Trans-Canada Explorer
The best of Canada from East to West - this ultimate Canadian experience reveals the beauty and diversity of this extraordinary country.
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
Stunning Niagara Falls
Enjoy a boat ride in the St Lawrence Islands National Parl en route from Kingston
Ottawa's Rideau Canal and Parliament buildings
A Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman (Mountie) in Ottawa
Quebec City on the St Lawrence River
Montreal
Montreal's skyline
Calgary
Enjoy a snowcoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier
Jasper National Park
Victoria
Vancouver
Why rush? Vancouver is perfect for a 2 day extension
Why not add a 7 night cruise to Alaska?
Enjoy a dip in the pool while you watch the glaciers drift by!
Enjoy a cocktail in the Piano Bar
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Toronto.
Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - Toronto.
See Toronto's major landmarks today, including the CN Tower and Roger's Stadium. Later, visit thundering Niagara Falls. View the falls from above and onboard the Maid of the Mist, for a close up view from the river below the falls.
DAY 3: Toronto - Kingston - Ivy Lea - Ottawa.
Leave Ontario's capital and stop in Kingston, a city with an exciting history dating back more than 300 years. Continue to quaint Gananoque and Ivy Lea, where you'll enjoy a scenic cruise along the St Lawrence River, past wooded islands dotted with beautiful summer homes. Then proceed along the St Lawrence River to Ottawa, standing at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau rivers.
DAY 4: Ottawa.
This morning see the Canadian Mint, the embassy district, stately Parliament Hill and Rideau Falls. Also visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables, a living tribute to Canadian heritage and history. Suggestions for this afternoon include a visit to the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilisation or the array of restaurants and shops at the lively Byward Market.
DAY 5: Ottawa - Quebec City area.
We head into the French-Canadian province of Quebec, where you'll notice a sudden change in language and tradition. A late afternoon arrival in historic Quebec City, the heart of French Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 6: Quebec City area.
This morning take an optional excursion to Erabliere le Chemin du Roy Sugar Cabin for breakfast and a guided visit with a presentation about maple extraction. Afterwards return to Quebec City for a guided tour of Canada's only walled city, crowned by the great turrets of the Chateau Frontenac. Within the walls is the Place d'Armes, the Laval Seminary, the star-plan Citadelle and ancient Place Royale. Also see the stone houses crowding the narrow streets of Lower Town by the St Lawrence River and the historic Plains of Abraham.
DAY 7: Quebec City area - Montreal.
Head south, and late this morning cosmopolitan Montreal comes into view. As you enter the world's second largest French-speaking city, you'll see the canted tower of the Olympic Stadium. Major attractions on this afternoon's sightseeing tour include once walled Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, the Seminary of St Sulpice, Mont Royal and modern Montreal. In the evening be sure to try out one of the many sidewalk cafés.
DAY 8: Montreal - Calgary.
Transfer to Montreal airport for your flight to Calgary, Canada's 'cowboy' capital.
DAY 9: Calgary - Banff.
On your included tour you will see many of the city's attractions, including downtown, Fort Calgary, the Olympic Ski Jump and the Saddledome. Afterwards head through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. On arrival join the optional excursion to Sulphur Mountain for a thrilling gondola ride.
DAY 10: Banff.
With the day free, perhaps take the optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies, or visit one of Banff's many natural features including hot springs, hoodoos, lakes and waterfalls.
DAY 11: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper.
A day of scenic grandeur. First to Lake Louise: its cold turquoise waters are a perfect natural mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the coach scales two mountain passes. Another highlight today is a stop for a snowcoach ride on the 1200-foot-thick Columbia Icefield. Afterwards enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper townsite upon arrival.
DAY 12: Jasper - Mount Robson - Kamloops.
Join the optional trip to Maligne Lake this morning, with a narrated cruise to Spirit Island. Then leave Jasper following the Fraser River to the base of spectacular Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.
DAY 13: Kamloops - ferry crossing - Victoria.
Travel through British Columbia's mountain region to its majestic Pacific coastline. This afternoon sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Victoria. Sightseeing today includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
DAY 14: Victoria.
The day is yours to explore Victoria further at your own pace. There are many sightseeing attractions to experience, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, whale watching and shopping along Government Street.
DAY 15: Victoria - Vancouver.
Board the ferry to the British Columbia mainland. On arrival it's a short drive to Vancouver, where city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown and Chinatown. The remainder of the day is free.
DAY 16: Vancouver.
Your Tour Director will have a wealth of suggestions to enhance your day in Vancouver.
DAY 17: Vancouver - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver or on an Alaska cruise.
DAY 18: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,700 ft.
Accommodation on Tour
Toronto: Best Western Primrose; Ottawa: Capital Hill Hotel & Suites; Quebec City area: Hotel Classique; Montreal: Maritime Plaza; Calgary: Sandman Calgary City Centre; Banff: The Homestead Inn; Jasper: Marmot Lodge; Kamloops: Hotel Five540Forty; Victoria: Royal Scot Hotel; Vancouver: Sandman Hotel Downtown.
Autumn Foliage
Enjoy the spectacular colours of Ontario and Quebec on the special fall foliage departures from 13-24 September. Chosen departure dates are historically the best dates to see the autumn foliage - weather permitting.
Whale Watching
Enjoy a fascinating optional cruise that will be remembered for a lifetime. Whilst watching for whales and marine life in their natural habitat you are likely to see the orca (killer whale), and perhaps spot porpoises, sea-lions, osprey and eagles.
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal
25 & 28 June departures will coincide with the Montreal Jazz Festival (28 June-7 July).
Canada Day
Our June 28 departure will coincide with Canada Day in Ottawa - 2012 marks Canada's 145th Birthday.
Your Holiday Map
Trans-Canada Explorer
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Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
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Stunning Niagara Falls
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Enjoy a boat ride in the St Lawrence Islands National Parl en route from Kingston
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Ottawa's Rideau Canal and Parliament buildings
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A Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman (Mountie) in Ottawa
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Quebec City on the St Lawrence River
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Montreal
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Montreal's skyline
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Calgary
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Enjoy a snowcoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier
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Jasper National Park
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Victoria
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Vancouver
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Why rush? Vancouver is perfect for a 2 day extension
-
Why not add a 7 night cruise to Alaska?
-
Enjoy a dip in the pool while you watch the glaciers drift by!
-
Enjoy a cocktail in the Piano Bar
Previous
Next
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
Niagara Helicopter Sightseeing
Take a thrilling eight-minute ride over the most famous falls in North America. You will be dazzled by the sights of the Rainbow Bridge, Horseshoe Falls, and Whirlpool Rapids. Bring your camera and it's up, up, and away! Helicopter tour duration approximately 12 minutes.
$132 (Canadian Dollar)
CN Tower - Toronto By Night
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. Following dinner, enjoy panoramic views from the observation decks.
$89 (Canadian Dollar)
Quebec By Night-Auberge De Tresor
The evening starts with a delightful dinner at an old-world restaurant in the heart of Quebec City. Then plenty of time to browse the shops in Upper and Lower Town. You'll also have a chance to take pictures of the Chateau Frontenac at night.
$58 (Canadian Dollar)
Quebec Countryside Dinner and Montmorency Falls
Your first stop on this guided excursion is Montmorency Falls, a waterfall which is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls and offers an unforgettable panorama. Next tour the western tip of Ile d'Orleans, followed by dinner at Le Moulin Saint Laurent, originally a water mill with a history dating back to 1675. The cuisine here includes local and regional specialites. Evening tour and dinner is approximately 3 hours.
$58 (Canadian Dollar)
Sugar Shack Breakfast and Maple Syrup Tour
Take off this morning for an all-you-can-eat traditional "Quebecois" breakfast which includes scrambled eggs, baked beans, Canadian bacon, maple sausage, maple smoked ham, potatoes, country bread pancakes, maple syrup, tea, herbal tea , coffee , hot chocolate and milk. This bountiful breakfast is followed by a guided visit of the Sugar Shack and a presentation on Maple Syrup Making.
$18 (Canadian Dollar)
Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour
Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. An extraordinary adventure not to be missed! (25 minuet flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
$240 (Canadian Dollar)
Mount Assiniboine Glacier Helicopter Tour
Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. 160You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Finally, you will be transported to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies" which rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination where you will get up close and personal with the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off of Mount Assiniboine. This is an experience you will not forget! (30 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
$272 (Canadian Dollar)
Spray Lakes Tour - 12 Minute Helicopter Tour
This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life. Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. (12 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
$125 (Canadian Dollar)
Banff Gondola
The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft) at the Summit Upper Terminal. Stay on the look out for wildlife and birds that frequent the Banff Gondola. This is nature's wild playground, so a camera is a must! You can encounter the local wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Golden mantled ground squirrels, Hoary marmots, Clark's nutcracker and the Canada (Gray) jay. Afterwards, we'll visit thundering Bow Falls where plenty of great photo opportunities await you. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres above sea level.
$31 (Canadian Dollar)
Jasper Raft On The Athabasca River
Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometer trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometer trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago, (David Thompson 1811). The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. (2.5 hours) (Subject to favorable weather and water conditions.)
$64 (Canadian Dollar)
Chinatown Dinner and Lantern Walk
A fascinating tour of Chinatown, one of the oldest in Canada. Your expert local guide will offer you the opportunity to learn about the "East meets West" portals. Themes range from Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac to Brave Pioneers and World Developments. Food sampling along the way with dinner in a first-class restaurant. Finally, at dusk you will be given lanterns and lead through the narrow alleys to Bastion Square. A very unique and memorable way to experience Victoria. (Approximately 3 hours)
$75 (Canadian Dollar)
Victoria Panorama
This half-hour flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and includes spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Enjoy unique views of the buildings ringing the harbour and grand houses perched above the rugged coastline. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
$122 (Canadian Dollar)
Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Visit Vancouver's North Shore as you drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a lumberjack show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. Note: This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)
$139 (Canadian Dollar)
Whistler Day Trip
Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours)
$139 (Canadian Dollar)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Trans-Canada Explorer 16 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Trans-Canada Explorer 16 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Aberdeen |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 21 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
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Trans-Canada Explorer
Price from £2369.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Toronto; Montreal - Calgary; Vancouver - UK
- Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
Holiday highlights
- Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist cruise
- St Lawrence Islands National Park Scenic cruise
- Banff National Park
- Columbia Icefield Snowcoach ride
- Victoria City tour including Butchart Gardens
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Edinburgh
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
21 Jun 2012 to 10 Oct 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
