12 days (NCZGJ)

 

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Toronto

(Thu.) Welcome to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. This evening, join your Tour Director at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (WR)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Spend the next two nights at the celebrated Fairmont Royal York Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and once considered the largest hotel in the British Commonwealth. When opened in 1927, the hotel quickly set the standard of the day and continues to epitomize gracious hospitality.

Day 2Toronto. Niagara Falls Excursion

(Fri.) After an included breakfast atop the CN TOWER , enjoy a full-day tour to magnificent Niagara Falls, including an exciting CR UISE aboard the Maid of the Mist. Return to Toronto to savor a wonderful dinner at the Fairmont Royal York’s Epic dining room. (B,D)

Day 3Toronto–VIA Rail’s The Canadian

(Sat.) After breakfast, board VIA Rail’s THE CANADIAN for a 2-night journey to Jasper. As you ride the rails west you will enjoy VIA’s renowned “Silver & Blue” class service, featuring linen and china dining and single or double bedroom accommodations. (B,L,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Traveling across Canada by rail lets you see the country much as the first travelers did more than a hundred years ago. Every day will show changes in the landscapes, climate, and lifestyles, as well as a historic perspective of Canada by rail. To enhance traffic on the rails, the Canadian Pacific Railway envisioned a succession of lavish resort hotels along the railway line through Western Canada. Today, many of these resorts still exist and you’ll experience them as you journey across Canada and into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. By the end of your trip you will have a new understanding of the history and peoples of Canada and how the landscape shaped this nation.

Day 4VIA Rail Travel

(Sun.) Relax in comfort as you cross the Great Plains of Canada. This is a day to unwind and get to know fellow travelers. (B,L,D)

Day 5VIA Rail–Jasper

(Mon.) After a leisurely morning onboard, disembark at the town site of Jasper. On arrival, your Tour Director will point out highlights, including Maligne Canyon and the “Sleeping Man in the Mountain.” (B,L,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Overnight at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called “Tent City,” it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes.

Day 6Jasper–Icefields Parkwa

(Tue.) The spectacular Icefields Parkway threads through the very heart of the Canadian Rockies. Stop to view thundering Athabasca Falls, ride an exciting “ICE EXPLORER” on Athabasca Glacier, and gaze in silent wonder at sapphire Peyto Lake

. Day’s end finds you in the picture-book setting of Banff. Enjoy an orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. (B,D)

SPECIAL FEATURE:
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an internationally recognized symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this chateau-style hotel developed into one of the top three getaways in North America.

Day 7Banff

Lake Louise Excursion. Choose Your Experience. (Wed.) This morning, travel to see two of the crown jewels of the Rockies: Moraine Lake
and Lake Louise. First, visit the Valley of the Ten Peaks, which frames picturesque Moraine Lake. Then, continue to Lake Louise. A GLOBUS PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE, select how you spend your morning. Enjoy a leisurely TRAIL RI DE or paddle across world-famous Lake Louise on a CANOE excursion. Later, enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. (B,L)

Day 8Banff–Kelowna

(Thu.) Today, travel west by motorcoach through Kicking Horse Pass and through the Selkirk Range over Rogers Pass into the fabulous Thompson Okanagan Valley. This area of Canada is blessed with a mild climate and sunny days. Pass through landscapes dotted with pristine lakes, orchards, and vineyard laden hillsides to Kelowna, situated at the shores of Okanagan Lake. Before arriving at our hotel, we’ll stop to visit the VILLAGE CHEE SE CO MPANY, where you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of an old-time cheese company and sample some of their award-winning products. (B,D)

Day 9Kelowna

(Fri.) Start your day with a visit to KELOWNA LAND AND ORCHARD and sample some of the local ciders. We’ll then visit OK ANAGAN LAVANDER FARM, where there’s time to stroll through the fragrant fields and enjoy breathtaking views. We’ll stop by two VINEYARDS and you’ll have a chance to taste some of the wines for which this area is so well known. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy a stroll around beautiful Lake Okanagan, shop in the unique boutiques, or to perhaps visit the Wine Museum. This evening, join us for an optional dinner at a local vineyard. (B)

Day 10Kelowna–Vancouver

(Sat.) Travel to the scenic coast of British Columbia via the Coquihalla Route through the Cascade Mountains. Arriving in Vancouver, visit the soaring CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE and enjoy an included lunch near the canyon. Later, tour the highlights of Vancouver, including immense Stanley Park. Tonight is at leisure to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants this cosmopolitan city offers. (B,L)

Day 11Vancouver. Victoria & Butchart Gardens Excursion

(Sun.) Departing Vancouver you will travel by motorcoach and BC Ferry through the pastoral Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Your destination is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Nearby, visit colorful BUTCHART GARDENS and its floral displays. Then board a FLOATPLANE to soar over the lovely Gulf Islands back to Vancouver on the mainland. Tonight, enjoy a FAREWELL DINNER at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 12Vancouver

(Mon.) Your grand journey through five provinces comes to a conclusion today with breakfast this morning. (B)