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| WILDLIFE OF WESTERN CANADA (84502008)
An 11-Day tour starting from $CALL
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vacation Overview This is the ultimate 11-day vacation for wildlife enthusiasts. View beluga whales up close and personal at the Vancouver Aquarium; look for black bears and bald eagles on a nature and wildlife tour in Whistler; and sail through the Gulf Islands before reaching Vancouver Island. Travel along the Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and make a stop in Telegraph Cove to spot orca whales. Head west toward Pacific Rim National Park and Reserve with an overnight in Tofino. Cruise on Clayoquot Sound and watch for sea lions and sea otters, among many other various animals native to Western Canada. Get your cameras ready because fauna is plentiful and frequently seen. |
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Transportation Ferry crossing to/from Vancouver Island; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring. Hotels Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling. Listed hotels or equivalent.VANCOUVER Sandman Hotel Downtown (F); WHISTLER Crystal Lodge (F); CAMPBELL RIVER Painter’s Lodge (F); TOFINO Best Western Tin Wis Resort (F); VICTORIA Royal Scot Suite Hotel (F) Guides Services of a professional Tour Director. Meals 1 breakfast (B)
Day 1:
Mon. VANCOUVER. Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. Day 2: Tue. VANCOUVER–WHISTLER. You’ll start your tour with a special treat this morning when we visit the VANCOUVER AQUARIUM. While enjoying a wonderful breakfast, you’ll see beluga whales up close and personal. A wildlife expert will tell you all about these fascinating creatures. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the rest of the aquarium featuring a world of animals in breathtaking settings. Then, your Vancouver sightseeing tour will include the beautiful beaches and harbor, Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinatown. Next, we’ll travel to Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. This evening, take some time to explore this quaint village. (B) Day 3: Wed. WHISTLER. Come and explore Whistler this morning on a nature and wildlife walk. A Local Guide will teach you about the flora and fauna of the area as well as about the animals that live around Lost Lake. Keep an eye out for pika, black-tailed deer, marmot, black bears, and bald eagles. Although we can never guarantee wildlife sightings, have your cameras ready, as you never know what surprises of nature will surface. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure. Time to explore more of what Whistler has to offer: hike, bike, go horseback riding, or just relax and enjoy the majestic views. Shopping is abundant, including designer outlets, art galleries, gift shops, outdoor clothing, and ski shops. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on the best way to spend your free time. Day 4: Thu. WHISTLER–CAMPBELL RIVER. Today we cross the Strait of Georgia and sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands arriving on Vancouver Island. We then travel to Campbell River, “The Salmon Capital of the World,” for a 3-night stay. Tonight, the people of the Laichwiltach First Nation invite you to attend a performance at the GILDAS BOX OF TREASURES THEATRE. Gildas is the name given to the symbolic box in which each family keeps the songs, masks, dances, and stories of their heritage. They will share their heritage and perform a dance ceremony. Afterward, you are invited to visit the gallery which features the artwork of the Laichwiltach people in carvings, paintings, clothing, and many other wonderful items. Day 5: Fri. CAMPBELL RIVER–TELEGRAPH COVE EXCURSION. This morning we’ll leave Campbell River and head farther north to Telegraph Cove, one of the premier spots in the world for orca viewing. In addition to seeing orca “killer” whales, the area is home to a wealthof other marine wildlife. While on your CRUISE, keep your eyes on the lookout for porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and a variety of bird species. Trained naturalists will identify and discuss the local marine mammals and sea birds while on your trip. Your vessel is also equipped with underwater microphones so you can listen to the whales’ vocalizations. Day 6: Sat. CAMPBELL RIVER. You have a full day at leisure to enjoy the “Wilderness Lodge Experience”: go fishing, play a round of golf, hit the tennis courts, rent a bicycle, take a journey to Quadra Island, or relax at the spa or by the pool. For a truly unique experience, don snorkel and fins and take a guided tour as you swim with the salmon returning up the river to spawn (available mid-July through October). This evening, perhaps take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront and explore the neighborhood restaurants. Day 7: Sun. CAMPBELL RIVER–TOFINO. Today, we travel across Vancouver Island to Tofino and PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE, the farthest west you can go on Vancouver Island by paved road. We’ll stop at Cathedral Grove, home to incredible old-growth trees and a great place to take a leisurely stroll. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the many shops and galleries in Tofino or enjoy a walk on the beach. Tonight, why not sample some of the fresh local seafood, including salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab? Your Tour Director will have recommendations for the best places to eat. Day 8: Mon. TOFINO. Each year, more than 22,000 whales migrate along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Today, we’ll travel through the pristine waters of Clayoquot Sound revealing sensational scenery and wildlife, such as sea lions, sea otters, and killer whales on our included CRUISE. Today’s activities also include the exciting experience of viewing BLACK BEARS who call this area home. Have your cameras ready—you may just spy them roaming the shores in search of their favorite delicacy, the rock crab. Day 9: Tue. TOFINO–VICTORIA. We leave the pounding Pacific surf and head south to Victoria. We’ll stop in Duncan, nicknamed “The City of Totems,” where you’ll learn about the art of totem carving and be entertained by the many legends and myths that accompany each of them. Later this afternoon, we arrive in Victoria, “The City of Gardens.” Your sightseeing tour of Victoria includes Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. This evening, join us on our optional excursion in Chinatown, including a lantern tour and dinner at a first-class restaurant. A very memorable and unique way to experience Victoria! Day 10: Wed. VICTORIA–VANCOUVER. Today, we cross back over to Vancouver where the remainder of your day and evening are at leisure. This evening, why not enjoy our optional sunset dinner cruise onboard an authentic paddle wheeler for views of Vancouver Harbour and a one-of-kind dining experience? The perfect ending to your vacation! Day 11: Thu. VANCOUVER. The trip ends today, with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included.
Scenic Highlights Vancouver Aquarium and breakfast with the beluga whales, guided Nature & Wildlife Walk in Whistler, First Nations performance, whale and bear watching. Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable. City Highlights In Vancouver and Victoria. Notes Note: While wildlife in British Columbia is plentiful and frequently seen, Mother Nature does not keep a schedule. Therefore, we do not guarantee sightings at any time. Related Tours 8455 | Wildlife of Western Canada with Vancouver extension Price Details US Prices are for all land arrangements. Cosmos may be able to provide you with flight arrangements.Single Room Supplement: 8450 $797.Triple Room reduction per person: 8450 $127. Guaranteed shares. Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available. Related Tour Code 8455 CURRENT SPECIALS: Special Offers from Cosmos Discount for young travelers Cosmos grants a 10-percent discount on the land-only price to travelers who are under 18 years old on the departure date, provided they are accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations, we do not accept children under eight years old because we’ve found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.
Pay less for your second and subsequent vacations Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. We charge you list price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Cosmos trip you take in the same year, you pay US $25 under list price. |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||