Trans-Canadian Grandeur

15 night tour - Starting in Vancouver, British Columbia - ending in Toronto, Ontario.

A Gold Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Gold Escorted journeys offer the ultimate in luxury touring with each itinerary carefully crafted to ensure the finest hotels, epicurean delights and absolute comfort. Enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, luxury hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

A luxury blend of transport showcases Canada's incomparable landscapes, as you embark on one of the most renowned long-distance journeys in the world. From the vibrant city of Vancouver, set out for the chic Alpine playgrounds of Whistler, Banff and Jasper. Stay in pristine National Parks, step out onto glacial ice formed thousands of years ago and take in the jaw dropping grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Then board The Canadian train for a unique rail journey through the western Prairies, past the lush boreal forest and lakes of Northern Ontario to cosmopolitan Toronto.  

A well-balanced tour combining coach, ferry and rail. Spend two nights unwinding in Victoria and Banff, with a further relaxing journey aboard VIA Rail Canada's The Canadian train. Two nights in cosmopolitan Toronto cap off a fantastic trip.

2016 Guaranteed departure dates:
May 01st, 15th & 29th
June 12th
July 10th & 31st
August 28th
September 18th
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: Vibrant Vancouver

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. Welcome to Canada's vibrant port city of Vancouver. On arrival at Vancouver International Airport, transfer to your luxury downtown hotel in the heart of the city's premier shopping and entertainment district. At 6.00 pm, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal.

Hotel: Four Seasons, Vancouver

Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Victoria - putting the British into British Columbia

Experience the best of Vancouver during your exclusive sightseeing tour. Explore historic Gastown, Chinatown, the eclectic community of English Bay and view the famous totem poles in Stanley Park. Now board your ferry and enjoy Seawest Lounge seating while taking in scenic coastal views all the way to Victoria. On arrival, an orientation tour introduces you to the Inner Harbour, the ornate Parliament Buildings and Bastion Square. 

Hotel: Grand Pacific, Victoria

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Exploring Victoria

Begin the day with breakfast at Butchart Gardens. After a brief talk by a representative, there is ample time to explore the 55 acres of exquisite floral displays, meandering paths and spectacular views which have delighted visitors for over one hundred years. Perhaps embark on an optional whale-watching cruise this afternoon.

Hotel: Grand Pacific, Victoria

Full Breakfast

Day 4: The Ultimate Resort of Whistler

Journey across the Strait of Georgia back to the mainland. Travel to Whistler and join a guided walking tour of the lively European-esque village and learn about this Olympic venue. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner tonight is a gastronomic experience, made with only the best local ingredients and served at one of your resort's fine restaurants.

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 5: On to the Napa Valley of the North

Travel into the lush Okanagan Valley region, known for producing some of the best fruit and hybrid wines in the world. Visit a winery and taste an array of outstanding local wines. This evening is at leisure.

Hotel: Sparkling Hill Resort

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: The Three Exquisite National Parks

Journey through three of Canada's most breathtaking National Parks: Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Yoho. Stop at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint and pass by the spectacular Natural Bridge spanning the Kicking Horse River en route to Emerald Lake, one of Canada's most outstanding wilderness settings. Built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, your destination is the beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge. After dinner, savour a liqueur at the hotel before stargazing under the night sky and roasting s'mores, a traditional campfire treat by a lakeside bonfire.

Hotel: Emerald Lake Lodge

Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

This morning is yours to relax in the peaceful setting of Emerald Lake before departing for another great icon of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake. An easy walk around the Moraine Lake shoreline is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extaordinary views of the Ten Peaks, a series of encircling summits all over 10,000 feet (3,048 metres). Hike up the Rock Pile for an alternative view of the turquoise waters and nearby Tower of Babel. Then drive to Lake Louise and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for your stay.

Hotel: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Full Breakfast

Day 8: The Unspoiled Wilderness of Banff National Park

Enjoy an interpretive talk along the shore of Lake Louise also known as the "Jewel of the Rockies" and learn about the history and geography of the area. The rest of the morning is yours to do as you please. Take a canoe out on the lake, take a hike to Lake Agnes and the historic teahouse or just relax and take in the beauty of the lake surrounded by dense green forest and crowned by the glistening Victoria Glacier. This afternoon, head out for the popular resort city of Banff where you enjoy an orientation tour including Banff viewpoints, landmarks and historic places and ride aboard the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. This evening you are offered a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Hotel: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Full Breakfast, Dine-Around

Day 9: Meet a Mountie in Banff

After breakfast, enjoy a private meet and greet with a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. Wearing his icon red serge uniform, he will fascinate you with personal storeis, the rich history, and traditions of the RCPM. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, browse the shops along Banff Avenue or join an optional helicopter tour of Canada's Rockies.

Hotel: The Fairmont Banff Springs

Full Breakfast

Day 10: Along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Today, motor along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and witness amazing scenes such as the Crowfoot Glacier and Columbia Icefield, North America's largest sub-polar ice pack. At the Athabasca Glacier, climb aboard a specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice as you ascend part way up the glacier. Your home for tonight is at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, in the heart of Jasper National Park, an alpine wonderland of immense forests, jewelled lakes, soaring waterfalls, soothing mineral hot springs, rugged glaciers, colourful meadows and majestic mountains. Tonight, enjoy a Celebration Dinner with your Tour Director and travelling companions. After dinner, enjoy a fun and interactive wildlife talk by a wildlife expert. Learn about some of the park's most interesting residents including elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, black bear, beaver and caribou.

Hotel: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Full Breakfast, Celebration Dinner

Day 11-13: Jasper National Park and Iconic Maligne Lake

This morning embark on a private, narrated cruise on the serene waters of iconic Maligne Lake, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites of the Canadian Rockies, Then, join your Tour Director for an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Canadian Rockies. Stroll along the canyon's trail, past beautiful waterfalls, astounding rock formations, and learn about the underground river system. Later this afternoon, bid farewell to your Tour Director and settle into your private compartment with en-suite facilities aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, one of the world's greatest rail journeys. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals and impeccable service on board the train. See prairies stretching to the horizon and cross forests studded with sparkling lakes. Discover the unique pleasure of rail travel by night as the gentle rocking of the train lulls you to sleep.

Hotel: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Lunch, Dinner, Full Breakfast

Day 14: Exploring Toronto

Arrive in Toronto, Canada's most cosmopolitan city,  located on the shore of Lake Ontario.  On arrival, you will be met and taken to your stylish hotel in the heart of Toronto's vibrant city center.  Time permitting, start exploring Toronto with your complimentary “hop-on, hop-off” city sightseeing tour.

Hotel: The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Full Breakfast

Day 15: Niagara Falls up close & Sightseeing

This morning, travel to Niagara Falls and board a cruise to the base of the mighty cascades for close up views of one of the world's great natural wonders. Then visit picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake, a nationally recognised historic site. The region's climate is ideal for wine-making, so stop at a local winery for a taste, before returning to Toronto.

Hotel: The Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Full Breakfast

Day 16: Depart Toronto or extend your stay

Your journey comes to an end today as you are taken to Toronto Pearson International Airport for your onward flight arrangements or to extend your stay.  We recommend you do not book any flight until the afternoon, affording you more time to explore Toronto in the morning. 

Full Breakfast

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Butchart Gardens: Enjoy a delightful breakfast and an informative talk surrounded by 55 fragrant acres.
Yoho: Enjoy a liqueur before roasting s'mores round a bonfire.
Lake Louise: Join a revealing walk along the milky-blue waters at the foot of Victoria Glacier.
Athabasca Glacier: Travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer for a remarkable experience on the icy slopes.
Jasper National Park: With a Local Expert, learn about the fascinating history and nature of the Rocky Mountains.
Maligne River: This system mystified early French Canadian fur traders. Find out why on an interpretive walk.
The Canadian: Stay aboard VIA Rail's The Canadian, one of the world's greatest rail journeys.
Niagara: Greet the howling spray, wind and thunder at the base of the falls aboard your cruise.
Niagara: Stop at a local winery on the Peninsula.
 

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

Vancouver: See English Bay, Chinatown, Gastown and the totem poles of Vancouver's Stanley Park.
Victoria: See the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings and Bastion Square in Victoria.
Banff National Park: View Moraine Lake, the Spiral Tunnels and Natural Bridge.
Jasper National Park: Enjoy a get together with a wildlife expert.
Toronto: See all the major sights with a “Hop-on, Hop-off” pass.
Niagara Falls: Stop at the Whirlpool and Rapids observation deck.
Scenic Drives: Icefields Parkway, Niagara Peninsula.

EPICUREAN DINING

Whistler: Your resort's setting and reputation for fine food is hard to overlook - join us for a Highlight Dinner with wine.
Banff: Experience traditional, regional and contemporary dining at one of the Fairmont's fine restaurants.
Jasper: Join your Tour Director for a lively Celebration Dinner with wine.
1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 13 Full Breakfasts (FB), 2 Highlight Dinner (HD), 2 Dine-Arounds (DA) 1 three-course table d'hote Dinne, and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)r (D) 3 Full Breakfasts (FB), 2 Lunches (L) and 3 three-course table d'hote Dinners (D) onboard the VIA Rail's The Canadian train

DISTINCTIVE HOTELS

Hotel Overview: Fabulous accommodations awaits you at, starting with The Four Seasons Resort in Whistler, a true luxury resort hotel located in Whistler's Upper Village. The stunning Sparkling Hill has been recognised as a leader in North American, Canadian, and British Columbia resorts. The gloriously located Fairmont Banff Springs. Finishing with the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, a magnificent and luxurious hotel, located in the city centre.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED FIVE STAR SERVICES

An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.
A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
Included airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 16.
 

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
01st May & 15th May 2016 £7329* £5253* Please call Please call
29th May 2016 £7488* £5412* Please call Please call
12th June 2016 £7563* £5487* Please call Please call
10th July 2016 £7142* £5323* Please call Please call
31st July 2016 £7348* £5529* Please call Please call
28th August 2016 £7300* £5482* Please call Please call
18th September 2016 £7254* £5436* Please call Please call
 
* 2016 Early Payment Discount - Insight's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early and pay your balance in full as below and save up to 10% Off the prices shown above - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th January 2016 and SAVE 7.5%
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th April 2016 and SAVE 5%
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £108.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.