Discover spectacular Canada, Alaska & beyond
Welcome to Canada! On arrival at Toronto International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. After check-in, you are free to explore the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, the cultural, entertainment and financial capital of Canada. This evening, join a pre tour briefing.
Two Night Stay: Sheraton Centre Toronto or similar
Today, you will see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Travel through the countryside before arriving at Niagara for 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. After some free time or an optional helicopter ride over the falls, visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake before returning to Toronto early this evening. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
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Experience a spectacular helicopter flight over the falls (extra expense)
This morning, take a journey to the top of CN Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Americas 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 the colonial city of 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. Travel through the islands and canals and view spectacular old buildings, attractive neighbourhoods and abundant birdlife. Continue through rolling farmlands, following the rivers and lakes to Canada’s national capital.
Two Night Stay: Delta Ottawa Hotel City Centre or similar
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. We view the residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the Royal Canadian Mint and the Rideau Canal. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore. EmeraldPLUS: Visit Madahòkì Farms, an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome spend some time with their cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.
Bienvenue! Welcome 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 the Olympic Complex, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mt. Royal. Montréal abounds with sightseeing options, such as taking a stroll, bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets of the famous Parisian-style historic district, which is filled with cultural landmarks, museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
Overnight Stay: Novotel Montréal or similar
Departing Montréal make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. 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.
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. This historic “New France Route,” takes you to Québec City, the UNESCO World Heritage Site spectacularly perched atop Cap Diamant. French is the primary language in this unique city, founded in 1608 as a trading post. Arrive into Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. You will then embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town. This is truly a remarkable city, every building in Old Québec tells a story and every square exudes the spirit of New France with a history dating back many hundreds of years.
Two Night Stay: Hotel Château Laurier or similar
Québec City is one of the world’s most historical and fascinating cities. Spend the day exploring the quaint streets, ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people.
This morning, transfer to the pier and Farewell your Tour Director as you check into your comfortable ocean view stateroom (upgrade to verandah stateroom additional expense) on the luxurious Holland America cruise ship ms Zuiderdam#. Settle-in for an unforgettable 7 night voyage through the St. Lawrence River and New England.
The nearly 1,200-kilometer (750-mile) stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Some 200 miles of the river are called the whale route, along which some 13 resident species thrive, including blue, beluga and right whales.
The largest estuary in the world, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence fringes the shores of half the provinces of Canada and is a gateway to the interior of the entire North American continent. Geographically, the Gulf is defined by stunning coast line and beautiful islands, including Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands. Be sure to keep an eye out for whale and seal sightings.
This morning, arrive into the charming city of Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. There is plenty of free time to explore the city famed for being the birthplace of Canada. Be sure to visit Confederation Centre or perhaps enjoy an optional tour to the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ homesite (own expense).
A hundred thousand Gaelic welcomes await you in Nova Scotia, Latin for “New Scotland.” At the northeast end of the province sits Cape Breton Island, whose wild and lovely topography includes Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Bras d’Or Lake, and miles of rugged coastline. Sydney is the gateway to it all. There are highland villages to see, the scenic Cabot Trail to explore, golden inland seas to sail, and the Fortress of Louisbourg to inspect – where every barn, barracks and pipe and drum corps appears just as it did when King Louis’ troops occupied the site in 1744. Spend the day in Sydney or take an optional sightseeing tour (shore excursions are at own expense).
Arrive into Halifax spending the day docked in one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Explore this fascinating and historic city on your own or perhaps take an optional tour to delightful Peggy’s Cove (shore excursions at own expense).
Enter the waters of the United States, as you sail along the coast of New Brunswick. Arrive into Portland, first settled in 1633. The restored brick buildings and warehouses of the Old Port and the fine upright houses of prosperous captains, merchants and shipbuilders make the city’s past a living part of its present. This evening, enjoy your final night aboard your ship as you sail south towards the historic city of Boston.
Arrive into Boston. After disembarking, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Vancouver (flight not included in land only bookings, please book flight to depart Boston after 2pm).
Two Night Stay: Metropolitan Hotel or similar
Set off on a sightseeing tour of Vancouver including Stanley Park, famous for its totem poles, the waterfront and Gastown. Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park suspended 70 metres above the river. Walk amongst the canopy on the award winning Treetops Adventure.
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). Travel through the Fraser Valley then follow the Thompson River towards Kamloops.
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)
Continue your journey into the soaring, rugged snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the beauty of the glaciers, lakes and forest sitting at the foot of these grand mountains. Arrive in Banff, a picturesque town located within Banff National Park and the quintessential Rocky Mountains town.
Two Night Stay: Ptarmigan or similar
Today is free for you to enjoy Banff.
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Take a breathtaking helicopter flight, 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 spectacular scenery. Your destination today is Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier fed waters. The Lodge sits right on the shores of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests.
Overnight Stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar
This morning, we travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most spectacular journeys in the world. We make a stop at the Columbia Icefield, North America’s largest sub-polar ice pack, where you’ll climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a journey onto Athabasca Glacier. EmeraldPLUS: Be taken through the park to the beautifully carved Maligne Canyon and enjoy an authentic Canadian Rockies dinner.
Overnight Stay: Château Jasper or similar.
Travel past ice age glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks as we weave through lush forests before arriving at our unique ranch style inn on the shores of the South Thompson River.
Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar
Travel through scenic landscapes and the Thompson and Fraser River past the town of Lillooet to the charming alpine resort of Whistler. Time at leisure this evening to explore Whistler village
Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar
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Photo Safari or Finer things dinner tour (extra expense)
Travel along the Sea to Sky Highway following the rugged coastline, stopping at the awesome Shannon Falls. Board the BC Ferry and cruise through the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island before arriving in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital.
Two Night Stay: Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour or similar
This morning, visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens, a 22 hectare showplace of magnificent colourful gardens. Learn about the history and flora while exploring the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, Beacon Hill, and residential areas.
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Take a horse and carriage ride, go whale watching, Eat like a Canadian food tour or enjoy a Scenic float plane flight (extra expense)
Board your luxurious cruise ship and embark on your seven-night voyage in an Oceanview Stateroom on board Princess Cruises Coral Princess through the famed Inside Passage.
Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most spectacular waterways.
Explore Alaska’s first city, now known as the ‘salmon capital of the world’. Part of the town is built along a steep hillside, part is built on pilings over the water.
Surrounded by the Gastineau Channel, the Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau Icefields, Alaska’s state capital is famed for its scenery.
Cruise into Skagway. Established in 1897 as a trading post for prospectors headed to the Klondike Gold Rush. Discover the historic shop facades and wooden boardwalks.
Enter the iceberg-strewn waters of Glacier Bay National Park, were spectacular glaciers flow into the bay. A National Park Range will help you spot wildlife, while explaining glacial activity.
Within Prince William Sound lies College Fjord and its collection of glaciers, some reaching forty storeys above sea level, dwarfing even the largest of cruise ships.
Disembark in Whittier and travel on the “Direct to the Wilderness” train to Talkeetna. Enjoy unobstructed views from huge glass-domed windows in every rail car.
Two night stay: Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar
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Chulitna Gorge jet-boat adventure. (Secure your space early to avoid disappointment, extra expense).
Enjoy a scenic motorcoach drive to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, located just outside the national park entrance. Dominating this stunning landscape is Denali – the highest peak in North America. It’s not just the mountain that makes Denali National Park such a special place. Most visitors come to see Alaska's "Big Five": bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep - all of which can be seen in the park. The highlight this evening is a Music of Denali Dinner Show.
Two Night Stay: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar
Denali is deep in the Alaskan Wilderness and this unique location gives you the opportunity to witness the fascinating landscape and wildlife. Embark on a Tundra Wilderness Tour which takes you into the park for a once in a lifetime experience. Our journey continues deep into the Alaskan wilderness arriving in Denali National Park. Nestled in a prime location this gorgeous lodge is the perfect starting point for your exploration of Denali.
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Denali Highway Jeep excursion - Self Drive Automatic Jeep (Secure your place early to avoid disappointment, extra expense)
Continue your journey into the heart of the last frontier, Fairbanks. Known as the “Golden Heart City”. Board an authentic sternwheeler for an afternoon cruise
Overnight stay: Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge or similar
Transfer to Fairbanks 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.
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