Social Programs & Optional Tours
There is a world to discover when you visit Vancouver – Spectacular by Nature and Beautiful British Columbia. A variety of daily social events that showcase the diversity and richness of Canadian culture will be planned along with optional local and regional tours that will be available both pre and post ISH 2010. These tours will provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Vancouver and the surrounding area.
A sample of what may be on offer includes the following:
Victoria
Victoria lets you step back in time to a picturesque city of cobblestone streets and stately architecture. Poised oceanside in Canada's mildest climate, Victoria is a mixture of influences, from its 19th-century London charm to modern arts and culture.
Whistler
Just 2 hours north of Vancouver along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway lies Whistler. A picturesque four-season alpine resort nestled in the Coast Mountains offering an attractive mix of cosmopolitan amenities and pristine beauty.
Thompson Okanagan
Millions of years ago, massive glacial ice floes carved out a valley, creating an ideal place for orchards and wineries. A land of contradiction and lush abundance; wild rivers and tranquil lakes, sheer-walled canyons and wide-open plains. Enjoy wine festivals, boating, golf, fishing, and much more.
Gulf Islands
Even before you arrive on the Islands, you’ll feel their effect. On the ferry over, you’ll start smiling more, breathing easier. Maybe even staring in wonder as orcas surface from the deep. By the time you arrive on Vancouver Island or any of our Gulf Islands, you’ll be relaxed and ready to kick back and enjoy your escape.
Cruise Alaska
Alaska is America's last great true frontier, an unspoiled wilderness of glimmering glaciers, abundant forests, towering mountains, exotic wildlife, and waterfront communities. Alaska is a destination full of Native American culture and Russian influence -- a step back in time to the days of gold rush saloons and oil booms. Alaska, simply put, is a once in a lifetime, dream vacation.
The Alaska Cruise season begins in May and ends in September. Although July and August are the warmest months to experience these incredible sites, fall and spring are the most fun, the most beautiful and the savings are the best.
A typical Alaska Roundtrip cruise departs from Vancouver and spends the first day cruising the Inside Passage. They will then visit 3 or 4 of the following places, depending upon the ship and departure: Juneau, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway/Haines and Sitka. The ship then turns around and cruises back to Vancouver where passengers disembark the ship to continue a BC adventure or return home.
Explore the Rocky Mountains with Rocky Mountaineer Railtours
Travelling eastbound and westbound between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Jasper or Banff and Calgary, Alberta, the Rocky Mountaineer retraces the legendary western Canadian routes of the first transcontinental railway. Rocky Mountaineer Railtours two-day, all daylight rail journey follows the historical train route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies. The entire trip takes place during daylight hours to ensure travellers enjoy all the scenery. Guests overnight midway through the journey in historic Kamloops, British Columbia. Built around the two-day train trip are more than 40 package tours, which explore the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia and Alberta by land, sea and rail.
