Pacific Northwest Coastal Escape from Sunstone Tours & Cruises

Starting from: $2,999

8 Days, 7 Nights

Dates:
2009
Sep. 20, 27
Oct. 4

In 1791, Captain George Vancouver was one of the first European mariners to record his visit to what is now British Columbia and Washington state, leaving behind a legacy of place names such as Vancouver Island and Mt. Rainier. Come with us and retrace Captain Vancouver's historic voyage, visiting quaint ports, great cities, and remarkable wilderness that has changed little since Vancouver's visit.

Sandy beaches invite rich beachcombing and quiet contemplation. Rocky shores beckon with tide pools and crimson rock crabs. Madrona trees and bright rhododendrons cover rugged hillsides shrouded in emerald evergreens.

Only a few of these beautiful islands are accessible by ferry. The rest are reserved for adventurous souls who long to leave civilization and all its trappings far behind.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - SAIL FROM SEATTLE
Arrive in Seattle. There's much to see and do in the lumber town-turned-thriving metropolis of Seattle. Ascend the Space Needle for a spectacular panoramic view of the city and Puget Sound, watch as the fish "fly" in Pike Place Market, visit the newly renovated Seattle Art Museum and the lauded Olympic Sculpture Garden or try your hand at the guitar at the Experience Music Project in Frank O. Gehry's landmark building. Meet this afternoon at the Hospitality Area of the downtown Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle and transfer to your ship, the Spirit of Endeavour, and settle in your comfortable stateroom. Step out on deck as we cruise through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to Elliott Bay and enjoy dinner as we sail through the Bay and along the striking Seattle skyline. D

Day 2 - ARRIVE IN VANCOUVER
This morning we dock in North Vancouver, where we will have a panoramic view of the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, British Columbia. After customs and immigrations clearance, the morning starts with an included tour of Stanley Park, Vancouver's first park, established in 1886, and one of the city's main tourist attractions. Stanley Park is an old growth forest of over 1,000 acres close to the downtown core. Its natural West Coast aura offers a majestic backdrop of cedar, hemlock and fir trees against the Vancouver skyline.

Past English Bay, we head to popular Granville Island, home to art galleries and lively public market.

We return to the ship for lunch, then continue on to scenic Capilano Park and its impressive suspension bridge. Originally built in 1889, the bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River. It is one of the longest and highest footbridges in the world, offering those who cross it a commanding view of the river and the 27-acre rainforest park below.

Reboard the ship this afternoon to set sail past the city and under the Lion's Gate Bridge, Tonight's passage through Howe Sound sets the tone for wilderness exploration cruising in the days ahead. BLD

Day 3 - EXPLORATION CRUISING - DESOLATION SOUND
Today's exploration will be wilderness cruising at its best, in waters usually accessible only by private yachtsmen. Most yachtsmen regard the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound Provincial Marine Park as the most beautiful cruising ground in British Columbia, and one of the premier cruising playgrounds in the world. Steep evergreen mountains, teeming with wildlife, surround the pristine waters of Desolation Sound. Snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains soar from the sea to heights of 7,875 feet (2400 m). With over 60 miles of breathtaking coastline, intricate waterways, small islands and numerous attractive bays and coves, nooks and crannies there is enough to delight even the most demanding of adventurers. Consisting of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline and water, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is the largest Marine Park in British Columbia and the only major park of its kind on the Pacific coast of Canada.

You will have time for exploring wildlife and beautiful, remote nooks in the ancient and dramatic fjords of British Columbia. Weather permitting, we'll use small inflatable craft to explore the shoreline to poke our noses into remote areas not accessibly to larger ships. Enjoy dinner as we cruise across the Strait of Georgia en route to Vancouver Island. BLD

Day 4 - NANAIMO, GULF ISLANDS
Nanaimo is surrounded by astonishing views. A cannon booms from the Bastion, an 1853 Hudson's Bay Company fort. Traditionally dressed constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police welcome you from the pier. An included walking tour will show you the Cameron Island Promenade, the Old City Quarter, and the Nanaimo District Museum. Tours are geared for minimal, moderate or moderately strenuous walking. The tour ends with a sample of the town's very sweet namesake, the Nanaimo Bar.

Return to the ship for lunch with a special guest onboard. Afternoon cruising is through the remote waterways and quiet coves of the attractive Gulf Islands. BLD

Day 5 - BUTCHART GARDENS / VICTORIA
We'll spend the day docked on the beautiful waterfront of Victoria's harbor. Known as the "Garden City, " Victoria's mild climate makes it a delight to visit year round. In the morning, transfer by motorcoach to the famous Butchart Gardens, Victoria's 55-acre landmark, to walk the lovely pathways that thread around this quarry-turned-world-class garden showplace.

Spend the afternoon in charming, and very British Victoria, with time to relax and explore on your own. Everything is within convenient walking distance from your ship, allowing you to find your own unique experience in British Columbia's capital city. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques and the 19th century architecture of the Old Town or the nearby Royal British Columbia Museum, renowned for its First Nations and Natural History collections. Other classic activities include High Tea in the Palm Room of the Empress Hotel, or visiting Government Street with shopping and browsing opportunities or the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. BLD

Day 6 - FRIDAY HARBOR / SAN JUAN ISLANDS MORNING CRUISING
The waters of Washington's beautiful San Juan Islands have been luring sailors for decades and the many small islands have recently become a coveted retreat for Northwesterners. Your relaxing morning of cruising and up-close exploration in Puget Sound will take you in search of remarkable scenery and elusive wildlife. Your Captain and Exploration Leader know the best places to go "gunkholing" - traveling around the bend just to see what's there.

Your Friday Harbor visit includes an island excursion that takes you through this remote and historically contentious island. Experience the local flavor and learn how the U.S. nearly went to war over a pig. There'll be time to walk around this relaxed, charming, one-square-mile island community with art galleries and boutiques. Lunch is onboard as we navigate around San Juan Island perhaps via San Juan Channel, Mosquito Pass and Haro Strait, prime locations for spotting orcas.

After dinner we have a wonderful treat. Visit Rosario Resort on Orcas Island for an exclusive organ recital on a soul-stirring Aeolian pipe organ. BLD

Day 7 - PORT TOWNSEND
Arrive in Port Townsend for an included walking tour along the waterfront street of this historic Victorian seaport and arts community. Listed on the National Historic Register as one of three such Victorian ports on the entire U.S. coastline, Port Townsend's views and architecture are delightful to see.

Reboard the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town. You will have the entire afternoon for optional highlights or to explore Port Townsend at your leisure. BLD

Day 8 - DISEMBARK IN SEATTLE
Transfer from your ship to the airport or extend your stay at the Westin Hotel, in the heart of downtown Seattle. B

Included

Not Included

All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.

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