tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24065931925784923722024-02-07T18:26:13.045-08:00Jet BCTravel & Aviation News for British ColumbiaDarryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-49873581119294865452019-02-17T22:54:00.002-08:002019-02-17T23:01:47.610-08:00BC Whale Tours: The Best of Both Worlds<br />
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When whale watching in Victoria, tourists
usually get to choose their own adventure, which is largely determined by the
type of boat they choose. It’s rarely a big debate – either fast and furious or
slow and steady as she goes. Those wanting a thrill ride generally choose a
zodiac or scarab, while those preferring the comfort of a leisurely cruise opt
for a covered boat.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg4vSfNFNaV6aEUlkgug7wneUYWJ1MbBBT3OOdk8sdtxhfqqNJvD3jRwAiLa6HCnBcdOFXQ6Xr5VOyjERNm2sDmJS_s2fk_TuxgfxKI_cWhfulCONY1zyT2FDFPZTQKYDfB8eIQ2QkSY/s1600/20150516_100650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bc orca" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsg4vSfNFNaV6aEUlkgug7wneUYWJ1MbBBT3OOdk8sdtxhfqqNJvD3jRwAiLa6HCnBcdOFXQ6Xr5VOyjERNm2sDmJS_s2fk_TuxgfxKI_cWhfulCONY1zyT2FDFPZTQKYDfB8eIQ2QkSY/s400/20150516_100650.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BC Orca" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Covered boats are usually slower but
comfortable particularly on a cool day as many offer heated cabins. With
zodiacs, tourists are exposed to all the elements – it’s just you and the
ocean! But what makes BC Whale Tours unique is that you can enjoy the best of
both worlds: the thrill and speed of a zodiac accompanied by the comfort of a
heated cabin. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">BC Whale Tours offers the only fleet of
zodiacs in Victoria that are equipped with heated cabins. Passengers have the
choice of sitting outside and enjoying the cool sea breeze or relaxing in the
comfort of the cabin – a useful feature on a rainy day! On cold and windy days,
you will be glad that you have a choice.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Our vessel for the day, BC Orca, is the
fastest zodiac in the BC Whale Tours fleet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is capable of seating around twenty people, but tours are restricted
to a maximum of twelve people to provide everyone with plenty of space,
comfort, and unobstructed viewing opportunities. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NO7gu6HwMmsMoLUhzRDX1Hjdzui77VZdxLLi9Kl5NdZDM5yCkXrRHvC3vXJruhu7joQTzwg4F2zR1VwzPVuK-zGZwqo1X9F921rHQXFoibEl6m3Nc0Pm4p1M7h8HGylaF7_Nf8w1pDo/s1600/20150516_100654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NO7gu6HwMmsMoLUhzRDX1Hjdzui77VZdxLLi9Kl5NdZDM5yCkXrRHvC3vXJruhu7joQTzwg4F2zR1VwzPVuK-zGZwqo1X9F921rHQXFoibEl6m3Nc0Pm4p1M7h8HGylaF7_Nf8w1pDo/s400/20150516_100654.jpg" title="bc orca" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Captain Jim" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA">A brief orientation was provided and we
were welcomed aboard by Captain Jim. With nearly 20 years of experience, he is
incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive, which proved to be an asset on this
particular tour. To some of his industry colleagues, he is fondly known as the
“whale whisperer.”</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq_JkC6Kvsqs8PpWW2s16TtH5FwY3YY2Yi0vYUmazUBU2OwCkbMYoV_Rk1Wp8g6x0l2Cn1OlyOEFLJIWLMuzBPLyK0aCIzCouxKro4Qn-Kbqjk0QPfVDnctWziRic7_-blJu5HZKKYlw/s1600/20150516_101440_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq_JkC6Kvsqs8PpWW2s16TtH5FwY3YY2Yi0vYUmazUBU2OwCkbMYoV_Rk1Wp8g6x0l2Cn1OlyOEFLJIWLMuzBPLyK0aCIzCouxKro4Qn-Kbqjk0QPfVDnctWziRic7_-blJu5HZKKYlw/s400/20150516_101440_2.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Inner Harbour" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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We had the pleasure of sitting in the very
front row of BC Orca. As is common with most zodiacs, it’s a bumpier ride for
those up front compared to those seated in the rows behind. As our trip began
on a brisk morning in May with clouds overhead, it was reassuring that we had
the option of escaping to the heated cabin.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi7aWuzPg0cWxCxS_Zkg3sL3p23v0gdEbwgoOkpKrom8vPuc4ojBLKg0XlMK3pT8HoZKHjP66XXa9AO4rwXKsVqIHCMqOkzf1sbM0ipW9xgnOxfFrpUbFZahLX8XlGbUtPq-SmG1PBwY/s1600/20150516_101714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="victoria fisherman's wharf" border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi7aWuzPg0cWxCxS_Zkg3sL3p23v0gdEbwgoOkpKrom8vPuc4ojBLKg0XlMK3pT8HoZKHjP66XXa9AO4rwXKsVqIHCMqOkzf1sbM0ipW9xgnOxfFrpUbFZahLX8XlGbUtPq-SmG1PBwY/s400/20150516_101714.jpg" title="bc whale tour" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fisherman's Wharf" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-CA">As we taxied out of Victoria’s Inner
Harbour, we encountered the familiar sights of the Empress Hotel, Legislative
Buildings, and Fisherman’s Wharf with its extensive array of colourful house
boats. As we cruised past Fisherman’s Wharf, we encountered one of the covered
boats, which did not take us long to pass. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuqvferLKxR9ImpSUD72_AKZ8giXcoXr1tQkmSItSMRqKhFanm2qVxXBhHpIJxbFvjCxiNtMWCbH4jmyWLr7shkInbGVSPXgDM8hkqX46QjcG1FdH2bfii83hvaSITGQs48Kh0Wcg6gQ/s1600/20150516_101828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="slow covered boats" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuqvferLKxR9ImpSUD72_AKZ8giXcoXr1tQkmSItSMRqKhFanm2qVxXBhHpIJxbFvjCxiNtMWCbH4jmyWLr7shkInbGVSPXgDM8hkqX46QjcG1FdH2bfii83hvaSITGQs48Kh0Wcg6gQ/s400/20150516_101828.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Slower Covered Boats" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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On this particular morning, a number of
tour companies were headed out on whale watching adventures. But no whales had
been sighted in the area yet so all of the boats were splitting up, heading off
into different directions in search of marine wildlife. A number of boats
headed West towards Sooke, while we travelled North toward Haro Strait and the
San Juan Islands. As we departed, we past the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship,
which was in port for the day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3zydEx9OPWp3TDydsv8eAzwfO_tGcsOy9cVmeNXKPMe4XkfEOtS0pg4z9jNr5o_grzn8fId09p1cliBuZIOgp-uboSMuOd6JDv50ua7RvTsSFAlMj_PADVMg7s1h-qNC9_OHpxvmLCE/s1600/20150516_105047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="harbour seals trial island" border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3zydEx9OPWp3TDydsv8eAzwfO_tGcsOy9cVmeNXKPMe4XkfEOtS0pg4z9jNr5o_grzn8fId09p1cliBuZIOgp-uboSMuOd6JDv50ua7RvTsSFAlMj_PADVMg7s1h-qNC9_OHpxvmLCE/s400/20150516_105047.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Harbour Seals at Trial Island" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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Our first stop was Trial Island, where we
encountered a group of harbour seals hanging out. We made our way further along
through the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve where more harbour seals and
birds were enjoying their day on the rocks. Captain Jim pointed out that
staying out of the water and on the rocks helps protect the seals from the
predatory orca whales.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-YAM2_0nBlRKHN1wPBL2x_pY596RLTCYL9b77SGmAKFR47Ctr_8fBuuTWkVIN0_Jfxacwr7Hb3Gtngzv6Df3sn3uBnzsU-cqCLj9LSJTf0KgyVwZx0YcdmvBuZt0ZlMjf7CsJ_le_50/s1600/20150516_112543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1401" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-YAM2_0nBlRKHN1wPBL2x_pY596RLTCYL9b77SGmAKFR47Ctr_8fBuuTWkVIN0_Jfxacwr7Hb3Gtngzv6Df3sn3uBnzsU-cqCLj9LSJTf0KgyVwZx0YcdmvBuZt0ZlMjf7CsJ_le_50/s400/20150516_112543.jpg" title="stellar sea lion" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stellar Sea Lion" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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As we headed further towards Haro Strait,
we discovered a Steller Sea Lion perched on a ledge. Two bald eagles stood watch overhead. The
Steller Sea Lion is the largest of the eared seals, often reaching up to 9.25 feet
in length and weighing up to 1.2 tons.</div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We eventually reached San Juan Island,
desperately looking for any sign of whales. Captain Jim was in constant
communication with the other boats in the area, hoping that something would
turn up. But nearly half-way through our tour, there was not a single sign of
whales. He explained that our local resident pods of orca whales had not been
seen in the area in the last week and a half. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">We continued north through the San Juan
Islands, hoping to spot any sign of whale activity in the area. It was certainly
beginning to look like we would be out of luck when Captain Jim received a call
from a pleasure craft that a lone humpback whale had been spotted just off of
Taylor Point on Saturna Island.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYip1qnsgrRfirenr3RjU5KHk53e-8U3EtgzqR5TCzN9NJWIwaIvL2ehjSS_8_X2-M0zY-GjD8E0rD0Wta65p-m7VQi3eKxn6lqccStIEXRnBO_qGJ4FNs2DitzpeI6IQGL6qa9kUr88/s1600/20150516_121347_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1571" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYip1qnsgrRfirenr3RjU5KHk53e-8U3EtgzqR5TCzN9NJWIwaIvL2ehjSS_8_X2-M0zY-GjD8E0rD0Wta65p-m7VQi3eKxn6lqccStIEXRnBO_qGJ4FNs2DitzpeI6IQGL6qa9kUr88/s400/20150516_121347_4.jpg" title="humpback whale" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Humpback Whale" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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It was within range and we were able to get
there with ample time to observe the whale before heading back to Victoria
harbour. A few days earlier, this
particular <a href="http://www.cheknews.ca/friendly-humpback-whale-wows-boaters-off-south-island-93253">humpback
had made news</a> as it was earning a reputation for playfully swimming around
boaters. But it didn’t seem to be in that playful a mood when we were there. I
have still yet to see one of these magnificent creatures breach.</div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">However, I was not about to complain as I
knew that we were one of only two whale watching boats, which departed Victoria
that morning that actually got to see a whale. I can only imagine how
disappointing it must be to travel all the way from another country in the
hopes of seeing a whale only to go home empty handed.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIcVbadpbf7eXT-xrQXd7S40WLluIuZS_cykcGAxORZoTwIfi224g7o3SleVM1jZ_2Yh_qxDKpXuYniw57mdObpK2prBQNZMdBXEv_yam3HpELHuF_FA1FI63_1mzkB5v6TONJUnZEXI/s1600/20150516_121404_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIcVbadpbf7eXT-xrQXd7S40WLluIuZS_cykcGAxORZoTwIfi224g7o3SleVM1jZ_2Yh_qxDKpXuYniw57mdObpK2prBQNZMdBXEv_yam3HpELHuF_FA1FI63_1mzkB5v6TONJUnZEXI/s400/20150516_121404_2.jpg" title="humpback whale" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Humpback Whale" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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In some ways, part of it was luck as the
boats that went exploring West towards Sooke returned home disappointed.
Captain Jim would probably refer to it as experience and gut instinct, which
proved to be right on this occasion as he made the decision to head North. However,
I believe the defining difference was choosing BC Whale Tours. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDzu1K3j4TeHoOlAM8YjBz0QGbhmS9i4QOhAmAd5bV7CP-nEml4f8ice0e4cwq1wp3Do9fP_dOd2ClbZ4jaAGOYZVSofVhhE_17O4AXHDsAtKkUenNC7Oe4bKtfoTNmEb7U_RpnxVb4w/s1600/20150516_121801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="taylor point" border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDzu1K3j4TeHoOlAM8YjBz0QGbhmS9i4QOhAmAd5bV7CP-nEml4f8ice0e4cwq1wp3Do9fP_dOd2ClbZ4jaAGOYZVSofVhhE_17O4AXHDsAtKkUenNC7Oe4bKtfoTNmEb7U_RpnxVb4w/s400/20150516_121801.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cruising the Islands" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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What makes BC Whale Tours unique among
other whale watching operators in Victoria is that they are one of only two
companies that offer 3.5 to 4 hour tours. The majority of the other companies
only go out for 2.5 to 3 hours. The extra thirty minutes to one hour on the
water makes a huge difference in that it not only offers you more time to
observe the marine wildlife, but more importantly, it gives you greater range
to reach the whales if they are far away from Victoria. This can ultimately
define whether you get to see whales or not.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlAoj-oIVmcfpH2rOYhbrxP68S9LjJLiLTUEfjA2ejNRHiK-tu6Ff6BxtzRc67gZW9-ZgcDL7TTlOAIkTiFJA4nnyVpptM3Wf4wB96kcxlFD2Wr5EZ1W6b1rVbPGk_SAzcT36vBLGqgM/s1600/20150516_102401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="norwegian cruise ship victoria" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlAoj-oIVmcfpH2rOYhbrxP68S9LjJLiLTUEfjA2ejNRHiK-tu6Ff6BxtzRc67gZW9-ZgcDL7TTlOAIkTiFJA4nnyVpptM3Wf4wB96kcxlFD2Wr5EZ1W6b1rVbPGk_SAzcT36vBLGqgM/s400/20150516_102401.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Norwegian Cruise Lines" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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On some days, only the two companies in
Victoria that offer the 3.5 to 4 hour tours actually get to see whales as they
are too far out of reach of the other tour boats. If you are travelling from a
foreign country, I would spend extra for the longer tour to get the best
possible chance of seeing whales as it’s simply not worth the minimal savings
to go home empty handed. I know BC Whale Tours has even been known to push the
limits of their four-hour tour time just to ensure that their guests see the
whales. But in the off chance that you don’t see whales, they let you go again
for free on a stand-by basis and even give you a 20% rebate.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uYl9Dt99UXEM7DFSkm7okPK5ziY-rxQHqr38a-9hIghwLuypuGT3RTo9aY2S1XYNr8UT1NuGls6KsKf2otqsGWsMhUgIubmTvEEpmZuSpFnw6DCBCZVLeRES-6KSc1Rea1Fi5KryVW4/s1600/20150516_133408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uYl9Dt99UXEM7DFSkm7okPK5ziY-rxQHqr38a-9hIghwLuypuGT3RTo9aY2S1XYNr8UT1NuGls6KsKf2otqsGWsMhUgIubmTvEEpmZuSpFnw6DCBCZVLeRES-6KSc1Rea1Fi5KryVW4/s400/20150516_133408.jpg" title="bc orca" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BC Orca" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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Whale watching in Victoria is an absolute
must-do experience that is worth every penny. Absolutely nothing compares to
watching whales in their natural habitat and BC Whale Tours will not
disappoint. You can choose from a handful of trips in either the morning or
afternoon and of course, you can choose your boat as well giving you the best
of both worlds!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcE5xdsYnbh2xOn5WvBRUzBZmENeU8TZH5fkHmwP2PHfeKmotbtqJK5BtXggNGe__v8kL-YMkvubeb9uUmqCZkm2EaQ5ibqd2VCVLNxj5zcTEchaIRwR3IiKunAdKX1ZyaWzyrXrTzJU/s1600/20150516_133549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="bc whale tours" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcE5xdsYnbh2xOn5WvBRUzBZmENeU8TZH5fkHmwP2PHfeKmotbtqJK5BtXggNGe__v8kL-YMkvubeb9uUmqCZkm2EaQ5ibqd2VCVLNxj5zcTEchaIRwR3IiKunAdKX1ZyaWzyrXrTzJU/s400/20150516_133549.jpg" title="bc whale tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BC Whale Tours Office" D.Wilson/JetBC</td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">BC
Whale Tours is located down on the docks at 1234 Wharf Street at the Hyack
Floatplane Terminal <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comVictoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3441262 -123.5270059 48.512715199999995 -123.20428290000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-37543042844665222192019-02-11T00:31:00.000-08:002019-02-17T22:56:46.496-08:00Top Day Trips from Victoria, BC<center>
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Victoria, British Columbia is a fantastic home base for exploring all that Vancouver Island and the Pacific Northwest have to offer. It is often cheaper to <a href="https://www.agoda.com/en-ca/city/victoria-bc-ca.html?cid=1462266">stay overnight in Victoria</a>, compared to the expensive <a href="https://www.agoda.com/en-ca/city/vancouver-bc-ca.html?cid=1462266">hotels in Vancouver</a> and <a href="https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/city/seattle-wa-us.html?cid=1462266">Seattle luxury hotels</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiJrzY2G5-eq_0XXgiG1l4voJJXkM6d5Ja3pmHd1B-eILjjS_ZDB5Mf0IvQdhfs_Tdvm246iAI5G7JX0FqF_0QMt_g4uUB6y7FBQYz9ReD_3tTQMjTPvWQYKr4LmXaUKVTEyZWaNNjao/s1600/Lead-Victoria-BC-WEB-03012017-780x520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="victoria excursions" border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="780" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiJrzY2G5-eq_0XXgiG1l4voJJXkM6d5Ja3pmHd1B-eILjjS_ZDB5Mf0IvQdhfs_Tdvm246iAI5G7JX0FqF_0QMt_g4uUB6y7FBQYz9ReD_3tTQMjTPvWQYKr4LmXaUKVTEyZWaNNjao/s400/Lead-Victoria-BC-WEB-03012017-780x520.jpg" title="victoria day trips" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Day Excursions from Victoria, Canada"</td></tr>
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Here are the top ten days trips from Victoria that are within a reasonable driving distance:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglifz1luyhDmbryx6m8EU7AeZ55X_FDpgurybMvnvQ_555pEwmi7ubz6QeRIdADsVBXdXGbGRxxEIjZoupXLnJRJtkCsDgeFx0hWDJV_pNkpHUfZneYBBMGYk281TgfioVgqeOzkJwuuU/s1600/4aeab16809586777c8c378e6a65e33aecec0134b.jpg_1200x630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="goats on the roof" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglifz1luyhDmbryx6m8EU7AeZ55X_FDpgurybMvnvQ_555pEwmi7ubz6QeRIdADsVBXdXGbGRxxEIjZoupXLnJRJtkCsDgeFx0hWDJV_pNkpHUfZneYBBMGYk281TgfioVgqeOzkJwuuU/s400/4aeab16809586777c8c378e6a65e33aecec0134b.jpg_1200x630.jpg" title="coombs country market" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Parksville & Coombs"</td></tr>
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<b>#10) PARKSVILLE & COOMBS</b><br />
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Driving two hours north of Victoria will bring you to the scenic beach community of Parksville. Families can enjoy a day of relaxation on the city's sandy beaches, which are often home to international sand-castle competitions. Parksville also boasts an array of mini-golf courses, which offer hours of fun for the entire family, and it is the home of Canada's top rated spa, <a href="https://tigh-na-mara.com/grotto-spa">The Grotto at Tigh-Na-Mara</a> Resort. Less than thirty minutes from Parksville, take a short drive to the Coombs Country Market, home to the infamous "Goats on the Roof." Along the way, consider stopping at <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/englishman_rv/">Englishman River Falls</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht24xhZpiKBmN9m1VygR_mcY0dADp7aXp0bptvHSw2s5H3qUtRed-muPWUxb539nStI0vNk_bKDF8Le15QOq3VU_Zjoft-MmukTHf8YbpgSkEPOkazJlxw7_q9LdGqjsGYLZC8oj0-wqM/s1600/Saltspring-Soapworks-Saturday-Market-400x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="salt spring island market" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht24xhZpiKBmN9m1VygR_mcY0dADp7aXp0bptvHSw2s5H3qUtRed-muPWUxb539nStI0vNk_bKDF8Le15QOq3VU_Zjoft-MmukTHf8YbpgSkEPOkazJlxw7_q9LdGqjsGYLZC8oj0-wqM/s400/Saltspring-Soapworks-Saturday-Market-400x300.jpg" title="salt spring day tour" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Salt Spring Island Saturday Market"</td></tr>
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<b>#9) SALT SPRING ISLAND</b><br />
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There is no better way to experience island life than a visit to Salt Spring Island. Just a thirty-five minute ferry ride away, Salt Spring is the largest of the Gulf Islands. It offers a delightful mix of farms and artisans creating a wide range of local products. It is a culinary paradise with many locally produced items including honey, apples, cheese, wine, lamb, seafood, and bread among many others. For a relaxing experience, visit one of the island's lavender farms. All of these farmers and artisans come together in the weekly <a href="https://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-markets/saturday-market/">Salt Spring Saturday Market</a>, held throughout the summer at Centennial Park. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRS-ro4vu_1jW0tfy-p74tOxqVu853byKPB0yjNMZ6c4iuqIn5LHGFGKU8CU_fQvEomSV5Aom54HqFKJtLXkG5nHStL3aFZUWU5LGHFU8EU8s4mDvb1pgwydrupw35wkATL840IAdp3o/s1600/18242dffc6ced60cf0f7e37a0127c62a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="sooke day trip" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRS-ro4vu_1jW0tfy-p74tOxqVu853byKPB0yjNMZ6c4iuqIn5LHGFGKU8CU_fQvEomSV5Aom54HqFKJtLXkG5nHStL3aFZUWU5LGHFU8EU8s4mDvb1pgwydrupw35wkATL840IAdp3o/s400/18242dffc6ced60cf0f7e37a0127c62a.jpg" title="sooke day tour" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sooke Rotary Pier"</td></tr>
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<b><br />#8) SOOKE</b><br />
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The lovely small community of Sooke is within an hour drive of Victoria. It is the gate way to some fantastic hikes along rugged west coast scenery such as the <a href="https://trailsbc.ca/loop/vancouver-island/hike-juan-de-fuca-trail-42-km">Juan de Fuca Trail</a>, <a href="https://www.crd.bc.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-trails/find-park-trail/east-sooke">East Sooke Park</a>, and the <a href="http://hikewct.com/">West Coast Trail</a>, a multi-day hike that begins at Port Renfrew. There are stunning west coast beaches such as <a href="http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/french_bch/">French Beach</a>. Couples and families can also take a dip in the cool waters at <a href="https://www.victoriatrails.com/trails/sooke-potholes/">Sooke Pot Holes</a>. Sooke Basin is a fantastic place to go kayaking or you could head to the Sooke Rotary Pier for some traditional west coast crab fishing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZZi_z7X_tJidCcStigH7mafQfovwefJMM-9QkbUht4_vKJmDeYIhvyqyLLxOLEKUhspKEBB0Slh45JEpoKL0iC_UF6qfjVkR3NJ7oDs0VlqSizJg1Y-qTPJeUzKZGT2Y7W9aLoP4DPk/s1600/02092014-ferries-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="gulf island cruise" border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="804" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZZi_z7X_tJidCcStigH7mafQfovwefJMM-9QkbUht4_vKJmDeYIhvyqyLLxOLEKUhspKEBB0Slh45JEpoKL0iC_UF6qfjVkR3NJ7oDs0VlqSizJg1Y-qTPJeUzKZGT2Y7W9aLoP4DPk/s400/02092014-ferries-jpg.jpg" title="gulf island day tour" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Gulf Island Ferry"</td></tr>
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<b>#7) GULF ISLAND HOPPING</b><br />
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Many tourists and locals are unaware that you can board a <a href="https://www.bcferries.com/schedules/southern/daytrip-current.php">Gulf Island Day Excursion</a> from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal. The trips generally depart in the morning and make multiple stops in the Gulf Islands. Stops may include Saturna Island, Mayne Island, Galiano Island, and Pender Island. The entire excursion is typically around 3.5 hours. It is a fantastic and incredibly affordable way (less than $20) to enjoy <a href="https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/blogs/a-sea-tour-of-the-southern-gulf-islands-for-a-modest-sum-1.21489360">a relaxing coastal cruise</a>, while viewing magnificent west coast scenery. Service is usually provided by the <a href="https://www.bcferries.com/onboard-experiences/fleet/profile-queen_of_cumberland.html">Queen of Cumberland</a> or the Mayne Queen. Be sure to bring a picnic as food service may be limited on board.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-kxnc7ttAPuFm0TPAk8hKK2FITbPjiW98LRyBS5hzX3oF7RsSv-hVP08eotdPwCoQKBywwke2rrv48tTXwnK_HPMynd3TyDr7_pkOSIIkh-774ux4Cd88nCDjJ07eo-N8Xw5lTiunLk/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cowichan day trip" border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="450" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-kxnc7ttAPuFm0TPAk8hKK2FITbPjiW98LRyBS5hzX3oF7RsSv-hVP08eotdPwCoQKBywwke2rrv48tTXwnK_HPMynd3TyDr7_pkOSIIkh-774ux4Cd88nCDjJ07eo-N8Xw5lTiunLk/s400/wine.jpg" title="cowichan wine tours" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cowichan Valley Wineries"</td></tr>
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<b>#6) COWICHAN VALLEY WINERIES</b><br />
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A short one hour drive from Victoria will bring you into the Cowichan Valley. It is home to many of the <a href="https://www.tourismcowichan.com/activities/sip-savour/">region's wineries</a> and <a href="https://www.merridale.ca/">cider houses</a>. But there is so much more to explore in the region with a variety of attractions to suit all interests and ages. From learning about <a href="http://www.quwutsun.ca/">First Nations culture</a> to observing <a href="http://pnwraptors.com/">birds of prey</a>, the Cowichan Valley will not disappoint. You can even take side trips to quaint villages like Cowichan Bay for lunch or a trip to Lake Cowichan where you can go tubing down the Cowichan River. Don't forget to ride the steam train at the <a href="https://bcforestdiscoverycentre.com/">BC Forestry Museum</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO-kUWzmvs-9uCkhYKRfvwiSci0dvhqt5opCj7PRK7wMKRfnZWh4vA19IApmhF_FZE8QOrnSrFeorWoXf1RToCWpa-V2Utu9NFQCLFDTB5lIgQinb0Dw8UOLAoIXLvzgk36O0cjOdxnI/s1600/ol-hiking-hurricane-ridge-sunrise-point_jbailie_680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="olympic national park day trip" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1200" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO-kUWzmvs-9uCkhYKRfvwiSci0dvhqt5opCj7PRK7wMKRfnZWh4vA19IApmhF_FZE8QOrnSrFeorWoXf1RToCWpa-V2Utu9NFQCLFDTB5lIgQinb0Dw8UOLAoIXLvzgk36O0cjOdxnI/s400/ol-hiking-hurricane-ridge-sunrise-point_jbailie_680.jpg" title="hurricane ridge tour" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Olympic National Park: Hurricane Ridge"</td></tr>
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<b>#5) HURRICANE RIDGE (USA)</b><br />
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Visitors to Victoria rarely think to head south. But just a <a href="https://www.cohoferry.com/attractions/olympic-peninsula/olympic-national-park-tours">1.5 ferry ride</a> away across the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca is the small town of Port Angeles, located at the northern tip of Washington State. It is the gateway to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm">Olympic National Park</a>. Hurricane Ridge is a <a href="https://forgetsomeday.com/hurricane-ridge/">fantastic hike</a> that offers stunning views of Mount Olympus, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and countless wildlife. <a href="https://www.hikeolympic.com/hurricane-ridge-tour/">Guided tours</a> are also available.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7fp94l-nItutoA5rEB3q3jegoHmpbnn2MgkZ4Tpgf6_ObH-1wTuZLjfro_guBEo9IvwI-XEg8k4HDYV408RfezmgicyJUIIcniAwbEVK-kF58XyjmdvbRGMLdJd7-mHYL6BAXK7P6cI/s1600/Chemainus_Murals_Cowichan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="chemainus day tour" border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7fp94l-nItutoA5rEB3q3jegoHmpbnn2MgkZ4Tpgf6_ObH-1wTuZLjfro_guBEo9IvwI-XEg8k4HDYV408RfezmgicyJUIIcniAwbEVK-kF58XyjmdvbRGMLdJd7-mHYL6BAXK7P6cI/s400/Chemainus_Murals_Cowichan.jpg" title="chemainus day trip" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Chemainus Murals"</td></tr>
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<b>#4) CHEMAINUS</b><br />
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The quaint village of <a href="http://visitchemainus.ca/">Chemainus </a>is less than a 1.5 hour drive from Victoria. Known for its enchanting theatre and beautiful murals scattered throughout the town, it is the ideal place to unwind over a leisurely lunch. There are plenty of little shops to explore before taking in a show at the <a href="https://chemainustheatrefestival.ca/">Chemainus Theatre</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBithpWTsgjlQuuUHK_36QT7bZRAhDwIIb6b4I6-fFMZsGYQQkFEig3ICFj0dXGcBmH2oR-eormerM5mgyhZDJQ0h7iYJ0WA2IabXGO7wzBqzFs7KpGF5lPFiLulBYzNTjfTi_e2V-M_U/s1600/DJI_0261_rev-1024x576.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="nanaimo day tours" border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBithpWTsgjlQuuUHK_36QT7bZRAhDwIIb6b4I6-fFMZsGYQQkFEig3ICFj0dXGcBmH2oR-eormerM5mgyhZDJQ0h7iYJ0WA2IabXGO7wzBqzFs7KpGF5lPFiLulBYzNTjfTi_e2V-M_U/s400/DJI_0261_rev-1024x576.jpeg" title="nanaimo day trip" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The City of Nanaimo"</td></tr>
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<b>#3) NANAIMO</b><br />
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Nanaimo is the second largest city on Vancouver Island. It is home to stunning harbour where visitors can dine, go for leisurely strolls, fish for crabs, or kayak. Those looking for an unforgettable experience should try <a href="http://www.divingbc.com/snorkel_package.htm">snorkelling with harbour seals</a>. Nanaimo has something for everyone including <a href="https://www.tourismnanaimo.com/2018/02/28/exploring-trails-nanaimo-bc/">beautiful hikes</a> and even <a href="http://www.chateauwolff.com/">wineries </a>and <a href="https://arbutusdistillery.com/">distilleries</a>. If you want to experience local seafood or buy souvenirs, head down to <a href="https://www.stjeans.com/">St. Jean's Cannery</a>. Nanaimo features unique culinary experiences and casual places to eat. Take a ride on the Protection Island Ferry to <a href="http://dinghydockpub.com/">Canada's only floating pub</a>, or visit a traditional <a href="http://crowandgate.ca/">English-style pub</a> in a lush country setting. Fine dining is also available at the infamous <a href="http://www.mahlehouse.ca/">Mahle House</a>. Of course, don't leave Nanaimo without trying a Nanaimo Bar!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2IqvPZ1bVk8aN8IrymePDf4qjENlGp-B85sxs-lfpOg5PXP28viKloDnEQbwSR94bgST9Fp6YrtYEbfArlIumsO-jLrChBb-cLrmmmz8-HXYWdCtGiAzqJ2KpS25hoqdLa29LPQC-s0/s1600/Aerial_Sunset_Vancouver_d3_copy_1bb86ed0-1edc-4cda-841d-0b033ca0bb72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="vancouver day tours" border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2IqvPZ1bVk8aN8IrymePDf4qjENlGp-B85sxs-lfpOg5PXP28viKloDnEQbwSR94bgST9Fp6YrtYEbfArlIumsO-jLrChBb-cLrmmmz8-HXYWdCtGiAzqJ2KpS25hoqdLa29LPQC-s0/s400/Aerial_Sunset_Vancouver_d3_copy_1bb86ed0-1edc-4cda-841d-0b033ca0bb72.jpg" title="vancouver day trips" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The City of Vancouver"</td></tr>
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<b>#2) VANCOUVER</b><br />
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The City of Vancouver offers the finest balance of natural beauty with the modern amenities and shopping of any major city. There are many ways for visitors to travel from Victoria to Vancouver. The most economical way is the 1.5 hour ferry ride aboard BC Ferries from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen. Public bus service is available on both ends to connect tourists from the ferry terminals to the city centres. Those who want a more exhilarating experience can jump aboard a <a href="https://helijet.com/">helicopter</a> or <a href="https://www.harbourair.com/">float plane</a> for the thirty-five minute journey from harbour to harbour. In Vancouver, there are no shortage of activities from Granville Island to Canada Place and Chinatown. For culinary lovers, the city boasts some of the best Asian cuisine found outside of Asia. Don't forget to take a ride on the <a href="https://www.flyovercanada.com/">Fly-Over Canada</a> experience!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe_oKGl62eM4czNkuDnXIVO8rISflJ98v_Af0gsFUYtVwTQEslPZ0VoroDEW6E_iJPmCVCYO8XxMfPY0FWGRz9uXQTc_ejoxCUxLy3NtK8E8gfCVLA0RwHgROferxa17Il6FHGeI7dXc/s1600/gallery-garden-sunken-05-1000x533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="butchart gardens day tour" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe_oKGl62eM4czNkuDnXIVO8rISflJ98v_Af0gsFUYtVwTQEslPZ0VoroDEW6E_iJPmCVCYO8XxMfPY0FWGRz9uXQTc_ejoxCUxLy3NtK8E8gfCVLA0RwHgROferxa17Il6FHGeI7dXc/s400/gallery-garden-sunken-05-1000x533.jpg" title="butchart gardens day trip" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Butchart Gardens"</td></tr>
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<b>#1) BUTCHART GARDENS & WHALE WATCHING</b><br />
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Naturally, it is quite easy to fill any day in Victoria without even leaving the city. From the countless walking trails and historical attractions, to the wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, filling time in Victoria is a delight for anyone. But for those that want to experience the city's two most popular attractions, there is no better day excursion than a thrilling three-hour whale watching excursion paired with a trip to the world famous Butchart Gardens. Save time and money by booking a combined <a href="https://princeofwhales.com/victoria-tours/whale-watching-butchart-gardens/">Whales & Gardens</a> package tour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodbIA-zKmIi2Y4d_64Pgh7rZa0Th9EmGjRh7mSrFplYKELKfhjO-OOPk9XgTtRWjnhBgRkv48Uj-9rxc7pbI0DEbAUYtl9RTr5p4LNEbc-ql0hgysUTu0xqJyMWAL2RDvFXV7EKDKRz8/s1600/whales-and-bears-of-british-columbia-tour-2-352117_0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="victoria bc whale watching" border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="750" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodbIA-zKmIi2Y4d_64Pgh7rZa0Th9EmGjRh7mSrFplYKELKfhjO-OOPk9XgTtRWjnhBgRkv48Uj-9rxc7pbI0DEbAUYtl9RTr5p4LNEbc-ql0hgysUTu0xqJyMWAL2RDvFXV7EKDKRz8/s400/whales-and-bears-of-british-columbia-tour-2-352117_0.JPG" title="whale watching victoria bc" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Orca Whale Watching"<br />
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comVictoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.3656444000000148.3441262 -123.5270059 48.512715199999995 -123.20428290000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-61501665221314769032018-08-28T23:46:00.002-07:002018-08-28T23:46:28.813-07:00Swoop to Launch Las Vegas Flights from AbbotsfordSwoop, the <a href="https://www.flyswoop.com/" target="_blank">ultra-low cost airline subsidiary of WestJet Airlines</a> has announced that it will become the first Canadian ultra low cost carrier to fly to the United States. The carrier will be launching low cost service to five destinations south of the border from three Canadian cities including Abbotsford in British Columbia.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/flyswoop/status/996037741837074433" target="_blank">Swoop / Twitter</a></td></tr>
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Beginning on October 11, Swoop will operate direct flights from Abbotsford to Las Vegas, Nevada. The carrier will be operating the service a few times per week. Swoop also intends to fly to Las Vegas from Edmonton, AB and Hamilton, ON. Other US destinations will include Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Phoenix. However, Las Vegas will be the only service operated from BC.</div>
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The new service to the United States is scheduled to launch as Swoop accepts delivery of its fifth and sixth aircraft. The move is aimed at targeting price conscious travellers that typically travel south of the border to travel on US ultra low-cost carriers such as <a href="http://www.allegiantair.com/" target="_blank">Allegiant Air</a> from border cities such as Bellingham, WA. Swoop is trying to attract the five million Canadians that cross the border annually to depart from US airports.</div>
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The Swoop announcement came ahead of <a href="https://flairair.ca/travel-info/flair-air-route-map/" target="_blank">Flair Air</a>, which also announced <a href="https://ca.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/flair-airlines-expanding-to-florida-arizona-palm-springs-and-vegas.html" target="_blank">new low-cost service to the US</a> this month. The Edmonton-based carrier will be operating flights to Florida, Palm Springs, Arizona, and Las Vegas. However, service will only be offered from Edmonton, Winnipeg and Toronto. </div>
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Fares on Swoop's new US services will start as low as $149 one-way inclusive of taxes and fees. However, <a href="https://www.flyswoop.com/" target="_blank">promotional fares</a> will be available periodically with rates as low as $99 and $119. The ultra-low cost model is based on low airfares paired with the collection of optional ancillary fees for amenities such as luggage, wireless internet, premium seats, and seat selection. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Image Source: <a href="http://www.travelweek.ca/news/to-abbotsford-b-c-and-then-on-to-halifax-ns-swoop-takes-flight-with-coast-to-coast-launch/" target="_blank">Travelweek</a><br /></td></tr>
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Swoop reported that it currently collects $36 per passenger on average in ancillary fees, twice the rate that WestJet collects with its higher airfares. The carrier believes that it can increase revenues as it offers other services such as <a href="https://www.agoda.com/en-ca/city/las-vegas-nv-us.html?cid=1462266" target="_blank">hotel reservations</a>, travel insurance, and car rentals, in addition to an expanded selection of food and beverage choices in-flight.</div>
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<br />Meanwhile, domestic service will continue from Abbotsford into Swoop's winter schedule. The carrier will continue operating daily flights to Hamilton with ten flights weekly, while the recently added daily flights to Edmonton will operate sixteen times per week.<br /></div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-36969456531699379462018-07-30T23:42:00.001-07:002018-07-30T23:42:51.270-07:00Sunwing Airlines Expanding Victoria Service in Winter 2018Leisure carrier Sunwing Airlines has announced that it will be expanding its winter schedule into Victoria, British Columbia with three Mexican destinations for the first time ever this upcoming winter season.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8939256" target="_blank">Huy Do/JetPhotos.com</a></td></tr>
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<br />Residents of Victoria will be able to select from three of Sunwing's most popular vacation destinations in Mexico including Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Huatulco. The carrier has operated direct flights to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos from Victoria in past seasons. However, this is the first year that Huatulco will be available as a direct flight. </div>
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Departures to Puerto Vallarta will be available weekly every Saturday from December 22, 2018 to March 30, 2019. Direct flights to Huatulco will operate every Tuesday from Victoria International Airport between November 6, 2018 and April 16, 2019. Meanwhile, Los Cabos flights will operate the longest this season with flights scheduled every Monday from November 5, 2018 to April 22, 2019. </div>
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According to Sunwing's President of Tour Operations, Andrew Dawson, the expansion Victoria remains part of Sunwing's commitment to enable travellers to depart from their local airport. "Enabling our customers to save time and money by departing from their local airport is very important to us," said Dawson. "We are delighted to be returning to Victoria again this winter and to be able to increase our vacation options to include three of our most popular destinations for the first time."</div>
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Mexico remains a popular travel spot for Canadian sun seekers boasting a year-round tropical climate. Mexico's Pacific side is home to stunning mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and national parks. Visitors can find a wide range of activities from golfing on world-class courses in Puerto Vallarta to sailing around the Cabo San Lucas Arch in Los Cabos to ziplining through the jungle in Huatulco.</div>
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The expansion of Sunwing's service to Vancouver Island is welcome news for the Victoria International Airport. "Sun destinations are very popular with our community. There's something for everyone with these well-liked vacation options," said Geoff Dickson, President & CEO of the Victoria Airport Authority. "We're pleased to welcome Sunwing back."</div>
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Sunwing Airlines recently accepted delivery of the first of four new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. The new MAX aircraft features 189 seats including a new seat tip, which creates the perception that passengers have two inches more leg room. </div>
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Each seat will be equipped with a USB port for charging personal devices, a first for the Sunwing fleet. The aircraft is also equipped with 24 seats of Sunwing's Elite Plus seats, which offer 3 to 6 inches of additional leg room for an additional charge. It remains unclear if Sunwing will operate the Victoria flights with its new fleet or if flights will be subcontracted once again to Mexican carrier viva aerobus. </div>
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Last year, Sunwing came under heavy criticism after <a href="https://www.vicnews.com/news/sunwing-leaves-passengers-bound-for-victoria-stranded-in-abbotsford/" target="_blank">leaving Victoria bound passengers stranded</a> in Abbotsford after the flight was redirected. Sunwing offers <a href="http://www.sunwing.ca/" target="_blank">direct flights and vacations packages</a> from more than 33 airports across Canada to more than 45 popular sun destinations. The carrier's in-flight service includes a complimentary glass of sparking wine, tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages. A buy-on-board menu is also available with selections inspired by celebrity chef, Lynn Crawford. All Sunwing flights offer a complimentary checked luggage allowance of 23 kilograms.</div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-65760266340992103782018-07-24T00:04:00.002-07:002018-07-24T00:04:37.941-07:00WestJet Link Launches in Cranbrook and Prince GeorgeAfter months of anticipation, WestJet finally inaugurated WestJet Link on June 20, a new regional airline service in British Columbia flying passengers from the BC cities of Prince George and Cranbrook to WestJet's primary hub in Calgary. The new service also serves Lloydminster, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat in Alberta. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1820820075767310092_33563079" target="_blank">@ace.yyc</a></td></tr>
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WestJet Link flights are operated by Vancouver based Pacific Coastal Airlines with a fleet of 34-seat <a href="https://deskgram.org/explore/tags/westjetlink" target="_blank">Saab 340B aircraft</a>. The aircraft feature six seats of WestJet Plus seating, offering passengers a seat at the front of the aircraft, advanced boarding, and two pieces of complimentary checked luggage. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1805497006954062620_239671442" target="_blank">@sam.yyc</a></td></tr>
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The addition of WestJet Link complements WestJet's dominant position at Calgary International Airport, where it offers more flights to more destinations than any other carrier with an average of 147 daily flights to 49 destinations offered by WestJet and WestJet Encore. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1826715699882367842_187110725" target="_blank">@brittneyamber</a></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Pacific Coastal Airlines expressed excitement over the new opportunities created by joining the WestJet family. "Pacific Coastal Airlines is proud to become part of the WestJet family through the launch of WestJet Link," said Quentin Smith, President of Pacific Coastal Airlines. "This is a great partnership between two Western Canadian airlines that share similar corporate values and a customer-focused approach to doing business."</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_ErluYItQuKEVGJCripKqv9r_1NITQXKYBLsH6QMjTC6hN6dGZ7cWOMmt_4wxDpomQtub86G-eLZ4rr-h23_BwTQmjM_pCjs1q7M1jH9P07m-AFKprHPD_IlPlX66el3J2H9ac1J4fo/s1600/36136534_304383843436225_1719011027581927424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saab 340b" border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1080" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_ErluYItQuKEVGJCripKqv9r_1NITQXKYBLsH6QMjTC6hN6dGZ7cWOMmt_4wxDpomQtub86G-eLZ4rr-h23_BwTQmjM_pCjs1q7M1jH9P07m-AFKprHPD_IlPlX66el3J2H9ac1J4fo/s400/36136534_304383843436225_1719011027581927424_n.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1817585418254871725_3956605487" target="_blank">@westjetfan_aa</a></td></tr>
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Service between Calgary and Prince George will operate once daily, while service between Calgary and Cranbrook will be offered three times daily. But this won't be the first time WestJet has offered a direct flight between Prince George and Calgary with WestJet Link being the carrier's third attempt at the route. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmML3HbIHfWkv5V9YRBlTt_hxK5sK1IvmTQDcPD0jMXfZIdfpdb5N8AaKkC5QRaH4lTeEcSj9_7JDr78Q_X9qkk6GpvNX_WorUQkakb-aD-o1YTUIj05ZaDps3KeWIDLnY8w4hyVUyZk/s1600/5057405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saab 340b" border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1024" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmML3HbIHfWkv5V9YRBlTt_hxK5sK1IvmTQDcPD0jMXfZIdfpdb5N8AaKkC5QRaH4lTeEcSj9_7JDr78Q_X9qkk6GpvNX_WorUQkakb-aD-o1YTUIj05ZaDps3KeWIDLnY8w4hyVUyZk/s400/5057405.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="http://www.airliners.net/photo/WestJet-Link-Pacific-Coastal-Airlines/Saab-340B/5057405" target="_blank">Dueck Images</a>/Airliners.net</td></tr>
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"The difference in years past is we've had much larger aircraft and we just were not able to fill enough of the seats to make those events profitable," stated WestJet Executive Vice President Charles Duncan in an <a href="https://www.myprincegeorgenow.com/77916/pg-to-calgary-direct-flights-announced/">interview with Prince George Now</a>. </div>
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Pacific Coastal Airlines will operate the WestJet Link service under a capacity service agreement. It is a common practice used by airlines worldwide to provide larger carriers with smaller aircraft that can serve small to medium sized communities. </div>
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Introductory one-way fares from Cranbrook to Calgary start at $64 plus applicable taxes and surcharges. For the Mayor of Cranbrook, the new service opens up the world to the Kootenays. "This is very exciting news for the City of Cranbook and surrounding communities," said Mayor Lee Pratt. "Residents from the East and West Kootenay have been waiting for years for WestJet connections to Calgary giving access to destinations around the world. We will put concentrated effort into encouraging the public to take advantage of this added service."</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNzrx-mjvbL3bHfpNo6x0jVHu9Ooz2IkJb5bA0zKn5Qj8OyUvbvt0UW_VuPB52OWSugLA01T0lKVTQahv-4pslGJPnx09fm0E8Il-rIEr70QihAv5x08sm1EkjAfDv5olzsqyEJJo7Y/s1600/12413760_web1_WestJet-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saab 340b" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniNzrx-mjvbL3bHfpNo6x0jVHu9Ooz2IkJb5bA0zKn5Qj8OyUvbvt0UW_VuPB52OWSugLA01T0lKVTQahv-4pslGJPnx09fm0E8Il-rIEr70QihAv5x08sm1EkjAfDv5olzsqyEJJo7Y/s400/12413760_web1_WestJet-1.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/video/first-westjet-flight-touches-down-in-cranbrook/" target="_blank">Cranbrook Daily Townsman</a></td></tr>
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For residents of Prince George, Calgary is one of the airport's most requested destinations. "We are very excited to have non-stop service between Prince George and Calgary again," said John Gibson, President & CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority. "Calgary is the number one unserved market requested by the greater Prince George community." Introductory one-way fares from Prince George to Calgary start at $69 plus applicable taxes and fees.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflX1hWfUH4hM3hKfQ24JVJ-TbHq4Ski0r946Hfv68AivtNx7RBG-hknPSdeoX5Sb1IJvVZV7alIgMbG80SAg5ZZPmbBpkPrivvAEXxJdS_KyZit5u5ysV1uWoEpZuUxbeM87m7oIh0eo/s1600/32846130_1735949423165598_6914183424211156992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saab 340b" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflX1hWfUH4hM3hKfQ24JVJ-TbHq4Ski0r946Hfv68AivtNx7RBG-hknPSdeoX5Sb1IJvVZV7alIgMbG80SAg5ZZPmbBpkPrivvAEXxJdS_KyZit5u5ysV1uWoEpZuUxbeM87m7oIh0eo/s400/32846130_1735949423165598_6914183424211156992_n.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1790139995718326284_1354826714" target="_blank">@rickybattallones1995</a></td></tr>
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WestJet was originally planning to launch WestJet Link in early 2018. However, the carrier was forced to postpone plans while Pacific Coastal Airlines worked to put the resources in place to fully meet WestJet's operational requirements. The new Link service will utilize up to 8 aircraft. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2kdmpa8OYmYEp8-krJIs8B7rYLUDV9kRG71EeYAYmqdoNvvbP5HgdmSQCO-V03-UFkzxr1Sh5QqR8i8ggJK_MA17kt25HyXrbXJoUqn6r_MtVPl6QxrBil8KXqpmRIWUoKvwzBUUvs8/s1600/34983592_619700795072664_3578298040693293056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="saab 340b" border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2kdmpa8OYmYEp8-krJIs8B7rYLUDV9kRG71EeYAYmqdoNvvbP5HgdmSQCO-V03-UFkzxr1Sh5QqR8i8ggJK_MA17kt25HyXrbXJoUqn6r_MtVPl6QxrBil8KXqpmRIWUoKvwzBUUvs8/s400/34983592_619700795072664_3578298040693293056_n.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: <a href="https://deskgram.org/p/1811744149578270284_5526156498" target="_blank">@rj.aviation</a></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, although no future expansion plans have been revealed for WestJet Link, there is always speculation as to possible routes the carrier may pick up in the future. On the sidelines of WestJet Encore's Fifth Anniversary in Nanaimo, it was noted that while Encore has had success operating from Nanaimo to Calgary and Vancouver, its flights to Edmonton were cancelled just three months after launch in March 2016. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFGOH0wqCKmTQ1KWkC2RmGiuJJ_iRFMykGkXRoPS5aaooobs5A4TpgmqHOboFkgk-msvLMkv15_pU1J1iMBnXbl_hT2DF1fvnJBhsXKusYfTHQP8oo7dInCoFb6BExSFiN81i7BQGYkc/s1600/WestJet-Link-1140x641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet encore" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1140" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFGOH0wqCKmTQ1KWkC2RmGiuJJ_iRFMykGkXRoPS5aaooobs5A4TpgmqHOboFkgk-msvLMkv15_pU1J1iMBnXbl_hT2DF1fvnJBhsXKusYfTHQP8oo7dInCoFb6BExSFiN81i7BQGYkc/s400/WestJet-Link-1140x641.jpg" title="westjet link" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: Kyle Balzer / <a href="https://www.myprincegeorgenow.com/77916/pg-to-calgary-direct-flights-announced/" target="_blank">My PG Now</a></td></tr>
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While no plans exist to restore the route, Charles Duncan noted that WestJet Link may be <a href="https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/westjet-marks-five-years-of-service-out-of-nanaimo-airport/" target="_blank">a possibility for Nanaimo someday</a>. "That might be a way to serve the Nanaimo-Edmonton route," said Duncan. </div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-24683311357320779652018-03-04T23:54:00.000-08:002018-03-05T02:02:02.268-08:00V2V Vacations Review: Vancouver to Victoria<h3>
The V2V Empress: A Relaxing Journey Between Vancouver and Victoria</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e15V3FX3HAVtpcPkS9zx5Yfh0ja9LgQdR4gr4KU8gcgKRD0dum1Ej_esBlEUYJNWhPobSpjM7W4nWQOwUXKdpIVJoAnfU_rl5Xu8rD1D1bSOAU8iJSq6vitno8qqsLLvQXD_FHpmB0Y/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="V2V Vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4e15V3FX3HAVtpcPkS9zx5Yfh0ja9LgQdR4gr4KU8gcgKRD0dum1Ej_esBlEUYJNWhPobSpjM7W4nWQOwUXKdpIVJoAnfU_rl5Xu8rD1D1bSOAU8iJSq6vitno8qqsLLvQXD_FHpmB0Y/s640/IMG_2675.JPG" title="V2V Empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The V2V Empress / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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If you want to find the easiest way to travel from Vancouver to Victoria, look no further than V2V Vacations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmEe-6Tub4id5jD7622NHV6UL-semRvU3yAxDV3H8aEKxtekNXbb5D3B_CWnkHXq510DBuuGepdsQMbolBzxLulwiTQnhTNqo45kYEl4ndOTEpNjhe_eLtCdDOCrKbAkxrctoeh1wByg/s1600/20180224_115249.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="V2V Vancouver Office" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmEe-6Tub4id5jD7622NHV6UL-semRvU3yAxDV3H8aEKxtekNXbb5D3B_CWnkHXq510DBuuGepdsQMbolBzxLulwiTQnhTNqo45kYEl4ndOTEpNjhe_eLtCdDOCrKbAkxrctoeh1wByg/s640/20180224_115249.jpg" title="V2V Vancouver Terminal" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Office / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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As a local that travels frequently between Victoria and Vancouver for business and pleasure, I was extremely eager to sample the new V2V service between the two cities.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakriaQ1yoihppZvGm2ujSrHFTfJA-cLqwMAIbNvu1n6v9202Ci-Lx0hYqWoo1f4k8Qwwo7W3YfD1SBCos5eu38BBqGG7mZOI5t6nKaO-_Xus_y-L1EN_Cee2nMf73XEktjFUJGQPb54/s1600/20180224_115026.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations vancouver office" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeakriaQ1yoihppZvGm2ujSrHFTfJA-cLqwMAIbNvu1n6v9202Ci-Lx0hYqWoo1f4k8Qwwo7W3YfD1SBCos5eu38BBqGG7mZOI5t6nKaO-_Xus_y-L1EN_Cee2nMf73XEktjFUJGQPb54/s640/20180224_115026.jpg" title="v2v vacations vancouver terminal" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Last December, I discovered an extremely generous introductory rate for Royal Class, which is their top class of service, and did not hesitate to reserve a seat. The reservations agent, Alyssa, was extremely friendly and accommodating. It felt more like dealing with a personal concierge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTdENDbyQ4d1BX6lzyYtaGUfEywgiRqGD39tYVQS4-pD5hLhg86BRja-w-h6L-Nv69YhqeADD3hDrFjxfCN_zQg6V05T7ia0IdmGjwVXuaEswTVLwy-4m_pkw5Mt1prhAvQgC6uoLec/s1600/20180224_114948.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations vancouver terminal" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTdENDbyQ4d1BX6lzyYtaGUfEywgiRqGD39tYVQS4-pD5hLhg86BRja-w-h6L-Nv69YhqeADD3hDrFjxfCN_zQg6V05T7ia0IdmGjwVXuaEswTVLwy-4m_pkw5Mt1prhAvQgC6uoLec/s640/20180224_114948.jpg" title="v2v vacations vancouver office" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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The V2V Terminal in Vancouver is conveniently located at Canada Place, just steps away from the Cruise Terminal and the Float Planes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2MbaSDszwoSAMtBrMv4dN7y3zMt7k5hVA2Kx1N-yfwFuzswdmNNoARx8RPTAl_MsSmVR5jJVSWxb84r_rZPqnwTkmXIF2b0U3yj407_zKrvDycW7ClO560eVQL27kPjHZQUNZig9fZs/s1600/ext+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vancouver office map" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2MbaSDszwoSAMtBrMv4dN7y3zMt7k5hVA2Kx1N-yfwFuzswdmNNoARx8RPTAl_MsSmVR5jJVSWxb84r_rZPqnwTkmXIF2b0U3yj407_zKrvDycW7ClO560eVQL27kPjHZQUNZig9fZs/s640/ext+%25281%2529.jpg" title="v2v vancouver terminal map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal Map / Source: V2V Vacations</td></tr>
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If you have time to spare while waiting, I highly recommend the <a href="https://www.flyovercanada.com/">Fly-Over Canada</a> experience.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTjhbrSqC7eBUA2o-Xxwvj7OHzb1BmCGC_Y3Nxg1knuMJl-d3uaYK3lbyg32jul7Dze80J-ri05W9Y-TvVLpqpNazb78UdODfkQF55yjk-IzJXLEd1JVmAJEKnlUp918NYnQwDevwcbQ/s1600/20180224_115002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations vancouver terminal" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTjhbrSqC7eBUA2o-Xxwvj7OHzb1BmCGC_Y3Nxg1knuMJl-d3uaYK3lbyg32jul7Dze80J-ri05W9Y-TvVLpqpNazb78UdODfkQF55yjk-IzJXLEd1JVmAJEKnlUp918NYnQwDevwcbQ/s640/20180224_115002.jpg" title="v2v vacations vancouver office" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Check-in begins thirty minutes prior to departure. The staff at the terminal greeted us warmly, tagged and stored our luggage for our 1:30pm departure to Victoria. Each passenger is permitted up to one piece of luggage weighing 23 kilograms. After receiving our boarding passes, we browsed through the V2V souvenirs and local products that were available at the Vancouver terminal.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPnOsgbdGdlo7pNR1vIrd3UI9lHrSVTcQis99jao_nlYxPTsLzioM8f-YCDiZ28RT2Mq_haHqpp42pbnRs0DmJ_Z8hO8v38f3IVv7ZTb2OlmMqeJO-61xmguCGuLPziWqu_HohOSiA3c/s1600/20180224_120049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations vancouver" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPnOsgbdGdlo7pNR1vIrd3UI9lHrSVTcQis99jao_nlYxPTsLzioM8f-YCDiZ28RT2Mq_haHqpp42pbnRs0DmJ_Z8hO8v38f3IVv7ZTb2OlmMqeJO-61xmguCGuLPziWqu_HohOSiA3c/s640/20180224_120049.jpg" title="v2v vacations canada place" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal Canada Place / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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When it was time for us to board, we were personally escorted down to the ship by a V2V agent. He kindly carried our luggage for us to the V2V Empress, a 254-seat high speed catamaran. As the dock is on the lower level, passengers must either use stairs or an elevator to reach the ship. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRJB0DO8pxuWSk2pkCVRhfqgEYjXIUpap9R88OwqAFGHWDekEdDo9-c3Zrzo2QQbs6VYbDH2BxcTz0se_beWqDKEWwitQOLSsfoxQJYMeXGBV58PNHtY-8zbUMwmbx2OWZnKAO2u4l8Q/s1600/20180224_115759.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vancouver terminal" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRJB0DO8pxuWSk2pkCVRhfqgEYjXIUpap9R88OwqAFGHWDekEdDo9-c3Zrzo2QQbs6VYbDH2BxcTz0se_beWqDKEWwitQOLSsfoxQJYMeXGBV58PNHtY-8zbUMwmbx2OWZnKAO2u4l8Q/s640/20180224_115759.jpg" title="v2v vancouver office" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Vacations Vancouver Terminal Canada Place / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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The V2V Empress departs from Gate 1 in Vancouver for the three-hour crossing to Victoria. Three classes of service are available aboard the vessel:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Royal Class</b>: Reclining Leather Seats with Foot Rest, Complimentary Meal & Beverages, Priority Boarding, Panoramic Views, Dedicated Hosts, and Concierge Service. (Upper Deck)</li>
<li><b>Gold Class: </b>Leather Seats, Complimentary Meal & Beverages, Dedicated Hosts, Priority Boarding. (Main & Upper Deck). <i>Tip: Main Deck Seats Recline & Offer Panoramic Views.</i></li>
<li><b>Premium Class</b>: Leather Seats, Buy-On Board Menu, Alcohol for Purchase, Access to Sun Deck. (Main Deck) <i>Tip: Centre seats are available at a discount with advance purchase.</i> </li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg4DJCBpA2bcUsiPEdXN0OKSdtxj1S0wPWi5wl61Ybvup2cO7cZVcXkmcZjXLMLQtC7shtf8JDobNZ88mGeLpo4VCV_Dxms4knbWiKS_BdcTLkuSeN5aketzbDhreqf61hZ9VtUEt52E/s1600/ext.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations route map" border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg4DJCBpA2bcUsiPEdXN0OKSdtxj1S0wPWi5wl61Ybvup2cO7cZVcXkmcZjXLMLQtC7shtf8JDobNZ88mGeLpo4VCV_Dxms4knbWiKS_BdcTLkuSeN5aketzbDhreqf61hZ9VtUEt52E/s640/ext.jpg" title="v2v route map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Route Map / Source: V2V Vacations</td></tr>
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The V2V crossing time between Vancouver and Victoria is approximately three hours.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4Kigjkt7rVBNtZo8v_JrW0g5OUnrpqN6TC_qhOGdFre4ybniz1NHTDv91uMuATEKBhoEY3JT81QbFInE7wXIalY2-MExQzNf0xbTnC8bUX946neggviQ44MbmtH1ZRBohS5P_KlTNhg/s1600/20180224_122322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="V2V ferry" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4Kigjkt7rVBNtZo8v_JrW0g5OUnrpqN6TC_qhOGdFre4ybniz1NHTDv91uMuATEKBhoEY3JT81QbFInE7wXIalY2-MExQzNf0xbTnC8bUX946neggviQ44MbmtH1ZRBohS5P_KlTNhg/s640/20180224_122322.jpg" title="V2V empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The V2V Empress / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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The orca livery on the V2V Empress was designed by Canadian First Nations artist, Chief William Cook, from Alert Bay, BC. It is yet another example of how V2V has incorporated local elements into their on-board service and travel experience.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocV9BOOpBRcaz5OxdDgpf0G14D60dtznaGKhZKVBxOHYZOX8E5YTtjOk1BGPG_EzjtImKq66_MjBjWprCSBAgyPa3XfQ44laj8M-VYH741Wg-t_vJ201DagFYboebNlDoSbSKp97vWpg/s1600/20180224_130615.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v empress royal class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocV9BOOpBRcaz5OxdDgpf0G14D60dtznaGKhZKVBxOHYZOX8E5YTtjOk1BGPG_EzjtImKq66_MjBjWprCSBAgyPa3XfQ44laj8M-VYH741Wg-t_vJ201DagFYboebNlDoSbSKp97vWpg/s640/20180224_130615.jpg" title="v2v royal class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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As we boarded the vessel, we were greeted warmly on board by the friendly crew and escorted to our seat. All seating aboard the V2V Empress is pre-assigned. Each seat is equipped with power ports for your personal electronics. I appreciated that our luggage was stowed away for us and we did not need to have it at our seat, which enhanced our comfort and space.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-qGvNULqpHVA9l0Tvv7uwsewuGlyYkjq7ZMNDR0un79lYfV1blpSPqkY07o-uUrHSDbL3Fqg0aDxpUXDwavZ8byn2dGSMSvJRnYjrkaueLS9pfyrIRHY1Qh85Dat9ekcdbpTMv-a_n4/s1600/20180224_144200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v powerport" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-qGvNULqpHVA9l0Tvv7uwsewuGlyYkjq7ZMNDR0un79lYfV1blpSPqkY07o-uUrHSDbL3Fqg0aDxpUXDwavZ8byn2dGSMSvJRnYjrkaueLS9pfyrIRHY1Qh85Dat9ekcdbpTMv-a_n4/s640/20180224_144200.jpg" title="v2v seat" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power Ports at Every Seat / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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We were seated in seats 1C and 1D, which are located on the Upper Deck at the very front of the vessel, offering spectacular panoramic views for the journey across to Victoria.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq_k6faz1gNJYg6KN0dA9cgayP7IBZLDd5vTXqa43qAP6c2R5ZOY28MozrUCLPrw47EuPnpHGfGZnad_dn2hhPUSt43uubNx96eC68FyFFWCOnB0PsZp6PRCT5iNbHkd1Ajq1cn8PE-I/s1600/20180224_130623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations royal class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq_k6faz1gNJYg6KN0dA9cgayP7IBZLDd5vTXqa43qAP6c2R5ZOY28MozrUCLPrw47EuPnpHGfGZnad_dn2hhPUSt43uubNx96eC68FyFFWCOnB0PsZp6PRCT5iNbHkd1Ajq1cn8PE-I/s640/20180224_130623.jpg" title="v2v empress royal class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Empress Royal Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Unlike the seating in the other classes, all seats in Royal Class recline and offer foot rests.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9gcX4SHyvhcogZII7_adujEwJe2sgrje2bbe09f6TWl1TCvbDbBUdiAdT5QuTQUXQF75IDYb5ky6kJVX9TbucyspJJoh9Au4FxjxfvE29ZvKyiXyKjDQ8JlrCZskRygFFlPj2Q7WRFg/s1600/20180224_132611.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v reclining leather seats" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9gcX4SHyvhcogZII7_adujEwJe2sgrje2bbe09f6TWl1TCvbDbBUdiAdT5QuTQUXQF75IDYb5ky6kJVX9TbucyspJJoh9Au4FxjxfvE29ZvKyiXyKjDQ8JlrCZskRygFFlPj2Q7WRFg/s640/20180224_132611.jpg" title="v2v royal class" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class Reclining Leather Seat / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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A tray table pulls out from the arm rest to provide a place to eat, drink or work.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixycPVX1j9n1gmle29on_G_sjn-sgFAkf3UMy_gXlhlIdtyV47cfGTV1pR4yF5FaiO566umXonpqZT4oKFgMJUIZOxV8Qf83u6v3TaH9U6M9O49wRHWKX9RbwadnwciJmAdTmnBKZmNTo/s1600/20180224_130914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v seating" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixycPVX1j9n1gmle29on_G_sjn-sgFAkf3UMy_gXlhlIdtyV47cfGTV1pR4yF5FaiO566umXonpqZT4oKFgMJUIZOxV8Qf83u6v3TaH9U6M9O49wRHWKX9RbwadnwciJmAdTmnBKZmNTo/s640/20180224_130914.jpg" title="v2v royal class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class Table Tray / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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A menu is available at each seat offering a selection of complimentary meals and drinks. These are only made available on a complimentary basis in Royal Class and Gold Class.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HTVXQ9iMfCv6aoZiuRxRoj12wCxaClRMHG3EA1JNChulFxRoD4HWTDDCvwitj6IOddn68vKZdKrIWX0QgmntGSoY_9VP4UxS0Bx1IXpIzd6mYxL8f7xl6I-pwN354HWc3V0vk9CxAs8/s1600/20180224_130900.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v royal class menu" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HTVXQ9iMfCv6aoZiuRxRoj12wCxaClRMHG3EA1JNChulFxRoD4HWTDDCvwitj6IOddn68vKZdKrIWX0QgmntGSoY_9VP4UxS0Bx1IXpIzd6mYxL8f7xl6I-pwN354HWc3V0vk9CxAs8/s640/20180224_130900.jpg" title="v2v gold class menu" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal / Gold Class Menu / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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As we settled into our comfortable leather reclining seats, our cabin attendant Rhianne, offered us complimentary welcome beverages. It is interesting to note that V2V is the only mode of transportation between Victoria and Vancouver that offers alcohol on board. However, it comes at an additional cost in all classes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Re72bdFv9DV4y6P1i4AsE-mYLYeUlTR5U7c0O2qA280RBkIU3XUSIR04eMchpIn8bGLQn2LiRoM0e5uLhUWWRUDYmpVr9PO8Qz1B9Ix4PDWtORrgdjzyt6_3rcV8jjWmXexju13Pd6E/s1600/20180224_132711.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v royal class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Re72bdFv9DV4y6P1i4AsE-mYLYeUlTR5U7c0O2qA280RBkIU3XUSIR04eMchpIn8bGLQn2LiRoM0e5uLhUWWRUDYmpVr9PO8Qz1B9Ix4PDWtORrgdjzyt6_3rcV8jjWmXexju13Pd6E/s640/20180224_132711.jpg" title="v2v beverage service" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class Beverage Service / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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The V2V menu features a selection of locally sourced food and beverages including tea from Victoria's Silk Road Tea House.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINwiR0KeD3KWzMp5KJq75E5eMoqCeE5K-qQgjG80p9AoVvvVRI-hLt2Ryn9sIqvZPjQc8XaG0c7bSwnvCEAlI5QKRa4jHxcRUntyWQQbzQAO7ibl_qOd_o1UHlWEdT_8bPbkU2GEB70k/s1600/20180224_132729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v royal class " border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINwiR0KeD3KWzMp5KJq75E5eMoqCeE5K-qQgjG80p9AoVvvVRI-hLt2Ryn9sIqvZPjQc8XaG0c7bSwnvCEAlI5QKRa4jHxcRUntyWQQbzQAO7ibl_qOd_o1UHlWEdT_8bPbkU2GEB70k/s640/20180224_132729.jpg" title="Silk Road Tea" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Locally Sourced Silk Road Tea / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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A highlight of the vessel is the viewing deck located at the top of the vessel, which is available throughout the journey offering unparalleled panoramic views of British Columbia's stunning scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1LvVeGCzYBowlT-lN8cioBThSLCeeNBzUyscZjnqhjagW7aYOczQe_OQhMB59P6eiob5eX_TpqvHRKCyt9LDa6ee2i9gMOqkUkIQhDekuyLJWgig28SxPjf62FQXi-yAUITcmJSOh08/s1600/20180224_133809.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v viewing deck" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1LvVeGCzYBowlT-lN8cioBThSLCeeNBzUyscZjnqhjagW7aYOczQe_OQhMB59P6eiob5eX_TpqvHRKCyt9LDa6ee2i9gMOqkUkIQhDekuyLJWgig28SxPjf62FQXi-yAUITcmJSOh08/s640/20180224_133809.jpg" title="v2v empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Empress Viewing Deck / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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It was an enjoyable and memorable experience standing on top of the vessel as we sailed underneath Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, waving goodbye to Vancouver as we passed Stanley Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0drV8pdOO-SQFZez7x5Qu77t35fOl8H3JeCF08_YRrFCITTEOakG-SNx-lEBzKWCXq7gHszBIHo8Vy8Bm4ibYybV4PzJ-04OaBFyfD21DvEje2Fnqc1_5SUN_xT2dPGLY_QvtQByaXQA/s1600/20180224_134022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lions gate bridge" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0drV8pdOO-SQFZez7x5Qu77t35fOl8H3JeCF08_YRrFCITTEOakG-SNx-lEBzKWCXq7gHszBIHo8Vy8Bm4ibYybV4PzJ-04OaBFyfD21DvEje2Fnqc1_5SUN_xT2dPGLY_QvtQByaXQA/s640/20180224_134022.jpg" title="v2v vacations" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailing under the Lions Gate Bridge - Vancouver, BC / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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As we entered open water, I returned inside to explore the rest of the ship as the winter wind became too much to bear. The V2V Empress ship is beautiful, modern, spacious, and extremely clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBqoRGSrwfSyEcOyjZG-3XLD0wM51nOCjKlQjj_0aUH4QS5g86pcCa2ORjmKVjVIuZAX1hWBQ5p3IagYtCfrNFAgLmOciqW8RUGcFGU-a-bIXaNs5hDmBD3OF8XOU3s6RBqT2MP5FsEQ/s1600/20180224_143539.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBqoRGSrwfSyEcOyjZG-3XLD0wM51nOCjKlQjj_0aUH4QS5g86pcCa2ORjmKVjVIuZAX1hWBQ5p3IagYtCfrNFAgLmOciqW8RUGcFGU-a-bIXaNs5hDmBD3OF8XOU3s6RBqT2MP5FsEQ/s640/20180224_143539.jpg" title="v2v gold class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Gold Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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On the Upper Deck, Royal Class shares the cabin with Gold Class. If you are travelling as a couple, Royal Class certainly offers more privacy seated in pairs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUwA_ZN2yDZCicHOzoqv73OP6eUibDUfLqUB0P1OzgurjqrI5RUXpr6ZsH7B0ivuSFa59CHYT_rZzwaYAz2kF06UvTh6ZvwawclOxTUoNRNB5MfLI8FBkITFTy22dw5n-EzNWtzwwv4M/s1600/Upper-deck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUwA_ZN2yDZCicHOzoqv73OP6eUibDUfLqUB0P1OzgurjqrI5RUXpr6ZsH7B0ivuSFa59CHYT_rZzwaYAz2kF06UvTh6ZvwawclOxTUoNRNB5MfLI8FBkITFTy22dw5n-EzNWtzwwv4M/s640/Upper-deck.jpg" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Empress Upper Deck Seating Map / Source: V2V Vacations</td></tr>
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In other classes of service, you may either be seated beside or across from someone. However, that could also be an advantage if you are travelling with friends, relatives, or a larger family. If you have the pleasure of being seated at a table, there is also much more working space for those with laptops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGDG7mBS4wnn5M6-GaCki5Urcdxi5Qr3qhFzhmtI8ZZ7RMJmkUm_UefkuPynYdyfpH0PCptkllSmbIJ4NzCJkExHb_SE_ef9-LJ70QCPE80pB4az-wwSr7ei8jGYHXzxqfrgodZU3B2Y/s1600/20180224_134548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGDG7mBS4wnn5M6-GaCki5Urcdxi5Qr3qhFzhmtI8ZZ7RMJmkUm_UefkuPynYdyfpH0PCptkllSmbIJ4NzCJkExHb_SE_ef9-LJ70QCPE80pB4az-wwSr7ei8jGYHXzxqfrgodZU3B2Y/s640/20180224_134548.jpg" title="v2v gold class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Gold Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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A large television screen in the cabin highlights the vessel's current position and also provides information on local points of interest. There are instances where the Captain may slow or even stop the vessel to observe points of interest or wildlife such as orca whales.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VJ0RzMV-ScWTYi8uwyL5Z66vxSEgi1lpVFBp_j_fQ7gq_pJ0TSseFR2FqVFau8FzU4qzipCaIFhQo-Ak8SwA0CqEkFKfqUJtQfnXkUrWbw5WSo8cQdAOEtDzjvHb2gd7pLlZiihMbuw/s1600/20180224_143639.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VJ0RzMV-ScWTYi8uwyL5Z66vxSEgi1lpVFBp_j_fQ7gq_pJ0TSseFR2FqVFau8FzU4qzipCaIFhQo-Ak8SwA0CqEkFKfqUJtQfnXkUrWbw5WSo8cQdAOEtDzjvHb2gd7pLlZiihMbuw/s640/20180224_143639.jpg" title="v2v empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live Vessel Tracking / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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Something that makes the V2V Empress rather unique is their wooden carved tables featuring sailing charts of the Victoria Harbour and Vancouver Island. They were carved by Jerry Kool.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm3H9uJZ5htSaBUsKKXnTEaFWIblVgmTQ6AGSj9rJ0LwBJNK1rH8Rr1Jy4up7S2GVYvALUR-6re-movWNwZM5GOtm4gn6Eo60_0fzSOOQ7YjLkt4bCEOu4nQjQ5QweAw-x93HynNzU7k/s1600/20180224_134423.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm3H9uJZ5htSaBUsKKXnTEaFWIblVgmTQ6AGSj9rJ0LwBJNK1rH8Rr1Jy4up7S2GVYvALUR-6re-movWNwZM5GOtm4gn6Eo60_0fzSOOQ7YjLkt4bCEOu4nQjQ5QweAw-x93HynNzU7k/s640/20180224_134423.jpg" title="v2v empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Carved Tables / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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On the Main Deck is the Premium Cabin, where the majority of seats are located. A handful of Gold Class seats are also on this deck. Although the seats in Premium Class do not recline or have foot rests, they are extremely comfortable and very affordable. V2V offers a special discounted rate for seats in the middle section of the cabin, when reserved on an advance purchase basis.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErXf8xcCMHC7djBRYFMdyqheuB_cq__f_uCfV7yROKHaqIOHXQ7Aeg8fUjizcnapmQbqdN2MUGH1L9F_09nHWHYuc8AWePoVKELbZZHnpq6l_QdATq7w6F3EZ9OiBkO2bnBrw6ljMtUg/s1600/20180224_145948.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErXf8xcCMHC7djBRYFMdyqheuB_cq__f_uCfV7yROKHaqIOHXQ7Aeg8fUjizcnapmQbqdN2MUGH1L9F_09nHWHYuc8AWePoVKELbZZHnpq6l_QdATq7w6F3EZ9OiBkO2bnBrw6ljMtUg/s640/20180224_145948.jpg" title="v2v premium class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Premium Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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While exploring the Main Deck, I met Julian Wright, the General Manager of V2V Vacations. I was extremely impressed that he took time to solicit feedback about the journey and overall experience. Naturally, I had nothing but positive feedback to offer. It says a lot about a company when the top executives take time out of their busy schedules to experience things from the passenger's point of view.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OaCBpkbYZxDQIc22PjguJCfXfTCX04hjcqfIGYdU9KsPAJEuwznTKMBGWgANPNGH68PSP_F9GcPNR8L8DRjHUeEIrh_-QoDpUvzhqiEgWmQAWRU6fVkuALkm6LpC8XGMLzZZXLo_YOE/s1600/20180224_145736.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v premium class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OaCBpkbYZxDQIc22PjguJCfXfTCX04hjcqfIGYdU9KsPAJEuwznTKMBGWgANPNGH68PSP_F9GcPNR8L8DRjHUeEIrh_-QoDpUvzhqiEgWmQAWRU6fVkuALkm6LpC8XGMLzZZXLo_YOE/s640/20180224_145736.jpg" title="v2v empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Premium Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Premium Class seats are also available with a window. One unique advantage of reserving the lower deck is the ability to sit at the window, closer to the water. It is a unique vantage point watching the scenery pass from the comfort of an enclosed cabin that close to the surface of the water.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNRUfYw3UrKqr1Tdu2yZVDgfy-jM2C05efPpfRDIRgX5A9qUe5rKGoLN65CCGsI5u1TF-roHF58LQp2G2-6xr1hO1Bz8_-F61IybGqfctQxwvLIcd71UfyATVA-v6lBIK6SpHzAEUSqI/s1600/20180224_155954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNRUfYw3UrKqr1Tdu2yZVDgfy-jM2C05efPpfRDIRgX5A9qUe5rKGoLN65CCGsI5u1TF-roHF58LQp2G2-6xr1hO1Bz8_-F61IybGqfctQxwvLIcd71UfyATVA-v6lBIK6SpHzAEUSqI/s640/20180224_155954.jpg" title="v2v premium class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Premium Class Buy On-Board Menu / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Those seated in Premium Class can take advantage of the Hospitality Bar, which is located on the Main Deck. This is where you can purchase a variety of locally sourced snacks, meals, and beverages.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoMwyAQzJZy-dzp5IZbzu-rF0t9v5AUEOSlXHfCckjkRvZufqVTtm_df08yKdE-Cb45rYWAij__7p4diMCVhPoMqIwWXpwBrA_06JLPkp4j8DpUXuRA6yvw2CnLTc7buIFHN5bgdC1I4/s1600/20180224_145936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v premium class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoMwyAQzJZy-dzp5IZbzu-rF0t9v5AUEOSlXHfCckjkRvZufqVTtm_df08yKdE-Cb45rYWAij__7p4diMCVhPoMqIwWXpwBrA_06JLPkp4j8DpUXuRA6yvw2CnLTc7buIFHN5bgdC1I4/s640/20180224_145936.jpg" title="v2v empress" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Premium Class Hospitality Bar / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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What may come as a surprise is the affordability of the menu items and the fact that alcohol is available. This is the only mode of transport that serves alcohol between the two cities. I can't tell you how many times I have observed tourists aboard BC Ferries in search of a place to buy an alcoholic beverage. A can of beer starts at just $6, while a signature Meat & Cheese platter can be enjoyed for $12.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZm4HIgQHcyWiY9CNxO76yayRzxa11iCaLwm_gvJmO2PeU64coYm9eSN5LIh-8HS7adfiYu1aXYdtb5bcQNfEf40kyu8ZPdTvMPZJDIwxpN8TlRKZySYSXhRJOGSKPH2iF8Y5nT4jww/s1600/20180224_155918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v buy on board menu" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDZm4HIgQHcyWiY9CNxO76yayRzxa11iCaLwm_gvJmO2PeU64coYm9eSN5LIh-8HS7adfiYu1aXYdtb5bcQNfEf40kyu8ZPdTvMPZJDIwxpN8TlRKZySYSXhRJOGSKPH2iF8Y5nT4jww/s640/20180224_155918.jpg" title="v2v vacations menu" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Premium Class Buy On Board Menu / D. Wilson</td></tr>
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Think of that the next time you are ordering a White Spot Burger aboard BC Ferries. The quality of the ingredients and the fact that many are locally sourced elevate these snacks and refreshments to an entirely new experience at sea.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge41kE7oYh7i0HXDbnEq5Uc-jCmgJYbb2BWTACL6PUHJ_VKO4rbBPQA7BbkyDv-O9V_doTKjGo_ybCZej4YsOzSROqEUPtUfhq9zkZnGYw1VYae4FLhm95BQyj-4GHDMf7qwEj29tJDvY/s1600/20180224_151752.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vancouver ferry" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge41kE7oYh7i0HXDbnEq5Uc-jCmgJYbb2BWTACL6PUHJ_VKO4rbBPQA7BbkyDv-O9V_doTKjGo_ybCZej4YsOzSROqEUPtUfhq9zkZnGYw1VYae4FLhm95BQyj-4GHDMf7qwEj29tJDvY/s640/20180224_151752.jpg" title="victoria ferry" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxury Meets Public Transit / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Twelve Gold Class seats are available on the Main Deck. They are configured in pairs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZNw4r7e4EE2dS8iBeiQeRrflZ6h8xlaBZFDEtsJySiJtj5_6AAuKD0-7cND0Xa6dI-WS_R_xKD4fzHOlADbA6J0oWpNiAwdugxcTZBrz9X6doT407pMR9U7vDkkObQ3sqX_3uybwMvo/s1600/Main-Deck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations seating map" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZNw4r7e4EE2dS8iBeiQeRrflZ6h8xlaBZFDEtsJySiJtj5_6AAuKD0-7cND0Xa6dI-WS_R_xKD4fzHOlADbA6J0oWpNiAwdugxcTZBrz9X6doT407pMR9U7vDkkObQ3sqX_3uybwMvo/s640/Main-Deck.jpg" title="v2v empress seating map" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Empress Main Deck Seating Plan / Source: V2V Vacations</td></tr>
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Personally, I would prefer these seats if seated in Gold Class as they offer panoramic viewing out the front of the vessel and sea level viewing from the sides. As an added bonus, these Gold seats recline unlike their counterparts upstairs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym9CuLNyeFDj815JupER12fpzZmO9aZ9QaDAjqujTS2lKzoCMos61D1EQ71EgFK0lIF2bOqhNfcW9SlVWL_eXSx1QA10vDPLOgTtPuQDf-t8CuikiI1eolNLNzZTpO-4uvR1ZjzNO3yc/s1600/20180224_145841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym9CuLNyeFDj815JupER12fpzZmO9aZ9QaDAjqujTS2lKzoCMos61D1EQ71EgFK0lIF2bOqhNfcW9SlVWL_eXSx1QA10vDPLOgTtPuQDf-t8CuikiI1eolNLNzZTpO-4uvR1ZjzNO3yc/s640/20180224_145841.jpg" title="v2v gold class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Main Deck Gold Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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After exploring the Main Deck, I returned upstairs to relax. Rhianne catered to us like an all-star. She was absolutely wonderful. In addition to her professional and personable demeanour, she checked on us frequently to see if there was anything we needed, replenishing beverages on an as needed basis. I especially appreciated that it was not necessary to eat our complimentary meal at a set time. We were able to schedule the time that was most convenient for us to eat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuh1-bhc1jTWg3oOOrrES6GnmWkGqtOHPo7fML65w6Zi18cXygsCqYzuxPb1n8TFcv1XMcG3jYMXLAtDDnX8kiHKRKn0QL4FuiKiBjWnc9saHv-Cocrts9MlTbpwfrF9Fp5aybY9F1Pg/s1600/20180224_150945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v gold class meal" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuh1-bhc1jTWg3oOOrrES6GnmWkGqtOHPo7fML65w6Zi18cXygsCqYzuxPb1n8TFcv1XMcG3jYMXLAtDDnX8kiHKRKn0QL4FuiKiBjWnc9saHv-Cocrts9MlTbpwfrF9Fp5aybY9F1Pg/s640/20180224_150945.jpg" title="v2v royal class meal" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class Meal / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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The food on board was beautifully presented, absolutely delicious and very satisfying. We ordered the Meat & Cheese selection, which was accompanied by a yam and sweet potato salad, and chocolate truffles.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV8pSHdF2ziAZSe7GYc0DWhl8g78-1BzTDBEgC6XWEKgw84Dr6RkHZZPKR9tS6Jen9GNj4zXn24Ldhh015YnjKUqhyphenhyphenzXP_GEQtFrAYA-WmKgLqZgQyfEO4Aog8XI0gcQcxzuuAb6ktdE/s1600/20180224_150959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV8pSHdF2ziAZSe7GYc0DWhl8g78-1BzTDBEgC6XWEKgw84Dr6RkHZZPKR9tS6Jen9GNj4zXn24Ldhh015YnjKUqhyphenhyphenzXP_GEQtFrAYA-WmKgLqZgQyfEO4Aog8XI0gcQcxzuuAb6ktdE/s640/20180224_150959.jpg" title="v2v chocolate truffles" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Chocolate Truffles / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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The truffles were divine and the platter featured island made cheeses. All food on board is supplied by Truffles Catering, which is based in Victoria. The meal is complimentary in Royal and Gold classes. Additional snacks are available for purchase should one find themselves craving for a little more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6Kv26Jno_t9XNaKMJGM5XecljIQQT7ZcPP2u_l-bsRxnTli-Wr54LDux_PRbly8xCj58swSlzWxbZqZyTyltnkuSYO7k2wgHIZf6cxPwM-56URVxIJaXR4zCqyymI6_NfwY6VJDQUE8/s1600/20180224_154911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="robert bateman books" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6Kv26Jno_t9XNaKMJGM5XecljIQQT7ZcPP2u_l-bsRxnTli-Wr54LDux_PRbly8xCj58swSlzWxbZqZyTyltnkuSYO7k2wgHIZf6cxPwM-56URVxIJaXR4zCqyymI6_NfwY6VJDQUE8/s640/20180224_154911.jpg" title="v2v royal class" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Class Reading Selection / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Complimentary wireless internet is available for all passengers throughout the vessel. This made the time go by extremely quickly. For those seated in Royal Class, a selection of books showcasing the work of Canadian artist Robert Bateman is also available to read. V2V actually shares its Victoria terminal with <a href="https://batemancentre.org/">The Robert Bateman Centre</a>, located inside Victoria's historic Steamship Building.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b_2YhZSSYhnI96OUuhQxS9cGsHg4X9nQEbQNqGu4uckoDU850tcTQaoUrClq_AvW6qxKAGlOV9DRajvwJxcgC_u77VH97Yjq-DhqCo1oyDGhzQH_LKUq_SGD0-TprWf586D3yP4jyvw/s1600/20180224_162149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="victoria passenger ferry" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b_2YhZSSYhnI96OUuhQxS9cGsHg4X9nQEbQNqGu4uckoDU850tcTQaoUrClq_AvW6qxKAGlOV9DRajvwJxcgC_u77VH97Yjq-DhqCo1oyDGhzQH_LKUq_SGD0-TprWf586D3yP4jyvw/s640/20180224_162149.jpg" title="v2v vacations" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Approach to Victoria Harbour / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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What truly sets V2V apart besides the comfort, convenience, and professionalism is the warmth and personalised service from the staff. Gregory, an on-board concierge and deckhand, was particularly professional and kind. He made a personal effort to enhance our journey by providing us with unique commentary about the journey, wildlife and points of interest along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vHTKhECtpd0C_IqkFmIo35QEtSUI8lJMz7jeC5pzGdEZhpAgJMT0__NqUUk0RB4FE3rk2rynryzrAeu1F76lwdEqvRCWfYCfE_No9qZdmWd-n0SJow4e6FqENHcfdH4JQjpZL7Tqzv4/s1600/20180224_154927.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v royal class" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vHTKhECtpd0C_IqkFmIo35QEtSUI8lJMz7jeC5pzGdEZhpAgJMT0__NqUUk0RB4FE3rk2rynryzrAeu1F76lwdEqvRCWfYCfE_No9qZdmWd-n0SJow4e6FqENHcfdH4JQjpZL7Tqzv4/s640/20180224_154927.jpg" title="v2v vacations" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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As an experienced whale watching captain, Gregory was particularly knowledgeable about the local waters and wildlife native to the region. It is often said that people don't remember the places they visit, but rather the people they meet. Gregory certainly made our trip and because of him, V2V is now my top transport of choice between Victoria and Vancouver. The service on board is professional and personalised -- it truly cannot be beat. It was a pleasure getting to know him and I appreciated that he took the time to get to know us.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iLbyFzVzRDX7Sq_QbtNpN-9uH-MegXC6IFxRxs2MnuP4UVxE9Lwo3JnJGjxSbFcYTIlHz7a8W7v-pAg9gs-ztu50TeNPJhMxolAC1N_YaT_SfZZthencNkgAYs54jzD9yNt5ON8tkCQ/s1600/20180224_162245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v empress victoria" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iLbyFzVzRDX7Sq_QbtNpN-9uH-MegXC6IFxRxs2MnuP4UVxE9Lwo3JnJGjxSbFcYTIlHz7a8W7v-pAg9gs-ztu50TeNPJhMxolAC1N_YaT_SfZZthencNkgAYs54jzD9yNt5ON8tkCQ/s640/20180224_162245.jpg" title="v2v vacations" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Empress Victoria Harbour / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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As we approached Victoria Harbour, I had to return to the viewing deck to take in the incredible views of Victoria's stunning harbour. As a local that was raised in Victoria, I can honestly say that the approach to the inner harbour never gets old. It always remains just as breathtaking as the first time you experience it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxM_TVUjBMGDwuFwySRKoFCuweRBe_VkWYUjhwwd8SjB35hSq5jndPKOjKyS6o0iufUPqbSerF7ejgNBs88v2eQgDeLerqxOOHpvjWG6LoN5_uXMwe1va3r0rKTY7SW8HrH7p7G7QAXc/s1600/20180224_162902.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v royal class" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxM_TVUjBMGDwuFwySRKoFCuweRBe_VkWYUjhwwd8SjB35hSq5jndPKOjKyS6o0iufUPqbSerF7ejgNBs88v2eQgDeLerqxOOHpvjWG6LoN5_uXMwe1va3r0rKTY7SW8HrH7p7G7QAXc/s640/20180224_162902.jpg" title="v2v panoramic view" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Royal Class Panoramic Views / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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Overall, the entire experience was flawless. As someone who has used all modes of transport between Victoria and Vancouver including BC Ferries, Pacific Coastal, WestJet, Harbour Air, HeliJet, and the BC Ferries Connector Coach service, I can honestly state that V2V was my favourite and without a doubt the most relaxing and convenient mode of transport.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D5b61rJgpDj68lottSLWsC5FbJa4_9dpfGicu3G1paqkj6zVTbr6KNPADOBgNmMHkTVet_qWL-Fb2pD5Mj9iaBCrDo9jlwUHF3YK6gkdw6wdvJl1GLAiLtgsbucF5QLrrO1bXKO0Gyc/s1600/20180224_163049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v vacations" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D5b61rJgpDj68lottSLWsC5FbJa4_9dpfGicu3G1paqkj6zVTbr6KNPADOBgNmMHkTVet_qWL-Fb2pD5Mj9iaBCrDo9jlwUHF3YK6gkdw6wdvJl1GLAiLtgsbucF5QLrrO1bXKO0Gyc/s640/20180224_163049.jpg" title="v2v panoramic views" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival in Victoria's Inner Harbour / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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There is something to be said for travelling harbour to harbour -- no traffic, no changing buses, no security lines, no turbulence or weather delays, no battling for a seat, and few if any queues. We pulled in right on time at the Steamship Terminal, which is V2V's Victoria Home Port. It is literally just steps away from several of Victoria's most iconic hotels and attractions.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCUqgOerFndDZxIKSXB1uMUdspWPwbTNVYq6fCDNsE3Vm8nry998D8YHFkl8vXWuihwzZUjOcL-kSiwtvNlQwj8GpSVXWw7c_cmymrl8Y3iMCnPL1Y3ytgdJA486KymEKuWVR-4zwWIU/s1600/Victoria-V2V-map-900_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v victoria office" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCUqgOerFndDZxIKSXB1uMUdspWPwbTNVYq6fCDNsE3Vm8nry998D8YHFkl8vXWuihwzZUjOcL-kSiwtvNlQwj8GpSVXWw7c_cmymrl8Y3iMCnPL1Y3ytgdJA486KymEKuWVR-4zwWIU/s640/Victoria-V2V-map-900_0.jpg" title="v2v victoria terminal" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V2V Victoria Terminal Map / Source: V2V Vacations</td></tr>
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I arrived in Victoria's harbour rested and relaxed from the comfort of my seat where I was able to rest, dine, work, and surf the internet. In addition to being a seamless journey, it is faster than the majority of services between the two cities on a harbour to harbour basis.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVMLKhRtrWWo78N8_tEI9lw56I8PeuNxxzpl01zV7T1Pl9Jo1K6OMnyqtzGQjO30LQabbzmbSMb1OlKimPS9V575STXmsNMdFGPe-36vb6p41bE4SBd5oPsENNow-i_tQuvt9yYCIBk4/s1600/20180224_163222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="v2v victoria terminal" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVMLKhRtrWWo78N8_tEI9lw56I8PeuNxxzpl01zV7T1Pl9Jo1K6OMnyqtzGQjO30LQabbzmbSMb1OlKimPS9V575STXmsNMdFGPe-36vb6p41bE4SBd5oPsENNow-i_tQuvt9yYCIBk4/s640/20180224_163222.jpg" title="victoria steamship terminal" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria's Steamship Terminal / D.Wilson</td></tr>
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The experience is like enjoying a direct flight with no connections. The hassle-free nature of the trip is worth every penny. I can't wait for my next V2V adventure! </div>
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<b>Tip:</b> <i>Travelling in open water can sometimes result in motion sickness depending on weather conditions. If you are vulnerable to motion sickness, it is recommended to bring along appropriate remedies. The rear of the vessel tends to be more stable. </i></div>
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<b>Note:</b><i> If you think the BC Ferries Connector is the cheapest and easiest way to travel between Vancouver and Victoria, V2V's Advance Purchase Rate in Premium Class starts at just $70. That's only $15 more than the coach for a faster, seamless, premium harbour-to-harbour experience.</i><br />
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<b>Book online</b> at <a href="https://www.v2vvacations.com/">www.v2vvacations.com</a><br />
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-65727492073624544192016-08-18T19:09:00.000-07:002016-08-18T19:09:28.395-07:00Beijing Capital Airlines Launching Vancouver Flights in DecemberBeijing Capital Airlines, a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, will begin flying to Vancouver at the end of December from its base in Hangzhou. Vancouver will become the first destination in North America for the Chinese carrier. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: Wikimedia</td></tr>
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Flights will be operated three times each week utilising an Airbus A330. The aircraft will be configured for 222 passengers with 36 seats in Business Class and 186 seats in Economy. The new flights between Vancouver and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport will travel via Qingdao.<br /><br />According to Craig Richmond, President & CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, YVR is now being served by a record number of Chinese mainland carriers. "We are thrilled Beijing Capital Airlines has chosen YVR as its first entry point into North America," said Richmond. "Beijing Capital Airlines is the sixth airline to serve YVR from mainland China - two more than any other airport in North America or Europe." <br /><br />Richmond added that the addition of the new route re-affirms Vancouver International Airport's position as a connecting hub to the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, it highlights the airport's competitiveness in attracting new carriers.<br /><br />The new flights are expected to operate every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Beijing Capital Airlines currently has bases in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Xi'an. Hangzhou is the capital of the Chinese province of Zhejiang. The city is home to more than nine million people. Meanwhile, Qingdao is also a city of more than nine million people, located in northeast China. <br /><br />The new service between China and British Columbia is expected to bolster tourism and trade between the three cities. Other cities in BC also stand to benefit as more Chinese tourists visit other popular destinations including Victoria, Whistler, and Tofino. <br /><br />Beijing Capital Airlines becomes Vancouver International Airport's second new airline of 2016 and the twelfth new route launched this year. The new route is expected to add 123 jobs in the province and bring in an estimated $6.2 million in GDP to BC. <br /><div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-87213341080981552672016-08-07T21:10:00.000-07:002016-08-07T21:10:19.409-07:00NewLeaf Launches with 10 New Routes in British ColumbiaNewLeaf Travel, the Winnipeg-based discount travel company, began operating ten new routes from four smaller British Columbia airports late last month. The new Canadian ultra low-cost carrier is now flying from <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/business/newleaf-flights-a-big-boost-for-yyj-1.2286554" target="_blank">Victoria</a>, Abbotsford, <a href="https://www.agoda.com/city/kelowna-bc-ca.html?cid=1462266" target="_blank">Kelowna</a>, and Kamloops. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: <a href="http://gonewleaf.ca/" target="_blank">NewLeaf</a></td></tr>
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Officially, <a href="http://gonewleaf.ca/" target="_blank">NewLeaf</a> is a ticket re-seller, offering seats on chartered flights operated primarily by Kelowna-based <a href="http://flairair2.ca/" target="_blank">Flair Air</a> utilising a fleet of five Boeing 737-400 aircraft, which it owns and operates. The average age of each aircraft is 25.5 years old. NewLeaf launched flights on July 25 to twelve Canadian cities. </div>
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In British Columbia, NewLeaf operates the following routes:</div>
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<li>Kelowna to Saskatoon</li>
<li>Kelowna to Regina</li>
<li>Kelowna to Winnipeg</li>
<li>Kelowna to Hamilton via Winnipeg or Saskatoon</li>
<li>Kamloops to Edmonton</li>
<li>Victoria to Kamloops</li>
<li>Victoria to Winnipeg</li>
<li>Victoria to Edmonton via Kamloops</li>
<li>Abbotsford to Edmonton</li>
<li>Abbotsford to Winnipeg</li>
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New Leaf is specifically targeting smaller airports, where landing fees are lower and routes are under served by the larger airlines. Of the new routes launched in British Columbia, NewLeaf only has competition on flights from Abbotsford to Edmonton, where WestJet Airlines competes on the route. Because the company's business model is based on flying from smaller airports, it is unlikely that there will be any service to Vancouver International Airport in the immediate future. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Image Source: <a href="http://gonewleaf.ca/" target="_blank">NewLeaf</a></td></tr>
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Flights are advertised for as low as <a href="http://gonewleaf.ca/" target="_blank">$79 one way</a>, including all taxes and fees. However, expect to pay extra for checked baggage, food, and entertainment. Unlike other Canadian carriers, NewLeaf also charges for carry-on luggage. As NewLeaf CEO Jim Young states, the price of your ticket includes only "the seat and the seatbelt." Small personal bags such as purses are free. However, larger carry-on bags can cost between $31 to $34 when purchased online. If checked at the gate, carry-on bags will cost $84 to $92 each -- more than the cost of the flight.</div>
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NewLeaf does not fly to its destinations on a daily basis. Most routes are served only two or three times each week. However, the company is open to increasing frequency if demand permits. Currently, the only route in BC being served three times weekly is between Kelowna and Winnipeg.</div>
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The company's operations are primarily focused out of Hamilton, Winnipeg, and <a href="https://www.agoda.com/city/kelowna-bc-ca.html?cid=1462266" target="_blank">Kelowna</a>. However, most of the airports in the NewLeaf network are located in British Columbia. The majority of flights are operated on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. </div>
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NewLeaf was originally scheduled to operate flights to Fort St. John, British Columbia. But the company cancelled the flights two weeks prior to the launch of the first flight in favour of operating direct flights from Abbotsford to Edmonton. Originally, flights between the two cities were to route via Fort St. John. It remains unclear if NewLeaf will introduce service to the Northern British Columbia city at a future date. However, NewLeaf plans to expand rapidly introducing flights to the United States and sun destinations.</div>
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Meanwhile, NewLeaf has partnered with Calgary company, <a href="http://www.gojumpon.com/" target="_blank">Jump On Flyaways</a>, to offer Canadian travellers an opportunity to <a href="http://www.gojumpon.com/" target="_blank">bid on unsold seats</a>. The company collects bids from prospective passengers and presents them to NewLeaf, which the airline has the option to accept or reject.</div>
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"Our bidding platform was developed to allow 'Jumpers,' or flexible travellers, to bid on potentially unsold airline seats," said Roger Jewett, CEO of Jump on Flyaway. "We receive bids during the flight booking period and present them to NewLeaf, who may accept high bids at their discretion."</div>
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NewLeaf has the ability to accept bids up to 48 hours prior to the flight. Once the bid is accepted, the passenger's credit card is charged and the ticket is sent two days prior to departure.</div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-47993810070265932312016-06-26T18:48:00.000-07:002016-06-26T20:17:40.681-07:00WestJet London Gatwick Flight Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>WestJet Inaugural Vancouver to London Flight Review</i></b></div>
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When I first read that WestJet was going to begin flying non-stop to <a href="http://www.gatwickairport.com/" target="_blank">London's Gatwick Airport</a>, I was extremely excited at the prospect of affordable airfares to Europe, which would enable me to visit relatives in England more frequently. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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I purchased my ticket on September 15, 2015 immediately as they went on sale for the first time on WestJet's website. I was pleased to obtain one of the introductory fares, which was nearly half the price a passenger would normally pay for a flight from Vancouver to London. That left only the need to find some <a href="https://www.agoda.com/city/london-gb.html?cid=1462266" target="_blank">London hotel deals</a>.</div>
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Although <a href="http://www.aircanada.com/en/home.html" target="_blank">Air Canada</a> had lowered their fares to match WestJet's introductory price, I was enticed by the opportunity to fly on-board the inaugural flight to London, which for WestJet, would be a very historic occasion. Moreover, it satisfied my curiosity to fly aboard the carrier's <a href="http://blog.westjet.com/adding-boeing-767-300-aircraft-fleet/" target="_blank">Boeing 767</a> wide-body aircraft and experience what would eventually become WestJet's long-haul product. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</span></td></tr>
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If you are planning on reserving a flight to London and cannot decide which airline to fly, there is a large asterix that must be placed beside WestJet's airfare. Indeed, WestJet does offer very competitive fares and they have done the travelling public a great service by adding a new competitive element to the market, which has brought down the cost of air fares between Canada and the United Kingdom. </div>
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However, it is important to note that there are <a href="http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/westjet-makes-no-apologies-for-excluding-hot-meals-on-flights-to-london" target="_blank">incidental costs</a> that the unsuspecting passenger may not realize when booking their ticket. When you purchase a ticket to London on WestJet, you need to pay extra for checked-luggage, meals, and in some cases, in-flight entertainment. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9zlr-E15pQ9vZEmYTb0NOlKTelpcEzbsAHyHq4SHTT6f06WC0jg-8W0RmY-5xzyIo188Fj8knTwVSWBsdJk6BMrw5NFmBOO0T0wtvfOMTvVmfBBUt9XVg6it8S94Eslkiw7K2h9WSf4/s1600/20160506_151404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural london flight" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9zlr-E15pQ9vZEmYTb0NOlKTelpcEzbsAHyHq4SHTT6f06WC0jg-8W0RmY-5xzyIo188Fj8knTwVSWBsdJk6BMrw5NFmBOO0T0wtvfOMTvVmfBBUt9XVg6it8S94Eslkiw7K2h9WSf4/s400/20160506_151404.jpg" title="westjet inaugural london flight" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</span></td></tr>
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As WestJet does not have any seat-back televisions, one is required to use their own personal electronic device to access their <a href="http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/inflight-services/inflight-entertainment.shtml" target="_blank">wireless in-flight entertainment system</a>. That means if you did not bring an electronic device such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop, you will need to rent one of WestJet's tablets in order to watch movies in-flight.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQXpov612d9F2McpZiZH0P2hgV3I673MKOs9jxsF-oaakq_oBT5hWoNWBBxJnPAmJw_OTxdR_VmjgMbohDgoKZyclIe48woVI5UNc1DQ1rNT7AcdZJT-hu4WY3kcaqspVxNGMNPLf3bw/s1600/20160506_152017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural flight" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQXpov612d9F2McpZiZH0P2hgV3I673MKOs9jxsF-oaakq_oBT5hWoNWBBxJnPAmJw_OTxdR_VmjgMbohDgoKZyclIe48woVI5UNc1DQ1rNT7AcdZJT-hu4WY3kcaqspVxNGMNPLf3bw/s400/20160506_152017.jpg" title="westjet inaugural flight" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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While none of this is necessarily a problem, I must stress to everyone doing their flight research to not assume that WestJet offers the lowest price on this route. If Air Canada matches WestJet's airfare, they technically become the cheapest airline as they do not charge extra for meals, entertainment, or checked luggage. Please note this would not be true in the case of flights operated by Air Canada Rouge. However, even Air Transat has WestJet beat in this category as they include meals, entertainment, and one piece of checked luggage on flights bound for the United Kingdom.</div>
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<b><i>THE INAUGURAL FLIGHT</i></b></div>
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As I had an early connecting flight from Victoria, I already had my boarding passes all ready to go by the time I reached Vancouver International Airport. I made a point to arrive especially early so that I could take in the expected festivities. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF78BKwX_MqYeyPLkxcFPslYRkaKftIcpSCLry9r8l5S26t9IyHzprTJl04qOOxJd4jq2zf0y1U_IYkbN_2wKmTSV9To1F81khSWAQHxHKfXgogVOOFre2TAq4vo7qyQJfpCOzytCiMg/s1600/20160506_151326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural london flight" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF78BKwX_MqYeyPLkxcFPslYRkaKftIcpSCLry9r8l5S26t9IyHzprTJl04qOOxJd4jq2zf0y1U_IYkbN_2wKmTSV9To1F81khSWAQHxHKfXgogVOOFre2TAq4vo7qyQJfpCOzytCiMg/s400/20160506_151326.jpg" title="westjet inaugural flight london" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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The boarding gate, D67, was completely decked out in all things London up to and including the Union Jack and a red British telephone booth. There was a photo booth, where passengers were able to take a commemorative photo of themselves in front of a London landmark such as Tower Bridge. There was also a DJ blasting a number of popular British hits from the Beatles to the Spice Girls.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRW7Mgfvk1juY6VR-ceSKS0TlFkthi827M2hgC26OZQhxZWEmcv5hetDw862gYSEAVkHZOWI2uFK2cUwgJIM5e4Bsfm2Fo7922KF6fpvZumxzDUVI2Moxy5lN_16QbwOuQ_LX6b7YB4M/s1600/20160506_155528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet london inaugural flight" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRW7Mgfvk1juY6VR-ceSKS0TlFkthi827M2hgC26OZQhxZWEmcv5hetDw862gYSEAVkHZOWI2uFK2cUwgJIM5e4Bsfm2Fo7922KF6fpvZumxzDUVI2Moxy5lN_16QbwOuQ_LX6b7YB4M/s400/20160506_155528.jpg" title="westjet inaugural london flight" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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As this was expected to be a highly publicised event with media in attendance, a special area was set up for the official press conference that would include representatives from WestJet, the Government of British Columbia, and Vancouver International Airport. A number of passengers waiting to board the inaugural flight were also interviewed for the news.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR3YL0dbBhAfvBIzshXixizZqTlF-Bjln0VWXoHsookfhe_Olg0qsJJ_uaLx4YufWZVCWdeySmwGWug530gVvX6KW9jh8bgarPEj97U5VEdbrV5P21TPnVVYwWKAo0gwRhexgzCSYSmQ/s1600/20160506_161830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet london flight inaugural" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR3YL0dbBhAfvBIzshXixizZqTlF-Bjln0VWXoHsookfhe_Olg0qsJJ_uaLx4YufWZVCWdeySmwGWug530gVvX6KW9jh8bgarPEj97U5VEdbrV5P21TPnVVYwWKAo0gwRhexgzCSYSmQ/s400/20160506_161830.jpg" title="westjet inaugural london flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ovRDderHoa4uTT9YlJsjrS3gcFLqDAbEF4EGxicjV_jZl88AxGo1kk0KtVYOX1bhBT_QblrKB0OuZa6qJudVGFyL17w8A-BSq5AdVnkBfv4bQHixHdNbun6CgQx_HmonfpGgi7ooLMk/s1600/20160506_164931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet vancouver to london flight" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ovRDderHoa4uTT9YlJsjrS3gcFLqDAbEF4EGxicjV_jZl88AxGo1kk0KtVYOX1bhBT_QblrKB0OuZa6qJudVGFyL17w8A-BSq5AdVnkBfv4bQHixHdNbun6CgQx_HmonfpGgi7ooLMk/s400/20160506_164931.jpg" title="westjet london flight inaugural" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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Prior to the start of the press conference, the cabin crew of the inaugural flight posed for a photograph with WestJet's President & CEO Gregg Saretsky, who was also scheduled to travel on the flight. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESm-mnFvCTs7knZkDPhgXD8BciQa73A_l_5DGhioXXpAis8thCp88Sd_o_4FKr9ZV5UGblmPY3GyoU7g6ZQBVovK_S0eugHPcPX-psYIyPFMn9VbuFOpRMn_-SAPvRyvb6_lkTvAFcWs/s1600/20160506_165611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural flight" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESm-mnFvCTs7knZkDPhgXD8BciQa73A_l_5DGhioXXpAis8thCp88Sd_o_4FKr9ZV5UGblmPY3GyoU7g6ZQBVovK_S0eugHPcPX-psYIyPFMn9VbuFOpRMn_-SAPvRyvb6_lkTvAFcWs/s400/20160506_165611.jpg" title="westjet london inaugural flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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The Press Conference kicked off prior to boarding with a speech from Craig Richmond, President & CEO of the Vancouver International Airport Authority.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZglGOPApy2OumWiNkZZNrzUaDECW_3lgshnKjDGFovmvnMylcWUAnWaVa_R4XrEbcIvYalEjalc_6J2Sq7f6BO4nJVqONiH_X1pOkPb6x0tuya5OW7-r0aNKtEbrgmgZINx9_eAhg7I/s1600/20160506_170515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="craig richmond yvr" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZglGOPApy2OumWiNkZZNrzUaDECW_3lgshnKjDGFovmvnMylcWUAnWaVa_R4XrEbcIvYalEjalc_6J2Sq7f6BO4nJVqONiH_X1pOkPb6x0tuya5OW7-r0aNKtEbrgmgZINx9_eAhg7I/s400/20160506_170515.jpg" title="westjet london inaugural flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42nFObYuLe9JSAC159EDsiPuSEGatIFfCYfXGOxUkvjxkSiWy6bO-BfUrbRcQfpvWyJRdXW7ddUuuivL5GeGLZvQF68lSgfxQJdyVfznGoxT5-CJ7f2mg5RUxmS3l-2IiC7f64gKJ6Oc/s1600/20160506_170738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural flight london" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42nFObYuLe9JSAC159EDsiPuSEGatIFfCYfXGOxUkvjxkSiWy6bO-BfUrbRcQfpvWyJRdXW7ddUuuivL5GeGLZvQF68lSgfxQJdyVfznGoxT5-CJ7f2mg5RUxmS3l-2IiC7f64gKJ6Oc/s400/20160506_170738.jpg" title="shirley bond" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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Shirley Bond, BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training followed with a speech of her own.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKkGhP2XppGFGreUp2ri1nMcf57SRfbPY8_6Vy_Evk8Xl72jUsEJ-scG0Gsva37V5sSOslt-rqcHlSWRT93Jp4FQJppS_7Ibnv-XylnGa2bAjbgn1wUBUD_35H1NZegEgatQ6g81Sh_o/s1600/20160506_171119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet ceo" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKkGhP2XppGFGreUp2ri1nMcf57SRfbPY8_6Vy_Evk8Xl72jUsEJ-scG0Gsva37V5sSOslt-rqcHlSWRT93Jp4FQJppS_7Ibnv-XylnGa2bAjbgn1wUBUD_35H1NZegEgatQ6g81Sh_o/s400/20160506_171119.jpg" title="westjet inaugural london flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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Last, but certainly not least, we heard from the President & CEO of WestJet, Gregg Saretsky.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER3OkJFWSvPiXpyQHCwtINoIPLr2afN0tyvLTatEukAMCi4Ub6Pqzu1wschvTVXWAzharE9RPXo_rv8ExT6ik3AXwa5J7VFP3g2c5SDWfmCq4kTghbas810w0lC5xKN57Lpbdvwk6eQE/s1600/20160506_171436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet london flight" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjER3OkJFWSvPiXpyQHCwtINoIPLr2afN0tyvLTatEukAMCi4Ub6Pqzu1wschvTVXWAzharE9RPXo_rv8ExT6ik3AXwa5J7VFP3g2c5SDWfmCq4kTghbas810w0lC5xKN57Lpbdvwk6eQE/s400/20160506_171436.jpg" title="westjet inaugural flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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After the customary presentation of an aircraft model, the ribbon ceremony was held. After the ribbon was cut, passengers were invited to indulge in the various refreshments that had been laid out including cupcakes, sandwiches, and beverages prior to the commencement of the boarding process. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghIg3t3TpPGoqb_0O1nAMsU5EYp3xwFuNu8i26Xc9mGvPTXko2a7syy2JbL8Gqh-tpmpBOeOV0Pe6Je0v1SgC2-TeaouKOlbRXCsocFOM2Wxj36Aqs28kPtFTrvuE-D_06kIS4rYcKW4/s1600/20160506_171518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet inaugural flight" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghIg3t3TpPGoqb_0O1nAMsU5EYp3xwFuNu8i26Xc9mGvPTXko2a7syy2JbL8Gqh-tpmpBOeOV0Pe6Je0v1SgC2-TeaouKOlbRXCsocFOM2Wxj36Aqs28kPtFTrvuE-D_06kIS4rYcKW4/s400/20160506_171518.jpg" title="westjet london flight" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<b><i>THE WESTJET BOEING 767-300ER ON-BOARD EXPERIENCE</i></b></div>
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After the festivities had ended, passengers began settling into their seats for what would be a completely full flight. As we boarded the aircraft, guests were handed a gift bag that was filled with a greeting card, chocolate, WestJet's Premium Ear Buds, and a set of Charging Cables. I guess they forgot the free flight? The last two items are usually sold on board the aircraft for $9.99 and $14.99 respectively.</div>
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The Boeing 767-300ER is the <a href="http://skiesmag.com/news/article/WestJetgoeswidebodyBoeing767entersservice" target="_blank">first wide-body aircraft in the WestJet fleet</a>. It has enabled the carrier to operate its own long-haul flights with a range of nearly 11,000 kilometres.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDxi5d_jccbNlZygzdGYwCJCiCC3fLFKK06VpvHizHqKJHqKFur0EmSf-TODEqRgRKqzXaTu9oTyM0DlvDqFgDHYmqZ56x5IKaKVpZ42PGSqs_heyxDiRUNqU3cSikIfo5ie5zoYFQQ/s1600/20160506_174952%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet boeing 767" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDxi5d_jccbNlZygzdGYwCJCiCC3fLFKK06VpvHizHqKJHqKFur0EmSf-TODEqRgRKqzXaTu9oTyM0DlvDqFgDHYmqZ56x5IKaKVpZ42PGSqs_heyxDiRUNqU3cSikIfo5ie5zoYFQQ/s400/20160506_174952%25280%2529.jpg" title="westjet 767 cabin" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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WestJet currently operates a fleet of four of these aircraft. They are ex-Qantas aircraft with an average age of <a href="http://www.airfleets.net/ageflotte/WestJet%20Airlines.htm" target="_blank">23.9 years</a>. The cabin features <a href="http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Westjet/Westjet_Boeing_767-300ER.php" target="_blank">a total of 262 seats</a> with 238 economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 24 premium '<a href="http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/business-travel/plusfare.shtml?v_cid=vanity:other:business-traveller-plus:various" target="_blank">WestJet Plus</a>' seats in a 2-2-2 configuration. The economy seats offer a 31" seat pitch with a 17.3" width, while Plus seats feature a 38" seat pitch with a 20" width. You might find it worth the extra money to upgrade. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-dRYw4bI2u6Vwr_mWOm6QT7CIklUcZ6-xD02IiG00Ra3PcV1WfvqrmYJwC6w2RiyUS-cZ0FanHqIoENhcM7BI8gKnKyjyK7zupOrO5G1QS1CuBHPqQNHqojKK-oWYMQMa8Fhfv4modA/s1600/20160523_201157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="westjet connect" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-dRYw4bI2u6Vwr_mWOm6QT7CIklUcZ6-xD02IiG00Ra3PcV1WfvqrmYJwC6w2RiyUS-cZ0FanHqIoENhcM7BI8gKnKyjyK7zupOrO5G1QS1CuBHPqQNHqojKK-oWYMQMa8Fhfv4modA/s400/20160523_201157.jpg" title="westjet in-flight entertainment" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<b><i>IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT</i></b></div>
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When you sit down, you may be surprised to discover that you are staring at a blank seat. That's because there is not a single seat-back monitor on board this aircraft. The Boeing 767 fleet is equipped with <a href="http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/inflight-services/inflight-entertainment.shtml" target="_blank">WestJet Connect</a>, the low-cost carrier's wireless in-flight entertainment system. </div>
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The system offers passengers wireless internet connectivity for an additional charge and complimentary access to more than 300 television programs and 85 movies if you have brought your own device. Otherwise, you can rent a tablet for a fee. Passengers will need to download the latest version of the WestJet app prior to boarding.</div>
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The back of each seat aboard the Boeing 767 has been specially equipped with a holder for passengers to mount their tablets, as long as they do not exceed 1 kilogram in weight. The aircraft seats are also equipped with USB power outlets and apparently, 110-volt outlets. However, my seat-mate and I failed to locate a 110-volt outlet on both the outbound and return flights. That is indeed a problem for those who are using their laptops to access WestJet Connect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qc2EkQJADHO5o8NGExpjvJOAUwOVz6izVoRld9XCKVh5o8cNOljCse1uMI4vOoAbYV5nn6OdTGvdI9a9gSh6hdk-Rax1UxZmwc1ap3UEk3VEKI1FqXejOIZFZuk97LqQ4xOTtpn6RWs/s1600/20160506_203224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet meal" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qc2EkQJADHO5o8NGExpjvJOAUwOVz6izVoRld9XCKVh5o8cNOljCse1uMI4vOoAbYV5nn6OdTGvdI9a9gSh6hdk-Rax1UxZmwc1ap3UEk3VEKI1FqXejOIZFZuk97LqQ4xOTtpn6RWs/s400/20160506_203224.jpg" title="westjet snack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<b><i>ON-BOARD SERVICE</i></b></div>
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The on-board service began with a snack and beverage service. As this was the inaugural flight, one complimentary alcoholic beverage was provided as a courtesy to each guest. This was accompanied by a choice of either pretzels or cookies. It might be worthy to note that both Air Canada and Air Transat do provide alcoholic beverages at no additional charge, while WestJet does charge extra for alcoholic beverages although non-alcoholic selections are complimentary.</div>
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After the snack was served, it was time for meal service -- if you had pre-ordered one. WestJet served passengers like myself that had pre-ordered a meal, before they came through the cabin with the buy-on-board service. I can imagine some passengers must have been starving by the time the buy-on-board service arrived. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/06/01/westjet-vancouver-london-no-food_n_10245068.html" target="_blank">WestJet does not include a hot meal</a> with the purchase of tickets to London. This has drawn <a href="http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/pete-mcmartin-airsick-the-end-of-the-in-flight-meal" target="_blank">mixed reviews from passengers</a>. WestJet claims that it provides passengers with the flexibility to save money and pay only for the services they want. However, that argument only stands if a passenger is actually saving money compared to flying <a href="http://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/Travel-information/Inflight-services/Menu" target="_blank">Air Transat</a> or Air Canada. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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If you buy from the <a href="http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/inflight-services/pre-purchase-menu.shtml" target="_blank">pre-purchase menu</a> on the WestJet website, you can order a selection of hot meals that includes a light snack prior to landing. I took advantage of this service and paid the standard $14.99 charge. Alternatively, if you <a href="http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/inflight-services/food-selection.shtml#InflightExperience" target="_blank">buy on board</a>, the meal without the snack would cost $8.99. I would say that the snack is not worth the additional $6.</div>
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The meal choices included Tomato and Tarragon Chicken, Red Wine Braised Beef, or Creamy Marinara Cannelloni. In honesty, none of the choices appealed to me and I ended up selecting the pasta. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHWcl6tnZDkU-X3c0onIAA9SL0wRdGcJzjYdm0banQgzqE57fP3tzb-YApbMTyeRirqaptx5ajEN6emiW4UC2R7n4vo3sDr798Qg__WC0MBkY6jpHedKHtEzOnGWLmitwpnNag4BRseY/s1600/20160506_210947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet food" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHWcl6tnZDkU-X3c0onIAA9SL0wRdGcJzjYdm0banQgzqE57fP3tzb-YApbMTyeRirqaptx5ajEN6emiW4UC2R7n4vo3sDr798Qg__WC0MBkY6jpHedKHtEzOnGWLmitwpnNag4BRseY/s400/20160506_210947.jpg" title="westjet meal" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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Generally speaking, my expectation for airline food is low. However, when you are forced to pay an additional $15 for it, I do expect a little more. In fairness, it was relatively tasty but for the most part on par with the quality of an individual microwaveable frozen pasta that you might purchase in a grocery store. This was accompanied by a stale chocolate brownie and a salad that would probably leave even the slimmest rabbit feeling hungry. </div>
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Truly, I was appalled at what I received after paying $15 for a meal. It was not fair value at all and it was not even on par with the complimentary meals served by other carriers. It seemed that WestJet had selected the cheapest possible ingredients and there wasn't even a bread roll with butter included. </div>
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I find it quite disappointing when a complimentary meal on a competing carrier exceeds the quality of an in-flight meal that one had to pay extra for. In addition, this isn't a case of "I got what I paid for" because I could have booked a flight on a competing carrier for the very same price of my WestJet ticket. Overall, my advice to fellow passengers is to skip the WestJet meal and buy a nice hearty meal inside the airport prior to departure. You'll get much better value and feel more satisfied.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKGnTY1neQUD-JQlTWaTXpoZe8Re2Bp7FVb2ixaF6nRP7VIFknAjvfXrWq2QkF3CXjCf65PdFIIcfMsGXhjFHL8P9RghCiSTeQDAMTsH7ZBJDgJW79LS1Zok6r7VtogzDkVDZZVAYSLA/s1600/20160506_215618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet president ceo" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKGnTY1neQUD-JQlTWaTXpoZe8Re2Bp7FVb2ixaF6nRP7VIFknAjvfXrWq2QkF3CXjCf65PdFIIcfMsGXhjFHL8P9RghCiSTeQDAMTsH7ZBJDgJW79LS1Zok6r7VtogzDkVDZZVAYSLA/s400/20160506_215618.jpg" title="gregg saretsky" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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After the meal service, WestJet's President & CEO, came through the cabin to help clear meal trays and garbage. He took time to ask the passengers for their feedback on the inaugural flight. I was impressed that he made the effort to engage with passengers. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYanIVWsofcSXkLlqqK2-H_tSC0G70zLIVZeyh7vHfrW_ZpO2VN3Dn1socAvoXbl3zKeoXrUrripTXwxVBEwwv5ZVc2lNS-dsKg-2JQ7ZCS1Ct2mAOiZ9OcGAtZxhVeAhBSuj9IhNVG8/s1600/20160507_021813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet food" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYanIVWsofcSXkLlqqK2-H_tSC0G70zLIVZeyh7vHfrW_ZpO2VN3Dn1socAvoXbl3zKeoXrUrripTXwxVBEwwv5ZVc2lNS-dsKg-2JQ7ZCS1Ct2mAOiZ9OcGAtZxhVeAhBSuj9IhNVG8/s400/20160507_021813.jpg" title="westjet snack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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A couple of hours prior to landing at London's Gatwick Airport, the cabin crew delivered the second portion of my pre-paid meal, a light snack of banana bread and sliced apples. It was hardly the continental breakfast that I have been accustomed to on other carriers, but it was adequate. </div>
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The flight attendants then came through the cabin again with another round of beverages and buy-on-board. But on this service, WestJet's CEO took the place of one of the attendants serving the beverages, which was another impressive move on his part. We eventually arrived at Gatwick on-time and without incident. </div>
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<b><i>THE RETURN FLIGHT</i></b></div>
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I was hoping that my WestJet flight back to Canada on May 23rd would have been as uneventful as the first one, but the mediocrity began before I even departed for the airport. I received a notification that my flight had been cancelled the evening prior to my scheduled departure. In the e-mail, I was presented with the option of rescheduling and flying back on another date or flying on the same date but routing through Toronto. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOegEPgLHkk0j9Rd_4dA2ny3CpJs2F0JVabWBJxJk_FhxmbE60qmNHrefhroqpQe0EAHuVgl8iFo2aXqoxmvaG1APjgqg3ZISyK9abEqU1YJdT5F17Gl4n6t9xTYA_dT_x7dWMkkU_Sw/s1600/20160523_144502-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="westjet 767" border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOegEPgLHkk0j9Rd_4dA2ny3CpJs2F0JVabWBJxJk_FhxmbE60qmNHrefhroqpQe0EAHuVgl8iFo2aXqoxmvaG1APjgqg3ZISyK9abEqU1YJdT5F17Gl4n6t9xTYA_dT_x7dWMkkU_Sw/s400/20160523_144502-1.jpg" title="westjet 767-300er" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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Although I was not pleased as the new schedule would have me home prior to midnight as opposed to dinner time when I was originally scheduled to arrive, I took the option of the flight via Toronto as I had to get back for work. I arrived at London Gatwick Airport with plenty of time to spare. I must say that after Vancouver Airport, London Gatwick leaves much to be desired in terms of comfort and service.</div>
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When our flight was called to the boarding gate, the agents had us all form a long line and wait to board even though there was a completely empty boarding lounge filled with seats. As I stood in line, I learned that we were about to board a rescue flight that had been sent into transport passengers that had been displaced due to the cancelled flight. </div>
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Apparently, one of WestJet's 767 aircraft had broken down the day before and they were unable to get a part to fix the aircraft in a timely manner. This resulted in not only the cancellation of my flight but several others as well. This caused some passengers to be stranded in London for another day. This is indeed the downside of flying with a carrier with a limited wide-body fleet as there are no spare aircraft that are readily available when one breaks down. In addition, break downs are to be expected when you are operating aircraft that are more than twenty years old.</div>
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After boarding the aircraft, the flight was delayed further because a passenger had become ill on board and wanted to disembark. We ended up being delayed around thirty minutes, which would not have been so bad except for the fact that I had an extremely tight connection in Toronto that would leave me only 45 minutes to clear customs, collect my luggage, and head to my next flight. Although I made it in the end, it made for a rather stressful experience at the prospect of being stranded in Toronto overnight.</div>
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On board the aircraft, the service was much the same. Tensions were high as all of the passengers had been inconvenienced in one way or another due to being on board a rescue flight. However, the cabin crew did their best and I must give special mention to a flight attendant from South Africa named Suzanne, who really made a special effort to bring light to a negative situation. </div>
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She was very kind and patient with passengers and made the effort to check on them and engage them in conversation regularly. She stood out by a long shot against the other cabin crew, who didn't even come close to her level of service. In spite of her efforts, passengers including myself seemed disappointed that WestJet had not made any gesture to compensate the passengers for all the hassle and inconvenience -- a complimentary meal or alcoholic beverage would have gone a long way to addressing disappointment.</div>
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The rest of the flight seemed consistent with the inaugural flight in spite of the delays. However, I noticed that this time, pre-ordered meals were served simultaneously with the buy-on-board service. The meal choices on the return flight were different: Sweet Bell Pepper Chicken, Shepherd's Pie, and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Although I am partial to Shepherd's Pie, I won't pay $14.99 for it. Therefore, I ordered the ravioli.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZlV4uY_updvcEVQIGs3HfDqhgeoy7ZZIWvkU-z-QwmHobA4aq4MfS9YZEVUMsDEyTVxEdNk8g07tQDKdXvLUPthIc8zQnhnXlZ7Et8prmcs5cRQ9LGL9vm8EYbOaQP6758m-kbZx8fc/s1600/20160523_185853%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet food" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZlV4uY_updvcEVQIGs3HfDqhgeoy7ZZIWvkU-z-QwmHobA4aq4MfS9YZEVUMsDEyTVxEdNk8g07tQDKdXvLUPthIc8zQnhnXlZ7Et8prmcs5cRQ9LGL9vm8EYbOaQP6758m-kbZx8fc/s400/20160523_185853%25280%2529.jpg" title="westjet meal" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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All I can say is that this was the greatest disappointment of all. Firstly, the cabin crew had no record that I had even ordered a meal. Thankfully, I was able to produce a receipt that I printed at home proving that I had pre-paid for it. Secondly, they didn't have any of the side dishes available at the time of service. The flight attendant said, "Hopefully, we'll be back with the rest of your meal if we can find some." I thought they better find some as I had paid for it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO4em3t9FTuAwtNQr6TmTO0H24SeXZ7iKqMENTI0l1XtBQoFMjNHP6j-qsUwcD3bP7rHTteJfGdfs82iYflyWTdomK3rs2DCUBYD9IpEK9bmtVyGEk04Yb8AyHuEMafcsUGS9xtICUJ8/s1600/20160523_190253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet food" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO4em3t9FTuAwtNQr6TmTO0H24SeXZ7iKqMENTI0l1XtBQoFMjNHP6j-qsUwcD3bP7rHTteJfGdfs82iYflyWTdomK3rs2DCUBYD9IpEK9bmtVyGEk04Yb8AyHuEMafcsUGS9xtICUJ8/s400/20160523_190253.jpg" title="westjet meal" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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While the cannelloni I was served on the outbound flight was decent, the ravioli was absolutely disgusting. The pasta lacked sauce and overall, it was dry, hard, and freezer-burned. It's obvious to the naked eye seeing the discolouration of the pasta. I could not believe that I had paid $15 for that, when it was below the quality of a $1.99 frozen pasta at the grocery store!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6pf-WlhnVayciJtfApstnEADdlnBzvCqF71XPqV4XjYjVE7KX63pHefD_pxQY_TL6AKi1QKjjhzZaohIn7Xv-9osCj6t9reAbuq-3msvZnqbhXamJuEgF07ecAnor9xqeBkWvnUvsak/s1600/20160523_190257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet meal" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6pf-WlhnVayciJtfApstnEADdlnBzvCqF71XPqV4XjYjVE7KX63pHefD_pxQY_TL6AKi1QKjjhzZaohIn7Xv-9osCj6t9reAbuq-3msvZnqbhXamJuEgF07ecAnor9xqeBkWvnUvsak/s400/20160523_190257.jpg" title="westjet food" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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The flight attendants later returned with the remainder of the meal, which was an oatmeal raisin cookie and pasta salad. Although I was incredibly disappointed that I paid $15 for the meal, it turned out when I arrived home that I didn't end up paying anything for it. </div>
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Since my original flight was cancelled, WestJet's computer system automatically cancelled and refunded the purchase of my meal. Although it ended up being a happy accident to my benefit, it is a bit alarming that my order was not transferred to my new flight schedule as I could have ended up without a meal at all. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMgjqkb-GXCWp5RKsVDGungEPbdDkEXudll9HrFPIixbgf3WmFkjAZbs3cbE_gDoYl3LnvlV4ulP6-pAIcNoMNq2wNNa3WfP4M9d5sxkK1X_w4n0nD9fj25j1ADAnG2UVWwe9TwttL1M/s1600/20160523_190700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet meal" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMgjqkb-GXCWp5RKsVDGungEPbdDkEXudll9HrFPIixbgf3WmFkjAZbs3cbE_gDoYl3LnvlV4ulP6-pAIcNoMNq2wNNa3WfP4M9d5sxkK1X_w4n0nD9fj25j1ADAnG2UVWwe9TwttL1M/s400/20160523_190700.jpg" title="westjet snack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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A couple of hours prior to landing in Toronto, I received the light snack that I had ordered with my pre-purchase meal. It was an extremely basic cheese sandwich wrapped in cling film.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1SRmFOOmHk8CZL-fYOmcxoqaNC9U2IXM4VVecd3N0HOKZNIasJAxRiiIggxSWnZgUOFtsrxqjn7Ss4Whh8zpvAWMQ_nHX3Ln9_RZyIICKHaOek7a625KTJwInCJQq-HJrfbKL56JU04/s1600/20160523_213159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet meal" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1SRmFOOmHk8CZL-fYOmcxoqaNC9U2IXM4VVecd3N0HOKZNIasJAxRiiIggxSWnZgUOFtsrxqjn7Ss4Whh8zpvAWMQ_nHX3Ln9_RZyIICKHaOek7a625KTJwInCJQq-HJrfbKL56JU04/s400/20160523_213159.jpg" title="westjet snack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"WestJet Sandwich"<br />
Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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It looked like something that your mother might have packed for a school lunch - very bland and underwhelming in every way possible. Compare this to the complimentary cheese sandwich that I received on a British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Barcelona. I paid only £40 for that two-hour flight and both the sandwich and packaging were much more impressive.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLTLsNEJat_ZC5oYCqcvMMV9beoVDen-eVN6JqXFV8WyoNGavKhNe0a-qxwRW9J575_C3ZyOh12xqEsPMiTJWWhMdkkzTXZguNMiNvGMfPGfk8ofsat93QV_ZBwZwKqZWGCKTFa9sw2U/s1600/20160507_160208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="british airways meal" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLTLsNEJat_ZC5oYCqcvMMV9beoVDen-eVN6JqXFV8WyoNGavKhNe0a-qxwRW9J575_C3ZyOh12xqEsPMiTJWWhMdkkzTXZguNMiNvGMfPGfk8ofsat93QV_ZBwZwKqZWGCKTFa9sw2U/s400/20160507_160208.jpg" title="british airways snack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"British Airways Sandwich"<br />
Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<b><i>SHOULD YOU FLY WESTJET TO LONDON?</i></b></div>
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I consciously chose to fly WestJet to London as they have worked hard to earn an enviable reputation for their domestic and trans-border flights in Canada. I am thankful that they have brought down the cost of airfares between the United Kingdom and Canada. However, I would likely never fly with them to London again unless they improve the quality of their product and service. </div>
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It would be completely fair to receive a sub-standard product if I had saved a considerable amount of money over competing carriers because it is acceptable to receive less when you have paid less for it. But in this instance, there was a choice and I could have flown Air Canada mainline or Air Transat for the same price and I would have undoubtedly received better value. To add insult to injury, the in-flight meal that I paid for with WestJet ended up being well below the standard of complimentary services that are included in the cost of a ticket with competing carriers. After paying extra for checked luggage, meals, and not even having seat-back televisions screens, I can equate this experience to nothing more than a flying school bus. </div>
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I must disclose that I did receive compensation from WestJet for the delayed return flight. However, that is a credit to the European Union's Denied-Boarding and Delayed Flight Regulations. While I appreciate my compensation, I can't help but wonder what gesture WestJet would have made had the regulations not been in place. Overall, I was disappointed with the experience. It did not meet my expectations and WestJet's <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/flying-westjet-s-vancouver-to-london-england-route-bring-a-sandwich-1.3608928" target="_blank">long-haul product leaves much to be desired</a>. Growing pains are expected in the beginning but I sincerely hope that they will focus on improving.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEk4TIPnfkXCoyBmwlJXcyjMix5vDa1o5s3Nw7SKnfJg9NX0_sYxPmLYnqLfiPJ1jLCLJ38ZsAiFwh97UoroGMyJ26bAU4WZnUR3JH9-mN5OwkTzxGlaiyZwtmyBRflJMtH4vz6IBkEY/s1600/20160523_201117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="westjet 767" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEk4TIPnfkXCoyBmwlJXcyjMix5vDa1o5s3Nw7SKnfJg9NX0_sYxPmLYnqLfiPJ1jLCLJ38ZsAiFwh97UoroGMyJ26bAU4WZnUR3JH9-mN5OwkTzxGlaiyZwtmyBRflJMtH4vz6IBkEY/s400/20160523_201117.jpg" title="westjet 767" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Photo: D.Wilson/jetBC</td></tr>
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<b><i>Questions or Comments?</i></b> <i>Send me an e-mail at darrylwilsonjr@gmail.com</i></div>
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<br />Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-1571916952085753292015-09-14T22:27:00.001-07:002015-09-14T22:27:12.897-07:00WestJet to Launch New Vancouver to London Gatwick FlightsWestJet Airlines has revealed that it will be introducing new non-stop service from Vancouver International Airport to London's Gatwick Airport beginning on May 6, 2016. The Calgary-based carrier will also be introducing service to London from five other Canadian cities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: WestJet / YouTube</td></tr>
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According to the latest <a href="http://airlineroute.net/2015/09/14/ws-lgw-s16/" target="_blank">airline timetables</a>, WestJet's Vancouver to Gatwick service will be operated six times weekly using the carrier's new Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Flights will depart Vancouver International Airport at 5:50pm and arrive in London at 11:24am the following day. The return trip will depart Gatwick at 12:55pm and arrive back in Vancouver at 3:40pm. </div>
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Connections are likely to be made available from other cities in British Columbia such as Kelowna and Victoria with WestJet Encore. WestJet will also be adding non-stop service to London from Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, St. John's, and Winnipeg for a total of 28 weekly flights to the British capital.</div>
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Calgary will be served with five weekly flights, while Edmonton will receive two weekly flights. Both Toronto and St. John's, Newfoundland will be served with daily flights. However, flights from Newfoundland will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft. </div>
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Winnipeg will be served with one weekly flight, which will be the first direct service linking Manitoba and the United Kingdom. Previously, Winnipeg hosted seasonal direct flights to Iceland, operated by the now-defunct low-cost carrier Iceland Express. </div>
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It is expected that WestJet will formally announce the launch of these new routes on Tuesday, September 15. WestJet has invited members of the media to "high tea" in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, and St. John's, where it is believed the announcement will be made.</div>
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WestJet will compete directly with Air Canada, which has a firmly established base at London's Heathrow Airport. Air Canada already operates direct flights to London from all of WestJet's planned departure cities with the exception of Winnipeg. </div>
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In addition, Air Canada also plans to add low-cost <a href="http://www.thestar.com/business/2015/06/25/air-canada-follows-westjet-in-offering-flights-to-gatwick.html" target="_blank">Air Canada Rouge service between Toronto and London Gatwick</a> for the summer of 2016, which is a direct competitive response to the new WestJet service. Air Canada Rouge and WestJet will join Air Transat, which has long operated service to London Gatwick from Calgary, Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver.</div>
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Passengers can expect a decline in airfares to London next year as competition intensifies. In an interview with the Financial Post, Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice President for Commercial Operations, stated that travellers should be able to expect lower fares at least initially. "I encourage consumers to wait and they will be pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is when we introduce service, in particular the introductory fares we put in the market," said Cummings. </div>
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Lower airfares is welcome news to travellers that will be able to take advantage of the reduced pricing, which come as a direct result of increased capacity in the market. Earlier this year, British Airways announced that it will be flying the world's largest aircraft between Vancouver and London next summer. It will be the first and only Airbus <a href="http://www.jetbc.com/2015/08/british-airways-a380-to-fly-to-vancouver.html" target="_blank">A380 service to Vancouver</a>. </div>
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Experts believe that the lower airfares to London could trigger a trend that may stimulate demand and introduce lower fares to other European cities, especially if WestJet continues to challenge Air Canada and open up routes to more destinations.</div>
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According to Ben Cherniavsky, Financial Analyst at Raymond James, the firm believes that WestJet is attempting to replicate what it has done in other markets, which is to lower fares and stimulate demand. National Bank Analyst Cameron Doerksen echoes a similar sentiment. "We believe that WestJet has the network and cost structure to support new international flying and that over the longer term this capacity expansion will be positive," said Doerksen. </div>
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The new service will become the first long-haul route for WestJet Airlines, which has largely focused on short-haul flying in recent years utilizing its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The route to London will become the first long-haul destination for the newest addition to the WestJet fleet, the Boeing 767.</div>
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The Boeing 767 will be the first wide-bodied aircraft to be operated by the Canadian low-cost carrier. WestJet's 767 is configured with 262 seats including 24 Premium Seats in the Plus cabin. WestJet's Plus cabin is a form of premium economy featuring hot meals and seats arranged in a two-by-two configuration. The Economy cabin will feature 238 seats arranged seven seats across in a 2-3-2 configuration. </div>
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All four of the Boeing 767 aircraft that will join the fleet this year will be equipped with WestJet Connect, the carrier's new wireless in-flight connectivity and entertainment system. All four of the aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next eight months with two arriving in the fall. Reservations for the new London flights are anticipated to be made available following the official announcement. </div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-70474779978395504182015-09-14T21:27:00.003-07:002015-09-14T21:27:47.986-07:00Low Dollar Brings Canadian Travellers Back to Vancouver AirportThe low-Canadian dollar is having an impact on airports south of the border, which often see large numbers of Canadian travellers, taking advantage of cheaper flights. But the weak Canadian dollar means that flights departing from US airports are not as cheap as before. <div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT2tFPBdNkm2j20_B57SMfC-jmGr3h66z9mC5ApoG-uXOBBpoMa5GfnMcOarxU3G7NXhiquKekImRfYub-l9keS3_l2lUP6lvFMjDPOyJp7dJU3VZo9pQoEObecO0o3qNdV-hKnpOcLQ/s1600/6842500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT2tFPBdNkm2j20_B57SMfC-jmGr3h66z9mC5ApoG-uXOBBpoMa5GfnMcOarxU3G7NXhiquKekImRfYub-l9keS3_l2lUP6lvFMjDPOyJp7dJU3VZo9pQoEObecO0o3qNdV-hKnpOcLQ/s400/6842500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/news/passenger+jets+reported+fire+smoke+Vancouver+international+airport+last+year/8374498/story.html" target="_blank">Vancouver Sun</a></td></tr>
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According to statistics released by Bellingham International Airport, passengers travelling through the airport in the first half of 2015 dropped by 14.5% compared to the same period last year.<br /><br />At the end of 2014, Bellingham Airport suffered its first annual decline in passengers in more than a decade. The airport, which is a hub of Las Vegas based ultra-low cost carrier, Allegiant Air, typically attracts thousands of Canadian travellers each year in search of a bargain airfare to destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. It is believed that more than half of the passengers travelling through the airport are Canadian.<div>
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In an interview with <a href="https://www.biv.com/article/2015/7/low-canadian-dollar-hits-bellingham-airport-passen/" target="_blank">Business in Vancouver</a>, Bellingham Airport officials revealed that the drop in passenger traffic for June was the steepest decline seen so far this year. According to airport statistics, the passenger count was down 30.6% in June 2015 compared to June 2014.</div>
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"There's definitely a relationship between the Canadian dollar exchange rate and the number of passengers who fly out of here," said Mike Hogan, Public Affairs Administration for Bellingham International Airport. "But, there's other factors too. There's also consolidation in the airline industry."</div>
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It has also not helped that flights have been gradually reduced from Bellingham International Airport in recent years. Allegiant Air <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthesky/2014/09/11/allegiant-drops-bellingham-hawaii-routes/15445247/" target="_blank">cancelled their direct flights</a> from Bellingham to Hawaii, while Frontier Airlines decided to discontinue its seasonal service to Denver this year. The only other carrier to operate from the airport is Alaska Airlines.</div>
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In an interview with <a href="http://www.news1130.com/2015/08/24/consequence-low-loonie-canadians-airports/" target="_blank">News1130</a>, Claire Newell of Travel Best Bets indicated that Canadians are now flying from Canadian Airports or postponing their trips. "They're really taking a look at comparing apples to apples when it comes to pricing and factoring in the US dollar, the hassle of crossing the border, and dealing with those line ups," said Newell. "It is coming into play and there are so many fewer Canadians crossing the border to fly." </div>
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The news is good for Canadian airports, which are now seeing an increase in passenger traffic. As of July 2015, Vancouver International Airport reported a <a href="file:///C:/Users/Canada/Downloads/July+2015+Traffic+Update.pdf" target="_blank">5.3 percent increase</a> in passengers for the year to date. July alone saw an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year. </div>
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The significant drop in passengers at Bellingham comes after millions of dollars were invested to renovate and expand the Bellingham International Airport to accommodate the rising number of travellers. "It's a real shame for the Bellingham Airport because they have put such a huge amount of money into the airport," added Newell. "But I don't see this lasting forever. As the dollar goes up and down, the number of visitors leaving out of Bellingham Airport does the same."</div>
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Meanwhile, Bellingham International Airport has devised a plan to increase the attractiveness of the airport in spite of the low Canadian dollar. The airport plans to reduce its daily parking rates when demand is low to try and stimulate business.</div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-56896808945899213142015-08-26T00:44:00.001-07:002015-08-26T00:44:23.675-07:00Pacific Coastal Launching Victoria to Kelowna FlightsAfter the successful launch of direct flights from Victoria to Prince George last January, <a href="http://www.pacificcoastal.com/pacific-coastal-airlines-announces-new-non-stop-service-between-victoria-and-kelowna/" target="_blank">Pacific Coastal Airlines</a> has announced that it will begin new non-stop service between Victoria and Kelowna in October.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgmtoVK83PIg3aaS1H-aLctUya0i4hQi6wmFFwUsDGxdZYxrjpVCEGteBaHHpR0ENvTj4cXhQcFPNw615weLI-z59ecX2Q_O-nkmjGXnQw79zLb1zj6-xnpROUgOGrIHVuuW1oQ5tjD4/s1600/10298909935_70071f79d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="victoria to kelowna flights" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgmtoVK83PIg3aaS1H-aLctUya0i4hQi6wmFFwUsDGxdZYxrjpVCEGteBaHHpR0ENvTj4cXhQcFPNw615weLI-z59ecX2Q_O-nkmjGXnQw79zLb1zj6-xnpROUgOGrIHVuuW1oQ5tjD4/s400/10298909935_70071f79d4_b.jpg" title="victoria to prince george flights" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/axel_j/10298909935" target="_blank">Axel J Aviation Photography</a></td></tr>
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The Vancouver based regional airline will operate flights between the two cities on a daily basis with twice daily flights on weekdays and a single daily flight on weekends. Flights are scheduled to commence on October 27, 2015 and will be operated by a Saab 340 aircraft.<br />
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Pacific Coastal operates two versions of the <a href="http://www.pacificcoastal.com/information/our-aircraft/" target="_blank">Saab 340</a> featuring stand-up cabins, a flight attendant, on-board service, washroom, and seating for between thirty to thirty four passengers. Pacific Coastal will compete directly with WestJet Encore, which currently operates one daily flight between Victoria and Kelowna using their fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft.<br />
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According to Spencer Smith, Vice President of Commercial Services for Pacific Coastal, the regional carrier expects to attract both business travellers and tourists on the new route. "We believe there is significant market opportunity for this new route and that these new non-stop flights will be well received in both communities and the surrounding areas," said Smith. "We expect to see a healthy mix of both business and leisure travellers on this scheduled service."<br />
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On weekdays, flights will depart Victoria at 7:30am and 5:30pm, while the return flights will depart Kelowna at 9:00am and 6:55pm. The flight time is approximately one hour and five minutes with fares starting at $147.23. The flight schedule is ideal for business travellers, who now have the option of making a day trip to either city.<br />
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With new non-stop flights from Victoria to Kelowna and Prince George, Pacific Coastal will now be stationing one of its Saab 340 aircraft permanently at Victoria International Airport. The new Victoria to Kelowna route joins Pacific Coastal's growing network of 65 destinations throughout British Columbia. The regional carrier has been serving British Columbia for nearly forty years.<br />
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-91261625995555522142015-08-25T22:46:00.000-07:002015-08-25T22:46:12.058-07:00British Airways A380 to Fly Between Vancouver and London in Summer 2016British Airways has revealed that it will be flying the world's largest passenger aircraft to Vancouver International Airport for Summer 2016. The Airbus A380 aircraft will replace the Boeing 747, which currently operates a daily service between London's Heathrow Airport and YVR. <div>
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When the A380 begins its service to Vancouver on May 1, 2016, it will be the first scheduled A380 service for YVR and all of western Canada. "We're excited that our British Airways customers in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest will be able to experience the newest addition to our fleet, with spacious cabins and extensive entertainment options," said Robert Antoniuk, British Airways' Vice President Operations West. "This is the culmination of a multi-billion pound investment in services that we know will further enhance the premium experience that our customers expect from British Airways."</div>
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The British Airways A380 aircraft offers capacity for up to 469 passengers in four classes of service across both decks. <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/information/travel-classes/first/first" target="_blank">First Class</a> offers 14 luxurious suites, <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/information/travel-classes/business/club-world" target="_blank">Club World Business Class</a> features 97 seats with full flat bed reclining ability, <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/information/travel-classes/premium-economy/world-traveller-plus" target="_blank">World Traveller Plus</a> (Premium Economy) offers 55 seats, while <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/en-ca/information/travel-classes/economy/world-traveller" target="_blank">World Traveller Economy Class</a> offers 303 seats. Passengers will be able to enjoy on-demand seat-back entertainment from every seat featuring more than 130 movies, 650 television programs, and an extensive selection of music. </div>
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British Airways has been operating service between London and Vancouver for more than thirty years. According to Craig Richmond, President & CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority, the arrival of the A380 represents exciting times for Vancouver International Airport. "It has been nine years since Airbus first brought the A380 to YVR as part of its test flight schedule, and since that time much has changed-but not our appetite to see this super jumbo in action on a commercial route," said Richmond. "I wish to congratulate British Airways, one of our longest standing airline partners, for putting an A380 on the YVR-Heathrow route. To see this incredible aircraft return to YVR with scheduled service will be very exciting."</div>
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The A380 will operate flights to Vancouver for the summer season only. It will replace the existing daily Boeing 747 service and the seasonal Boeing 777 service given the increased capacity of the A380 aircraft. A British Airways A380 aircraft can carry approximately 140 more passengers than one of the carrier's Boeing 747 aircraft.</div>
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Flights will depart London Heathrow daily at 5:15pm, arriving at Vancouver International Airport at 6:40pm. The return journey will depart Vancouver at 8:50pm, and arrive back in London at 2:00pm the following day. Gates 64 and 65 at Vancouver Airport's International Terminal Concourse D are fully capable of handling the A380 aircraft, which boasts a wingspan of 260 feet.</div>
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Vancouver now becomes the fourth destination in North America to experience British Airways A380 service. The British flag carrier also operates service to Toronto, Montral, and Calgary with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Tickets for the new A380 service are already on sale.</div>
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Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2406593192578492372.post-11210974064063526902015-08-25T00:04:00.000-07:002015-08-25T00:04:27.101-07:00Delta Airlines to Begin Victoria-Seattle Service in 2016Passengers boarding a flight in Victoria will once again enjoy competitive fares to Seattle when Delta Airlines introduces non-stop service between Victoria and Seattle in April 2016. The service, which will be flown three times daily, will utilise a 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft. operated by Skywest on behalf of Delta Connection.<br />
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Flights between the two Pacific Northwest cities will last approximately 40 minutes. The first flight is scheduled to take off on April 4, 2016. Flights will depart Victoria at 6:00am, 12:15pm, and 4:30pm, while flights will depart Seattle at 10:55am, 2:10pm, and 9:55pm.<br />
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Alaska Airlines has long held a monopoly on the Victoria to Seattle route for several years. The Seattle based airline currently operates five daily flights to Victoria with 76-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft operated by its subsidiary, Horizon Air.<br />
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However, unlike its primary competitor, the new Delta flights will offer three <a href="http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/main-cabin/compare-seat-options.html" target="_blank">classes of service</a> including Economy, First Class, and Delta Comfort. The <a href="http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/onboard-experience/delta-comfort-plus.html" target="_blank">Delta Comfort Class</a> is a form of Premium Economy offering an enhanced experience including priority boarding, dedicated bin space, additional legroom, and free beer, wine, and spirits among other amenities. Upgrade fees to Delta Comfort Class on the Victoria to Seattle route start at just $20.<br />
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In an interview with the <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/business/delta-airlines-to-launch-victoria-seattle-flights-next-year-1.1948021#sthash.XkNn90Qh.dpuf">Victoria Times Colonist</a>, Victoria Airport Authority CEO Geoff Dickson said that the new flights will increase both business and tourism. "Victoria International Airport has hit record growth every month since November 2013 right through until April of 2015," said Dickson. "We've had measured capacity growth and the carriers are seeing Victoria is a vibrant tourist destination, a vibrant tech market, and they are seeing the business opportunity."<br />
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Dickson added that airlines that are conducting analysis of market sizes see an opportunity in Victoria and this won't be the last expansion of service. "We are investing in apron capacity now to accommodate more aircraft," added Dickson.<br />
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Passengers travelling on Delta's new route to Seattle will also enjoy access to the carrier's rapidly growing hub at Seattle Tacoma Airport, where it operates 128 daily flights to a variety of destinations.<br />
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The last time Alaska Airlines had competition between Victoria and Seattle was in 2001 when SkyWest operated four daily flights with Embraer EMB-120 turbo-prop aircraft on behalf of United Express. That service was later terminated due to challenging economic conditions.<br />
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This is not the first time that Delta Airlines has served Victoria International Airport. The US carrier last served the BC capital when it launched non-stop flights between Victoria and its hub at Salt Lake City in 2006. The service was offered on a seasonal basis between June and September and operated by a Bombardier CRJ200 from SkyWest operating on behalf of Delta Connection. However, it was also terminated due to challenging market conditions.<br />
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Although the last two attempts to challenge Alaska Airlines were met with difficulty, the odds of the new route's success remain favourable given Victoria's rising popularity as a tourist destination, the weak Canadian dollar, and Delta's growing presence in Seattle.<br />
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Alaska Airlines has been the dominant player in the Pacific Northwest for decades. But Delta Airlines is seeking market share of its own. At present, Alaska has more flights from Seattle Tacoma Airport, but Delta offers more international flights including six non-stop routes to Asia and four to Europe.<br />
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Delta is now working to build its feeder network expanding to cities across the United States and Canada to feed international flights departing from its Seattle hub. All of these new flights are an immediate threat to Alaska Airlines.<br />
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Delta plans to transform Seattle into the carrier's West Coast international gateway. In addition to offering more flights from Seattle, it will also create more jobs and invest heavily in facility improvements.<br />
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In an interview with the <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/business/delta-has-big-plans-for-growing-sea-tac-hub/" target="_blank">Seattle Times</a>, Bob Cortelyou, Vice President of Network Planning for Delta, stated that Seattle offers huge potential as a global gateway but is currently lagging behind Vancouver International Airport.<br />
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Although Alaska Airlines is a hometown favourite carrying more than half of all passengers from Seattle Tacoma Airport, Delta is the world's third-largest airline. Many industry analysts are speculating that Delta is turning up the heat to corner Alaska into a takeover.<br />
<br />Darryl Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04119078114702463359noreply@blogger.com