Day 1 - Arrive in Toronto / Dinner at the CN Tower
After arriving at Toronto International Airport you will transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to start exploring this world class destination.
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 Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Toronto City Tour
Today you will be taken on a 2 hour guided tour of Toronto, introducing you to this cosmopolitan city situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. You will see Chinatown, the universities, the harbourfront and downtown. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the shops, museums, harbourfront and the theatre district.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Choice of Sightseeing Tour
Today you can choose from one of three full day tours of the area.
Midland 30,000 Island Cruise (Daily - May 23 to Oct 6, 2008)
Start your morning aboard a first-class motorcoach and depart from the Toronto Coach Terminal for your full-day excursion. You'll enjoy your two-and-a-half hour drive to the community of Midland while viewing Ontario's beautiful landscapes. In Midland , you'll enjoy some free time to explore downtown and do some country shopping, or perhaps choose to visit one of the local Huronia attractions. Board the Miss Midland for your two-and-a-half hour cruise. Relax in comfort as you enjoy the scenic wonders of the world-famous Georgian Bay, and the 30,000 Island of Muskoka. Our Motorcoach will take you back to Toronto where you arrive downtown at approximately 7:30pm.
Day Tour to Niagara Falls (Daily)
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.
Deluxe Winery Tour & Niagara-on-the-Lake (Daily)
Your Deluxe Niagara Winery Tour takes you in comfort door to door to savour some of the finest wines of Niagara. Wineries featured are: Chateau des Charmes, Jackson-Triggs and Peller Estates Wineries. To complement your wine testing experience you will enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch at the Shaw Café Restaurant located in historic old town Niagara-on-the-Lake, voted “prettiest little town in Canada”. Return to Toronto to overnight.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 4 & 5 - Via Rail - Toronto to Jasper (Private Bedroom)
Your train adventure across Canada begins at Toronto Union station early in the morning as VIA Rail's Canadian train rolls out of the Toronto station. Your journey will take 2 nights as you cross the lake country and prairies 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 6 - Arrive Jasper
Your journey will reach the Canadian Rockies by mid-afternoon today. You will arrive at the train station in the quaint mountain village of Jasper, the northern gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Upon arrival in Jasper, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in. Remainder of the day is at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lakeview
Day 7 - Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
This combination of Hot Springs and Animal viewing has proven to be very popular! This 1.5 hour trip passes quickly while you relax and enjoy the many stops for wildlife and the commentary of the guide. Possible wildlife including bear, bull elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, beaver, moose and birds. The variety of topics discussed includes the habitat and habits of animals seen, fire controls in the Park, railroad history and more. At the Springs, go for a short walk to the Source of the Springs, enjoy a soak in the Hot Springs Pool (pool admittance fee included) and/or enjoy a meal at the quaint restaurant at the Springs to fill out the 1.5 hour visit.
Note: Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour operates from Early May to Mid October. When the tour is not running, it will be substituted with a Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour.
Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour - 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 Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lakeview
Day 8 - Columbia Icefields Tour
Experience the Icefield Parkway, the world's most scenic highway, with stops for wildlife, waterfalls, mountain ranges and river viewpoints. 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 Brewster 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.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lakeview
Day 9 - Rocky Mountaineer™ - Jasper to Quesnel
This morning transfer (on own) to the Jasper Train Station in time for your early morning departure aboard Rocky Mountaineer™. Travel from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains on either side, and onto the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia's northern interior, home to abundant wildlife. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake, and the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife found in this unspoiled wilderness region. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer™ passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.
Moderate: Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service®
Superior: Rocky Mountaineer RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight in Quesnel (Hotel to be advised)
Day 10 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Quesnel to Whistler
Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one the highest railway bridges in the world and the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Whistler Village, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Transfer (on own) from the train station to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Whistler Pinnacle Hotel
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 11 - Day at Leisure / Mountain Top Salmon Bake via ATV or 4x4 Van
The morning and early afternoon are at leisure to explore Whistler on your own.
Mountain Top Salmon Bake
Experience the beauty of mountaintop dining! Travel by ATV or 4x4 vans to the Crystal Hut where you will find a spectacular setting complete with hot tubs and breathe taking views. Climb 4000 feet of winding trails through old growth forests and alpine meadows to the Crystal Hut, perched atop the north ridge of Blackcomb Mountain. This rustic log cabin is perched atop a ridge of Blackcomb Mountain where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains and the village below. Go for a splash in the hot tub or relax on the patio while our chef prepares your authentic Canadian feast! This 6000 foot vantage point offers magnificent views and photograph opportunities. Bring along your swimsuit and camera! Dinner is included.
Moderate: Overnight Whistler Pinnacle Hotel
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 12 - Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Eco tour
Today you have your choice of activity. For the adventurous soul participate in the Ziptrek Eco tour, for the less adventurous take the Treetrek Eco tour and enjoy the amazing views along a canopy walk.
Ziptrek Eco tour (2.5 hours)
Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel zip lines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziptrek Eco tours provide a discovery of mountain ecology that combines adventure with environmental education. Guided tours include five incredible zip line rides that gain progressively in height and length with the longest spanning over 1100ft. The zip lines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!
Treetrek Eco tour (1.5 hours)
A TreeTrek Eco tour follows trails and aerial stairways up to suspension bridges over 18 stories above Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains . Imagine viewing glacial waters, wilderness and wildlife from platforms built high in the treetops. A spectacular tour leading from the forest floor to the upper reaches of the tree canopy. Take in the breathtaking views while learning about our Coastal Temperate Rainforest and Whistler's efforts to maintain a naturally sustainable ecosystem. (For ages 6 and older. Infants carried in baby packs are permitted)
This afternoon, transfer from Whistler Village to the Whistler Rail Station. Following your motorcoach transfer from Whistler Village, embark on your rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky" region. Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer™ from the alpine village of Whistler to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Highlights of the trip include Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls, and the breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. On arrival at the North Vancouver train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in downtown Vancouver. A light meal is served onboard.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 13 - Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
This morning you will begin your tour of Vancouver's North Shore. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. A stop will be made at the Capilano Fish Hatchery, before continuing to Grouse Mountain, where you will take a Sky Ride to the top of the mountain where you will enjoy the panoramic and spectacular views from the mountaintop. This is what memories are made of. You will have approximately 2 hours play time on top where you can enjoy Theatre in the Sky, seasonal lumberjack shows, Grizzly bear refuge, scenic chairlift and other activities. There is ample time for a meal in the bistro or cafeteria. In the afternoon, you will Swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will also experience the new Tree Top Adventure, Treetops offers visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 14 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your onward or homeward flight.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 11 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 2 nights accommodation aboard VIA Rail (Bedroom accommodation) including meals in 'Silver & Blue' (Toronto - Jasper).
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour from Jasper to Whistler including breakfast & lunch onboard train (GoldLeaf Service® includes dinner at Quesnel hotel)
- Whistler Mountaineer® from Whistler to Vancouver including a light snack and motorcoach transfers in Whistler & Vancouver (Moderate & Superior: Coast Classic Class / Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Toronto City Tour
- Evening Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour including admission to hot springs (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be substituted with Watchable Wildlife Tour)
- Columbia Icefield Tour including Ice Explorer ride
- Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
- Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Guided Eco tour
- Choice of Activity: Niagara Falls Day Tour Deluxe Winery Tour OR Midland 30,000 Island Cruises
- Transfers by private sedan: Toronto Airport to hotel, hotel to Toronto Train Station and Vancouver hotel to Vancouver Airport including gratuities
- Mountain Top Salmon Bake via ATV or 4x4 Van
- 3 course dinner at CN Tower including tower admission and gratuities
- Jasper National Park Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Rocky Mountaineer® Fuel Surcharge as of May 15, 2008 - $35 PP
- Meals not mentioned
- Activities not mentioned
- Transfer not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)