Spectacular Rockies & Best of the East

Welcome to Canada! You will be met at Vancouver International Airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park with its intricately carved totem poles, the waterfront area, historic Gastown with its lively shops and restaurants and Granville Island which is famous for its fresh food markets. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you can make your way across this spectacular suspension bridge, 70 metres above the Capilano River. Take in the surrounding forest and join the award winning Treetops Adventure along a series of elevated walkways. (B)

Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your GoldLeaf carriage as you enter the Fraser Valley then follow the Thompson River towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey into the soaring, rugged snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the beauty of the glaciers, lakes and forest sitting at the foot of these grand mountains. Arrive in Banff, a picturesque town located within Banff National Park and the quintessential Rocky Mountains town. Spend the next two nights in mountain elegance in this warm, modern hotel located in the centre of Banff. (B/L)

DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense) (B/D)

You’re Invited: This morning, you will have breakfast with one of the best views Canada has to offer. Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you will witness inspiring views and enjoy a sumptuous buffet. Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour including Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Continue to the beautiful Lake Louise and the famous ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’, where we will stay in one of the Rockies most stunning and historic properties. (B)

Lake Louise enjoys picture perfect surroundings. Spend the day exploring the lake and soaking up the spectacular scenery. Take a walk around the edge of the lake or simply sit back, relax and take it all in. (B/D)

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300 metre thick Athabasca Glacier. The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. (B)

DiscoverMORE Discover Jasper wilderness and wildlife tour, float trip along the Athabasca River or an exhilarating motorcycle sidecar tour (extra expense) (B/D)

Depart Jasper and head past the awesome 3,954 metre high Mt. Robson. Continue through the Cariboo Mountains region and into the lush Okanagan Valley to Kelowna. Visit one of Kelowna’s award-winning wineries. (B/D)

Travel through scenic landscapes as the road meanders alongside the Nicola River and through sandstone chasms. Follow the Thompson and Fraser River past the town of Lillooet to the charming alpine resort of Whistler. (B)

DiscoverMORE Special opportunity to take a Photo Safari tour or a dinner tasting tour (extra expense) (B)

Travel along the Sea to Sky Highway following the rugged coastline, stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls. Board the BC ferry and cruise through the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island before arriving into Victoria, British Columbia’s capital. (B)

DiscoverMORE Take a horse and carriage ride, or go whale watching (extra expense) (B/D)

Transfer to Victoria Airport to board your flight to Toronto (flight not included in land only bookings). (B)

DiscoverMORE Experience a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls (extra expense) (B/D)

This morning, take a journey to the top of CN Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Americas for some spectacular views over Toronto. Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to the colonial city of Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River.

Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Travel through the islands and canals and view spectacular old buildings, attractive neighbourhoods and abundant birdlife. Continue through rolling farmlands, following the rivers and lakes to Canada’s national capital. (B)

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery. We view the residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Rideau Canal. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore.

You’re Invited: Visit Madahòkì Farms, an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome spend some time with their cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation. (B/D)

Bienvenue! Welcome to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing the Olympic Complex, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mt. Royal. Montréal abounds with sightseeing options, such as taking a stroll, bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of the famous Parisian-style historic district, which is filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. (B)

Visit Deschambault a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. This historic “New France Route,” takes you to Québec City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly perched atop Cap Diamant. French is the primary language in this unique city, founded in 1608 as a trading post.

Arrive into Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. You will then embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. This is truly a remarkable city, every building in Old Québec tells a story and every square exudes the spirit of New France with a history dating back many hundreds of years. (B/L)

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets, ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. (B/D)

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)