This morning, following our at-home-pickup-service, we board BC Ferries' Southern Gulf Islands sailing for a leisurely three hour cruise, with stops at Galiano, Mayne, and Pender islands en-route to Long Harbour on Salt Spring Island. We have time to visit Salt Spring, before our next ferry sailing from Salt Spring's Vesuvius Bay, to Crofton on Vancouver Island. From Crofton we transfer to Nanaimo's attractive downtown water front, check in for five nights at the Coast Bastion Inn, with all rooms overlooking the harbour. Following dinner at our hotel, the evening is at leisure to stroll Nanaimo's rejuvenated harbourfront. A beautification project has relocated Nanaimo's heavy industries from the waterfront and replaced them with gardens, lawns, walkways, and beaches.

Meals: Dinner

This morning with a local guide, we tour Nanaimo, learning its history from coal mining to its present position as a port city with six deep-sea docks, and two major ferry terminals. Following our city tour, we sail aboard BC Ferries for a visit and lunch on nearby Gabriola Island. We return to our hotel, and the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore the shops and restaurants of downtown Nanaimo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we travel to Chemainus and sail aboard BC Ferries, for a visit and lunch on Thetis Island, before returning to Nanaimo this afternoon. This evening you may enjoy taking the little ferry from the dock in front of the hotel, to experience the Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant on Protection Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we enjoy a drive along the old island highway through Parksville to Qualicum Beach where we visit historic Milner Gardens. Framed by a 70 acre tract of old growth Douglas firs and cedars, the 10 acre gardens are perched above the ocean, offering gorgeous views of the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains beyond. Beginning with a guided tour, we learn the fascinating history of the Milner’s, as we stroll the gardens now owned by the Malaspina University College. We complete our visit with lunch in the tea room, before returning to our hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we visit Chemainus, where an ambitious revitalization program was launched upon the closure of the towns’ sawmill. Artists painted murals on the buildings depicting the area’s history, creating Canada's largest permanent outdoor art gallery, and attracting up to 300,000 visitors per year. We begin with a trolley tour through the downtown streets to view the murals, followed by free time to browse the many shops and restaurants. This afternoon we return to our hotel, for some leisure time to relax before returning to Chemainus this evening, to the Chemainus Theatre for an upscale buffet dinner in the Playbill Dining Room and a performance of Neil Simon's hilarious comedy the Sunshine Boys!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we make an excursion to the Coombs Country Market, for coffee and browsing (maybe ice cream!), before continuing to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay terminal for our mid-day sailing aboard BC Ferries to Horseshoe Bay and home.

Meals: Breakfast