Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver / Vancouver Exploring via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Vancouver. This is also your first day using your 3 day See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card. This all-inclusive attraction pass offers free admission to over 50 attractions in Vancouver and the surrounding area. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
Spend the afternoon exploring Stanley Park. There is no better way to explore the natural beauty of Stanley Park than aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. A professional guide will fully narrate this one-hour ride ensuring you miss none of the highlights. You'll see Deadman's Island, Vancouver's Harbour, Lion's Gate Bridge and the Rose Gardens. The carriage will stop at the famous Totem Poles, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue and the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead. After your carriage ride, immerse yourself in another world at the Vancouver Aquarium in famous Stanley Park. Home to more than 60,000 fascinating creatures, you'll learn the habits of marine mammals like acrobatic dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters. In the steamy rainforest exhibit you'll find yourself in the company of free-roaming animals including birds, lizards and two-toed sloths. Venture into the Tropic Zone where sharks, moray eels and colourful fish abound. You'll also find out about training and feeding sea otters, sea lions and beluga whales.
Note: Other options include visiting Science World, Vancouver Lookout, CN Imax Theatre at Canada Place, Capilano Suspension Bridge and much more, with this great value Vancouver attractions pass. It also includes a free guidebook with maps of Vancouver and the surrounding regions.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Breakfast buffet included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Waterfront Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Whistler Mountains & Forests Tour via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card
Enjoy a full day exploring the beautiful south coast of British Columbia. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
Today take a full day tour to Whistler and experience Whistler Mountains & Forests! The best way to experience Whistler in summer is to take a day tour. You'll go via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway and stop at Shannon Falls, the third highest waterfall in Canada. Enhance your visit by taking optional tours such as the high-speed chair lift to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain, or get a birds-eye view of peaks and glaciers on a scenic flight. Savour the beautiful views you will experience overlooking Howe Sound on our leisurely ride back to Vancouver.
Note: Other options include taking a harbour cruise around Burrard Inlet or rent a bike to explore and much more, with this great value Vancouver attractions pass.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Breakfast buffet included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Waterfront Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Vancouver City Tour via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
Enjoy your last day in Vancouver exploring Canada's largest western city. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
In the morning, take a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Tour. A sightseeing tour is the perfect way to get orientated in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this Vancouver city tour you will discover the world famous Stanley Park, see spectacular mountain views from Prospect Point and English Bay beaches. Experience the vibrancy of Chinatown, historic Gastown and Canada Place before disembarking to visit the Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower. Another highlight of this tour is a trip to Granville Island where visitors and locals alike shop at the Farmer's Market and the local artisans' workshops. In the afternoon, your choices are endless. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery or go shopping at Pacific Centre. Your options are endless and it is up to you - visit as few or as many attractions as you like with your Smartvisit™ Card.
In the late afternoon transfer by private sedan to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will travel aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian', and experience a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private room. The train will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE:
For the ultimate in luxury, you may decided to upgrade to a Romance by Rail suite aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian'. Enjoy a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private suite. You will be spoiled by: fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, top-quality sparkling wine as the train leaves! Your spacious suite, comprising two converted regular bedrooms, will be the envy of other passengers. Crisp bed linen and an inviting down duvet await you. And if you have a quick word with your attendant before retiring, he will bring you breakfast in bed! Romance by Rails has been designed just for you and your 'significant other'.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 4 - Arrival in Jasper / Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
By the time you awake you will see glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests. You will also pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Visit shimmering Patricia and Pyramid Lakes and take a stroll over a rustic footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island. From there travel through the Maligne Valley in search of Osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. Stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you will set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Inn
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the 'heart' of the Canadian Rockies to Banff along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This tour along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the 'Ice Age Adventure', a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Late afternoon you will arrive in Banff.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours
Moderate: Overnight Charlton Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 6 - Discover Banff Tour / Banff to Jasper Express
Build a connection to this World Heritage Site on this trademark sightseeing tour as you visit Banff's landmarks and historic places and hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site. Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour. Mid-afternoon transfer aboard the express motor coach service back to Jasper. You will arrive in Jasper at approximately 8:30pm.
Note: Discover Banff Tour operates from April 16 to October 15. When the tour is not running, it will be removed from your package and you will have the morning at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Inn
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 7 & 8 - VIA Rail - Jasper to Toronto
Morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon transfer (on own) to the train station and re-board the famed VIA Rail 'Canadian' train for your 2 night rail journey to Toronto will take you across the prairies and lake country of central Canada. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 9 - Arrive Toronto
Your train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 8:00 pm. Pick-up your luggage and transfer by private sedan to your hotel for check-in.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 10 - Toronto City Tour / Dinner at the CN Tower
Get ready to be a part of Canada's largest and most vibrant city, as you depart on a 2 hour tour. Toronto's past and present comes alive as you view the city from the comfort of your seat. See the best Toronto has to offer by bus. Experience the diversity and excitement of Toronto. You'll travel along the lively streets of Toronto as you explore world-renowned museums and attractions, dynamic neighborhoods, amazing waterfront, and magnificent architecture.
Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 inches), it is the World's Tallest Building. This evening you will dine at the 360 Restaurant, acclaimed for its exquisite cuisine, service and selection of over 400 International and Canadian wines. You will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city as the restaurant completes one revolution in 72-minutes. Your dinner consists of a choice of appetizer & main course, dessert of the day and tea/coffee. After your meal, you can explore the Lookout & Glass Floor levels.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 11 - Niagara Falls Day Tour
Today you will be taken on a narrated day tour to Niagara Falls. You will enjoy a boat ride on the “Maid of the Mist" to the foot of the falls for a spectacular, close up view. Lunch is also included in today's tour. Before returning to Toronto, the tour will pass through the charming 19th century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Note: The Journey Behind the Falls or the Imax Theatre are substituted if the Maid of the Mist is not operating.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 12 - Depart Toronto
Today your tour comes to an end. You will be transferred by private sedan to the Toronto Pearson International Airport for your journey home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 8 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
- 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card - 3 Day all-inclusive attractions pass offering free admission to over 50 attractions in Vancouver and the surrounding area
- Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Banff Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If Ice Explorer not operating tour will be shortened by 1 1/2 hours)
- Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be removed from the package)
- Toronto City Tour
- Niagara Falls Day Tour including Maid of the Mist & lunch
- 1 full course dinner at the revolving restaurant on top of CN Tower, including tower admission and gratuities
- Private sedan transfers between Vancouver Airport & hotel, hotel to Vancouver train station, Toronto Train Station to hotel and hotel to Toronto International Airport including gratuities
- Motor coach transfer from Banff to Jasper
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)