Tour Code: 28BCC
Tour Manager: John Warren
Tour Leaders: John Warren & Joel Kvarnberg
Group Size: 10 - 12
Activity level: Moderate
Discover coastal British Columbia on a 13-day journey through vibrant cities, charming seaside towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Begin in Vancouver exploring Gastown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Grouse Mountain before sailing across the Salish Sea to Victoria. Stroll the Inner Harbour, visit the Parliament Buildings, Butchart Gardens, and the Royal BC Museum. Travel north across Vancouver Island via Duncan, Chemainus, Nanaimo, and Cathedral Grove, then experience Tofino and Ucluelet along the Pacific Rim. Continue along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler, riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for sweeping alpine views throughout.
Thursday, September 7
Arrival into Vancouver. Take the SkyTrain (Canada Line) downtown and transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from your travels before enjoying a welcome dinner in historic Gastown or near the hotel. Stay in downtown Vancouver for 4 nights.
Friday, September 8
Today we explore vibrant downtown Vancouver, beginning with Gastown — Water Street, the famous Steam Clock, heritage architecture, the Olympic Cauldron, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and a scenic Seawall stroll. Later, ride the Aquabus across False Creek to Granville Island to enjoy lunch inside the Public Market, browse artisan shops and galleries, and enjoy free time. Evening at leisure. Rental vans will be picked up in preparation for the journey ahead.
Saturday, September 9
Drive to the University of British Columbia to visit the Museum of Anthropology and enjoy coastal views near Spanish Banks. We will also pass by the historic Jericho Hill School site. In the afternoon, explore Stanley Park including the Totem Poles at Brockton Point, Prospect Point overlooking the Lions Gate Bridge, and English Bay. Optional opportunity to connect with local Deaf community organizations or events, if available. Return to Vancouver.
Sunday, September 10
Cross the Lions Gate Bridge to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and walk among towering evergreens. Continue to Grouse Mountain and ride the Skyride gondola for panoramic city and ocean views. Time for lunch at the summit and a visit to the grizzly bear habitat before returning to Vancouver for a relaxed evening.
Monday, September 11
Depart for Tsawwassen and board the scenic ferry to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival in Victoria, explore the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Dinner along the harbour or in Chinatown. Stay in Victoria for 2 nights.
Tuesday, September 12
Visit the stunning Butchart Gardens followed by the Royal BC Museum to learn about British Columbia’s rich natural and cultural history. Evening free for harbor walks, boutique shopping, or optional whale watching excursion (seasonal sightings may include orcas, humpbacks, or gray whales).
Wednesday, September 13
Drive north across Vancouver Island with scenic stops at Malahat SkyWalk, Duncan (City of Totems), Chemainus (Mural Town), Nanaimo (home of the Nanaimo Bar), and Coombs Country Market with its famous rooftop goats. Walk among ancient trees at Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park before arriving in Port Alberni. Stay in Port Alberni for 2 nights.
Thursday, September 14
Enjoy a full day along the Pacific Rim visiting Tofino and Ucluelet. Highlights may include Roy Henry Vickers Gallery, Rainforest Trail, Cox Bay, Government Wharf, Long Beach, the Ucluelet Lighthouse Loop, and portions of the Wild Pacific Trail with dramatic ocean cliff views. Free time for lunch and coastal exploration. Return to Port Alberni in the evening.
Friday, September 15
Travel to Horseshoe Bay by ferry and continue along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway to Squamish. Weather permitting, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola or explore the Squamish Canyon. Time permitting, stop at Shannon Falls before checking in. Overnight in Squamish.
Saturday, September 16
Continue north on Highway 99 with scenic stops such as Britannia Mine Museum and Brandywine Falls before arriving in Whistler. Explore Whistler Village including Olympic Plaza, Lost Lake, riverside paths, or the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Stay in Whistler for 2 nights.
Sunday, September 17
Experience the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, with the option to cross the Cloudraker Skybridge. The remainder of the day is free for hiking, spa time, shopping, or an optional visit to Pemberton and Mt. Currie.
Monday, September 18
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving south to Richmond. Visit Steveston Village and Fisherman’s Wharf, with optional stops at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site or CF Richmond Centre. Gather for a memorable farewell dinner. Overnight in Richmond.
Tuesday, September 19
Transfer to Vancouver International Airport for departure at any time.
Updated as of 2/24/2026
John, born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, is the proud father of four adult daughters and a grandfather of six. In retirement, he leads tours for people eager to explore the stunning geography and rich Aboriginal culture of B.C.’s coastal regions. His favourite place to wander is the rainforest, where towering ancient trees rise above moss-covered ground. John’s enthusiasm keeps him youthful and fuels his love for breathtaking landscapes—mountains, islands, and vast ocean views. He has travelled to China twice, as well as throughout Europe, Israel, Mexico, and the United States. The Canadian Rockies remain one of his favourite places to unwind. Currently, he resides in White Rock, British Columbia.
Joel, now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, in a proud Deaf family. A lifelong Oilers fan and the proud owner of a ’74 Volkswagen campervan, Joel has always embraced adventure. His first taste of the travel industry came as a Tour Assistant with Hands On Travel in Alberta, where he explored the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Joel is now eager to lead more tours and share his passion for adventure with others.
12 nights in 3-star accommodations.
14 meals: Breakfast (12), Dinner (2)
Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.
Services of local deaf guides.
All transportation expenses.
All city and/or tourist taxes.
Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.
All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
Informative travel preparation packet.
$100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.
Domestic and/or international airfares.
All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
Travel Insurance.
All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETIAS.
Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides
Tour begins and ends in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants.
When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required.
Significant walking expected during the tour. Moderate physical fitness is required. All participants will be expected to be able to carry their own luggage.
Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Email: johnw@handson.travel
With this tour confirmation, your $500 deposit is now non-refundable in any event you need to back out. However, it may be transferable to a future tour.
All tour itineraries and prices are subject to change, and such change is not cause for refund. We also reserve the right to amend typos and misprints in pricing and other trip information.