Day 1
Depart Boston aboard Holland America's ms Maasdam
This afternoon, you will board the luxurious ms Maasdam for a Canada and New England cruise experience that will be as enchanting and elegant as the destinations themselves are varied and thrilling. With an exciting cruise itinerary you will visit five ports, including Quebec and enjoy plenty of scenic cruising as you explore the coasts of New England and Canada. Indulge on local lobster and clam chowder while learning about the rich culture of the Northeast, as deep blue waters take you from Bar Harbour, Maine, to Montreal.
A soaring three-deck-high atrium featuring a monumental glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi of Italy is just one of the magnificent elements waiting for you onboard ms Maasdam. In the tiered grand Rotterdam Dining Room, guests overlook an antique marble fountain from Argentina and beyond the sea. Grandly proportioned, ms Maasdam is among the most spacious cruise ships at sea. Designed to provide more space for fewer guests than other ships in her class, ms Maasdam ensures you a more comfortable and intimate onboard experience.
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 2
Bar Harbour, Maine
On this gorgeous island, you can have the quintessential New England tourist experience with a walk on the beach followed by a dinner of fresh lobster and homemade ice cream or explore the fir-lined, glacier-carved beauty of Acadia National Park and understand at once why this place was originally called Eden.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Acadia National Park & Carriage Ride, Coastal Sea Kayaking, The Ultimate Island Experience - A private luncheon at Frenchman's Bay
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 3
Halifax, Nova Scotia
This thriving, picturesque city is one of the great North American seaports. Watch the changing of the guard at a citadel built by the British to fend off an attack from the fledgling US. Visit a first-rate maritime museum which includes an exhibit on the Titanic or hike to the lighthouse and unbeatable ocean views in car-free Point Pleasant Park.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Peggy's Cove Lighthouse & Lobster Lunch, Soldier for a Day Interactive Tour, Titanic Tour - The Halifax Connection
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 4
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Adventure awaits on Cape Breton Island, once a refuge for British loyalists. Wander the narrow lanes of the old French village of Louisbourg. Explore the hands-on exhibits at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site or beeline to hiking, biking and kayaking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park which is perched on a craggy plateau above the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): The Bras d'Or Lakes Grand Tour, Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park, Black Gold - Cape Breton Mine Experience
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 5
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Street actors re-enact the events leading to the creation of the Canadian confederacy, which was born in this charming town. You can cast your vote for seafood, shopping or a walk through Victorian streets. If you love 'Anne of Green Gables', the picturesque farm that inspired the tale is nearby.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables, Biking on the Confederation Trail, A Day in Dalvay-by-the-Sea, Four Diamond Chef's Table Tour
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 6
Saguenay Fjord, Scenic Cruising
Thread 62 miles of spectacular Precambrian cliffs that jut dramatically from a dark mix of freshwater and sea that is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including small, white beluga whales. Quebec City marks the start of Saguenay Fjord. This 200-mile natural canal brings saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean inland and creates a beautiful environment for waterfront living for the communities of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 7
Quebec City, Quebec
The only walled city north of Mexico, whose entire, marvelous Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feast on wild game, delight in boutiques and stroll cobblestones to high tea at the monumental Chateau Frontenac. The Musée d'Art Inuit Brousseau houses masterful carvings by Native Canadians.
Sample Shore Excursions (not included): Quebec City Walking Tour with Tea at the Chateau Frontenac, St. Lawrence Grand Tour & Lunch.
Overnight - ms Maasdam in an Outside Cabin with Veranda (A class)
Day 8
Arrive Montreal / Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour
This morning, you will arrive in Montreal will you disembark the ms Maasdam. A private sedan will transfer you to your hotel. At the hotel, you will store your luggage with the bell desk and depart on a 3 hour morning city tour while you wait for your hotel check-in time.
Greater Montreal Guided Tram Tour
Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. This is a complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest, including a stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory (photo stop), residential and financial districts, Old Montreal (photo stop), French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site (photo stop), McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary by a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual guide.
Overnight - Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 9
VIA Rail - Montreal to Toronto
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 Montreal and travel to downtown Toronto, Canada's largest and most vibrant 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 Toronto, transfer (on own) to your hotel.
Overnight - Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 10
Toronto City Tour / CN Tower 3 Course Lunch
Today, you will embark on a 2 hour guided tour of the city. Your fully commentated tour highlights include the Eaton Centre, Chinatown, CN Tower and Old and New City Halls with the opportunity for pictures along the way. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the CN Tower. 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.
CN Tower 3 Course Lunch
This afternoon, 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 lunch 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 at your leisure.
Overnight - Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 11
Toronto at Leisure / VIA Rail - Toronto / Ontario
Today, you have a full day to enjoy this fantastic city on your own or as a part of an included tour, depending on your itinerary. This evening, proceed to the conveniently located VIA Rail station to board the world-famous Canadian. Let the journey begin! You are retracing a journey that started over 120 years ago on a ribbon of steel that still connects Canadians from coast-to-coast. As the train slowly moves away and the bright lights of Toronto fade into the darkness, slip into the cozy comfort of your private bedroom accommodation and let the rhythm of the train rock you to sleep.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE
Romance by Rail Suite - 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'.
OPTIONAL TOUR
Niagara Falls Full Day Tour
An option for today is 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. Return to Toronto at approximately 7:30pm.
Overnight - VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 12
VIA Rail - Ontario / Manitoba / Saskatchewan
Wake up this morning and enjoy breakfast in the private dining car. For the next 3 days, you will be the guests of VIA Rail and its famous Silver and Blue Service. From the comfort of the scenic dome, enjoy the great Canadian mosaic as the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan reveal themselves to you. You will soon find that your fellow travelers are from all over the world. Join them for dinner or a beverage in the lounge car. Although the journey is rarely interrupted by civilization, stops will be made in Winnipeg and Saskatoon. As the train rolls relentlessly westward, the rugged rivers and lakes of Manitoba give way to the rolling wheat fields of Saskatchewan. You may be lucky and witness a dramatic prairie lightning storm from the dome car before you turn in for the night.
Overnight - VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 14
Arrive in Jasper
If you look out your bedroom window early enough this morning, you might catch a glimpse of oil wells and grain elevators as the train crosses the rolling hills of Alberta. While the oil and gas industries drive the Alberta economy the importance of agriculture and the cattle industry are also very visible. Early in the morning, the train arrives in Edmonton, the capital city of the province of Alberta. Soon, the Canadian is once again heading west, this time along the banks of the mighty Athabasca River and into the Rocky Mountains and Jasper National Park. Your rail journey comes to an end as the Canadian rolls to a stop in the picturesque community of Jasper, northern gateway to the spectacular Columbia Icefields and the world-famous resorts of Lake Louise and Banff. Your overnight accommodation is nearby.
Overnight - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Junior Suite
Day 15
Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour OR Maligne Lake Cruise
Today you have a choice between a Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour or a Maligne Lake Cruise.
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.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Today, you will embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. The first stop will be at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. 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 the 'mysteriously' disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned Spirit Island. Bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting.
Overnight - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Junior Suite
Day 16
Sightseeing Tour from Jasper to Banff including Ice Explorer ride
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.
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes continental breakfast)
Day 17
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife
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. Visit the Banff Gondola (included), where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley.
OPTIONAL
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour
Your sightseeing tour will visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, & the world renowned Moraine Lake. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will have time to take photos and explore their shorelines. Learn about our mountaineering history and how a tragic accident at Lake Louise shaped Canadian mountain culture. Finally, walk to a viewpoint in the Valley of Ten Peaks overlooking Moraine Lake.
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes continental breakfast)
Day 18
Banff to Calgary Airport
Today, you will depart Banff and transfer by regular scheduled air porter to the Calgary International Airport in time for your flight departure home.