Rockies Grandeur & Best of the East

Welcome to Canada. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Today, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22-hectare showplace of magnificent, colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens, which have delighted visitors from around the world for over one hundred years. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill and residential areas. There is free time to explore Victoria or allow Emerald Tours to assist you in discovering more about this historic region. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Go whale watching or take a horse and carriage ride (extra expense)

Drive north along Vancouver Island through forested roads and towns to Nanaimo. Board the BC Ferry and travel through Georgia Strait to Horseshoe Bay. Journey north along the Sea to Sky Highway as the road follows the rugged coastline, with views of Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island, Gambier Island and Anvil Island on your left and forested parks and mountains on your right. Stop at the awesome Shannon Falls before arriving at the charming alpine resort of Whistler, where you are free to explore the village. (B/D)

Travel along the scenic Duffy Lake Road lined with thick forest, into the town of Lillooet. In the afternoon, arrive at your riverfront boutique Inn nestled on 22-hectares in the lush Thompson Valley. (B/D)

Today, you will be rewarded with astounding views as you reach the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Travel through eastern British Columbia and into Alberta, enjoying glimpses of the soaring mountains as you make your way through the three spectacular National Parks of Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Travel from primeval forests to Ice Age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Late this afternoon, arrive in Banff National Park. (B)

A full day at leisure to enjoy Banff and its many sights and attractions. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense)

Start the day with a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue along the Trans-Canada Highway past Castle Mountain and Mount Temple to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness.” Enjoy some free time taking in the breathtaking scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier-fed waters. Stay at Emerald Lake Lodge, which rests on the shores of the lake, surrounded by towering peaks and forests. Overnight stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar (B/D)

This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most incredible journeys in the world. Enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery as you pass rugged peaks and glaciers fringed by thick forest and shimmering lakes. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you will climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a once-in-a-lifetime journey onto the mighty 300-metre-thick Athabasca Glacier.

The day’s end finds us in Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Walk above the Rockies deepest canyon, Maligne Canyon and enjoy seeing stories of Maligne come alive with a special horns and antler presentation. (B/D)

Today, we set off on a two-day rail experience on “The Most Spectacular Train Journey in the World.” Settle back in your SilverLeaf carriage (upgrade to GoldLeaf at additional expense). Enjoy wondrous views of the soaring mountains of Canada’s Rockies including its highest peak, the awesome 3954-metre-high Mt. Robson, as you journey towards Kamloops. (B/L)

Continue your journey on board the Rocky Mountaineer following the Thompson River and passing through the magnificent Fraser Valley. Late afternoon, you will arrive in Vancouver. (B/L)

Transfer to Vancouver Airport to board your flight to Toronto (flight not included). (B)

Today, see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Board a thrilling cruise to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Get up close to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world as you feel the mist washing over you. Visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. (B/D)

Ascend to the top of the CN Tower for some spectacular views over Toronto. Travel up University Avenue to take in the sights of Ontario’s Parliament Buildings, Queens Park and museum row. Travel east following Lake Ontario to Kingston, the gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. Board your vessel for a cruise of one of the most picturesque areas in Eastern Canada. Continue to Canada’s national capital, Ottawa. (B)

This morning, our local guide joins us for a tour of Ottawa, famous for its stately boulevards, imposing buildings and tulip filled gardens during spring. See the green-peaked roofs of the Parliament Buildings, City Hall and the National Gallery. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore at leisure. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Visit Madahòkì Farm for an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome, spend time with the Cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.

Bienvenue to the French-Canadian province of Québec. Head for the quintessentially French city of Montréal, located on an island of the St. Lawrence River. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, viewing St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mount Royal. (B)

Departing Montréal, make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. Visit Deschambault, a quaint village along the St. Lawrence River before a scenic drive along the “Chemin du Roy” (King’s Road), the oldest roadway in Canada. Arrive in Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. Later, embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. (B/L)

• EmeraldPLUS Enjoy French Canadian country charm and hospitality and learn how to make maple candy, then partake in a delicious lunch that showcases the local country cuisine.

Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets and ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)