Ask any senior what one of the toughest things about getting older is, and they'll say it's not being able to do everything they could do at a younger age or still being able to do things, but at a much slower pace. That's why the bus tours offered through the Burnaby parks, recreation and cultural services department are so popular.
No longer do seniors have to map out a driving plan and coordinate every step along the way. Now, all they have to do is pay the affordable
trip price, get to the starting point - the four pick-up points in Burnaby are Bonsor near Metrotown, Confederation in North Burnaby, Cameron near the Lougheed Mall or the Edmonds Community Centre in Edmonds - and get on the bus.
Everything from lunch visits to restaurants all throughout the Lower Mainland - recent trips have included journeys to Bella Vita in Maple Ridge and Shangri-La in downtown Vancouver - to trips to Vancouver Island and Washington State are part of the bus tours that run each month.
Seniors are able to enjoy events, theatre, walks, festivals, markets, wineries, meals out and more with their friends on these trips.
Best of all, the trips are open to seniors from all cities, not just Burnaby, meaning New Westminster seniors are more than welcome to join in on the fun.
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Here's a list of some of this summer's scheduled bus trips leaving from Burnaby (schedule subject to change without notice).
Let's Do Lunch Trips
C Restaurant in Vancouver, Friday, July 27, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $6.49.
Riverway Clubhouse in South Burnaby, Wednesday, Aug. 1, leaving from Bonsor Recreation Centre, $5.37.
Arriva Restaurant in Vancouver, Friday, Aug. 10, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $4.61.
Joey Burnaby location, Thursday, Aug. 16, leaving from Bonsor Recreation Centre, $6.25.
Fish House in Vancouver, Friday, Aug. 17, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $6.83.
(Note: Only transportation cost is noted here. Meal, gratuity and taxes are extra.)
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Casino Series Tour
River Rock Casino in Richmond, Thursday, Aug. 2, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre at 9: 30 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., $7.73.
Langley Casino, Tuesday, Aug. 14, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre at 9: 30 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., $10.34.
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Summer trips throughout the area
Today, Capilano watershed tour, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $8.43.
Tuesday, July 31, Pitt Lake natural wilderness cruise, leaving from Cameron Community Centre and then Edmonds Community Centre, $109.84.
Wednesday, Aug. 1, Paddlewheeler Fireworks Cruise, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $116.41.
Tuesday, Aug. 7, A Day in White Rock, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $14.18.
Wednesday, Aug. 8, Fraser Cruise to Steveston with Joy Brown, leaving from Bonsor Recreation Centre, $123.11.
Friday, Aug. 10, Commercial Drive adventure, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $4.61.
Wednesday, Aug. 15, The Buddy Holly Story at the Stanley Theatre in Vancouver, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $58.12.
Saturday, Aug. 18, Arts Alive Festival 2012 in Langley, leaving from Cameron Community Centre and then Edmonds Community Centre, $10.23.
Friday, Aug. 24, Stanley Park, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $6.83.
Tuesday, Aug. 28, Hatley Castle in Victoria, leaving from Cameron Community Centre and then Edmonds Community Centre, $48.04.
Wednesday, Aug. 29, Grouse Mountain adventure, leaving from Bonsor Recreation Centre, $52.65.
Saturday, Sept. 15, Jersey Boys musical, leaving from Confederation Seniors Centre, $127.57.
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Here are some of the rules:
A trip may be cancelled before the start date if too few people are registered.
Refund cut-off is seven days prior to departure, unless stated otherwise on your receipt.
In many cases, trips fill up quickly. Please place your name on the wait-list. If there is enough interest, a second trip may be offered.
Return times may differ slightly from the anticipated time depending on traffic and other unforeseen factors.
For trips involving ferries, to qualify for a seniors' discount on B.C. Ferries, you must be age 65 or older and a B.C. resident. You may be asked to present your Pharmacare card or other identification as proof of age. Trip prices include the seniors' discount. If you do not qualify, be prepared to pay the difference. For Bonsor trips, these additional fees (as well as non-member price fees) are charged upon registration.
For trips bound for the United States, it is each person's responsibility to buy extra medical insurance before leaving for south of the border. Be aware that laws prohibit some merchandise from being brought back across the border.
Valid passports are required for trips to the U.S. Ensure you leave home in enough time to park your car and get to the centre 15 minutes before the trip's departure time. Many trips must leave at the time stated to ensure they arrive at their destination on time.
Volunteer as a host or hostess to receive a discounted registration fee. Supporting bus participants is a vital part of the bus trips. Hosts and hostesses provide this valuable service to help make the trips fun and safe.
If you would like to become a bus trip host or hostess, please leave your name at the front desk of any Burnaby seniors centre. In consideration of people with allergies, we ask that people not wear scented hair and body products. Wheelchairs and walkers: When planning a trip where you need your wheelchair or walker, please inform the registration clerk at registration. Every effort is made to accommodate the equipment with advance notice. For more information, go to www.burnaby.ca/ seniorsbustrips.
