12 DAY BRITISH COLUMBIA'S WINE & DINE
TRIP DESCRIPTION
A place where diverse ecosystems meet art and culture, Vancouver Island is simply like no other. Enjoy a taste of ‘island life’ with us as we discover the beauty and diversity of Vancouver Island. Just about every community on the Island has at least one Farmer’s Market, a place to find local produce, fresh dairy, herbs, spices, and baked goods. Some of the markets have over 100 vendors, offering a variety of edibles, crafts, and delicious treats to provide you the sustenance you need to keep shopping and exploring.
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Start Location: Kelowna
End Location: Victoria, BC
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Davidson Orchards Country Village
- Kettle Valley Steam Train
- Summerland Sweats
- Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery
- Quail’s Gate Winery
- Mission Hill Winery
- Sparkling Hill Resort
- Victoria Foodie Walking Tour
- Abkhazi Garden with High Tea
- Venturi
- Schulze Vineyard Tasting
- Westholme Tea Company Tasting
- Morningstar Farm & Cheese Factory Tasting
- Fanny Bay Oyster facility
- Coombs Old Country Market
- Tofino Whale Watching
- Kwisitis In Pacific Rim National Park
- Cathedral Grove
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery Tasting
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria, BC
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is the gateway to Vancouver Island’s rugged coastlines, quaint towns, and vast, untouched wilderness. First settled in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England, Victoria was once the capital city of British North America and is now the capital city of the province of British Columbia. This old British city has transitioned into a beautiful modern city, for the young and young-at-heart and is home to a thriving foodie and art culture. Today you will arrive in Victoria and in the evening, you will meet your tour leader in the lobby of the hotel and walk a short distance for your welcome dinner at the Blue Crab Sea Food restaurant.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Victoria Sightseeing
After a light breakfast in the hotel (trust us, you will want to save your appetite for later!), this morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria and uncover the history of this old British city while highlighting its transition into the modern city that it is today. We will explore Oak Bay, the harbourfront, Beacon Hill, and Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America. As we will continue our tour we will meet a representative of Victoria Foodie Tours and being our culinary adventure! This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Harmonious Gates of Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., the Inner Harbour Causeway, and Parliament Buildings. Depending on the day, there will be between 6-8 food tastings along the route, as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria. Tastings can include bread, meatballs, craft beer, macarons, chocolate, and much more!We continue our tour with a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens. At one time this was the site of a large limestone quarry. As the limestone deposits became exhausted, Jennie Butchart began transitioning her husband Robert Butchart’s empty quarry into the spectacular gardens we experience today. Showcasing an extensive and diverse variety of plants and flowers throughout the many areas of the gardens, visitors today are left in awe. After a transfer back to the hotel, you will have the evening at leisure.After our day of culinary experiences, the evening is free to discover more of the attractive city center. Victoria’s relaxed pace, urban layout, and network of side streets and alleyways encourage strolling, so it’s easily explored.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Victoria - Naniamo, BC
Our first stop today is at Merridale Farm which produces farm-crafted cider, spirits, and fortified ciders. Made from 100% undiluted apple juice that is grown and produced at this Cobble Hill farm, in the heart of Cowichan on Vancouver Island. The farm is home to a cidery, distillery, eatery, and tasting bar. We will have a farm tour followed by tastings and then lunch.We then drive a short distance to the Venturi - Schulze Vineyard where you will find purists at work with a commitment to producing wines uniquely expressive of the site and of their personalities. The original farmhouse, the family home, was built around 1893, and extensively expanded and renovated in 1993 to accommodate the large family and small tasting room. Their cozy new tasting room in a renovated outbuilding featuring the work of Cowichan Valley artisans using local woods opened in the summer of 2011. Discover the products that have been created since 1987 in these pure, natural estate-grown wines, ancient method balsamic vinegar & verjus.Our next stop is at the Westholme Tea Company. The Westholme Valley is also located in the Cowichan region on Vancouver Island, nicknamed “the warm land” by the Coast Salish people. This fertile landscape creates a unique micro-climate that fosters the growth of Camellia Sinensis- tea plants, a first of its kind in Canada. The teas and hand-crafted ceramics unite taste and tactility in the simple ceremony of drinking tea and the owners have added some unique Westholme influences to inspire delight in every brewed cup.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Nanaimo - Tofino, BC
We start the day with a drive to the Morningstar Farm and Cheese Factory. A guided tour will feature the whole milk production process from meeting the calves to a close-up demonstration of the robotic milker in action. We will learn about cheese making while watching the cheesemakers working before enjoying guided cheese and fruit and berry wine tasting sessions.From Morningstar, we head to the village of Coombs and a visit to the Old Country Market which started as a roadside fruit stand in the 1950s providing fresh produce to travelers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved into a Vancouver Island landmark with a mixture of shops and eateries for locals and visitors alike and it also has those famous goats on the roof!After lunch, a scenic drive across the breadth of Vancouver Island with a stop in Port Alberni’s waterfront and then to Tofino on the scenic west coast. Dinner will be at the well-known Schooner Restaurant in Tofino.
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Tofino Touring
Breakfast is followed by an exciting marine wildlife and bear-watching tour. Tofino’s waters, known as the Clayoquot Sound, is one of the best whale watching locations in the world as the waters are rich with food, we set out for a fun-filled bear-watching adventure as we sail through Clayoquot Sound searching for black bears foraging for food along the shoreline surrounded by the stunning rainforest. During the 3-hour long tour, the captain and crew will take you to view various other wildlife including Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, Harbour Porpoise, Seals, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, and Tufted Puffins.Later we will drive to Kwisitis, or the "other end of the beach" in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, a fitting name for this iconic west coast building perched at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach in the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The outside deck is the perfect year-round spot to view whales, storms, and surfers alike. Inside the center, new exhibits about the land, sea, sky, and people of the area await you. We drive back to Tofino for the night.
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Tofino - Nanaimo, BC
As we bid farewell to Tofino, we make our way back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island, stopping at the Starboard Grill in Port Alberni, the only on-the-water restaurant with a patio overlooking the harbour with views down the canal. We will enjoy a fresh, west coast style lunch with a water view from every table. Located in the heart of the Harbour Quay, The Starboard Grill is the place to relax with amazing food, service, and views. After lunch, we continue to visit Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, which one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can 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. Trails on either side of the highway lead visitors through the mighty stands of this coastal forest. On the south side, you will find the largest Douglas firs – one measuring more than 9 metres in circumference. On the northern side of the road, you’ll find groves of ancient Western red cedar standing sentry over nearby Cameron Lake.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Nanaimo - Victoria, BC
Our day starts with a short drive to the town of Chemainus, now known for its thriving arts community, the town was once on the verge of economic collapse. As a way to save the town and rejuvenate it, a series of murals were created to showcase the history of the town which are now featured throughout the town. A local guide will meet us to take us on a tour of some of these murals and explain the significance and history of each masterpiece.We continue the Blue Grouse Estate Winery comprised of 65 acres tucked away on a sunny Vancouver Island slope in the Cowichan Valley, named from a Salish First Nations word meaning "the warm land". At Blue Grouse, their winemaker has been active in the farm-to-table movement for 20 years and they strongly support the efforts of local food producers. We will combine locally made cheese and charcuterie boards daily with snacks and gather in their licensed outdoor picnic area with some perfectly matched Blue Grouse wines for a picnic.An evening drive brings us back to Victoria, we will farewell dinner this evening will be a good time to compare notes and reflect on a week of outstanding culinary experiences on Vancouver Island.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Victoria - Kelowna, BC
Arrive in Kelowna for the start of your Okanagan journey. The first large-scale Okanagan vineyards were planted in the 1920s. Early experiments in commercial wine production resulted in a startling diversity of products that were described by no one as a ‘fine vintage.’ Over the years, growers and wineries experimented with terroir, variety, and technique. Experienced winemakers moved to the Okanagan and the wine got better and better. Today, history is being made as the orchard and wine industries continue to shape the Okanagan Valley. Find out how each of us is part of that unfolding story.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Kelowna, BC
Embark on a grand winery tour today visiting some of BC’s most iconic and internationally recognized wineries. Start the day off at serene Summerhill Pyramid Winery, known for its organic winemaking process. Taste some of their fine wins as you learn more about their traditional methods. Next, we will first visit Quails Gate Winery, internationally known as one of the country’s top agri-tourism sites. Join a winery tour of the vineyard and sample some of the best wines in the Okanagan. Later, enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley as you enjoy a farm-to-table lunch made from fresh local ingredients. After a short and scenic drive, arrive at Mission Hill Winery. Experience the art of winemaking at this state-of-the-art winery and wander through the lush vineyards as you sample different varietals of wine. You will have the chance to experience the wine-making process firsthand. Finally, enjoy a mouth-watering farewell dinner at Sparkling Hill Resort.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Summerland, BC
Today we drive to Summerland, BC where you will board the Kettle Valley Steam Train. Aboard a vintage passenger coach experience riding on the only preserved section of this historic railway. Originally built in 1912, the authentically restored steamed locomotive will bring the Edwardian Era to life. This 10-mile train ride passes through stunning vineyards and lush orchards.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Kelowna, BC
After a hearty breakfast, visit family-owned and operated Davidson Orchards Country Village located in beautiful Vernon, BC. Have a delicious picnic lunch featuring Davidson Orchard’s own apple juice and homemade apple pie. Board the tractor-drawn Johnny Popper train and take a tour of the sprawling and bountiful orchard.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Kelowna, BC
After a final farewell breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends and to the beautiful Okanagan region as you make your way home.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
(does not include 5% tax)
Note: Arrival and departure flights can be booked for any time on first and last day of the tour. Valid Government Photo ID is required for BC Ferry Crossing and flight. Internal flight between Victoria and Kelowna included.
Note: Arrival and departure flights can be booked for any time on first and last day of the tour. Valid Government Photo ID is required for BC Ferry Crossing and flight. Internal flight between Victoria and Kelowna included.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 12 nights of accommodation (3.5 - 4 star, or best available)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on comfortable motorcoach
- 25 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners, 1 Foodie Tour
EXCLUSIONS
- 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items of a personal nature
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
BCWD
12 Day British Columbia's Wine & Dine
12 days
Created On: 28 Sep 2023
Highlights
- Davidson Orchards Country Village
- Kettle Valley Steam Train
- Summerland Sweats
- Sleeping Giant Fruit Winery
- Summerhill Pyramid Winery
- Quail’s Gate Winery
- Mission Hill Winery
- Sparkling Hill Resort
- Victoria Foodie Walking Tour
- Abkhazi Garden with High Tea
- Venturi
- Schulze Vineyard Tasting
- Westholme Tea Company Tasting
- Morningstar Farm & Cheese Factory Tasting
- Fanny Bay Oyster facility
- Coombs Old Country Market
- Tofino Whale Watching
- Kwisitis In Pacific Rim National Park
- Cathedral Grove
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery Tasting
Inclusions
- 12 nights of accommodation (3.5 - 4 star, or best available)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on comfortable motorcoach
- 25 meals: 12 breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners, 1 Foodie Tour
Exclusions
- 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items of a personal nature
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Wed, 04 Sep 2024
Sun, 15 Sep 2024
$5,770 USD
$1,530 USD
$500 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Victoria, BC
Victoria is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is the gateway to Vancouver Island’s rugged coastlines, quaint towns, and vast, untouched wilderness. First settled in 1843 and named after Queen Victoria of England, Victoria was once the capital city of British North America and is now the capital city of the province of British Columbia. This old British city has transitioned into a beautiful modern city, for the young and young-at-heart and is home to a thriving foodie and art culture. Today you will arrive in Victoria and in the evening, you will meet your tour leader in the lobby of the hotel and walk a short distance for your welcome dinner at the Blue Crab Sea Food restaurant.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Victoria Sightseeing
After a light breakfast in the hotel (trust us, you will want to save your appetite for later!), this morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Victoria and uncover the history of this old British city while highlighting its transition into the modern city that it is today. We will explore Oak Bay, the harbourfront, Beacon Hill, and Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America. As we will continue our tour we will meet a representative of Victoria Foodie Tours and being our culinary adventure! This 2-hour tour begins at the Victoria Public Market and includes stops at The Harmonious Gates of Interest, Fan Tan Alley, Market Square, Bastion Square, Trounce Alley, Government St., the Inner Harbour Causeway, and Parliament Buildings. Depending on the day, there will be between 6-8 food tastings along the route, as we discuss the history and quirks of beautiful Victoria. Tastings can include bread, meatballs, craft beer, macarons, chocolate, and much more!We continue our tour with a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens. At one time this was the site of a large limestone quarry. As the limestone deposits became exhausted, Jennie Butchart began transitioning her husband Robert Butchart’s empty quarry into the spectacular gardens we experience today. Showcasing an extensive and diverse variety of plants and flowers throughout the many areas of the gardens, visitors today are left in awe. After a transfer back to the hotel, you will have the evening at leisure.After our day of culinary experiences, the evening is free to discover more of the attractive city center. Victoria’s relaxed pace, urban layout, and network of side streets and alleyways encourage strolling, so it’s easily explored.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Victoria - Naniamo, BC
Our first stop today is at Merridale Farm which produces farm-crafted cider, spirits, and fortified ciders. Made from 100% undiluted apple juice that is grown and produced at this Cobble Hill farm, in the heart of Cowichan on Vancouver Island. The farm is home to a cidery, distillery, eatery, and tasting bar. We will have a farm tour followed by tastings and then lunch.We then drive a short distance to the Venturi - Schulze Vineyard where you will find purists at work with a commitment to producing wines uniquely expressive of the site and of their personalities. The original farmhouse, the family home, was built around 1893, and extensively expanded and renovated in 1993 to accommodate the large family and small tasting room. Their cozy new tasting room in a renovated outbuilding featuring the work of Cowichan Valley artisans using local woods opened in the summer of 2011. Discover the products that have been created since 1987 in these pure, natural estate-grown wines, ancient method balsamic vinegar & verjus.Our next stop is at the Westholme Tea Company. The Westholme Valley is also located in the Cowichan region on Vancouver Island, nicknamed “the warm land” by the Coast Salish people. This fertile landscape creates a unique micro-climate that fosters the growth of Camellia Sinensis- tea plants, a first of its kind in Canada. The teas and hand-crafted ceramics unite taste and tactility in the simple ceremony of drinking tea and the owners have added some unique Westholme influences to inspire delight in every brewed cup.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Nanaimo - Tofino, BC
We start the day with a drive to the Morningstar Farm and Cheese Factory. A guided tour will feature the whole milk production process from meeting the calves to a close-up demonstration of the robotic milker in action. We will learn about cheese making while watching the cheesemakers working before enjoying guided cheese and fruit and berry wine tasting sessions.From Morningstar, we head to the village of Coombs and a visit to the Old Country Market which started as a roadside fruit stand in the 1950s providing fresh produce to travelers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved into a Vancouver Island landmark with a mixture of shops and eateries for locals and visitors alike and it also has those famous goats on the roof!After lunch, a scenic drive across the breadth of Vancouver Island with a stop in Port Alberni’s waterfront and then to Tofino on the scenic west coast. Dinner will be at the well-known Schooner Restaurant in Tofino.
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Tofino Touring
Breakfast is followed by an exciting marine wildlife and bear-watching tour. Tofino’s waters, known as the Clayoquot Sound, is one of the best whale watching locations in the world as the waters are rich with food, we set out for a fun-filled bear-watching adventure as we sail through Clayoquot Sound searching for black bears foraging for food along the shoreline surrounded by the stunning rainforest. During the 3-hour long tour, the captain and crew will take you to view various other wildlife including Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions, Harbour Porpoise, Seals, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, and Tufted Puffins.Later we will drive to Kwisitis, or the "other end of the beach" in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, a fitting name for this iconic west coast building perched at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach in the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The outside deck is the perfect year-round spot to view whales, storms, and surfers alike. Inside the center, new exhibits about the land, sea, sky, and people of the area await you. We drive back to Tofino for the night.
Overnight: Tofino
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Tofino - Nanaimo, BC
As we bid farewell to Tofino, we make our way back to the East Coast of Vancouver Island, stopping at the Starboard Grill in Port Alberni, the only on-the-water restaurant with a patio overlooking the harbour with views down the canal. We will enjoy a fresh, west coast style lunch with a water view from every table. Located in the heart of the Harbour Quay, The Starboard Grill is the place to relax with amazing food, service, and views. After lunch, we continue to visit Cathedral Grove, located in MacMillan Provincial Park, which one of the most accessible stands of giant Douglas fir trees on Vancouver Island. Here visitors can 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. Trails on either side of the highway lead visitors through the mighty stands of this coastal forest. On the south side, you will find the largest Douglas firs – one measuring more than 9 metres in circumference. On the northern side of the road, you’ll find groves of ancient Western red cedar standing sentry over nearby Cameron Lake.
Overnight: Nanaimo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Nanaimo - Victoria, BC
Our day starts with a short drive to the town of Chemainus, now known for its thriving arts community, the town was once on the verge of economic collapse. As a way to save the town and rejuvenate it, a series of murals were created to showcase the history of the town which are now featured throughout the town. A local guide will meet us to take us on a tour of some of these murals and explain the significance and history of each masterpiece.We continue the Blue Grouse Estate Winery comprised of 65 acres tucked away on a sunny Vancouver Island slope in the Cowichan Valley, named from a Salish First Nations word meaning "the warm land". At Blue Grouse, their winemaker has been active in the farm-to-table movement for 20 years and they strongly support the efforts of local food producers. We will combine locally made cheese and charcuterie boards daily with snacks and gather in their licensed outdoor picnic area with some perfectly matched Blue Grouse wines for a picnic.An evening drive brings us back to Victoria, we will farewell dinner this evening will be a good time to compare notes and reflect on a week of outstanding culinary experiences on Vancouver Island.
Overnight: Victoria, BC
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Victoria - Kelowna, BC
Arrive in Kelowna for the start of your Okanagan journey. The first large-scale Okanagan vineyards were planted in the 1920s. Early experiments in commercial wine production resulted in a startling diversity of products that were described by no one as a ‘fine vintage.’ Over the years, growers and wineries experimented with terroir, variety, and technique. Experienced winemakers moved to the Okanagan and the wine got better and better. Today, history is being made as the orchard and wine industries continue to shape the Okanagan Valley. Find out how each of us is part of that unfolding story.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Kelowna, BC
Embark on a grand winery tour today visiting some of BC’s most iconic and internationally recognized wineries. Start the day off at serene Summerhill Pyramid Winery, known for its organic winemaking process. Taste some of their fine wins as you learn more about their traditional methods. Next, we will first visit Quails Gate Winery, internationally known as one of the country’s top agri-tourism sites. Join a winery tour of the vineyard and sample some of the best wines in the Okanagan. Later, enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley as you enjoy a farm-to-table lunch made from fresh local ingredients. After a short and scenic drive, arrive at Mission Hill Winery. Experience the art of winemaking at this state-of-the-art winery and wander through the lush vineyards as you sample different varietals of wine. You will have the chance to experience the wine-making process firsthand. Finally, enjoy a mouth-watering farewell dinner at Sparkling Hill Resort.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Summerland, BC
Today we drive to Summerland, BC where you will board the Kettle Valley Steam Train. Aboard a vintage passenger coach experience riding on the only preserved section of this historic railway. Originally built in 1912, the authentically restored steamed locomotive will bring the Edwardian Era to life. This 10-mile train ride passes through stunning vineyards and lush orchards.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Kelowna, BC
After a hearty breakfast, visit family-owned and operated Davidson Orchards Country Village located in beautiful Vernon, BC. Have a delicious picnic lunch featuring Davidson Orchard’s own apple juice and homemade apple pie. Board the tractor-drawn Johnny Popper train and take a tour of the sprawling and bountiful orchard.
Overnight: Kelowna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Kelowna, BC
After a final farewell breakfast, say goodbye to your new friends and to the beautiful Okanagan region as you make your way home.
Meals: Breakfast
