Leave the city behind and experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. This all-day excursion takes you from the scenic coastline of Howe Sound to the lush forested mountain peaks for an all-encompassing look at the amazing landscapes of Canada's West Coast.

As you drive out on the Sea to Sky Highway, gaze over ever-changing landscapes along the road. Your first stop is at Shannon Falls, where you can walk out on viewing decks and feel the mist from the powerful 1,099-foot-high (335-m) falls.

Continue the journey, catching views and snapping photos of the Tantalus Glacier through the massive viewing windows. Once in Whistler, explore the pedestrian village at the base of the world-famous Whistler-Blackcomb resort and check out sites that hosted events from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Have a bite to eat, and then spend the rest of your afternoon browsing eclectic downtown shops, hiking along nature trails, or relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. On your return to Vancouver, savor the beautiful views overlooking Howe Sound, following the mountains as they give way to the rugged coastline surrounding Vancouver's gleaming skyline.

Explore Railtown, one of Vancouver's hippest up-and-coming neighborhoods, and discover some of the latest and greatest restaurants and shops with your guide. Taste the sandwiches, wine, and sweets that make this trendy area so unique.

On a small-group tour with more than 10 tastings, delve into the heart of Railtown, once the industrial heart of the city, but now a trendy yet gritty section of downtown. Start your journey in Japantown at the H.A.V.E Café, part of a unique culinary school offering training for those less fortunate. Enjoy samples of delicious tomato soup and a sandwich made by their chefs-in-training.

Next, head to the Uncommon Cafe where you can enjoy their famous Shaker Salad and a gourmet meatball. Then, make your way to the Settlement Building. Once an old steel factory, it is now one of the city's most interesting buildings that houses a winery, a brewery, and a restaurant. Here, sip on beer and wine tastings during a unique brewery tour. Finally, stop at the trendy Railtown Cafe and Cadeaux Bakery for a variety of scrumptious lunch treats.

Spend a leisurely day sipping and toasting your way through British Columbia’s beautiful wine country, exploring Fraser Valley wineries at your own pace with a private driver behind the wheel. A delicious gourmet lunch among the vineyards rounds out this elegant day outside the city.

Your guide picks you up from your downtown hotel or cruise ship port and heads toward the gently rolling hills of the Fraser Valley, a scenic landscape nestled in the foothills that’s perfect for growing cool climate grapes. Request wineries you know you’d like to visit or let your knowledgeable guide plan your itinerary, and move from stop to stop at your leisure.

Make your way to the historic tasting room of Wellbrook Winery to sample traditional fruit wines made from local strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries, or head to River’s Bend Winery to sip fine vintages in an idyllic riverfront setting. Take flavor notes as you sample the award-winning bottles at boutique wineries like Township 7 Vineyards and Backyard Vineyards, learn about how the region’s climate influences the characteristics of wines at Chaberton Estate Winery, and discover sustainable winemaking techniques as you sip organic vintages at Lotusland Vineyards.

All that winetasting is sure to work up an appetite, so around midday, sit down to a delicious gourmet meal of fresh and local cuisine.

Sample lunch menu includes:

Appetizers

• Soup du jour
• Mixed greens with mustard and sherry vinaigrette
• Thin-sliced smoked salmon with mixed green lettuces and remoulade

Entrées

• Quiche du jour with salad
• Baked Spring salmon with sautéed vegetables and lemon herb sauce
• Braised farmhouse chicken with white wine, roasted garlic, and cream
• Beef bourguignon with pearl onions, bacon, and mushrooms

Dessert

• Chocolate mousse
• Praline croustillant