Day: 1
Set among lush coastal mountains, Vancouver is a bustling seaport city that blends eclectic urban sophistication with First Nations culture and ready access to wilderness adventure. Settle in, before making your way to Top of Vancouver for a welcome dinner.
Day: 2
Take in views of English Bay and visit some of Vancouver’s culturally rich neighborhoods as well as Capilano River Canyon Rainforest. Watch for salmon in the river below as you walk across the gently swaying 160-foot-high Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Discover the rich flavors of Vancouver’s Asian culinary scene on a private food walk that will take you to four authentic eateries.
Day: 3
Journey to Whistler, where you embark by Jeep on a black bear viewing tour. Stop at Whistler Olympic Park, from the Vancouver 2010 winter games, before rolling out — with exclusive access — through prime black bear habitat. You may sight mothers and their cubs as well as deer and coyotes. At the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, receive a ceremonial welcome conducted on behalf of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations. Savor a lunch made from local seafood and free-range game meats — a feast celebrating First Nations culture. Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for stunning views of Howe Sound.
Day: 4
Surrounded by Manitoba’s natural beauty, the town of Churchill on Hudson Bay is a world-class destination for wildlife viewing and considered the polar bear capital of the world. Fly direct from Vancouver by private charter into this remote locale and settle into your hotel. Join a polar bear expert from Polar Bears International for an insightful session on polar bear conservation. Watch for the dazzling northern lights — visible here up to 300 nights of the year — in a location far from artificial light.
Day: 5
Venture by boat to seek out the friendly, curious belugas of the Churchill River estuary. These graceful white whales often swim right up to the boat or glide alongside in playful groups. Continue to the mouth of the river, going ashore to explore the Prince of Wales Fort. Wander along its weathered stone walls as your guide brings the structure’s history to life.
Day: 6
Climb aboard a custom-built tundra buggy to roll deep into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, a region teeming with life. Scan the horizon for caribou, arctic foxes and arctic hares, keeping watch for the season’s first polar bears and the over 200 migratory bird species. After some time on your own, experience the history and traditions of the Sayisi Dene First Nation through an immersive presentation led by an expert on their nomadic way of life.
Day: 7
Over 400 years old, Quebec City was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. The ramparts surrounding UNESCO-listed Old Quebec are the only fortified city walls remaining in the Americas north of Mexico. Touch down, settle into your grand castle-hotel and then set out on a guided tour of this iconic property, followed by dinner.
Day: 8
Explore Île d’Orléans on a guided adventure that immerses you in the island’s heritage as you make several stops to sample local gourmet delicacies. After an exclusive meeting with local experts, view the breathtaking Montmorency Falls by cable car. Continue to Cuivres d’Art Albert Gilles for an interactive workshop led by a family of artisans who carry on the finely detailed metal-working art of repoussé and create your own memento.
Day: 9
Embark a cruise along the St. Lawrence River, taking in the breathtaking Montmorency Falls and photogenic Château Frontenac. Privately tour the Musée de la Civilisation, with access to exclusive exhibits that yield a deeper understanding of Quebec’s history. Then experience great food combined with cultural exploration in the heart of Old Quebec.
Day: 10
Fly to Gander, then continue overland to the rugged, windswept shores of Newfoundland’s remote Fogo Island, where your hotel welcomes you with striking architecture and scenic coastlines.
Day: 11
Venture by boat into the storied North Atlantic on a private whale watching tour with a local guide at the helm, seeking out some of the world’s most majestic mammals, which may include humpbacks, minkes and the occasional orca. Back on shore, take advantage of time free to relax or explore at your own pace, choosing from a range of activities, from biking and birdwatching to boat building and stargazing.
Day: 12
Get the feel for the life of a local artisan with a private pottery workshop at the Fogo Clay Studio, guided by expert potter Sarah Fulford, who offers hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level. Work by hand or try the pottery wheel as you shape a takeaway keepsake. Explore Fogo Island on your own, bidding farewell to its quiet magic.
Day: 13
Return to Gander by ferry, then take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.