Vancouver & Whistler Active Duration: 7 days/6 nights Start: Vancouver, BC Finish: Vancouver, BC Price From: $4,995 pp (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. Designed by Dina Lanzi With an Italian father, Dina s love of travel started early. Summers were spent travelling between Italy and her homeland England, along with everywhere in between. After studying for her BSc in Hotel Management, Dina felt it was time to open her eyes to new challenges and adventures. Over the next 10 years she travelled and lived in many parts of the world, including the US, Italy, France and the Middle East. She has now settled in beautiful Vancouver with her husband (and two adorable pugs!). This is one of our Private Ready-to-Book trips. Think of B&R s Ready-to-Book collection of carefully crafted itineraries as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer. These trips showcase the essential highlights of each destination, and because they are set to go, booking your private trip couldn t be easier. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars. 2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com
Your Journey On this adventure you will be stunned by the amazing beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Your journey begins in Vancouver, a city by the ocean, before heading north into the natural beauty of Whistler and the Coast Mountain Range in Southwestern British Columbia. This region is home to a lush rainforest and a towering mountain range that is dominated by some of the largest glaciers in North America. Here, we will explore this incredible landscape, hiking the alpine ridgelines and through the lush forests past spring fed lakes reaching aquamarine colored waters resting at the bottom of looming glaciers above. Here, the license plates say it all; Best Place on Earth. Days 1 & 2 Hello BC! Welcome to Vancouver! Upon your arrival, we have made arrangements for you to spend the night at the lovely Fairmont Pacific Rim in the heart of the city. Here, you are surrounded by dinner options and shopping all just a short walk from the busy harbour. Depending on your arrival time, we will be happy to offer you some suggestions for your first night in town. There s no better way to explore this beautiful city than by bicycle. Today we pedal through Coal Harbour, then through the lush Stanley Park, the city s 405-hectare wilderness of giant cedar, hemlock and Doug Fir. We ll then get acquainted with Vancouver locals most beloved landmark the Stanley Park seawall, the curving paved northwestern edge of the city that, given its magnetism and accessibility, will have us feeling like locals in no time. We will ride on designated city bike lanes to Granville Island, Vancouver s favourite local market for fresh fish, vegetables and other fine foods, as well as a number of merchants ranging from bookshops and art galleries, to yacht brokers and marine hardware stores. We will refuel with a delicious lunch and then enjoy some time exploring the market itself. We will ride back to the hotel later in the day and allow you some time to relax before we head out to dinner tonight in the historic Gastown district., Dinner Activities: Biking approximately 20 km (12.4 mi.) HOTEL Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver This sophisticated 5-star hotel is a cosmopolitan newcomer to this area rich in history and intrigue. It has stunning views of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour, comfortable furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, and a convenient location in the heart of the historic port and financial district fronting one of Vancouver s most celebrated streetscapes. 2
Day 3 Sea to Sky & Whistler Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel before making the trip up the beautiful Sea to Sky highway to Squamish, sitting at the top of Howe Sound. Stopping in Squamish, we will head up the new Sea to Sky Gondola for a hike deep into the mountains overlooking the Sound below. Our hike weaves its way through old growth forests, ancient glacial formations and past waterfalls. Once back at the ocean's edge we will continue north past the dramatic Tantalus Icefield. Upon reaching Whistler we will check into our hotel and settle into our mountain home for the evening. Activities: Hiking for roughly 8 to 12 km (5-7 mi.) Day 4 After waking up in the heart of the mountains, today we will explore the region by bike. Riding from the village, we spend the morning on the Valley Trail network; a combination of paved pathways and crushed gravel trails that connect the local lakes. With trails to match all abilities, the biking in Whistler is sure to impress. For the afternoon we can continue our ride onto further trail networks or you may choose to explore the village or relax with a spa treatment. It's your adventure to create! Tonight ask your guide for plenty of suggestions for a great place to dine. Activities: Biking for 12-20 km (7-12.5 mi.) Day 5 Departing from Whistler, we will drive north to the remote hiking trails of Joffre Lakes. Our route leads us up the valley past three aquamarine hanging alpine lakes fed by the massive glaciers resting above. The Stonecrop and Tzsil Glaciers also surround our alpine lunch spot. This is truly a unique experience in being so close to the massive glaciers, which slowly melt into the lakes beside us. Something to cherish for our generations! Activities: Hiking 10 km (6 mi.) 3
Day 6 Today we will ride the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain and hike along the beautiful alpine trails overlooking the entire valley below. Delight in flower-filled meadows and spectacular views in every direction. We will enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the many lakes that cover the valley floor and the imposing Coast Range glaciers. Connecting across from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain is the new Peak-to-Peak Gondola that completes an incredible alpine loop. Descend by gondola in the late afternoon to explore the village shops or visit the spa. Tonight we ll enjoy our final night dinner celebrations in town and toast to a fantastic week together!, Dinner Activities: Hiking 6-10 km (3-6 mi.) HOTEL Four Seasons Resort, Whistler Nestled at the foot of Whistler s twin giants, this luxury hotel and resort combines rustic mountain charm with modern elegance. Under its elegant peaked roofs, the hotel offers 273 luxury lodge guest rooms, hotel suites and townhouses with open-sky spaciousness and European-styled refinement. This property was recently rated among the Top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Traveler. Day 7 Back to the City Enjoy your final morning in Whistler before packing up and heading back down to the ocean. On the way to Vancouver we can stop off for a short hike to a mountain lake to savor the solitude and stretch the legs before continuing south. Upon reaching Vancouver your guides can drop you off at your hotel if you choose to spend the night in Vancouver or at the Airport if catching a flight that evening. Activities: Hiking (exact route and distances based on travel plans). 4
The Details Pricing From: 2 travellers - $7,495 4 travellers - $6,495 6 travellers - $5,995 Start: Vancouver Finish: Vancouver Best time to visit: June - October LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Recreational Daily biking distances will vary from 12 to 40 km (7 to 25 mi.) with options to lengthen on many days. Daily hiking distances will vary from 5 to 12 km (3 to 7 mi.) with the ability to customize based on interest. WHAT S INCLUDED Six nights accommodations in Vancouver + Whistler 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners, including wine (as selected by B&R) Services of local B&R guide(s)for the duration of the trip Gondola access in Squamish and Whistler Use of a customized specialized Hardrock light mountain bike, and a helmet. All baggage transportation All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuity for your B&R guide Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. 2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com
About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R s known for great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go. How it Works 1. Get Inspired. Go to www.butterfield.com/tripfinder/?ftt=private to browse our Private Trip Collection and find a flavour of adventure that suits your palate. 2. Get in Touch. Found a trip that s caught your eye? Call our Private Travel Advisors at 1-800- 387-1147. Just give them a few details about your group and your preferred dates, and they ll spring into action. 3. Have it Tailored. Our ready-to-book Private Trips are designed to be enjoyed off-the-rack, but there is room for minor adjustments to fit the trip to your needs. Looking for something totally customized? One of our expert Private Trip Designers will take on your request and tailormake a Bespoke trip for you from scratch. 4. Pack your Prada. Once the date and the price is finalized, we ll take care of the rest, confirming hotels, finalizing events and mobilizing our expertly trained local partners. All you have to do is prepare to be transported 5. Bon Voyage! Next Steps READY TO BOOK? Contact us at 1-800-387-1147 or bespoke@butterfield.com with any remaining questions, or consult your travel professional. Note that a $500 deposit is required in order to reserve dates. After you ve booked, you will receive a confirmation package containing detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip, customizing your experience to match your interests and tastes. Inclement weather though we d like to think there won t be any may also necessitate minor alterations. 2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc. 1-800-387-1147 www.butterfield.com