Summary
Short description
An in-depth appreciation for Vancouver and its surrounding natural world
Highlights
- Indulge in a lunch cruise of Vancouver's inner harbour, the Burrard Inlet, and then north into the spectacular setting of Indian Arm
- Discover the North Shore including Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Join the Mail Run on a seaplane adventure to remote villages and beautiful islands
- Visit beautiful Whistler and head out on a Gulf Islands whale-watching tour
- Conclude your trip with dinner on Bowen Island
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | City | Food & wine | Natural world | Short break | Wildlife
With a choice of accommodation options and a host of included tours, this curated city stay takes in the very best of urban Vancouver and its surrounding natural world. From one action-packed day to the next, you'll showcase the city's myriad highlights, on excursions that include everything from harbour cruises to whale-watching trips and iconic seaplane adventures. You'll also head into the mountains on a visit to nearby Whistler-Blackcomb for a gondola ride, and explore the city's acclaimed culinary scene through a host of gastronomic experiences. Plus, we've allowed plenty of free time for exploring at your own pace, making the most of Vancouver's acclaimed galleries, museums, and world-class shopping.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK to Vancouver
Start your trip in style with VIP and complimentary access to the airport lounge before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the heart of Vancouver in just 25 minutes. Check in to your hotel on Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront. Enjoy your panoramic vistas before perhaps indulging, sampling one of Vancouver’s excellent Japanese and Chinese eateries, or some fresh fish on the seafront promenade, or as the locals call it, the Seawall.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Day
2
Day at leisure & Indian Arm Lunch Cruise
Vancouver basks in its own natural setting, right on the water yet surrounded by the Coast Mountains. Downtown highlights include Gastown and Chinatown, while on the edge of the city you'll find the huge expanse of Stanley Park, with its ancient cedars and totem poles.
This morning is free to relax and explore the area around your hotel in Coal Harbour, before boarding the M.V. Harbour Princess for a lunch cruise of Vancouver's inner harbour, the Burrard Inlet, and then north into the spectacular setting of Indian Arm. Nestled within the Coast Mountain range, once heavily glaciated, leaving behind a landscape of green forests protecting the inlet from the open ocean. Enjoy lunch, panoramic views, pristine waterfalls, wildlife and privately owned islands.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Meals: L
Day
3
Vancouver's North Shore & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Today you will be taken through the beauty of Vancouver's North Shore and its coastal temperate rainforest. Start the day learning the lifestyle of the Pacific Salmon at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, before rising 4,100 feet above Vancouver to Grouse Mountain, with stunning views of the city. Meet the resident Grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, before taking the Peak Chair to the very top of the mountain. Before returning to your hotel, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretching out 230 feet above the Capilano River.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Day
4
The Mail Run by Seaplane
Today take a ride with the locals on a scenic flight from Vancouver Harbour over the tiny villages and anchorages of the beautiful islands, before landing in the heart of the seaside village on Salt Spring Island. From Salt Spring's Ganges Harbour, take off after dropping off locals and head for Maple Bay on Vancouver Island before returning to downtown Vancouver's Coal Harbour.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Day
5
Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola
Escape from the city and experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. The ever-changing landscapes surrounding the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with scenic stops at the Shannonn Falls and ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola with views of spectacular Howe Sound. Continue to Whistler, where you can explore downtown cafes, hike along nature trails and relax in the fresh mountain air amongst the Blackcomb Mountains.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Day
6
Granville Island
Granville Island is Canada's second most-visited destination, behind Niagara Falls, and the destination for food lovers. You will get the chance to eat your way through the world-famous Public Market and hear stories behind the tasty creations. Sample locally-cured meats, small production cheeses, and freshly baked artisan bread.
This afternoon a short walk away, you will be welcome aboard Ocean Magic on a whale watching adventure, exploring the beauty of the Gulf Islands , or adventure into Howe Sound. View several different species of whales in the wild as well as seabirds and other marine animals.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Day
7
Day at leisure & Bowen Island Dinner
For your final day in Vancouver, you'll have some free time to explore, perhaps taking in the delights of Robson Street, Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall. Your stay in the city concludes with an included cruise to from Granville Island to Bowen Island aboard a 30-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac. Head to the island for dinner at Doc Morgan's, a favourite haunt for locals seeking out a seafood fix. Then, take a stroll through the shops before jumping back on board for more exploring. Sights include Stanley Park, the Seal Colony, Lighthouse Park and offshore freighters.
Stay: The Loden (Superior) or Fairmont Pacific Rim (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Days
8-9
Departure
Spend a day at leisure before transferring to the airport in time for your flight home, arriving on Day 9
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day tailor-made holiday from £2,730 pp incl. flights
Superior
May & October 2023
from £2,730 pp. incl. flights
June / July / August / September 2023
from £3,315 pp. incl. flights
Validity: April to October
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights between UK and Vancouver
- Return arrival and departure airport transfers
- 7 nights accommodation
- Indian Arm Lunch Cruise
- North Shore Mountain Discovery including Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension bridge excursion
- Mail Run by Seaplane excursion
- Sea to Sky Gondola and visit to Whistler
- Granville Island Market Tour and Whale watching in Howe Sound
- Bowen Island Dinner Cruise
- Meals as stated on itinerary
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0635
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