ARRIVE IN TORONTO Welcome to Toronto! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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TORONTO-NIAGARA FALLS-VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN Drive south along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. For the adventurous, your Tour Director will suggest optional flightseeing over the falls. Then, board the MAID OF THE MIST for a thrilling boat ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Before leaving the area, see the Floral Clock, then return to Toronto for an orientation tour of the downtown area. Enjoy dinner atop the 553.2 metres (1,815-foot-tall) CN TOWER before transferring to the train station for your departure on the CANADIAN later this evening. (B,D)
Note The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable weather and/or river conditions. When weather is unfavourable, 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 bag with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including any medications, eyeglasses, and other important items.
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VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN-ONTARIO Watch the scenic countryside from your windows as you relax in firstclass refurbished art deco cars from the 1950s. Travel through "Cottage Country," a favourite retreat for the city dwellers of southern Ontario. Continue past the sparkling lakes and sun dappled forests of northern Ontario. Try the observation dome for unparalleled views or enjoy quiet conversation in one of the comfortable lounges. (B,L,D)
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VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN-WINNIPEG, MANITOBA Enter Manitoba with its endless golden prairies and vast cultivated fields. Arrive this morning in Manitoba's capital city of Winnipeg, where you will disembark the train for time to explore this historic city including Forks National Historic Site, a commercial hub for more than 5,000 years and now home to the Forks Market that boasts a vast number of boutiques and restaurants. Reboard the train late this morning and continue west. (B,L,D)
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VIA RAIL THE CANADIAN THROUGH SASKATCHEWAN & ALBERTA-JASPER From Winnipeg to Jasper, the train roughly parallels the famed Yellowhead Route, Canada's historic trail of westward expansion. Arrive in Jasper this afternoon. Tonight, enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake for a fully narrated CRUISE to Spirit Island followed by dinner. (BR,D)
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JASPER Enjoy a day in Jasper to explore at your leisure. Maybe take an optional guided hike on the "Path of the Glacier," where an experienced guide teaches you about the various glacier formations in the area. This afternoon, perhaps play a round of golf on one of the top-rated courses in North America or stroll the streets of Jasper with its array of specialty stores. (B)
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JASPER-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-LAKE LOUISE-BANFF This morning, travel through JASPER NATIONAL PARK on Icefields Parkway to the 304.8 metres (1,000-foot-thick) Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers, then scale Bow Pass with splendid views of Peyto Lake. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B,D)
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BANFF Sightseeing includes a visit to Sulphur Mountain for a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA, complete with panoramic views of Banff's spectacular scenery. Also visit Bow Falls and the hoodoos. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional float trip excursion on the Bow River or a helicopter flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye views of the Rockies. (B)
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BANFF-KELOWNA This morning, travel through the spectacular beauty of Yoho National Park, one of Canada's most popular recreational areas and the site of pre-Cambrian fossil finds. On to Canada's Glacier National Park, where the motorcoach climbs 1,334 metres (4,379-foot-high) Rogers Pass, a perfect spot for photos of the impressive surrounding mountain cliffs and glaciers. Continue on to the resort city of Kelowna, attractively set on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A special evening is in store for you, with dinner at a winery, producing some of the best wines in British Columbia. (B,D)
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KELOWNA-VICTORIA Catch a BC FERRY over to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British "Garden City" of Victoria. Upon arrival, visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. Later, your orientation tour of Victoria includes the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbor city. (B)
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VICTORIA This morning, enjoy free time for independent sightseeing and shopping. Your Tour Director suggests an optional wildlife and whale watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street's elegant shops and Market Square's collection of specialty stores are good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. (B)
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VICTORIA-VANCOUVER This morning, take the FERRY and sail through the Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Arrive in Vancouver for a city tour that includes the harbour and beaches, Chinatown, historic Gastown, and Stanley Park with its towering evergreen forests and totem poles. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
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VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION) Embark Holland America's MS Zuiderdam. (B,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
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TRACY ARM & JUNEAU. Tracy Arm is a narrow, 41.8 kilometres (26 mile) long fjord and another of Alaska's most dramatic glacier settings. The lush rainforest recedes to reveal a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 2,133.6 metres (7,000 foot) mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age-the twin Sawyer Glaciers, which calve icebergs into the jade-coloured inland sea. Kittiwakes, mountain goats, and seals are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place. Visit one of the most scenic and remote capital cities-Juneau. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska's Inside Passage, and is home to a rich Gold Rush history, Native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Step ashore to shop for gold nuggets; visit the stately Governor's Mansion; saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, the city's famous watering hole; or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice that is 19.3 kilometres (12 miles) long and 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) wide.(B,L,D)
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SKAGWAY Once a major port for gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, today you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway up past Deadhorse Gulch to see what it was like ages ago. Step back in time as you stroll the wooden sidewalks of the town, preserved as a national historic park. (B,L,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY. This Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in an ever-changing glacial landscape. Here, witness an amazing spectacle of thunder and flying spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and "calve" into the sea-making for lasting memories. National Park rangers accompany the ship to add expert commentary to the day's events. (B,L,D)
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KETCHIKAN Experience Native Alaska firsthand. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, explore Creek Street, now home to contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques. (B,L,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
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VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION). Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after Noon. (B)
TORONTO-JASPER:Private bedroom on VIA Rail's the Canadian (travel in Sleeper Touring class) Winnipeg
JASPER NATIONAL PARK: Cruise on Maligne Lake; scenic sightseeing
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD: Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
BANFF NATIONAL PARK:Gondola ride up Banff's Sulphur Mountain
KELOWNA: Dinner at a winery
VANCOUVER-VISTORIA:Scenic ferry ride through Gulf Islands
VICTORIA:Orientation tour; Butchart Gardens
VANCOUVER: Sightseeing tour; farewell dinner
Meals American breakfast daily (B), 1 brunch (BR), 2 lunches (L), 7 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner in Vancouver; Alaska Cruise: 20 additional meals
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 19 Lunch - 8 Dinner - 14
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.
Cost
Description
132
CAD
Name:NIAGARA HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING Location:NIAGARA FALLS Details:Take a thrilling eight-minute ride over the most famous falls in North America. You will be dazzled by the sights of the Rainbow Bridge, Horseshoe Falls, and Whirlpool Rapids. Bring your camera and it's up, up, and away! Helicopter tour duration approximately 12 minutes.
64
CAD
Name:JASPER RAFT ON THE ATHABASCA RIVER Location:JASPER Details:Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometre trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometre trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago, (David Thompson 1811). The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. (2.5 hours) (Subject to favourable weather and water conditions).
83
CAD
Name:MOUNT EDITH CAVELL NATURE WALK & DINNER Location:JASPER Details:After dinner at a local restaurant join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October and is dependent on the weather.
240
CAD
Name:ROYAL CANADIAN HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. An extraordinary adventure not to be missed! (25 minute flight). Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
272
CAD
Name:MOUNT ASSINIBOINE GLACIER HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Finally, you will be transported to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies" which rises majestically to 3,611 metres (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination where you will get up close and personal with the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off of Mount Assiniboine. This is an experience you will not forget! (30 minute flight). Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
45
CAD
Name:FLOAT TRIP DOWN THE BOW RIVER Location:BANFF Details:A chance to really experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Canadian Rockies with a peaceful one-hour float trip down the Bow River past Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos and Mount Rundle. No experience necessary & guide does all the paddling. The rafts are customised with elevated floorboards, so your shoes even stay dry! Guests often bring cameras to catch the scenery as they float by. Lifejackets are required and provided. (Subject to favourable weather & water conditions).
75
CAD
Name:OH CANADA EH?! DINNER SHOW Location:BANFF Details:Come join a fun-filled musical celebration of Canada, featuring totally Canadian music in a log cabin type building. During the show, costumed performers also serve a five course family style dinner. Everything about this award winning show is Canadian.
125
CAD
Name:SPRAY LAKES TOUR - 12 MINUTE HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life. Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. (12 minute flight) Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
111
CAD
Name:MARINE AND WILDLIFE WHALE WATCHING Location:VICTORIA Details:Whale watching is a an experience many say they will never forget. Whale Watching Excursions in Victoria and around beautiful Vancouver Island provide you with wonderful memories of British Columbia. Whale and Marine Wildlife watching expeditions have become one of Victoria's most popular activities. The rich marine wildlife of beautiful southern Vancouver Island is world renowned for its abundance and diversity. Killer Whales are magnificent and never fail to impress, but there are many other living treasures that share their waters. Bring your camera and your excitement because this is a trip you won't soon forget! (Excursion is approximately 3 hours).
75
CAD
Name:CHINATOWN DINNER AND LANTERN WALK Location:VICTORIA Details:A fascinating tour of Chinatown, one of the oldest in Canada. Your expert local guide will offer you the opportunity to learn about the "East meets West" portals. Themes range from Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac to Brave Pioneers and World Developments. Food sampling along the way with dinner in a first-class restaurant. Finally, at dusk you will be given lanterns and lead through the narrow alleys to Bastion Square. A very unique and memorable way to experience Victoria. (Approximately 3 hours).
122
CAD
Name:VICTORIA PANORAMA Location:VICTORIA Details:This half-hour flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and includes spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Enjoy unique views of the buildings ringing the harbour and grand houses perched above the rugged coastline. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
110
CAD
Name:SUNSET DINNER CRUISE Location:VANCOUVER Details:It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October).
139
CAD
Name:GROUSE MOUNTAIN & CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE Location:VANCOUVER Details:Visit Vancouver's North Shore as you drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a lumberjack show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. Note: This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion).
139
CAD
Name:WHISTLER DAY TRIP Location:VANCOUVER Details:Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours).
Optional Excursions
