Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Victoria Springtime

April 23rd - May 6th

Hosted By: Colin & Dianne Markusson

Join Colin & Dianne Markusson on a West Coast delight with Lobstick Tours. 14 days traveling through Calgary, Radium Hot Springs, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kamloops and Jasper.  Plenty to see and do as well as some down time to explore on your own or visit relatives in the area.  Swim in the hot springs, visit a honey farm & meadery, spirits & crafts distillery, Gardens, Granville Island, trout hatchery and some spectacular views of Bow, Brandywine, Spahats and Athabasca Falls.  Take in all the historical sights in the city tours of Vancouver and Victoria.

ITINERARY

Meals as indicated: (B) Breakfast, (S) Social.

Day 1, April 23rd, (Start pickups in Prince Albert) SK – STRATHMORE AB.  Join our motor coach tour in Prince Albert SK, Saskatoon SK, Regina SK, Swift Current SK, Medicine Hat AB, Strathmore AB, and if time allows places between.

Day 2, April 24th, STRATHMORE AB – RADIUM HOT SPRINGS BC (B).  This morning we visit Banff National Park.  Spend time in Banff, strolling, shopping and viewing Bow Falls.  After lunch visit Castle Mountain Internment Camp Monument, the largest internment facility in the Canadian Rockies.  Off to Radium Hot Springs in the East Kootenay region for an opportunity to soak in the mineral water pool surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Day 3, April 25th, RADIUM HOT SPRINGS BC – VERNON BC (B).  Stretch your legs in Golden at Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, the longest freestanding timber frame bridge in Canada.  Scatter lunch in Revelstoke before visiting Craigellachie.  The Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven into the ground on November 7, 1885.  Just off the #1 in beautiful Sicamous, enjoy D Dutchmen Dairy store that sells handmade ice cream, milk and cheese made on-site.  Travel to Vernon Planet Bee Honey Farm & Honeymoon Meadery.  Learn about the amazing world of the honeybee and sample some numerous floral varieties of honey.  Tour and sample at Okanagan Spirits and Craft Distillery.  A local farm-to-flask distillery offering a selection of more than 25 internationally awarded spirits.

Day 4, April 26th, VERNON BC – PENTICTON BC (B).  Today drive by Kelowna Waterfront, picturesque with cascading falls, green expanses, and scenic views. Stroll through Kasugai Gardens, a unique park built to demonstrate the friendship and union between Kelowna and its sister city in Kasugai, Japan.  Walk along the lakeshore in Peachland, beautiful park lined with paved walkways and a boardwalk over the water.  After lunch tour Summerland’s Trout Hatchery, the oldest continuously running trout hatchery in B.C.  This hatchery stocks a million fish in lakes from Grand Forks to Revelstoke and Kamloops.  Tour the beached and preserved SS Sicamous in Penticton.  The largest surviving stern wheeler in BC once a luxury vessel used to transport passengers and cargo to remote areas along the shores of Okanagan Lake.  View Munson Mountain that overlooks Penticton, the lake and vineyards, a 1-kilometre, round-trip gentle hike.

Day 5, April 27th, PENTICTON BC – VANCOVER BC (B).  Scenic drive from Penticton to Vancouver, traveling along Okanagan Hwy – Okanagan Connector – Princeton-Kamloops Hwy – Coquihalla Hwy with stops in Merritt and Hope.  This afternoon spend time at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Take a mini-guided tour to learn of the flora, fauna and eco system.  Walk the bridge and take in the scenic views of the rainforest below, from a viewing platform.  Be sure to check out the shops, cafes, restaurants, souvenirs and ice cream shop.  The Trading Post has just about everything.

Day 6, April 28th, VANCOUVER BC - GUIDED CITY TOUR (B).  Today we are joined by a step-on guide who will take us through the highlights of Vancouver area from Chinatown – Water Street – Canada Place and so much more.  Enjoy the ambiance of Granville Island’s Public Market & Local Artists’ Studios.  Visit Queen Elizabeth Park with its Sunken Gardens.

Day 7, April 29th, VANCOUVER BC - FERRY – VICTORIA BC - GUIDED CITY TOUR (B).  Board Tsawwassen ferry to Swartz Bay.  Sailing time: 1 hour 35 minutes. Meet your guide at Sidney by the Sea.  Tour this beautiful, thriving town before heading to Victoria.  Travel through the Inner Harbour with time for lunch on your own at Fisherman’s Wharf.  Enjoy the extraordinary scenic drive along Juan de Fuca Strait, view the U.S. Olympic Mountains and see Victoria’s beautiful seaside communities. Learn some fascinating history about the region, nature, and culture.

Day 8, April 30th, VICTORIA BC - SIGHTSEEING (B).  Visit the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close at the Butterfly Gardens.  Thousands of butterflies fly through the gardens.  You may encounter frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, ducks, free flying birds and more.  Afternoon tour Butchart Gardens.  Enjoy their breathtaking 22ha (55acres) of gardens in Spring.  Countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours.

Day 9, May 1st, VICTORIA BC - FREE DAY (B).  Explore on your own, visit with relatives, rest or relax.

Some options and ideas to see and do on your explorations:

Day 10, May 2nd, VICTORIA BC – NANAIMO BC (B).  Drive to Esquimalt to get a glimpse of the Pacific Naval Base and military vessels.  Stop in Duncan for the Totem Poles.  Erected in the 80s, these ornate, colourful wooden totem poles each represent the Cowichan Tribe traditions, including the chiefs, nature, wealth, and family.  Stop in Chemainus for its outdoor gallery of murals.  Lunch on own in Coombs at the world-famous Market with Goats on the Roof.  Walk amongst the Giant Douglas-fir trees in Cathedral Grove.  Time permitting, stroll Harbour Quay in Port Alberni.  Drive through Qualicum Beach and Parksville.

Day 11, May 3rd, NANAIMO BC – KAMLOOPS BC (B) (S).  Ferry to mainland at Horseshoe Bay.  Sailing time: 1 hour 40 minutes.  Stop at Brandywine Falls, the iconic landmark along the Sea to Sky Highway.  It is an easy walk on flat terrain to reach the spectacular 70m waterfall.  Stop in Lillooet, a beautiful community on the Fraser River, surrounded by deep gorges.  Off to the Jade Shop in Cache Creek.  Enjoy your evening social with food and drinks.

Day 12, May 4th, KAMLOOPS BC – JASPER AB (B).  Visit the Wildfire Dragon Monument and Spirit Square in Louis Creek.  It was created to permanently recognize all those who fought in the fire, helped in the aftermath, and joined hands to rebuild the devastating fire of 2003.  View Spahats Falls within Wells Gray Provincial Park. The trail to the falls viewing platform is a 5-minute walk.  Then off to Mount Robson Visitor Center.

Day 13, May 5th, JASPER AB – STRATHMORE AB (B).  View the Athabasca Falls.  You can safely view and photograph from various viewing platforms and walking trails.  Visit Columbia Icefield Discovery Center.  Enjoy the scenic drive to Lake Louise with its spectacular views of forests and snow-capped mountains.

Day 14, May 6th, STRATHMORE AB – PRINCE ALBERT SK (B).  Homeward bound cherishing wonderful memories of your travels.  Stops in reverse of day 1.

 ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Make the tour fit your schedule.  Contact Dana in Prince Albert Office at 1.800.665.0171 for a fly option.

2020 VICTORIA SPRINGTIME TOUR INCLUDES:

• PA Northern Bus Lines, driver, sound system, lavatory, comfortable reclining seats and coach cleaned daily.

• Hotel accommodations.

• Luggage handling when available. 1 bag per person round-trip (weight 50lbs/23kg or less). Luggage heavier than requirements will be declined.

• All (B) Breakfasts ranging from continental to full hot buffet.

• 1 (S) Social evening with food and beverages.

• Attractions, admissions, guided tours and ferry transfers as listed in itinerary.

• All tips for drivers, step on guides and tour directors.

• Two Professional Tour Directors to welcome you, look after details and ensure the tour is worry free.

PRICE:

$2,899.00 Double  | $3,699.00 Single  | $2,499.00 Triple  | $2,399.00 Quad

DEPOSIT: $500.00 PER PERSON.     DEPOSIT DUE: Dec 17, 2019.     BALANCE DUE: Jan 17, 2020.

TIPS, TAXES & FEES INCLUDED IN THESE PRICES.     PAY BY CASH, CHEQUE OR CREDIT CARD.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

PASSPORTS - Are not required for this tour.

MEDICAL INSURANCE - You MUST have adequate coverage for this tour.

TRAVEL INSURANCE - You may obtain insurance at your own discretion. If you decline or purchase insurance elsewhere, we require our waiver form to be signed and returned to Val.

Manulife World Travel Insurance - We offer the personalized coverage that you need, to be financially protected against the cost of unexpected emergencies that may happen prior to or during your trip. For insurance rates contact Dana at Lobstick Travel 1.800.665.0171. Passengers have the right to obtain insurance at their discretion. If you decline or purchase insurance elsewhere, we require our waiver form to be signed and returned.

CANCELLATION - If you must cancel contact Dana immediately 1.800.665.0171.

CANCELLATION POLICY - Applies the day you notify us.

60 days or more prior to departure - loss of deposit.

59 – 31 days prior to departure - 50% total cost.

30 days or less prior to departure - 100% total cost.