Rockies Grandeur & Best of the East

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

DiscoverMORE Go whale watching, or take a horse and carriage ride (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, drive north along Vancouver Island to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through the Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey inland along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline with views of Horseshoe Bay on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. You will have the chance to stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler Village. This evening, you are free to explore the village’s cobbled pathways and plazas. (B)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, head into the mountains to the picturesque village of Kamloops where the North and South Thompson rivers meet. (B/D)

Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular national parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, we arrive into Banff National Park. (B)

DiscoverMORE Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense) (B)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness”. Enjoy some free time taking in the spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. Overnight stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests. (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.

You’re Invited: Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon; Maligne Canyon, then dine at Wilderness Kitchen an original Canadian smokehouse located at the canyon trailhead. This is an authentic experience which goes beyond the table and the stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antler presentation. (B/D)

Set off on a two day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World”. Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy incredible views of the soaring mountains including Canada’s highest peak, the awesome 3954 metre Mount Robson as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive into Vancouver. (B/L/D)

Transfer to Vancouver 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)