Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Quebec City
Soak up the atmosphere of Canada's oldest city with its unique French culture. The best way to discover the city and its numerous historic buildings is by walking through the enchanting cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Don't miss a visit to the Fortifications, Place Royal, Montmorency Falls and the Ile d'Orleans.
Stay three nights in Quebec City.
Day 4 - Take VIA Rail from Quebec to Montreal (approx. 2¼ hrs)
Montreal is a thriving city, and with so much to see here, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, Place d'Armes, Old Montreal and Mont-Royal Park to name a few. Spend the evening discovering the bustling nightlife and gourmet restaurants.
Stay two nights in Montreal.
Day 6 - Take VIA Rail from Montreal to Ottawa (approx. 2 hrs)
As Canada’s capital city there is always plenty going on here. Take in a free tour of Parliament Hill, the seat of Canadian democracy. Then hop across the Ottawa River for an in-depth look at culture and heritage at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The By Ward Market has eclectic dining choices and is a great place to head for dinner.
Stay three nights in Ottawa
Day 9 - Take VIA Rail from Ottawa to Toronto (approx. 4½ hrs)
Begin by rocketing up the CN Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline before embarking on a double-decker bus tour of the city’s most impressive sights and attractions. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario and dine in one of the city’s numerous chic restaurants. Shop at the Toronto Eaton Centre, along trendy Queen Street West or in diverse ethnic neighbourhoods. If shopping is not your thing then take a boat cruise on the lake and tour around the Toronto Islands, or a day trip to Niagara Falls.
Stay three nights in Toronto.
Day 12 - Take VIA Rail from Toronto to Jasper (approx. 69 hrs – 3 overnights)
Travelling north of the Great Lakes, view the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, some of North America’s oldest rock formations. Rich in minerals and forests, the region is dotted with thousands of freshwater lakes. The train crosses the border into the province of Manitoba and stops briefly in its capital, Winnipeg and then crosses the vast expanse of prairie flatland in Saskatchewan and Alberta, before approaching the imposing silhouette of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the spectacle of nature as the train enters Jasper National Park.
We recommend booking a sleeping car which would be available for a supplement and includes meals on board.
Day 15 - Arrive in Jasper
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 18,878 square km. It's much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including a boat tour on Maligne Lake, rafting on the Athabascar River or a cable car to Whistlers Mountain for a bird's eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for mountain biking and hiking amidst glorious lakeside scenery.
Stay four nights in Jasper.
Day 19 - Take VIA Rail from Jasper to Prince George (approx. 6¼ hrs)
This region is rich in First Nations' culture and history. Passengers on this two-day daylight journey will be treated to spectacular views of the Jasper National Park and the rugged Canadian Rockies, the hauntingly beautiful Pacific Coast, and the rustic settlements, farms and sawmills dotting the lake-studded landscape.
Stay one night in Prince George.
Day 20 - Board the train again in the morning for your journey to Prince Rupert (approx. 12½ hrs)
The train winds through the Yellowhead Pass, across British Columbia’s interior plateau and long the mighty Skeena River.
The active port city of Prince Rupert is situated on Kaien Island, which was home to the Tsimshian and Haida nations for 5000 years and their legacies can be seen in the totem poles of Service Park, Roosevelt Park and the Sunken Gardens. Visit the Museum of Northern BC to learn more about the First Nations people. Take a harbour tour or a whale watching excursion, or browse some of the unique shops and galleries in the town.
Stay two nights in Prince Rupert.
Day 22 - Board the ferry for your Inside Passage Cruise to Port Hardy which departs at 07:30 arriving in Port Hardy at 23:30.
Sail through some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer. Enjoy panoramas of unsurpassed natural beauty with snow-capped mountains, jagged fjords and fishing villages. Keep an eye out for orcas and seals playing the water and bald eagles circling the skies. On board there is a dining room, licensed lounges, gift shop and plenty of seating areas.
Port Hardy is the last bastion of civilisation in the remote and wild north end of Vancouver Island. The town has a fascinating blue-collar history and is evolving into one of North America's best as-yet undiscovered outdoor adventure destinations. Enjoy fishing, hiking, world-class scuba diving, and serious quantities of wildlife in coastal waters, wilderness parks and woodland.
Stay two nights in Port Hardy.
Day 24 - Fly from Port Hardy to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities, rich with culture, nature and world-class shopping, dining and hotels. It is also home to the Coast Salish Peoples including the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish Nations. Explore Aboriginal culture at the Klahowya Village in Stanley Park and discover First Nations treasures at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Vancouver offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city. Take advantage of the city’s ocean-side location, with plenty of green space and outdoor experiences in the mountains 20 minutes north of downtown. After a busy day, wind-down over a glass of BC wine and a locally inspired meal, or pamper yourself at one of Vancouver’s unique spas.
Stay three nights in Vancouver.
Day 27 - Fly from Vancouver to the UK