 |
|
 |
 |
 |
- Accommodation
- Travel
- Optional Tour & Social Event Program
- Accompanying Persons Program
- Vancouver Convention Centre
- Related Meetings
- E-Newsletter Archives
Thank you to
our sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
In Association with
Pre and Post Meeting Tours
Pre and Post Meeting Tours
Please select a Pre/Post Meeting Tour from the list below to learn more about that tour.
- Luxury in the Wilderness at the Wickaninnish Inn
- Westcoast Wilderness Lodge Retreat
- Majestic Westcoast Mountains and Valleys Tour - CANCELLED
- Vancouver Island Experience - CANCELLED
- Rocky Mountaineer Rail Adventure
- Alaska Cruise
Luxury in the Wilderness at the Wickaninnish Inn
This two night package is perfect for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty of British Columbia without sacrificing comfort or first class service. The excursion starts with a magnificent 45 minute flight over the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island to Tofino, located on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is an intriguing mix of wide sandy beaches, ancient forests, fishing boats, loggers, surfers, casual eateries and eclectic fine dining.
In Tofino you will discover “Heaven on Earth” at the Wickaninnish Inn. Surrounded by water on three sides and within an old growth forest, the Inn offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, nearby islands and the natural sweep of spectacular Chesterman Beach. Each spacious guest room provides an ocean view, fireplace, deep soaker tub, duvet comforter and a private balcony.
If the Wickaninnish Inn is the oyster, its pearl has to be Ancient Cedars Spa. The spa is sheltered by the forest fringe, adjacent to the wave dashed-rocks looking out to the open Pacific. Here you will go on a journey into a sense of well-being, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. Completing the experience is The Pointe Restaurant where you can enjoy ocean front dining and world class cuisine, with an emphasis on farm-fresh and organic Vancouver Island ingredients and the bounty of the very waters overlooked by the restaurant. The Wickaninnish Inn is a relaxed, casual place completely given to unwinding and getting back to nature.
Your tour includes an unforgettable whale watching excursion to look for majestic gray whales. Riding in a safe and fun rigid hull inflatable zodiac boat, where every seat has an excellent view, your guide will point out all sorts of marine life as you venture out in search of the whales.
Your retreat concludes with a memorable return flight to Vancouver back over the island and Strait of Georgia. Packages can also be arranged for salmon fishing, golf, scuba diving, sea kayaking and more.
| Tour Duration: | Three days and two nights |
| Pre Meeting: | Thursday, September 23 - Saturday, September 25, 2010 |
| Post Meeting: | Friday, October 1 - Sunday, October 3, 2010 |
| Meeting Point: | South Terminal, Vancouver International Airport |
| Price per person (Pre Meeting Tour): |
Double Occupancy: $1,515 Single Occupancy: $2,170 |
| Price per person (Post Meeting Tour): |
Double Occupancy: $1,350 Single Occupancy: $1,795 |
| Price includes: | Return flight Vancouver to Tofino |
| Price does not include: | Food or beverage Gratuities Additional Optional Activities Transportation to/from Vancouver Airport Additional Applicable Taxes |
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Westcoast Wilderness Lodge Retreat
This three day, two night package is perfect for travelers looking to experience the laid-back relaxing atmosphere of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The excursion starts with a 40 minute flight over the Straight of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast to Egmont, a small waterfront fishing village on Secret Bay in Sechelt Inlet approximately 140 km north of Vancouver. Egmont is the trailhead for the Skookumchuck Provincial Park, home to one of Canada’s largest salt water rapids.
During your retreat, experience the crisp salt air and breathtaking views of the Pacific Northwest at the Westcoast Wilderness Lodge. Deep in the wilderness yet so close to the city, the lodge resort brings you first-class adventure, comfortable accommodations and gourmet dining.
Set high up on a craggy granite bluff overlooking forests, inlets and islands, the elegant Inlets Restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire length of the hall. As you dine, you will see Cormorants, Great Blue Herons and the occasional Sea Lion sporting in the waters far below. Watch the currents switch direction as the tide changes with all the fury of the Skookumchuck Rapids.
During the day enjoy the sheltered calm waters around the Lodge, perfect for relaxed kayaking, or take a leisurely hike, or mountain bike, through a coastal rain forest filled with cedars and firs, sword ferns and salal, and a tiny lake with resident Loons. The trail leads to lookout points where you can watch the Skookumchuck Rapids, the fastest salt water rapids in North America.
For the more adventurous, experience marine & wildlife tours by zodiac — a safe, comfortable and exciting way to explore and learn about the ecology, history and geology of Canada’s west coast.
As one of the most easily accessible wilderness resorts in British Columbia, West Coast Wilderness Lodge is the perfect place to experience all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
| Tour Duration: | Three days and two nights |
| Pre Meeting: | Thursday, September 23 - Saturday, September 25, 2010 |
| Post Meeting: | Friday, October 1 - Sunday, October 3, 2010 |
| Meeting Point: | South Terminal, Vancouver International Airport |
| Price per person (Pre and Post Meeting Tour): | Double Occupancy: $962 |
| Price includes: | Round-trip float plane tour with West Coast Air |
| Price does not include: | Food or beverage not mentioned above Gratuities Additional Optional Activities Additional Applicable Taxes |
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
CANCELLED - Majestic Westcoast Mountains and Valleys Tour
Visit British Columbia’s majestic mountains, rivers and rugged coastline during this three day pre/post meeting tour.
You will travel via coach from Vancouver to Whistler along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, which winds through the coastal rain forest at Horseshoe Bay, along the ocean’s edge to Shannon Falls and Squamish, and through Garibaldi Provincial Park, until you reach the Resort Municipality of Whistler, venue of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games!
You will then settle into the small alpine valley that contains Whistler. This natural year-round playground offers a bounty of activities such as alpine sightseeing, mountain biking, hiking and shopping. Or ride a gondola chair to the top of one of the mountains for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. Relax on an outside deck of a local pub or café and then visit the shops. Overnight you will stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler defines mountain luxury. Tastefully designed rooms with spectacular mountain or village views were created to blend with the natural alpine setting.
The next morning, the adventure will continue through the Pemberton Valley, traveling over the scenic Duffey Lake Road to the historic Goldrush town of Lillooet. The Duffey Lake/Cayoosh Creek Valley was historically used as a travel route between the Lillooet First Nations on Lillooet Lake and the Stl’alt’imx First Nation on the Fraser River. The area was important for hunting, trapping and gathering. The winding drive along Duffey Lake Road is rewarding with views of mountains, lakes, and wilderness.
Your next stop will be sure to impress — Hell’s Gate, a mountain of rock that causes havoc in the Fraser River. After a gorgeous drive through Lytton, located where the green waters of the Thompson River meet the brown, silt laden rushing waters of the mighty Fraser River, we will arrive at Boston Bar, aptly named after the “Boston men” (American gold seekers). Here enjoy a tram ride over Hell’s Gate and a traditional West Coast lunch buffet while watching the white water rafters maneuver their way around the mountain of rock.
From Boston Bar, you will travel through rugged terrain and tunnels and over bridges with the mighty Fraser River below on your way to Harrison Hot Springs. This quaint town is located at the southern end of spectacular glacier fed Harrison Lake in the lush green Fraser River Valley.
After a fulfilling day of sightseeing, relax and rejuvenate at the Harrison Hot Springs Hotel and Spa, soaking in the natural hot springs, enjoying the spa or wandering the nature trails before an evening of dancing to big band sounds over dinner.
On our final day, you will experience the mighty Fraser River first hand on a Fraser River Safari Tour. The adventure begins right outside your door in Harrison Hot Springs, where you will be welcomed on board Fraser River Safari's fully covered, all-weather safari craft, which has been custom designed to provide you with the utmost in comfort and safety. From here you will weave through the huge braided channels of the Fraser. As you journey you will learn how the river carved a rich legacy for the Province of British Columbia and hear stories from the past.
Your tour of the Fraser River will end in historic Mission Harbour, where the coach will be waiting for you. After hearing about the rich history of the Fraser River and the First Nation influence in this part of British Columbia you will have the opportunity to experience it. The next stop on day three will be the Xa:ytem Longhouse and Interpretive Centre. When you arrive at Xa:ytem you will be treated to a gourmet boxed lunch, to recharge after your thrilling river safari. After lunch you will explore Xa:ytem with a guided tour. Guides will share the history and culture of the Sto:lo Nation People. You will learn about the importance of cedar and hear stories written in blankets of mountain goat hair, of an ancient house older than the Eqyptian pyramids, of three chiefs who were turned to stone, and of the people who have lived here for over five hundred generations.
After an exciting day exploring the Fraser River region we will wind our way back through the Fraser Valley on scenic Highway 7 to Vancouver.
| Tour Duration: | Three days and two nights |
| Pre Meeting: | Thursday, September 23 - Saturday, September 25, 2010 |
| Post Meeting: | Friday, October 1 - Sunday, October 3, 2010 |
| Meeting Point: | Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA |
| Price per person (Pre and Post Meeting Tour): | Double Occupancy: $799 Single Occupancy: $1,050 |
| Price includes: | Deluxe coach transportation |
| Price does not include: | Food or beverage not mentioned above Gratuities Additional Optional Activities Additional Applicable Taxes |
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
CANCELLED - Vancouver Island Experience
Visit British Columbia’s favourite getaway — Vancouver Island — and experience the beauty of its gardens, the vastness of its landscape and the warmth of its people during this four-day pre/post meeting tour.
Travel by coach from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay to board a British Columbia Ferry for the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The 90 minute ferry crossing feels like a “mini-cruise”, complete with shopping, cafes, and hopefully whales and dolphins racing alongside. Back on the coach, you will head “up island” along the coastline to visit the quaint towns of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
We will explore Little Qualicum Falls, where impressive waterfalls cascade down a rocky gorge in a beautiful forested setting bordered by steep mountain peaks in one of the most beautiful parks on central Vancouver Island. At Cathedral Grove we will stroll through a network of trails under the shadow of towering ancient Douglas-fir trees, majestic pillars untouched by the modern world — some more than 800 years old.
The evening will be spent in Parksville at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, surrounded by 22 acres of forest, rich in Douglas fir and Arbutus trees, and bordered by three kilometres of sandy beaches. Enjoy the forest by the sea.
The next day, you will head “down island” to Chemainus. Chemainus is known world-wide for their city wide outdoor murals. Spend the afternoon exploring the galleries and shops in this artsy town. As it is now late afternoon, and since you are in the heart of vineyard country, it is only appropriate that a winery/cider house tour is next on the itinerary — the locals are pleased to welcome you and show off their wide selection of wines/ciders.
The final destination of Day Two is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia at the southern tip of the Island. We will reach Victoria by driving south over the spectacular Malahat Drive, with its commanding views of the surrounding countryside and ocean. Victoria is famous for its beautiful gardens, old English charm, and historic buildings. You will stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, rising regally on Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour. With her turn-of-the-century beauty, the Fairmont Empress captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today’s traveler.
The next day will be spent at your leisure visiting the city, and enjoying all that Victoria has to offer — maybe a whale watching excursion, high tea at the Empress Hotel, some shopping along Government Street, visiting the Royal British Columbia Museum, or a long walk along the inner harbour and up through Beacon Hill.
On the last day of the tour you will visit 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. In the late afternoon your Island experience will draw to a close with a relaxing ferry ride back to Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
| Tour Duration: | Four days and three nights |
| Pre Meeting: | Wednesday, September 22 - Saturday, September 25, 2010 |
| Post Meeting: | Friday, October 1 - Monday, October 4, 2010 |
| Meeting Point: | Vancouver Convention Centre. Exact Location: TBA |
| Price per person (Pre and Post Meeting Tour): | Double Occupancy: $1,020 Single Occupancy: $1,425 |
| Price includes: | Deluxe coach transportation |
| Price does not include: | Food or beverage not mentioned above Gratuities Additional Optional Activities Additional Applicable Taxes |
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Rocky Mountaineer Rail Adventure
The vacation of a lifetime awaits you onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, winner in 2007 of the prestigious World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train”. Enjoy breathtaking scenery of Canada’s West with towering mountain peaks, shimmering lakes, lush green forests and mighty rivers. The outstanding service and knowledgeable commentary provided by onboard staff make this an unforgettable adventure.
Traveling via the “Kicking Horse Route”, you will venture through the spectacular interior of British Columbia including the Fraser and Thompson canyons, the famous Spiral Tunnels and over Kicking Horse Pass. Photo opportunities abound as you follow rushing rivers, pass beside towering waterfalls and ride through spectacular river canyons. To truly appreciate the nature and scenery in this part of the world, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the very best vantage point!
You will enjoy two days of daylight travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, with breakfast and lunch served daily. You will also enjoy an overnight stay and optional entertainment in Kamloops.
You will depart Calgary onboard the Rocky Mountaineer towards the city of Kamloops. While in Kamloops, you can enjoy the highly entertaining Rhythms on the Rails Show. This show includes dinner, a lively entertainment program, and transfers to/from your hotel. The final day you will travel from Kamloops to Vancouver with views of the Pacific Ocean and Coast and Cascade Mountains.
When traveling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, you have a choice between two rail experiences, GoldLeaf Service and RedLeaf Service. The differences between the two experiences are listed below.
The magnificence of the Canadian Rockies is yours to discover when you travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer and enjoy “The Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World”®.
GoldLeaf Service
Custom-designed bi-level dome coach Assigned seating in reclining dome-level seats
Panoramic views from full-length dome windows
Temperature-controlled comfort
Spiral staircase and ADA elevator to dome level
Gourmet breakfast and lunch selections
Complimentary snacks and beverages served at your seat
Luggage delivery to your room in Kamloops
Motorcoach transfers between the train station and your accommodation in Kamloops
RedLeaf Service*
Classic Rail Car
Assigned seating in reclining seats
Extended legroom
Large picture windows
Meal service at your seat
Forward-facing seats that rotate to accommodate groups of four
Temperature-controlled comfort
Luggage delivery to your final destination
*Guests purchasing the RedLeaf Service should pack an overnight bag for Kamloops as you will not have access to your luggage until your final destination.
| Tour Duration: | Two days and one night |
| Tour Dates:
A. Pre Meeting (Westbound: Calgary - Vancouver) : B. Post Meeting (Eastbound: Vancouver - Calgary): |
Sunday, September 19 - Monday, September 20* *Arrives just in time for any of the Pre Meeting Tours Friday, October 1 - Saturday, October 2 |
| Price per person: | RedLeaf: $989 per person Double Occupancy RedLeaf: $1,069 per person Single Occupancy RedLeaf: $979 per person Triple Occupancy GoldLeaf: $1,919 per person Double Occupancy GoldLeaf: $1,999 per person Single Occupancy GoldLeaf: $1,909 per person Triple Occupancy |
| Price includes: | Two (2) days on board the train |
| Price does not include: | Rhythms on the Rail Show Accommodation in Kamloops Airfare to or from Calgary/Vancouver Dinner in Kamloops Gratuities Alcoholic beverages Fuel Surcharge Applicable Taxes |
Optional Events
Rhythms on the Rails Show
Adult: $77 per person (does not include applicable taxes)
Child: $57 per person (does not include applicable taxes)
Note: This tour is operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.
Alaska Cruise
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.
You will set sail from the beautiful port of Vancouver to Alaska onboard a luxury cruise ship through the Inside Passage — one of the world’s most scenic sea lanes and one of the few where large ships can sail close to the coastline. The shoreline scenery is spectacular with snow-capped mountains, picturesque lighthouses, killer whales, sea lions and porpoises. This is a land overflowing with nature’s gifts, America’s last and greatest wilderness.
The cruise will offer glaciers, wildlife, great food, and entertainment. You will visit interesting port towns and experience fascinating tours while only having to unpack once! Your itinerary will include Juneau, a day in Glacier Bay, a day sailing to Alaska and a day back to Vancouver plus other ports of call depending on the cruise.
| Tour Duration: | Seven days and seven nights |
| Price per person based on Double Occupancy :
|
|
Pre Meeting: Wednesday, September 15 - Wednesday, September 22 |
Inside Stateroom, Category "K": $560 Ocean View Stateroom, Category "E": $680 Outside Stateroom with Balcony, Category "BA": $1,697 Additional port charges and taxes: $417.50 |
Pre Meeting: Sunday, September 19 - Sunday, September 26 |
Inside Stateroom, Category "K": $560 Ocean View Stateroom, Category "E": $680 Outside Stateroom with Balcony, Category "BA": $1,697 Additional port charges and taxes: $417.50 |
| Price includes: | Seven nights on-board accommodations |
| Price does not include: | Transfers and airfare |
Note: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Space is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. A fuel surcharge on top of quoted price(s) may apply.
Prices vary depending on cruise lines and sailing dates. All cruises are operated by the cruise line indicated. Itinerary and travel requirements, such as machine readable passports and travel visas for cruises vary; please confirm both with the cruise agent prior to booking. Further sailing dates and stateroom category options may be available; please enquire. There are no cruises sailing after the Meeting.
