| HIGHLIGHTS: Seattle - Vancouver - Jasper National Park - Yoho National Park - Lake Louise - Banff National Park - Canadian Prairies - Winnipeg - Lake Superior - Lake Huron - Niagara Falls - Toronto - Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec City - New England - New York Area
Oh Canada! From the Pacific to the Atlantic; from the cities to the wilderness including the Canadian Rockies, the Prairies and the Great Lakes. Meeting French, English and native cultures combined with your international travelling companions, this is a recipe for fun and excitement.
Day 1-2: Seattle and Vancouver From Seattle, we cross the border to Canada's most beautiful city, Vancouver. There is ample time to explore all this vibrant metropolis has to offer. With its stunning combination of mountains and coastline, the city boasts outstanding views. Stride, rollerblade or pedal your way round Stanley Park, or relax and let the free shuttle take the strain. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 230 head-spinning feet above the river before checking out the city nightlife in Gas Town or the eclectic "Robsonstrasse".
Day 3: British Columbia We head into "Beautiful British Columbia", which truly lives up to its name. We set up camp along a pristine lake under an infinite, star-spangled sky, where discussion flows about what's in store for the upcoming week amongst some of Canada's most magnificent National Parks.
Day 4-5: Jasper National Park Get ready for two days in our first park. Jasper's wildlife puts up a fight for your attention and the sharp-eyed may glimpse grizzlies, wolves or caribou. This sprawling natural expanse offers bike trails, helicopter flights and ice-walks through the most spectacular scenery that the Canadian Rockies has to offer.
Day 6: Yoho National Park The widescreen scenery keeps on coming. The Icefields Parkway provides a peach of a drive through panoramic views of endless valleys, sheer ridges, glaciers and spruce forests - truly one of the world's ultimate drives. 'Yoho' is a Cree word for 'wonder'; which you might have guessed, because the place is stunning Hike or negotiate the rapids of well-named Kicking Horse River. In any case, the tumbling cascades, glassy lakes and glinting peaks are drop-dead gorgeous... not to mention the glaciers.
Day 7: Lake Louise A nickname like the "gem of the Rockies" is a lot to live up to, but it's no sweat for Lake Louise. The imposing chateau looks on as mountains cluster round the turquoise surface. As for you, well, you could always hike out to the Plain-of-Six-Glaciers or inspect the scene by paddle power on an optional canoe trip.
Day 8-9: Banff National Park Boot up, saddle up and breathe in the crisp alpine air where nature's bonanza includes beavers, bears, porcupines and elk. You could hang out in the friendly town, though the pine-clad trails and steaming Sulphur Mountain hot springs will most likely convince you otherwise.
Day 10-11: Canadian Prairies The anticipation builds as we reach the Canadian Prairies and we love veering off the tourist trails. It puts places like Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat and Swift Current on our map. Shop in small-town general stores, while the local residents spin a yarn - You know you've gotten off the tourist track now.
Day 12: Winnipeg Check out Winnipeg Art Gallery, crammed with 9,000 Inuit sculptures, tapestries and paintings. Or hunt out the former rocking haunts of the Crash Test Dummies and Neil Young.
Day 13-16: Lake Superior and Lake Huron Onto our first lake, Lake Superior, where the sprawling sea will soon coax you into a canoe for a true wilderness adventure. Roll along forested 'Moose Alley' before crossing the placid waters of Lake Huron by the Georgian Bay Ferry.
Day 17: Niagara Falls Words don't do the Falls justice. From the edge of Lake Ontario, the sensation of crashing water is stupendous and the noise immense, at America's greatest national attraction, Niagara Falls. Wait 'til you're down on the water aboard the 'Maid of the Mist', where the cascades pound, churn and foam right before your eyes. That's what you call a front row seat
Day 18: Toronto The native Hurons called this spot 'Toronto' or 'meeting place'. It still is, with over 70 nationalities mingling to vibrant effect. Pick up tasty tidbits at St Lawrence market, survey the head-spinning views from impressive CN Tower and follow your ears around the stomping music scene to soak up the multicultural buzz.
Day 19: Ottawa In Canada's capital, watch the changing of the guard, wander through Sparks Street Mall, the Rideau Centre and Sussex Street, or admire the outdoor vibe in this capital cities many green spaces. don't forget to chow down on the deep fried dough snacks known as beaver tails
Day 20-21: Montreal A true cultural mix is next on the agenda when visiting Montreal - the second largest city in Canada. Feel the charm of this 'European style' city with its kicking summer festival season. You'll adore Montreal's bundle of eateries, trendy bars, live music and comedy venues in City Underground's 30km of subterranean stores. For the adventure seekers why not rip it up across Lachine Rapids by high-powered jet boat.
Day 22-23: Quebec City Patisseries, churches, town squares and French-speaking Quebecers (fear not, most speak some English) add a European flavour and the dramatic Chateau Frontenac rules the roost. Explore the streets of North America's only surviving walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 24 -25: New England and New York Area We leave French Canada and head south to the wilds of New England and our last nights under the stars, before finishing our classic road trip in the New York area. This tour is not scheduled to spend any time in New York City so make sure you book extra hotel nights and explore the sights and sounds of the Big Apple on your own. Splurge along Fifth Ave, hit the top of the Empire State Building or soak up the trendy, laidback vibe of Greenwich Village before heading home.
This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
This tour also departs from New York area (reverse itinerary)
View our great airfares, travel insurance, hotels and car hire.
Explore both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts 25 day tour departing New York.23 nights accommodation camping.1 night accommodation in a hostel. Professional tour leader. Camping fees, equipment and transportation. Wilderness canoe trip. Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise. Georgian Bay ferry. Sightseeing in Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Seattle Canyon National ParkConditions Valid for sale until 9 September 2012.Price is per person twin share.Airfare not included.1 night hostel accommodation (USD30*) and food kitty (USD250*) are included in the advertised price, but are to be paid direct while on tour.Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
