Coast To Coast

2009

From Vancouver

22 Days / 21 Nights

 

Day 01           Vancouver

Start your journey with a taxi pickup from home to Portland’s Union Station where you board Amtrak to Vancouver. The train stops in Seattle and you transfer to an Amtrak bus and continue on to Vancouver. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (included)

Overnight: Vancouver

 

Day 02           Kamloops

Upon arrival at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station, board the Rocky Mountaineer for your two-day journey through the Rockies to Jasper. You will pass through the fertile fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon and the raging turbulence of Hell’s Gate. Breakfast and lunch are included today and served to you at your seat. As well, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are provided. In the early afternoon, you will follow the Thompson River through the stark, arid beauty of the interior to historic Kamloops, gateway to the interior of British Columbia. Upon

arrival at the Kamloops train station, transfer to your hotel (included).

Overnight in Kamloops.

 

Day 03           Banff

Early this morning transfer (included) to the Kamloops train station to re-board the Rocky Mountaineer train as your journey to Banff continues. Breakfast and lunch are once again included and served at your seat. As you approach the Rocky Mountains, you will begin to notice quite a dramatic change in the vistas! Highlights which can be seen from the train (weather conditions permitting) include Pyramid Falls, the Albreda Icefields, located in the majestic Premier Mountain Range, and Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies (3,954 metres). A wide array of wildlife can often be seen not far from the railway tracks as well. Jasper is one of Canada’s largest National Parks, and is known particularly for its wildlife, such as elk, bear and moose. Upon arrival at the Jasper train station, transfer to your hotel (included).

Overnight in Banff.

 

Day 04           Banff

Begin your day with a Brewster motorcoach sightseeing tour. Highlights of this three-hour tour include a visit to the hoodoos, shaped by centuries of wind, Surprise Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, which overlooks the splendor of the Bow River Valley, and the Cave & Basin, where Banff’s history began. Also included in your tour is a visit to the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, where you will have time for a ride

(included) to the summit for a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks and valleys of this Canadian wilderness.

 

Day 05           Banff to Lake Louise

Depart Banff this morning and travel to beautiful Johnston Canyon, following a winding path along the base of the Bow Valley. Soon you reach Moraine Lake, with the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflecting off its turquoise waters. Continue to Lake Louise the “Jewel of the Rockies”, with its backdrop of the glistening Victoria Glacier. After a lunch break (lunch not included), cross the Continental Divide and enter Yoho National Park. Visit the scenic Yoho Valley and such sights as Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass and the Natural Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Return to Lake Louise.

Overnight: Lake Louise

 

Day 06           Lake Louise to Jasper

Today’s journey takes you north along the world famous Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America. Stop at the Columbia Icefields allowing time to travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer onto Athabasca Glacier. Step out of the Ice Explorer and stand on snow that fell 400 years ago. Time is allowed for lunch (not included). Leave the Icefield Interpretive Center, making a stop at Athabasca Fall before arriving in Jasper. You will be dropped off at your hotel

Overnight: Lake Jasper

 

Day 07  Jasper

Your morning excursion will begin along the Mighty Athabasca Canadian Heritage River, learning about David Thompson and the valley ecosystem. Travel above Maligne Canyon, with its narrow gorge and limestone walls created by 10,000 years of water flow. On your adventure to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, you may see a variety of mountain wildlife.

Overnight: Jasper

 

Day 08           VIA Rail

Late this morning, transfer to the Jasper train station (transfer included) to board VIA Rail’s “Canadian.” This afternoon, you leave the peaceful mountain town of Jasper. Your destination is Toronto, the economic centre of Canada. Dinner is included this evening onboard the train.

Over-night onboard VIA Rail.

 

Day 09           VIA Rail

Today, continue traveling across the Great Central Plains of Canada, through Winnipeg to rugged Northern Ontario. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included onboard the

train today.

Overnight onboard VIA Rail.

 

Day 10           VIA  Rail

Today, continue traveling across the Great Central Plains of Canada, through Winnipeg to rugged Northern Ontario. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included onboard the

train today.

Overnight onboard VIA Rail.

 

Day 11          Toronto

This morning, arrive in Toronto, home of the Toronto Blue Jays – World Series Champions two years in a row.

Transfer (included) to your selected hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are once again included onboard the train.

Overnight in Toronto.

 

Day 12           Toronto

Tour exciting Toronto this morning. Highlights of thie two-hour excursion include the New and Old City Halls, the Ontario Legislature Buildings, the University of Toronto, Chinatown, Eaton Center, the CN Tower. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Overnight: Toronto

 

Day 13           Toronto to Niagara Falls and Return

Today, depart on a full-day scheduled-service motor coach sightseeing tour to Niagara Falls. You will travel through the orchard-laden Niagara Peninsula to Niagara Falls, one of the great wonders of the world. Highlights of today’s tour include a sumptuous buffet while overlooking the Falls, plus a trip on the world-famous “Maid of the Mist” (included), which takes you to the base of the majestic Horseshoe Falls. Also included is a trip along beautiful River Road, which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge. Stops are made at the Floral Clock and at

the historic community of Niagara-on-the- Lake.

Overnight in Toronto.

 

Day 14           Toronto to Ottawa

Transfer (not included) to Union Station and board VIA Rail, departing this morning to Ottawa. Upon arrival, a taxi transfer is required (not included) to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Ottawa

 

Day 15           Ottawa

Today, enjoy a scheduled-service sight-seeing tour of Ottawa. Highlights of the Hop On Hop Off Tour include the Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court of Canada, the Canadian Mint and the National Arts Centre.

Overnight in Ottawa.

 

Day 16           Ottawa to Montreal

Transfer (not included) to the Ottawa train station for the two-hour trip to Montreal. On arrival, proceed by taxi (not included) to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Montreal

 

Day 17           Montreal

Today, enjoy a scheduled-service motor coach sightseeing tour featuring some of the most famous areas of the city. Highlights include the Old Port; Notre Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of religious architecture; St. Joseph Oratory; Olympic Parc and its dramatic leaning tower; Place Jacques Cartier; McGill  University; and Old Montréal. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this fabulous and energetic city.

Overnight in Montréal.

 

Day 18           Montreal to Quebec City

After a free morning, transfer on your own to the Montreal train station to continue your rail trip with VIA Rail to the charms of Quebec City. You will enjoy lunch on the train (included). Upon arrival in Quebec City, transfer on your own to your hotel

 

Day 19           Quebec City

This morning enjoy a sightseeing excursion of Quebec City, the first French settlement in North America. Highlights including the Plains of Abraham, site of the historic battle between French and British forces; Place Royal; the Parliament Buildings; and Upper and Lower Québec. The rest of the day is at leisure

Overnight in Québec City.

 

Day 20           Quebec City to Halifax

The day is free to explore the city’s “old world” charm. Enjoy sidewalk cafes and outdoor displays by Quebec artists, set among 400 years of history. This evening, transfer (included) to the Quebec train station. Then transfer by motor coach or van to Charny (transfer included) to board VIA Rail to Halifax

Overnight: VIA Rail

 

Day 21           VIA Rail to Halifax

Your rail journey to Halifax continues onboard the “Ocean”. From Quebec City, travel through the rural communities of Quebec’s south shore to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. A late afternoon arrival and transfer on your own to your hotel. Breakfast and lunch are served onboard today.

Overnight: Halifax

 

Day 22           Halifax

Conclude your holiday with a transfer via scheduled airport service (not included). You may wish to extend your journey with an additional night or two stay in Halifax and include some optional excursions

 

 

Tour Includes:

 

• Visit Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax
• Hotel accommodations for 17 nights including provisional taxes
• Sleeping accommodations onboard VIA for 3 nights
• VIA Rail’s “Canadian” Silver & Blue Class from Jasper to Toronto
• 2 Breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners onboard VIA Rail
• Rocky Mountaineer daylight train “RedLeaf” service Vancouver to Banff
• 2 Breakfasts & 2 lunches while onboard Rocky Mountaineer
• Transfers to and from train stations in Vancouver, Kamloops and Jasper
• Excursions of Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
• Banff Gondola
• Admission to Cave and Basin National Historic Site
• View Moraine Lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake
• Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Excursion of Toronto & Niagara Falls
• VIA 1 service Toronto to Ottawa including 1 meal
• VIA 1 service Ottawa to Montreal with meal
• Excursions in Montreal & Quebec City
• VIA Rail’s “Ocean” in Easterly service Quebec City to Halifax including sleeping accommodations and breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Luggage handling at hotels
• National Park Fees

 

 

Departure Dates 2009

 

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

 

May 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28

June 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29

July 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29

August 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31

September 5, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30

October 3, 5, 7, 10

 

Rocky Mountaineer Boarding Time

Vancouver      7:30am

Kamloops      6:30am

 

Via Rail Boarding Time

Jasper                        4:30pm

 

 

Rates Per Person-US Dollars	Twin	Single	Triple
Moderate Program
May 2-May 13	$5815.00	$7903.00	$5404.00
May 16-June 24	$7555.00	$10212.00	$7047.00
June 27-August 24	$7727.00	$10556.00	$7162.00
August 26-October 3	$7877.00	$10165.00	$7345.00
October 5- October 10	$6556.00	$8541.00	$6184.00
Deluxe Program
May 2-May 13	$7443.00	$10783.00	$6850.00
May 16-June 24	$9824.00	$14179.00	$8960.00
June 27-August 24	$10025.00	$14580.00	$9095.00
August 26-October 3	$10181.00	$14643.00	$9332.00
October 5- October 10	$8077.00	$11010.00	$7670.00

 

 

City	Moderate Accommodations	Deluxe Accommodations
Vancouver	Pacific Palisades	Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
	Deluxe Room	Fairmont Room
Kamloops	Rocky Mountaineer	Rocky Mountaineer
Banff	Mount Royal Hotel	Fairmont Banff Springs
		Fairmont Room
Lake Louise	Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise	Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
	Fairmont Room	Fairmont Deluxe Room
Jasper	Lobstick Lodge	Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
		Fairmont Room
VIA Rail (Canadian)	Upper/Lower Berth	Bedroom/Roomette
Toronto	Courtyard by Marriott	Fairmont Royal York Hotel
		Fairmont Room
Ottawa	Lord Elgin	Fairmont Chateau Laurier Fairmont Room
Montreal	Hotel Governor Place	Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Fairmont Room
Quebec City	Hotel Manoir Victoria	Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Fairmont Room
VIA Rail (Ocean)	Regular Bedroom	Deluxe Bedroom
Halifax	The Citadel Hotel	Delta Barrington Delta Room