Holidays to Canada - The Independent Canadian Railtour Ref: C66

Day 2
Toronto
Discover the many identities of this cosmopolitan city o­n a sightseeing tour of Toronto. Highlights include the provincial Parliament Buildings, City Hall, the financial district, Chinatown, residential areas, the waterfront and the CN Tower. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping or simple relaxation.

Day 3
Niagara Falls
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls. The route travels through the lush fruit-growing district of the Niagara Peninsula to the spectacle of Niagara Falls. Board the Maid of the Mist (seasonal) for a spectacular boat trip to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Ample time will be spent at the falls to give you every opportunity to take pictures and admire the thundering waters. Highlights include a meal and a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway, which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge. Pass through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto for the evening. Lunch Included.

Day 4
Onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian
Full day in Toronto before an independent transfer  to Union Station to board VIA Rail’s The Canadian evening departure en route to western Canada. The railway travels north from Toronto through the picturesque Muskoka resort region and past Sudbury, the nickel capital of the world.
Overnights (3): on board The Canadian

Days 5-6
Onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian
Travelling north of the Great Lakes, view the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, some of North America’s oldest rock formations. Rich in minerals and forests, the region is dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes. By early evening, the train crosses the border into the province of Manitoba and stops briefly in the capital, Winnipeg. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Day 7
Onboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian
By early morning, you will have crossed the vast expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and will be approaching the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy nature’s grandeur as the train enters Jasper National Park. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Overnights (2): Whistler's Inn, Jasper

Day 8
Jasper
Experience Jasper National Park by travelling the trails of the early explorers and view the park's unspoiled grandeur. Your included tour will begin along the mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Hike above Maligne Canyon, with it's narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water erosion and visit a place of Indian legend - Medicine Lake.

Day 9
Jasper - Banff
Today will be an unforgettable journey as you travel the Icefields Parkway, o­ne of the most scenic roads in all of Canada. Every turn unveils spectacular vistas of magnificent peaks, outstretched valleys, cascading waterfalls and mountain meadows alive with colour. At the Columbia Icefield, you will ride in a "Ice Explorer" to explore the Athabasca Glacier. The charming resort town of Banff, nestled beneath towering Cascade Mountain, is sure to impress. Upon arrival in Banff in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnights (3): High Country Inn, Banff

Days 10-11
Banff National Park - Evening Wildlife Safari
Situated o­n the doorstep of spectacular scenery, Banff nestles amidst the glory of the Canadian Rockies. With a wealth of attractions, ranging from the Hot Springs to the gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, Banff boasts an attractive main street with numerous cafes and craft shops. Renowned for its winter activities. Enjoy an included evening wildlife safari tour with a knowledgeable guide - frequent sightings include black bears, bull elk, bighorn sheep and osprey.

Day 12
Banff – Kamloops, o­nboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Today you board the Rocky Mountaineer heading west to the Pacific Coast. This unique daylight service allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights in Western Canada. The route departs the Rockies through Kicking Horse Pass, and then climbs into the Selkirk Mountains following Rogers Pass. By late afternoon, you are in the arid ranchland of interior British Columbia, where you disembark for the night. Breakfast and Lunch Included.
Overnight (1): Kamloops

 
Day 13
Kamloops – Vancouver, o­nboard the Rocky Mountaineer
Today your spectacular daylight rail excursion to Vancouver continues. The journey leads through the "cowboy country" ranchland of the British Columbia interior and along the mighty Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling, wind-swept hills will define the horizon as you traverse the interior and approach the Coastal Mountains surrounding Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, transfer independently to your hotel. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Overnights (2): Metropolitan Hotel, Vancouver

 
Day 14
Vancouver
On a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour familiarise yourself with Vancouver's many attractions that have contributed to this oceanside city’s international reputation. The tour highlights include historic Gastown, nearby Chinatown, Stanley Park, English Bay and more. After the tour, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this fascinating city.

 
Days 15-16
Victoria
Take a ferry-cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands to the capital of British Columbia, stately Victoria. During your stay there will be plenty of time to explore. Enjoy an included whale-watching cruise. This coastal excursion is an exhilarating round trip of 50 to 80 kilometres in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. You will ride aboard a 14-metre ocean cruiser or a custom-built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whalewatching experience. Comments by a certified Marine biologist and naturalist are provided.
Overnights (2): Delta Victoria Oceane Pointe Resort,Victoria

Day 17
Victoria-Vancouver - UK
Time for some final sightseeing or souvenir hunting before your included airporter coach transfer to Victoria Airport in time to catch your overnight flight back home.

 
Day 18
Arrive UK