Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Historic Cities of Eastern Canada by Globus
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 6,285 | $ 3,308 |
| Price Per Day | $ 698 | $ 368 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | Three breakfasts and four picnic lunches are included on this trip. For meals not included, you usually eat out in local restaurants recommended by the tour leader. To help you budget, meals cost on average: Hotel breakfasts: 15-20 Canadian dollars (US$11-US$15) Lunches: 20-25 dollars (US$15-US$19) Dinners: 30-50 dollars (US$23-US$38), this does not include alcoholic beverages Drinks cost on average: Wine: 15-20 dollars (US$11-15) per glass Beer: 8-12 dollars (US$6-US$9) per bottle A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared. | N/A |
| Description |
‘Beautiful British Columbia’ proclaim the number plates, for once without hyperbole. Sensational wildlife regularly presents itself amid a backdrop of rugged scenery. Here, whale and bear watching is the big draw but seals, elk and beavers ensure a truly authentic British Columbian wildlife encounter. Our adventures take us to Vancouver Island, where we explore beaches and walk trails at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and we hope to see humpbacks, orcas, black bears and more.Discover the wildlife and rugged scenery of Western Canada |
While starry-eyed lovers profess their devotion by attaching engraved padlocks to the Niagara Falls Lock Bridge and throwing away the key, this lovely tour of Eastern Canada unlocks the brightest sights from the thundering falls to quaint Québec City. Cinch your poncho hood tightly for a thrilling boat cruise to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls before immersing yourself in the varied cityscapes of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City. With guided sightseeing in each, this encompassing tour of Eastern Canada makes it easy to compare and contrast the diverse flavors of the region – especially with an included lofty lunch at Toronto’s soaring CN Tower, local wine with dinner at picturesque Niagara Falls, a scenic cruise around the rugged Thousand Islands, a classic French dinner in Old Town Québec, and breakfast in a traditional sugar shack. A must-have beavertail pastry in the capital city of Ottawa is just as sweet. |
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: ARRIVE IN TORONTO, ONTARIO
Welcome to Toronto! At 6 pm, meet your travel companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director prepares you for your upcoming adventure.
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Day 2: TORONTO
Elevated Experiences This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Legislature Building; the cultural neighborhoods; the University of Toronto; and Eaton Centre, the city’s number-one tourist attraction, with more than 300 stores for world-class shopping. The tour concludes with lunch atop the 1,815-foot-tall CN Tower, where you’ll enjoy incredible views of the city and harbor below you. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNEW HEIGHTS Toronto’s soaring CN Tower puts a new spin on elevated dining with lunch served 1,151 feet above the ground. Your table is ready in the 360 Restaurant, which completes one rotation every 72 minutes, giving you an ever-changing, full-circle view of Toronto while you dine. Step out to the Main Observation Level after your meal, so you can take in the spectacular panorama while standing on the transparent glass floor inviting you to walk on air above the sights 114 stories below.
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Day 3: TORONTO–NIAGARA FALLS
Waterfalls & Wine Leave bustling Toronto and travel along the shores of Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls. Then, board a cruise for a thrilling ride to view the thundering falls from river level. Stop in picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, where there is time to browse the shops of Main Street. Enjoy dinner tonight with a spectacular view of the falls including [LF] local ice wine. Later, you may wish to see the illumination of the falls as they are lit in every color of the rainbow. A special treat not to be missed! (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Experience the best in regional wines with dinner tonight. What better way to conclude your breathtaking day than by enjoying regional ice wines served with a stunning view of the magnificent falls.
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Day 4: NIAGARA FALLS–ROCKPORT–THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK–OTTAWA
Islands in the Streams Travel this morning to Rockport, where you’ll board a boat for a scenic cruise through the waterways of Thousand Islands National Park. Continue to the nation’s capital of Ottawa, pleasantly framed by the banks of the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, for a 2-night stay. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Journey through the picturesque granite islands, windswept pine trees, and vast estates of Thousand Islands National Park. Referred to by the Iroquois Nation as the “Garden of the Great Spirit,” the tranquility of the area belies a history of adventures, wars and rebellions. See the Canadian Palisades, Zavikon Island, and the vast estates through Millionaire’s Row.
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Day 5: OTTAWA
Oh, Canada! Enjoy guided sightseeing this morning through the legendary landmarks of the Canadian capital city of Ottawa. Sink your sweet tooth into a beloved Canadian treat, [LF] a Canadian beavertail. The afternoon is free. You may wish to visit the world-renowned Canadian Museum of History, shop for souvenirs, or spend time at the National Gallery of Canada. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE TASTES & TRADITIONS Enjoy a delicious Canadian specialty, a Canadian beavertail, a pastry stretched to the shape of a beaver tail with toppings added for extra bite!TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the city of Ottawa to see its famous landmarks, including the residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister, the hexagonal National Arts Centre, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal.
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Day 6: OTTAWA–CAP-DE-LA-MADELEINE–QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC
French Sights & Bites Drive north to Cap-de-la-Madeleine for a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a national shrine famous for its fine stained-glass windows. Time to stroll through the grounds of the sanctuary and see the miraculous Madonna in the old chapel. Continue to romantic Québec City, one of the most historic and best-preserved cities in North America. This evening, enjoy regional French cuisine at a special dinner in Old Town Québec. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & HERITAGE Explore the beautiful city of Québec, the French-founded city, port, and capital of Canada’s Québec province. One of the oldest cities in Canada— Québec City retains more than 400 years of tradition, architecture, and Old-World charm in the only remaining walled city in North America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a romantic city of narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, fortifications, and rich French-Canadian culture and cuisine. Take in the city’s splendid views of the surrounding landscape and unique character, which prompted Charles Dickens to call it the “Gibraltar of North America.”
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Day 7: QUÉBEC CITY
French-Canadian Treasures Visit a locally owned [LF] Sugar Shack for a guided tour to learn the art of making maple syrup and to enjoy a traditional sugar shack breakfast. Then, tour Canada’s only walled city with a Local Guide. Until the British victory of 1759, Old Québec was the center of New France. Within its walls are Place d’Armes, Laval Seminary, and ancient Place Royale. Also, see the old-world houses crowding the narrow streets in Lower Town by the St. Lawrence River and historic Plains of Abraham. The afternoon is free to explore the historic sites or stroll the streets of Old Québec City. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Collecting maple water and turning it into maple syrup has been a local tradition for generations of families who trudged through the snow to collect maple water from buckets in preparation for a hearty meal of homemade delights. Join us for a visit to a Sugar Shack to learn the art of making maple syrup and enjoy a traditional breakfast in the old tradition.FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE with free time in Old Québec City. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. This evening, consider an optional dinner that includes a visit to 274-foot-high Montmorency Falls and dinner at Le Moulin de Saint-Laurent - a restored 17th-century flour mill.
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Day 8: QUÉBEC CITY–MONTRÉAL
Magical Montréal On to Montréal, where sightseeing with a Local Guide includes Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Seminary of St. Sulpice, and a drive to the top of Mount Royal to enjoy a panorama of the city. Free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner in the heart of Old Montréal—the perfect ending to your vacation! (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM Explore the cultural capital of Canada where the traditional Québécois style is celebrated along its cobblestone streets and grand buildings in European flair. See the Basilique Notre-Dame with its stunning stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal with spectacular views of Vieux-Montréal.
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Day 9: MONTRÉAL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Want to explore more in Montréal? Additional nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)
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