This extraordinary journey features the coastal treasures of Washington state’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, breathtaking waterfront views from our hotel on Fidalgo Island, and three magical nights in Victoria, BC! Delight in the elegance of High Tea at the iconic Fairmont Empress and embark on a captivating cruise to witness majestic whales set against stunning landscapes.
- Tulips as far as the eye can see at the Skagit Tulip Festival
- Whale watching cruise in the Salish Sea
- Guided tour of Victoria, BC
- Tour the award-winning Butchart Gardens
- Visit to Olympic National Park
- Iconic High Tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria
- Breathtaking views on Ferry cruises to/from the Mainland
DAY 1: WELCOME TO WASHINGTON!
Fly into Seattle and arrive in Fidalgo Island to unpack for a 3-night stay at Swinomish Lodge and Casino where your rooms include remarkable views of the Swinomish Channel, San Juan Islands, and Mount Baker. B, D
DAY 2: NORTHWEST WASHINGTON
Stroll the Deception Pass Bridge to observe its iconic engineering, and visit Fairhaven Historic District on Bellingham’s waterfront. The Cascades and Skagit River create fertile soil for prime vineyards, so enjoy a swirl, swish, and sip at a local vineyard before arriving at a regional eatery for dinner. B, D
DAY 3: SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL
Attend the 41st annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, a Washington State award-winning tradition featuring over a million blooming tulips. At RoozenGarde, a site with half a million hand planted tulips, a Washington State University Master Gardener details how their research influences sound agricultural practices. Enjoy a savory lunch before a visit to Tulip Town’s windmill garden and art gallery along with a trolley ride for a closer encounter in the vibrant tulip fields. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure to relax or try your hand at lady luck in the casino. B, L
DAY 4: CANADA’S VANCOUVER ISLAND
Cross the border into Canada and board the BC Ferry boat to relax and soak in jaw dropping scenery as the ferry squeezes through the very scenic Active Pass. Arrive at Vancouver Island, featuring waterfront scenery in spring color and abundant marine life. Experience an explosion of color at Canada’s National Historic Site, Butchart Gardens, featuring 55 acres of meticulously kept gardens. Unpack for a 3-night stay in the heart of downtown Victoria, BC, a picturesque island city providing an escape from the hurried world. Delight in a regional delicacy at a local restaurant sure to please all palettes. B, D
DAY 5: VICTORIA, BC
With a local expert, experience Victoria’s combination of old-world history and new world cosmopolitan centers, including Fisherman’s Wharf, James Bay, Craigdarroch Castle and more. Visit the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a social centerpiece since 1908, and indulge in the world famous High Tea at the Empress, a coveted meal served to royalty and celebrities for over a century. This evening explore the Inner-Harbour, relax to the melodic sounds of buskers and enjoy dinner on your own at a local favorite. B, L
DAY 6: WHALE WATCHING CRUISE
The morning is free to relax at the hotel or plan to explore the area, perhaps a visit to the Royal BC Museum, shopping on Government Street (additional expense) or possibly join your Tour Director for a guided tour of The Parliament Building showcasing its stunning neo baroque architecture and rich historical significance. This afternoon board the Prince of Whales boat with 360 degree panoramic views and a certified marine mammal expert narrating as we cruise the Salish Sea through the Strait of Juan de Fuca’s currents known as one of the best places to view whales in the world! Have your camera ready to capture an Orca or Humpback fluke or breach while bald eagles soar overhead. B, D
DAY 7: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Board the MV Coho Ferry for a scenic journey between Victoria and Port Angeles, WA, offering spectacular views of the sprawling Olympic Peninsula from the sea. Upon arrival, journey into Olympic National Park’s mountains of Hurricane Ridge and stop at the Visitor Center to learn about the park from rangers and exhibits before traveling up the scenic road for 365-degree picturesque views. Travel to Tacoma, WA, for a farewell dinner and overnight stay. B, D
DAY 8: RETURN HOME B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-3: Swinomish Lodge and Casino, Anacortes, WA
Night 4-6: Doubletree Hotel and Suites, Victoria, BC
Night 7: Holiday Inn Express, Tacoma, WA (or similar)
Dates
- Depart: April 6, 2025
- Return: April 13, 2025
Price Per Person
- Double: $3,799
- Triple/Quad: $3,449
- Single: $4,499
*Price includes airfare from STL/MCI (call for other gateway cities)
*Passport Required
Helpful Hints
While in Victoria, experiencing the magic of Victoria's Inner Harbor is a great way to spend your leisure time. Catch live performances from talented street musicians, stroll past beautifully lit historic landmarks, indulge in a meal from the city's renowned culinary scene, or treat yourself to a serene sunset harbor cruise for a truly unforgettable night (additional expense/make own reservation)!
During the Whale Watching Cruise, you definitely have the chance to encounter marine wildlife including orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales. Additionally, you might spot seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even playful dolphins. Glance to the scenic coastline and view sea otter and seabirds. What a treat!
The tulip farms in Washington’s Skagit Valley have been operating for over a century and have perfected the art of tulip shows. Each fall, they plant the tulip bulbs in staggered phases, ensuring a continuous bloom of vibrant colors throughout the entire month-long spring Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Swinomish Lodge and Casino has a gift shop which offers limited snacks and convenience items. Nearby Anacortes, WA has a Safeway and The Market grocery store if needed to shop for that forgotten item.
At Burchart Gardens, April is prime time for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and cherry blossoms, so be sure to explore the Sunken Garden and Japanese Garden to see these flowers in full glory. Don’t forget your camera as the spring colors are absolutely breathtaking.
Walking Information
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths.
Weather
April – highs in the upper 50s and lows in the low 40s. Please note that temperatures are cooler on Vancouver Island and when aboard the ferries and whale watching cruise.
Time Zone
Pacific
Unique Hotel Amenities
For those looking to add a touch of excitement to their evening, the Swinomish Lodge offers a casino right on the premises, providing an opportunity for some optional entertainment after a day of exploration. The hotel in Victoria, BC is within walking distance to Victoria’s famed Inner Harbor. In Canada, you do not need a travel adapter.
Dress Suggestions
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour. Temperatures can fluctuate in this region especially when on boat cruises, so we recommend bringing a jacket with you.
Additional packing suggestions: Although water bottles may be available while on tour, bringing a refillable water bottle is encouraged to help you stay refreshed throughout the day while also being kind to the environment. Mosquito Repellant and sun protection are also recommended.
Identification
Valid passport required to travel.
Canadian Trip Information
The currency is the Canadian Dollar. Although credit cards are recommended for ease in monetary transactions, there will be places where you may convert your US currency to Canadian Dollars. The current exchange rate is $0.80 USD = $1 CAD. Gratuities should be paid in the local currency whenever possible. Like the USA, Canada uses 110 volts, 60 Hz. It is not necessary to use an adaptor or converter with appliances and devices that you use in the US. Please check with your carrier regarding cell phone service and fees.
Please note that Canada views any type of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction as a serious offense. A past conviction of DUI will likely not allow one to travel into Canada. Should this be a concern, we suggest visiting the following website for information: http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
