Tour Details - CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEY WITH VICTORIA EXTENSION
CANADIAN TRAIN ODYSSEY WITH VICTORIA EXTENSION
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 15% !!!
Tour Duration: 15 days Tour Code: 89662012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2799 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
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.
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 favourable weather and/or river conditions. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour through the scenic tunnels will be substituted.
NOTE: 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.
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (BR)
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.
7
JASPER-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-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 365 metres (1,200 feet) 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.
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.
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 centre of Kamloops, a Shuswap Indian word for "meeting of the waters."
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 harbour on your included city tour.
11
VANCOUVER Today, why not join an optional excursion to Vancouver Island and the charming seaside city of Victoria, with its restored buildings, and immaculate gardens and flowers. The excursion includes a visit to renowned Butchart Gardens. The ferry ride through the Gulf Islands, with their Mediterranean-like climate, to Victoria is a treat.
12
VANCOUVER Another full day at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion to the world-famous Whistler resort and Shannon Falls or a short trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge 70 metres (230 feet) above the river. Back in Vancouver, step into the timeless beauty of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, tucked behind a high white wall in the heart of bustling Chinatown, or dive into another world at the Vancouver Aquarium.
13
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!
14
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 harbour cruise and dinner at one of Victoria's waterfront restaurants.
15
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.
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.
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.
GUIDES: Local Guide for city sightseeing in Victoria; services of a professional Tour Director; local host service in Victoria, where information is provided for independent exploration and dining
TRANSPORTATION: Private bedroom on VIA Rail's the Canadian train from Toronto to Jasper in Sleeper Touring class; private, deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach while touring.
HOTELS: Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
OPTIONALS: Customise your vacation experience with a range of convenient optional excursions.
Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 3 Lunch - 2 Dinner - 2
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Optional Excursions
