Vancouver in a Nutshell

Start your trip in style with VIP and complimentary access to the airport lounge before boarding your day flight to Vancouver. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the heart of Vancouver in just 25 minutes. Check in to your hotel on Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront. Enjoy your panoramic vistas before perhaps indulging, sampling one of Vancouver’s excellent Japanese and Chinese eateries, or some fresh fish on the seafront promenade, or as the locals call it, the Seawall.

Vancouver basks in its own natural setting, right on the water yet surrounded by the Coast Mountains. Downtown highlights include Gastown and Chinatown, while on the edge of the city you'll find the huge expanse of Stanley Park, with its ancient cedars and totem poles.

This morning is free to relax and explore the area around your hotel in Coal Harbour, before discovering the calm inland waters with a luncheon cruise through Vancouver’s inner harbour, the Burrard Inlet, and north into the spectacular setting of Indian Arm. Nestled within the Coast Mountain range, the area was once heavily glaciated, leaving behind a spectacular landscape featuring lush green forests protecting this inlet from the open ocean. Enjoy a wonderful catered buffet lunch as you cruise by the panoramic vistas, the pristine Silver Falls, large waterfront homes, privately owned islands, wildlife, and more. Indian Arm is a true photographer’s delight!

Today you will be taken through the beauty of Vancouver's North Shore and its coastal temperate rainforest. Start the day learning the lifestyle of the Pacific Salmon at the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, before rising 4,100 feet above Vancouver to Grouse Mountain, with stunning views of the city. Meet the resident Grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, before taking the Peak Chair to the very top of the mountain. Before returning to your hotel, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretching out 230 feet above the Capilano River.

Today take a ride on a scenic flight to take in the aerial splendour of the iconic landmarks of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and Vancouver's busy downtown, hanging glaciers and knife-edged ridges of Mount Mamquam. Snow-capped mountains create a breathtaking backdrop as you soar through the alpines. Departing from Vancouver Harbour, and returning to a one of a kind aerial view of beautiful Vancouver as you descend, before landing in historic Coal Harbour.

Escape from the city and experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. The ever-changing landscapes surrounding the Sea-to-Sky Highway, with scenic stops at the Shannonn Falls and ride up the Sea to Sky Gondola with views of spectacular Howe Sound. Continue to Whistler, where you can explore downtown cafes, hike along nature trails and relax in the fresh mountain air amongst the Blackcomb Mountains.

Granville Island is Canada's second most-visited destination, behind Niagara Falls, and the destination for food lovers. You will get the chance to eat your way through the world-famous Public Market and hear stories behind the tasty creations. Sample locally-cured meats, small production cheeses, and freshly baked artisan bread. 

This afternoon a short walk away, you will be welcome aboard Ocean Magic on a whale watching adventure, exploring the beauty of the Gulf Islands , or adventure into Howe Sound. View several different species of whales in the wild as well as seabirds and other marine animals.

For your final day in Vancouver, you'll have some free time to explore, perhaps taking in the delights of Robson Street, Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall. Your stay in the city concludes with an included cruise to from Granville Island to Bowen Island aboard a 30-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac. Head to the island for dinner at Doc Morgan's, a favourite haunt for locals seeking out a seafood fix. Then, take a stroll through the shops before jumping back on board for more exploring. Sights include Stanley Park, the Seal Colony, Lighthouse Park and offshore freighters.

Spend a day at leisure before transferring to the airport in time for your flight home, arriving on Day 9