Vancouver & Vancouver Island 2018 1
Itinerary Welcome to British Columbia, home to cosmopolitan Vancouver, and the more remote wilderness areas of Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island where the dramatic ocean waves crash down on the rugged coastline. We'll spend time in Vancouver, exploring the city, as well as walking in the nearby mountains, giving wonderful views. Taking the ferry to Vancouver Island, we travel to Courtenay, then on to Tofino where we'll have the chance to view black bear and experience the Wild Pacific Trail. Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver Evening arrival in Vancouver and transfer to our central hotel. Accommodation: Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, (3 nights) (Meals included: dinner) Day 2: Vancouver We enjoy a morning guided tour of downtown Vancouver to include Chinatown, Gastown, Robson Street, Granville Island, English Bay and Stanley Park. (approx 2 hours) In the afternoon we ll take a walk on the Beacon Lane Trail in Lighthouse Park on a path that winds through massive Douglas fir trees and red cedars with views of the ocean and the Vancouver skyline. (1 mile/2km level trail). There is the option to extend the walk to 4 miles/6km. Day 3: Vancouver We drive for 30-45 minutes out of Vancouver to the Cypress Mountain area for walks in spectacular scenery overlooking Howe Sound. The Eagles Bluffs trail begins with a steep ascent through a series of switch backs. After that the trail is relatively flat. Our first stop is at the scenic Cabin Lake with a short side trail for views of The Lions and Mount Stratchan. Depending on the group s preferences, we ll either walk from Cabin Lake directly to Eagle Bluffs or include a detour to Black Mountain look-out. (5 miles/8km, 1,600ft/490m 2
elevation gain, approx. 4 hours. Black Mountain loop adds 3 miles/5km and 1,200ft/360m ascent/descent). There will be a second local guide available today, so the group can split into two if required. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 4: Vancouver to Courtenay, Vancouver Island 220km, 4.5 hours (including ferry) Today we travel to either Tsawwassen or Horse Shoe Bay to board the ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The ferry crossing takes about 1.5 hours and we ll then take a short walk on the Harbourfront Walkway in Nanaimo, followed by lunch. Before reaching Courtenay we ll stop at Rathtrevor beach and take an easy 3 mile/5.5km walk along the beach. Accommodation: Courtenay Old House Hotel & Spa (2 nights), Courtenay Day 5: Courtenay & area Today we ll walk in the Courtenay and Comox area. We ll transfer by ferry to Denman and Hornby Islands for an enjoyable coastal walk with views of the Straight of Georgia and the opportunity to spot sea lions. (3 miles/5km, level walk) In the afternoon we ll take a tour of the Beaufort Winery followed by a visit to the Seal Bay Regional Nature Park. Here we ll take a short walk with a wealth of wildlife watching opportunities beaver, muskrat, red squirrels, marten, a variety of birds and ducks and the occasional black bear. (2 miles/3km, level walk). (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 6: Courtenay to Tofino We cross to the west coast of Vancouver Island to Tofino (approx. 3.5 hour drive), stopping en route at Cathedral Grove for a short walk through an Old Growth Forest. We ll also visit the Wickaninnisch Interpretive Centre, followed by a walk on the Nuu-chah-nuhlt and South Beach Trails. The route is highlighted with Aboriginal interpretive signs and the first totem pole raised the the Ucluelet First Nation in more than a century. (4 miles/6km, some ascent including 230 steps) Accommodation: Best Western Tin Wis Resort,Tofino, (4 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 7: Tofino & Ucluelet 3
Our route today takes us to Ucluelet on the south end of the national park, a drive of approx. 35 minutes. taking in fjords and sheltered bays. We ll be looking out for black bears that come out of the rainforest to the coast to feed. On the way we ll stop at the Rain Forest Interpretive Trail and discover the flora and fauna of the forest. (1 mile/2km, mostly on boardwalk. Total ascent of 700 steps in short flights) In Ucluelet we ll walk part of the Wild Pacific Trail to the Amphitrite Lighthouse, through mossy rainforest to the rugged and wind-swept coastline with dramatic views. (2 miles/3km easy walking) In the afternoon we ll take a water taxi to Meares Island for a walk on the Big Trail. Here we ll discover the Hanging Garden and many ancient trees, including the largest western red cedar tree in Canada, thought to be about 2,000 years old. (2.5 miles/4.2km, easy walking with some steps) Day 9: Tofino free day In the afternoon our walk will be the second part of the Wild Pacific Trail the Artist Loop. There are viewing areas to watch for seals and sea lions, and to experience the power of the Pacific as the waves surge and swirl against the rocky cliffs and headlands. (3 miles/4km, easy walking) Our final visit will be to the Ucluelet Aquarium before returning to Tofino. Day 8: Tofino This morning we will take a bear watching boat trip along the coast Today you have the whole day free to explore independently or relax at the hotel. There are plenty of options for things to do, including: Walk on Chesteman Beach, a beautiful 2.7km stretch of sand with abundant marine life and popular with surfers. At the end of the walk the Wickaninnish 4
Inn makes an ideal stop for a drink or quick bite. The Tonquin Trail (2 miles/3km) is just 10 minutes from Tofino. It passes through rainforest along the coast and takes you to Tonquin Beach, a great location for watching the sun set. Hot Spring Explorer. A 6-7 hour excursion by boat the Maquinna Provincial Park where there s a boardwalk trail (1 mile/2km) to the Hot Springs where you can enjoy a relaxing dip. The park also offers opportunities to spot wildlife. Cost approx. $135 per person, payable locally. Whale watching cruises are also available, but the waters in this area can be very rough. It may be a better alternative to wait until Day11 in Victoria where the waters are calmer. Day 10: Tofino Victoria We leave Tofino and drive to Victoria, Vancouver Island s largest city. Our driving time is approx. 4.5 hours with stops en route. After a picnic lunch at Little Qualicum Falls we ll stop at the small town of Chemainus to see their famous murals, and later at Duncan we ll stop to discover their totem poles. Accommodation: BW Carlton Plaza, Victoria, (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 11: Victoria In the morning we ll discover downtown Victoria on a walking tour including Ogden Point. The afternoon is at leisure to explore independently. Options include: Walking in the many parks and public gardens. A whale watching cruise. Cost approx. $125 per person, payable locally. The Royal British Museum. Cost approx. $16 per person. Afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress hotel. This evening we ll have dinner at a restaurant by the Inner Harbour. Day 11: Victoria Vancouver In the morning we ll walk to Mount Douglas to enjoy a spectacular 360 view of the Victoria area. (2.5miles/4km, 700ft/205m of ascent) After a picnic lunch we ll enjoy a visit to the famous Butchart Gardens, renowned for their floral displays. Our ferry back to Vancouver will be in the late afternoon, in time to check in 5
to our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 13: Vancouver and departure This morning is at leisure to relax or do some last minute shopping. You could take the gondola to Grouse Mountain for a gentle walk on the top, or possibly join a guided 45 minute eco-walk to the wildlife refuge. Another option is to see a lumberjack show. Cost $50 per person, payable locally. In the afternoon we ll visit Steveston Village, a quaint village with a scenic fisherman s wharf, the Gulf of Georgia National Historic Site (a former cannery) and a beautiful park, ideal for a short walk. Afterwards there ll be the transfer to the airport for the overnight flight back to the UK. (Meals included: breakfast) 6
Accommodation Stay in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels and welcoming inns. Specially selected for their location or stunning views, the variety of hotels will offer a relaxing end to each day s activity. Hotel Metropolitan, Vancouver (3nts) Luxury hotel in downtown Vancouver with a pleasant mountain backdrop. 197 rooms and suites, all with modern comforts. Heated indoor swimming pool. Best Western Tin-Wis Resort, (or similar) Tofino, Vancouver Island (4nts) 3-star hotel located on the peaceful Mackenzie Beach off Clayoquot Sound. All rooms have ocean view, and the hotel offers sea view hot-tub, ideal for soaking after your day's activity. Beachfront Bistro for delicious local flavour meals. http://bestwesternbc.com/hotels/bestwestern-tin-wis-resort www.metropolitan.com/vanc/ Best Western Carlton Plaza Victoria, Vancouver Island (2nts) Old House Hotel & Spa, Courtenay, Vancouver Island (2nts) The West Coast inspired Old House & Spa offers spacious rooms, heated outdoor pool and hot-tub, and use of the Spa centre (any treatments payable locally) www.oldhousevillage.com/ Spacious, comfortable and clean ensuite rooms at this centrally located hotel in Victoria, the largest city on Vancouver Island. http://www.bestwesterncarltonplazah otel.com/ 7
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece, hat and gloves Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover 8
note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of the trip. UK passport holders must obtain an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) prior to flying to Canada. The cost is approx 3.50 and covers you for 5 years. You will need to apply in advance. Please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ index.asp for more information. If you are a dual Canada-UK national, you are recommended to travel with your Canadian passport. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This tour will stay under 2000m. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria and Tetanus may be suggested. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. 9
Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you 10
would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate The region experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are humid, and range from warm to hot. Cold fronts can bring crisp, windy weather in the early and later parts of summer. Local currency & money matters Canadian Dollars (CAD). Credit cards widely accepted. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet British Columbia & the Canadian Rockies 2014 Indian Legends of Vancouver Island Alfred Carmichael 1964 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 110V, 2 or 3 pin plugs Group size Maximum 18 guests plus local guide/s GMT/UTC - 8 hours Time difference HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any 11