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There’s no better way to kick off your cruise than with a few days of exploration in beautiful British Columbia. Whether you’re setting sail from Vancouver or disembarking in Vancouver, a pre or post cruise adventure through Victoria and Vancouver offers the perfect blend of stunning scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. From the lush gardens of Victoria to the coastal views of Vancouver, here’s an itinerary that’ll make your trip one to remember.

Day 1: Victoria – A Day of Beauty and Charm

Morning:
Start in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and begin your day with a visit to one of Canada’s most beloved attractions: Butchart Gardens. This stunning 55-acre garden is a floral paradise, with vibrant blooms throughout the year. Grab a coffee or tea at the entrance and enjoy a leisurely scroll through the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden, and don’t forget your camera—the views here are nothing short of magical.

Lunch:
Head to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch at Barb's, a local seafood spot famous for its mouthwatering fish and chips. Order the crispy fish wrapped in newspaper with the Poutine fries and enjoy it while taking in the lively atmosphere of the floating houses along the wharf. Keep an eye out for seals and harbor life—it’s a quintessential Victoria experience! Just a short drive a way you can stop at Red Fish Blue Fish for another Fish and Chip experience. My personal fave was Red Fish Blue Fish, but I'm very glad we experienced both local spots for amazing Fish and Chips.

Afternoon:
After lunch, head over to the Malahat SkyWalk, where you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Victoria's Island’s forests and coastline. The walkway takes you through towering trees and leads up to a spectacular sky bridge with panoramic views of the Saanich Peninsula and beyond. It’s the perfect spot for some nature therapy before you continue your journey. After enjoying the breathtaking views at the top of the tower, enjoy the slide to the bottom!

Day 2: Ferry to Vancouver – Exploring the Urban Wonders

Morning:
Catch an early morning ferry from Victoria to Vancouver. The scenic journey across the Strait of Georgia offers panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands. Once you arrive in Vancouver, you’ll be greeted by the city’s stunning skyline and mountains in the background—get ready for more adventure!

Lunch:
Head straight to Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Start with a visit to the Public Market, where you can sample everything from local cheeses and fresh produce to baked goods and artisanal snacks. Be sure to grab lunch from one of the market’s many food vendors, whether you’re craving sushi, gourmet sandwiches, or fresh seafood.

Afternoon:
After your food adventure, take some time to explore the quirky shops and galleries that make Granville Island unique. You can also catch a performance at the Granville Island Theatre or simply enjoy the laid-back, creative vibe of the area.

Evening:
As the sun sets, rent a bike and head to Stanley Park. It’s one of Vancouver’s most iconic spots, and cycling around its Seawall gives you an unbeatable view of the city and ocean. Don’t forget to stop by Brockton Point to see the famous Totem Poles and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Finish your day with dinner at Anh and Chi Vietnamese in Vancouver.

Day 3: West Vancouver Adventures – City meets Nature

Morning:
Start your day with a visit to West Vancouver and make your way to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This treetop adventure is one of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, offering a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge that spans 137 meters across the Capilano River. The surrounding rainforest is breathtaking, and the park’s cliffwalk offers even more incredible views.

Lunch:
After your morning adventure, head to Horseshoe Bay and grab a light snack at Goldie's Donuts while exploring the marina. These were the most amazing donuts we have ever had, and who doesn't like a cute Golden Retriever mascot?

Afternoon:
Drive along the Sea to Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The route takes you along the coast, with stunning views of mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean. Stop at Shannon Falls Provincial Park to admire the majestic 335-meter waterfall and take a short walk to the viewpoint. From this point, you can take a scenic walk over to the Sea to Sky Gondola. Or if you are not up for walking, you can take a short drive and park there. At the base near the check in counter, we encountered an ice cream truck and this was the best ice cream cone I have ever had. Grab an ice cream cone, get on the gondola, and take in the views of Howe Sound and the Stawamus Chief Mountain. Once you reach the top, you can start hiking or enjoy a meal at the restaurant overlooking the stunning mountains and sea.

Evening:
What a beautiful adventure and your cruise hasn't even started yet! Enjoy dinner near a seaside town and make sure you are packed and ready for your next adventure to Alaska!

With a perfect mix of coastal beauty, natural wonders, and city exploration, this pre-cruise itinerary offers a little something for everyone. From the vibrant gardens of Victoria to the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver, this journey will leave you relaxed, inspired, and ready to set sail on your cruise. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a foodie looking for the best local bites, this itinerary has it all—and it’s the perfect way to begin your Pacific adventure.

Interested in sailing out of Vancouver? I would love to help you plan your amazing adventure to British Columbia and Alaska!

Reach out to me at chastity@vincentvacations.com or fill out my travel form: Travel Request Form

 

Traveling to Ireland can be a wonderful experience, filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

1. Weather Preparation:
   
   
   
   • Ireland's weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking. Ireland is a temperate climate so the temps don't typically get below 40 degrees or above 80 degrees. I wore tennis shoes for walking around bigger cities like Dublin but my rainboots were perfect for outside of Dublin in the smaller country towns.
   
   
   
   


2. Currency:
   
   
   
   • The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). The currency in Northern Ireland is pound sterling (£). It's advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases, but credit cards are widely accepted. If using a credit card, make sure your credit card does not charge any foreign transaction fees. You can find ATM's at the airport upon arrival but the fees are more expensive than just picking them up from your local bank. I recommend checking with your bank to see if they offer currency exchanges. If they do, plan to do this 2-3 weeks prior to your trip.
   
   
   
   


3. Driving:
   
   
   
   • If you plan to rent a car and drive, please keep these in mind. They drive on the left hand side of the road, the driver's seat is on the right hand side of the car, the roads are very narrow, and you will need to familiarize yourself with the road signs and rules before hitting the road. It is HIGHLY recommended that you get insurance through the car rental company.
   
   
   • If you do not feel comfortable with the idea of trying to learn to drive in Ireland you can pay for a day tour with a tour company. The tour company will arrange transportation for you and will even share lots of great history as you start your journey to the sites of your choice (this all depends on which tour you book).
   
   
   
   


4. Public Transportation:
   
   
   
   • Ireland has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and taxis. For the taxis, you can download an app called FREENOW. This is basically their version of  Uber. The app accepts credit cards so no cash is needed to use FREENOW.
   
   
   
   


5. Accommodations:
   
   
   
   • Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ireland offers a range of options from cozy B&Bs to luxurious hotels. If you are booking a package with a tour company that specializes in group tours the accommodations are included in the price of the package.
   
   
   
   


6. Packing:
   
   
   
   • Pack a universal adapter for your electronic devices, as Ireland uses a different type of electrical outlet. If your devices are not dual voltage (ex: shavers/hair dryer) you will need a voltage converter because U.S uses a 110 volt and Ireland uses a 220 volt.
   
   
   
   


7. Local Cuisine:
   
   
   
   • Try traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, seafood chowder, and soda bread. Don't forget to savor a pint of Guinness, but also explore the local craft beer scene at the local Pubs. Some of our favorites were Merry Ploughboy's Irish Stew, Queen of Tarts for breakfast, Boxty House's Fish and Chips, and Bambinos hot honey pizza. Dublin has so many AMAZING restaurants it was so hard to choose. I don't think you will be disappointed with anything you pick. You will notice that everything in Ireland is organic making the food even more delicious!
   
   
   
   


8. Cultural Etiquette:
   
   
   
   • Irish people are known for their friendliness. Engage in conversations, be polite, and enjoy the local culture. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations; locals are usually happy to help.
   
   
   
   


9. Explore Beyond Dublin:
   
   
   
   • While Dublin is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, don't miss the chance to explore the countryside and smaller towns. The Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and Giant's Causeway are just a few of the breathtaking natural attractions.
   
   
   
   


10. Learn Some Local Phrases:
    
    
    
    • While English is the primary language, Irish (Gaelic) is also spoken. Locals appreciate visitors making an effort to use common phrases like 'hello' ('Dia dhuit') or 'thank you' ('Go raibh maith agat'). Please DO NOT say, 'Top of the morning' to anyone. This is not something Irish people say and it can be annoying to them.
    
    
    
    


11. Check Event Calendars:
    
    
    
    • Look for local events or festivals happening during your visit. This can add a unique and memorable dimension to your trip. So make sure to plan ahead if this is something you would love to experience. For example, St. Patrick's Day would be a fun experience while visiting Ireland. Keep in mind though that Ireland does not celebrate the way Americans do. They do not dress in green. This may shock you but they have never even heard of the the tradition of pinching anyone who is not wearing green. This is actually an American tradition...NOT Irish.
    
    
    
    


12. Travel Insurance:
    
    
    
    • Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and potential trip disruptions. You never know what may happen. During our visit, we were in a car accident. Luckily, we were in a group tour on a VERY large bus so only minor damage was done to our bus, but the other driver totaled her car. Had we rented a car and was driving ourselves, it would have been very bad. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to Travel Protection.
    
    
    
    


13. Respect Nature:
    
    
    
    • Ireland is known for its stunning landscapes. Be respectful of the environment, follow designated trails, and leave no trace. Ireland takes pride in her beauty and does a great job of keeping her clean. So be respectful and do not litter.
    
    
    
    


14. Plan for Rain:
    
    
    
    • Rain is common in Ireland, so be prepared with waterproof gear and plan indoor activities just in case. There are lots of museums you can visit in Dublin. Some people bring hand held umbrellas but you won't find many locals carrying them. If you want to blend in, just wear your raincoat and enjoy the outdoors whether sunshine or rain.
    
    
    
    


15. Top Tourist Attractions

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  • Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Trinity College-Book of Kells, EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, Dublinia Viking Museum, Brazen Head Pub, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry drive, Sheep Dog Demonstration, Titanic Museum, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, Bunratty Castle Medieval Dinner, Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner show, and Skellig Island.