15 Days • 14 Nights
Grand Canada: Coast to Coast
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Toronto and the thundering Niagara Falls
- French-flavoured Montreal and Quebec City
- Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway
- Wild Jasper and Rocky Mountain wildlife
- Cosmopolitan Vancouver on the Pacific
- Ocean-to-ocean scale and diversity
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 15-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your downtown hotel, with a welcome dinner and the vibrant city to explore.
A city tour of Toronto and a full excursion to the magnificent Niagara Falls, with a boat cruise to the foot of the cataracts.
You fly or take the train to Montreal, the cosmopolitan French-speaking metropolis. Explore cobbled Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica.
A guided tour of Montreal, Mount Royal, the Old Port and the city's celebrated food scene.
You travel along the St Lawrence to Quebec City, the walled French colonial jewel, strolling the Old Town beneath the Chateau Frontenac.
A morning tour of Quebec City before flying west to Calgary and transferring into the Rockies to Banff for the mountain leg of your journey.
A day exploring Banff, the Sulphur Mountain gondola, Lake Minnewanka and the hot springs, watching for wildlife.
You travel to iconic Lake Louise, canoeing its turquoise water and visiting majestic Moraine Lake.
You drive the legendary Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, riding onto the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper.
A day in wild Jasper, cruising Maligne Lake to Spirit Island and watching for moose, elk and bears.
A morning in Jasper before transferring to fly to Vancouver, the cosmopolitan Pacific city, for the final leg.
A guided tour of Vancouver, Stanley Park, Granville Island and Capilano's suspension bridge.
A free day to explore Vancouver or take an optional trip to Whistler or Victoria.
A final day in the city or an optional excursion to Vancouver Island, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, having crossed the whole of Canada.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 13 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Niagara excursion and an Icefields Parkway lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- city tours, a Niagara day trip, gondola rides, a lake cruise, a glacier experience, and domestic flights coast to coast
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive sections
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the flights and travel combine?
We use domestic flights for the long coast-to-coast hops between the east, the Rockies and Vancouver, and scenic rail or private touring for the shorter, more scenic legs. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Is fifteen days enough to see Canada?
For a country this vast, fifteen days is a wonderful balance, taking in the eastern cities, French Canada, the Rockies and the Pacific coast without rushing, with two to three nights in the key places. We handle all the logistics.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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