CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEY WITH VICTORIA EXTENSION 13 days from approx $2,809 US Details below or
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This cross-country train adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada's most popular cities. Cosmopolitan Toronto, the largest city in Canada, hosts world-class shopping and many spectacular sites. Start your vacation in Toronto and head to Niagara Falls, where you'll take a Maid of the Mist cruise to enjoy up-close views of Niagara Falls from river level. Then board VIA RailŪ's The Canadian-a premier continental train-and head west. The next three days and nights are spent in first-class, refurbished art deco rail cars. Observe unparalleled views of Canada's countryside as you journey through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
After passing through the majestic Canadian Rockies to Jasper, the rail portion of this journey ends. Spend two nights in Jasper with free time to explore. Then board your motorcoach to Banff National Park. On your way to Banff, take a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer on the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. In Banff, you have two nights and time to relax, hike, or join an optional activity, such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies or a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain. Travel through Yoho and Glacier National Parks before arriving at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops. Finally, spend time in Vancouver then sail through the Gulf Islands to Victoria.
Day 1 Toronto Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day 2 Toronto-Niagara Falls Excursion-Via Rail The Canadian
This morning, enjoy an included sightseeing excursion to Niagara Falls with a MAID OF THE MIST cruise. Return to Toronto and join this evening's optional outing that combines dinner with the spectacular sight of Toronto's lights from the CN Tower. Afterward, transfer to Union Station for a late-evening departure on the CANADIAN, VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada's heartland. Your first-class rail cars are refurbished art deco cars from the 1950s. Try the observation dome for views of the Canadian countryside as you roll past Ontario's landscapes, or pass the time in one of the comfortable lounges. All meals are included, and you won't want to miss any of them as the chef offers a tempting array of soups, salads, main course, and desserts.
Note:
The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favorable weather and/or river conditions. When unfavorable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
Day 3 Via Rail The Canadian
Today, watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever-changing Canadian landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway's breathtaking mainline. Enjoy the many great onboard features, like use of the lounges and access to the domed skyline car for spectacular viewing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 Via Rail The Canadian
An early arrival into Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital, a city rich in history and culture. In the early afternoon we continue our journey through Manitoba's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Via Rail The Canadian-Jasper
Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast as you continue on the Canadian into the very heart of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper this afternoon. An orientation tour includes Jasper's unspoiled beauty. Perhaps an optional float trip on the Athabasca River to end the day? The evening is free to enjoy the ambiance of this delightful mountain setting. (Brunch)
Day 6 Jasper
Consider an optional trip to Maligne Lake, where you embark on a narrated cruise to much-photographed Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon. With free time this afternoon, you might take a hike along the trails and watch for wildlife, or stroll the streets of Jasper.
Day 7 Jasper-Columbia Icefield-Lake Louise-Banff
Board your motorcoach this morning and journey through JASPER NATIONAL PARK, stopping along the way at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice that is 1,200 feet (365 meters) thick. Continue down Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, where cold waters mirror the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in BANFF NATIONAL PARK for a leisurely 2-night stay. Tonight, try an optional dinner featuring cuisine and entertainment all about Canada.
Day 8 Banff
This morning, consider an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies. Later, join the optional excursion to Sulphur Mountain for a thrilling gondola ride, complete with panoramic views of Banff's spectacular scenery and a stop at sparkling Bow Falls.
Day 9 Banff-Yoho National Park-Glacier National Park-Kamloops
This morning, leave Banff National Park and travel over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through YOHO NATIONAL PARK, where pre-Cambrian fossils were discovered, and GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon, arrive at the cattle-ranching center of Kamloops, a Shuswap Indian word for "meeting of the waters."
Day 10 Kamloops-Vancouver
We continue west along Kamloops Lake and follow the mighty Fraser River to Vancouver, spectacularly set on the Burrard Inlet. Upon arrival in Vancouver, see STANLEY PARK, Gastown, Chinatown, and the harbor on your included city tour.
Day 11 Vancouver-Victoria
This morning, sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Upon arrival, enjoy a Victoria city tour. This afternoon, take a scenic trip to the famed BUTCHART GARDENS to stroll along paths that wind through 50 fragrant acres of blossoms, enchanting theme gardens, streams, and lily ponds!
Day 12 Victoria
A full free day. With your free time, be sure to check out some of the other attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, an IMAX presentation at the National Geographic Theatre, whale watching on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and fine shopping along Government Street. Suggestion for this evening: a harbor cruise and dinner at one of Victoria's waterfront restaurants.
Day 13 Victoria-Vancouver
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Return ferry service to Vancouver and airport transfers to Vancouver International Airport are provided.
Vacation Highlights:
INCLUDED FEATURES
Sightseeing in Niagara Falls and Vancouver; orientation tour in Jasper; Maid of the Mist cruise; snocoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier (Columbia Icefield); Stanley Park.
Note:
Maximum elevation on tour: 9,900 ft.
For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Jasper. Checked baggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities-including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items-for the train portion of the tour.
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Niagara Falls, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park, Icefields Parkway, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Fraser River.
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Local Guide for city sightseeing in Victoria; services of a professional Tour Director; host service in Victoria, where information is provided for independent exploration and dining.
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
TORONTO Best Western Primrose Hotel (F), VIA RAIL CANADIAN TRAIN Sleeper Touring class; JASPER Lobstick Lodge (F), BANFF NATIONAL PARK Inns of Banff (T), KAMLOOPS Hotel Five540Forty (F), VANCOUVER Sandman Suites on Davie (F), VICTORIA Royal Scot Hotel & Suites (F)
TRANSPORTATION
Private bedroom on VIA Rail'sŪ the Canadian train from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Touring class; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
DEPARTURE
DATES
April
- October
PRICES From approx $2,809 US per person based on double occupancy
Departures on or within the seasons shown will determine the price
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This cross-country train adventure across Canada begins in Toronto, ends in Vancouver, and includes beautiful scenery and fun-filled activities in some of Canada's most popular cities. Cosmopolitan Toronto, the largest city in Canada, hosts world-class shopping and many spectacular sites. Start your vacation in Toronto and head to Niagara Falls, where you'll take a Maid of the Mist cruise to enjoy up-close views of Niagara Falls from river level. Then board VIA RailŪ's The Canadian-a premier continental train-and head west. The next three days and nights are spent in first-class, refurbished art deco rail cars. Observe unparalleled views of Canada's countryside as you journey through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
