Canada ESCORTED HOLIDAYS | RAIL HOLIDAYS 2008

14 nights / 15 days

14 NIGHTS/15 DAYS
Toronto/Vancouver (YYZ/YVR)

CANADIAN TRAIL
THE ROMANCE OF RAIL, ROCKY MOUNTAIN VISTAS and PACIFIC CRUISES

Explore Canada’s dramatic diversity from the urban thrills of Toronto to British Columbia’s spectacular coastal views. Travel by rail over the Canadian Shield to the wheat-filled vistas of Canada’s prairie provinces where you’ll experience the frontier spirit of Cree warriors, cattle ranchers and the Mounted Police. In Banff and Jasper National Parks discover the breathtaking vistas of the Rockies and stand on the water-lapped shores of mountain lakes. Watch bighorn sheep scramble up slopes and elk hunt for food. Cruise the waterways of Canada’s Pacific rim and then soak in Vancouver’s exciting vibe and Victoria’s maritime charm. Canadian Trail will put you on the path to adventure.

Optional activities may be booked on site with our tour director. Prices will be competitive with locally available sightseeing tours. Passengers must pay the tour director directly. Cash, travellers cheques or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted.

Approximate cost per person:

Day 2  Toronto Harbour Cruise                                                                    $20
Day 3  Niagara Helicopter Tour                                                                    $102
Day 8  Banff Helicopter Sightseeing – Royal Canadian                              $190
            Banff Helicopter Sightseeing – Mount Assiniboine                        $220
            Banf Gondola Ride                                                                            $26
Day 9  Jasper Raft Tour                                                                               $47  
Day 10 Jasper – Maligne Lake Cruise                                                          $49
Day 11 Whistler Floatplane Sightseeing Tours –
             Spectacular Ice Cap                                                                        $149
             Whistler Floatplane Sightseeing Tours – 
              Ultimate Glacier Tour                                                                    $189
Day 13 Victoria Floatplane Sightseeing Tour                                                $98
             Victoria Whalewatching Cruise by covered boat                              $86
             or Victoria Whalewatching Cruise by zodiac                                    $86

Pre & Post- Tour accommodation

On VIA Rail sleeping cars, passengers enjoy a reserved seating area for daytime travel, which is made into sleeping berths by an attendant in the evening.
A shower room and toilet facilities are located in each car in trans-continental cars only. Three types of accommodation are offered.

Berth Class / Section (Upper / Lower) offers deep-cushioned seats with an optional table by day that convert to upper and lower beds with privacy curtain at night. Toilet and shower facilities are shared. Complimentary shower kits including soap, shampoo, cap,  towel and washcloth.

Roomette (Single Bedroom) is a small private room with a sink, toilet facilities and air conditioning. Access to shared showers with complimentary shower kits containing soap, shampoo, cap, towel and washcloth. The room accommodates one adult in a  single bed and two can sit together at least part of the time during the day if desired.  Two people travelling together in roomettes are usually located adjacent to each other.

 

Bedroom (Double Bedroom) is a private room for two people with toilet facilities and air conditioning. The room contains comfortable armchairs in the daytime, which convert to upper and lower beds at night. There is a small closet (holds 1 large and 1 small suitcase), reading lamp and a sink with razor outlet. Access to a shower room, just a few steps away, with a complimentary shower kit containing soap, shampoo, cap, towel and washcloth.

DAY 9   SUNDAY    BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER  Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper National Parks promises to be a highlight of our Canadian Trail 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 a specially constructed Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Close to Jasper, you have the chance to go on an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River. Your experienced guide will point out the natural and human history as you raft through short rapids and stretches of calm waters. Overnight in Jasper. Buffet breakfast included.

DAY 10    MONDAY   JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO
                 SUN PEAKS 
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. Upon arrival you can enjoy an optional Voyageur canoe trip. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Continental breakfast included.

DAY 11    TUESDAY   SUN PEAKS TO WHISTLER 
We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes as 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. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and meadows. Or, discover the mountain ecology on an optional Zipline Adventure and ride on a series of cables and suspension bridges. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Continental breakfast included.

DAY 12    WEDNESDAY   WHISTLER TO VICTORIA 
The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us 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.  Overnight in Victoria. Continental breakfast included.

DAY 13    THURSDAY   VICTORIA 
Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in the many 19th century landmarks that we pass on our tour of this charming city. You can take part in an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Alternatively, you can also go on an optional Whalewatching Excursion aboard Zodiac or regular vessel. Watch for the infamous orcas and the abundance of marine wildlife. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Continental breakfast included.

DAY 14    FRIDAY    VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER
We travel up the Saanich Peninsula to stop at Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time will be allocated here for browsing through the regal gardens before 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 an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or simple relaxation. 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 15    SATURDAY    END OF TOUR
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.