The Canadiana

Arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Individual transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Toronto.

Accommodation at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, or similar

We get better acquainted with our traveling companions at breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Experience the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city as you explore the downtown area and residential areas. Highlights include the Eaton Centre, old and new City Halls, Casa Loma, Yorkville, and the University of Toronto. You will pass by the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and drive along the harbourfront for a complete impression of this city. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Toronto. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, or similar

Departing early, we enjoy a pleasant drive east. Following the north shore of Lake Ontario, we pass endless miles of rolling farmland. Our first destination is the beautiful Thousand Islands resort region, where we embark upon a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds of this river playground, we re-board our tour coach for the drive to Montreal. Overnight in Montreal. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Montreal, or similar

This morning, we will tour the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area, we view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal, and the bustling shopping streets. The afternoon is for leisure. Overnight in Montreal. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, Montreal, or similar

This morning, we prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and partially follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway, the Chemin du Roy, deep into French Canada. Winding our way through typical French-Canadian villages and towns, we experience true immersion in French culture. Upon arrival in Quebec City, we tour within the walls of the old city and view Lower Town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park, and the ornate city gates. Overnight in Quebec City. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Le Concorde, Quebec City, or similar

The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. You can enjoy an optional full-day excursion to Tadoussac, including a 3-hour whale-watching tour on the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saguenay River. Step aboard a regular boat and go in search of the world’s largest mammals. You will also visit the spectacular Montmorency Falls, which are 30 meters higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls. Overnight in Quebec City. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Le Concorde, Quebec City, or similar

Following the shore of St. Lawrence, this morning we travel west past Montreal, across the Ontario border, and on to Ottawa — the nation’s capital. We stop for lunch along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne — an authentic sugar shack and pioneer-style restaurant. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we take a quick tour of the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Meals: B, L

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre, Ottawa, or similar

In the morning, we explore Ottawa on a city tour. We view the Parliament Buildings, residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Rideau Canal by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), and much more. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Ottawa’s many museums and fine galleries, shopping at the Sparks Street Mall, or perhaps a boat cruise on one of the city’s many waterways. Overnight in Ottawa. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre, Ottawa, or similar

Our journey west from Ottawa takes us through a landscape of sparkling lakes, rushing streams, deep forests, and charming northern towns. A highlight of the day is a visit to Algonquin Provincial Park, where we’ll enjoy a walk along its scenic trails. This vast wilderness preserve is a beloved summer destination for camping and wildlife enthusiasts. Continuing, we travel through the picturesque Muskoka region en route to Huntsville, where we spend the night. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn, Huntsville, or similar

We head south past Toronto and through the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula, arriving at our final destination—Niagara Falls. A thrilling Voyage to the Falls boat ride with Hornblower Niagara Cruises brings us to the base of the thundering waterfalls for an unforgettable experience. We’ll also ascend the Skylon Tower for panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding Niagara region. For those seeking more adventure, optional experiences include the Niagara Helicopter Tour or a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, offering breathtaking aerial views. The evening is free to explore North America’s “honeymoon capital.”. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel & Suites Fallsview, Niagara Falls, or similar

We leave Niagara Falls this morning. Our drive follows the scenic Niagara Parkway through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival. Here we see a small but thriving community, proud to display a carefully preserved nineteenth-century atmosphere. This afternoon completes the tour with a short drive back to Toronto. The evening features our special “Farewell to Canada” dinner at the CN Tower. Overnight in Toronto. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, or similar

Today we transfer to Pearson International Airport in Toronto and check in for our flight to Calgary, Alberta. Having crossed two thousand kilometres of Canadian wilderness and western wheatland, we arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to our hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free. Explore the Old West at the Glenbow Museum or Fort Calgary on your own, browse through the Eau Claire Market, ride up the Calgary Tower for a great view, and savour the great restaurants and dynamic nightlife. Overnight in Calgary. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Calgary, or similar

We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, we 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 we approach Banff National Park, our first of several in the Canadian national parks system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

Today, we 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. An optional Helicopter Sightseeing Tour will give you the chance to see the eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, you can take an optional gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain. Bring your camera! 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 in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper National Parks promises to be a highlight of our Rockies Trail program. Shortly after leaving Banff, we visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterward, we travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway through a rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges.

At the Columbia Icefield, we board a specially constructed Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Close to Jasper, you have the chance to go on an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River. Your experienced guide will point out the natural and human history as you raft through short rapids and stretches of calm waters. Overnight in Jasper. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Tonquin Inn, Jasper, or similar

Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lake in the park. You may alternately take an optional motorcycle tour of Jasper, riding in the comfortable sidecar with an unmatched view of the forests and mountains. Then, we travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia. Breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await visitors in every season of the year. The route takes us along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Meals: B

Accommodation at Sun Peaks Grand, Sun Peaks, or similar

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites, Whistler, or similar

The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us south through spectacular coastal scenery today. You will visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, suspended high above a magnificent canyon. From Horseshoe Bay, we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Arriving in Victoria, we embark on a city tour of this former British enclave. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in the many 19th-century landmarks throughout the city. Today, we treat ourselves to a tour of the world-famous 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. You can take part in an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. You can also go on an optional watching excursion aboard a Zodiac or a regular vessel. Watch for the magnificent orcas and the abundance of marine wildlife. The remainder of the day is at leisure exploring the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

We continue through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we 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 our farewell dinner. Overnight in Vancouver. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, or similar

A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B