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| Canada - 15 Days Trans Canada by Rail |
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This rail journey invites you to travel in luxury from Toronto's urban excitement, through a
spellbinding diversity of landscapes to Vancouver, a metropolitan gem on the Pacific coast.
Explore cosmopolitan Toronto before boarding VIA Rail's famous " Canadian" travelling west
through the lake regions of Manitoba and the grain fields of Saskatchewan. Once in Alberta,
you will embark on a tour of the Canadian Rockies, culminating in a visit to the Columbia
Icefield. Your journey continues as you board the Rocky Mountaineer and enjoy daylight
train travel through some of the most spectacular areas in Western Canada en route to
Vancouver. Sightseeing tours of Toronto and Vancouver, as well as day trips to Niagara Falls
and Victoria are sure to enhance your experience.
Toronto
A 'Waterfront City' that's eminently walkable with a 'green' urban landscape that's easily explored. Tap into your creative side in this 'Creative City' as you discover hundreds of distinct cultures, over 7,000 restaurants, world-class shopping, entertainment and nightlife, and scores of attractions. Shop till you drop at Toronto's chic boutiques, colourful markets and upscale malls. Come down to the Beach area and stroll the boardwalk. Soar to the top of the CN Tower and peer through a glass floor, just one of Toronto's 75 fabulous attractions. Then explore Harbourfront, Ontario Place, and the Rogers Centre (formerly known as the SkyDome), all close by. Discover Toronto's network of ravines and green spaces, and spend a quiet afternoon strolling the idyllic Toronto Islands.
To know more about Toronto please visit www.toronto.ca
Niagara Falls
A lush abundance of flowering parks and gardens, bountiful orchards and vineyards, and charming towns and villages, the beautiful Niagara Region is a mere 90 minutes from Toronto and has enough attractions to keep you, and more than 12 million annual visitors, very busy. The most popular attraction being the roaring Niagara Falls, with nearly 3,636,800 litres of water gushing over every second. Take in her thundering power and beauty by land, water or air.
In the heart of the city, find dozens of family-fun attractions at Clifton Hill. Relax during a lazy afternoon drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway, which parallels the Niagara River, as you head to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's an historic town packed with charming shops, galleries and heritage sites. While you're here, catch a performance at the world-renowned Shaw Festival dedicated to George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries.
Jasper
World famous Jasper National Park, Canada's largest mountain park, is a charming base from which to explore lakes and mountains. Located 373 km (233 mi.) from Edmonton, Jasper is found amongst pristine wilderness and is surrounded by a necklace of emerald lakes and majestic waterfalls. Accommodations vary in Jasper from luxurious resorts to quaint cabins and they are apt to suit visitor's needs. Renowned for its canoeing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, golfing, fishing, and horseback riding, Jasper also houses an internationally known ski resort.
Banff
Located 130 km (80 mi.) west of Calgary, Banff National Park currently occupies 6,641 square km (4117 square mi.) of mountain wilderness within the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. The town of Banff is a thriving, four-season resort community that combines the alpine beauty of the Rockies with luxurious modern conveniences. Facilities within Banff include first class accommodation, world class ski resorts, attractions, restaurants and services, all situated amidst the most spectacular scenery in the world. If you are seeking an outdoor or eco-adventure, heritage learning opportunities, relaxation and pampering or a unique blend of each, Banff will exceed your expectations.
Vancouver
Vancouver is the largest city on Canada's Pacific coast, the center of the third largest metropolitan area in Canada, and the nation's chief Pacific port, with an excellent year-round harbor. Cradled between the ocean and snow-capped mountains, Vancouver's dazzling downtown district fills a narrow peninsula bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north, English Bay to the west and False Creek to the south, with greater Vancouver sprawling south to the Fraser River. Edged around its idyllic waterfront are fine beaches, a dynamic port and a magnificent swath of parkland, not to mention the mirror-fronted ranks of skyscrapers that look across Burrard Inlet and its bustling harbour to the residential districts of North and West Vancouver. Beyond these comfortable suburbs, the Coast Mountains rise in steep, forested slopes to form a dramatic counterpoint to the downtown skyline and the most stunning of the city's many outdoor playgrounds. Small wonder, given Vancouver's surroundings, that Greenpeace was founded in the city.
Day 1 Arrival In Toronto
Arrive at Toronto's International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your
information kit at the front desk upon check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Canada's
commercial and cultural centre. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 2 Toronto
Discover the many identities of this cosmopolitan city on a sightseeing tour of Toronto. Highlights include
the provincial Parliament Buildings, City Hall, the financial district, Chinatown, residential areas, the
waterfront and the CN Tower. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, shopping or simple relaxation. Overnight in Toronto.
Day 3 Niagara Falls Excursion
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Niagara Falls. The route travels through the lush fruit-growing district of the
Niagara Peninsula to the spectacle of Niagara Falls. Board the Maid of the Mist for a spectacular boat trip
to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. Ample time will be spent at the falls to give you every opportunity to take pictures and admire the thundering waters. Highlights include a lunch and a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge. Pass through the historic community of Niagara-onthe- Lake before returning to Toronto for the evening. Overnight in Toronto. Lunch included.
Day 4 Toronto / Via Rail / The Canadian
Today is at leisure in Toronto. In the evening transfer independently to Union Station to board VIA Rail's The
Canadian en route to western Canada.The railway travels north from Toronto through the picturesque
Muskoka resort region and past Sudbury, the nickel capital of the world. Overnight on board VIA Rail's The Canadian.
Day 5-6 Via Rail / The CanadianTravelling north of the Great Lakes, view the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, some of North
America's oldest rock formations. Rich in minerals and forests, the region is dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes. By early evening, the train crosses the border into the province of Manitoba and stops briefly in the capital, Winnipeg. Overnight on board VIA Rail's The Canadian. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners included.
Day 7 Via Rail / The Canadian / JasperBy early morning, you will have crossed the vast expanses of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and
Alberta, and will be approaching the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the spectacle
of nature as the train enters Jasper National Park. Overnight in Jasper. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 8 JasperYou have a full day to relax and tour Jasper and the surrounding area. We suggest independently exploring
the depths of Maligne Canyon, enjoy a ride on the Jasper Tramway or visit Miette Hot Springs. Take in
the breathtaking panorama of Jasper National Park's serene lakes and gentle meadows standing in stark contrast to its jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers. Overnight in Jasper.
Day 9 Jasper To BanffToday will be an unforgettable journey as you travel the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roads
in all of Canada. Every turn unveils spectacular vistas of magnificent peaks, outstretched valleys, cascading
waterfalls and mountain meadows alive with colour. At the Columbia Icefield, ride in a Ice Explorer to explore the Athabasca Glacier (ride included). The charming resort town of Banff, nestled beneath towering Cascade Mountain, is sure to impress. Upon arrival in Banff in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Banff.
Day 10 Banff National ParkThis morning, discover the town of Banff and its natural surroundings on a comprehensive sightseeing
tour. The tour will show you some of Banff National Park's many highlights, including the Hoodoos,
curiously shaped by centuries of erosion, Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Drive, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the Bow River Valley. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Banff.
Day 11 Rocky Mountaineer (Banff To Kamloops)Today you board the Rocky Mountaineer heading west to the Pacific Coast. This unique daylight service
allows you to view some of the most spectacular sights in western Canada. The route departs the Rockies through Kicking Horse Pass, then climbs into the Selkirk Mountains following Rogers Pass. By late afternoon, you are in the arid ranchland of interior British Columbia, where you disembark for the night. Overnight in Kamloops. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 12 Rocky Mountaineer (Kamloops To Vancouver)Today your spectacular daylight rail excursion to Vancouver continues. The journey leads through the
"cowboy country" ranchland of the British Columbia interior and along the mighty Thompson and Fraser rivers. Rugged mountain peaks and rolling, wind-swept hills will define the horizon as you traverse the interior and approach the Coastal Mountains surrounding Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, transfer
independently to your hotel. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 13 VancouverDiscover Vancouver on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, taking in the sights of historic Gastown, English Bay,
Granville Island, the colourful totem poles of scenic Stanley Park and much more. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 14 Victoria ExcursionThis full-day trip to Victoria begins with a cruise through the scenic Gulf Islands and includes a visit to
the acclaimed Butchart Gardens. Afterwards continue to Victoria for a city sightseeing tour that encompasses Victoria's stately homes and gardens as well as historic landmarks. You will see the University of Victoria and Beacon Hill Park and pass the Royal British Columbia Museum, Thunderbird Park, the Parliament Buildings and the exclusive homes of the Uplands and Oak Bay. You will return to Vancouver in the early evening. Overnight in Vancouver.
Day 15 End Of TourIndividual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight.
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Your package includes
- Accommodation for 14 nights (including 2 nights on board The Canadian)
- 2-hr sightseeing tour of Toronto
- Full-day trip to Niagara Falls including lunch and Maid of the Mist*
(mid-May to mid-October)
- Toronto to Jasper rail passage on VIA Rail's The Canadian (section accommodation)
- Transfer from train station to Jasper hotel (for Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge only)
- Full-day sightseeing transfer along the Icefields Parkway to Banff (Ice Explorer ride included)
- 3-hr sightseeing tour of Banff
- Banff / Kamloops / Vancouver or Jasper / Kamloops / Vancouver rail passage on the Rocky Mountaineer (RedLeaf service)
- Transfers to and from Kamloops train station
- Hop-on Hop-off trolley tour of Vancouver
- Full-day excursion to Victoria including Butchart Gardens visit
- Three (3) breakfasts (1 continental), three (3) lunches and two (2) dinners on board VIA Rail
- Two (2) breakfasts and two (2) lunches on board the Rocky Mountaineer
- Provincial taxes and federal GST, less accommodation rebate}
*Substituted by "Journey behind the falls" in off season.
Not included
- International air fare & taxes.
- Transfers to and from airport and / or train stations in Toronto, Jasper, Banff and Vancouver
- Airport improvement fee
- National park entrance fees
- Meals, attractions unless otherwise stated
DEPARTURE DATES for 2009
Saturdays and Mondays
May 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
June 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
July 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
August 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
September 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
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Standard Package
Toronto - Courtyard by Marriott
Jasper - Whistler Inn
Banff - Banff Aspen Lodge
Kamloops - Executive Inn
Vancouver - Holiday Inn Down Town Vancouver
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| Season |
Per Person Sharing a double room |
| 2 - 18 May 2009 |
CAD 2995 |
| 23 - 25 May 2009 |
CAD 3445 |
| 30 May - 19 September 2009 |
CAD 3950 |
| ** rate for missing dates available upon request |
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Deluxe Package
Toronto - Fairmont Royal Park
Jasper - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Banff - Fairmont Banff Springs hotel
Kamloops - Executive Inn
Vancouver - Fairmont hotel Vancouver
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| Season |
Per Person Sharing a double room |
| 2 - 11 May 2009 |
CAD 3695 |
| 16 - 18 May 2009 |
CAD 4110 |
| 23 - 25 May 2009 |
CAD 4250 |
| 30 May - 19 September 2009 |
CAD 4580 |
| ** rate for missing dates available upon request |
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GOLDLEAF SERVICE
For those travellers seeking an upgraded service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, we are happy to offer the special GoldLeaf Service. On board, the GoldLeaf Service is delivered in a domed railcar, which offers fine dining and magnificent views of the mountains through wrap-around overhead windows that extend into the roof of the railcar. The GoldLeaf Service also includes dinner in Kamloops.
** Rates on Request
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