DAY 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Toronto. On arrival transfer to the Bond Place Hotel or similar for a two night stay.
DAY 2
Toronto is Canada’s premier city, with superb shopping, fine restaurants and a strong sense of identity stemming from its important location on the shores of Lake Ontario. The 1,815ft high CN Tower dominates the skyline. A short sightseeing tour of Toronto is included. Then you visit the world famous Niagara Falls, situated some 80 miles south-east of Toronto. They are divided into two parts – the Canadian and American Falls. The Canadian Falls are the larger, 180ft high with a crest of 2,200ft forming a horseshoe-shaped curve. From the surrounding exquisitely landscaped gardens, the view of Niagara Falls is one of the world’s greatest sights. For the most dramatic close up view, join our optional excursion and don waterproof clothing for a ride on the ‘Maid of the Mist’ close to the thundering waters (operates mid-May to mid-October).
DAY 3
Morning transfer to the railway station for the train to Montreal in the French speaking province of Quebec. Montreal occupies an island at the junction of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. It is a major port and Canada’s second city. It is also the second largest French speaking city in the world. Dominated by the Mount Royal, Montreal boasts a wealth of historic sites amidst its 17th century buildings, beautiful gardens and parks. There are many fine restaurants, and French influence is still evident in the open air cafés and street markets. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Maritime or similar for three nights.
DAY 4
During the morning we have included a sightseeing tour of the city which takes in the St. Lawrence River, the Mount Royal and the Old Town with its beautiful Notre Dame Basilica. The afternoon is free to enjoy further sightseeing or shopping.
DAY 5
Today we’ve included a full day guided tour to Quebec. It is the only walled city in North America and stands proudly on the mighty St. Lawrence River, one of the world’s great waterways. Quebec is a city of winding cobbled streets, ancient churches, stone buildings, public squares and horse-drawn calèches. Its sophistication and old world Gallic charm are renowned. You will see the old town with its narrow winding streets, the Cathedral, Château Frontenac, Basilica, the giant star shaped Citadel and Plains of Abraham. You can view the Laurentian Hills, Mont St-Anne and the mighty St. Lawrence from the Dufferin Terrace situated 200ft above the river.
DAY 6
Transfer to Montreal Airport for your flight to Calgary in Alberta. Upon arrival transfer to the Best Western Village Park Inn or similar for an overnight stay.
DAY 7
A short sightseeing tour of Calgary including Fort Calgary and the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Following the sightseeing tour, drive to Banff for two nights at the Brewsters Mountain Lodge or similar.
DAY 8
Free in Banff. In the Banff National Park you can gaze in awe at mighty snow-capped peaks, crystal clear lakes and sparkling streams; drive through rugged canyons with crashing waterfalls; and marvel at a vast wilderness of huge pine forests where black and grizzly bears still roam free. Indeed, in Banff itself it is not unusual to spot wildlife in the main street! An interesting programme of optional excursions will be available to ensure that you see as much as possible of the spectacular Rockies scenery. You can take a cable car up Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of the magnificent peaks or alternatively take a helicopter ride over the Rockies for a bird’s eye view.
DAY 9
Today you will enjoy an additional day in Banff, with an include visit to Lake Louise, Many describe Lake Louise as the most beautiful place in Canada - a glacial, jade green lake high in the mountains, surrounded on all sides by towering peaks.
DAY 10
Today you board the train at Banff and take the world famous Kicking Horse Route to Kamloops. The route takes you through Banff National park, then series of spiral tunnels through Kicking Horse Pass. You then travel through Rogers Pass with its tunnels, snowsheds & glistening glaciers, and then continuing through the vast ranchlands along the south Thompson River. Disembark the train and transfer to the hotel in Kamloops for an overnight stay.
DAY 11
Today you will re-board the train on continue on your journey to Vancouver. On arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 12
This morning you will transfer to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry to Vancouver Island. Drive to Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia for a two night stay at the Executive House Hotel or similar.
DAY 13
A morning sightseeing tour of Victoria and the famous Butchart Gardens has been included. Victoria, situated across the Strait of Georgia on Vancouver Island, resembles an old English town with narrow streets and grand 19th century buildings, including the fabled Empress Hotel overlooking the picturesque inland harbour. The afternoon is free to explore Victoria further. You can visit the impressive Empress Hotel for afternoon tea or alternatively stroll around the bustling harbour.
DAY 14
Return by ferry to the mainland and travel to the city of Vancouver. Upon arrival there will be an included sightseeing tour visiting Chinatown, Gas Town and Stanley Park with its famous totem poles, and the beautiful harbour. Transfer after the tour to the Château Granville Hotel or similar for two nights.
DAY 15
Free in Vancouver with the chance for further sightseeing. An optional half day excursion will be available on Vancouver’s Northshore featuring the spectacular Capilano suspension bridge and a cable car ride up Grouse Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and the snow-capped mountains of Washington State (America) and Vancouver Island. Vancouver has one of the world’s most beautiful settings, due to its spectacular backdrop of mountains, forests and islands. As Canada’s third largest city, it is a busy seaport and important centre for the fishing and timber industries. Shopping is excellent, and with its superb seafood and delightful, relaxed atmosphere, Vancouver epitomises the easy Canadian lifestyle, and thereby provides a fitting end to your trans-Canadian journey.
DAY 16
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
DAY 17
Arrival in the UK.