Canadian Railroad Vistas (Summer)
Explore Western & Central Canada aboard VIA Rail as you travel from the Pacific through the Canadian Rockies to Toronto, on this comprehensive tour of Canada. You will have a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, before crossing British Columbia by train to the Canadian Rockies, where you will spend three days in Jasper & Banff National Parks. Experience a guided tour of the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, Banff townsite, and travel on the famous Columbia Icefield Parkway. Afterwards, your journey will continue eastward aboard VIA Rail to Toronto, where you will explore Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Highlights
* Travel aboard VIA Rail's Canadian in a private bedroom in Silver & Blue Class
* Evening Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour including admission to hot springs
* Jasper to Banff Tour including Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer
* Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin
* Toronto City Tour
* Dinner at the 360 Revolving Restaurant at the CN Tower
* Niagara Falls Tour with cruise to the falls aboard the Maid of the Mist and lunch
* 3 Day - See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card - an all-inclusive attractions pass offering free admission to over 40 attractions in Vancouver and the surrounding regions (Including galleries, museums, tours, magnificent gardens, sightseeing, walking tours and outdoor adventures)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver / Vancouver Exploring via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card
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 to explore Vancouver. This is also your first day using your 3 day See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card. This all-inclusive attractions pass offers free admission to over 40 attractions in Vancouver and the surrounding area. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
Spend the afternoon exploring Stanley Park. There is no better way to explore the natural beauty of Stanley Park than aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage. A professional guide will fully narrate this one-hour ride ensuring you miss none of the highlights. You'll see Deadman's Island, Vancouver's Harbour, Lion's Gate Bridge and the Rose Gardens. The carriage will stop at the famous Totem Poles, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue and the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead. After your carriage ride, immerse yourself in another world at the Vancouver Aquarium in famous Stanley Park. Home to more than 60,000 fascinating creatures, you'll learn the habits of marine mammals like acrobatic dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters. In the steamy rainforest exhibit you'll find yourself in the company of free-roaming animals including birds, lizards and two-toed sloths. Venture into the Tropic Zone where sharks, moray eels and colourful fish abound. You'll also find out about training and feeding sea otters, sea lions and beluga whales.
Note: Other options include visiting Science World, Vancouver Lookout, CN Imax Theatre at Canada Place, Capilano Suspension Bridge and much more, with this great value Vancouver attractions pass. It also includes a free guidebook with maps of Vancouver and the surrounding regions.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Breakfast buffet included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Waterfront Deluxe room
Day 2 - Whistler Mountains & Forests Tour via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card
Enjoy a full day exploring the beautiful south coast of British Columbia. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
Today take a full day tour to Whistler and experience Whistler Mountains & Forests! The best way to experience Whistler in summer is to take a day tour. You'll go via the spectacular Sea-to-Sky Highway and stop at Shannon Falls, the third highest waterfall in Canada. Enhance your visit by taking optional tours such as the high-speed chair lift to the top of Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain, or get a birds-eye view of peaks and glaciers on a scenic flight. On the way back to Vancouver, in Brackendale, walk on trails through the majestic old growth forest with a naturalist guide introducing you to the cedar trees over 1,000 years old.
Note: Other options include taking a harbour cruise around Burrard Inlet or rent a bike to explore and much more, with this great value Vancouver attractions pass.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Breakfast buffet included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Waterfront Deluxe room
Day 3 - Vancouver City Tour via See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
Enjoy your last day in Vancouver exploring Canada’s largest western city. The following itinerary is a suggested itinerary, but you can choose to visit any of the attractions that are listed in the Smartvisit™ Card guide.
In the morning, take a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Tour. A sightseeing tour is the perfect way to get orientated in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On this Vancouver city tour you will discover the world famous Stanley Park, see spectacular mountain views from Prospect Point and English Bay beaches. Experience the vibrancy of Chinatown, historic Gastown and Canada Place before disembarking to visit the Vancouver Lookout! Harbour Centre Tower. Another highlight of this tour is a trip to Granville Island where visitors and locals alike shop at the Farmer's Market and the local artisans' workshops. In the afternoon, your choices are endless. Visit Storyeum to view the dramatic history of BC, Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery or go shopping at Pacific Centre. Your options are endless and it is up to you - visit as few or as many attractions as you like with your Smartvisit™ Card.
In the late afternoon transfer by private sedan to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will travel aboard VIA Rail’s "Canadian", and experience a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private room. The train will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.
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 4 - Arrival in Jasper / Evening Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
By the time you awake you will see glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests. You will also pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
This combination of Hot Springs and Animal viewing has proven to be very popular! This 1.5 hour trip passes quickly while you relax and enjoy the many stops for wildlife and the commentary of the guide. Possible wildlife including bear, bull elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, beaver, moose and birds. The variety of topics discussed include the habitat and habits of animals seen, fire controls in the Park, railroad history and more. At the Springs, go for a short walk to the Source of the Springs, enjoy a soak in the Hot Springs Pool (pool admittance fee included) and/or a meal at the quaint restaurant at the Springs to fill out the 1.5 hour visit.
Note: Evening Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour operates from May 6 to October 9 (dates subject to change). When the tour is not running, it will be substituted with a Watchable Wildlife Tour.
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Inn
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Jr Suite
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the "heart of the Canadian Rockies to Banff along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This tour along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the "Ice Age Adventure", a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Late afternoon you will arrive in Banff.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours
Moderate: Overnight Charlton Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Jr Suite
Day 6 - Discover Banff Tour / Banff to Jasper Express
Build a connection to this World Heritage Site on this trademark sightseeing tour as you visit Banff's landmarks and historic places and hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site. Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour. Mid-afternoon transfer aboard the express motorcoach service back to Jasper. You will arrive in Jasper at approximately 8:30pm.
Note: Discover Banff Tour operates from April 15 to October 15. When the tour is not running, it will be removed from your package and you will have the morning at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Inn
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Jr Suite
Day 7 & 8 - VIA Rail - Jasper to Toronto
Morning is at leisure. In the early afternoon transfer (on own) to the train station and re-board the famed VIA Rail "Canadian train for your 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 Private Bedroom
Day 9 - Arrive Toronto
Your train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 8:00 pm. Pick-up your luggage and transfer by private sedan to your hotel for check-in.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Deluxe room
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 Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Deluxe room
Day 11 - Niagara Falls Day Tour
Today you will be taken on a narrated day tour to Niagara Falls. You will enjoy a boat ride on the "Maid of the Mist" to the foot of the falls for a spectacular, close up view. Lunch is also included in today's tour. Before returning to Toronto, the tour will pass through the charming 19th century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Note: The Journey Behind the Falls or the Imax Theatre are substituted if the Maid of the Mist is not operating.
Moderate: Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Deluxe room
Day 12 - Depart Toronto
Today your tour comes to an end. You will be transferred by private sedan to the Toronto Pearson International Airport for your journey home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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8 nights hotel accommodation and any mandatory service charges & room tax
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3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
*
See Vancouver & Beyond Smartvisit™ Card - 3 Day all-inclusive attractions pass offering free admission to over 40 attractions in Vancouver and the surrounding area
*
Evening Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour including admission to hot springs (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be substituted with Watchable Wildlife Tour)
*
Jasper to Banff Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If Ice Explorer not operating tour will be shortened by 1 1/2 hours)
*
Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be removed from the package)
*
Toronto City Tour
*
Niagara Falls Day Tour including Maid of the Mist & lunch
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1 full course dinner at the revolving restaurant on top of CN Tower, including tower admission and gratuities
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Private sedan transfers between Vancouver Airport & hotel hotel to Vancouver train station Toronto Train Station to hotel and hotel to Toronto International Airport including gratuities
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Motorcoach transfer from Banff to Jasper
*
National Park Entrance Fee
*
Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
*
Meals not listed as included
*
Gratuities not listed as included
*
Transfers not listed as included
*
Optional activities
*
Goods and Services tax (GST)
*
Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)
Trip Length
11 Nights / 12 Days
Overnights
2 Nights Vancouver
1 Night VIA Rail
1 Night Jasper
1 Night Banff
1 Night Jasper
2 Nights VIA Rail
3 Nights Toronto
Dates
Departs Sundays (Eastbound) and Wednesdays (Westbound) from April 30 - October 22, 2006
Accommodation
Moderate, Superior or Deluxe (3, 4 or 5 star hotels)
Meals
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Flights
Domestic and Trans Border airfare from the United States may be easily arranged through Canada Your Way when purchased in conjunction with a vacation package.
Travel Insurance
Canada Your Way believes that Travel Insurance is important for those unfortunate circumstances that may disrupt your travel plans. Ask your Vacations Specialist for more details.
Departure Dates
Package Tour Start Dates - Sundays (Eastbound)
Apr 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
Jun 4, 11, 18, 25
Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
Sep 3, 10, 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
Package Tour Start Dates - Wednesdays (Westbound)
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Jun 7, 14, 21, 28
Jul 5, 12, 19, 26
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18