Compare Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound by G Adventures 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 | 12 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 4,504 | $ 3,308 |
Price Per Day | $ 375 | $ 368 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
Activities |
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Meals Included | 11 breakfasts, 1 dinner | N/A |
Description |
Discover the awe-inspiring scenery and legendary wildlife of western Canada on a voyage across the craggy Rocky Mountains. Explore historic Banff and Whistler, marvel at the astonishing natural beauty of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and breathe in fresh mountain air while soaking in hot mineral springs and hiking in Jasper National Park. Along the way, gain fascinating insights from knowledgeable local experts and First Nations people. |
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 Vancouver
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2 Vancouver/Victoria
Head downtown to explore the lush gardens, beaches, woodlands, and miles of trails around Stanley Park, considered one of the world’s greatest city parks. Venture to historic Gastown, and stroll cobblestone streets past Victorian buildings that now house lively restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Then board the scenic ferry to Victoria.
Take a stroll around the city with your CEO to get familiar with your surroundings before you can enjoy the evening on your own.
Day 3 Victoria
Today is free to explore the charming city of Victoria. Wander along the waterfront and choose among an array of optional activities. Discover the stunning floral displays at the famous Butchart Gardens, peruse the Royal British Columbia Museum, or enjoy high tea at a historic hotel. Or opt to cruise the sea in a Zodiac boat in search of gray whales, sea lions, seals, orcas, and other marine creatures.
Day 4 Victoria/Whistler
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the village of Whistler, host of some of the events of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Enjoy a G for Good experience at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a showcase for First Nations customs, art, and music. Join an indigenous guide on an interpretive walk through the forest, hear how First Nations people lived off this land, and learn about local flora used for food and medicine. Then take part in a traditional tea ceremony to sample teas and bannock while listening to ancestral stories and legends. Continue to the mountain resort of Whistler, co-host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Day 5 Whistler
Spend today exploring Whistler and the surrounding parks on your own. Stroll through the village, and opt to ride the gondola up the mountain for 360-degree views. Or choose to hike one of the many beautiful trails in the area, go ziplining through the rain forest, or set out on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip.
Whistler and its surrounding provincial parks are places you must discover. It is also a great place to try one of the many optional mountain activities.
Day 6 Whistler/Blue River
Pass through the Coastal Mountains into the Caribou Mountains on a route once marked by gold prospectors. Sit back and enjoy dramatic changes in your surroundings, the mountains to sweeping grasslands. Enjoy stops at Kamloops Lake, an oasis amid an arid landscape, and the turquoise Seton Lake, a freshwater fjord ringed by towering peaks. Arrive in the small community of Blue River.
Following this extraordinary route, once marked by the gold prospectors, we leave the Coastal Mountain Range and set foot into the arid and dry land of the Thompson Okanagan region. Aboriginal peoples led a semi-nomadic life moving between hunting and fishing grounds in the summer and settling into pit houses for the winter. Europeans came at first for fur trading and later on to establish cattle ranches, farms, and mining operations. The scenery changes dramatically and could even make you feel as if you were in a western movie.
Day 7 Blue River/Jasper National Park
Cross the Rockies into Jasper National Park and follow in the historic path of fur traders on a scenic float trip down the tranquil Athabasca River, encountering a few gentle rapids along the way. Look out for wildlife, which can include bears, moose, eagles, ospreys, and mountain sheep. Later, gaze up at the highest peak, Mount Robson, during a stop at the visitor centre.
Day 8 Jasper National Park
Spend the day at leisure enjoying Jasper’s friendly mountain hospitality. Choose your own adventure among an array of optional activities: Hike to Maligne Canyon, cruise glacially fed Maligne Lake, or rent a bike or canoe to explore on your own. This evening, rejoin your fellow travelers for an unforgettable soak in Miette Hot Springs, where spacious pools of hot mineral springs offer panoramic views of the spectacular Fiddle River Valley.
Jasper's friendly mountain hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and the promise of real adventure make any visit unforgettable.
Day 9 Jasper National Park/Lake Louise
Pass lush coniferous forests, soaring mountains, turquoise lakes, and epic glaciers as we travel the winding Icefields Parkway—considered one of the world’s most scenic drives—to Bow Lake, stopping along the way to enjoy photo opportunities and wildlife encounters. At the Columbia Icefield, step foot on the lower Athabasca Glacier with an expert guide for a firsthand experience of this active glacial landscape. Continue to magnificent Lake Louise, an alpine lake legendary for its emerald-blue waters.
Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. Numerous stops will be planned along the way for photos, observation, and wildlife encounters.
Day 10 Lake Louise/Banff
Enjoy the morning at Lake Louise, taking in the scenery of the Victoria Glacier. Opt to join a hike to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, following a forested trail past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls to the shores of Lake Agnes, where a remote tea house built in 1901 serves loose-leaf teas and other refreshments. Continue to Banff. Go on a walk back in time through this historic resort town alongside an expert from the Whyte Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the Canadian Rockies. As you explore local landmarks on foot, discover how the construction of the Canadian Pacific railroad served as a stepping stone towards opening up western Canada.
Day 11 Banff/Calgary
Spend the morning in Banff, then drive to Calgary for a day at leisure. Experience the city’s Western spirit at lively honky-tonk bars, go museum-hopping, or opt to visit the Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, where you can luge down the bobsledding track in a wheeled cart or soar through the sky on a zipline.
Famed for its entrepreneurial spirit and youthful population, Calgary prides itself on being the heart of the new west while honouring its cowboy heritage.
Day 12 Calgary
Depart at any time.
If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
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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