DISCOVER CANADA BY RAIL (WINTER)

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 Harbourview room (includes Breakfast Buffet)

Day 2 - Halifax Exploring / Neptune Theatre Performance
The Halifax Region is the gateway to Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia's capital city is vibrant and cosmopolitan with a rich seafaring past. Metropolitan Halifax boasts a variety of fine restaurants, exciting nightlife, museums, historic sites and shopping. Today is at leisure to explore the area, be sure and take in the impressive displays and dockside historic ships at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic before heading to nearby Historic Properties, with its unique collection of specialty boutiques, restaurants and pubs. The Casino Nova Scotia offers 700 slots and table games, five on-site restaurants and live world-class entertainment. Visit Pier 21 National Historic Site (included), Canada's last remaining immigration shed with interactive displays, 4-D film and more.

TAKE YOUR SEAT! No trip to Halifax would be complete without taking your seat at Neptune Theatre. Experience the finest professional theatre the region has to offer. Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, Neptune has been thrilling audiences for over 41 years and boasts two stages, a Theatre School and its Young Company Tour. Let Neptune play a role in creating your ultimate Halifax experience. The following is the 2008-2009 season schedule:

Note: If no performance is scheduled during your stay in Halifax, it will be removed from your tour package.

Moderate: Overnight Delta Halifax
Superior: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian - Standard room
Deluxe: Overnight Westin Nova Scotian – Premium Harbourview room (includes Breakfast Buffet)

Day 3 - VIA Rail - Halifax to Montreal
Morning at leisure. In the early afternoon transfer to the Halifax train station, where you will board VIA Rail for your overnight journey to Montreal. Enjoy comfortable private sleeping accommodation onboard the train this evening.

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 Guided 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 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, the shops along St. Catherine Street, Old Montreal and the Old Port. The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover the unbridled enchantment of winter time in Montréal. Relive the magic and excitement of the season as you make your way through the city's vibrant and snow-covered streets.

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 (VIA 1)
Today you will re-board VIA Rail and depart on a 3 hour train ride to historic Quebec City. This is the only walled city in North America and reminiscent of Old France. Upon arrival in Quebec City, you will transfer by private sedan to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this historic city which exudes winter appeal with its safe, walkable streets and beautiful architecture.

Moderate: Overnight Hotel Clarendon
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont Gold Riverview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 6 - A Fabulous Country Tour / Dinner at Aux Anciens Canadiens
Quebec City is surrounded by natural splendors so breathtaking, you won't believe you're so close to town. Mountains, forests, towering cliffs, waterfalls - all of it blanketed in thick, fluffy snow! Today you tour will take the avenue Royale through the traditional villages and farms, your guide will help you relive the tranquil pace of bygone years. See Ste. Petronille, Montmorency Falls, Honey Economuseum, and the Shrine-Anne-de-Beaupre. A visit to Alberta Gilles Copper Shop will complete this peaceful and relaxing excursion.

This evening enjoy a 40-minute caleche (a horse-drawn carriage) sight-seeing tour in elegance and style through the streets of Old Québec. Experienced, bilingual drivers will give you a guided tour of the city. Afterwards, you driver will transfer you to Aux Anciens Canadiens to dine on specialties of the region. This restaurant is in a building dating from 1676 and is known for its Quebecois decorated rooms and its French Quebecois cuisine. You will experience a 3 course menu, and discover the hospitality so treasured by the Quebecois expressed in its purest tradition!

Moderate: Overnight Hotel Clarendon
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac - Fairmont Gold Riverview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 7 - VIA Rail - Quebec City to Ottawa (VIA 1)
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 by private sedan to your hotel. Step outside for a short walk to the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's longest skating rink. To explore the 4.5 miles of groomed ice surface you can rent skates on the canal.

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 Exploring / Evening Crime & Punishment Jail Walking Tour
Winter is a magical time in Ottawa, today is at leisure to explore the Capital City. Begin with a stop at Parliament Hill, where you can visit the centre stage of Canadian democracy with a Tour of the Centre Block (free). Then take a short taxi ride (on own) to tour the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River. Included in your package is admission to the Canada Museum of Civilization, Canada War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada.

The Haunted Walk is Ottawa's most popular walking tour company. Locals and newcomers alike are fascinated by these glimpses into the darker history and haunting of the Nation's Capital. All of our stories are thoroughly researched and will delight even the skeptics in the group! This evening tour the Old Carleton County Jail and learn about why Ottawa was once considered 'the most dangerous town in North America'. Learn about early prison life, as you see the jail cells, death row and the last working gallows in Canada. This tour includes stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Commentary presented by experienced tour guides from The Haunted Walk of Ottawa.

Note:  The Canada Museum of Civilization, Canada War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada are not open on Mondays during the winter months.  If not available, it 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 (VIA 1) / Dinner at the CN Tower
Today you will transfer by private sedan 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 to your hotel.

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 10 - 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. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore. The city is alive with activities all winter long ' from skating to countless holiday festivities.

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, 12 & 13 – Day at Leisure / VIA Rail - Toronto to Jasper
Today is at leisure to explore Toronto or you may decide to take an optional day tour to Niagara Falls.  At the hotel, you can store your luggage with the bell desk and explore the city at your leisure while you wait for your evening VIA Rail check-in time.
This evening 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 3 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.

OPTION:
Niagara Falls Day Tour - No trip to Ontario is complete without a visit to Niagara Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls! This morning 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 lunch at Niagara Falls, with a magnificent view of the falls, before returning to Toronto.

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 14 - Arrive Jasper
Today you will enter the snow covered majestic Rocky Mountains. As you are riding the rails, you will view frozen mountain lakes and glaciers. Your journey will reach the Canadian Rockies by mid-afternoon today. Upon arrival at the train station in the quaint mountain village of Jasper, the northern gateway to the Canadian Rockies, 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 - Junior Suite Fireplace room

Day 15 - Maligne Canyon Icewalk OR Maligne Valley Watchable Wildlife Tour
This morning you have a choice of activities, depending on your departure day.

Maligne Canyon Icewalk - Daily (Mid December to Mid April - weather pending)
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Enjoy a two-hour guided hike during the day or night time, through the frozen ice falls and ice caves of Maligne Canyon. Descend beneath the ice in this unique tour - Guides take you down beneath the frozen surface of the Maligne River - don't worry the water levels have dropped with the freeze - leaving a magical world of ice formations and shelves.

Maligne Canyon Watchable Wildlife Tour - Daily (Year round)
Come and enjoy the beauty of the striking Maligne Valley in winter. The tour includes a short walk around the top of Maligne Canyon, then a scenic drive up the valley past the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake. The wildlife in winter can include moose, caribou, bull elk, big horn sheep, wolves, coyotes and more!

Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Fireplace room

Day 16 - VIA Rail - Jasper to Vancouver
Morning at leisure. In the late 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, snow covered mountain peaks and forests.

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 17 - Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
This morning depart on a city tour of Vancouver & the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. 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.

Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 18 - 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
• 5 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail (Except for the Ocean between Montreal & Halifax - meals available for purchase only)
• VIA 1 Service between Montreal & Quebec City, Quebec City & Ottawa, and Ottawa & Toronto
• Montreal Guided Tram Tour
• Fabulous Country Tour in Quebec City
• Crime & Punishment Jail Walking Tour in Ottawa
• Toronto City Tour
• Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour including Capilano Suspension Bridge & Tree Top Adventure
• Choice of Maligne Canyon Icewalk or Maligne Canyon Watchable Wildlife Tour
• Admission to the Canada Museum of Civilization, Canada War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada (NOTE:Museums not open on Mondays during the winter, it not available it will be removed from your tour package)
• Neptune Theatre evening performance (NOTE:If no performance is scheduled during your stay in Halifax, it will be removed from your tour package)
• Admissions: Pier 21
• 3 course dinner at Aux Anciens Canadian including gratuities
• 40 minute Horse drawn carriage ride of Old Quebec City
• 3 course Dinner at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant including gratuities
• Afternoon Tea at the Royal York Hotel including gratuities
• Airport transfer by Private sedan in Halifax & Vancouver including gratuities
• Train Station transfers by private sedan in Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto & Vancouver including gratuities
• National Park Entrance Fee
• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Optional tours
• Meals not listed as included
• Transfers not listed as included
• Activities not listed as included
• Gratuities not listed as included
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)