Vancouver & Whistler in Style

Itinerary

• British Columbia

  British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty.  The Coast Mountains and the Inside Passage's many inlets provide some of British Columbia's renowned and spectacular scenery, which forms the backdrop and context for a growing outdoor adventure and ecotourism industry. Seventy-five percent of the province is mountainous (more than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level); 60% is forested; and only about 5% is arable.  The Okanagan area is one of three wine-growing regions in Canada and also produces excellent ciders.  Given its varied mountainous terrain and its coasts, lakes, rivers, and forests, British Columbia has long been enjoyed for pursuits like hiking and camping, rock climbing and mountaineering, hunting and fishing and winter sprorts such as skiing, snowboarding, helihiking and telemarking.

• Vancouver

  Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the world, based on its warm climate, beautiful scenery, modern infrastructure, and social community. Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52% of city residents having a first language other than English. The economy has traditionally relied on forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture; although, tourism has grown rapidly as more people discover this gem on the Pacific Ocean.

• Whistler

  Whistler is a Canadian resort town in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in the province of British Columbia, Canada, approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Vancouver. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for alpine skiing and mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards and Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines since the mid-1990s. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will host most of the alpine, Nordic and sliding events.

• • Vancouver
  • Native Totem Pole in Stanley Park
  • Four Seasons Vancouver

  Day 1: Vancouver

  Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

  Enjoy a private, introductory tour of Vancouver (4 - 5hrs) highlighting the main sights of the city. With a private tour, you can set the pace and spend as much or as little time at each of the places of interest. Your driver/guide will delight in sharing their extensive knowledge of area's history, geography and current events. Places of interest on the tour include: B.C. Place, G.M. Place, Science World (Olympic Sites), Gastown - Historical area of Vancouver, Canada Place - Alaska Cruise ship terminal and home of the new convention centre, Stanley Park - The Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium (not included - optional) and Prospect Point as well as English Bay/Vancouver Harbour and Granville Island - which includes a stop at artists' studios, craft galleries, and the Granville Island Public Market. From here, the tour continues on to Queen Elizabeth Park before you are brought back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)

  At the hub of this international centre of commerce, culture and natural beauty is the cosmopolitan Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*), rising above the Pacific centre's 100 fine shops and featuring the award winning YEW restaurant and bar. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation and reflects the comfortable, elegant style of this quietly sophisticated urban centre with 373 classic, residential guest rooms, including 66 suites, all featuring large windows overlooking the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. The high level of service that you would expect at a Four Season's property is in evidence and the extensive facilities include an indoor-outdoor pool, state of the art gym and garden.

• • Capilano Suspension Bridge

  Day 2: Vancouver

  Enjoy a five hour excursion out of Vancouver to discover the marine life of this part of the world. Depart downtown Vancouver by shuttle to Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay. There, you will enjoy a two-hour guided nature tour by zodiac, showcasing unique marine wildlife, before enjoying a three course lunch at the Boathouse restaurant. End your tour with an exciting 20 minute seaplane flight back to downtown Vancouver.

  Consider taking a cruise along the harbour, a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island, an adventure filled day whale watching, a panoramic flight, or a day trip to Whistler crossing over the Capilano Suspension Bridge and forest canopy walkway. All of these options are available on a private or shared basis. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these interest you.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)
• • Whistler
  • Helicopter over Whistler
  • Mountain biking near Whistler
  • Whistler sidewalk cafes & restaurants
  • Four Seasons Resort Whistler

  Day 3: Vancouver - Whistler

  Travel to Whistler on a breathtaking three hour train trip between Vancouver and Whistler. Take in all of the wonderful land and seascapes as you travel through picturesque Howe Sound and the mighty Cheakamus Canyon to the four-season mountain playground and co-host of the 2010 Olympic winter games. Upon arrival at Whistler, there will be time for you to explore at leisure. Stroll the village shops, enjoy lunch on a sunny patio, ride a gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain… the possibilities are limitless. Then hop on the complimentary shuttle between Whistler and the floatplane base where you will take off on a late afternoon flight and experience British Columbia’s supernatural beauty with an eagle’s eye flight over the majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, unique volcanic formations and lush alpine meadows that surround the turquoise waters of pristine Garibaldi Lake. Don’t forget your camera! (The rail portion of your tour features quality service, extensive legroom, scenic views through large picture windows, assigned seating in classic rail coach, continental breakfast or light afternoon meal served at your seat and access to the Heritage Observation Car as well as rail station transfers in Vancouver and Whistler).

  Whistler is a veritable outdoors playground with a multitude of optional activities to choose from, regardless of time of year. From April to November, consider a day trip paddling and biking lead by an experienced Naturalist, to experience the natural beauty of the Whistler Wetlands. Pedal to Alta Lake, then paddle across the lake and down the River of Golden Dreams. See the towering peaks that dominate the skyline above the Whistler Valley and experience a part of Canada's history. Your bike will be waiting for you at the end of your paddle then you can explore some local mountain bike trails before riding back to the village. (4 - 5 hrs). Alternatively, consider a 3 hour guided paddling tour allowing you to absorb the majestic mountains as you paddle to the north shore of Green Lake. Once there explore the Historic Ghost Town with an experienced naturalist guide. Another option is a 2 hour Skyline ziplining activity which is an exhilarating cable line expedition through old growth forests. Skyline's leading edge technology will take you flying side-by-side on a unique parallel-line system. Ride in a comfortable harness reaching speeds of up to 100km an hour. The system has 5 dual Skylines, with the longest ride being over 1600 feet long and 250 feet off the ground. The lines are connected to each other by a trail system which includes a 150ft suspension bridge. The 3 hour tour offers the opportunity to ride 5 dual skylines. Guides will share their wealth of interpretive information and local Whistler knowledge about the eco-system you will be exploring, giving you a unique Whistler experience. Please speak with your Sales Advisor if you are interested in any of these optional activities.

  Meet your Guide for the evening and get ready to enjoy a fun night out in Whistler as you hop from one gourmet restaurant to another on a dine around tour featuring 4 delicious courses at four local favorite Whistler restaurants (The Bearfoot Bistro, Hy`s Steakhouse, Quattro and the Flipside Lounge. Included is a visit to an impressive 15,000 bottle wine cellar where guests learn to 'saber' champagne. If you're looking for a great way to discover Whistler's hidden gems, this is the tour for you. If you wish to add wine pairings to your meal this can also be added. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you wish to discuss either of these options.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Whistler (5*)

  Four Seasons Resort Whistler (4*) is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Experience one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts, wrapped in Four Seasons comfort and intuitive care. The resort boast 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses, which are generously sized and capture the spirit of a luxurious mountain residence, with cosy wood interiors and gas-burning fireplaces. All guest accommodations offer superb views of the mountains, forest, valley, pool or courtyard from private or step-out balconies. Enjoy a superb spa and mountainside dining, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb.

• • Rafting fun

  Day 4: Whistler

  The perfect introduction to paddling, this fun-filled family-friendly adventure on the Green River is a must! The Green's moderate rapids with its panorama of stunning snowcapped peaks make this a memorable experience. On the placid waters of Green Lake, just 5 miles (8 km) from Whistler Village, rafters have an opportunity to practice and synchronize their paddle strokes before starting the downriver voyage. The 4.5-mile (7 km) Green River raft trip is a favorite with Canadians as well as foreign visitors. The Green River has Class II to III Rapids – II Fairly frequent rapids of medium difficulty, few or no obstructions; III Difficult, large, irregular waves, numerous rapids. The course requires some maneuvering of the raft. Your experienced professional guide will ensure a safe trip down the rapids with proper safety gear and instruction. At the end of your journey, you will have the opportunity to purchase photos of your adventure! *Roundtrip transportation from downtown Whistler included.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Whistler (5*)

• Day 5: Whistler

  Enjoy the scenic drive from Whistler to Vancouver as you are transferred on a luxury motorcoach. Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Whistler and Vancouver can be arranged. Transfer time to Vancouver downtown is approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes, and 3 hours to Vancouver airport.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Four Seasons Vancouver

  Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*)

  At the hub of this international centre of commerce, culture and natural beauty is the cosmopolitan Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (4*), rising above the Pacific centre's 100 fine shops and featuring the award winning YEW restaurant and bar. The hotel has recently undergone an extensive renovation and reflects the comfortable, elegant style of this quietly sophisticated urban centre with 373 classic, residential guest rooms, including 66 suites, all featuring large windows overlooking the city's stunning scenery and landmarks. The high level of service that you would expect at a Four Season's property is in evidence and the extensive facilities include an indoor-outdoor pool, state of the art gym and garden.

  • More information
• • Four Seasons Resort Whistler

  Four Seasons Resort Whistler (5*)

  Four Seasons Resort Whistler (4*) is located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Experience one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts, wrapped in Four Seasons comfort and intuitive care. The resort boast 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses, which are generously sized and capture the spirit of a luxurious mountain residence, with cosy wood interiors and gas-burning fireplaces. All guest accommodations offer superb views of the mountains, forest, valley, pool or courtyard from private or step-out balconies. Enjoy a superb spa and mountainside dining, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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