Day 1 - Arrive Halifax
Upon arrival at the Halifax International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian – Premium room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 2 - Choice of Peggy's Cove Tour OR Nature & Whale Watching Cruise
Morning is at leisure to explore this beautiful port city. Today you have your choice between an exhilarating Nature & Whale Watching Cruise OR a sightseeing tour to Peggy's Cove that will enchant you by the picturesque scenery.
Peggy's Cove Tour (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday / June 1 - September 30) - Join a kilted guide in 'New Scotland' for an enchanting Gray Line tour of Peggy's Cove. Peggy's Cove has been an artist and explorers paradise for well over 150 years. This picture postcard village, on the rugged Atlantic shoreline, stands on solid rock above the crashing surf. The lighthouse, the only one in North America to have a post office within it, is the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Enjoy some free time to exploring the rocks, the trails, the village and the gift shops.
Nature & Whale Watching Cruise (June 1 – September 30) - Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the cliffs of Chebucto Head at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, the waters are rich with sea life - Minke, Pilot and Fin whales, dolphins and seals. Join us on a two & a half hour cruise guided by a qualified naturalist and experience nature from a unique perspective.
Note: If traveling outside the operation dates of these tours, the tour will be removed from your package and you will have the day at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Premium room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 3 - VIA Rail - Halifax to Montreal
The morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon transfer to the Halifax train station, accessible by walkway from the hotel, where you will board VIA Rail’s Ocean for your overnight journey to Montreal. Enjoy comfortable private sleeping accommodation onboard the train this evening. In Easterly Class you’ll have the opportunity to savour the flavours of the region in the dining car, join in the unique Maritime Learning Experience opportunities and enjoy panoramic views in the Park car’s observation dome. The journey on the Ocean will take about 21 hours and will carry you through central Nova Scotia, Northern New Brunswick and Eastern Quebec on your way to Montreal.
Note: VIA Rail’s Easterly Class, including meals, is only available from June 15 to October 15, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, your accommodation will be in Comfort Sleeper Class and no meals or Maritime Learning Experiences are included.
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 - Arrive Montreal / Greater Montreal Tram Tour
When morning arrives you will be in Montreal in the province of Quebec. Upon arrival in the early morning in Montreal, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time. You will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Montreal. Highlights include Palace Ville Marie, Mount Royal, and the shops along St. Catherine Street, Old Montreal and the Old Port. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 - VIA Rail - Montreal to Quebec City
Today you will transfer (on own) from your hotel to the VIA Rail station. Upon arrival at the train station, go straight to the Panorama lounge which is reserved for VIA 1 passengers. You'll be able to unwind as you wait for departure. The day's newspapers, coffee and juice will be yours to enjoy, free of charge. You will depart downtown Montréal and travel to Sainte-Foy, then onto downtown Québec City. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Québec City, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Hotel Clarendon
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont Gold River view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 - Discoverers Cruise
Today you will see the city, the river and their history from a whole new angle aboard the Discoverers for a 1.5 hour cruise. Your sightseeing cruise of Québec City will include its fortifications and escarpments, its surroundings, the Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans. After your cruise, you may wish to stroll through the city, where quaint shops and restaurants abound.
Note: Discoverers Cruise operates from May to October. If cruise is not operating it will be removed from your package.
OPTIONAL TOURS:
Quebec City Tour (Year round)
Today enjoy a 2 hour city tour of this fabulous city. Discover the only fortified city in America, North of Mexico. Quebec, a gem of distinct heritage, is the cradle of French Canadian culture in North America. Old Québec, with its narrow streets, offers historic houses, lively places and fortresses. Discover the Plains of Abraham and Battlefield Park, the Parliament Buildings and the Saint Lawrence river, one of the longest in the world. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city.
Boat or Zodiac Whale Watching (Early June to Early October)
Along the St. Lawrence River and into the mountains of Charlevoix, your guide will provide a commentary on the natural history of this rugged and unspoiled land. At the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord you will board a specially designed ship or zodiac where an experienced naturalist will explain the habits of the Finback, Minke and Beluga whales that frequent this region during the summer. Arrival in Quebec City is scheduled for the end of the day.
Moderate: Overnight Hotel Clarendon
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont Gold River view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 7 - VIA Rail - Quebec City to Ottawa
Today you will depart on a 3 hour train journey to Montreal, aboard Via Rail. Here you will connect to another train for a 2 hour rail journey to Ottawa, Canada's capital city. (There may be up to a 2 hour layover in Montreal). Upon arrival in Ottawa, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel. Spend the evening meandering through the popular Byward market, explore Parliament Hill and many National Historic Sites.
Moderate: Overnight Lord Elgin Hotel
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 8 - Ottawa Hop On-Hop Off City Tour/ Museum Passes
Experience Ottawa's original and most comprehensive Hop-on-Hop-off City Tour aboard one of our London Style open top Double Deckers or turn of the century Trolleys. Tour officially starts on the corner of Sparks and Metcalf Streets, however one can hop on at any of over 15 stops located throughout the National Capital Region. Your ticket is valid for two days, which allows you to tour our Nation's Capital at your own pace, or join us for a two hour fully narrated tour. The City Tour runs in a continuous circle daily, from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Let your award-winning guide introduce you to the history and excitement that is Ottawa! Included in your package is admission to the Canada Museum of Civilization, Canada War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
The Naughty Ottawa Pub Walk (2.5 hours) - This tour exposes Ottawa's risqué history: from the misbehaving citizens of Lowertown, to political scandal, affairs of the heart, and the outrageous choice of Ottawa as capital. Quench your thirst en route, with stops at local pubs (drinks not included).
Note: Ottawa Hop On-Hop Off City Tour operates from Apr 27 – Oct 13, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, the tour will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Lord Elgin Hotel
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Laurier - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 9 - VIA Rail - Ottawa to Toronto
Today you will transfer (on own) to the Ottawa Train Station where you will board Via Rail for your journey to Toronto. Travel by train 4 1/2 hours to Toronto, the largest city in Canada, situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. Upon arrival in Toronto, transfer (on own) to your hotel.
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
Today you will be taken on a tour of Toronto, introducing you to this cosmopolitan city situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. Your fully commentated tour highlights include Eaton Centre, Chinatown, Old and New City Halls with opportunity for pictures along the way. Remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy exploring Canada's largest city.
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 & 12 - VIA Rail - Toronto to Jasper
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.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE:
For the ultimate in luxury, you may decide 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 13 - Arrive Jasper
Your journey will reach the Canadian Rockies by mid-afternoon today. You will leave 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.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 14 - 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 include 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: Evening 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 - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 15 - VIA Rail - Jasper to Vancouver
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will transfer (on own) to the Jasper 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. You will depart Jasper National Park. You will pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and you will see glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests.
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 16 - Vancouver City Tour
In the early morning the train will arrive in Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a 4 hour morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. A visit to the Lookout Tower is included, providing you with a bird's-eye view of Vancouver.
Moderate: Overnight Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 17 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will transfer by private sedan from your hotel to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 12 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals aboard VIA Rail's Ocean from Halifax to Montreal in Easterly Class (NOTE: VIA Rail’s Easterly Class, including meals, is only available between June 15 & October 15, 2008. If traveling outside these dates, your accommodation will be in Comfort Sleeper Class and no meals or Maritime Learning Experiences are included.)
- 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- VIA 1 Service between Montreal & Quebec City, Quebec City & Ottawa and Ottawa & Toronto
- Private sedan airport transfers in Halifax & Vancouver including gratuities
- Choice of Peggy's Cove Tour OR Nature & Whale Watching Cruise (SUBSTITUTION: If tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Guided Montreal Tram City Tour
- Discoverer's Cruise (SUBSTITUTION: If tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Ottawa Hop On-Hop Off City Tour (SUBSTITUTION: If tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Admission to the Canada Museum of Civilization, Canada War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada
- Toronto City Tour
- Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour including admission to the hot pools (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be substituted with Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour)
- Deluxe Vancouver City Tour including the Lookout Tower
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Optional tours & upgrades
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)