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