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| WILDLIFE OF WESTERN CANADA with VANCOUVER EXT (84552009)
A 13-Day tour starting from $2,099
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vacation Overview This is the ultimate vacation for wildlife enthusiasts. Look for black bears and bald eagles on a nature and wildlife tour in Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, 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, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and a variety of bird species. Head west toward Pacific Rim National Park and Reserve with an overnight in Tofino. In Tofino, you have time to explore the many shops and galleries, stroll along the beach, and watch for black bears, ¬who call this area home. Then, enjoy a Victoria sightseeing tour before crossing back over to Vancouver for three overnights and time to tour Vancouver on your own or to take optional excursions. Get your cameras ready, because on this vacation, fauna is plentiful and frequently seen! |
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Guides Services of a professional Tour Director; Host service in Vancouver where information is provided for independent exploration and dining. Hotels Vancouver Sandman Hotel Downtown (F); Whistler Crystal Lodge (F); Campbell River Painter’s Lodge (F); Tofino Best Western Tin Wis (F); Victoria Royal Scot Suite Hotel (F)
Day 1:
Mon. VANCOUVER. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions. Day 2: Tue. VANCOUVER–WHISTLER. Often considered Canada’s most beautiful city, Vancouver enjoys a spectacular location between British Columbia’s Burrard Inlet and stunning snowcapped mountains. Your morning begins with a tour of this charming city’s main attractions, taking in its beaches and harbor area, the cobblestoned Gastown district, lively Chinatown, and gorgeous STANLEY PARK. Next, on to Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Upon arrival, an included visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to experience the BC aboriginal culture. Once greeted by the Squamish and Lil'wat hosts you are free to experience authentic indigenous art seen nowhere else, historical and contemporary exhibits, textiles, cedar carvings, priceless collections, song, dance, artist demonstrations, and engaging interactive activities. This evening, take some time to explore this quaint village. 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 with 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, known as the salmon capital of the world and the traditional territory of the Laichwiltach people of the First Nation - British Columbia's original inhabitants before the Europeans and Americans arrived. Day 5: Fri. CAMPBELL RIVER. Telegraph Cove Excursion. Leave Campbell River and head 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 wealth of 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 a 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. Today, be on the lookout for the 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: rock crab! Day 9: Tue. TOFINO–DUNCAN–VICTORIA. We leave the pounding Pacific surf and head south to Victoria. We’ll stop in Duncan to enjoy the cultural comings and goings in City Square, the heritage and vintage buildings, and the large array of exquisite shops and restaurants that cater to all tastes. 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 an 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 on board 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. Choose from a variety of optional excursions covering many of Vancouver’s attractions. Perhaps revisit Stanley Park and rent a bike to ride around the seawall. View the beautiful gardens, towering evergreen forests, and inviting beaches. Take a day trip to explore more of Victoria. Day 12: Fri. VANCOUVER. Today you might consider an optional trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge followed by afternoon tea. For shoppers and browsers, take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, entertainers, and waterfront cafés. Or, visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors. Your Local Host has many other suggestions for sites to visit and the best places to eat. Day 13: Sat. VANCOUVER. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Vancouver International Airport.
City Highlights In Vancouver and Victoria. ¦ Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.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. Scenic Highlights Guided Nature & Wildlife Walk in Whistler, First Nations performance, whale and bear watching. Related Tours 8450|Wildlife of Western Canada Price Details US Single Room Supplement: $1104Triple Room reduction per person: $172 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
