From the Top: Western Canada By Design - 2023

Welcome to Vancouver! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome drink.

VANCOUVER Scenic drive over the Cascade Mountains through the Fraser Valley to the picturesque Okanagan Valley wine region en route to Kelowna. (B)

• KELOWNA YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
• SIP: Sip into Something Comfortable
• Sip and swirl regional organic wines in Kelowna's Okanagan Valley at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. 'Discover Pyramid Power' on a Signature Experience inviting you to tour Summerhill's sacred geometric pyramid wine cellar, taste the award-winning organic wines, and pair them with farm-to-table cuisine in the Summerhill Organic Bistro.
• PEDAL: Rollin' Along a Railroad
• Stir your soul on a leisurely bike ride with picnic lunch along the Trestles Trail. Built by hand at the turn of the century, this stunningly scenic Kettle Valley Railway trail takes you along the dramatic walls of Myra Canyon through tunnels and across 18 trestle bridges on an easy bike ride that will leave you speechless -not breathless!
• TASTE: A Loaf of Bread, a Jug of Wine, and Wow!
• Located just a short drive from Kelowna, the Naramata Bench wineries sit above sweeping sand cliffs that rise from Okanagan Lake, with vineyards that gently slope up making it perfect for growing grapes. Called "The Naramata Bench," this fantastic fruit-growing region is home to Canada's world-class wineries. Your Naramata Bench Wine Tour includes a gourmet catered picnic lunch from the Bench Market and a visit to five Naramata Bench Okanagan wineries with a local, knowledgeable guide. The perfect day in perfectly picturesque wine country!
• Free time this evening. (B,L)

KELOWNA Scenic drive north en route to Kamloops past orchards, lakes and farmland. KAMLOOPS Guided orientation tour. Riverside BBQ with s’mores this evening. (B,D)

KAMLOOPS Morning drive along Kamloops Lake through diverse landscape known as Cariboo Gold Rush region en route to Whistler. WHISTLER Visit to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center on a guided tour with a Cultural Ambassador. Hear a traditional welcome song, learn a new skill in a Dreamcatcher-weaving instruction and learn of the two First Nation communities that call Whistler home. Free time this evening. (B)

• WHISTLER Free time this morning. YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
• TREK: Branch Out in Whistler
• Explore one of the last old-growth forest stands of cedar, hemlock, and fir trees in Whistler. Walk high amid the treetops through a true coastal temperate rainforest on a TreeTrek Canopy Walk. This ecology-based guided adventure leads you through a lofty labyrinth of suspension bridges, suspended stairways, boardwalks, and trails with insights into this pristine environment, while enjoying stunning vistas of the river valley below.
• SOAR: The Wind Beneath Your Wings
• Feel your spirit soar with a scenic ride on the Guinness World Record-breaking Whistler's Peak-to-Peak Gondola. You'll be whisked away on an 11-minute journey spanning the 4.4 kilometers across the valley floor above mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers, and forests with a stunning 360-degree view of the village below. Get an eagle's-eye view of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains en route to the summit. Spend your time atop snapping photos of the expansive view, search for wildlife, grab a bite to eat or hike one of the many hikes.
• STROLL: Whistler a Happy Tune
• Get up close and personal with the sights of Whistler on the Great Whistler Walking Tour. Discover the perfect mix of city sights, arts, culture, natural beauty and history with a knowledgeable Local Guide. Explore Whistler's 2010 Olympic Plaza, its sparkling glacial streams and forested areas, hidden street-art locations, cultural spots, and favorite dining districts you might consider during your free time here!
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Canada Place, Start your day outside, on the upper (deck) level of the city's giant convention center and cruise-ship terminal. Next is Stanley Park, You can't really appreciate Stanley Park by driving through it in a car, so park your vehicle and head in on foot via Lagoon Drive Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre One of the best aquariums in North America is located right in Stanley Park head to English Bay Beach an all-seasons gathering spot on the south side of Stanley Park, walk from English Bay Beach down Denman Street, and then turn southeast on Robson Street & the West End. Enjoy the break time in Cafe Artigiano, Later on Hop in your car or on the bus for the 20-minute drive to the outstanding Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. For a romantic dinner that will introduce you to the best of Vancouver's "eat local" food philosophy.

Gastown is the oldest part of Vancouver Stroll down Water Street, timing your visit so you'll be in front of the famous steam clock when it steams and chimes at noon. You might also want to shop for a piece of First Nations art at one of Gastown's specialty galleries. Lunch can be in ‘Salt’ one of Vancouver's favorite charcuteries. Head to Vancouver's Chinatown which is touristy, the street markets are lively and authentic. Don't miss the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Drive to Granville Island via the Granville Bridge, but it's more fun to hop on a mini-ferry from Yaletown Landing and take the 10-minute trip across False Creek. In Kitsilano check out the buffed beach scene at Kitsilano Beach. One of the world's longest saltwater pools is here if you want a summertime swim. Head for the Vancouver Art Gallery, and make your way specifically to the museum's collection of hauntingly atmospheric paintings by BC native Emily Carr. Cap off your day with a memorable meal at Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar.