Day 1 - Arrive in Toronto
As you arrive in Toronto today, make your way to your centrally located hotel for check-in, then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Toronto is a multicultural melting-pot with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. The city looks out across mesmerizing Lake Ontario from its position on the northern shore and is overlooked by the CN Tower, one of the tallest structures in the world. After your afternoon of perusing the sights at your own pace, you may wish to explore Toronto’s amazing culinary scene, which features a delightful array of restaurant choices. Overnight Toronto.
Day 2 - Niagara Falls
The roar of rushing water surrounds us as we visit Canada’s own natural wonder today, Niagara Falls. Our full-day excursion offers ample time to explore the attractions and to gaze upon the falls, which are all the more impressive in the wintertime, with their colossal icicles and surroundings of dense snow. We enjoy lunch in the Falls View Restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel and take in the dramatic scenery while dining on scrumptious dishes. Overnight Toronto. (L)
Day 3 - Boarding the Canadian
We depart our hotel this morning and transfer to Toronto’s rail station to embark on our unforgettable journey aboard VIA Rail’s Canadian. Settle into your onboard accommodations and enjoy the rapid change in scenery as the train pulls out of the city and heads into the countryside. Crossing through plains, farmlands and mountains, our route highlights Canada’s magnificent panoramas as we approach Vancouver. Overnight train. (D)
Day 4 - En Route Aboard the Canadian
A wild land of frozen lakes, snow-covered trees and isolated communities is brought to life as the Canadian crosses the Canadian Shield today. Sit back and relax as the incredible wintertime scenery passes by your window. You may also choose to watch the landscape unfold from the sightseeing lounge on the train. As we press on through the most remote stretches of land, keep your eyes peeled for the captivating local wildlife, including bear, moose, eagles and elk.
This evening, our train makes a quick stop in Winnipeg with time for you to disembark and stretch your legs. The train station itself is beautiful, with its impressive limestone construction and historical design. Step outside to see the city thoughtfully adorned in twinkling lights before reboarding the train and continuing with our journey. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Onboard VIA Rail’s Canadian
Cross vast expanses of plains and weave through towering evergreen forests. The train makes a quick stop in Saskatoon this morning and continues through the snow-clad landscape. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Jasper and the Canadian Rockies
As the sun peeks up over the ridges of Canadian Rockies, our train pulls into the station in Jasper. This beautiful resort town sits at the edge of the wilderness of Jasper National Park in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Take in the quiet atmosphere of the tree-covered mountains and blankets of snow complemented by the quaint townsite. The combination creates a picturesque winter wonderland. We continue our journey on board the Canadian and climb further into the Rockies, gazing upon truly spectacular scenery. Glaciers and frozen lakes come into view as we approach Kamloops. We pass by plunging canyons and see waterfalls that have been transformed into cascades of ice by the frigid temperatures. Overnight train. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Vancouver/Grouse Mountain
The plateaus and folded rock layers of the Western Cordillera are our guide to the coast as we travel the final leg of our journey, arriving in Vancouver after breakfast. On arrival, we embark on a comprehensive introduction to Vancouver on a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Our excursion includes destinations like Gastown, an area that combines history and contemporary boutiques and restaurants, and Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in all of North America. The final stop of the tour is Stanley Park, Vancouver’s crowning jewel. Encompassing nearly 1,000 acres of stunning parkland, Vancouver's first and largest park features a wonderful Seawall that provides incomparable views of the city, a train and famous totem poles. Overnight Vancouver. (B)
Day 8 - Vancouver at Leisure
Today is a free day for you to continue sightseeing in Vancouver at leisure. Thanks to the city’s remarkable location, you have access to the ocean, the mountains and to all the urban delights one could wish for. You may wish to take the ferry to Victoria, where there are charming shops and wonderful gardens to explore, despite the cold temperatures. Overnight Vancouver.
Day 9 - Christmas Day at Grouse Mountain
Today we enjoy a festive Christmas celebration at Grouse Mountain. We start with an exhilarating ride to the peak by cable car. At the summit, we enjoy a special Christmas lunch overlooking the city. We return to Vancouver early this evening Overnight Vancouver. (L, D)
Day 10 - Tour Conclusion
Your wintertime tour through Western Canada concludes this morning as you check out of the hotel and make your independent transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your return flight home.
Destination & Sightseeing
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