British Columbia
Vancouver & Victoria: Hike, Bike, Paddle and Explore Canada's Pacific Northwest
Program No. 21437RJ
Explore the Pacific Northwest by kayak, bicycle and hiking trail as you learn about mountain geology, Native cultures, Victorian-era sites and off-the-beaten path landmarks.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 5 Reviews
SHOWING
Ali and Pete shared Vancouver's history and beauty during our walking tours. I really like Ali's perspective as a city planner. Both chronologically unpacked how the architecture or street art evolved over time. A+++
Coast Coal Hotel hotel was lovely, but breakfasts were neither varied nor appealing. Their food has room for improvement.
The Sea to Sky gondola and hiking above clouds was a highlight! It was nice to mix an "outdoorsy" adventure with the urban walking. Bus rides throughout this trip were not too long and the coaches were very nice.
Granville Island was disappointing, perhaps overhyped. Our guide Liesl shared her personal experiences on the island (where she shopped or performed theater) but not much else. The BIGGEST faux pas was scheduling Granville Island after a big meal! It would have been much better to arrive hungry and take advantage of the many food options and outdoor tables with a view of Vancouver.
The ferry was fun. Our leader Greg smartly suggested that we grab lunch to-go and eat it while in transit. Timing worked out well to stop at Butchart Gardens before heading into Victoria. A delightful day!
Scotsman Inn was kind of old and stuffy, but the location was good for spending free time in the Inner Harbor. Whoever switched the kayaking portion of this RS trip out to Sooke's calm harbor was GENIUS! Our group of 16 split up to alternate kayaking and hiking. We reunited for lunch and to switch activities midday. Smaller group size made both activities more interactive. The Sooke outfitter was amazing!
Chris, who led the biking tour and Sooke hike, is an animated storyteller. I highly recommend that RS continue to contract him for those segments. There was no need for an hour lecture before biking; we wanted to hit the road! Active parts of the trip were better for our demographic.
Lastly, this was Greg Holmes' first time as a RS leader. He is a kind and knowledgeable ambassador for Canada. RS should keep up the affiliation.
— Review left July 1, 2023
What a great group of people with similar interests! That made this adventure even more enjoyable.
— Review left June 26, 2023
Our trip to Vancouver and Victoria, BC, was our first experience with Road Scholar, and we are now grateful that they exist! This is how I will do any future big travel.
— Review left June 26, 2023
This was my 20th Road Scholar trip and was well done with a terrific group leader. The activities were really fun with beautiful scenery, but I don't think this trip was as active as my other trips with this assigned activity level. The bike ride was only 10 miles (about 2 hours) the kayaking was for about 2 hours. Would have enjoyed more time doing both.
— Review left October 26, 2019
I would like to commend our guide, Sara Mitchell. She was most professional in attending to our needs, leaving no details unmet.
Her information regarding the areas we traveled was most comprehensive. This included historical data, where to eat, what points of interest are available to visit and numerous tidbits of local folklore.
The program was well planned with enough free time to explore individually. The hotel accommodations were ideally suited to places of interest. The restaurants and meal selections were most lovely.
I am pleased to have chosen this adventuresome trip
— Review left July 11, 2019