23rd Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension - Vancouver, Canada . September 26-30, 2010
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Daily Tours

Daily Tours

Please select a Daily Tour from the list below to learn more about that Tour.

Vancouver City Tour

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Canada’s most beautiful city with an experienced local guide who will explain the history of Vancouver as you travel from Rainforest to world class shopping and dining.

Your tour begins in magnificent Stanley Park, an evergreen oasis close to the heart of Vancouver's downtown core. Over 1,000 acres in size, Stanley Park is the largest park within a city in North America (Central Park in New York is only 800 acres). Its natural west coast atmosphere offers a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees. The tour will stop for photos at the popular Totem Poles and travel past the Nine O’clock Gun, Vancouver Rowing Club, The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Lions Gate Bridge.

Your coach will then wind its way past English Bay (the home of the New Years Day Polar Bear Swim!) and continue along fashionable Robson Street, through colourful Chinatown and historic Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver.

On to Granville Island where you will have time to browse through the Granville Island Public Market, galleries, artists’ studios and specialty shops. This is a great opportunity to shop for souvenirs and enjoy coffee and a snack while watching the boats sail by.

Dates: Saturday, September 25, Sunday, September 26 and
Monday, September 27
Times: 08:00 – 12:00*, 13:00 – 17:00**, 14:00 - 18:00***
Duration of Tour: Four hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $55
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation
Professional Guide
Gratuities

Price does not include: Food or beverage
Applicable Taxes

*AM Tour will run on Sunday, September 26

**PM Tour will run on Monday, September 27

***PM Tour will run on Saturday, September 25

Vancouver's Coal HarbourEntrance way to Chinatown

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Forests and Mountains - Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Tour

An experienced guide will accompany you on the short journey across the magnificent Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore and the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. First constructed in 1889, and rebuilt several times over the last 100 years, the bridge today spans 450 feet across and is suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River. You will be greeted by a turn-of-the- century costumed guide who will give you a brief tour while outlining the park’s history, involvement of local First Nations, and of course information on the Bridge. The bridge is not the only attraction; guests can also wander through the treetops on a series of smaller elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. There is also the Story Centre, Totem Park, carvers showcasing their craft, and shopping for gifts and souvenirs at the Trading Post.

Once the group has fully explored the Capilano Suspension Bridge and all its wonders, it is only a five minute transfer to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and Cleveland Dam Reservoir. Cleveland Dam houses 33 percent of the City of Vancouver’s water supply, regulating the flow of water over a spillway that offers a great view to those who choose to walk across the dam. The Capilano Salmon Hatchery rears and releases millions of Coho salmon and Steelhead fry. Interpretive displays teach about fishing and issues of watersheds and fish habitat in British Columbia.

After your visit to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery it is a short drive to the base of Grouse Mountain. We will take the Skyride (gondola cable car) to the top of the mountain, a 3,700 ft ascent! Once at the top, guests can view the “Theatre in the Sky” presentation with its high definition video projection system and then roam around the top of the mountain visiting the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, the Lumberjack Show and the Birds in Motion Demonstration while taking in the forests and beautiful scenery. There will be ample time to enjoy the mountain and views over Vancouver, Burrard Inlet and the Strait of Georgia as the backdrop.

Optional Return: The coach will drop you at Lonsdale Quay Market where you can shop before taking the SeaBus (fare not included) across the harbour to downtown Vancouver.

Dates: Tuesday, September 28 and Wednesday, September 29
Times: 10:30 – 16:30
Duration of Tour: Six Hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $120
Price includes:

Deluxe coach transportation
Professional guide
Admission to the Capilano Suspension Bridge which includes:

The world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge
The thrilling Treetops Adventure and the dramatic Cliffhanger Walk
A guided tour of the park
The interactive Living Forest exhibit
Seven acres of West Coast rain forest
The world's largest private Totem Pole collection
First Nations Artisans depicting their artistic techniques, skills and heritage*

Admission to Grouse Mountain which includes:

The Grouse Mountain Skyride
The Theatre in the Sky presentation
The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife
The World Famous Lumberjack Show* & Birds in Motion Demonstrations*
Scenic Chairlift Rides*

Stop at Capilano Fish Hatchery and Cleveland Dam Reservoir
Gratuities

Price does not include:

Food or beverage
SeaBus Fare
Applicable Taxes

*Activities are scheduled by the facilities and may not be available during the visit.

capilano suspension bridgegrouse mountain skyride with city view

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Bowen Island Excursion

Located 12 miles northwest of Vancouver in Howe Sound, Bowen Island has been attracting visitors and residents looking for a quiet retreat or a peaceful place to live since the early 1900's. Our excursion to Bowen Island will give you the opportunity to explore the Island and surrounding region on foot, by boat and by floatplane, all in one day!

The day begins with a short coach ride to Horseshoe Bay to catch the ferry to Bowen Island. During the 20 minute voyage you can enjoy the views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains from the upper cabin or take a stroll on the deck and enjoy the fresh sea air. Be sure to keep a lookout for harbour seals at play and majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.

After arriving at Snug Cove Harbour we’ll begin a guided nature walk through a temperate rain forest, which takes you to Killarney Lake at the foot of Mt. Gardener. On the way you will learn about the life cycle of the Pacific Salmon and the history of the First Nations People on Bowen Island. Following the nature walk we’ll return to the village and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. You’ll have free time to roam the quaint shops before taking a floatplane, or the ferry and coach, back to downtown Vancouver.

This tour is operated by Rockwood Adventures and not offered by any other company.

Dates: Sunday, September 26
Times: 09:00 – 15:00
Duration of Tour: Six hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: Return by floatplane: $284
Return by ferry: $189
Price includes:

All Transportation for either return option including ferry tolls
Professional Guide / Nature interpreter
Gourmet picnic lunch
Guide Gratuities

Price does not include: Applicable Taxes

Hikers on Bowen IslandFloat Plane over Howe Sound

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Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Tour

Sail through the Gulf Islands on board a B.C. Ferry to the provincial capital of Victoria, located on Vancouver Island. The day begins with a coach transfer from the Vancouver Convention Centre to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal. During the 90 minute crossing to Victoria you can enjoy breakfast or a snack while sailing through the scenic Gulf Islands. Make sure to take a walk around the outer deck and enjoy the fresh air and watch for sea lions, bald eagles and maybe even whales!

Our first stop on the island is the world-famous Butchart Gardens, fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display offering spectacular views as you stroll along its meandering paths and expansive lawns. A former quarry site, the gardens were opened to the public in 1915 and have been a Victoria landmark ever since. The Gardens were designated in 2004 as a National Historic Site of Canada.

From Butchart the coach journeys on to Victoria, a city steeped in English tradition and heritage. You’ll have time to stroll along the waterfront of this charming harbour setting, shop, or enjoy Afternoon Tea at the grand Fairmont Empress hotel. In the late afternoon, guests will re-board the coach for the return ferry trip to downtown Vancouver.

Dates: Monday, September 27, Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1
Times: 07:00 – 19:30
Duration of Tour: Twelve and a half hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $170
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation to and from Victoria
Professional Guide
Ferry tolls
Admission to Butchart Gardens
Gratuities

Price does not include: Food or beverage
Applicable Taxes

Optional: Return by Floatplane

Spend a couple of extra hours or extra nights (accommodation at own expense) in Victoria and then take a spectacular floatplane ride back to Vancouver! Floatplane departs from the Victoria Inner Harbour, a few hundred metres from the Fairmont Empress. Cost for floatplane return trip to Vancouver and flight and hotel reservations are the responsibility of the individual.

Parliament Buildings in Victoria at Night with Horse Carriage infrontButchart Gardens

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Fjords and Glaciers - Whistler Day Tour

From crisp mountain air to crystal clear lakes and lush forests, Whistler Resort is a natural year-round playground tucked away in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Renowned for its outstanding skiing (and home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games), Whistler also offers visitors a wide variety of year-round activities including dining and shopping.

Your day will begin with a spectacular drive along the Sea to Sky highway, stopping at Britannia Beach, a small community in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District located approximately 30 kilometres north of Vancouver. The town is host to the British Columbia Museum of Mining, a National Historic Site of Canada, on the grounds of the old Britannia Mines.

After Britannia Beach it is a short drive to glacier-fed Shannon Falls, which features a waterfall drop of over 300 metres (fantastic photo opportunities!). The third stop of the day will take you to Brandywine Falls, featuring another waterfall and basalt columns and lava flows covered by small ponds and a forest.

Once at Whistler, you can ride the chairlift to the top of the mountains for a spectacular view of the Coast Mountains or go from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain in minutes on the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola, hike along the mountaintops, or shop in the boutiques which line the cobblestone walkways of the village. An excursion to Whistler is a must for all visitors to British Columbia.

Dates: Saturday, September 25, Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1
Times: 08:00 – 18:30
Duration of Tour: Ten and a half hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $103
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation to and from Whistler
Professional Guide
Gratuities

Price does not include: Food or beverage
Optional Activities such as chairlifts, helicopter or floatplane tours etc.
Applicable Taxes

Whistler Village with Snowcapped MountainsWhistler Mountain covered in snow

 

CANCELLED - Lighthouse Park Rainforest Walk

Just 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver stands Lighthouse Park, a 185 acre rugged peninsula containing the last stand of old growth forest in the area.

After a short transfer to the park from downtown Vancouver via the Lion’s Gate Bridge you’ll begin with an easy hike along the seashore through this breathtaking forest with its’ captivating views of Burrard Inlet. An experienced guide will explain the workings of this unique ecosystem and point out examples of local lichen, moss, ferns, and flower plants which grow under the mantle of some of the oldest and largest Douglas Fir, Cedar and Hemlock trees in this part of British Columbia. A gourmet snack will be provided as you work up an appetite exploring the forest and seaside.

This tour is operated by Rockwood Adventures and not offered by any other company.

Dates: Monday, September 27
Times: 08:00 – 12:00
Duration of Tour: Four hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $109
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation
Professional Nature Guide
Gourmet Snack
Gratuities

Price does not include: Applicable Taxes

Boardwalk in ForestLighthouse at Lighthouse Park

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CANCELLED - City Gardens Tour

Vancouver and the surrounding area contain some spectacular gardens and this tour will take you to three of Vancouver’s most fabulous gardens including the famous Queen Elizabeth Park, the second most visited park in Vancouver after Stanley Park.

We will begin the day at the VanDusen Gardens. This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver boasts over 255,000 plants from around the world. The plant collections represent ecosystems that range from tropical South Africa, to the Himalayas, to the Canadian Arctic, as well as plants native to our own Pacific Northwest. Since it’s opening in 1975 the Gardens have matured into a botanical garden of international stature.

After wandering through VanDusen Gardens, we will continue on to the world famous Queen Elizabeth Park, which offers Vancouverites a diverse range of activities from sporting to horticultural. The seasonally changing and beautifully planted Quarry Gardens delight residents and visitors alike. The once massive excavation site is now home to lawns and an array of specimen trees and shrubs selected for their foliage, form and flower. A stream and cascading waterfall add cool comfort and variety to the landscape which is so artfully seamed together.

You will also have the opportunity to visit Bloedel Conservatory, located inside Queen Elizabeth Park which houses over 100 birds of various species, dazzling displays of exotic plants, tropical flowers, and colorful 'Koi' fish.

After your visit at Queen Elizabeth Park our final destination is another fabulous city garden, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens Classical Chinese Garden. This garden is the first of its kind outside of China and is an authentic representation of an age–old garden tradition which reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty. The Garden is characteristic of the private spaces within a Ming scholar’s residence. With its asymmetrical arrangement of rocks and plants, its winding paths and corridors, and the vistas that overlook its courtyards, the Garden emulates the rhythms of nature.

Dates: Tuesday, September 28 and Wednesday, September 29
Times: 08:00 – 13:00
Duration of Tour: Five hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $80
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation
Professional Guide
Admission to VanDusen Gardens
Admission to Bloedel Conservatory
Admission to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens
Gratuities

Price does not include: Food or beverage
Applicable Taxes

Dr Sun Yat Sen GardensQueen Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

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CANCELLED - Victoria and Whale Watching Day Tour

Sail through the Gulf Islands on board a B.C. Ferry to the provincial capital of Victoria, located on Vancouver Island. The day begins with a coach transfer from the Vancouver Convention Centre to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal. During the 90 minute crossing to Victoria you can enjoy breakfast or a snack while sailing through the scenic Gulf Islands. Make sure to take a walk around the outer deck and enjoy the fresh air and watch for sea lions, bald eagles and maybe even whales!

Our first stop on the island is downtown Victoria, a city steeped in English tradition and heritage. You’ll have time to stroll along the waterfront of this charming harbour city, shop, or enjoy lunch at the grand Fairmont Empress hotel.

In the early afternoon, guests will board a zodiac boat designed specifically for whale watching, there is no bad seat in the house! This tour will take you out to the beautiful wilds of the ocean, zooming out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, past the historic Victoria coastline, to the waters of the Pacific. Keep your camera handy as there will be plenty of marine wildlife to see. The whale watching tour is guided by a certified naturalist. In the late afternoon, guests will re-board the coach for the return ferry trip to Vancouver.

Dates: Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1
Times: 07:00 – 20:30
Duration of Tour: Thirteen and a half hours
Pickup point: Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA
Price per person: $232
Price includes:

Deluxe Coach Transportation to and from Victoria
Professional Guide
Ferry tolls
3 Hour Whale Watching Tour with Professional Guide
Gratuities

Price does not include: Food or beverage
Applicable Taxes

Whale Watching in VictoriaWhale in Ocean up close

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