Need To Know
TOUR INFORMATION
Begin your Coastal Discovery Tour in Vancouver. While we drive up to Whistler, enjoy views of the Howe Sound, an ancient glacial fjord, from the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway. Weave your way along the coast before heading into the mountains. Watch for local wildlife like black bears and bald eagles en route to Whistler.
After an orientation tour around Whistler, we provide you with maps of Whistler and Victoria, along with your flight details before dropping you off at your hotel. Admission to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is included as part of the tour package. Your Tour Guide can assist with arranging other activities you may want to experience during your stay. On the day you depart Whistler, Whistler Air personnel will take you by shuttle bus to Green Lake for your one-hour seaplane flight to Victoria. Your flight departs at 11:30 AM.
See glaciers, rugged snowcapped mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows and glacial lakes as Whistler recedes behind you. Fly above Howe Sound, Georgia Strait and the Gulf Islands on your flight south to Vancouver Island. Arrive in downtown Victoria, landing on the waters of the Inner Harbour. You are just steps from the Fairmont Empress hotel, Provincial Parliament Buildings and the Royal British Columbia Museum. A Harbour Air shuttle bus will take you to the front door of your hotel. As British Columbia’s capital city, picturesque scenery lines Victoria’s streets. Marvel at the sights while visiting amazing, local restaurants and boutique stores.
On the day you have arranged your return to Vancouver we will meet you, with your luggage, at approximately 3:00 PM. We ask guests to call our main office at 11:00 AM on this day so we can confirm the meeting time and location, and give you the name of your Tour Guide.
Shortly after departing downtown Victoria we will arrive at the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Here, you will have free time to explore and smell the flowers. Later we drive to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and right onto the ferry for the one and a half hour sailing back to the mainland.
You saw the Georgia Strait and the Gulf Islands from the air on your way to Victoria, now see it from the water as your ship sails around the islands. Watch for wildlife such as bald eagles, orcas and other marine wildlife during the crossing. Finally, our mini-coach will drive off the ship for the journey to your Richmond or Vancouver hotel.
DAY 1: Complimentary Hotel Pick-up with Luggage – Friendly greetings and pickup from Cruise Terminal, your downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotel. Luggage handling included.
Lions Gate Bridge – Crossing the Lions Gate Bridge signals the start of your adventure. Pass over Burrard Inlet in order to reach the start of the highway.
Sea to Sky Highway – One of the top ten most scenic routes in Canada, the journey to Whistler along the Sea to Sky highway is filled with coastal views of Howe Sound.
Squamish Cultural Adventure Centre – We take a quick break in Squamish, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Recreation Capital of the World.’ Grab a coffee or if you are looking to book one of our many activities for your time in Whistler, speak to your Tour Guide who can assist with the arrangements.
Whistler Village – Whistler Village is home to BC’s Olympic pride. Once your guide has dropped you off at your accommodations, start exploring this quaint village. Visit the shops and cafes and stroll along the many forest and hiking trails. Or to take in the mountain scenery directly, why not sign up for one the many seasonal activities we offer in Whistler. Zipline through the trees, try an ATV adventure or find tranquillity in the spa. With the remainder of the day, enjoy all that Whistler has to offer. Included in your ticket is admission to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a museum dedicated to the art and history of local First Nations.
Overnight in Whistler – A variety of luxury hotels are available, most of which are directly in Whistler Village.
DAY 2: Seaplane with Harbour Air from Whistler’s Green Lake to Downtown Victoria – Say goodbye to Whistler in style via a seaplane adventure. Complimentary shuttle provided by Harbour Air. Please inform Landsea of your hotel location at time of booking.
Sea Plane Flight – Notice the glaciers, rugged snowcapped mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows and glacial lakes as Whistler recedes behind you. Fly above Howe Sound, Georgia Strait and the Gulf Islands on your flight south to Vancouver Island.
Overnight in Victoria – Landing directly in Victoria’s Inner Harbour during the mid-afternoon, head over to your accommodations and spend a relaxing day delighting in Victoria’s many attractions.
DAY 3: Sightseeing tour from Victoria to Butchart Gardens – Confirm with our reservations department regarding pick-up time and location to head to the gardens.
Downtown Victoria – Spend your morning explore the BC’s capital city. See the colourful Victoria storefronts lining the streets. Walk along the water Inner Harbour, and visit the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel and architecturally impressive Provincial Legislature Buildings. The later in the afternoon, meet up with your new tour guide and head to the Butchart Gardens.
Butchart Gardens – A visit to the world-famous gardens, developed by the vision and passion of Jennie Butchart. A former cement factory, the Butchart Gardens began with the Sunken Gardens, originally a limestone quarry. Later the Italian, Japanese and Rose gardens were added.
BC Ferries – Cruise through the beautiful Gulf Islands as you head back to Metro Vancouver. This 1.5 hour journey aboard the ship is a sunset cruise journey as you enjoy the many dining and shopping facilities. Or head out onto the passenger viewing decks to take in that fresh ocean air.
Hotel drop-off in Vancouver – Complimentary drop-off at Downtown Vancouver or Richmond hotels.
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1. What is EXCLUDED from the Tour Price?
Accommodation is not included in the cost of this tour. You will need to make your own arrangements for your stays. Please let us know your accommodation details at the time of booking.
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2. What is INCLUDED in the Tour Price?
Transportation from Vancouver to Whistler Admission to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Seaplane flight from Whistler to Victoria Admission to the Butchart Gardens Transportations from Victoria to Vancouver and BC Ferries’ fares
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3. What Should I Wear?
We recommend that you dress in layers and bring comfortable walking shoes. Depending on the weather, you should consider bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves and a waterproof outer layer.
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4. Is this Tour Accessible?
You can expect a moderate to high level of walking. Some paved pathways are available for guest use, however, please note there are some inclines. If you have any questions about mobility, please feel free to contact us.
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5. What do I need for the Seaplane?
Harbour Air requires all seaplane passengers to bring the following:
ONE piece of government-issued photo ID (ex. Passport, Driver’s License or temporary license with valid expiry, Citizen Card, Permanent Resident Card)
Or
TWO pieces of government-issued ID without a photograph, one must have passenger’s name, date of birth and gender (Birth certificate, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, Provincial Health card. NOTE: credit cards are NOT acceptable nor are anything else that is not issued by the government.)
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6. Are there any Luggage Restrictions?
Our buses can accommodate any luggage; however, Harbour Air does have dimension and weight restrictions. Click here for more information.
If you have any other questions, please contact our Guest Services at 604.255.7272, toll-free at 1.877.669.2277, or email reservations@vancouvertours.com
Check Out
WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING
“Wow! What a wonderful tour! I had an amazing tour guide named DJ. He was interesting, personable and funny. The tour was well organized, making it easy for me to relax and enjoy. I liked the ferry ride, the time in beautiful Victoria and Butchart Gardens are magnificent. Today I signed up for another Landsea Tour because I thought this one was so well done.”
Nancy
“Great tour! Our Landsea guide was bright and very informative. He went out of his way to make sure our experience was first class. We had ample time in Whistler to do the peak to Peak Gondola have a bite to eat and then look around the village.”
Lyn, Sydney, Australia
“Well worth it! The ferry rides were amazing. Then once in Victoria…so beautiful & fun. Then the gardens were so gorgeous. Standing in the quarry garden and smelling the aroma – must be a touch of heaven.”