Grand Canadian
Get the entire Canadian experience. You'll start off in the fascinating northern US cities, Boston and New York, and then head off to Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver where you'll experience the charm, culture and sophistication of these exciting cities.
Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map
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New York to BostonFrom the Big Apple to Beantown. Two tantalizing cities, four fabulous East Coast states, and a coach load of Contiki clients all adds up to a whole lot of fun! We'll glance at the lifestyles of the rich and famous as we drive by some of Newport, Rhode Island's summer mansions. "Everybody knows your name" in historic and eclectic, Boston, Massachusetts. See the major sights before settling in and getting to know each other over dinner at our hotel. Hotel (D) -
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BostonCheers, Everyone! Hang out with the brains at Harvard University, roll up to the "Cheers" bar, walk in the footsteps of great Americans, savour the sights and smells of Quincy Marketplace and Fanueil Hall, or just hop on and off the optional trolley tour around this amazing town. With more universities than any other U.S. city, there is plenty of nightlife for you to discover. Hotel (B) -
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Boston to Quebec CityLater, U.S.A. Bonjour Canada! France meets North America in the French speaking province of Quebec. After driving through Stephen King territory, the state of Maine, you'll cross over the border into Canada and continue to the unique Quebec City - the only walled city in North America. Brush up on your French over dinner tonight in the heart of downtown Quebec. Hotel (B,D) -
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Quebec CityYou'll fall under Quebec City's spell during a guided tour of the Old City, the cradle of French civilization in North America. Soak up Quebec's "joie de vivre" attitude this afternoon with free time to wander the cool cafés and windy streets. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Quebec by joining us for an optional dinner in the city's only revolving restaurant. Hotel (B) -
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Quebec City to MontrealOoooh La La! Are we in Paris? Montreal is hip and happening with all the culture, sophistication and cafes as a city in France. Your road crew will show you all the highlights of this charismatic place during a city tour. Hotel (B,D) -
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MontrealA free day to discover the beautiful and historic city of Montreal. Hotel (B) -
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Montreal to TorontoYou'll know why it's called the Thousand Islands as we wander alongside this area of the lovely St. Lawrence River Valley. For a closer look, take an optional boat cruise and check it out. Then we're on our way to Canada's largest city and a spot with international flair - Toronto. An afternoon sightseeing tour will introduce you to the fabulous city. Join us tonight for dinner and then a night out on the town. Hotel (D) -
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TorontoThe sky's the limit! Feel the global groove of this city by visiting its diverse neighborhoods and shopping areas. If you are game, catch an optional tour of Toronto's baseball stadium, Rogers Centre, or get your adrenaline going by zooming up the world's tallest freestanding structure, the CN Tower. Hotel -
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Toronto to Whistler via VancouverGoodbye East Coast, Hello West Coast! This morning you'll catch an early bird flight to Vancouver where you'll be picked up at the airport by your Tour Manager and Driver. After a sightseeing tour of Vancouver we're off to Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, via the Scenic Sea to Sky Highway. We'll arrive in Whistler this afternoon where you'll have time to browse the shops of Whistler Village before your included dinner. Hotel (D) -
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WhistlerToday is yours to enjoy this beautiful mountain resort. Perhaps you'll want join us in an exciting canoe trip (optional) or do some hiking on one of Whistler's trails. This afternoon you'll have an opportunity to take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain. Hotel (B) -
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Whistler to KamloopsWe have the morning free in Whistler where you will have the opportunity to browse the shops and cafes of Whistler village. After lunch we travel further into British Columbia, through the Lillooet Mountain Range towards our night stop in Kamloops. Hotel (D) -
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Kamloops to JasperGet ready Rockies, here we come! Today we will drive into the spectacular Rocky Mountains, via the scenic Yellowhead highway. En route, we will stop to view Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, as well as drive past Moose Lake. You also have a chance to go white water rafting today! (Optional/seasonal) Hotel (B) -
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JasperBe sure to keep your camera ready for wildlife shots on the short drive to Maligne Lake this morning, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing scenery. We'll also visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest and longest limestone canyon in the Rockies, where you'll marvel at this impressive gorge carved by generations of raging water. The afternoon is free to hike, bike or simply enjoy the beauty of Jasper. Tonight, sample the local Rocky Mountain cuisine. Hotel (D) -
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Jasper to BanffThe Wonder Road ... It's non-stop beauty today as we travel the famous Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic highways in the world. The highlight will be the ride aboard the specially designed "Ice Explorer" on the Athabasca Glacier! This afternoon we'll visit Lake Louise and make several photo stops, including the vivid blue Peyto Lake (seasonal). We arrive in Banff late this afternoon. Chalets (quad-share) (D) -
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BanffWe have a free day to enjoy everything that Banff National Park has to offer. You're able to sightsee, hike, shop, or just relax in the beautiful town of Banff. Why not take the optional gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain where spectacular views of Banff await? Or take a breathtaking helicopter ride over the Rocky Mountains, a once in a lifetime experience. Join us for an optional horseback ride and steak fry. Chalets (quad-share) (B) -
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Banff to VernonBye Bye Rockies! We bid farewell to the Rockies today as we drive through three national parks in a single day. Yoho, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks all await us as we make our way back into British Columbia. Tonight we stay in the Okanagan Valley - Canada's fruit basket, full of orchards, farmlands and vineyards. Hotel (B,D) -
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Vernon to VancouverHello Big City! Today we travel via the Coquihalla and Trans-Canada highways en route to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. This afternoon's sightseeing tour includes: Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park. Tonight, join us for an optional dinner cruise around Vancouver's beautiful harbour. Hotel -
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VancouverToday its time to say a final farewell as your tour ends this morning.
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- Newport: Visit Newport, the yachting capital of the USA; See the summer mansions of the rich & famous
- Boston: City sightseeing tour; See Harvard University, Boston Commons & the original 'Cheers' Bar; Walk the Freedom Trail
- Maine: Scenic drive through the novelist 'Stephen King's territory'
- Quebec City: Cross the border into Canada & enjoy the scenic drive through Quebec; Visit the only walled city in North America; Guided walking tour of the Old City, the cradle of French civilisation in North America
- Montreal: City sightseeing tour; Visit old town Montréal and the old port; Visit Mt. Royal, Montreal's largest park that overlooks the city; See St. Joseph's Oratory; See the unique Olympic Stadium
- Toronto: Travel along the St. Lawrence River Valley & see the Thousand Islands; City sightseeing tour; See CN Tower, the eclectic shops on Yonge Street & the University of Toronto
- Vancouver: City sightseeing tour; See Gastown, Chinatown & Lion's Gate Bridge; Visit the Totem Poles of Canada's First Nations People in Stanley Park
- Whistler: Drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway; See Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains; Enjoy the shopping & activities in and around the quaint village; Hike one of Whistler many trails
- Kamloops: Scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range; See Seton Lake reservoir & local flora; See the picturesque Lillooet, Duffy & Kamloops Lakes
- Mt. Robson: Scenic drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the Rocky Mountains; View Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (weather permitting)
- Jasper: Visit Jasper National Park; Visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest & longest limestone canyon in the Rockies; Visit Maligne Lake - The largest in the Canadian Rockies (seasonal); Walk to Athabasca Falls
- Columbia Icefield: Scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway; See some of the 200 glaciers in the area; Ride aboard the specially designed "Ice Explorer" vehicle on the Athabasca Glacier; See the vivid blue colour of Peyto Lake (seasonal)
- Lake Louise: Visit Lake Louise, the stunning lake in the Canadian Rockies
- Banff: See the Saskatchewan River Valley & Weeping Wall; See the majestic Banff Springs Hotel
- Calgary: City sightseeing tour; Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede
- Yoho, Glacier & Mt. Revelstoke National Parks: See the incredible Spiral Train Tunnels; See Kicking Horse Valley; Stop at Roger's Pass on one of the world's great mountain roads
- Vernon: See the orchards, farmlands & vineyards of the Okanagan Valley; Drive through Kelowna, the largest city in the Interior; See Lake Okanagan & its large floating bridge
Accommodations
- 17 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation, except in Banff where quadshare in chalets is provided
- Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
- Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- Visit 6 USA States & 4 Canadian Provinces: New York ; Connecticut ; Rhode Island ; Massachusetts ; New Hampshire ; Maine ; Quebec ; Ontario ; British Columbia ; Alberta
Optional Excursions
Boston
- Trolley Tour (USD$29.00)
- Be entertained with humorous stories and history about America's Revolutionary past and high-tech future on Boston's own Old Town Trolley tour.
Quebec City
- Optional Dinner at L'Astral (USD$55.00)
- Appropriately named and 165 m (540 ft) up in the air, this revolving restaurant serves up 21 km (13 miles) of stunning 360-degree views. Highly skilled chefs prepare fine International cuisine with blends of fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation, creating one masterpiece after another. This is an experience extrordinaire.
Montreal
- Jet Boat Ride (USD$55.00)
- You'll don rain gear before going out on the 1 1/2 hour jet boat tour on the fabled rapids of the mighty St. Lawrence River. An adventure not to be missed.
Thousand Islands
- Boldt Castle Cruise (USD$13.00)
- Experience the beauty of the Thousand Islands Region, by taking an afternoon cruise past the world famous Boldt Castle, the largest castle in North America, Millionaire's Row and Zavikon Island.
Toronto
- CN Tower (USD$21.00)
- See Toronto from the observation deck of the world's tallest free standing tower. Enjoy views from 346 m (1136 ft) above the ground!
- SkyDome (USD$12.00)
- Appreciate the wonders of SkyDome, one of Toronto's most popular attractions by taking a tour of the world's first fully retractable roof statium and home of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.
Whistler
- Paddle Excursion (CAD$63.00)
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery around Whistler as you embark on an exciting paddle excursion. You will have the opportunity to spend some time on canoes on Alta Lake and on the River of Golden Dreams.
- Whistler/Blackcomb Gondola (USD$17.85 (closes end of June))
- Get your camera ready for the stunning views 6000 ft (1829m). Go even higher on Whistler Mountain on the Peak Chair. Rising to an elevation of 7160 ft (2183m) above sea level, the views are positively spectacular. At the top, you can access several more trails to expand your hiking options.
- Please Note (n/a)
- Whistler offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Your Tour Manager will be able to provide you with information on numerous alternative activities.
- Peak Adventure (CAD$29.50 (opens end of June))
- Whistler Mountain's premier chairlift - the Peak Chair - is an exhilarating open-air chairlift ride to the very top of Whistler Mountain, where you will be treated to tremendous views of ancient glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes and the beautiful Coast Mountain range. Be sure to go for a stroll while you're at the top. The Peak Adventure gives you the access to over 48 kms of alpine hiking trails including the new Peak Interactive walk.
Jasper
- White Water Rafting (USD$86.00)
- Enjoy a 2 hour white water rafting adventure on the Fraser River. Wetsuits are included to keep you snug as you tackle the rapids.
- Maligne Lake Cruise (CAD$42.00)
- Enjoy a tranquil 90 minute boat tour on breathtaking Maligne lake. Your narrated cruise takes you to the rare beauty of Spirit Island for fantastic scenic views. It's a photographer's dream.
Banff
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride (CAD$24.50)
- Travel via a scenic glass enclosed gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the magnificent view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Perhaps enjoy lunch at Canada's highest restaurant (2281m / 7500 ft) or search out the wildlife frequently found at the summit. A fantastic photo opportunity that's not to be missed.
- Horseback Ride & Steak Fry (CAD$91.00)
- View the Rockies on horseback and then enjoy a traditional mountain-style cookout dinner.
- Rockies Helicopter Flights (USD$229.00 (30 mins); USD$197.00 (25 mins))
- See the most spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the air on an unbelievable helicopter ride.
Contiki Souvenirs
- Canada Group Photo (USD$16.00)
- There's no better way to remember the excellent times you've had and the new friendships that you've made than with an 8"x10" glossy photo of all the members of your tour.
