ULTIMATE CANADA
Overview
Join your Contiki trip crew in Toronto before we get to the meat of the matter & explore incredible Canada. We take our trip to Jasper National Park, see waterfalls, lakes & mountains aplenty, & bust moves in Vancouver & Toronto to balance things out. Scenery & cities collide!
Included/Excluded
- Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals)
- A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important.
- Travel insurance and visas
- Flights to and from your starting and ending points
- We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences
- Meals not mentioned
Day 1Toronto to Ottawa
Toronto
Your journey begins in Toronto BUT…we’re off to Ottawa this morning for a glimpse into life in the nation’s capital.
Ottawa
Welcome to Ottawa, the fun-loving capital. We’ll explore our new surroundings on a city tour before enjoying some time to see Ottawa your way – whether it’s a boat ride on the Rideau Canal or just strolling the streets. (Exercise seems a good idea in preparation for all that Poutine in Quebec….). Or maybe just relax with a beer-tasting tour. The day is all yours.
Day 2Ottawa to Quebec City
Ottawa
Au revoir Ottawa and bonjour Quebec City!
Quebec City
With its cobbled streets and ancient stone houses, Quebec City’s UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town is an open-air museum. It’s time to get out and explore more of what this region has to offer – we’re talking vibrant art scenes, Parisian-style eateries and quaint river boardwalks. We’ll immerse ourselves in the history of the city on a tour with a local guide, then once we’ve uncovered Quebec’s hidden historical gems, it’s time to fill up on a famous Canadian dish – Poutine! We’ll be sure to hit up a local eatery where it’s well and truly the star of the show.
Day 3Quebec City
Quebec City
There’s no better way to start the day than with fresh air and fantastic views, so let’s whisk ourselves away to Montmorency Falls this morning. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt to soar across the falls on a zipline that will bring you even closer to this magnificent, natural phenomenon. Now that you’re fully awake, we’ll head back to Quebec where you’ll have the afternoon to explore. You could check out the Chateau Frontenac – this red brick building built in 1983 is a landmark the city is definitely proud of. Or try munching on duck with maple syrup – a local delicacy. Oh and let’s not forget the awesome nightlife Quebec offers – it’s time to party French style!
Day 4Quebec City to Montreal
Quebec City
Bid Quebec au revoir as we head towards the jazzy island city of Montreal. The French-infused city is home to arts, mouth watering food and the prettiest panoramic scenic views.
Montreal
Together, we’ll take a spin around Montreal’s Old Port and quays where we’ll familiarise ourselves with a few signature sites. Failing that, you can always just wander around, trying out the best of your high school French.
Day 5Montreal
Montreal
Today you’ll have a full day to explore Montreal – on your tod or with your squad. Don’t miss Mount Royal Park, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the breathtaking botanical gardens or the awesome Barbie Expo. Today you’ll also have the chance to hop on the Grande Roue – Montreal’s 60-metre-high ferris wheel. Talk about a great view of a great city!
Day 6Montreal To Niagara Falls
Montreal
Still bopping along to the sax from the night before, we bid farewell Montreal.
Niagara Falls
Wanna experience Niagara Falls’ surging power from a different perspective? You’ll have the chance to soar above the action in a helicopter, whizz past it from the Wildplay Zipline or simply take in the scene from the safety of a viewing platform. And don’t worry – the ponchos are on us.
Day 7Niagara Falls to Toronto
Niagara Falls
Rise and shine. Today’s the day you finally get to say “I’m taking an epic cruise across the Niagara Falls today.” Unreal.
Toronto
Welcome to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the hot spots of this fabulous city soon after we arrive and will then give you the afternoon to yourselves where you can find your niche in this cosmopolitan melting pot. If you want to enjoy an evening of laughter, head to the legendary Second City improv show where some of the funniest people on the planet have trodden the boards. Joan Rivers, Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Bill Murray are just a few of the big names to have started out here over the past 60 years.
Day 8Toronto
Toronto
Day 9Toronto to Whistler via Vancouver
Toronto
Rise and shine, wanderlusters! We’ve got an early flight to Vancouver this morning…
Vancouver
And then we’re headed straight to Whistler.
Whistler
While mostly known for its excellent ski conditions, this town is an absolute delight in the summer. Take in all that fresh air and admire Whistler’s breathtaking mountains and crystal blue rivers and lakes. Soak up all the nature vibes you can get, but make sure to rest up, because adventure is on the cards all day tomorrow.
Day 10Whistler
Whistler
Day 11Whistler to Sun Peaks
Whistler
We’re headed out of Whistler to the second largest ski area in Canada, Sun Peaks. Along the way we’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range, admiring the various reservoirs and lakes that sparkle in the sun. And before that, you have the chance to take a gondola ride between two peaks to soak up those glorious panoramas!
Sun Peaks
Welcome to Sun Peaks! This elegant little village will be our home for the night.
Day 12Sun Peaks to Jasper via Mount Robson
Sun Peaks
Well rested, we’ll take in some incredible scenes on our drive this morning, and you might even see the highest point in the Rockies if weather permits.
Mount Robson
Eating outdoors is essential in these parts, so feel free to grab some lunch and dine against a beautiful backdrop. And then the outdoors is yours to explore. Want to take the adrenaline levels up a notch? Get involved with our optional white-water rafting experience on the Fraser River. There’s nothing like a rafting adventure to confirm that there is no ‘I’ in team.
Jasper
Jasper will be your home for the next two nights – convenient really, considering it’s the perfect base to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 13Jasper
Jasper
Day 14Jasper to Banff
Jasper
On our way to Banff today, you’ll be glued to the windows as we pass the waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers and towering mountains that make up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take a walk to the Athabasca Falls, wheel across the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, and cure that cotton-mouth with a drink of pure H2O – just be careful not to stick your tongue to the ice… Peyto Lake and Lake Louise (you’re sure to have seen these on Instagram) are the perfect place to snap your next profile pic, and make sure those eyes stay peeled for wildlife.
Banff
We’ll roll into Banff – the unofficial capital of the Canadian Rockies. You’re in cowboy country now, and who are we to buck tradition? Saddle up for a round of drinks before dinner and check into your chalet.
Day 15Banff
Banff
Day 16Banff to Vernon
Banff
Marvel at the change of scenery today as we cut through three national parks on our way to Vernon. First up is Yoho National Park with its valley of waterfalls and meadows, and home to the amazing engineering feat – the Spiral Train Tunnel. Next up is Glacier National Park, which boasts over 400 (wait for it) glaciers (surprise) and Rogers Pass. Lastly we’ll drive through scenic Mt. Revelstoke National Park.
Vernon
After cramming three national parks into one day, you deserve a hearty meal in Vernon. There’s plenty of traditional pubs in town, and they’ll be able to help you out on the beverage front as well.
Day 17Vernon to Vancouver
Vernon
We’re sure you’ll agree that meandering through Canada’s wine country – the famed Okanagan Valley – is a great way to kill time on the drive back to Vancouver. It’s time to see everything of this magical metropolis that you missed the first time around, we’ll treat you to a whirlwind tour of the historic sites.
Vancouver
Vancouver’s downtown is world class, and its locals take immense pride in its multiculturalism. Stop for pics at the city’s nine Totem Poles – these colourful carved sculptures stand tall in Stanley Park and are a must-see sight that were gifted to Vancouver City. Get out there and get local, do some boutique shopping or even rent a bike and explore the city on wheels.
Day 18Vancouver
Vancouver
Day 19End Vancouver
Vancouver
