Grand Canadian Explorer 2012

Canada Luxury Holiday - 20-day escorted tour

Towering peaks, plunging ravines, ancient glaciers, rushing rivers, crystal lakes, barren stone, lush green forests… the extremes of nature are rarely more apparent than in Western Canada, and the combination can leave you nothing short of awe-struck.

Tour highlights

• Sightseeing around Toronto, Banff, Vancouver and Victoria and visiting Banff and Yoho National Parks
• Encountering Niagara’s three thrilling waterfalls
• Gazing over Lake Louise; one of the most photographed places in the Rockies
• Riding the Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier at Columbia Icefields
• Boating across Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park and exploring the rugged peaks
• Voyaging in style on board the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train from Jasper to Vancouver
• Crossing from Vancouver to Vancouver Island on a scenic ferry ride.
• Viewing the life-size murals at Chemainus
• Strolling around Butchart Gardens, a horticultural marvel of over 50 acres

Extend Your Holiday
There are two options to extend your holiday – the Alaskan Cruise Extension or the Whistler Extension. Choose just one or push the boat out and do both. The 8-day Alaskan Cruise features the luxurious Celebrity Century cruise ship which gently meanders through Canadian waters towards the natural beauty of Alaska with its spectacular views. On the 4-day Whistler Extension you’ll spend a few days in the mountain resort of Whistler, relaxing in breathtaking surroundings. You’ll see the mountains in all their glory on the many walking and cycling trails that lead right from the hotel.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
At Heathrow, relax into your journey in the executive lounge, where you’ll be met by your Tour Manager. After settling in to your hotel, join your Tour Manager for welcome drinks in your Toronto hotel.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Fairmont Royal York.

Day 2 Toronto
This is Canada’s largest city but it will soon feel like home after a tour of all the highlights, including Old and New City Hall, Queen’s Park with the Ontario Legislative Buildings, the University of Toronto, trendy Yorkville area, High Park and the Harbourfront with its impressive skyline. Recharge your batteries at the hotel before a short stroll over to the CN Tower for dinner in the revolving restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Fairmont Royal York.

Day 3 Niagara Falls
On your way to the magnificent Niagara Falls, you'll travel through the rich and fertile Niagara Peninsula with time to explore the gardens, antique shops and art galleries of picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. After a look at the impressive Whirlpool Rapids, you'll board the Maid of the Mist for a boat ride to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. There's a bit more time to look around before returning to Toronto.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Fairmont Royal York.

Day 4 Toronto to Banff
After a westward flight to Calgary, you travel on to Banff, in the Rockies.
Meals: Breakfast/In-flight.
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge.

Day 5 Banff
A morning tour of this lovely town includes the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive, Bow Falls and the wind-shaped rock formations known as hoodoos. Explore at your own pace in the afternoon, before meeting your travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge.

Day 6 Banff
Today is free to take at your own pace, though to really get a feel for the breathtaking landscape, we recommend taking the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to simply take in the views or go on the 1km Sky Walk along the summit ridge. You might also like a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Banff Park Lodge.

Day 7 Banff to Lake Louise
The old road to Johnston Canyon offers a fantastic opportunity to look out for wildlife. En route, you’ll take a stroll to see sparkling waterfalls before continuing across the Continental Divide into Yoho National Park. You’ll stop at Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge before arriving at beautiful Lake Louise.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Day 8 Lake Louise
Set against the Victoria Glacier, The ‘Jewel of the Rockies’ is truly inspiring. You have the whole day to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery before meeting your travel companions for dinner, to share experiences and personal highlights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Day 9 Lake Louise to Jasper
A unique experience awaits at Icefields Parkway, as you climb aboard the Ice Explorer to traverse the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll also have the opportunity to step out onto this ancient and powerful ice flow. After a late lunch at Sunwapta Falls Resort, you’ll stop to view Athabasca Falls, then continue on to Chateau Jasper.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Château Jasper.

Day 10 Jasper
Today you travel through the rugged scenery of Jasper to Pyramid and Patricia Lakes. As you cross the valley to Maligne Canyon, the view down the gorge to the rushing waters 50 metres below is simply breathtaking. A cruise on Maligne Lake gives a close up view of world-famous Spirit Island.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Château Jasper.

Day 11 Jasper
On your free day, you can set your own pace. Your Tour Manager can give you plenty of ideas for your day, and we recommend an optional rafting excursion along the Athabasca River to see Jasper’s striking scenery from a unique perspective. Your guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating the specially designed craft along the same route used by the fur traders almost two centuries ago. The views are wonderful as you sail along calm stretches, interspersed by small but thrilling sets of rapids.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Château Jasper.

Days 12 & 13 Jasper – Kamloops – Vancouver
Journey through the clouds on the Rocky Mountaineer, a train trip through wonderful scenery which has consistently won awards. There are too many highlights to mention each, but some of the most exhilarating are: Mount Robson, Pyramid Falls, Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River. You’ll stop overnight at a hotel in Kamloops, then continue westwards to Vancouver, passing the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the gushing waters of Hells Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your tour includes the RedLeaf service which includes roomy reclining seats, chilled breakfasts and lunches served at your seat and commentary from your onboard attendant as you travel through breathtaking scenery.
Upgrade to GoldLeaf
For the ultimate experience, upgrade to the GoldLeaf service which offers fabulous bi-level domed coaches with unparalleled panoramic views, as well as complimentary drinks and a hot gourmet breakfast and lunch served in the exclusive GoldLeaf dining room. This is surely the way to travel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotels:
Day 12 Kamloops
Day 13 Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle

Day 14 Vancouver
This morning, your introduction to Vancouver includes Stanley Park with over 1,000 acres of majestic evergreens and 10km of Pacific sea wall, Lion’s Gate Bridge, Prospect Point, Gas Town, China Town and Granville Island. The rest of the day is free to explore the markets and sophisticated boutiques of this beautiful city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle.

Day 15 Vancouver
You have another free day today, and your Tour Manager will have plenty of ideas such as an optional excursion to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 230ft above the Capilano River, surrounded by the serene West Coast rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle.

Day 16 Vancouver to Victoria
After a journey north to Horseshoe Bay, you’ll take the ferry over to Vancouver Island, stopping at Chemainus, ‘the little town that did’, to discover its many murals. You’ll also visit the famous Totem Poles at Duncan before arriving in the Provincial Capital of Victoria.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Laurel Point Inn.

Day 17 Victoria
Today’s tour of Victoria includes the Inner Harbour, Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park and Butchart Gardens. Among the 50 acres of spectacular gardens you’ll find the unique Sunken Gardens, fragrant Rose Gardens, serene Japanese Gardens and Classical Italian Gardens. The afternoon is free for relaxation or more sightseeing; perhaps a leisurely wander around the Inner Harbour and the Olde Town Districts.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Laurel Point Inn.

Day 18 Victoria
Today is your last full day, and you’re free to simply absorb the atmosphere in a waterfront café or cram in more excursions, such as a boat trip to go whale watching. Tonight, share your most memorable experiences with your fellow travellers at a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Laurel Point Inn.

Day 19 Depart Vancouver
A ferry ride will take you back to Vancouver for your homeward flight, or for the next leg of your journey, if you’ve chosen a tour extension.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 20 Arrive London Heathrow
Our aim is that you arrive home fulfilled and enriched by your Journey of Distinction.
Meals: In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616