Au revoir Ottawa and bonjour Quebec City! With its cobbled streets and ancient stone houses, Quebec City's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town is an open-air museum. It's time to get out and explore more of what this region has to offer - we're talking vibrant art scenes, Parisian-style eateries and quaint river boardwalks.
We'll immerse ourselves in the history of the city on a tour with a local guide, then once we've uncovered Quebec's hidden historical gems, it's time to fill up on a famous Canadian dish - Poutine! We'll be sure to hit up a local eatery where it's well and truly the star of the show. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Le Voyageur (or similar)
There's no better way to start the day than with fresh air and fantastic views, so let's whisk ourselves away to Montmorency Falls this morning. If you're feeling adventurous, opt to soar across the falls on a zipline that will bring you even closer to this magnificent, natural phenomenon. Now that you're fully awake, we'll head back to Quebec where you'll have the afternoon to explore.
You could check out the Chateau Frontenac - this red brick building built in 1983 is a landmark the city is definitely proud of. Or try munching on duck with maple syrup – a local delicacy. Oh and let's not forget the awesome nightlife Quebec offers - it's time to party French style! (B)
Experience Niagara Falls' surging power first-hand on the Niagara Cruise boat by cruising right up to its thundering base. If you're looking to see things from a different perspective, soar above the action in a chopper or just take in the scene from the safety of a viewing platform. And don't worry – the ponchos are on us.
Welcome to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the hot spots of this fabulous city soon after we arrive and will then give you the afternoon to yourselves where you can find your niche in this cosmopolitan melting pot. If you want to enjoy an evening of laughter, join us for a legendary Second City improv show where some of the funniest people on the planet have trodden the boards. Joan Rivers, Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Bill Murray are just a few of the big names to have started out here over the past 60 years. (B) Stay: Chelsea Hotel (or similar)
Well rested, we'll take in some incredible scenes on our drive this morning, and you might even see the highest point in the Rockies if weather permits. Eating outdoors is essential in these parts, so we'll load you up with a picnic lunch against a beautiful backdrop. And then the outdoors is yours to explore.
Want to take the adrenaline levels up a notch? Get involved with our optional white-water rafting experience on the Fraser River. There's nothing like a rafting adventure to confirm that there is no 'I' in team. Jasper will be your home for the next two nights – convenient really, considering it's the perfect base to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. (L) Stay: Athabasca Hotel (or similar)
Rise 'n' shine - it's time to get out there with an easy hike though Maligne Canyon. Towering limestone walls will watch over us as we take in the scene, making our way across bridges to the thrilling soundtrack of rushing water. Nature goals achieved, we'll jump on the coach and head to Maligne Lake, famous for the azure colour of its water, and today we'll show you why.
Drink in the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the shore, or take an optional cruise out to iconic Spirit Island, the most photographed image in the Rockies - we'll bet you know the one. Later, the Warrior Women will join us once again for an interactive plant walk.
On our way to Banff today, you'll be glued to the windows as we pass the waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers and towering mountains that make up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take a walk to the Athabasca Falls, wheel across the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, and cure that cotton-mouth with a drink of pure H2O – just be careful not to stick your tongue to the ice... Peyto Lake and Lake Louise (you're sure to have seen these on Instagram) are the perfect place to snap your next profile pic, and make sure those eyes stay peeled for wildlife.
We'll roll into Banff – the unofficial capital of the Canadian Rockies. You're in cowboy country now, and who are we to buck tradition? Saddle up for a round of drinks before dinner and check into your chalet. (D) Stay: Tunnel Mountain Resort (multi-share)
Marvel at the change of scenery today as we cut through three national parks on our way to Vernon. First up is Yoho National Park with its valley of waterfalls and meadows, and home to the amazing engineering feat - the Spiral Train Tunnel. Next up is Glacier National Park, which boasts over 400 (wait for it) glaciers (surprise) and Rogers Pass.
Lastly we'll drive through scenic Mt. Revelstoke National Park. After cramming three national parks into one day, you deserve a hearty meal in Vernon. There's plenty of traditional pubs in town, and they'll be able to help you out on the beverage front as well. (B) Stay: Days Inn Vernon (or similar)
We're sure you'll agree that meandering through Canada's wine country – the famed Okanagan Valley - is a great way to kill time on the drive back to Vancouver. It's time to see everything of this magical metropolis that you missed the first time around, we'll treat you to a whirlwind tour of the historic sites. Vancouver's downtown is world class, and its locals take immense pride in its multiculturalism.
Stop for pics at the city's nine Totem Poles - these colourful carved sculptures stand tall in Stanley Park and are a must-see sight that were gifted to Vancouver City. Get out there and get local, do some boutique shopping or even rent a bike and explore the city on wheels. Tonight, give your ears a treat with some live music in the alleys of Yale Town. (B) Stay: Hotel Belmont (Twin-Share)
Contiki Tours
Travel Styles