Aviation Museum & Sea Cider Tasting - a Discovery Exclusive

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Up, up and away! You'll enjoy every minute of this fascinating tour that combines two top attractions. A relaxing 45-minute motorcoach ride brings you to the first stop on this half-day tour, the exciting British Columbia Aviation Museum.

Dedicated to the preservation of aviation history, the museum has collected and lovingly restored aircraft and artifacts related to Canada's history of aviation, and many of the exhibits pertain specifically to British Columbia. After arrival, you'll have ample time to explore this fascinating museum, which is spread out inside two large airplane hangars.

The museum displays more than 20 aircraft, and the collection contains not only planes, but also an array of interesting engines, pictures, models and artifacts. Your guide will take you through the memorial room, point out special items and displays and take you through the restoration hangar. Peruse military exhibits of medals and uniforms from the wars that Canadians have fought, including memorabilia from the Royal Canadian Air Force.

High points include a Bell 47 helicopter with its goldfish bowl canopy. This particular helicopter has a long and interesting history, including a stint on the television show "M*A*S*H"! You will also see the Eastman E2 Sea Rover, which is unique to Canada and British Columbia and has the distinction of being the only example of its kind left in the world! The museum also houses a Gibson Twin Plane, one of the most significant planes in Canadian aviation. It was built and flown in Victoria, Canada, and the aircraft on display is an exact replica of the original.

The museum is constantly restoring new acquisitions, so there is always something new to see. Be sure to check out the well-stocked museum gift shop for a fine selection of models and mementos.

After completing your museum tour, reboard the motorcoach for a short drive to the Sea Cider Farm and Cider House.

This charming family-owned orchard and cider house is renowned for producing exceptional organic cider and is set in a picturesque locale with ocean views. Here, you'll tour the facility and learn about the process that takes apples from orchard to glass before stepping into the spacious Tasting Room with its soaring ceiling and beautiful vintage chandeliers.

Sea Cider makes a wide variety of products, each with its own distinct flavor and quirky name. You'll sample a flight of five different hard ciders – which may include "Wild English" – made with bittersweet cider apples grown on site – or "Kings and Spies," which is handcrafted from Victoria's heritage apples. "Bramble Bubbly" gets it sweetness from the blackberries that grow on the island, and "RumRunner" which includes local rum and has been aged in bourbon casks.

At the end of this high-flying day, return to your motorcoach and relax during the scenic drive back to the pier.

Special Notes:

Participants must be at least 19 years old and carry valid photo ID to sample ciders. Tour order may vary. This tour is only available during daytime calls to Victoria.

Provided: Flight of five cider samples

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.