Luxury Cruises

British Columbia Cruises

Day 2 - Arrive In Vancouver, BC
This morning we dock in North Vancouver, where we will have a panoramic view of the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, B.C. We visit Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first park and one of the city’s main attractions for locals and tourists alike, on an included tour today. Recognized around the world as one of the great city parks, Stanley Park is an old growth forest of over 1,000 acres close to the downtown core. Its natural West Coast aura offers a majestic backdrop of cedar, hemlock and fir trees against the Vancouver skyline. Past English Bay, we head to popular Granville Island, home to art galleries and a lively public market. We return to the ship for lunch.
The afternoon is yours to explore on your own or take one of our optional excursions. Tonight’s passage through Howe Sound sets the tone for wilderness exploration cruising in the days ahead. BLD

Day 3 - Exploration Cruising - Desolation Sound
Today's exploration will be wilderness cruising at its best, in waters usually accessible only by private yachtsmen. Most yachtsmen regard the British Columbia Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park as the most beautiful cruising ground in British Columbia, and one of the premier cruising playgrounds in the world. Steep evergreen mountains, teeming with wildlife, surround the pristine waters of Desolation Sound. Snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains soar from the sea to heights of 7,875 feet (2400 m). With over 60 miles of breathtaking coastline, intricate waterways, small islands and numerous attractive bays and coves, nooks and crannies there is enough to delight even the most demanding of adventurers.

Consisting of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline and water, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is the largest Marine Park in British Columbia and the only major park of its kind on the Pacific coast of Canada.

You will have time for exploring wildlife and beautiful, remote nooks in the ancient and dramatic fjords of British Columbia. Weather permitting, we'll use small inflatable craft to explore the shoreline to poke our noses into remote areas not accessibly to larger ships. Enjoy dinner as we cruise across the Strait of Georgia en route to Vancouver Island. BLD

Day 4 -  Nanaimo, Gulf Islands
Nanaimo is surrounded by astonishing views. A cannon booms from the Bastion, an 1853 Hudson's Bay Company fort. Traditionally dressed constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police welcome you from the pier. An included walking tour will show you the Cameron Island Promenade, the Old City Quarter, and the Nanaimo District Museum. Tours are geared for minimal, moderate or moderately strenuous walking. The tour ends with a sample of the town's very sweet namesake, the Nanaimo Bar.

Return to the ship for lunch with a special guest onboard. Afternoon cruising is through the remote waterways and quiet coves of the attractive Gulf Islands. BLD

Day 5 -  Butchart Gardens / Victoria
We'll spend the day docked on the beautiful waterfront of Victoria's harbor. Known as the "Garden City," Victoria's mild climate makes it a delight to visit year round. In the morning, transfer by motorcoach to the famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria's 55-acre landmark, to walk the lovely pathways that thread around this quarry-turned-world-class garden showplace.

Spend the afternoon in charming, and very British Victoria, with time to relax and explore on your own. Everything is within convenient walking distance from your ship, allowing you to find your own unique experience in British Columbia's capital city. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques and the 19th century architecture of the Old Town or the nearby Royal British Columbia Museum, renowned for its First Nations and Natural History collections. Other classic activities include High Tea in the Palm Room of the Empress Hotel, or visiting Government Street with shopping and browsing opportunities or the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. BLD

Day 6 -  Friday Harbor / San Juan Islands Morning Cruising
The waters of Washington's beautiful San Juan Islands have been luring sailors for decades and the many small islands have recently become a coveted retreat for Northwesterners. Your relaxing morning of cruising and up-close exploration in Puget Sound will take you in search of remarkable scenery and elusive wildlife. Your Captain and Exploration Leader know the best places to go "gunkholing" - traveling around the bend just to see what's there.

Your Friday Harbor visit includes an island excursion that takes you through this remote and historically contentious island. Experience the local flavor and learn how the U.S. nearly went to war over a pig. There'll be time to walk around this relaxed, charming, one-square-mile island community with art galleries and boutiques. Lunch is onboard as we navigate around San Juan Island perhaps via San Juan Channel, Mosquito Pass and Haro Strait, prime locations for spotting orcas. BLD

Day 7 -  Port Townsend
Arrive in Port Townsend for an included walking tour along the waterfront street of this historic Victorian seaport and arts community. Listed on the National Historic Register as one of three such Victorian ports on the entire U.S. coastline, Port Townsend's views and architecture are delightful to see.

Reboard the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town. You will have the entire afternoon for optional highlights or to explore Port Townsend at your leisure. BLD

Day 8 - Disembark In Seattle
Transfer from your ship to the airport or extend your stay at the Westin Hotel, in the heart of downtown Seattle. B

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

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