GEORGIA STRAIT CROSSING OPTION

Travellers who prefer a more adventurous crossing of the Georgia Strait, between Vancouver and Victoria can get it aboard the Prince of Whales fleet, turning a standard journey into an adventure. Travelling with an onboard naturalist, the Prince of Whales crew will take passengers on a sailing to seek killer whales, humpback whales and other wildlife amongst the San Juan and Gulf Islands, while travelling from one city to the other. In recent years, the company has offered this option to passengers bound from Vancouver to Victoria. It has now created the same opportunity for Victoria-to-Vancouver passengers with two new tour options. For instance, on the Northbound Adventure Crossing, guests embark on the Ocean Magic Expedition Cruiser in downtown Victoria, sail through the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands, then continues to the private docks at The Butchart Gardens. There, some will disembark to enjoy this famous attraction for the rest of the evening, while others will stay on the vessel to continue on to downtown Vancouver. The transit from Saanich Inlet to the mainland is two hours, and the route weaves in amongst the Gulf Islands. The trip concludes in Coal Harbour, downtown Vancouver at 7:30 p.m. Made of welded aluminum to provide stability and comfort, the Prince of Whales vessels feature outdoor viewing areas, heated passenger seating areas, washrooms and a pantry stocked with hot/cold drinks and light snacks. Both outdoor and indoor viewing decks cater to the comfort of the individual. (http://www.princeofwhales.com)