Essence of Canada
This epic journey of discovery starts on the Atlantic coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia and ends some 6500kms later on the Pacific coast in Vancouver, British Columbia. Along the way you’ll experience rail travel at its best as you travel on iconic rail services like The Canadian; see Canada’s wide and varied landscapes as you cross mountains, plains and lake lands. Journey from Jasper to Vancouver by car and stop at the beautiful Lake Louise, Banff and Sun Peaks before finishing your journey in the vibrant city of Vancouver.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20-21
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Day 22
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Day 23-24
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Day 25-26
Day 1 : UK - Halifax
Arrive at Halifax International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to perhaps sample some of the local delicacies at one of the many portside restaurants and eateries. Overnight in Halifax for 2 nights.
Day 2 : Halifax
A full day is yours to independently explore Halifax’s proud maritime heritage. The city is a centre for East Coast arts and culture, boasting galleries and local artists that capture the essence of Canadian Maritimes life. You may decide to visit the restored Historic Properties, the Citadel that has guarded the city since the 18th-century, the Public Gardens or perhaps arrange a day cruise around the harbour for an oceanside perspective of the city.
Day 3 : Via Rail (The Ocean) - Halifax to Québec City
Transferring independently to the Halifax rail station, board VIA Rail’s The Ocean and depart early afternoon on your rail passage to Sainte-Foy. Enjoy lunch. Wind across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before passing by the rolling hills of the Baie des Chaleurs. The evening offers long shadows over the landscape to accompany your delicious on-board dinner and the rock and sway of the train ensures a restful sleep on your overnight journey. Overnight on-board VIA Rail.
Day 4 : Québec City
The sun rises as you follow the shores of the might St. Lawrence River and you’ll enjoy breakfast onboard before arriving at Québec City’s railway station at Sainte Foy. After making your way to your hotel and checking in, the rest of the day is yours to discover this historic city, the only walled city in north America. We suggest visiting some of the most popular destinations and attractions such as the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the Fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale or the Basilica. Overnight in Québec City.
Day 5 : Via Rail (The Corridor) - Québec City to Montréal
Departing on VIA Rail’s Corridor service to Montréal, follow the shoreline of Canada’s busiest waterway along the St. Lawrence River to arrive in the bustling metropolis of Montréal. As the second-largest French-speaking urban centre after Paris, the city is renowned for its love music, art and hospitality. Walk down lively St. Catherine Street with its numerous shops and cafes, or once the sun sets, sample the fine cuisine at one of hundreds of restaurants and perhaps take in a session at a lively jazz club. Overnight in Montréal for 2 nights.
Day 6 : Montréal
Today, you will be going on a 3.5-hours sightseeing tour of Montréal. You will see numerous highlights, such as the Notre Dame Basilica, the financial and residential districts, historic Old Montréal, the charming Latin Quarter and much more. You will visit the Olympic Complex, travel through the campus of McGill University and savour the panoramic views from an observation point on top of Mont Royal.
Day 7 : Via Rail (The Corridor) - Montréal To Toronto
Depart Montréal this morning, travelling through the small townships and communities of Québec and Ontario en route to Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take the rest of the evening to either enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or search out one of the city’s hundreds of restaurants and nightspots. Overnight in Toronto for 3 nights.
Day 8 : Toronto
A free day to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s largest and most diverse city. Vibrant, exciting, multi-cultural and full of contrasts; Toronto is a melting pot, exciting and full of fun. With more restaurants and cafés per head than anywhere else in Canada, an exciting theatre and night scene and superb shopping, there’s plenty to keep you going after you’ve explored the sights. There’s iconic architecture, fascinating attractions, a thriving performing arts and nightlight scene, museums, galleries and diverse neighbourhoods to check out too. No trip to Toronto would be complete without visiting the CN Tower for incredible views over the city.
Day 9 : Niagara Falls
Today enjoy a breath-taking full-day tour through the Niagara Peninsula to Niagara Falls. You’ll get up close to the thundering cascade of water as it drops over the edge on your included Hornblower Cruise (or Journey Behind the Falls if weather conditions prevent the boat sailing – normally before mid-May). Enjoy an included lunch overlooking Niagara Falls before free time in picture post card Niagara-on-the- Lake, runner up in the prettiest town in the world competition.
Day 10 : Via Rail - Canadian Train
Make you way to Toronto’s Union Station to board VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ for your train journey across the prairies to the Canadian Rockies (train departs at 09.45) Onboard the Canadian Train for 3 nights: Sleeper Plus Class - Private Bedroom. Lunch & dinner included.
Day 11 : Via Rail - Canadian Train
Today is spent crossing the scenic lake lands of Northern Ontario. All meals included.
Day 12 : Via Rail - Canadian Train
Continue west through the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the breadbasket of Canada with its golden wheat fields starching as far as the eye can see. All meals included.
Day 13 : Jasper
You’ll arrive in Jasper this morning and leave the train after breakfast. This small alpine community located in the majestic Canadian Rockies is at the heart of the Jasper National Park, which was established in 1907 and is the largest national park in the Rockies. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 14 : Jasper
A free day to explore on your own.
Day 15 : Jasper - Lake Louise (233 km)
Collect your rental car and drive one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefield Parkway. Along the way stops should be made at Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and Athabasca Falls. Overnight Lake Louise.
Day 16 : Lake Louise - Banff (58 km)
Depart Lake Louise for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Banff. The town of Banff is a spirited place, alive with adventure and wonder. In all directions you’re surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. Overnight Banff for 2 nights.
Day 17 : Banff
Today is free to explore Banff.
Day 18 : Banff - Revelstoke (386 km)
Strike out west over the Rocky Mountains today and cross the provincial border into British Columbia. The mountain passes offer endless vistas and forests for your camera to devour. Arrive at Radium Hot Springs, famous for their mineral-enriched waters bubbling to the surface. Continue your journey through Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Canadian West, to Revelstoke. Overnight in Revelstoke.
Day 19 : Revelstoke - Sun Peaks (195 km)
Continue along the Trans-Canada highway today and pass through Craigellachie, where the final spike in the trans Canadian railway was struck. Travel along the shore of Shuswap lake to Salmon Arm, before climbing to the pretty Alpine village of Sun peaks. Overnight in Sunpeaks for three nights.
Day 20-21 : Sun Peaks
Two days to enjoy this alpine resort that has a very European feel. Enjoy pure mountain air and 360-degree views as you hike any of the 18 trails, try biking or enjoy a round of golf at British Columbia’s highest 18 hole golf course. Explore the shops, bars and restaurants in the pedestrianised village centre or take a ride on the sunburst lift during the summer months.
Day 22 : Sun Peaks - Vancouver (411 km)
Departing the resort this morning, you pass through Kamloops and traverse the stunning, sagebrush-covered ranch land along the South Thompson River and its vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Entering between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, marvel at the thunder of the white water rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below. Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute and a suggested gondola ride over this part of the canyon is sure to impress. Further downstream, the lush Fraser Valley opens up into the maritime basin of the Lower Mainland as you approach Vancouver, Canada’s ‘Gateway to the Pacific’. Hand back your car and overnight in Vancouver for three nights.
Day 23-24 : Vancouver
Two days to enjoy and explore Vancouver, voted the world’s third most liveable city and most liveable in Canada. Shop on chic Robson Street or explore the funky Granville Island with its market and artist’s enclave; visit the city’s vast array of museums, walk or cycle around the 1000-acre Stanley Park or visit quaint and atmospheric Gastown. Experience the Grouse Mountain Skyride and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Day 25-26 : Depart Vancouver - UK
Make your way to the airport today and take your return flight to the UK.
