Trans-Canadian Adventure

Tour Information

13nt Tour Begins Vancouver, Ends Toronto: 1nt Vancouver; 2nts Victoria; 1nt Whistler; 1nt Kamloops; 2nts Banff; 1nt Jasper; 3nts The Canadian, 2nts Toronto

Day 1

Fly from Ireland – Vancouver
Welcome to Vancouver! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is at the hotel this afternoon to welcome you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.
Overnight: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

Day 2

Vancouver – Strait of Georgia – Victoria (2 nights)
Our tour of Vancouver takes us to Stanley Park where we view the totem poles, English Bay, Chinatown and Gastown with its charming cobblestone streets. We then cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry to Vancouver Island and journey by coach to quaint Victoria. Here, an orientation tour introduces us to Bastion Square, the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings. Later, there is an opportunity to take an optional horse-drawn carriage ride through this charming city. This evening we enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Overnight: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel

Day 3

Victoria sightseeing & at leisure
We start the day with breakfast at the famous Butchart Gardens. A representative from Butchart Gardens will give us a brief talk on the history of the Butchart Family and the gardens’ exhibits. We then have time at leisure to explore this 55-acre showcase of extraordinary floral displays. Back in Victoria, the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join one of our optional activities including whale watching. This evening, why not experience the magic of Old Chinatown on our optional guided walking tour followed by a Chinese banquet? (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel

Day 4

Victoria – Sea To Sky Highway – Whistler
We travel north to Chemainus, a seaside town known for its beautiful murals. We then journey across the Strait of Georgia, back to the mainland and motor along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. After a stop at the 1,105-feet Shannon Falls, we arrive in Whistler, where we are taken on a guided walking tour of the village and learn about this 2010 Olympic venue. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

Day 5

Whistler – Cache Creek – Kamloops
Climbing over the Coast Mountains, we journey along the scenic Duffy Lake Road, often referred to as “one of the best drives in Canada.” At the Historic Hat Creek Ranch we explore the original buildings and learn about this early trading post. We also visit a native village and learn about the Shuswap Nation’s fascinating history and culture. This evening we enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in Kamloops. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Overnight: The Thompson Hotel

Day 6

Kamloops – Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks – Banff (2 nights)
Today we head for the great Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage area. We first visit Mount Revelstoke National Park, where we travel from dense old-growth rainforest of giant cedar and pine to sub-alpine forest leading to alpine meadows and tundra with spectacular views of the ice-clad peaks of the Monashee Mountains. Next, we enter Glacier National Park and climb over Rogers Pass. After crossing the Columbia River, we enter the Rocky Mountain trench. Our next national park is Yoho, where we view the Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River. Crossing the Continental Divide, we enter Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park, and arrive at the quintessential alpine resort of Banff. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Overnight: Banff Park Lodge

Day 7

Banff sightseeing & at leisure
Our exploration of Banff includes the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive, Bow Falls and the wind-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos. We then board the Banff Gondola for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges from the upper terminal. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please; perhaps take an optional scenic helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine, or a float trip down the Bow River. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Banff Park Lodge

Day 8

Banff – Lake Louise – Icefields Parkway – Jasper
Our first stop is at beautiful Lake Louise where we are taken on an interpretive walk along the lakeshore. We learn about the history and geography of the area and soak in the stunning landscape combining azure glacial waters, deep green forests, jagged snow-covered mountains and the mighty Victoria Glacier. We then head north along the stunning Icefields Parkway, driving beneath snowcapped peaks, thundering waterfalls and glistening glaciers. Keep an eye out for wildlife including elk, black bear, and mountain goat. We continue on to the Columbia Icefield where we board an Ice Explorer for a unique journey onto the massive Athabasca Glacier. We then head for Jasper in the heart of Jasper National Park. After dinner, learn about Rocky Mountain wildlife at a fun and informative presentation by a local expert. (Full breakfast / Buffet dinner)
Overnight: Chateau Jasper

Day 9

Jasper – The Canadian
Join an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies, and learn about the underground river system, one of the longest in Canada. The afternoon is at leisure until it is time to bid farewell to your Tour Director as you board The Canadian train for your independent rail journey to Eastern Canada. Settle in your private Silver & Blue class compartment with private facilities and get ready for one of the world’s great train journeys. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10-11

Onboard The Canadian
Enjoy the train’s comfortable amenities, delicious meals and gracious service. As your rail adventure continues, see prairies stretching to the horizon, sparkling lakes and forests which are ablaze in orange, yellow and red in autumn. (Full breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Full breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 12

The Canadian – Toronto (2 nights)
After breakfast, the train arrives in Toronto where you are met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to discover the sights of Toronto at your leisure aboard a Hop-On, Hop-Off London-style, double decker sightseeing tour bus. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Sheraton Centre Toronto

Day 13

Niagara Falls excursion
Travel to one of the world’s great natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Journey through the orchard-laden Niagara Peninsula and arrive at Niagara Falls. Enjoy a panoramic view of the falls from high above before boarding the Maid of the Mist for an exhilarating boat ride to the base of the majestic Horseshoe Falls. There is plenty of time for shopping and picture-taking before traveling along the Niagara Gorge on the magnificently landscaped River Road to the historic and picturesque community of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Finish your Niagara experience with a visit to a local winery and sample wines before returning to your hotel. (Full breakfast)
Overnight: Sheraton Centre Toronto

Day 14

Depart Toronto
A complimentary transfer to Toronto International Airport is provided. (Full breakfast)

Day 15

Arrival back to Ireland

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Vancouver: Discover Chinatown, Gastown, English Bay and Stanley Park.
• Victoria: See the city’s landmarks; enjoy breakfast at the Butchart Gardens and explore the elaborate flower displays.
• Whistler: Join a guided walking tour of this 2010 Olympic venue.
• Banff National Park: Banff National Park
• Banff: Tour the township and surrounding areas; take a scenic gondola ride.
• Lake Louise: Enjoy an interpretive walk along the lake.
• Icefields Parkway: Motor along this spectacular alpine drive.
• Columbia Icefield: Ride aboard an Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier.
• Jasper National Park: Explore Maligne Canyon and hear about the underground river system; learn about local wildlife from a local expert.
• Cache Creek: Visit the Historic Hat Creek Ranch and a Shuswap Nation’s village.
• Toronto: Hop-On, Hop-Off Toronto city sightseeing day pass.
• Niagara Falls: Cruise aboard the Maid of the Mist; visit Niagara-on-the-Lake; tour a local winery and enjoy some barrel tasting.

Dining Highlights

• 13 full breakfasts
• 2 lunches onboard The Canadian train
• 1 three-course dinner
• 1 buffet dinner
• 3 three-course dinners onboard The Canadian train
• 2 Local highlight restaurant dinners in Victoria and Kamloops
• 22 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes two-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned motorcoach with reclining seats and onboard restroom.
• The services of a top professional Tour Director (Days 1-9).
• VIA Rail’s The Canadian train (Silver & Blue Class) from Jasper to Toronto.
• Private compartment with ensuite facilities that transforms into a cozy bedroom at night with comfortable upper and lower berths.
• Delicious meals served in the Silver & Blue Dining Car.
• Full access to the Park Car with its glass-dome ceiling, Skyline Car and Bullet Lounge.
• All tips to train personnel included.
• Ferry across the Strait of Georgia from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay and from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Complimentary airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 14.