Compare Discover the Canadian Rockies - Eastbound by G Adventures vs On the Road: New England and the Canadian Maritimes by Road Scholar

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

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Portland - Old Port

Arrivals and Welcome to Portland, Maine

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. Please bring your name tag that is included in this packet to the program. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures including contact numbers for key staff, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. On the Road programs are journeys that take participants to multiple study sites in a region with a number of overnight stays. Lectures, talks, discussions, field trips, and on-board commentary amplify the program theme. Some journeys involve great distances and may take hours, others are much shorter. Long or short, On the Road journeys are learning experiences that make the most of our time together. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks and wildlife refuges for up to 4 adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on our field trips to benefit other members of the group.

Dinner: At the hotel, enjoy a delicious lobster meal, other choices available.

Evening: At leisure. Get acquainted with fellow Road Scholars!

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Portland - Old Port

Old Port District Walking Field Trip

Activity note: Walking on cobblestone and paved streets and standing on a guided visit, beginning at the hotel, through the Old Port district, with listening devices, for 1.5 hours over a total of approximately one mile.

Breakfast: At the hotel, buffet meal with hot and cold options.

Morning: At the hotel, we’ll be joined by a local expert who will provide an overview of Portland's history. Originally called Machigonne (Great Neck) by the Native Americans who first inhabited it, the Portland peninsula was established by the British in 1632 as a trading and fishing settlement. Industry grew and Portland's waterfront became a mecca for shipping and trading companies. The Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, aptly symbolizes Portland's legendary rebirth after the Great Fire of 1866 leveled the city for the fourth time. Almost completely rebuilt during the Victorian era, Portland has maintained much of its 19th century architecture and flavor. We’ll then depart the hotel for a walking field trip to the historic waterfront known as Old Port and learn why this is one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country.

Lunch: At a restaurant in the Old Port district along Portland Harbor, we will have a plated meal, plus a soft drink and water.

Afternoon: Free time to explore Portland independently. Suggestions provided by your group leader.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Fresh seafood, farm to table, classic New England, the options are plentiful at Portland’s “foodie” scene.

Evening: At leisure. Go out to explore more of this charming small city at your own pace. Stroll down to the water and watch the boats venture in and out of the harbor or simply relax.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fort Knox Park Inn

Maine Maritime History

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Bucksport with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 120 miles. Walking and standing on unpaved terrain for 1 hour at the Maine Maritime Museum. Check-in to hotel in Bucksport with time to freshen up before dinner.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart Portland to view the oldest lighthouse in Maine, the Portland Headlight in Cape Elizabeth. We'll then continue up Maine’s scenic coastline, to Bath, renowned for shipbuilding since 1743. More than 5,000 vessels have been launched in the area, which at one time had more than 200 shipbuilding firms. At the Maine Maritime Museum, learn how Bath became the nation's fifth largest seaport by the mid-19th century, producing clipper ships that sailed to ports around the world.

Lunch: At the Maine Maritime Museum, we'll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Continue to “Downeast Maine” where you will stop en route to visit the Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory at historic Fort Knox. Experience the thrill of the tallest bridge observatory in the world!

Dinner: In a local restaurant across the street from the hotel, plated and served meal.

Evening: Enjoy the water views from your balcony or stroll along the river at your leisure.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: St. Andrews Motor Inn

Castine and The Settlement of St. Andrews, NB

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to St. Andrews, NB with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 165 miles. Cross the border into Canada at Calais, Maine. Time moves ahead 1 hour to Atlantic Time. Standing and walking on paved terrain with some small inclines, up to 1 mile over 1.5 hours on the visit of Castine.

Breakfast: In a local restaurant across the street from the hotel.

Morning: Depart to Castine, one of the oldest communities in North America and listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its 18th century architecture. Begin with a lecture at the Castine Historical Society and then take a step back in time on an exploration of this iconic New England coastal village.

Lunch: In a cafe near Castine's waterfront.

Afternoon: Depart Castine and drive to the border in Calais, Maine. Cross the Canadian border and continue to St. Andrews.

Dinner: Enjoy the hospitality of town residents by sharing in a typical Martime Saturday evening meal prepared by a local restaurant.

Evening: Enjoy a lecture from a local historican Jeannie Stinson, whose family left the Thirteen Colonies in 1783 to take up residence in a new colony, then called Nova Scotia. This colony would later break away to create the colony and eventually the province of New Brunswick, the “picture province” of Canada. She spins a “little fact, a little fiction” into the story of her home town, Saint Andrews. The history of St. Andrews is a microcosm of the story of Canada, and sheds light on the interconnectedness of the story of the United States with that of Canada.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hopewell Rocks Motel & Country Inn

The Bay of Fundy Tides

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Hopwell, NB after lunch. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 178 miles. Standing and walking on paved paths in Kingsbrae Botanical Gardens. Descend stairs to sea floor. Walk and stand on packed sand for approximately 1 hour on a guided walk of Hopewell Rocks. *Day 5 & 6 schedule may be adjusted based on tides at Hopewell Rocks, depending on tides we may see the Rocks at low tide and high tide or only low tide*

Breakfast: In a nearby inn.

Morning: We will explore St. Andrews more expansively on a guided walk with a local expert who will introduce us to some of the places we heard about the night before. This walk will conclude at Kingsbrae Gardens, one of North America’s premier botanical gardens. Here we will enjoy a guided visit of the 27-acre horticultural masterpiece that is home to over 2,500 species of perennials, as well as, a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Fauna such as peacocks, pygmy goats, and alpacas may be wandering around. The grounds are also home to Canada's first Jurassic living fossil Wollemi pine!

Lunch: Enjoy a plated lunch meal with a choice of juice, soft drink, tea, coffee, or iced tea at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will head up the coast of New Brunswick to experience the Bay of Fundy’s phenomenal tidal changes at Hopewell Rocks. At low tide, we will walk on the ocean floor with a naturalist, around the towering “flower pots”.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Dundee Arms Inn

Prince Edward Island and Green Gables Heritage Place

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Charlottetown, PEI with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 125 miles. Walking on unpaved terrain on self-guided visit of Green Gables. Stairs are unavoidable to access the second floor of the house.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will return to Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Center to view the bay during high tide. Depart to Prince Edward Island.

Lunch: At the Iceboat Landing Restaurant at Cape Jourimain Nature Centre we will have the choice of sandwich, dessert, coffee, tea, water. You may wish to climb up the observation tower stairs for an encompassing view of the Bay of Fundy and the Confederation Bridge.

Afternoon: Cross the Confederation Bridge onto Prince Edward Island. Since 1997, the bridge has joined the eastern Canadian provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. At eight miles in length, it is the longest bridge in the world to cross ice-covered waters! Once on PEI, we'll make our way across the province to stop at Green Gables Heritage Place. This National Historic Site was an inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous tale, “Anne of Green Gables”. Here we will learn about Canada's most beloved fictional character and relive her youthful adventures and shenanigans within the memory-filled rooms of her Victorian home. Later, we will continue southeast to Charlottetown, the largest city on and the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. Explore Charlottetown's local fare with suggestions provided by the group leader.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Dundee Arms Inn

Beaconsfield Carriage House, Great George Street, Scenic PEI

Activity note: Walking up to ½ Mile & standing on paved side walks, stopping at historic sites during walk of Great George St.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will visit the Beaconsfield Carriage House, built in 1877. This home is the perfect example of the Victorian architecture of the time. Many of it's original features are still in tact, so we will see what home life was like on PEI in the 19th century. We will continue to explore Charlottetown on a guided walking tour of Great George Street. One of only two national historic streets in Canada, a costumed historical interpreter will lead us through history up to the Province House National Historic Site.*Please note that the Province House is closed for conservation work at this time. We will have the opportunity to visit an exact replica of the Confederation Chamber, found in the Province House.*

Lunch: Enjoy the products of Prince Edward Island, at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Experience North Rustico, a small fishing community on the north shore of PEI. Visit the Rustico Harbour Fisheries Museum where we will hear tales of fishing traditions and how the industry has evolved over the years. Enjoy free time to explore Rustico on your own. You may want to stroll the picturesque boardwalk in the tiny village of North Rustico before we transfer back to Charlottetown.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Gisele's Inn

Hector Heritage Quay, Welcome to Nova Scotia

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Baddeck, NS with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 280 miles. 75-minute ferry crossing. Walking and standing at Hector Quay Museum, including walking aboard a docked tall ship for 1 hour. Arrive in Baddeck with time to freshen up before dinner.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We'll travel across Prince Edward Island to take the ferry to Pictou, Nova Scotia. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales or dolphins along the way! Learn the story of the Scottish settlement at Hector Heritage Quay and aboard the docked replica of the ship Hector. The Hector, a three-masted cargo vessel, was the first ship to directly transport passengers from Scotland to Nova Scotia. This historic voyage marked the beginning of a massive wave of immigration that would shape the future of North America and gave Pictou the honor of being called “the birthplace of New Scotland”.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Via motorcoach, we will arrive in Baddeck, on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, on Cape Breton Island.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Gisele's Inn

The Beautiful Cabot Trail

Activity note: The drive along the Cabot Trail is 189 miles, with frequent stops that include short walks and visits.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will behold the gorgeous coastal views and tiny villages of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail. Since the completion of the initial route in 1932, the Cabot Trail has served as one of Canada's most famous drives and encompasses many cultural heritage sites, scenic overlooks and whale watching hiking trails. We will stop at Les Trois Pignons for an expert-led visit of the Museum of Antiques, which depicts the early life of Acadian ancestors who settled in the village of Cheticamp over 200 years ago. We will also see the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery of Hooked Tapestries at this site.

Lunch: Box lunch en route.

Afternoon: We will continue to explore along the Cabot Trail.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: Join in on a local favorite the "Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh" performance. Performers from the nearby Gaelic College stop in for this town tradition of song, dance, storytelling, and bagpipes.

Day 10

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Delta Barrington

Alexander Graham Bell Museum

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Halifax, NS with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 218 miles. Walking and standing on self-guided visit at Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site Museum. Ramp is available to access second floor.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will visit a National Historic Site, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which contains the largest collection of Bell’s artifacts and inventions. Bell is well remembered for the telephone, but he worked on many different inventions throughout his lifetime. He first came to Baddeck in 1885 and returned a year later to establish a vacation home for his family. When Bell arrived in Baddeck, he had plenty of free time, due to his success of patenting the first telephone in the United States. In his spare time, he was able to delve into other areas of expertise such as marine engineering, medicine, aeronautics and space-frame construction. Discover Bell's significant impact on the Baddeck economy during his residency at Beinn Bhreagh.

Lunch: In a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: We will continue on via motorcoach to the hotel in Halifax, NS.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day  11

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Delta Barrington

Peggy's Cove, Discover Halifax

Activity note: Walking and standing on unpaved terrain and rock at Peggy’s Cove on a self-guided exploration. Walking and standing for short distances during the visit of Halifax. Walking and standing for 1 hour at the Museum.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will explore the picturesque, rocky coast of Nova Scotia on an excursion to Peggy’s Cove. This small community, known for its iconic light house, brings in hundreds of artists and photographers every year to capture this village's authentic beauty.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: On a guided visit of Halifax, we will view the graves of those lost on the Titanic, learn about the importance of the Citadel to the city’s origins, and stroll through the Botanical Gardens. We will learn about the ties between Halifax and New England. At the Pier 21 Immigration Museum, we will learn of the city’s importance as the gateway to Canada. Halifax was an ocean liner terminal and immigration shed from 1928 to 1971.

Dinner: On your own to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Delta Saint John

Grand Pré National Historic Site, Acadian History

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to New Brunswick with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 195 miles. Walking and standing on grass for up to 1 hour on a visit of Grand Pré. 2 hour ferry crossing.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will head to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site to learn about the fate of the Acadians. Made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem "Evangeline," we will explore this vibrant site filled with multimedia presentations to learn more about the life of the 17th & 18th century Acadians.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: En route to the ferry we will stop at the Annapolis Royal Visitor Center to see the tidal stations and power station. We'll then cross the Bay of Fundy on the ferry to St. John, arriving early evening.

Dinner: On board the ferry.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 13

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center

Visit St. John, New Brunswick

Activity note: After breakfast, hotel check-out and transfer to Bar Harbor, ME with stops along the way. Total mileage traveled by motorcoach is 173 miles. Cross the border from Canada to the U.S. at Calais, Maine. Move back one hour to Eastern Standard Time.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We'll discover St. John on a guided visit with local author and folklorist, David Goss. The only city on the Bay of Fundy, we will discover what's booming from bands on the boardwalk to contemporary fine dining, and, of course, magnificent tides.

Lunch: Lunch at a local favorite.

Afternoon: We will continue to picturesque Bar Harbor. Home to the largest parts of Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain, Bar Harbor is internationally known for its natural beauty.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Conference Center

Acadia National Park

Activity note: Full-day motorcoach exploration of Acadia National Park with frequent stops and short walks.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will discover Acadia National Park on a full-day field-trip. The oldest American National Park east of the Mississippi River was established in 1916 in congruence with the National Park Service. Today, the park protects more than 47,000 acres of Maine's beauty. View some of the most beautiful mountains, shorelines, and lakes of this over 100 year old national treasure.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will further explore Acadia National Park.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will celebrate our journey together, featuring Maine Lobster.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 15

Meals: Breakfast

Departures from Portland, Maine

Activity note: The transfer from Bar Harbor to Portland International Jetport is 170 miles, and takes approximately 4 hours with one rest stop. Arriving at approximately 12:30 p.m. Please do not schedule flights before 2:30 p.m.

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: We will transfer to Portland International Jetport, arriving at approximately 12:30 p.m. Please do not schedule flights before 2:30 p.m. The motorcoach will also drop off at the Portland Transportation Center, the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port (first hotel of program). This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!