The Canadiana

Day 1 - Arrive Toronto

Arrive at Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Individual transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After a check-in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free.

Overnight in Toronto.

Day 2 - Toronto

We get better acquainted with our traveling companions at breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Experience the sights as you explore the downtown area and residential areas. You will pass by the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower and drive along the harbourfront for a complete impression of this city. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Toronto. Continental breakfast included.

Day 3 - Toronto to Montreal

Departing early, we enjoy a pleasant drive east. Following the north shore of Lake Ontario, we pass endless miles of rolling farmland. Our first destination is the beautiful Thousand Islands resort region, where we embark upon a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds of this river playground, we re-board our tour coach for the drive to Montreal. Overnight in Montreal. Continental breakfast included.

Day 4 - Montreal

This morning, we will tour the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. The dynamic city of Montreal encapsulates the two founding cultures of Canada and boasts a curious blend of history and modernity. Touring the downtown area we view the Olympic Complex, charming Old Montreal, McGill University, the residential streets of Mount Royal and the bustling shopping streets. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Montreal. Continental breakfast included.

Day 5 - Montreal to Quebec City

This morning, we prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway, the Chemin du Roy deep into French Canada. Winding our way through typical French-Canadian villages and towns, we experience true immersion in French culture. Upon arrival in Quebec City, we tour within the walls of the old city and view Lower Town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park and the ornate city gates. Overnight in Quebec City. Continental breakfast included.

Day 6 - Quebec City

The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. Today day is at your leisure to explore this historic French-Canadian city with narrow streets and unique boutiques.

Overnight in Quebec City. Continental breakfast included.

Day 7 - Quebec City to Ottawa

Following the shore of the St. Lawrence, this morning we travel west past Montreal, across the Ontario border, and on to Ottawa — the nation’s capital. We stop for lunch along the way at the Sucrerie de la Montagne — an authentic sugar shack and pioneer-style restaurant. Upon arrival to Ottawa we take a tour of Ottawa. We view the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, and much more. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Continental breakfast and lunch included.

Day 8 - Ottawa

This morning, we enjoy the Turtle Island aboriginal experience breakfast on Victoria Island. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Ottawa’s many museums and fine galleries, shopping at the Sparks Street Mall or perhaps a boat cruise on one of the city’s many waterways. Overnight in Ottawa. Breakfast included.

Day 9 - Ottawa to Midland

Our journey west from Ottawa features sparkling lakes, rushing streams, deep forests and characteristic northern towns. The trip will be highlighted by a visit to Algonquin Provincial Park where we will take a walk along the scenic trails. This immense wildlife and forest preserve is a favourite destination for camping expeditions during the summer months. Thereafter, we enjoy the beauty of the Muskoka region as we pass through on our way to Midland. Overnight in Midland. Continental breakfast included.

Day 10 - Midland to Niagara Falls

This morning, upon arrival to Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, we have breakfast. Next, we drive south past Toronto and along the Niagara Peninsula towards Niagara Falls. A thrilling boat ride on the Maid of the Mist brings us to the foot of the thundering waterfalls. We will also take a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower providing a spectacular view of the falls and the surrounding district of Niagara. The evening is free for exploring. Overnight in Niagara Falls. Full breakfast included.

Day 11 - Niagara Falls to Toronto

Our drive today follows the scenic Niagara Parkway through the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival. Here we see a small but thriving community, proud to display a carefully-preserved nineteenth-century atmosphere. This afternoon completes the last segment of the tour’s eastern portion with a short drive back to Toronto. The evening features a special “Farewell to Eastern Canada” dinner at the CN Tower. Overnight in Toronto. Full breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12 - Toronto to Calgary Flight

Today we transfer to Pearson International Airport in Toronto and check in for our flight to Calgary, Alberta. Having crossed two thousand kilometres of Canadian wilderness and western wheatland, we arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Calgary. Continental breakfast included

Day 12 - Calgary to Banff

We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, we travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we approach Banff National Park, our first of several in the Canadian national parks system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. Continental breakfast included.

Day 14 - Banff

Today we will enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. You may also take part in an optional gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain. Bring your camera! The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings of Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Overnight in Banff. Full breakfast included.

Day 15 - Banff to Jasper

Today’s journey from Banff to Jasper promises to be a highlight of our Canadian programme. Shortly after leaving Banff we visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterwards, we travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway through a rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges. At the Columbia Icefield we board the Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Overnight in Jasper. Full breakfast included.

Day 16 - Jasper to Sunpeaks

Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier- fed lake in the park. Then we travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia. Breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await visitors in every season of the year. The route takes us along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Full breakfast included.

Day 17 - Sun Peaks to Whistler

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Continental breakfast

Day 18 - Whistler to Victoria

The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us south through spectacular coastal scenery today. From Horseshoe Bay, we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia's capital city. En route we visit Chemainus, the little town known as the largest outdoor art gallery. It features more than thirty-three historic murals. Arriving in Victoria, we embark on a city tour of this former British enclave. Overnight in Victoria. Continental breakfast included.

Day 19 - Victoria

Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanour evident in the many 19th century landmarks throughout the city. Today we treat ourselves to a tour of the beautiful floral displays of the world famous Butchart Gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Continental breakfast included.

Day 20 - Victoria to Vancouver

Today we continue on our way via a pleasant cruise through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we enjoy a tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. This evening features our "farewell" dinner party at the Capilano Suspension Bridge with a welcome from First Nations carvers. Overnight in Vancouver. Continental breakfast and dinner included.

Day 21 - Depart Vancouver A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.

Continental breakfast included