Tour Week Areas

1. VANCOUVER ISLAND

Vancouver Island is a picture of rugged mountains, soft coastal plain, wind-swept beaches, temperate rain-forests scenic ferry rides, sunny climate and welcoming towns and villages. Its 500 km length offers a compelling variety of scenic opportunities. At the southern-most point is lovely Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, known for its jewel-like setting and old-world charm. On the west coast of the island is the world famous Pacific Rim National Park and the picturesque villages of Tofino and Ucluelet. On the east coast are the beach resort areas of Parksville and Qualicum. To the north are the communities of Courtenay and the nearby Mount Washington ski resort and Campbell River, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. Of special interest to touring choirs are the visits and performances that are often included on the smaller, off shore islands of Quadra, Denman and Gabriola.

2. WHISTLER/OKANAGAN

Tours in this area include a journey through the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Country from the beautiful Howe Sound fjord to the renowned Whistler ski resort area, complete with delightful cobbled streets, charming boutiques, sunny sidewalk cafes and tree-shaded squares. The mountain scenery is breathtaking, especially viewed from the flower-strewn alpine meadows at the top of the fully enclosed express gondola ride. Proceeding east, tours travel through the colorful Pemberton Valley, rugged Coast Mountains and rolling interior plateau to the broad, dry Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan area is dominated by 100 km long Okanagan Lake which legend claims contains a huge, elusive serpent named Ogopogo. This area is world-famous for its fruit orchards, wineries and tourism and is usually a hot, dry region in July. Tours are arranged in a circle route and take you through communities such as Merritt, Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Summerland and Penticton. These communities participate as hosts to the Kathaumixw touring choirs. The return trip to Vancouver proceeds through the lovely Similkameen country, the majestic Cascade Mountains and the agriculture-rich Fraser Valley. Because of the circular nature of this tour it may be taken in the reverse order.

3. VANCOUVER AND THE LOWER MAINLAND

Vancouver is Canada's third largest city. It is beautifully situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean against a backdrop of mountains. One must usually pass through Vancouver when traveling to and from Powell River. It is a cosmopolitan city and therefore contains many ethnic and religious communities, several of which assist in hosting Kathaumixw touring choirs. It is also a city proud of its growing choral excellence. It is fitting to end the Kathaumixw Tours Program in the Vancouver area where several choirs may perform for host groups in multi-choir concerts. Tours in the Vancouver area frequently include a day trip through the Sea to Sky Country to the beautiful Whistler Ski Resort area or visits to communities in the agriculture-rich Fraser Valley in the nearby Lower Mainland. Vancouver's July weather is often delightful - sunny and mild, but it can be wet and cloudy for several days.

Tour Area Map