Itinerary
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Day 1
Halifax Halifax is a city in Canada, which was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia. It was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996. Halifax Harbour is among the largest natural harbours in the world, and settlement here by the British was originally planned with strategic military protection in mind. Local sights include Halifax Citadel, Pier 21 (Canada's Ellis Island), Maritime Museum, and a tidy collection of parks, shops and restaurants. The Waterfront in particular has a great variety of historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and other entertainment. Meet your driver for a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver. Enjoy an afternoon shared 3 hr tour to Peggy's Cove - a "must-see" when visiting Nova Scotia and well worth the jaunt. Spend the afternoon taking in the spectacular scenery of this picture-postcard fishing village perched on the Atlantic Ocean. Famous for its iconic lighthouse and the crashing surf on the glacier rock formations – be sure to bring your camera. You’ll love the scenic drive past quaint seaside communities of Shad Bay, Big Lake, East Dover and West Dover. Relax comfortably in a luxury motor coach, and let the friendly, kilted guide keep you entertained with tall tales, historic gossip and local folklore. You'll know you've arrived at Peggy's Cove when you spot the white and red lighthouse sitting proudly against a backdrop of ocean as far as the eye can see. Get out and explore the rocks, visit the gift shops and wander through this photographer's paradise. You can even mail a postcard from inside the lighthouse – unique in North America. Just minutes from the waterfront and World Trade and Convention Centre, the Residence Inn Halifax Downtown offers ideal accommodation within walking distance to great restaurants, entertainment and the historic area. The rooms are generally very spacious and facilities include an indoor pool, spa tub, and complimentary fitness center, which has treadmills, free weights, elliptical trainers, and stair machines. Overnight at Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown. |
 Halifax |
 Famous Lighthouse of Peggy's Cove |
 Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown |
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Day 2
Halifax Join a kilted driver/guide for a delightful shared, 3 hour tour taking in the highlights of Halifax which will provide an excellent overview of the city. This history and anecdote filled ride through the streets of Halifax will introduce you to one of North America’s most unique and captivating cities. Hear of Halifax’s war years and of the exploits and heroism of the citizens who lived through the devastating Halifax Explosion. View Historic properties, the Spring Garden Road area, Province House, Old Town Clock, St. Paul’s Church, City Hall, Grand Parade, Government House, the busy port, Victorian Halifax Public Gardens, residential areas, and much more. Then enjoy the tour as you are taken to the Titanic Burial site. Learn about the lives of the people buried here and the role Halifax played in the days after the sinking of the Titanic. (Includes The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (admission included) and a stop at the Titanic Grave Sites]. The Halifax - Montréal train makes a journey crossing the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and along the St. Lawrence River before arriving into Montreal. As the train departs from Halifax just after noon, you'll have the rest of the day to take in the sights along the way such as Truoro - known as the “hub of Nova Scotia” and the main industrial, commercial and shopping centre of the region. Built around the Salmon River, which empties itself into the Minas Basin, the Bay of Fundy gives visitors a glimpse of its famous tidal bore. Further along, you'll pass by Amherst. The “gateway to Nova Scotia,” Amherst is located on the Chignecto Isthmus, an area first settled by the Acadians in 1672 and founded by explorers from the British Isles in 1764. Known for its beautiful Victorian mansions built during that era, this pretty town is equally visited for the spectacular wall murals found throughout its Victorian business district. Late afternoon/early evening sees you passing through Moncton. Due to its geographic location in the heart of the Maritimes and its pool of qualified and bilingual workers, Moncton is now the rising star in New Brunswick. Its site on the Petitcodiac River was a small Acadian outpost before the Acadian Expulsion of 1755. Then, colonists of American origin settled here and founded the city, which prospered in the mid-19th century as a ship-building centre and later as the terminus for the Intercolonial Railway. Enjoy a peaceful night sleep before arriving into Montreal the following morning. If you are in Sleeper touring class, you can wander to the Park car to partake in informal presentations and learn about such things as lobster traps, ghost ships and Acadian traditions (from Mid June – Mid October only). Enjoy an overnight journey by train with VIA Rail on The Ocean- one of the finest train services in the world. There are 3 options to choose from: - Economy class - Comfortable seats with room to move, stretch and relax. Pillows and blankets provided during the night. Meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. - Sleeper class - In stainless steels cars, enjoy cosy accommodations in a berth, a cabin for one, two, three or four people. Special in-room touches, including shower kit, bottled water and ear plugs are provided. Full-course and light meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. - Sleeper Touring class (available from mid-June to mid-October). Cosy accommodations in a cabin for two or a cabin for two with shower. Delicious meals highlighting regional specialties. Exclusive access to the Park car, with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views. Overnight at VIA Rail - The Ocean. |
 Old Town Clock |
 VIA Rail |
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Day 3
Montreal Montreal is the cultural capital of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. For over a century and a half, Montreal was the industrial and financial centre of Canada, leaving a legacy of architecture and wealth. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the liveliest cities in North America, with an inordinate number of attractive, fashionably dressed people. Tourism is centered in Old Montreal's historic and quaint riverfront, downtown's shopping, and museums, and the Latin Quarter's restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and pubs. Summer brings a seemingly endless stream of festivals, celebrations, and musical events. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon shared 3 hour sightseeing tour of Montreal taking in over 200 points of interest, including a photo stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, residential and financial districts, Old Montreal, French Quarter, outside view of Olympic Site, McGill University and a panoramic view from an observation point on top of Mt. Royal. Located between the river and downtown, Old Montreal (the historical part of the City) and its Old Port will put you into close contact with the past life of major metropolis of North America. Old Montreal has always been the center of the city and has preserved testimonies of all bygone eras. Enjoy the panoramic view of the old port before continuing on to the Notre-Dame Basilica - a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. The magnificent interior décor captivates hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The tour then continues on to Olympic Park which was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics Games. Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Montreal and offers warm hospitality and exceptional services. The hotel features 395 beautifully appointed guest rooms with a garden or city view. There are plenty of dining options to choose from within the hotel; The onsite Jardins le Castillon restaurant is an award-winning restaurant and the hotel's lounge features mouthwatering dishes in a cozy atmosphere with its wood burning fireplace; Le Belvédère, bistro bar, is the ideal place for a light meal or to unwind after a hectic day by enjoying a refreshing cocktail; the Bar Soleil offers summer poolside dining and provides the ideal vacation feeling. For relaxation the hotel features an outdoor rooftop heated pool as well as a fitness room. Overnight at Hilton Montreal Bonaventure . |
 Montreal |
 Notre Dame Basilica |
 Hilton Montreal Bonaventure |
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Day 4
Toronto Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational and cultural facilities. It is the largest city in Canada, with a population consisting of over 2.5 million people. Toronto is the home of seven professional sports teams and the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world, behind New York and London. It is one of the world's most multicultural cities, home to more than 80 ethnic communities (half of people living in Toronto were born outside Canada). A dominant force in the business and economy of the nation, it is also the cultural centre of English-speaking Canada. Toronto is known as a city of neighborhoods. Districts are often centered one of the main streets (Queen, College, Bloor etc), and packed tightly together, with each having something different to offer each visitor. The relative compactness of these neighborhoods makes exploring on foot easy and pleasant, especially in the warmer months. Enjoy the train ride from Montreal to Toronto. Train duration is approximately 5hr. Experience Toronto aboard a London-style Double Decker, Trolley or Motor Coach with complete flexibility to explore Toronto on your own terms. Your ticket allows you access to both attraction loops, including a seasonal East / West Loop with unlimited hop-on hop-off privileges over three consecutive touring days. The tour runs in a continuous circle with multiple departures throughout the day with most stops at or near all major hotels in the downtown area. The North/South loop (which ruins all year) features attractions such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower, Toronto's Harbourfront, Fort York, St. Lawrence Market and the Entertainment District. Also featured are the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Bata Shoe Museum, Eaton Centre, Maple Leaf Gardens and the trendy Village of Yorkville. The East/West loop (operating from June- September) features some of Toronto's most popular neighbourhoods and attractions such as The Beach, The Historic Distillery District, Little India and China. There is always plenty on in terms of theatre and entertainment in Toronto. All of the main theatres and entertainment venues in Toronto can be found at http://www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm The Metropolitan Hotel (3*) is located in the very heart of Toronto’s finance, shopping and entertainment core. The elegantly appointed guest rooms feature luxurious Italian Frette linens, triple sheeted beds with down filled duvets, plush bathrobes, nightly turndown service, three telephones, dual phone lines, customized voice mail, data ports and broadband connectivity, CD alarm clock and complimentary Toronto Symphony Orchestra CD. Hemispheres restaurant & bistro located within the hotel's premises presents a delicious menu with a tranquil backdrop, while the award-winning Lai Wah Heen restaurant offers the height of Chinese cuisine in an exquisite setting. For those who want to relax the hotel feature a fitness room and a heated indoor pool. Overnight at Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto (3*). |
 Toronto |
 Casa Loma |
 Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto |
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Day 5
Toronto Enjoy some time exploring the many things to see and do in the cosmopolitan city of Toronto. If you are interested in art and culture, be sure to visit the newly expanded Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) which has an extensive permanent collection as well as ever changing temporary exhibitions. The newly revamped Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) showcases the best of Canadian and international art, all housed under an impressive building designed by Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame - consider a private guided tour of the gallery. The Ontario Science centre is a fascinating museum which appeals to both adults and children. The Distillery district, one of Toronto's most historical areas makes for a pleasant morning or afternoon stroll as you can check out the many artisanal studios and galleries or take a shared or a private tour. There are often live musical performances on weekends during the summer. For shopaholics, Toronto's Rodeo drive equivalent is along Bloor street, on either side of Yonge street. Here you will find all of the top boutique names from Gucci to Tiffany's to Prada as well as the upscale department store Holt Renfrew. For a more eclectic shopping experience, head to Queen street west, where there are many independently run stores. Alternatively, escape it all and take the short ferry crossing over to the Toronto Islands where you can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or through the residential area with many traditional beach style houses. With a no car policy on the island, it is indeed a tranquil escape from the metropolis of Toronto. If you would like to do a tour, consider a shared or private walking tour of one of the interesting neighbourhoods of the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if any of these are of interest to you. Take advantage of the lakeside location of Toronto and enjoy a 1 hour cruise in the harbour with a visit to Centre Island (weather allowing). Take in the city skyline and changing views en route as you listen to the on board commentary from your guide. There will be lots of time to ask questions and engage in conversation with your guide about the possible activities on the island. Enjoy the four night train ride from Toronto to Vancouver on board "The Canadian" VIA train. The Toronto-Vancouver train, which takes four days to travel between one of Canada's largest cities and the Pacific Coast, lets you see the breadth of the country like never before. Take in boreal forests reflecting on the surface of the Great Lakes, Prairie sunsets painting vast skies in shades of fire and mountain peaks towering above as the train winds through the Rockies. Enjoy the views before nightfall as you pass by small towns such as Washago. Gateway to the Muskokas, this railway junction point at the head of Lake Couchiching is popular with cottagers, fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Early morning sees you passing by Gogoma, typical of the small, relatively isolated settlements along this section of the railway that were created in order to service locomotives and were placed at approximately 240-kilometre intervals. Enjoy the four night overnight journey by train from Toronto to Vancouver with VIA Rail's "The Canadian". There are 3 options to choose from: - Economy Class: Comfort Class is economical and offers a comfortable seat in the coach car where you can stretch out your legs on the footrest, lean back into the headrest, and fall asleep in your plush chair with pillow and blanket (provided). - Sleeper Touring class: Sleeper Berth includes a designated armchair next to a picture window to admire the scenery, with an individual sleeping berth at night with privacy curtain (most cars have a modern bathroom and shower that is shared). - Sleeper Touring class: Private Cabin is the most luxurious, with your own cabin for one, two, three or four people, or a suite. In the sleeper touring class you will enjoy delicious meals highlighting regional specialties are included as is exclusive access to the Park car, with its lounges and 360-degree panoramic views and Priority boarding. Overnight at VIA Rail - The Canadian. |
 Royal Ontario Museum |
 Toronto Island |
 VIA Rail |
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Day 6
Gogama Gogama is a small community located in the heart of Northeastern Ontario, situated on Lake Minisinakwa, it is 580 kilometres north of Toronto, 191 km north of Sudbury and 114 km south of Timmins. With a population of 394 people, it boasts recreation, hunting and fishing that are unrivalled in this part of Ontario. Gogama is on Highway 661, a short spur route which connects it to Highway 144. The community is accessible by car, bus (Ontario Northland), rail (VIA), and chartered float plane transport. The Canadiana typically leaves late at night from Toronto, so the first number of places you go by will be in darkness as you snuggle down for the night. Upon waking, you will see the countryside has changed as you pass through areas such as Gogama - a typical example of the small, relatively isolated settlements along this section of the railway that were created in order to service locomotives and were placed at approximately 240-kilometre intervals. As you pass Longlac, you will see the town at the northern end of the lake. This area played an important role as part of the historic canoe route for fur traders. Armstrong is further along the tracks. This area offers some of the best fly-in fishing and hunting in the region. You'll soon arrive at Sioux Lookout, which is located on the English River/Lac Seul waterways. The community is a magnet for sport fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts in addition to its vocation as a centre for the pulp industry. Overnight at VIA Rail - The Canadian. |
 Gogama |
 Fishing in Whiteshell Provincial Park |
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Day 7
Sioux Lookout Sioux Lookout is a town in north-western Ontario, and is known locally as the "Hub of the North". Tourism, lumber, and health care are the primary sources of employment in the town. There are a number of fishing camps in the area that allow access to an extensive lake system fed by the English River. Several beaches are nearby including the historical site of Umphreville Park, a historical site that predates the town itself. Sleep well onboard the train tonight. Overnight at Via Rail - The Canadian. |
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Day 8
Edmonton Edmonton is the capital of Alberta. The city is located on the North Saskatchewan River in the central region of the province, an area with some of the most fertile farmland on the prairies. It is the second largest city in Alberta (after Calgary). Edmonton is a staging point for large-scale oil sands projects occurring in northern Alberta and large-scale diamond mining operations in the Northwest Territories. It plays host to a year-round slate of world-class festivals, earning it the title of "The Festival City." Edmonton has North America's largest mall, and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum. Upon awaking this morning, you will have arrived in Edmonton. Alberta's capital, Edmonton is regarded as the gateway to the north, given its role as the staging point for explorers and adventurers from the early days of fur trading to the Yukon gold rush and the Alberta oil discoveries of 1947. Today's views as you pass through the Rocky Mountains are some of the best you will see in the world...Along the route, you will pass through Jasper - world-famous for skiing, hiking and outdoor sports, Jasper attracts tourists from around the world and is said to be among the country's most-photographed places. Because Jasper National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, it is common to see all sorts of wild animals in their natural habitat. The crest of the Yellowhead Pass is the border between Alberta and British Columbia and the division between Mountain and Pacific time zones. The Pass is one of the lowest points in the entire North American Continental Divide and all water systems flow eithe Overnight at VIA Rail - The Canadian. |
 Edmonton |
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Day 9
Vancouver Vancouver is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the world, based on its warm climate, beautiful scenery, modern infrastructure, and social community. Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52% of city residents having a first language other than English. The economy has traditionally relied on forestry, mining, fishing and agriculture; although, tourism has grown rapidly as more people discover this gem on the Pacific Ocean. Mid morning will see you arrive into Vancouver at the end of your epic coast to coast train journey. Enjoy the many activities and entertainment options in this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a shared introductory tour of Vancouver highlighting the main sights of the city in a small group. The vehicle used is an air conditioned 8-21 passenger sightseeing vehicles and throughout the tour you will be given you the personal attention and level of service that you deserve. Ample time for photo stops and for answering individual questions is given. The driver/guide delights in sharing their extensive knowledge of area history, geography and current events. Places of interest on the tour include: B.C. Place, G.M. Place, Science World (Olympic Sites), Gastown - Historical area of Vancouver, Canada Place - Alaska Cruise ship terminal and home of the new convention centre, Stanley Park - The Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium (not included - optional) and Prospect Point as well as English Bay/Vancouver Harbour and Granville Island - which includes a stop at artists' studios, craft galleries, and the Granville Island Public Market. From here the tour continues on to Queen Elizabeth Park before you are brought back to your hotel. The Comfort Inn Downtown Hotel (3*) is conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant entertainment district and is the perfect starting point for that quest for comfort. Outside the doors of this European-boutique hotel, guests have the best of the city at their feet: from world-class shops, shows and restaurants, to West Coast parks, peaks and beaches. All guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated for the leisure or business traveller and feature modern amenities. You can enjoy a complimentary pass and skip the line at two of the city's night spots, or enjoy the live performances of traditional Irish music in the bar of the hotel which occurs a number of evenings a week. Overnight at Comfort Inn Downtown Vancouver (3*). |
 Vancouver |
 Gastown Steam Clock |
 Comfort Inn Downtown, Vancouver |
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Day 10
Vancouver Enjoy a private transfer in a luxury vehicle with professional driver. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
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