Canadian contrasts

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN TORONTO (SATURDAY)

Arrive at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. After checking in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is free to explore the streets of this dynamic city. Discover the delights of Toronto’s colourful neighbourhoods, take a ride to the top of the CN Tower, experience the lively theatre district and indulge in one of the numerous restaurants. Overnight in Toronto.
Accommodation: Toronto for 2 nights

DAY 2 - TORONTO / NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION (SUNDAY)

This morning we meet our fellow travellers at breakfast before setting out to discover the many identities of the Canada’s most cosmopolitan city. After seeing the provincial parliament buildings, the waterfront, the imposing CN Tower and lively Chinatown, we leave the city and head for the Niagara Peninsula. We pass through outlying communities and towns along the shores of Lake Ontario en route to Niagara Falls. Time is allocated to admire the falls and take part in some of Niagara Falls numerous activities. Overnight in Toronto. (B)

DAY 3 - TORONTO TO OTTAWA (MONDAY)

We leave the Toronto skyline behind and drive east towards Ottawa. Our route then winds through rolling farmland, following the rivers and lakes of the Rideau Waterway. Upon arrival in Ottawa, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the national capital. Defined by the Rideau Canal (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site) and the government buildings on Parliament Hill, the city offers many great sights including the public gardens, the Byward Market and City Hall. Overnight in Ottawa. (B)

Accommodation: Ottawa for 1 night

DAY 4 - OTTAWA TO QUEBEC CITY (TUESDAY)

This morning we travel along the scenic Ottawa River to the French-speaking province of Quebec. We skirt the magnificent Laurentians and follow the Chemin du Roy past Quebecois villages and historic shrines. Today’s journey ends in Quebec’s cultural heartland, Quebec City. We tour within the walls of the old city and view the ornate city gates, Lower Town, the Citadel and Battlefields Park. Overnight in the region of Quebec City. (B)

Accommodation: Quebec City for 2 nights

DAY 5 - QUEBEC CITY (WEDNESDAY)

This morning, we prepare to depart from Montreal’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and partially 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. (B)

DAY 6 - QUEBEC CITY TO MONTREAL (THURSDAY)

Departing from Quebec City we drive along the St.‑Lawrence River in the footsteps of the early settlers. Upon arrival in Montreal, we tour the secondlargest 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. Overnight in Montreal. (B)

Accommodation: Montreal for 1 night

DAY 7 - MONTREAL TO TORONTO (FRIDAY)

Today’s journey takes us back to Toronto. On route will be a stop in Rockport you have an option of enjoying an entertaining and relaxing cruise through the beautiful 1000 group of islands. Overnight in Toronto.  (B)
Accommodation: Toronto for 1 night

DAY 8 - TORONTO TO CALGARY (FLIGHT) (SATURDAY)

A transfer brings us to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for a flight over the prairie grainfields of central Canada to Calgary. Upon arrival in Calgary, we make our way to our downtown hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Calgary.  (B)

Accommodation: Calgary for 1 night

DAY 9 - CALGARY TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK/CANMORE (SUNDAY)

We set out early this morning to tour the sights of Calgary. We admire such modern and historic landmarks as the Calgary Tower, Fort Calgary and the skyscrapers of the commercial district. Leaving Calgary behind we set our sights on the Rocky Mountains, which can already be seen, far off in the distance. Experience the majesty of the mountains as we first travel through the foothills and then enter Banff National Park. We tour the region around Banff amidst snow-capped peaks, sparkling glaciers and emerald green lakes and see landmark Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. Overnight in Canmore.  (B)

Accommodation: Canmore for 2 nights

DAY 10 - CANMORE/BANFF NATIONAL PARK (MONDAY)

The entire day is at leisure to tour Banff area and browse through the many boutiques and specialty shops along Banff Avenue. An optional full-day tour is offered to the Columbia Icefield. The tour starts with a visit to the turquoise waters and spectacular glacier of Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies. From the unsurpassed beauty of Lake Louise we enter a rugged wilderness as we travel up the world famous Icefields Parkway. At the spectacular Columbia Icefield we board a Ice Explorer that will take us onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. We return late in the afternoon. Overnight in Canmore. (B)

DAY 11 - CANMORE TO KAMLOOPS (TUESDAY)

Our drive today is on the famed Trans-Canada Highway, following a route charted by the railroad engineers and fur traders of the mid 1800s. We continue our tour of the Canadian parks system as we cross the jagged Kicking Horse Pass into British Columbia’s Yoho National Park. From the highway, we are treated to a dazzling display of vast icefields, deep canyons, dense forests and glacier-fed streams. One awe-inspiring landscape follows another en route to Glacier National Park. We continue through the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges to the rugged interior town of Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops. (B)

Accommodation: Kamloops for 1 night

DAY 12 - KAMLOOPS TO WHISTLER (WEDNESDAY)

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. (B)

Accommodation: Whistler for 1 night

DAY 13 - WHISTLER TO VANCOUVER (THURSDAY)

We drive south along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway through a dramatic landscape of jagged fjords and glaciated mountain peaks. We leave the countryside behind and explore the metropolis of Vancouver on a sightseeing tour. Highlights include Stanley Park, Prospect Point, English Bay, historic Gastown, bustling Chinatown and much more. The afternoon is free to discover more of this coastal gem. Overnight in Vancouver. (B)

Accommodation: Vancouver for 2 nights

DAY 14 - VANCOUVER (FRIDAY)

The Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains form the backdrop to your day at leisure in Vancouver. You might want to do some shopping down on Robson Street, relax in Vancouver’s playground Stanley Park or stroll through the markets of Granville Island. If you prefer to explore the outdoors, take a gondola ride to the summit of Grouse Mountain. You can also go on an optional full-day tour to Victoria, the charming provincial capital that is proud of her maritime heritage. See the beautiful 19th century landmarks and enjoy its lively atmosphere. Before taking the ferry back to Vancouver, you will visit Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Overnight in Vancouver.  (B)

*14-day programme ends. Individual transfer to Vancouver’s International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Canadian breakfast is included.

DAY 15 - VANCOUVER - END OF TOUR (SATURDAY)

The time has come for some last minute shopping and to say farewell to Canada. Individual transfer to Vancouver’s International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. (B)