Voyage of Discovery: By Train, Coach and Sail

A travel adventure program with a difference! Using various modes of transportation, experience the "real" South Vancouver Island and the warmest climate in Canada, in comfort. Travel the rugged west coast by passenger/freighter; the "Malahat" and eastern coast by train; and the sheltered inland waters by sail to Butchart Gardens. Program begins and ends in Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, originally established as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post then exploding into a city during the Fraser River Gold Rush. Today, farms, fish and forests flavor the themes of quaint Island towns.

This program focuses on the history and contemporary issues of Island communities and the environment. The E&N Rail Line on South Vancouver Island was constructed as a condition to British Columbia joining the Canadian Confederation. The rail line linked already developing communities, and jobs from coal and timber brought more settlers. Nearly one hundred years later, we travel this lush green land, over trestle bridges, through farmlands, dense forest, and charming communities. Explore the history of change at Royal British Columbia Museum; Port Alberni's McLean "Steam Sawmill"; Chemainus "City of Murals"; and Duncan "City of Totems." Emphasis is on field trips where community leaders and local historians share the social and economic past and present.

Start Location:	Victoria.
End Location:	Victoria.
Accomodations:	Best Western Waterway Victoria, Coast Bastion Nanaimo
Required Equipment:	None.
Required Skills:	None.
Required Documents:	Passport AND photo ID and birth certificate (proof of citizenship) required for entry into Canada.
Required Inoculations:	None.
Packing List:	Bring comfortable walking shoes, sleeveless tops for warm days, light wind & rainproof jacket & sweater for cool nights and incase of wind or rain during trip. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses & camera.
Luggage Limits:	Please pack carefully as you are expected to handle your own luggage. We suggest one moderately sized case on wheels and a day pack. Laundry facilities located in or close to our hotels are available to refresh clothing and minimize bulky luggage.

Handicapped Rooms :	Not available.
Ground Floor Rooms:	Available upon request.
Elevators:	Yes.
Walking Distances:	Field trips will require standing of up to 10 minutes with walking at a slow place of no more than 6 blocks. Walking tours included in the itinerary are planned so that participants may stop and return to a meeting place as their fitness level requires.
Elevation:	Sea level.

Arrival and program orientation at 4:30 p.m., Victoria, 3 nights; E&N Rail Budd Car to Nanaimo (includes 5 hour field trip onboard "Lady Rose" passenger/cargo vessel - Ucluelet to Port Alberni), 3 nights; E&N Rail Budd Car from Qualicum Beach to Duncan, 3 nights; return via sailing vessel (3 hours) and coach to Victoria, 1 night. Victoria International Airport shuttle is available at reasonable cost.