Ultimate Canada - East to West & Alaska Adventure: 38 days Toronto to Fairbanks

Welcome to Canada. On arrival at Toronto International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your downtown hotel. This evening, join a pre-tour briefing.
Two Night Stay: Sheraton Centre Toronto or similar

Today, see one of the most spectacular natural sights of North America as you visit the incredible Niagara Falls. Board 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. Visit the historic and beautifully preserved village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Ascend to the top of the CN Tower 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 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. Continue to Canada’s national capital, Ottawa.
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. Take a break at ByWard Market, where you have free time to explore at leisure.

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Visit Madahòkì Farm for an authentic cultural experience. After a traditional arrival and welcome, spend time with the Cultural Ambassadors who will share their indigenous culture including a special dinner and dance presentation.

Bienvenue 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 St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre Dame Cathedral and views of the city skyline from the parklands of Mount Royal.
Overnight Stay: Novotel Montréal or similar

Departing Montréal, make your way to a traditional Québécois Sugar Shack. 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. Arrive in Québec City in the afternoon and meet our local guide for a tour of The Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and Parliament buildings. Later, embark on a walking tour within the walls of the Vieux Carré (Old City) and visit Lower Town.

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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.

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 and ancient buildings and getting to know the local food and people.

This morning, transfer to the pier to board the Holland America Line cruise ship ms Zuiderdam# and check into your comfortable Ocean View Stateroom (upgrade to Verandah Stateroom at additional expense). Settle-in for an unforgettable 7-night voyage through the St. Lawrence River and New England.

The nearly 1,200km stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a lighthouse lover’s paradise, with more than 40 of them lining the Québec portion alone. Centuries-old fishing villages line the mighty waterway that alternants between imposing cliffs and plateaus.

The largest estuary in the world, the Gulf of St. 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 coastline and beautiful islands, including Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands.

This morning, arrive in 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 (at 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 endless rugged coastline.

Arrive in Halifax and spend 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).

At the heart of the Old Port, discover a metro hub with cobblestone streets, nationally lauded eats, and a scenic working waterfront.

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: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre 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.

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).
Overnight Stay: Kamloops Hotel (as assigned by Rocky Mountaineer)

Continue your journey into the soaring, rugged snow-capped mountains. Arrive in Banff, the quintessential Rocky Mountains town.
Two Night Stay: Ptarmigan Inn or similar

Free day to enjoy the delightful township of Banff.

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Ride the Banff Gondola or relax on a float trip along the river (extra expense).

Enjoy a tour of Banff including the Bow River and Bow Falls. Continue to Lake Louise, the “Diamond in the Wilderness.” and enjoy some free time. Travel to Emerald Lake, so named because of the vibrant colour of its glacier-fed waters.
Overnight Stay: Emerald Lake Lodge or similar

Travel north along the Icefields Parkway, acclaimed as one of the most incredible journeys in the world. Stop at the Columbia Icefield and climb aboard the ‘Ice Explorer’ for a journey onto Athabasca Glacier.

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While enjoying dinner, join us for a fun evening of heartfelt stories with a charming theatre production, “From Jasper with Love.”

Journey past ice age glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks before arriving at the shores of the South Thompson River.
Overnight Stay: South Thompson Inn or similar

Travel through scenic landscapes and the Thompson and Fraser rivers past the town of Lillooet, to the charming alpine resort of Whistler.
Overnight Stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa or similar

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A special opportunity to join a Photo Safari tour with an expert, or have dinner with a twist on a tasting tour (extra expense)

Today, travel along the Sea to Sky Highway stopping at Shannon Falls. Later, cruise through the Georgia Strait to Vancouver Island.
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. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

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Take a horse and carriage ride or go whale watching (extra expense)

Board your Princess cruise ship embarking on your 7-night voyage in an Ocean View Stateroom (upgrade to Balcony Stateroom at additional expense) through the famed Inside Passage.

Spend the day cruising the Inside Passage, one of the world’s most breathtaking waterways.

Welcome to the salmon capital of the world.

Alaska's capital is surrounded by the Gastineau Channel, glaciers and Icefields.

Skagway’s colourful past is carefully preserved in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.

Hubbard Glacier, often called the "Galloping Glacier," is a massive and fast-moving tidewater glacier located in eastern Alaska. Spanning around 122 kilometers and plunging 365 meters into Disenchantment Bay.

Within Prince William Sound lies College Fjord and its collection of glaciers, some of which dwarf even the largest of cruise ships.

Disembark in Whittier and travel on the “Direct to the Wilderness” train to Talkeetna.
Two Night Stay: Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar

Today, explore Talkeetna at your leisure.

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Chulitna Gorge jet-boat adventure, or experience a Denali Flight Experience (extra expense)

Get an authentic glimpse into rural Alaskan lifestyle on the Husky Homestead tour. This evening, enjoy the Music of Denali Dinner Show.
Two Night Stay: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or similar

Join a wilderness tour and witness the fascinating landscape and wildlife. DiscoverMORE: Denali Highway Jeep excursion.

Continue your journey into the heart of the last frontier, Fairbanks. Board an authentic steam wheeler 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.