Grand Canadian Rail & the Rockies + Vancouver staying at Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown

Itinerary
Hotels
Optional
Excursions
Gallery
Related
Holidays
Prices &
Dates

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Toronto.

Fly to Toronto where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Toronto - Niagara Falls - Toronto - VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

Begin the day with a sightseeing excursion to Niagara Falls - one of the world's most amazing natural wonders - offering you spectacular views of the waterfalls from scenic points on the rim of the gorge and from the decks of the Maid of the Mist, where you will experience the thundering water up close! Return to Toronto with time for dinner before transferring to Union Station for a late evening departure on the 'Canadian', VIA Rail's premier transcontinental train. Spend the next three days and nights on this classic trip across Canada's heartland. Note: The operation of the Maid of the Mist cruise is subject to favourable conditions which exist from May to the end of October. When unfavourable conditions exist, a walking tour of the scenic tunnels will be offered. The last operating date for 2013 is 24 October. After this date the tour through the scenic tunnels will be offered.

DAY 3: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train.

Watch the scenery as you whisk by the ever changing landscape and travel the full length of the Canadian National Railway's breathtaking mainline. Pass sparkling lakes and sun-dappled forests while enjoying the many great onboard features at your disposal. Your first class 'Sleeper Plus' rail cars are refurbished Art Deco cars from the 1950's. Try the observation dome for unparalleled views, or relax in one of the comfortable lounges. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: VIA Rail® 'Canadian' train - Winnipeg.

After a brief stop in Winnipeg, re-board the 'Canadian' for a memorable journey through Manitoba's prairies and into Saskatchewan. (B, D)

DAY 5: VIA Rail® - Jasper.

Enjoy breakfast before the train arrives in Edmonton, set on the North Saskatchewan River. After a short break continue your train journey into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You'll arrive at the beautiful mountain resort of Jasper early in the afternoon. End the day with a short tour to experience its unspoiled beauty, with the rest of the evening free. (B)

DAY 6: Jasper.

Begin the day with an optional excursion to Maligne Lake, and a narrated cruise. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. With free time this evening you might take a hike and watch for elk.

DAY 7: Jasper - Columbia Icefield - Banff.

Journey through Jasper National Park, stopping along the way at the Columbia Icefield for an exciting snowcoach ride on the 1200-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. Then continue down the Icefield Parkway to the lively mountain resort of Banff for two nights. Note: Unfavourable weather conditions may affect the availability of the Columbia Icefield snowcoach excursion.

DAY 8: Banff.

For a spectacular start to the day, why not take the optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies? In the afternoon join our optional excursion to Sulphur Mountain for a thrilling gondola ride, and a stop at sparkling Bow Falls. The evening is free.

DAY 9: Banff - Lake Louise - Kamloops.

Travel to Lake Louise, its azure blue waters mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers, before proceeding over Kicking Horse Pass on the Continental Divide. Travel through Yoho National Park, where Precambrian fossils were discovered, and Glacier National Park, where recreational mountain climbing was introduced to North America a century ago. Late this afternoon arrive at the cattle ranching centre of Kamloops.

DAY 10: Kamloops - Vancouver.

Continue along Kamloops Lake, then follow the mighty Fraser River to Vancouver, spectacularly set on the Burrard Inlet. Upon arrival in Vancouver, your sightseeing tour will introduce you to many of the city's major sights including Stanley Park, Gastown and the harbour.

DAY 11: Vancouver.

Today, why not join an optional excursion to Vancouver Island and the charming city of Victoria. The excursion includes a visit to renowned Butchart Gardens, and the ferry ride through the mediterranean Gulf Islands is a treat.

DAY 12: Vancouver.

With a full day at leisure, perhaps join an optional excursion to the world-famous Whistler resort and Shannon Falls or a short trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge - 230 feet above the river.

DAY 13 to 14: Vancouver.

Remain at your Vancouver hotel for an extra two nights. Giving you plenty of time to discover the city and the surrounding area.

DAY 15: Vancouver - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

DAY 16: Home Landing in the UK.

Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Twin room at the Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Swimming pool at the Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver

Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown

Centrally located, this Santa Fe inspired hotel offers guests comfort, friendly service and accessibility to many attractions. Rooms feature a unique brick wall and contemporary furnishings. World famous Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre are not far away.

Location: Situated in downtown Vancouver, with easy access to Stanley Park, Granville Island, Yaletown, Kitsilano; close to excellent shops and restaurants, and Granville Island.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; fitness centre and swimming pool.

Price includes: Room with private facilities; air-conditioning; TV; telephone; hairdryer; tea/coffee maker.

The 'Canadian'
Vancouver
Stanley Park totems, Vancouver
Enjoy 2 nights in Toronto on arrival in Canada
Niagara Falls is a sight to behold
Canada, Vancouver
Stanley Park in Vancouver should be one of your stops during your stay
Stunning Lake Louise is seen on day 7
VIA Rail's The Canadian travelling through the Rockies
Vancouver
Vancouver Island
VIA Rail's The Canadian offers excellent dining and viewing
VIA Rail's The Canadian Bullet Lounge offers all round views
Vancouver
Vancouver
You may like to take the optional trip to see spectacular Maligne Lake
Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park
The Snow Coach ride on Athabasca Glacier is a memorable experience
Stanley Park in Vancouver should be one of your stops during your stay

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

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.

$92 (Canadian Dollar)

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. Weather permitting.

$125 (Canadian Dollar)

Jasper Raft On The Athabasca River

Bring the entire family and join us for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. 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. Our 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). Our 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)

$64 (Canadian Dollar)

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake, a location that epitomizes the Canadian Rockies, is a 45-minute drive from Jasper. Departing from the Maligne Lake Day Lodge, you'll enjoy the 90-minute narrated cruise with a brief stop at Spirit Island for photos of the magnificent mountains that surround you. Learn of the local history, geology, wildlife, and glaciology of Maligne Lake and of Jasper National Park as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies drift past your window.

$58 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Edith Cavell Nature Walk

An absolute must for the most snow and ice avalanche activity! Join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October.

$68 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Edith Cavell Nature Walk & Dinner

After dinner at a local restaurant join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October and is dependent on the weather.

$85 (Canadian Dollar)

Behind The Scenery - Dinner & Discovery

Starts with a light dinner at one of Jasper's most eclectic hot spots Papa George's where the atmosphere is casual and the food is gourmet. Followed by being picked by JAC Van. This is a wildlife safari that may include some walking with a Jasper Naturalist. The emphasis will be on animals, but topics of conversation may cover Fire Controls, the Park and its many ecosystems, the habits and habitats of the locals (animals) and how the maturing ecosystems are affecting these locals.

$85 (Canadian Dollar)

Magical Mystical Maligne Canyon Walk

Join us on a walk along the edge of the Maligne Canyon, the deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park. Your guide will transport you from Jasper to the top of the canyon and guide you from the first to the fifth (1st -5th) bridge, allowing for breath taking photographic opportunities. You will enjoy award winning interpretation about this limestone slot canyon, and the many mysteries that are contained within. The Maligne Canyon is a favourite haunt of the Big Horn Sheep and Mule Deer and is excellent habitat for Fairy Slipper and Rattlesnake Plantain Orchids. Upon reaching the sixth bridge, the confluence of the Maligne and Athabasca Rivers, the coach will be waiting to return you to the Jasper town site. This trip covers approximately 3.5 km and travels mostly downhill. Participants are requested to wear comfortable boots or shoes, bring rain/wind jacket, water, and a camera.

$68 (Canadian Dollar)

Maligne Valley, Canyon & Lake Tour

Come and enjoy the beauty of the spectacular Maligne Valley during any season. A short walk at the Maligne Canyon is followed by a scenic drive up the valley to the disappearing Medicine Lake, then on to Maligne Lake, all the time enjoying the enlightening commentary of the guide on the mysteries, facts and folklore of the area.

$39 (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.

$35 (Canadian Dollar)

Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour

$251 (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. 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. 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.

$282 (Canadian Dollar)

Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Show

Come join a fun-filled musical celebration of Canada, featuring totally Canadian music in a log cabin type building. During the show, costumed performers also serve a five course family style dinner. Everything about this award winning show is Canadian.

$79 (Canadian Dollar)

Three Sisters Peaks 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)

Sunset Dinner Cruise

It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October)

$103 (Canadian Dollar)

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit Vancouver's North Shore. 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 World Famous Lumberjack Show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excrusion)

$149 (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)

$135 (Canadian Dollar)

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip

Travel by coach and ferry on this full day trip to Victoria. Enjoy a ferry cruise through beautiful Active Pass in the Gulf Islands to B.C.'s quaint capital. Marvel at the awesome, ever-changing Butchart Gardens. You'll drive the scenic route into Victoria and the Inner Harbour. You'll have some free time to explore this unique city: Government Street shopping & dining, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Royal B.C. Museum and more. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to your hotel. A day well spent! This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)

$195 (Canadian Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

The 'Canadian'