Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver / Sunset Dinner Cruise
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.
This evening climb aboard for a truly Vancouver dining experience. Cruise past the magnificent Vancouver skyline, around Stanley Park, past the beaches of English Bay and into the lights, sights and sounds of False Creek. While onboard, enjoy live musical entertainment and a West Coast-themed buffet. It's like dining in all of Vancouver's finest waterfront restaurants in one evening! You will transfer (on own) to the harbour 30 minutes prior to departure with boarding commencing at 6:30 PM.
Note: The Sunset Dinner Cruise operates from May 1 – Oct 31, 2008. If traveling outside these dates the tour will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes Breakfast buffet)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre- Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - 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. 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. You will have some free time on top where you can enjoy optional activities such as the famous Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion, Theatre in the Sky, or take a stroll on one of the many trails. 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 Breakfast buffet)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre- Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Deluxe Vancouver City Tour / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Edmonton
This morning you will be taken on a 4 ½ hour city tour of Vancouver. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. Admission to the Lookout Tower has been included on the tour, providing a bird's-eye view of Vancouver. This evening transfer (on own) 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.
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 4 - Arrive Edmonton
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. Early-evening the train will arrive in Edmonton. Upon arrival in Edmonton, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE:
Upgrade to a Luxury THEME room at the Fantasyland Hotel. When you take your first step into your room at the Fantasyland Hotel, the first thing you notice is, 'this is no ordinary room.' And you're right, because this is no ordinary hotel. Guests can choose from the Hollywood, Roman, Polynesian, Truck, Victorian Coach, Canadian Rail, Arabian, African, Igloo, Western and Water park theme rooms, the hotel now has a total of 120 theme rooms in 11 different styles.
Moderate: Overnight Fantasyland Hotel - Superior room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Deluxe View room
Day 5 - Day at Leisure / Evening in the Park Wildlife Tour
Today is at leisure. You may wish to explore the world's largest shopping/attraction complex, offering over 800 stores and services. Visit the Las Vegas style Palace Casino, skate at the Ice Palace , play miniature golf at Professor WEM's Adventure Golf, take a submarine ride at the Deep Sea Adventure, or see marine life at the Sea Life Caverns and Sea Trek. Included in your package is the West Edmonton Mall 'Passport of Savings' coupon book, which entitles you to savings at West Edmonton Mall stores, services, entertainment & attractions.
This evening you will embark on an 'Evening in the Park' tour. This adventure takes you to view the natural beauty of Elk Island National Park, a prairie oasis where moose, bison, elk, deer & over 250 species of birds live in their natural habitat. It was an area highly valued by Canada's First Nations people because of the rich resources of bison and beaver.
Moderate: Overnight Fantasyland Hotel - Superior room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Deluxe View room
Day 6 & 7 - Heart of Edmonton Tour / VIA Rail - Edmonton to Toronto
Enjoy this half day tour featuring Edmonton's cultural and heritage sites. Visit the prominent neighborhoods of Historic Glenora and Old Strathcona. Explore downtown Edmonton, its ethnic communities, the Alberta Legislative Building, the University of Alberta and the scenic North Saskatchewan River valley.
In the late afternoon transfer (on own) to the train station and 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 8 - Arrive Toronto
Your train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 8:00 pm. Pick-up your luggage and transfer (on own) 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 9 - Toronto City Tour / Dinner at the CN Tower
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 harbour front and downtown. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the shops, museums, harbour front and the theatre district.
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 10 - VIA Rail - Toronto to Montreal / Dinner at Auberge Saint-Gabriel
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 Toronto and travel to Montreal. Travel in total comfort and ease and forget the hassles of driving. You will travel in VIA1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
Tonight you will dine at North America's oldest inn, Auberge Saint-Gabriel Restaurant, located inside the stone walls of Old Montreal. As a reflection of the well-known Quebec's hospitality, the welcome is warm and the service courteous. Fine cooking reuniting two continents through French and Quebec cuisine. The new glass wine cellar allows you to admire the collection before tasting your selection.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 11 - Day Tour to Quebec City
Today you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour through the countryside of Quebec to historic Quebec City. This is the only walled city in North America and reminiscent of Old France. During your tour you will explore the old section of the city within the walls. See the Citadel, Plains of Abraham, the Dufferin Terrace and the legendary Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Return to Montreal in the early evening.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 12 - Montreal Exploring / VIA Rail - Montreal to Halifax
Today 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. In the evening transfer (on own) to the Montreal train station, where you will board VIA Rail for your overnight journey to Halifax. 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 Eastern Quebec, Northern New Brunswick, and central Nova Scotia on your way to Halifax.
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 13 - Arrive Halifax
When daylight comes you will be traveling through the province of New Brunswick, a region immersed in the history of the Acadians, a group expelled from the Maritimes by the English in 1755. The train will arrive in the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, late afternoon. Transfer (on own) to your Halifax hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax Hotel
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Premium View room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 14 - 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 (June 1 - September 30 / Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday) - Join a kilted guide in 'New Scotland' for an enchanting Grayline 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 Hotel
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian – Premium View room (includes Breakfast Buffet)
Day 15 - Depart Halifax
Today your tour ends. Transfer by private sedan to Halifax International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 10 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
- 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail’s Canadian
- 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.)
- VIA 1 Service between Toronto & Montreal
- Sunset Dinner Cruise (SUBSTITUTION: If tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
- Deluxe Vancouver City Tour including admission to the Lookout Tower
- Evening in the Park Wildlife Tour
- Heart of Edmonton Tour
- Toronto City Tour
- Day Tour to Quebec City
- Guided Montreal Tram City Tour
- Choice of Peggy's Cove Tour OR Nature & Whale Watching Cruise (SUBSTITUTION: If tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- 3 course Dinner at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant including gratuities
- 3 course Dinner at Auberge Saint-Gabriel including gratuities
- West Edmonton Mall Passport of Savings coupon book. Entitles you to savings at West Edmonton Mall stores, services, entertainment & attractions
- Airport transfer by Private sedan in Vancouver & Halifax including gratuities
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)