EASTBOUND ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver / Day at Leisure
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Shopping, entertainment and great restaurants are all within walking distance of your hotel.
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre- Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Deluxe Vancouver City Tour / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Toronto
This morning you will be taken on a 4 ½ hour city tour of Vancouver. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. Admission to the Lookout Tower has been included on the tour, providing a bird's-eye view of Vancouver. This evening transfer by private sedan to the train station. Here you will board VIA Rail's Canadian train. Enjoy private bedroom accommodation, meals in the private dining car and relax in the 'Silver & Blue Lounge' or Dome car.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE:
For the ultimate in luxury, you may decide to upgrade to a Romance by Rail suite aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian'. Enjoy a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private suite. You will be spoiled by: fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, top-quality sparkling wine as the train leaves! Your spacious suite, comprising two converted regular bedrooms, will be the envy of other passengers. Crisp bed linen and an inviting down duvet await you. And if you have a quick word with your attendant before retiring, he will bring you breakfast in bed! Romance by Rails has been designed just for you and your 'significant other'.
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 3 - VIA Rail - Alberta & Saskatchewan
The morning dawns with the Rocky Mountains looming from the panoramic vistas of the Canadian’s dome cars. Passing Mt Robson the train passes through Jasper National Park and follows the mighty Athabasca River to the bustling capital city of Edmonton. Later, the oil wells and gently rolling pasture lands are symbols of the bustling economy of this province. Soon the rolling grain fields of herald your arrival in Saskatchewan.
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 4 - VIA Rail – Manitoba & Ontario
The journey continues across the vast wheat fields of Manitoba and rolls into Winnipeg, the capital city of the province for a change of crew. The train journeys on past pristine lakes, forests and nature rich marshes. Soon the vast forests and lake country of Ontario surround us. Small and isolated mining and lumber towns give way to the shores of the Great Lakes. Tonight is the last night to enjoy the fine meals and in the private dining car and the great Silver and Blue service of VIA Rail’s Canadian.
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Day 5 – VIA Rail / Arrive Toronto
The ribbon of steel makes its way eastward and soon the distinctive skyline of Canada’s largest city comes into view. The CN Tower and Skydome welcome you to Toronto and historic Union Station. Your train will arrive in Toronto at approximately 8:00 pm. Pick-up your luggage and transfer to your hotel, a short walk accessible by an underground walkway from the VIA Rail Station.
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Royal York - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 – VIA Rail Toronto to Kingston / Depart aboard Canadian Empress
A short rail journey this morning will take you from Toronto to Kingston where you will board the Canadian Empress for the second stage of your historic journey. You will be greeted by the Captain and crew before a brief evening cruise will take you to your anchorage for the evening in the spectacular 1000 Islands.
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 7 - Brockville
Make sure you have your cameras and binoculars ready as you weigh anchor and cruise leisurely through the famous 1000 Islands. You will take some time ashore to visit the 1000 Islands Heritage Center and travel to the top of the 350 Sky deck for a spectacular view of the over 1800 islands that surround you. In the afternoon, pass the Singer Castle on your way to Brockville and your evening anchorage.
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 8 – Prescott / Upper Canada Village
Jacques Cartier was told by an Indian Guide that the St Lawrence was a “river without end” when he first explored it centuries ago. This journey lets you see the vastness of the river and experience the numerous attractions and extraordinary history of the Upper part of the river. This morning you’ll tour the opulent Fulford Place Mansion and Fort Wellington before cruising on to Prescott and Upper Canada Village. You’ll dock for the night at the historic Crysler Park Marina.
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 9 - Coteau Landing
This morning the horse drawn carts will take you to the nearby Upper Canada Village to see the authentic replication of life in Canada two centuries ago. Blacksmiths, coppersmiths, bakers, milners and farmers will be plying their trades in the village much the same way they did hundreds of years ago. In the afternoon, cruise through the Snell and Eisenhower Locks before docking for the evening at Coteau Landing.
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 10 – Montreal / Lachine
Today you really get to realize the magnitude of the river as you see the giant freighters and tankers arriving in the port of Montreal from all over the world. Your cruise will take you through the Beauharnois Locks into Lake St. Louis. On your way to Montreal you will pass by many landmarks on the shore like the Olympic Stadium and geodesic dome from the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 11 - Trois Rivieres
This is another historic day. Just after lunch you will reach Trois Rivieres and take some time ashore to explore this historic city and the world famous Notre-Dame-du-Cap shrine as you take part in a walking tour of the “Old City”. Dance the night away tonight with a live big band and great entertainment
Deluxe: Overnight St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress – Ottawa Stateroom
Day 12 - Quebec City
This is a very exciting day as your ship gets closer to Quebec City, the bluffs along the shore become higher and higher culminating with the Plains of Abraham, site of the famous baffle for Quebec between the British and the French. Dock at this the oldest walled city in North America for your closing ceremonies and debarkation and transfer to the Quebec City Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 2 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 3 nights bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail's Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver in Silver & Blue Class
- VIA Rail from Toronto to Kingston in VIA 1 Class including one meal onboard
- 6 night St. Lawrence Cruise aboard the Canadian Empress including meals on board, on board entertainment, snacks, tours and admissions as noted in the cruise itinerary
- Deluxe Vancouver City Tour including admission to the Lookout Tower
- Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport & hotel, Vancouver hotel & train station and Quebec City Cruise Ship Terminal & Quebec City Airport including gratuities
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Optional activities
- Bar expenditures
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)