Arrive in Vancouver, a spirited seaport metropolis located on Canada’s west coast in British Columbia, where urban city life sits amidst the great outdoors. Check in at your Vancouver hotel for a comfortable two-night city stay, then the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like.

You could stretch your legs or hire a bicycle in the beautiful Stanley Park, following waterfront paths and forest trails with views across Vancouver Harbour and towards the North Shore Mountains. At Stanley Park, you’ll also find the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s largest aquarium and home to more than 65,000 animals across 120 indoor and outdoor exhibits. Alternatively, you could enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline, harbour, and surrounding mountains from the 168 metre high Vancouver Lookout in the heart of downtown.

Optional Experiences: 

• Vancouver Hop-on, Hop-off Bus – stop by 14 of the city’s main attractions, including Canada Place, Robson Street, and Chinatown on a circular route around the city

To book any of the optional experiences included in this itinerary, just ask your FREEDOM travel expert

Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown or similar
If you’d prefer to stay in a different hotel, just ask.

Today is yours to explore! Grab breakfast at Granville Island, lined with cafés, bakeries, and independent shops, or take a walk along downtown Vancouver’s scenic waterfront before embarking on a thrilling tree-top adventure at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, included in your holiday. Cross the 137-metre suspension bridge high above the Capilano River, then explore the rainforest canopy on seven suspended bridges and follow the Cliffwalk along the side of the canyon.

If time allows, take a scenic 20-minute ferry to Bowen Island, from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The ferry arrives at Snug Cove, where you can browse independent shops and galleries, stop for lunch or follow forest trails through Crippen Regional Park towards Killarney Lake.

Optional Experiences:

• Vancouver Scenic Flight – see the city from above in a floatplane, taking off and landing on water
• Flyover Canada – a thrilling virtual journey across Canada, east to west

Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown or similar

Today, begin your scenic adventure into the Canadian Rockies, leaving Vancouver behind and heading towards Jasper. Board the overnight train at Pacific Central Station and settle in for a memorable journey through British Columbia, past crystal clear lakes, glacier-clad mountains, and breathtaking landmarks like the Fraser River, Hell’s Gate, and the North Thompson River.

Aboard The Canadian, you will have access to the Skyline Car with a panoramic dome and a variety of food and drink available to purchase throughout the journey. The elevated dome is one of the best places to watch the scenery unfold, changing from Vancouver’s coastal and forested landscapes to deep river canyons and, eventually, the mountainous terrain of the Canadian Rockies.

Sleeper Plus, Shared Cabin on board The Canadian or similar
Private Cabins and Prestige Class also available

Arrive in the mountain town of Jasper, set in the Athabasca Valley amid the peaks of Jasper National Park. Once you have checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Wander the relaxed streets of Jasper’s town centre, browsing the local shops and cafés along Connaught Drive and Patricia Street, or stop to see some of the town’s historic railway buildings. If time allows, enjoy a scenic stroll along one of the nearby walking trails, heading beyond the townsite for a closer look at the surrounding forests, valleys, and Canadian Rockies.

Optional Experience:

• Wildlife Discovery Tour – venture through Jasper National Park with an experienced ranger on the lookout for grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and more
• Jasper Canoe Adventure – a peaceful paddle across Pyramid Lake with a local guide

Jasper Inn & Suites or similar

Included in your holiday today is a guided tour through Maligne Valley and a cruise to Spirit Island. Travel by road through a glacially carved valley shaped by rugged woodland and impressive mountain ranges, keeping watch for Canadian wildlife along the way, including elk, bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Stop at Medicine Lake, otherwise known as the ‘disappearing lake’ due to its underground limestone karst system, before continuing to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.

From here, cruise across Maligne Lake, taking in the stunning mountain scenery and watching for wildlife roaming the shores, as your boat captain takes you across the clear glacial waters towards Spirit Island. On arrival, step ashore and follow the short nature trail to the viewpoint overlooking the island and surrounding peaks, which is even more beautiful than in the pictures!

Jasper Inn & Suites or similar

Depart Jasper today and head for Banff aboard a comfortable sightseeing coach, travelling south along the Icefields Parkway through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Before arriving in Banff, your first stop along the way is The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre for an incredible glacier experience already included in your holiday.

Climb aboard an all-terrain Ice Explorer which takes you onto the Athabasca Glacier, stopping to let you step out onto the ice. Then, venture onto the glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. Included in your experience is a hot buffet lunch waiting for you at the discovery centre to fuel up before continuing your journey along the Icefields Parkway.

The road to Banff is beautiful, with your next stop at glacier-fed Peyto Lake, known for its striking blue-green waters and spectacular viewpoint over the surrounding mountains. Take a moment to stretch your legs and admire the scenery before setting off on the final part of your journey, passing scenic spots like Sarbach Glacier, Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier before reaching Banff.

Elk & Avenue Hotel, Banff or similar

Buffet lunch

Included in your itinerary today is a guided tour of the mountain town of Banff. See sights including Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain Drive before riding the famous Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views across six surrounding mountain ranges. Afterwards, enjoy a one-hour cruise on the glacier-fed waters of Lake Minnewanka and take in more of Banff’s breathtaking scenery.

Afterwards, spend more time exploring Banff at your own pace. Wander along Banff Avenue, lined with small boutiques, cafés and restaurants, browse the shops along neighbouring Bear Street, or learn more about the town and national park’s heritage at local museums. You could also cross the Bow River and stroll through Cascade Gardens, or enjoy a slow-paced walk from downtown along the river to Bow Falls.

Optional Experiences:

• Bow River Horse Ride – a beginner-friendly scenic ride through the forest by the Bow River
• Cowboy Cookout – a leisurely horseback ride or covered wagon journey followed by western games and a sumptuous BBQ

Elk & Avenue Hotel, Banff or similar

Included in your itinerary today, spend the day exploring Banff and Yoho National Park on a full-day tour taking you to two of Canada’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes and historical landmarks with an expert guide there to bring the region’s natural history to life by exploring the ancient geology that has shaped these remarkable landscapes.

Your tour starts with a visit to the turquoise shores of Moraine Lake, located in Alberta’s Valley of the Ten Peaks. Pause to admire the beautiful backdrop, then continue through the mountains to the historic Spiral Tunnels, and learn about how this remarkable section of railway helped trains navigate the Canadian Rockies, before crossing into Yoho National Park. Depending on seasonal road conditions, continue to Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, or an alternative spot such as Johnston Canyon when the road is closed.

In the afternoon, take time to reset at Emerald Lake Lodge and enjoy an included light lunch overlooking the clear waters of Emerald Lake before returning to Banff National Park to spend time at Lake Louise, a famous glacier-fed lake framed by mountains and glaciers.

Elk & Avenue Hotel, Banff or similar

Today, leave behind the beauty of the rugged outdoors and head back into city life, touring four of Canada’s liveliest cities, starting with Calgary, the heart of Alberta’s ‘cowboy country.’ Meet your coach for a transfer into the city and check in for an overnight stay at your central hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

With half a day in Calgary, it’s easy to see several of the city-centre highlights on foot. Browse the shops and historic sandstone buildings in Calgary’s premier shopping districts, explore the four-storey Calgary Central Library, or walk the Peace Bridge and visit Prince’s Island Park.

Optional Experiences:

• The Calgary Tower – enjoy panoramic views across the city skyline from the Calgary Tower.

Hotel Arts, Calgary or similar

Quebec City is up next. Make your way to Calgary Airport for your flight east to Quebec City, leaving Western Canada behind and travelling into the predominantly French-speaking province of Québec. On arrival, head to your city centre hotel for a two-night stay and spend the rest of the day soaking up the city’s history.

Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 400 years of history rooted within colonial architecture, fortified walls, and historic squares. Walk the winding European-style streets of Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain established Québec in 1608, or explore the Plains of Abraham, part of Battlefields Park and the scene of the pivotal 1759 battle between British and French forces. Further from the Old Town, the Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site marks the area where French explorer Jacques Cartier and his crew spent the winter of 1535–36, and where the Jesuits lay their first local roots.

A 24 hour Quebec City Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass is included in your holiday, stopping by 13 of the city’s main attractions, like Place d’Armes, Quartier Nouvo Saint-Roch, Civilisation Museum, and La Citadelle de Québec. Enjoy city views from the top deck while listening to a live onboard commentary as you pass some of Quebec’s liveliest streets.

Hotel Manoir Victoria, Quebec City or similar

Be sure to grab a coffee and croissant this morning as you set out on another day of exploration. If today you want to do something a little more laid back, visit the pedestrianised Quartier Petit-Champlain in the Lower Town of Old Québec, where you can spend your afternoon browsing independent boutiques, artisan shops, and art galleries. Later, wander along the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk, travelling from the Château Frontenac towards the Citadelle, with beautiful views across the St. Lawrence River.

Optional Experiences:

• Foodie Walking Tour – sample the flavours of Quebec City’s culinary history, with five exclusive tastings

Hotel Manoir Victoria, Quebec City or similar

After an early breakfast in Quebec City, head to the station and travel by train to the next city destination on your Canada itinerary: Montréal. This is Québec’s largest city, where French heritage, historic streets, and a celebrated food and arts scene are woven into the city’s culture.

On arrival, check into your city hotel for a two-night stay, then spend time exploring the city, starting with Old Montréal and the Old Port. Wander through Place d’Armes, home to the Notre-Dame Basilica, before following cobbled Rue Saint-Paul towards the cafés, galleries and boutiques around Rue de la Commune and the waterfront. Alternatively, head up to Mount Royal Park and Kondiaronk Lookout for sweeping views across downtown Montréal and towards the St. Lawrence River.

Alt Hotel, Montreal or similar

Today you have a full day to explore Montréal at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, an impressive Gothic Revival church in the heart of Old Montréal, where you can admire its stunning architecture and learn about its rich history.

For a taste of Montréal’s renowned food scene, head to Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, where stalls and speciality shops sell fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and other local and international foods. You could then explore nearby neighbourhoods such as Mile End or Plateau Mont-Royal, leaving time later to take a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal for sweeping 360-degree views across the city skyline and St. Lawrence River.

Optional Experiences:

• Mont Tremblant & The Laurentians – a guided tour through one of Canada’s most beautiful and unique ecosystems, including a cruise on the beautiful Lac des Sables

Alt Hotel, Montreal or similar

Today, take the train from Quebec to Ontario. Toronto is the final city stop on your adventure across Canada, known for its striking skyline, diverse neighbourhoods, food scene, theatres, galleries, and major sporting events. Arriving in the afternoon, check into your hotel for a three-night stay before setting out to explore.

Included in your holiday is a 24 hour Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass to help you enjoy a full city experience. This narrated bus tour stops at 20 city locations including the St. Lawrence Market, Yonge-Dundas Square, the wonderful Casa Loma, and the Harbourfront.

Take a walk along the Toronto waterfront admiring views across Lake Ontario, or explore dynamic locations like Kensington Market, Queen Street West, and the Distillery District, where historic brick buildings, independently owned shops, and bustling street life contribute to the city’s character.

Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Use your hop-on hop-off bus pass to explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through Graffiti Alley dressed with creative and colourful street art, and get back to nature, exploring the gardens of High Park or Allan Gardens Conservatory.

If time allows, take the 10-15 minute ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto across to the Toronto Islands. Centre Island is home to seasonal attractions including Centreville Amusement Park and Far Enough Farm, while nearby Ward’s Island offers quieter neighbourhoods, cosy cafés, and peaceful sandy beaches. Wander along the islands’ scenic pathways and waterfront trails, enjoying scenic views of the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.

Optional Experiences:

• Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto – home to 20,000 aquatic animals, across saltwater and freshwater habitats
• CN Tower – offering panoramic views of the Toronto city skyline from 114 storeys above the city

Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

End your Canada holiday with a bang, visiting the stunning sights of the world-famous Niagara Falls on a full-day adventure from Toronto, including door-to-door transport and priority access to the Niagara City Cruises boat tour.

This morning, a minivan will pick you up from your hotel, with an experienced driver offering local insight en route to Niagara Falls. On arrival, board the ‘Voyage to the Falls’ boat tour and journey across the Niagara River gorge, passing the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before reaching the base of Horseshoe Falls- get your complimentary ponchos ready as you enter the heavy spray!

Finally, dry off with an included light lunch overlooking the natural wonder, before the minibus takes you back to your hotel for your last night in Canada.

Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown or similar

Lunch

Your adventure comes to an end today. Make your way to the airport in time for your flight home, on which you can scroll through your photos from your incredible multi centre Canada holiday!