Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Canada's Eastern Cities by Train by Audley Travel

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Day 1 : Toronto

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Toronto. On arrival, make your way from the airport to your downtown accommodation - you could get a taxi, ride the Union Pearson Express rail to Union Station or catch a bus. After checking into your hotel, you have the rest of the day to relax or explore Canada's largest city. There are many museums, shops, galleries and restaurants to browse, or you can head to the top of the CN Tower to take photographs over the cityscape.

Day 2 : Toronto

Enjoy a full day soaking up the sights and sounds of Toronto. You could explore the city's array of galleries and museums, or venture into its quirky, eclectic neighbourhoods. If you're a sports fan, we recommend a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame or the Rogers Center, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. Alternatively, take a 15 minute ferry ride over to Toronto Island, where parks offer a peaceful place to walk or cycle and you can relax on sandy beaches - and admire the city skyline.

Day 3 : Toronto

Join a full day, small group guided trip to Niagara Falls. The journey takes around two hours, passing the fruit-growing town of St Catherine's and the Niagara Peninsula wine region (you may have the chance to stop at a winery later today for some wine tasting). On arrival at Niagara Falls, you have plenty of time to take in the beauty and power of the cascading water, and an exhilarating boat trip gives you a closer view. After lunch in one of the local restaurants, you're driven along the scenic Niagara Parkway, winding along the Niagara Gorge, before visiting the pretty village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You may have time to take an optional helicopter flight from here over the falls for superb bird's-eye views.

Day 4 : Ottawa

This morning, make your own way to Union Station, where you board the train from Toronto to Ottawa. The journey takes around four and a half hours; you can admire the view as cut through Ontario's forested interior. A snack and bar service is offered on all of your journeys. On arrival at Ottawa's Tremblar Road Station, take a short taxi tide to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Canada's capital city. We can book you on a free 20 minute tour of Parliament Hill's government buildings. You'll also find the Peace Tower here - a lift can take you up to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Day 5 : Ottawa

Spend today further exploring the compact city of Ottawa. Many superb parks and gardens, as well as the Rideau Canal, offer a peaceful place to stroll. There are also a variety of museums and galleries to browse, including the Museum of History, which charts 1,000 years of Canadian history through interesting and atmospheric exhibits. We also recommend visiting the Byward Market, where you're spoilt for choice when it comes to cafes and restaurants.

Day 6 : Montréal

Take a taxi to Ottawa's Tremblar Road Station, where you board the train to Montréal. The journey takes around two hours through lush green landscapes. On arrival at Montréal's Central Station, take a taxi to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this cosmopolitan city, which blends French, British and Canadian cultures. You could browse the many chic shops and galleries or take a guided walking tour along the cobbled streets of Old Montréal and the Old Port area to learn about the city's history.

Day 7 : Montréal

The day is yours to explore more of the city. You may wish to take a relaxing bateaux mouche cruise along the St Lawrence River, visit the Planetarium for an insight into astronomy, stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens or learn about the environment in the distinctive Biosphere Museum. You could also visit the Museum of Fine Arts or go walking in Parc du Mont Royal for excellent views over the city.

Day 8 : Québec City

Take a taxi to the train station and board the train to Québec City. The journey takes around three and a half hours and you pass some beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains and dense evergreen forest. Upon arrival at Québec City's Gare du Palais, take a taxi to your hotel before heading out to take in this historic city's many sights. Enjoy a drink in one of the quaint cafes while soaking up the distinctly European atmosphere, or visit La Citadelle with its old fortified walls.

Day 9 : Québec City

Join a two hour guided, small group walking tour of old Québec. Your guide is an expert on the city's history and gives you a fascinating insight into its past. Highlights include strolling along the Duffering Terrace for views over the surrounding countryside and the St Lawrence River, walking through the Governor's Garden to see the Wolfe-Montcalm monument and learning about the last siege on the city at La Maison du General. After the tour you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city through new eyes, spending more time at its historical sites, enjoying a spot of shopping or tucking into the fine French cuisine served in many of the cafes and restaurants.

Day 10 : International return flight

There may be time this morning for some last minute shopping and sightseeing before taking a taxi to Québec Airport for your onward flight.

Day 11 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.