The Trans Canadian - 21 days

Toronto to Vancouver

Mountain Vistas, Eastern Cities and West Coast Charm

Experience the natural beauty of Canada where spectacular scenery appears at every bend. Rolling ranchland turns to mountain peaks and wild canyons change to brilliant ocean shorelines. You will enjoy centuries-old glaciers and soak in the spray of thundering Niagara Falls. Share the wilds with bear and moose in Ontario, Bighorn sheep in Alberta and whales in British Columbia. Watch as limitless vistas are transformed into quaint, cobbled town squares or cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal. Relive the past in North America’s only fortified town, frontier trading posts and colonial ports on the Pacific. A three thousand mile journey in which wonders never cease.

Day 1 Toronto

Upon arrival in Calgary make your own way to your centrally located hotel and check-in with your tour director. Overnight (2 nights): Delta Chelsea Hotel.

Day 2 Toronto

Meet your fellow travellers this morning over breakfast before exploring Toronto on a morning city tour. Afterward you can take the optional (own expense) amphibious Hippo tour to see more of the city from the water and on land. The remainder of the day is yours to discover more of this vibrant city.

Day 3 Toronto - Montreal

After an early morning departure we follow the north shore of Lake Ontario to our first destination the beautiful Thousand Islands region where we embark on a relaxing cruise. After taking in the sights and sounds continue on to Montreal. Overnight (2 nights): Delta Montreal.

Day 4 Montreal

This morning we tour this dynamic French-speaking city, which has an eclectic blend of history and modernity. The tour takes in the downtown area, the Olympic Complex, Mount Royal and charming Old Montreal. The afternoon is free to explore more of the city at your leisure.

Day 5 Montreal - Quebec City

Today we follow the route of Canada’s first carriageway the Chemin du Roy deep into French Canada through typical French-Canadian villages and towns. Upon arrival in Quebec City tour within the walls of the old city and view Lower Town, the Citadel, Battlefields Park and the ornate city gates. Overnight (2 nights) Delta Quebec or similar.

Day 6 Quebec City

The day is at your leisure to further explore the sights of this charming World Heritage Site. Alternatively you can take an optional (extra cost) 3 hour whale watching and wildlife cruise along the St. Lawrence River. You will also see the spectacular Montmorency Falls that are 30 metres higher than the Niagara Falls.

Day 7 Quebec City – Ottawa

Following the north shore of the St. Lawrence we travel past Montreal across the Ontario border and on to Ottawa, the nations capital. We stop for lunch along the way in a pioneer style restaurant. Overnight (2 nights): Delta Ottawa or similar.

Day 8 Ottawa

This morning, following the Turtle Island aboriginal experience breakfast we take in a tour of Ottawa. View the Parliament Buildings, residences of the Prime Minister and Governor General, the Rideau Canal and much more. The afternoon is free to take in some of the many museums and galleries that the city has to offer.

Day 9 Ottawa – Midland

The highlight of your journey today will be a visit to the Algonquin Provincial Park where you can take a walk along one of the scenic trails. This immense wildlife and forest preserve is a favourite destination for camping expeditions. Then enjoy the beauty of the Muskoka region en route to Midland. Overnight: Best Western Highland Inn or similar).

Day 10 Midland – Niagara Falls

After visiting Sainte-Marie a reconstructed historic sight of the first inland European settlement we drive past Toronto and through orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula. Upon arrival at Niagara Falls we take a thrilling boat ride aboard the Maid of the Mist to the foot of the thundering falls. Afterward there’s the opportunity to take an optional (extra cost) helicopter flight over the falls. Overnight: Renaissance Fallsview Hotels.

Day 11 Niagara Falls – Toronto

Before leaving Niagara Falls we take a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower for some amazing views of the falls and surrounding area. Afterward drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway to the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake with its distinct 19th century atmosphere. We also visit a winery to enjoy a tour and sample some Ontario wines. This evening there’s a special ‘farewell to Eastern Canada’ dinner at the CN Tower. Overnight: Delta Chelsea Hotel or similar.

Day 12 Toronto – Calgary

Today transfer to Toronto Airport for the flight to Calgary. Please note this flight is not included in the price of the tour, your Travelmood consultant for details of airfares. Overnight: Delta Bow Valley Hotel or similar.

Day 13 Calgary – Banff National Park

After a city tour of Calgary we travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon come into view as we approach Banff National Park before reaching our destination the charming town of Banff. Overnight (2 nights): Mount Royal Hotel or similar.

Day 14 Banff National Park

Today we enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. There’s the opportunity to take an optional (own expense) helicopter flight over the park. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue or relax and enjoy the scenery.

Day 15 Banff National Park – Jasper

Shortly after leaving Banff we visit Lake Louise with its beautiful scenery and then north along the famed Icefields Parkway and through the rugged mountains to the Columbia Icefield. Here we board a specially built Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Closer to Jasper there an optional (extra cost) raft trip along the Athabasca River, you will shoot the rapids and drift along stretches of calm water. Overnight: Sawridge Inn or similar.

Day 16 Jasper National Park – Sun Peaks

Before leaving Jasper there’s an optional (own expense) cruise aboard the Island Spirit on Maligne Lake which is the largest glacier fed lake in the park. Then we travel along the Yellowhead Highway into the heartland of British Columbia. The route takes us along the Thompson River and through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight: Nancy Green’s Cahilty Lodge or similar.

Day 17 Sun Peaks – Whistler

Today we drive through some dramatic scenery changes as we drive through ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. An optional (own expense) floatplane flight over Garibaldi Park gives you a great view of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and meadows. Overnight: Delta Whistler Suites or similar.

Day 18 Whistler – Victoria

Journey south through spectacular coastal scenery to Horseshoe Bay to board the ferry to cross the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and then on by coach to Victoria. En route we will visit the Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre in Duncan to experience the traditions of the Cowichan people. Overnight (2 nights): Chateau Victoria or similar.

Day 19 Victoria

Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in its many 19th century landmarks that we pass on our tour of this charming city. There’s an optional (extra cost) whale watch and marine wildlife cruise available. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city’s delights.

Day 20 Victoria – Vancouver

We visit Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time is available to browse in the gardens before we cruise through the Gulf Islands to the city of Vancouver. Upon arrival we have an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown and China town. This evening features a farewell dinner party at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Overnight: Coast Plaza Hotel or similar.

Day 21 Depart Vancouver

A time for last minute shopping and sad farewells before making your own way to the airport and your onward flight.

Price Includes

• 20 nights accommodation
• Continental breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 2 dinner
• Services of a professional tour director
• Travel by deluxe motor coach with toilet
• Sightseeing tours as shown

Price Excludes

• Airfares
• Airport transfers unless stated
• Optional tours

Departure Dates

• 18 - 25 May
• 1 - 22 June
• 6 July
• 3, 17, 31 August
• 7 September
  

Price in £ per person

Twin

Single

May - Sep

£2106

£3048