Tofino-Victoria

General Description

Six days on your own romantic getaway. What could be more romantic than to escape the blistering heat of summer and experience the adventure of SuperNatural British Columbia … to listen to the rhythmic crashing of the mighty Pacific surf, and to absorb the multicolored rays of the setting sun as you wonder at the endless panoramic view from your balcony at the exclusive Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, British Columbia … to explore ancient west-coast rain forests and tidal pools on photo treks guided by internationally acclaimed photographer, Roger Moore … to try your hand at sea kayaking, to go bear watching, to sample natural hot springs, to scan the surface of the sea in search of a glimpse of the mighty gray whale as it travels its migratory pathway from Mexico to Alaska. Imagine being immersed in this wild and beautiful environment and at the same time being able to indulge yourself in the nourishing treatments at the Ancient Cedars Spa, and to tantalize your taste buds at the award-winning Pointe Restaurant.

After three nights, at the Wickaninnish Inn on the wild and wonderful west coast, you will be soaring just over the treetops as you fly across Vancouver Island from Tofino to the picturesque capitol city of Victoria. Camera in hand, but so frustrating -- where do you point it first? … snow-capped peaks, virgin forests of Western Red Cedar and Douglass Pine hundreds of years in age, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear rivers which are migratory highways for hundreds of thousands of Coho, Chinook, Sockeye, Chum, Pink & Steelhead. There are no other words but breath-taking to describe the experience of cresting the Malahat pass and suddenly seeing a panoramic view, first of the deep water fjord, then the Saanich peninsula, and in the far distance, the Gulf Islands. After landing, prepare yourself for four hours of romantic floral extravaganza as Roger leads you on a photo trek through world- famous Butchart Gardens. Then on to the historic Empress Hotel which overlooks the quaint and charming harbor of Victoria. The Empress has long been accustomed to entertaining celebrities; Rita Hayworth, Jack Benny, Pat O'Brien, Douglas Fairbanks, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Tallulah Bankhead and a host of others have passed through its lobby. Afternoon tea is a continuing tradition here since the hotel opened in 1908. Museums and art galleries are at your fingertips, and in the evening you may find romance right outside your door as the harbor walkway becomes a colorful, bustling circus of human activity, with street vendors, strolling musicians, mimes, and lovers of all ages walking hand-in-hand. And you may wish to experience this cultural wonderland in 1908 style -- by horse drawn carriage which is readily available at the door of the Empress. After two nights of adventure in Victoria, we will whisk you back to Vancouver International Airport for connection to your return flights home.

And throughout this entire expedition, Roger Moore will be your personal photo guide and personal photographic tutor. He is there to help you learn to make better photographs so that you will be proud to share your experience on this SuperNatural Romance.

Itinerary

Monday, July 17, 2006

ü Entrée Canada staff greeting at Vancouver Airport

ü Private minibus transfer from Vancouver Airport to South Terminal;
Private wheel plane charter from South Terminal to Tofino

ü Private minibus transfer from Tofino Airport to the Wickaninnish inn

ü Welcome/Orientation Meeting – where we will discuss the expedition activities and schedule, and Roger Moore will conduct a photographic orientation to help prepare you for the exciting visual experience that awaits you.

ü Overnight accommodations at the Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino

(Third Floor Deluxe Room)

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

ü Breakfast at Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino

ü Morning Group Photo Trek led by Roger -- Chesterman Beach (1 ½ - 2 hours). Stroll along the beautiful Pacific Ocean (as you gaze westward, past Frank Island, the first land you would see is Japan). Keep your eyes open for the Gray Whales because this is its migratory pathway between Mexico and Alaska. But don’t forget to look down too – you would not want to miss the ever-changing collection of sea shells and beautifully grotesque arrangement of seaweed along the beach. Every day is different as Mother Nature offers a full range of visual treats, from minute and colorful marine life to breath-taking panoramic seascape vistas.

ü Personal Activities -- After the Group Photo Trek, through the remainder of the day, you are free to schedule personal activities of your choice (refer to the “Wickaninnish Inn” section for a description of optional activities).

ü Overnight stay at Wickaninnish inn, Tofino

ü (Third Floor Deluxe Room – Breakfast included)

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

ü Breakfast at Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino

ü Morning Group Photo Trek led by Roger -- Schooner Beach Trail (2-3 hours - in Pacific Rim National Park). This 1 km trail leads you through a lovely mature Pacific rainforest, over a moss draped stream, and down a series of boardwalks to a lovely scenic beach on Schooner Cove. This wide secluded cove is the northern end of Long Beach.

ü Overnight stay at Wickaninnish inn, Tofino

ü (Third Floor Deluxe Room – Breakfast, as well as fees and transportation to Schooner Cove included)

Thursday, July 20, 2006

ü Breakfast at Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino

ü Private minibus transfer from Wickaninnish Inn to Tofino Airport

ü Private wheel plane charter flight from Tofino to Victoria

ü Group Photo Trek led by Roger -- Butchart Gardens (3-4 hours). A world-class photographic adventure. Fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views from meticulously groomed pathways that meander through the four main gardens. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began beautifying the worked-out stone quarry left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of cement. The family's commitment to horticulture and hospitality spans 100 years. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, the gracious traditions of the past are still maintained in this world-class destination.

ü Photo Assignment – Not later than 10:00 pm this evening, each Explorer who wishes to participate, must give to Roger his/her ‘Magnificent Seven’ images (digital files, ‘jpg’ format) --These are your favorite seven images that you have made while on this adventure – yes, I know how hard it is to choose, to edit down to only seven magnificent images, but learning how to edit is one of the more important photographic lessons of this adventure. Roger will then create a slide show combining all these images for the Photographic Review & Critique to be conducted Friday morning.

ü Overnight stay at the Empress Hotel

ü (Harbourview Deluxe Room—Breakfast, admission fees at Butchart Gardens as well as ground transportation included)

Friday, July 21, 2006

ü Breakfast at Empress Hotel, Victoria

ü Morning Group Photographic Review & Critique led by Roger – (1 ½ -2 hours). This is the opportunity for everyone to relive this incredible experience, and to be amazed at the beautiful photographs created during this adventure.

ü Personal Activities – After our Photo Review & Critique, through the remainder of the day, you are free to schedule personal activities of your choice. Victoria is British Columbia’s capital city. It is quiet and charming. Architecturally beautiful structures, like the Parliament building and the beloved Empress Hotel overlooking the picture-postcard-beautiful Victoria harbor make this one of the more romantic destinations in the province. The British colonial influence is still very evident, but with West Coast flavour. Afternoon tea is still taken in a traditional unhurried manner in Victoria, where horse drawn carriages travel the streets and tall ships moor alongside the wharf.

ü Overnight stay at the Empress Hotel

(Harbourview Deluxe Room – Breakfast included)

Saturday, July 22, 2006

ü Breakfast at Empress Hotel, Victoria

ü Private minibus transfer from Empress Hotel to Victoria Airport

ü Private wheel plane charter flight from Victoria to Vancouver

ü Private minibus transfer from South Terminal to Vancouver Airport

(Transportation from the Empress Hotel to Vancouver Airport included).

What is & is Not Included

Included:

Ø Entrée Canada program manager and Roger Moore, photo guide, throughout the expedition

Ø Accommodations: 3 nights, Third Floor Deluxe Suite at the Wickaninnish Inn; 2 nights, Harbour View Deluxe Room at the Empress Hotel

Ø Meals: 3 Breakfasts at the Wickaninnish Inn and 2 Breakfasts at the Empress Hotel

Ø Group Photo Treks led by Roger Moore as scheduled in the Itinerary (including associated group transportation to and from), plus an additional 2 hours per person of Personal Photographic Tutoring (one-on-one) by Roger

Ø Air and ground transportation from Vancouver International Airport to the Wickaninnish Inn, to the Empress Hotel, and back to the Vancouver International Airport

Ø Driver gratuities and airport parking fees

Ø Travel documentation

Ø All taxes, provincial and federal

Not included

Ø Round trip Travel costs between Vancouver and your home

Ø Optional Personal Activities (and related transportation) during the Expedition (refer to the “Wickaninnish Inn” and the “Empress Hotel” sections for descriptions of optional activities available at each location).

Ø Personal Photographic Tutoring (one-on-one) by Roger Moore, in excess of 2 hours per person (the first 2 hours per person are included), billable at the rate of US$75 per hour

Ø Personal photographic equipment and/or supplies (each person is responsible for his or her own)

Ø All meals and transportation other than those identified in the Itinerary

Ø Travel, Trip, or Medical insurance