Local Tours Page

TIES is working with local partners to offer several exciting ways to experience green initiatives in and around Vancouver.

You will have the opportunity to sign up for these tours on the online conference registration form. Although registration for some (post conference) tours may be available during the conference, we cannot guarantee prices or availability.

Register here for ESTC 2008.

Already registered? To purchase a local tour, please use the link provided in your registration confirmation email to update your registration.

Fraser Valley
Wineries, Herb Farms and First Nations Culture

Date: Sunday, October 26th

Time: 8:30am to 6:00pm

Cost: $109 (retail value $179)

This full day circle tour from Vancouver features visits to locally owned and operated specialty farms that have collectively become a very successful tourism route. We’ll focus specifically on those who have committed to organic rather than intensive farming practices and we’ll meet the owners and innovators who have developed this project.

We’ll start by visiting the Vista D’Oro Farm growing grapes, fruits and herbs in south Langley for a tour and short walk. Continuing east we’ll make a short stop at the Lotusland Vineyards to meet the owners who will talk about their organic methods and we will taste some wines. Further up the valley there will be a beautiful fresh harvest lunch prepared at the Limbert Mountain Farm (included). There will also be a talk with the owners about the Circle Farm Tour project. After lunch we cross the Harrison River and stop at a few viewing points to watch American Bald Eagles who make their winter residency in the area. Then we will visit the Xay:tem First Nation Longhouse for a very interesting program offered by the Sto:lo people. (This will be private program just for our group.) We’ll work in one or two more stops in (time permitting) before returning to Vancouver late in the afternoon.

Tour includes: transportation, lunch, guide, entrance to attractions. (If you have binoculars, please feel free to bring them.)

Photos courtesy of Graham Osborne and Vancouver Coast and Mountains Tourism Region

Vancouver City Tour
Sightline Tours

Date: Sunday, October 26th and Thursday, October 30th

Time: 9:00am (duration 4 hours)

Cost: $45 (retail value $66)

Explore one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Travel to Vancouver’s past in Chinatown and spend time in historic Gastown, the birthplace of Vancouver. Pass along the waterfront and drive through the downtown financial district to the best shopping and dining in town. Spend time exploring Stanley Park, one of North America’s largest city parks, with a scenic photo stop at the Totem Poles. Continuing through some of Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods takes us to Granville Island. This stop on the tour offers a cultural mixture of galleries, shops, restaurants, and the always popular public market. You’ll have the option of returning on the coach to your downtown hotel or extending your stay at Granville Island.

Photos courtesy of Graham Osborne & Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region

Exploring Whistler Outdoors
Hiking

Date: Thursday, October 30th

Time: 8:00am to 7:00pm

Cost: $119 (retail value $210)

We’ll leave the hotel in Vancouver for the drive up Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler.

Half Day Hike (3-4 hours)
This hike includes a guided discussion on best practices for traveling in the backcountry and the “Leave no trace” principles.

Cheakamus Lake (Whistler) – Easy hike on groomed trail. Located 15km/9.3 miles south of Whistler, this trail works its way through old growth forest. Upon reaching the lake, towering snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers and snowfields rise to 1600 meters/5248 feet above the forested shores of Cheakamus, making it a breathtaking scene. (Bring your own packed lunch.)

Photo courtesy of Graham Osborne & Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Tourism Region

Exploring Whistler Outdoors
Ziptrek

Date: Thursday, October 30th

Time: 8:00am to 7:00pm

Cost: $99 (retail value $199)

We’ll leave the hotel in Vancouver for the drive up Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and Whistler.

Ziptrek Bear
The ziplines on the Ziptrek Bear tour range between 200’ and 1100’ (60m to 330m) in length. There are 5 ziplines, try zipping upside down and reach up to speeds of 50km/h. This tour is great for those who have never ziplined before.

Ziptrek Eagle
The ziplines on the Ziptrek Eagle tour range between 400’ and 2000’ (120m to 610m) in length, making it the longest zipline in North America. Reach up to speeds of 80km/h. This tour is for those who want more heart pounding adrenaline.

TreeTrek Tours
TreeTrek is a fully guided ecology based tour that takes guests through the treetops on a series of suspension bridges and treetop observation platforms. This is the ideal site for interactive learning and outdoor adventure exploration. Aerial forest exploration 200’ above the waters of Fitzsimmons Creek and the valley that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

All Whistler tours include: return transportation, entrance fees to attractions (if any), guided excursions while at Whistler. (no meals included)

Photos courtesy of Ziptrek Ecotours