CANADIAN TRAIL

 

 

 

 

 

Explore Canada’s dramatic diversity from the urban thrills of Toronto to British Columbia’s spectacular coastal views. Travel by rail over the Canadian Shield to the wheat-filled vistas of Canada’s prairie provinces. In Banff and Jasper National Parks discover the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies and stand on the water-lapped shores of mountain lakes. Cruise the waterways of Canada’s Pacific rim and then soak in Vancouver’s exciting vibe and Victoria’s maritime charm.

Day 1 - Toronto
Arrive into Toronto and make your way to your centrally located hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free. Overnight at the Delta Chelsea Hotel.

Day 2 - Toronto
Start the day with a sightseeing tour of Toronto and discover the many identities of the world’s most cosmopolitan city. Highlights include the provincial legislative buildings (Queen’s Park), City Hall, the financial district, Chinatown, residential areas, the waterfront and a ride up the CN Tower. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping or simple relaxation. Overnight at the Delta Chelsea Hotel (Continental breakfast included).

Day 3 - Niagara Falls Excursion
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the splendour of Niagara Falls. Your route takes you through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula and the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Niagara Parkway follows the Niagara River, bordered with parkland, and leads you to your first unforgettable glimpse of the falls. Included is a thrilling boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, taking you right to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Return to Toronto in the afternoon. The evening is at leisure to enjoy the city’s many culinary delights and entertainment options, such as theatre and nightclubs. Overnight at the Delta Chelsea Hotel (Continental breakfast included).

Day 4 - Toronto/VIA Rail*
Transfer to Union Station to board VIA Rail’s The Canadian en route to Western Canada. The railway travels north from Toronto though the picturesque Muskoka resort region and past Sudbury, the nickel capital of the world. Overnight on board The Canadian (Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 5 - VIA Rail*
Three free days provide ample time to further explore the beautiful town of Banff. Enjoy time browsing through the shops or meandering through the museums. Take a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola or maybe a dip in the hot springs! There are a variety of walking trails in the Banff area that afford wonderful views beyond description. Overnight at the High Country Inn or similar. (These 3 days are unescorted to leave you free to explore the area at your own pace).

*On the VIA Rail journey you will enjoy a reserved seating area for daytime travel which is made into sleeping berths by an attendant in the evening. A shower room and toilet facilities are located in each rail carriage. Included in your price is “Section” accommodation - these are deep cushioned seats by day that convert into upper and lower beds with a privacy curtain at night.
Toilet and shower facilities are shared. You may upgrade your sleeping accommodation to a private Roomette or Bedroom.
A roomette is a room for one person, a small room which accommodates one person in a single bed (two people can sit together during the day). The room includes a sink and toilet, (shower facilities are shared).
A bedroom is a private room for two people. The room holds two armchairs in the daytime which convert to upper and lower beds at night. There is a small closet, reading light, sink and toilet facilities. Shower facilities are shared.
Supplement for Bedroom or Roomette - £209 per person.

Day 6 - VIA Rail/Edmonton/Calgary
By early morning, you have traversed the expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Upon arrival in Edmonton, board your tour coach and travel to Calgary, where on arriving the remainder of the day is at leisure. Explore the Old West at the Glenbow Museum or Fort Calgary, browse through the Eau Claire Market, ride up the Calgary Tower for a great view and savour the great restaurants and dynamic nightlife. Overnight at the Delta Bow Valley (Breakfast included).

Day 7 - Calgary to Banff
Begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as you approach Banff National Park, the first of several in the Canadian national parks system. Soon you will arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight at the Mount Royal Hotel or similar. (Buffet breakfast included.)

Day 8 - Banff National Park
Today you will enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings of Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Overnight at the Mount Royal Hotel or similar. (Continental breakfast included.)

Day 9 - Banff to Jasper
Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper National Parks promises to be a highlight of your Canadian Trail programme. Shortly after leaving Banff visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterwards, travel north on the famed Icefield Parkway through rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges. At the Columbia Icefield board a specially constructed Ice Explorer (snocoach) to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Overnight at the Sawridge Inn or similar. (Buffet breakfast included.)

Day 10 - Jasper to Sun Peaks
Before leaving Jasper National park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake. Then travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia.The route takes you along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Upon arrival you can enjoy an optional Voyageur canoe trip. Overnight at Nancy Greene’s Cahility Lodge or the Delta Sun Peaks Resort. (Continental breakfast included.)

Day 11 - Sun Peaks to Whistler
You can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes as you drive through the ranch land and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at the Delta Whister Village Suites. (Continental breakfast included).

Day 12 - Whistler to Victoria
The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads you through spectacular coastal scenery today. From Horseshoe Bay cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. En route visit Chemainus, the little town known as the largest outdoor art gallery. Overnight at the Chateau Victoria. (Continental breakfast included.)

Day 13 - Victoria
Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanour evident in the many 19th century landmarks that you pass on your tour of this charming city. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city’s delights. Overnight at the Chateau Victoria. (Continental breakfast included)

Day 14 - Victoria to Vancouver
Today you travel the Saanich Peninsula to stop at Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time will be allocated here for browsing through the regal gardens before you continue on your way via a pleasant cruise through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the Oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, enjoy an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or simple relaxation. This evening features a farewell dinner party at the Capilano Suspension Bridge with a welcome from First Nations Carvers. Overnight at the Coast Plaza Hotel & suites. (Continental breakfast & dinner included).

Prices per Person

Included in the Cost:

• 12 nights accommodation as shown
• Toronto/Edmonton 2 nights onboard VIA Rail including Sleeping accommodation as booked (see information panel on page 152 for details)
• Toronto city tour
• CN Tower admission
• Niagara Falls excursion
• Maid of the Mist boat ride
• Calgary city tour
• Banff and Lake Louise region tour
• Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer (snocoach) ride
• Ferry cruise through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island
• Chemainus Tour
• Vancouver City Tour
• Victoria city tour & Butchart Gardens
• 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
• Transportation by modern tour coach
• Experienced tour driver
• Local guide in Toronto and tour director from Calgary to Vancouver (The tour guide does not travel on the train, days 4 & 5)
• Baggage handling (1 piece per person)

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