2003 Tour Log

2003 Tour Log

CANADA/USA TOUR

JUNE/JULY 2003 - LOG

Sat June 28: Departed Sydney 9.30 am via flight (Air Canada AC34) to Vancouver, B C. Crossed the International Date Line and arrived 9.35 am in morning of same day. Transferred from airport to student accommodation at the University of British Columbia: Place Vanier. Rest of day tour members went sightseeing to Whistler. Whisler with a few of the BBB band

Vancouver to Whistler was via the Sea to Sky Highway, following Howe Sound. The trip went through some of the world's most outstanding scenery, with ocean on the left, mountains on the right, and waterfalls cascading towards the highway.

Sun June 29: Vancouver - We transfered by coach to and from our Vancouver city 1^st band performance. This was at the Granville Island Markets.

Mon June 30: Vancouver - We had a half day sightseeing tour - Gastown, Stanley Park, native totem poles, Lion's Gate Bridge and Chinatown and then onto 2^nd band performance. Vancouver performance at Granville markets

Tue July 1: Early departure by coach for Banff through the interior of B.C. on the Coquihalla Highway. Met a very long delay caused by a road accident. After travelling through the Fraser Valley we climbed the Cascade Ranges into high ranching country. Then across the Great Divide into Banff National Park. Overnight in Banff. Lake Loiuse attracts the BBB team The Calgary Olympic performance

Wed July 2: Morning sightseeing in Banff visiting Bow Falls and Lake Minnewanka. We traveled the Bow Valley Parkway out of Banff then continued on the 1A highway with picture stops at Johnstone Canyon and Castle Mountain. On to Lake Louise - the jewel of the Rockies - deep blue green waters framed by Mt Victoria and its glaciers. Late afternoon journey by coach to Calgary. 3^rd band performance at Calgary Olympic Park.

Thu July 3: 7.00 am departure for morning sightseeing tour of cosmopolitan Calgary, on the eve of the famous Stampede. Viewed the Calgary Tower, Saddle Dome and Olympic Plaza. Transfered to Calgary Airport for 11.50 am flight (Air Canada AC144) - Calgary to Montreal. Arrived at 5.43 pm.

Fri July 4: Les Ailes glass room performance Montreal Sightseeing and then to 4^th band performance at the amazing Les Ailes 'glass room'.

Sat July 5: Evening attendance at a Montreal Jazz Festival.

Sun July 6:

Mon July 7: Early morning coach journey from Montreal to Quebec City. Sightseeing en route included the paper city of Trois-Riviere with a stop at Harbourfront Park. Overnight in Quebec City - the historic and picturesque provincial capital; its old walled town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure in 1985.

Tue July 8: Early morning departure by coach to Boston, Mass. in the USA with sightseeing en route. The Boston Duck ride...

Wed July 9: Boston - walking and sightseeing tour of Boston along the Paul Revere Trail. Later a fun water Duck ride. Later a coach transfer to the 6^th band performance in Boston.

Thu July 10: Coach journey from Boston to New York City via Plymouth, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Sightseeing en route. Accommodation was at the largest International Youth Hostel, Amsterdam Avenue, New York City.

Fri July 11-15: NYC - walking and public transport sightseeing in Manhattan. Coach transfers to 7^th band performance in NYC at the Harlem Meer Concert in Central Park - A great performance and a great atmosphere. Central Park - The Harlem Meer Festival

Wed July 16: Early morning departure by coach to Toronto via Pennsylvania and New York State. Overnight in Toronto staying at the University of Toronto.

Fri July 18: Day trip to Niagara Falls. Travelled through lush wine region of the Niagara Peninsula to the Falls. Visited Niagara Gorge, the Observation Deck of the Whirlpool Rapids, the Floral Clock and the picturesque community of Niagara-On-The-Lake. Finally we board the Maid of the Mist boat and cruise to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Return to accommodation in Toronto.

Sat July 19: Last day of tour. Free day for sightseeing, resting and shopping! Lunchtime coach pickup from hostel for transfer to Pearson Airport for 4.15 pm flight (Air Canada AC113) from Toronto to Vancouver. Leave Vancouver on AC33 at 7.45 pm to Honolulu. Arrive at 10.10 pm. Depart: 12.30 am Sunday for Sydney.

Mon July 21: 7.10 am: arrival in Sydney.

The trip was arranged by the Benjamin's Big Band Tour Directors in conjunction with the Narrabeen Travel Centre (LTA No: 2TA001826) - a member of AFTA. All flights with Air Canada; all ground transport organised by Brewsters in conjunction with local transportation companies.