PREVIEW Travel Guide to Explore Vancouver and Victoria

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria

A TRAVEL GUIDE TO EXPLORE VANCOUVER AND VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

EXPLORE VANCOUVER BY PEDAL BIKE

CROSS THE SALISH SEA (GEORGIA STRAIT) BY FERRY

ENJOY A SCENIC DRIVE ACROSS THE SAANICH PENINSULA

VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD RENOWNED BUTCHART GARDENS

DISCOVER VICTORIA BY FOOT

A FOUR-DAY ROUND TRIP

Copyright This itinerary (document) is protected by copyright under international conventions. Any reproduction, distribution, republication, and/or retransmission of the contents (including maps/images) of this document is prohibited without the prior written consent of Josette Prinsen as Tourguide Canada.

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Contents Tour Itinerary and Map overview round trip Vancouver – Victoria, BC ...... 5 Day 1 Explore Vancouver by pedal bike ...... 6 Day Itinerary ...... 6 Proposed Time Schedule ...... 6 The Highlights ...... 7 Map 1.1 Vancouver pedal biking route ...... 8 Map 1.2 Downtown Vancouver ...... 9 Biking Directions ...... 9 Map 1.3 ...... 10 Additional Information...... 11 Other Attractions ...... 11 Brochures ...... 11 Vancouver’s history in a nutshell ...... 12 Day 2 Crossing the Salish Sea ...... 13 Day Itinerary ...... 13 Proposed Time Schedule Vancouver to Victoria ...... 13 Services along the Route ...... 14 The Highlights ...... 14 Map 2.1 Vancouver to Tsawwassen ferry terminal ...... 15 Driving Directions ...... 16 Map 2.2 Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Butchart gardens ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Driving Directions ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Map 2.3 Butchart Gardens to Mount Douglas ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Driving Directions ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Map 2.4 Swartz Bay to Mt Douglas ...... 17 Driving Directions ...... 17 Map 2.5 Scenic route Mount Douglas to Victoria ...... 17 Driving Directions ...... 17 Additional Information...... 18 Other Attractions ...... 19 Brochures ...... 19

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Day 3 Discover Victoria ...... 20 Day Itinerary ...... 20 Proposed Time Schedule for a day of sightseeing Victoria ...... 20 Map 3.1 Overview: Victoria by foot ...... 21 Map 3.2 City walk Victoria part 1 ...... 21 Walking Directions ...... 21 Map 3.3 City walk Victoria part 2 ...... 21 Walking Directions ...... 21 Highlights of Victoria ...... 22 The Essence of Victoria’s Past ...... 24 Day 4 From vintage Victoria to modern-day Vancouver ...... 25 Day Itinerary ...... 25 Proposed Time Schedule Victoria to Vancouver ...... 25 Services along the Route ...... 25 The Highlights ...... 25 Map 4.1 Victoria to Butchart Gardens ...... 27 Driving Directions ...... 27 Map 4.2 Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay ferry terminal ...... 28 Driving Directions ...... 28 Map 4.3 Tsawwassen ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver ...... 29 Driving Directions ...... 29 Additional Information...... 29 Other Attractions ...... 29 How to Use the Road Trip Maps ...... 30 Sources ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Tour Itinerary and Map overview round trip Vancouver – Victoria, BC

Day 1 - Explore Vancouver by pedal bike Day 2 - Cross the Salish Sea and scenic drive to Victoria (optional visit to the Butchart Gardens instead of day 4) Day 3 - Discover Victoria by foot Day 4 – Visit the Butchart Gardens and sail in between the Gulf Islands to return to Vancouver

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Day 1 Explore Vancouver by pedal bike The best way to experience Vancouver is by pedal bike. You can pretty much explore the whole city in a day, all highlights included.

The total distance of the biking route is 27.6 km/17.1 mi and is divided into three sections.

This itinerary is complementary to the YVR (airport) to downtown Vancouver / downtown Vancouver to YVR (airport).

Day Itinerary

Sightseeing downtown Vancouver including Chinatown, Gastown, Yaletown, Granville Island, and Stanley Park.

Proposed Time Schedule

AM 10 bike rental shop 10.30 -11.30 biking part 1 11.30-12.30 Granville Island

PM 12.30-2.30 biking part 2 2.30 – 4.30 biking part 3 5 return rental bike

pedal biking is fun for the whole family

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria The Highlights

Holy Rosary Cathedral

Since its founding in 1885, the parish has played an important role in the growth of the Catholic faith and culture of Vancouver.

more info in the paid version

Library Square

Library Square opened on May 26th 1995. It’s exterior resembles the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Moshe Safdie and DA Architects designed the nine-storey building. Besides the Public Library, the one-square block includes retail shops, restaurants, offices and an underground parking. The rooftop garden is – unfortunately- not accessible for public.

Yaletown

This former warehouse district has experienced some serious revitalization since its rebirth as host of Expo '86. more info in the paid version

View from the south shore of False Creek towards Yaletown Aqua Bus

The aquabus takes pedestrians across False Creek. Some take bikes as well. With eight stations, you can cross Falls Creek pretty much wherever you are. You can even do a mini-cruise! Departure is every 15 minutes more info in the paid version

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 1.1 Vancouver pedal biking route

Here will be shown a link to the online interactive map

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 1.2 Downtown Vancouver

Here will be shown a detailed map including a link to the online interactive version of the map

Biking Directions Bold printed names refer to the described highlights of Vancouver (page 7-12)

Part 1: 5km /3.1 mi-turquoise coloured line

From the bike rental shop - Denman St. Left on Haro St. Right on Burard St. Left on Nelson St. etc..

Take the Aqua Bus to cross False Creek, destination Granville Island

Alternative biking route instead of Aqua Bus: destination Granville Island From the end of Richards St. turn right at Beach Cresent. Continue onto Beach Ave. – etc..

Part 2: 10 km /6.2 mi – light blue coloured line Exit Granville Island and turn left as soon as you can: Island Park walk. Follow .... more info in the paid version

Part 3: 12.6 km/ 7.8 mi – dark blue coloured line

From the totems continue along the sea wall around Stanley Park – Lions Gate Bridge etc.. more info in the paid version

Right at Denman St. – rental bike shop

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 1.3

example link to a random map :

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1y_o4tAUM2KNxrF3K2n7p1gwGb LE&ll=52.33964984306368%2C-119.05958750000002&z=8

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Additional Information

The selected biking route uses mostly separated bikeways that are part of the AAA Network. All streets (except for Haro St, which is a quiet neighbourhood street) in the selected downtown route, have painted bike lanes.

Other Attractions

The Vancouver Art Gallery Presents exhibitions of work by artists ranging from historic masters to leading-edge contemporaries. link to website

Museum of Anthropology Excellent exhibit to experience BC’s natural history and aboriginal art. link to website

Vancouver Aquarium Located in Stanley Park, 5 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Holding treasures from the BC coast to the Amazon rainforest. The Vancouver Aquarium is not only a major tourist attraction; it creates and operates various research projects in order to gain knowledge necessary to enhance environmental conservation. link to website

Bard on the Beach – Sheakespeak Festival Annual summer festival in Vanier Park.

more info in the paid version

Brochures

Official cycling map of Vancouver link to website

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Vancouver’s history in a nutshell

Early human presence

Early human presence dates back at least 12.000 years ago, when people from Asia crossed the –then frozen- Bering Strait and spread over the North American continent.

The native people of western Canada used the rivers to travel by dugout canoes. As the rivers also carried an important food source –salmon-, plankhouse settlements used to be located along the riverbanks.

First white explorers

Although human presence dates back thousands of years ago, the first European explorers landed in western Canada late 18th century.

In 1792, George Vancouver sails down present day Burrard Inlet (which is named after a good friend of him). His mission was, in service of the British Crown, to map the west coast.

In 1808, Simon Fraser is the first white man who reached the area over land. The Rocky Mountains were a huge challenging barrier and prevented early contact.

Trade

By establishing the first Hudson Bay Company trading post in 1827, trade started in the area. Fur and salmon were the most valuable trade products. In return, native people received modern products like pots and pans, sugar, alcohol, blankets, tobacco, and guns.

Gastown

The land was covered with immense trees. It’s 1867 when Edward Stamps builds a mill on the south shore of Burrard etcetera.. more info in the paid version

present day Gastown

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Day 2 Crossing the Salish Sea

Day Itinerary Departure Vancouver Drive to Tsawassen ferry terminal

more info in the paid version

Drive the scenic ocean side route to BC’s capital city Victoria

Proposed Time Schedule Vancouver to Victoria

AM 9.15 Departure Vancouver

more info in the paid version

PM 5.30 Arrival Victoria

The sunken garden at the Butchart Gardens

Recommended arrival time at ferry terminal: 30-45 minutes before departure

Ferry crossing Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay: 1 hour 35 minutes

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Services along the Route Gas stations Vancouver Hwy 17A (Butchart Gardens to Mt. Douglas) Victoria

Groceries Vancouver Victoria

Restaurants along the route Cafeteria at the ferry Butchart Gardens

The Highlights

BC Ferries

After passing the tollbooth at Tsawwassen ferry terminal, the Tsawwassen Quay Market offers plenty of retail and food shops to keep you busy while waiting for boarding. If you leave your vehicle, make sure to keep your ears open for the announcement when to get back to your car. The announcement will mention something like ‘all passengers for Swartz Bay return to your vehicle for boarding’. Boarding starts about 25 minutes before departure.

Crossing the Salish Sea often leaves unforgettable memories.

more info in the paid version

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 2.1 Vancouver to Tsawwassen ferry terminal

Link to the online interactive map will be included

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Driving Directions

From downtown Vancouver (Howe Str. X Georgia Str.) to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

Go south onto Howe St/BC-99 S (signs for British Colombia 99/Tsawwassen/Seattle/Airport/BC Ferries)

more info in the paid version

Approximate driving time

Downtown Vancouver to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal: 45 minutes

A sunny crossing with BC Ferries

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria

Map 2.4 Swartz Bay to Mt Douglas

A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Driving Directions

Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal to Mount Douglas

From the ferry terminal drive south onto Hwy 17 for 22 km / 13.6 mi....etcetera...... onto Churchill Drive. Continue uphill for 1.5 km/1 mi

Map 2.5 Scenic route Mount Douglas to Victoria

A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Driving Directions

Scenic route from Mt Douglas to Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Drive down Mount Douglas. At the bottom (Cedar Hill Rd) turn

etcetera.. Public parking on you left hand side.

From here it’s a 3 minute walk to Victoria’s inner harbour.

Approximate driving time

From Mt Douglas via Beach Drive to downtown Victoria: .. minutes

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria

Additional Information

Saanich Peninsula

Saanich -originally ẈSÁNEĆ-, means emerging land or emerging people. The first inhabitants of this area, the Salish People –known as the salt water people- , had their winter homes on this peninsula. During summer months, they inhabited the protected bays and inlets of the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands.

Due to the temperate climate and the rich ocean, the area offered many different food sources for the Native people. As a result, they lived a relatively easy life (compared to the tribes in colder and/or drier regions). They had time for cultural events and arts.

By late 1700 the first white explorers (Spanish and British) set foot ashore, changing the Salish lives forever.

etcetera

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Other Attractions

Butterfly Gardens The Tiger Swallowtail, Green Moss Peacock, Blue Morpho, Caribbean Flamingo, Orange Winged Amazon Parrot, and Gin Rin Koi are just a few of the species to discover at the Tropical Butterfly Gardens. Located only 5 minutes from the Butchart Gardens link to website

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park Just 5 minutes apart from the Butterfly and Butchart Gardens, the 1,280 hectares Provincial Park offers hiking-, horseback-, and biking trails. There are scuba diving, canoeing, swimming, and wildlife viewing opportunities in this Park. Enjoy your sandwich at one of the picnic areas. link to website

Brochures

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria

Day 3 Discover Victoria

The best way to explore Victoria is by foot. A 4 km/ 2.5 mi city walk covers most of Victoria’s highlights and history.

Day Itinerary City walk Victoria Stroll along the inner harbour walkway Visit to the Royal BC Museum or Join a free tour of the Parliament Buildings

Proposed Time Schedule for a day of sightseeing Victoria

AM 9 start your city walk

Lunch PM 1.30-5 filled out in paid version

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 3.1 Overview: Victoria by foot A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Map 3.2 City walk Victoria part 1

The bottom part of the full map (see previous page) zoomed in

A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Walking Directions Bold printed names refer to the described highlights of Victoria (page 40-48)

Start your walk at the Coat of Arms on Menzies Street (corner Quebec Street).Continue towards the inner harbour, the Parliament Buildings are on your right. etcetera

Map 3.3 City walk Victoria part 2

Top part of the full map zoomed in

Link to access the interactive maps online

Walking Directions (Continued from page 37) One block after passing the HBC Relic, turn right onto Bastion Square. Straight ahead, pass the Maritime Museum towards Government Street. Watch out for the HBC Memorial at the intersection with Government Street. Turn left onto Government St. and left again onto Yates St.

etcetera..

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Highlights of Victoria

The 4 km/2.5 mi city walk covers all highlights described below.

Each point of interest is marked in the enclosed map. Start your walk at Canada’s Coat of Arms along Menzies Street, at the corner with Quebec Street. Follow the marked route on the map clockwise. Read the description of the highlights either from this paper copy or from accessing the map online with your mobile device. Clicking each icon in the online map will provide the same description as on the paper copy shown below.

Canada’s Coat of Arms

The design of the arms of Canada reflects the royal symbols of Great Britain and France (the three royal lions of England, the royal lion of Scotland, the royal fleurs-de-lis of France and the royal Irish harp of Tara. On the bottom portion of the shield is a sprig of three Canadian maple leaves representative of Canadians of all origins.

Canada’s Coat of Arms

The ribbon says: "Desiderantes Meliorem Patriam". (They desire a better country).

The arms of Canada show a royal helmet, which is a barred helm of gold looking outward and draped in a mantle of white and red which are the official colours of Canada.

On the royal helmet is the crest. This symbol consists of a wreath or ring of twisted white and red silk on which stands a crowned gold lion holding in its right paw a red maple leaf. The lion is a symbol of valour and courage.

The crest is used to mark the sovereignty of Canada. It is now the symbol used on the Governor General's Standard.

When James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, he chose one lion and one unicorn as the supporters of his royal shield. Canada adopted the same pattern and used a lion on the shield's left holding a gold pointed silver lance from which flies the Royal Union flag, and a unicorn with gold horn, mane and hoofs, on the shield's right. Around its neck is a gold and chained coronet of crosses and fleurs-de-lis. The unicorn holds a lance flying a banner of royalist France, namely three gold fleurs-de-lis, on a blue background. The two banners

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PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria represent the two principal founding nations that had established Canada's most enduring laws and customs.

Canada's motto "A Mari usque ad Mare" (From sea to sea) is based on biblical scripture: "He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth (From Sea to sea) – Psalm 72:8".

At the base of the arms are the floral emblems associated with the Canadian Monarchy: the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the French fleur-de-lis and the Irish shamrock.

On top of the "achievement of the arms of Canada" is the imperial crown, which is indicative of the presence of a monarch as Canada's Head of State.

Above description of Canada’s Coat of Arms is a summary of the Canadian Heritage - National Symbols description of the Government of Canada. For the complete description, please go to http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1444070816842

Provincial and Territorial crests Behind Canada’s Coat of Arms, the 10 Provincial and 3 Territorial Coats of Arms are displayed. Each crest states the year the specific province/territory joined the Canadian Federation.

In the paid version 30 more highlights are described

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria The Essence of Victoria’s Past

Thousands of years before white men arrived, this part of Vancouver Islands was home to the ‘Salish people’, or people of the land of the wind. The land and surrounding ocean offered an abundance of food. The local people lived of berries and other plant parts, and of various animals such as whales and salmon. As finding food was relatively easy for the native people, there was quite some time left to spend on arts and social events.

The first white explorer: 1778

The first white explorer who set foot onto the Island was Captain James Cook. Cook and his crew set foot ashore Nootka Sound in 1778 in order to carry out some repairs and to trade goods with the local native people. Nootka Sound is located approximately 300 km/200 mi north-west (bird’s eye view) of Victoria.

Fort Camosun

The Hudson’s Bay Company founded the city of Victoria in 1843 by establishing Fort Camosun as a depot for the northern Pacific trade. The depot was located close to the site of the present Empress hotel, at the location the First Nations called "Camosack" meaning "Rush of Water."

Hudson’s Bay Company King Charles II founded the HBC in 1670. The Hudson Bay Company is Canada’s oldest company from European origin. The HBC traded goods with the local native people. The HBC offered goods such as sugar, blankets, pots and pans, guns, and alcohol in return for salmon and fur like sea otter- and beaver pelts. As of 2013 the HBC operates 320 stores like ‘The Bay’, ‘Home Outfitter’ and ‘Zellers’. Since 2008, NRDC Equity Partners, a US company, owns the HBC.

British Colony

Vancouver Island becomes a British colony in 1849. It is leased out to the HBC for $0,70 a year.

More history in the paid version

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Day 4 From vintage Victoria to modern-day Vancouver

Day Itinerary Departure Victoria

etcetera

Proposed Time Schedule Victoria to Vancouver

AM 9 Departure Victoria

Drive to downtown Vancouver 3.45 Lookout tower

Services along the Route

Gas stations

Groceries

Restaurants along the route

The sunken garden at the Butchart Gardens The Highlights

Butchart Gardens

No matter what season, you’ll love to explore the amazing colourful Butchart Gardens. Close to 300.000 bulbs emerge in spring. The colourful Roses, Delphiniums, Begonia, Fuchsia, and Hydrangea attract hummingbirds during summer. Witness the turning of leaves of Japanese maples and the vibrant colours of the Dahlia in fall. Enjoy Crocuses, Snowdrops, Helleborus and the Christmas decor -throughout the indoor facilities- in wintertime.

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria It all started as a limestone quarry and cement plant by the Butchart family in 1904. As Mr. Butchart exhausted the deposits, Mrs. Butchart brought in rich top soil and created the ‘Sunken Garden’. In the following years the Butcharts created a Rose, Italian, and Japanese Garden. After WWII, their grandson Ian Ross transformed the home and gardens into an internationally famous destination. link to website

BC Ferries

Wildlife viewing opportunities The Salish Sea forms together with the Pudget Sound and the Strait of Georgia a huge estuary system. Hundreds of rivers and creeks flow into these waters, creating a biologically rich marine ecosystem. Approximately 3000 marine species inhabit these waters! To name just a few species: seals, porpoises, sea lions, humpback whales, sockeye salmon, white sturgeon, bald eagles, and puffins call the Salish Sea home.

Mount Baker On a clear day you’re able to see Mount Baker towering above Washington State, US. This -snow capped- strato-vulcano is situated in the Cascade range, and can be seen from the ferry. Look in eastern direction for the 3,286 metres/10,781 feet high giant.

International waters

Passenger services on board

Mt. Baker, US-WA

Enjoy the superb 360˚ view of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Pacific Ocean, and North Shore Mountains. On a clear day, you’re even able to see as far as the Olympic Peninsula Mountains (USA).

A glass elevator launches you skywards to the observation deck at an altitude of 168 m/553 ft. Interpretive displays present interesting facts about Vancouver’s history, unique attractions and landmarks. Admission tickets are valid all day.

Revolving Restaurant Consider having diner in ....etecetera .

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 4.1 Victoria to Butchart Gardens

Link to the online interactive map

Driving Directions

From downtown Victoria (Inner Harbour) to Butchart Gardens

Head south on Government St towards the Parliament Buildings Turn left onto etcetera

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 4.2 Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay ferry terminal

A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Driving Directions

Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Drive back via ... Ave and Cross Rd towards Hwy 17 Turn left onto Hwy 17 Follow the Hwy for 14.5 km/ 9 mi to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal

Approximate driving time

Butchart Gardens to Swartz Bay: 50 minutes Recommended arrival time at ferry terminal: 30-45 minutes before departure

Ferry Terminal

A sunny crossing with BC Ferries

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria Map 4.3 Tsawwassen ferry terminal to downtown Vancouver

A map and link to the online interactive map will show in the paid version

Driving Directions

Tsawwassen to downtown Vancouver

Exit the Ferry Ramp and continue onto BC-17 for 7.40 km/4.6 mi Take exit 7 for British Columbia 17A Merge onto BC-99 N via the ramp to Richmond/Vancouver After 14.4 km/8.9 mi turn left onto Park Dr (signs Hwy 99N) After 0.8 km/0.5 mi turn right onto Granville St/BC-99 N At Granville Bridge, keep the right lane onto Seymour St After 0.54 km/0.34 mi turn right onto W Cordova St

Approximate driving time

Tsawwassen to downtown Vancouver: 45 minutes

Additional Information paid version

Other Attractions

Butterfly Gardens The Tiger Swallowtail, Green Moss Peacock, Blue Morpho, Caribbean Flamingo, Orange

Gowlland Tod Provincial Park Just 5 minutes apart from the Butterfly and Butchart Gardens, the 1,280 hectares Provincial

PREVIEW Travel guide to explore Vancouver and Victoria How to Use the Road Trip Maps Access the online map by clicking on the provided link, located underneath each days’ map.

Layers A map contains several layers. Check or uncheck the box of each layer to show or hide its layer.

Place marks and icons Points of interest are place-marked at the most accurate position in the map. The icon visualizes the nature of the site. Click an icon for details such as a picture, an address or description.

Zoom Zoom in to enlarge a region. The zoom in/out icon is located at the left bottom.

Change map view You can change the map view to satellite or map.

Search Search for any destination by clicking the magnifier

Add star By adding a star you can access each map with your Google Maps account: my places-maps.

Hold and drag Hold and drag to move around on the map.

Use the maps offline You can use the maps offline with GPS. Although you can’t use them for navigation, you can use them to see your own position on the route.

Navigation on your phone Use an offline navigation program to save data. The “Offline Maps & Navigation” app, works really well. In this app, start with downloading the map of Canada (use WIFI to save data). While on the road, you can then enter and search offline for any Canadian destination. Directions will be offline as well.