CANADIAN CITIES BY RAIL - COAST TO COAST (WINTER)

Day 1 - Arrive 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 Waterfront - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - Fairmont Gold Harbourview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 2 - Victoria Day Tour
This morning, your tour takes you across to Vancouver Island aboard a large & comfortable BC Ferry for a spectacular 90 minute cruise through the Gulf Islands 'marine wonderland'. Upon arrival Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), the tour will continue on to the world-renown Butchart Gardens with their 50-acre display. In winter the bare bones of The Gardens show the shape of things to come, with the gentle variance of texture and colour of the broad-leafed evergreens and conifers, the berried trees and shrubs. Hints of spring come from early pansies and English daisies, polyanthus and primroses. The bright red of holly berries and pink blooms of heather are a welcome contrast to the grey of a winter day. You'll enjoy some free time in the Butchart Gardens, then it's off to Victoria, BC's Capital City for a city tour. Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Return to Vancouver at approximately 10:00 pm.

Note: From December 1, 2008 to January 7, 2009 Butchart Gardens celebrates Christmas at the Gardens. The Gardens dress up for Christmas in glorious style. They are transformed by a remarkable display of thousands of twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. Miles of fresh evergreen swags and wreaths, holly and ivy and winter berries adorn the walkways and lamp posts. Traditional holiday music adds to the magic.

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 3 – Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Edmonton
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.

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.

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 - Arrive Edmonton
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. Late evening the train will arrive in Edmonton. Upon arrival in Edmonton, you will transfer by private sedan to your hotel for check-in.

Moderate: Overnight Fantasyland Hotel
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, 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.

In the late afternoon you will embark on an Evening in the Park tour.  This adventure takes you to view the natural beauty of Elk Island National Park in its winter setting, a prairie oasis where moose, bison, elk, & deer 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: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Fairmont Room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Deluxe View Room

Day 6 - Edmonton City Tour / Transfer to VIA Rail Station
Morning at leisure.  This afternoon enjoy a half day tour featuring Edmonton's cultural and heritage sites. Visit the prominent neighbourhoods of Historic Glenora and Old Strathcona, covered in blankets of snow. Explore downtown Edmonton, its ethnic communities, the Alberta Legislative Building, the University of Alberta and the scenic snow covered North Saskatchewan River valley.  After your tour, you will be dropped off back at your hotel.  You have access to your room until your transfer to the train station.
In the late evening transfer by private sedan to the train station and board the famed VIA Rail 'Canadian' train for your 2 night rail journey to Toronto with sleeping accommodation.

Moderate: Overnight Fantasyland Hotel
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Fairmont Room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel MacDonald - Deluxe View Room

Day 7 & 8 - VIA Rail – Depart Edmonton to Toronto
Just after midnight the famed VIA Rail 'Canadian' train departs the Edmonton train station for a 2 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 9 - Arrive Toronto
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.  At the hotel, you can store your luggage with the bell desk and explore the city at your leisure while you wait for your room check-in time.

OPTION:
Niagara Falls Evening Tour - 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 Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - Superior Room
Deluxe: Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - Executive Suite

Day 10 - Toronto City Tour / Dinner at the CN Tower
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 neighborhoods, amazing waterfront, and magnificent architecture.

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 Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - Superior Room
Deluxe: Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Toronto - Executive Suite

Day 11 - VIA Rail - Toronto to Montreal (VIA 1 Class) / Dinner at Auberge Saint-Gabriel
Today you will transfer by private limousine 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 VIA 1 class which offers you a delicious meal and exclusive access to the VIA 1 lounge in the service-car. Upon arrival in Montreal, you will transfer to your hotel, by private sedan.

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 InterContinental Montreal - Superior Room
Deluxe: Overnight InterContinental Montreal - Club Room (includes continental breakfast, afternoon tea & cookies, and cocktails (local beer or house wine) with hors d'oeuvres)

Day 12 - Montreal Museum Pass
Explore with the Montreal Museums Pass, which is a wonderful way to discover the Island of Montreal at your own pace. Montreal's internationally renowned museums and attractions reflect the city's history and cultural diversity, and address a wide variety of themes from innovative, highly authentic angles. The pass is valid at 30 major Montreal museums and attractions (including the Montreal Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium, Planetarium and Science Centre, to name a few), along with public transit, in a unique package good for 3 consecutive days!

Moderate: Overnight Delta Centre-Ville
Superior: Overnight InterContinental Montreal - Superior Room
Deluxe: Overnight InterContinental Montreal - Club Room (includes continental breakfast, afternoon tea & cookies, and cocktails (local beer or house wine) with hors d'oeuvres)

Day 13 - Greater Montreal Tram Tour / VIA Rail - Montreal to Halifax
Experience the best of Montreal on an exciting 3 hour sightseeing tour. A complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest. 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. 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.

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 14 - 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 by private sedan to your Halifax hotel.

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

Day 15 - Halifax Exploring / Neptune Theatre Performance
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.

Day 16 - Depart Halifax
Today your tour ends. Transfer by private sedan to Halifax International Airport in time for your flight departure home.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 11 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
• 4 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail (Except for the Ocean between Montreal & Halifax - meals available for purchase only)
• Airport transfer by Private sedan in Vancouver & Halifax including gratuities
• Rail station transfers by private sedan in Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, & Halifax including gratuities
• Sightseeing tours: Victoria Day Tour, Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour, Evening in the Park Wildlife Tour, Edmonton City Tour, Toronto City Tour, Montreal City Tour
• Montreal Museum Pass including admission to 30 major Montreal museums and attractions and public transit
• 3 course Dinner at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant including gratuities
• 3 course Dinner at Auberge Saint-Gabriel Restaurant including gratuities
• Neptune Theatre evening performance (NOTE:If no performance is scheduled during your stay in Halifax, it will be removed from your tour package)
• Admissions: BC Ferries, Butchart Gardens, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Pier 21
• West Edmonton Mall Passport of Savings coupon book. Entitles you to savings at West Edmonton Mall stores, services, entertainment & attractions
• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Optional Activities
• 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)

Package Tour Start Dates – Tuesday & Thursday (WESTBOUND)

2008/2009 Package Prices Per Person – CDN $ *

* Triple, quad and children rates available upon request.