|
Grand
Tour of Canada (12 Days)
From $4,855 - $6,210 USD
From $4,805 - $6,145 CAD
(Subtract 10% from these
prices)
Featuring: Vancouver,
Sun Peaks, Mount Robson, Jasper,
Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops, Strait of Georgia,
Victoria |
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Welcome to cosmopolitan Vancouver! A complimentary transfer is provided
to your Trafalgar hotel. This afternoon your Tour Director is at the
hotel to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for
a Welcome Reception at the hotel. (Welcome Reception) Hotel: Sheraton
Vancouver Wall Centre / Sutton Place Hotel
Day 2 - Vancouver - Sun Peaks
We start the day with breakfast at the Vancouver Aquarium. We learn
from a marine biologist about beluga whales, orca killer whales, and
other indigenous marine life. Then we explore Stanley Park with its
famous collection of totem poles, Chinatown, the second largest Chinese
district after San Francisco's, and historic Gastown with its quaint
cobblestone streets. Later, we head to the beautiful mountain resort
of Sun Peaks. This evening we enjoy dinner and hear about British
Columbia's Gold Rush and the fur trapping and trading industry from
a local expert. (Highligth Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Delta Sun Peaks
Resort
Day 3 - Sun Peaks – Mount Robson –
Jasper (2 nights)
Following the great Thompson River, we travel north through the Columbia
Mountains and enter the majesty of the great Canadian Rocky Mountains.
We view Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies
at 3959m, and cross Yellowhead Pass into Alberta and Jasper National
Park, our home for the next two nights. Before dinner this evening,
we enjoy a fun and informative lecture by a naturalist on the area's
abundant wildlife. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel: The
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Sawridge Inn (2 nights)
Day 4 - Jasper Sightseeing & at Leisure
This morning, enjoy an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of
the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Marvel at the spectacular
rock formations and waterfalls, and learn about one of Canada's longest
underground river systems. Later, choose from the seven experiences
offered in Trafalgar's YourChoice Activities. Join a cruise on stunning
Maligne Lake, saddle up and ride a horse through the pristine mountain
landscape, take a gentle float trip on the Athabasca River …
whatever suits your taste and interests. (Full Breakfast)
Day 5 - Jasper – Columbia Icefield –
Lake Louise
Today, we experience one of the most spectacular mountain drives in
the world – the world-renowned Icefields Parkway. Marvel at
the unsurpassed scenery including subalpine forests, alpine meadows,
massive glaciers, and remarkable lakes. Keep an eye out for grizzly,
black bear, moose, elk, and other wildlife. At the Columbia Icefield,
we board an Ice Explorer for the trip of a lifetime as we drive onto
the massive Athabasca Glacier. We then head for our chateau-like hotel,
superbly located on the shores of Lake Louise. Soak in the stunning
landscape combining azure glacial waters with deep green forests,
jagged snow-capped peaks and the mighty Victoria Glacier. We learn
about the wildlife, nature and history of the area on an interpretive
walk along the lakeshore. This evening, select from five superb restaurants
for dinner at the hotel with Trafalgar's YourChoice Dining. (Full
Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Day 6 - Lake Louise – Banff (2 nights)
This morning you have another opportunity to make your selection from
Trafalgar's YourChoice Activities in Lake Louise (see page 15 for
details). Seven enticing excursions, including canoeing across the
blue-green waters of Lake Louise, riding aboard the Lake Louise Sightseeing
Gondola and hiking to Lake Agnes and the Tea House, ensure a memorable
morning at Lake Louise! Afterwards, we head for the quintessential
alpine township of Banff, nestled in the heart of Banff National Park.
See the unusual rock formations known as hoodoos, and pause at the
classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive.
Next we stop at the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, where we are greeted
by a surprise guest. We explore the museum illuminating the traditions
of Canada's First Nations peoples through interactive and entertaining
experiences. We then arrive at our "Castle in the Mountains,"
the baronial Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, our home for the next two
nights. (Full Breakfast) Hotel: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (2
nights)
Day 7 - Banff Sightseeing & at Leisure
Today, pick your choice of excursions from Trafalgar's YourChoice
Activities in Banff. Join an interpretive nature hike, visit the Willow
Stream Spa for a soak in the mineral pools, or enjoy a 9-hole round
of golf… these are only some of the activities available to
you! (See page 15 for details). The rest of the day is yours to relax,
explore the shops along Banff Avenue, or perhaps take an optional
helicopter flightseeing for the best views of mountain peaks, alpine
meadows, and pristine lakes. This evening, take part in Trafalgar's
YourChoice Dining offering a choice of five excellent restaurants
at the hotel. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 8 - Banff – Rocky Mountaineer –
Kamloops
All aboard! For the next two days, we experience one of the world's
great rail journeys and indulge in the exceptional comfort of the
Rocky Mountaineer's famed GoldLeaf Service as we travel from the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Marvel at the scenery from the glass-roofed
dome car and dine in style in the private lower-level dining room.
Our journey today takes us over Kicking Horse Pass, through the famous
Spiral Tunnels, Glacier and Mount Revelstoke National Parks, on our
way to Kamloops, a historic trading post where we stop for the night.
(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Day 9 - Kamloops – Rocky Mountaineer –
Vancouver
Back on board the train, we travel through the spectacular Thompson
and Fraser River Canyons back to Vancouver. This evening, we enjoy
wine tasting and food and wine pairing with a wine expert at our hotel.
(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) Hotel: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Hotel
Day 10 - Vancouver – Strait of Georgia
– Victoria (2 nights)
We start the day with an interactive glass blowing demonstration at
Robert Held's Art Glass Studio, Canada's largest art glass studio.
We then visit the vibrant Granville Island Public Market where there
is time to enjoy the artful displays of fresh produce and the tantalizing
aromas of exotic spices, coffee and fresh-baked goods. Our treat for
the senses continues as we cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry with
lovely views of the Gulf Islands on our way to Vancouver Island. A
short drive brings us to the very "British" and charming
city of Victoria where we see the Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament
Buildings, the grand Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and the bustling
Government Street. This evening, an optional excursion through Old
Chinatown, complete with a Chinese banquet, offers a chance to experience
another side of this unique city. (Full Breakfast) Hotel: Victoria
Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel (2 nights)
Day 11 - Victoria Sightseeing & at Leisure
Our day is off to a wonderful start with breakfast served in the flower-filled
conservatory of the Blue Poppy Restaurant at the world-famous Butchart
Gardens. Ourhost is a resident horticulturist who will enlighten us
about these spectacular gardens. Later, there is time to explore this
55-acre showcase of exquisite floral displays. Then, select the activity
that best suits your interests from Trafalgar's YourChoice Activities
in Victoria. Options include an orca killer whale watching excursion,
a Victorian High Tea at the regal Empress Hotel, and a relaxing horse-drawn
carriage ride (see page 15 for details). Tonight, join us for a farewell
dinner at our hotel. (Highlight Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Victoria – Vancouver –
Depart
Leave the tour after breakfast and travel across the Strait of Georgia
back to the mainland, where stops are made at Vancouver International
Airport and the Trafalgar hotel in Vancouver. (Full Breakfast)
Note: Please do not schedule any flights
before 3:00pm

** Please note that clients are responsible for obtaining all travel
documents including
passports, visas, tourist cards or any other required documentation.
**