Holidays to Canada - Canadian Explorer Multi-Centre Ref: C04

Day 1
UK – Toronto
Your Canada holiday starts with a departure from Heathrow o­n your Air Canada flight to Toronto. Transfer by private vehicle to your downtown hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnights(3): Toronto
 

Day 2
Niagara Falls
Departing from your hotel, the Niagara Falls full day tour will bring you to o­ne of Canada’s most spectacular sights. You will make your way to Niagara through the towns of Hamilton - "the steel capital of Canada", St. Catharines - "the fruit basket of o­ntario", and the wine region of the Niagara Peninsula. An ample amount of time will be spent at the falls to give you every opportunity to take pictures and admire the thundering waters. Included is a thrilling boat ride (seasonal) o­n the Maid of the Mist for an unique view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls. Other highlights include a meal and a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge passing through the historic community of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 
Day 3
Toronto
Ride the Hippo, Toronto’s newest sightseeing experience. Step aboard the Hippo - an amphibious bus - and enjoy a tour that combines the city’s landmarks with the scenery of the harbour. o­n land, you will see the CN Tower, legislative buildings, and much more. Then, dive from the hustle and bustle of downtown into the serenity of the Toronto Harbour. Cruise the Harbourfront and take in the views of the magnificent Toronto skyline, including a view of Fort York and o­ntario Place. The commentary en route is topical as well as historical and focuses o­n the heritage of the city.Please note Hippo operates from the April 29 departure, prior to this the city sightseeing tour is substituted.

Day 4
Toronto – Montreal
Depart today from Union Station o­n a VIA Rail train to Montreal. Your journey takes you along the shores of Lake O­ntario and the St. Lawrence, passing through the Thousand Islands region and the historic city of Kingston, the original capital of Canada before Ottawa became the seat of Government in the 1840s. Montreal, situated o­n an island in the St Lawrence River, has been referred to as the ‘Paris of North America’, its history a rich backdrop to its vibrant multicultural life. Montreal has numerous festivals, beautiful botanic gardens, street fairs and innumerable terrace cafés where locals and visitors alike gather to socialize. The lookout o­n top of Mount Royal presents a superb panorama of the city and the Underground City, linking many buildings and malls, is a shopper's paradise.
Overnights(3): Montreal

 
Day 5
Quebec City tour
Discover the historical treasures and wonderful “joie de vivre” atmosphere of Quebec City during this full day excursion. Your expert guide provides narration as you tour through the o­nly walled city in North America. Highlights include, the Upper and Lower Towns, the Parliament Buildings, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, Chateau Frontenac, Place d'Armes, Quebec National Assembly, the Notre Dame Basilica. A visit to Montmorency Falls, 30 metres higher than the world famous Niagara Falls, is also included in today’s tour.

Day 6
Montreal tour by Amphi-Bus

Board this unique coach and begin a fascinating tour of the streets and neighbourhoods of Montreal. An experienced guide reveals the history,architecture and hidden charms of this historic city. After winding through the narrow streets of Old Montreal, the amphibious vehicle enters the water and cruises the placid waters of the St. Lawrence River for breath-taking views of the skyline and Mount Royal.

Day 7
Montreal – Calgary – Banff
Transfer by private car to Montreal airport in good time for your flight to Alberta and the Stampede City of Calgary. o­n arrival, transfer by coach into the Rockies to your Banff hotel.
Overnights(2): Banff

 
Day 8
Banff tour
Discover the town of Banff and its unspoiled natural surroundings o­n the included sightseeing tour.. The highlights include the hoodoos, curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley, and the Cave & Basin where Banff’s history began (admission is included to the Cave & Basin).

Day 9
Banff – Kamloops
Travel o­nboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Breakfast and lunch included.
Overnight(1): Kamloops
 

Day 10
Kamloops – Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. o­n today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes of scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through winding river canyons and forests surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains to the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your journey ends in Vancouver arriving late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.
Overnights(2): Vancouver

 
Day 11
Vancouver tour
Enjoy a fully narrated tour of dynamic Vancouver, nestled o­n the shores of the Strait of Georgia, in the shadow of the Coast Mountains. Travel through Vancouver’s past, present and future as you visit historic Gastown, colourful Chinatown and the lively entertainment district. Discover the beauty of 1000-acre Stanley Park and English Bay as well as the bustle of Robson Street in the heart of the shopping district. Continue to the prestigious Olde Shaughnessy residential mansions area and Granville Island.

Day 12
Vancouver – Victoria (whale-watching)
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): Victoria

Day 13
Victoria
The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is situated o­n the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is world-renowned for its charming ambience. Sometimes referred to as the “garden city” Victoria has a bustling harbour, heritage buildings and offers numerous whale watching cruises. Visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens and explore the harbour area by horse drawn carriage or stroll amongst the narrow streets and markets.

 
Day 14
Victoria – UK (via Vancouver)
 A leisurely day allowing time for last minute sightseeing or souvenirs before transferring by airporter to Victoria’s airport for your short flight to Vancouver, and your overnight flight to the UK.

 
Day 15
Arrive UK