Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver
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.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - North Shore - Vancouver's Winter Playground 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. You will continue to the Grouse Mountain, you will take a Sky Ride to the top of the mountain where you will enjoy the panoramic and spectacular views from the mountaintop. Winter comes alive on an enchanting sleigh ride through Grouse Mountain's snowy paradise. This is a memorable journey around the mountaintop through snow-covered forests. This is what memories are made of. You will have approximately 2 hours play time on top where you can enjoy optional activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, or skiing. 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 Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 – Day at Leisure / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. After you checkout of your room, your hotel will gladly store your luggage so that you can be free to explore on your own. You may want to visit Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay or Granville Island.
This evening transfer by private sedan to the train station. Here you will board VIA Rail's 'Canadian' train. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car.
Note: Westbound Itinerary – the Vancouver City Tour departs before you arrive on VIA Rail therefore it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 4 - Arrival in Jasper / Evening Maligne Canyon Moonlight Ice Walk
This morning you will wake up on the train just as you are entering the snow covered majestic Rocky Mountains. As you are riding the rails, you will view frozen mountain lakes and glaciers. You will also pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. In the late afternoon the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival in Jasper, you will transfer (on own) to our hotel for check-in.
This evening enjoy a guided hike during the night time, through the frozen ice falls and ice caves of Maligne Canyon. You actually walk on the frozen floor of the canyon, stopping for photos of the Queen of Maligne and Angel Icefalls. It's a whole different world down there, especially in the moonlight. Definitely a unique Jasper experience!
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Fireplace room
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Winter Tour / Evening Sleigh Ride
The tour from Jasper will take you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snow covered peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Jasper and Banff. Departing Jasper you will head southwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Follow the Athabasca River to the frozen Athabasca Falls, where the waters of the river cascade to the valley floor. From here the Parkway ascends to Tangle Ridge and a stop is made at the Columbia Icefields to view the Athabasca Glacier. Next, descend the Big Hill and stop for the photos at the Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier before arriving at stunning Lake Louise. Here take a short break at the world famous Chateau Lake Louise to admire the picture postcard scenery. Then depart for Banff town site passing the formations of Castle Mountain and Vermillion Lake.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
'Sleigh bells ring, are you listening'' This evening take a short taxi ride (on own) to Martin Stables where you will embark on a romantic sleigh ride perfect for just the two of you. An authentic Belgian sleigh, gliding behind massive but gentle horses, arrives to greet you. Your ride includes Bernard Callebaut chocolates, liqueurs and an authentic buffalo robe for extra warmth to make your ride truly special.
Note: The Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride operates from the beginning of December until approximately the first week of March - weather permitting. If it is not operating, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 6 - Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour / Banff to Jasper Express Transfer
This morning you will enjoy a 3 hour tour of Banff and its wildlife. Build a connection to this World Heritage Site as you visit Banff's landmarks and view wildlife in their natural winter habitat. Hear how the history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden treasure, now know as the Cave & Basin Historic Site. See and learn about wildlife behaviour, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations. The deep snow and cold of winter drive animals to the valley bottom for refuge. Elk can commonly be seen on the tour. This is Banff's best tour for viewing wildlife which is seen on 95% of the tours.
In the early afternoon, you will depart Banff and travel about the Mountain Connector Bus for your transfer back to Jasper. Arrive back into Jasper in the early evening.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Fireplace room
Day 7, 8 & 9 - VIA Rail - Jasper to Toronto
This morning is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. In the late afternoon transfer (on own) to the train station and board the famed VIA Rail 'Canadian' train for your 3 night rail journey to Toronto with sleeping accommodation.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 10 - Arrival in Toronto / Niagara Falls Evening Tour
This morning your train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 9:30am. Pick-up your luggage and transfer by private sedan to your Toronto hotel.
No trip to Ontario is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls! This afternoon you will depart on a 9 hour tour and experience the breathtaking footage of the mighty Niagara in its winter setting. Marvel at brilliant ice-crystal rainbows, ice-coated trees, and unearthly ice formations at the foot of the thundering Falls! You will take a Journey Behind the Falls, located in the Table Rock House Plaza beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, where you can enjoy the thunder of the waters from a completely different perspective. The observation platform at the base of the falls is easily reached by elevators and a network of tunnels. Two other tunnels provide a close-up view of the Falls from behind. The tunnels extend only 46 metres(150 feet) behind the waterfall, so there is not a lot of walking. And you can explore it all at your leisure: the excursion is completely self-guided. Don't be fooled into thinking that the Falls are the only highlight. This city has a plethora of activities and you will sample a few on today's day trip. From the majestic Falls to the quaint and charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake you will enjoy an educational and entertaining day. After your tour, you will enjoy dinner at Niagara Falls, with a magnificent view of the falls illuminated at night, before returning to Toronto.
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 11 - Toronto City Tour / Afternoon Tea
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 neighbourhoods, amazing waterfront, and magnificent architecture.
As Afternoon Tea enjoys resurgence in popularity, you will join Michael Obnowlenny, Canada's only Tea Sommelier, for Afternoon Tea at EPIC Restaurant at The Fairmont Royal York. This innovative tea menu puts a twist on the traditional Afternoon Tea offerings of scones with clotted cream, crumpets and finger sandwiches, the Tea Sommelier surprises with modern delicacies and carefully selected tea compliments. The pairing of teas and innovative dishes created by Tea Sommelier, Michael Obnowlenny, and Chef de Cuisine, Jean Charles Dupoire, changes seasonally.
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 12 - Depart Toronto
Tour ends in Toronto. You will be transferred by private sedan to the Pearson International Airport for your journey home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
- 4 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- Vancouver North Shore Tour including Grouse Mountain skyride, sleigh ride (weather permitting), Capilano Suspension Bridge & Tree Top Adventure
- Evening Maligne Canyon Moonlight Ice Walk
- Jasper to Banff Winter Tour
- Discover Banff & It's Wildlife Tour
- Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride for 2 on Private Cutter sleigh including Bernard Callebaut chocolates & liqueurs (NOTE: Sleigh ride only operates from approximately the beginning of December to the first week of March weather permitting. If not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Toronto City Tour
- Niagara Falls at Night Tour including Buffet Dinner & Journey Behind the Falls Tour in Niagara Falls
- Afternoon Tea at the Royal York Hotel EPIC Restaurant including gratuities
- Private sedan transfers: Vancouver Airport to downtown hotel, Vancouver hotel to Vancouver train station, Toronto Train Station to hotel and Toronto hotel to Toronto Airport including gratuities
- One-way express transfer from Banff to Jasper
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities no listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)