Canadian Trail

An epic trans-Canadian journey from Toronto in the east to the Pacific coast and Vancouver in the west, the Canadian Trail is a comprehensive exploration of many of this enormous country’s key natural wonders. Be awed by the magnificence of Niagara Falls, recline in comfort on one of the world’s great rail journeys and experience the vast wildernesses of the Rocky Mountain’s iconic national parks.

Guide

The Canadian Trail is a fully escorted group tour with a tour director from Day 2 to Day 13.

MEAL PLAN → Prices include breakfast daily, plus dinner on Day 3, 4, 5 and 13 and lunch on Day 4 and 5.

ACCOMMODATION → Is in three and four star hotels with either berth with shared bathroom facilities or twin cabins with private toilet on board The Canadian.

GRATUITIES → Tipping is common practice in Canada, we recommend between 10-15% for waiting for staff and barmen and smaller amounts for doormen and porters.

TRAVEL TIPS → Whilst on The Canadian, pack a small overnight bag as your main luggage will be stored in a separate carriage and will not be accessible during the journey. Due to the immense geographical range of this tour, we recommend you pack for every eventuality and for all weathers with a waterproof jacket sure to be a particularly welcome accessory.
MINIMUM NUMBERS → Please note this tour is subject to minimum numbers, see p226 for details.
NB → Airport transfers are not included on this tour.

DAY 1 → Fly British Airways from Heathrow, arriving Toronto the same day. Make your own way to your hotel for a two night stay.

DAY 2 → Enjoy a fascinating sightseeing tour of this busy, cosmopolitan city, including a thrilling ride to the top of the soaring CN Tower.

DAY 3 → Embark this morning on a visit to the magnificent Niagara Falls, visiting historic Niagaraon-the-Lake and taking a ride on the famous Maid of the Mist right to the foot of the falls. Tonight, dine with the group before transferring to Union station to

board VIA Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ for the start of your epic journey west. The next three nights will be spent onboard the train, with accommodation as per ‘The Canadian’. During the journey, sit back and relax as the endless landscape

rolls by your carriage windows, traversing the rugged Canadian Shield and the swaying grasslands of the Great Plains.

DAY 6 → The Canadian will trundle finally into Edmonton, Alberta. From here, disembark the train and board your coach for the journey up into the mighty Rocky

Mountains. Your destination is the attractive resort town of Banff, gateway to wild Banff National Park, with accommodation for the next two nights. Next day, enjoy an exploration of the National Park, Canada’s oldest.

DAY 8 → The journey continues through Banff National Park, visiting the shores of magical Lake Louise which is resplendent with beautiful emerald green waters and sentries of snowcapped peaks. Travel on along the dramatic landscape of the Icefields

Parkway, stopping for a thrilling ride on the unique Ice Explorer across the surface of the mighty Athabasca Glacier. Continue on to Jasper for an overnight stay.

DAY 9 → Before leaving Jasper this morning, perhaps join the optional (extra cost) Spirit Island cruise on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park’s most picturesque waterway. The journey then continues into British Columbia, travelling through an endless landscape of magnificent vistas. Stop tonight at Sun Peaks.

DAY 10 → Marvel as the scenery changes to sedate ranch land then again as you climb into the rugged Coastal Mountains to the alpine playground that is Whistler. Exciting

options today include a floatplane sightseeing tour over spectacular Garibaldi Park or a ‘Tree Trek’ canopy walk up to 180 feet up into the forest (both extra cost).

DAY 11 → Descend from the mountains to the Pacific Ocean before cruising by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island for two nights in the colonial garden city of Victoria. Enjoy a tour of Victoria, visit the outdoor art gallery at Chemainus and the stunning Butchart Gardens, with time free to perhaps partake in an optional floatplane sightseeing tour or a whale watching excursion (both extra cost).

DAY 13 → Cruise sedately through the scenic Gulf Islands to the welcoming harbourside city of Vancouver, enjoying a fascinating tour of the city’s highlights on arrival. Tonight, savour a memorable farewell dinner with the group at the Capilano

Suspension Bridge.

DAY 14 → Make your own way to the airport ahead of your British Airways flight to Heathrow, arriving the next day.