British Columbia by Rail, Land, and Sea

Day 1

Depart on a morning flight to Portland, then on to British Columbia and the beautiful port city of Vancouver. From here head east through the lush farmlands of the Fraser River Valley. The Coastal Mountains rise before you as we journey to the shores of Harrison Lake. Our hotel is renowned for its five natural hot springs and baths. Explore them, and all your beautiful surroundings, before and after tonight's welcome dinner. Harrison Hot Springs Resort (D)

Day 2

An amazing journey is in store as we follow the route of the 1854 gold rush when thousands of sourdoughs risked their lives to find their way through the treacherous canyons of the Fraser River Valley to the Caribou region. See Hells Gate rapids and stop at the iconic town of Boston Bar as the canyon gives way to the vast Caribou Plateau. Our journey along the historic Caribou Wagon Road comes to an end in the bustling community of Quesnel. Sandman Inn (FB) 

Day 3

The gold strike on Williams Creek triggered a multi-billion-dollar industrial revolution that literally built a province. Today, we visit the historic town of Barkerville which stands as a living testament to British Columbia's golden beginnings. We'll spend the morning and early afternoon exploring its unique streetscape with more than 125 heritage buildings, period displays, museums, restaurants, and shops. Later we'll continue north along the Gold Rush Trail to Prince George. Home of the largest concentration of lumber mills support the pulp and paper industry, is the industrial heart of the province. (FB,D) 

Day 4

All aboard the VIA Rail's Skeena for a full day of train travel enroute to Prince Rupert! Head northwest through vast areas of forests and small logging and mining towns, before coming alongside the mighty Skeena River on its path to the Pacific. Along the way you'll see the ruins of hundreds of salmon canneries that dominate the shoreline, active until only a few decades ago. Prestige Hotel - 2 nights (FB,L,D) 

Day 5

Tour the coastal community of Prince Rupert, an important city for the exportation of coal, grain, and other commodities to Asia. It is also the home port for the Canadian salmon and cod fishing fleets. We'll visit the North Pacific Cannery, a National Historic Site, one of the last fish canneries still standing on the West Coast. This afternoon we'll share the rich indigenous cultural history of the Ts'msyen 14,000 years. Their Northern Museum offers amazing collections of carvings, jewelry, ceremonial regalia, paintings, and historical documents. (FB,D) 

Day 6

An early morning departure aboard the new cruise ferry MV Northern Expedition starts an amazing journey down the world-famous Inside Passage. Keep your camera ready for you may see killer whales, seals, eagles, and even a bear or elk on the nearby shore. Explore the ship and enjoy live nature and cultural presentations, restaurants and lounge areas and a wide range of viewing areas. Our spectacular day of cruising comes to an end late in the evening when we dock in Port Hardy at the northern end of Vancouver Island. (FB,L) 

Day 7

We will leave the dense rainforest of Northern Vancouver Island and start our 290-mile journey to the near desert-like climate of Victoria on the southern tip of the island. We'll stop for a break in Campbell Capital of Canada. Our island adventure continues as we travel south through the pastoral farmlands of the Comox Valley and the beachside resorts along the east coast of the island. Reaching the bustling city of Nanaimo, we'll board a gleaming white BC Government Ferry for the leisurely 2-hour cruise across the Salish Sea to the mainland. Coastal Tsawwassen Inn Vancouver (FB,D) 

Day 8

On a guided tour of Vancouver you'll see Chinatown, Gastown, Canada Place, and drive through the 1000+ acre Stanley Park. Our return flight departs Vancouver in the early afternoon. (FB)