in views of the picture-perfect Howe Sound and soaring, 1000-feet Shannon Falls. You’ll also board a sea plane from Vancouver for a breath-taking scenic flight to the beautiful city of Victoria where you’ll explore the town’s British colonial history, immaculate gardens and imposing Craigdarroch Castle, and embark on a memorable whale-watching cruise.
An experienced team of knowledgeable local guides and private drivers will reveal all the secrets of some of Canada’s most impressive natural wonders on a trip that draws together the mountains, the sea and the city in one irresistible package. You’ll also enjoy the country’s finest accommodation at a collection of high-end city hotels and harbor-side retreats that showcase the best of Canada’s warm hospitality.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Day 1: Vancouver
Enjoy a private transfer in a luxury vehicle with a professional guide who will meet you in the International Reception Lobby (IRL) located outside of customs.
Accommodation:
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (4*)
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is nestled between the majestic coastal mountains of British Columbia and the tides of the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver, one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan metropolises. Sumptuously styled and fully equipped rooms are what await you at this spectacular hotel, designed to provide all the elegance and charm of an English castle. Among their commodities you will find first-class accommodations but also, amazing facilities and amenities. Griffins Restaurant is the most popular bistro in the city of Vancouver, with an extensive and plentiful buffet and dramatic dacor, highlighted by arched windows which overlook the Vancouver Art Gallery. 900 West Lounge is Vancouver’s hottest address of the moment, with award-winning cocktails and sultry sounds of live jazz music. For your leisure moments, the hotel also provides a lovely indoor pool and the luxurious Absolute Spa, the perfect place to pamper yourself with some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Vancouver with Grouse Mountain background
Day 2: Vancouver
Enjoy a half day (6 hrs) private tour discovering the outskirts of Vancouver in North Shore where you will get into stunning nature in the area of Grouse Mountain. After being picked up at your hotel, you will cross Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore, see Cleveland Dam and Capilano Reservoir, the source of Vancouver’s drinking water, get to experience Grouse Mountain Skyride where you rise to a viewpoint of 1200 metres (3,700 feet) above the city in an enclosed gondola. At different times of the year there are special exhibitions on such as a lumberjack show, grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, theatre presentations, sleigh rides, ice skating, and a great view (admission included). Then brace yourself for the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park (admission included). Cross the world’s longest suspension foot bridge and experience the new Treetops Adventure, forest canopy walkway. Then enjoy the atmosphere at Lonsdale Quay – a market for shopping, with crafts, as well as seafood etc. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel.
Accommodation:
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Victoria
Whale Watching
Fairmont Empress
Day 3: Vancouver – Victoria
Take a scenic seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria. The flight time takes about 40 minutes.
Enjoy an exhilarating shared three hour whale watching tour on board a fast speed zodiac. Zodiacs or “Rigid Hull Inflatable” are world known for their excellent design and safety. Before boarding, you will be fitted with a Coast Guard approved neck to ankle “cruiser suit”. These suits provide comfort, safety and protection from the elements and are worn over your street clothing. The 12 passenger Zodiacs are powered with twin engines and are equipped with high tech safety equipment, as well as Hydrophones (our onboard acoustic system to hear beneath the vessel). After having been assisted onboard your 28 foot vessel, you will be offered gloves, goggles and sunscreen should weather conditions require. After a safety briefing and questions/ comments with your Shipper, off you go! Orcas (or Killer Whales) are commonly seen in the local waters off Victoria in April, May, June, July, August and September, and there is over 97% probability of seeing Orcas in the summer months. Other marine life you may encounter are Humpback Whales, Grey Whales, Minke Whales, Dall’s Porpoise and Harbour Porpoise! Bald Eagles soar above the seas and Sea Birds fly close to the water looking for food. You may have an opportunity, if the conditions are right, to listen to the Orcas in the area with the onboard hydrophones which pick up the actual sounds (such as clicks and whistles) that the Orcas make when they are socializing. This is sure to be an exciting and fun excursion!
Accommodation: Fairmont Empress
The Fairmont Empress rises regally on the banks of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and represents the center of British Columbia’s Capital City. The Resort has been completely restored to her turn-of-the-century beauty and displays the grandeur of a bygone era, her facilities and services meet the needs of today’s traveler. The Fairmont Empress features 477 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, with magnificent views of the city, courtyard or spectacular Inner Harbor. No stay at The Empress would be complete without a visit to one of the magnificent Victoria restaurants in this historic hotel. Whether you partake in the coveted English ritual of Afternoon Tea, savor the famous curry buffet in The Bengal Lounge or sample award-winning food and wine in The Empress Room. For a full-body massage or a full-body workout, their luxury hotel in Victoria has a fully-equipped gym and indoor heated pool and whirlpool area.
Butchart Gardens
Day 4: Victoria
Experience the Butchart Gardens, one of the most famous attraction in Victoria on this self-guided tour. Stroll along winding paths through 50acres of fragrant blossoms, and enchanting themed gardens, streams and lily ponds. . The gardens receive more than a million visitors each year. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada due to their international renown. In December, 2009 the Children’s Pavilion and the Rose Carousel were opened. The menagerie includes thirty animals ranging from bears, to horses, to ostriches, to zebras and mirrors the world from which The Gardens draws its visitors. The designs were hand picked by the owner, in consultation with an artist from North Carolina. The carvings were done by some of the few remaining carvers of carousel art. Each animal is carved from basswood and took many months to complete. The tour includes return shared transfer to Victoria City center.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation:
Fairmont Empress Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Day 5: Victoria – Whistler
Take a scenic floatplane from Victoria to Whistler today.
Travelers to Whistler won’t want to miss a chance to fly like an eagle and travel the breathtaking 3- kilometer (1.9 mile) span between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers unparalleled views of these spectacular mountains and this engineering marvel joins an exclusive club that includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk as the ultimate in sightseeing adventures. Among Peak 2 Peaks record-breaking achievements are the highest lift of its kind, the longest unsupported lift span in the world and the highest distance above a valley floor at 415 meters (1.361 feet) over the Fitzsimmons Creek.
Accommodation:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler allows for adventure and relaxation year round. Voted Canada’s #1 Golf and #1 Ski Resort by the readers of the Condo Nast Traveler Magazine. Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this hotel defines mountain luxury. With ski-in and ski-out convenience and on-site golf course, the classic elegance of this landmark offers a modern alpine setting for unsurpassed guest service, exceptional dining, and full resort amenities. For the ultimate indulgence, be sure to plan an escape to the Vida Wellness Spa.
Tree Trek
Day 6: Whistler
This Canopy Walk is perfect for those who would like to experience the stunning treetop vistas of the river valley, but aren’t quite adventurous enough to take the Ziptrek. Embark on fully guided ecology based tour that takes guests through the treetops on a series of suspension bridges and observation platforms. While on course guests are able to see first hand the varieties of forest composition between the ancient, old growth forests and the second generation forests also in the area. This is the ideal site for interactive learning and outdoor adventure exploration – come discover secrets of the ancient rain forest from your bird,™s eye view in the treetops of magnificent cedars.
Accommodation:
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Blackcomb mountain looming in the background
Day 7: Whistler
Enjoy a private transfer from Whistler to Vancouver. The transfer time is approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)