Santa Monica Hiking Club

 
 
 

Let's go wild and west and welcome in the summer in captivating Canada! From cities to mountains and lakes, to national parks and flourishing flora and fauna, we will explore the beauty of this country and its multitude of treasures. This spectacular nine-day summer sojourn will be a remarkably unforgettable journey.

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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Take a city tour of Vancouver, one of Canada's most famous, vibrant, and stunning cities.
- Visit the incredible Capilano Suspension Bridge, an amazing adventure into nature. Built in 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River.
- Partake in the Cliffwalk & super fun Treetop Adventures above Capilano River in Vancouver!
- Take the Skyride gondola or hike Grouse Mountain and pick your mix of awesome activities at the top: a grizzly bear habitat, world-famous lumberjack show, owl talks, chairlift ride, mountain disc golf, or optionally make it even more exciting with a ropes course, zipline, and even paraglide!
- Explore Whistler, one of the world's most famous and beautiful mountain towns, where you can explore the pristine wilderness with any of the following (some organized optionally in advance): hike, bike, ATV, canoe, or just take in the magnificent scenery and fresh air.
- Take a respite with a scenic drive from Kamloops to Banff, with a stop at a local winery for a tour & tasting.

• Stay in and explore Banff, one of the crown jewels of Canada. Excursions to both Banff and Jasper National Parks included.
• Visit Columbia Icefield along the stunning Icefields Parkway, with options to take a Snow Coach Ride on the Athabasca Glacier and step out on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.
• Visit Lake Louise with its milky to crystal blue-green waters, marvel at the natural scenery, and stop in at the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
  - Take a sightseeing excursion right out of a fairy tale in Banff National Park, with stops at some of the world's most beautiful places, including Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, the Tunnel Mountain Drive with its stunning views of the Bow River Valley and wind-shaped Hoodoos. We will also drive past the famous Banff Springs Hotel, stopping at Bow Falls and storybook-looking Moraine Lake. Optionally, you can take in the views from the Banff Gondola as well.
  - Visit and explore cosmopolitan city, Calgary.
• Around the corner awaits this and so much more in captivating Canada!

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Magical Madagascar, where 90% of the flora and fauna is not found anywhere else in the world! We will go at the perfect time of year, when the lemurs are most active and babies are being birthed. If you are looking to feast your senses and be amazed, this is the trip for you.

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HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the east, west, and south of Madagascar in one trip - this is an extraordinary feat which we are only able to make happen by including two domestic flights to cover more ground in less time and maximize our experience. (An optional extension to the north will be made available as well.)

- Visit five national parks: Ranomafana (including tropical rainforest), Isalo, Andasibe-Mantadia, Zombitse-Vohibasia, and Tsingy de Bemaraha.

- Spend two nights at Isalo Rock Lodge built into the landscape within the boundaries of Isalo National Park.

- Visit six additional nature reserves: Kirindy, Anja, Peyrieras, Mitsinjo, Voimma, and Vakona.

- Go on ten safaris and expeditions to see all types of lemurs, chameleons, reptiles (including the leaf-tailed gecko), fossa, the Malagasy giant jumping rat, birdlife, and so much more!

- Take in sunset at the world-famous Avenue of the Baobabs.

- Visit to local fishing villages and tribes, with cultural, historical, and musical experiences.

- Take local types of transport such as riding a pousse pousse, river barges, and in a pirogue.

- Visit southern Madagascar coastal city Ifaty, with a chance to see humpback whales during their migration, or option to go to a turtle sanctuary, lounge on the beach, or even snorkel or scuba if you wish.

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We will go see the pristine and magical northern Madagascar, home to exotic lemurs, chameleons & reptiles, unique reserves, lush rainforests, tsingy, and more. We will also go on several island excursions to see humpback whales, and swim and snorkel with whale sharks, dolphins, green turtles, and more as we take in not only the inland but the islands and beaches in one of the most incredibly diverse places in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Visit several national parks and reserves: Amber Mountain (Madagascar’s first national park), comprised of volcanic lakes and waterfalls, and Ankarana, with exceptional limestone tsingy formations as well as several lemurs, Baobabs, chameleons, reptiles, and more than 100 bird species! We will also visit the unique red tsingy nature reserve of the Irodo Valley.

- Explore the top sights in Diego Suarez: the stunning Three Bays, Sakalava Bay, and Ramena Fishing Village.
- Take a domestic flight from the capital to the north to go on expeditions throughout inland north and also excursions by speedboat to multiple islands where we explore and stay, including Nosy Be, Nosy Iranja, and Nosy Sakatia.

- Multiple island excursions to swim and snorkel with gentle and beautiful whale sharks, multiple dolphin subspecies, green turtles, and unique northern Madagascar flora and fauna.

- Whale watching expedition to learn about and see the gorgeous humpback whales during their migration.

- Optional scuba diving around Nosy Sakatia and Nosy Tanikely.

- Learn about and eat the delicious organic chocolate at the Millot cocoa plantation.

- Enjoy a Madagascar sunset on Mont Passot in Nosy Be.

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Only 3 days off work to do and see the best of Bali, as we do a deep dive into Balinese culture, activities, and sights!

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Guided snorkeling in Tulamben at the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck.
- See the most epic sites in Ubud: Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Lempuyang Temple/Gate of Heaven, Lahangan Sweet, and more!
- Experience Bali through your senses as we explore: Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Bali Swing, Tegenungan Waterfall, and make a visit to a traditional art village.
- Beautiful downhill relaxed cycling land tour through rice fields and local villages.
- Snorkeling at the stunning Nusa Penida island.

• Barong & Kris Balinese dance show (for those arriving early).
• Kintamani (Mt. Batur) sunrise tour in 4WD and hot springs with an incredible view to follow.
  - Spectacular upscale spa experience set in the Balinese jungle (space is limited at the spa, so we will be prioritizing the first sign-up's for this really special place).
  - Morning yoga in Ubud.
  - Thanksgiving dinner on the beach in Sanur.
  - Visit to Uluwatu temple with Kecak dance and seafood dinner at Jimbaran beach.
  - Stays in hand selected 4-star hotels, including at a modern Balinese resort on the beach in Sanur.

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