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    Owing to recent flight price increases this package is scheduled for repricing. Submit a booking enquiry to receive up-to-date pricing for your travel plan without obligation.
    18 Days "Grand Canadian Adventure" Package from $10,255pp $7,999pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:
    • All airfares
    • Top-class Vancouver accommodation
    • Day tours to Whistler and Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
    • All-inclusive scenic rail trip from Vancouver to Toronto over four-days, three-nights aboard The Canadian travelling in style
    • Three nights in Toronto
    • Harbour dinner cruise
    • 8-day, 7-night Eastern Canada tour
    • Hotel breakfasts
    • Airport transfers
    Save up to 22% off full retail value.
    Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies
    Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies

    FULL RETAIL VALUE: $10,255pp. YOU PAY FROM $7,899, SAVE UP TO $2,256pp.

    BOOKING ENQUIRY

    Trip Highlights

    On the lengendary Via Rail Canadian you get your own private, luxurious, upper and lower berth or "Sleeper Plus" cabin. The Rocky Mountaineer, by comparison, off-loads you to overnight hotel accommodation and leaves you in the Rockies so you need a bus transfer and flight to get back to Vancouver. Our package takes you all the way to Toronto and also includes a tour of east-coast Canada & USA including Toronto, Niagara Falls and Montreal, plus New York, Boston and Washington DC, top-class hotel accommodation and a lot more.

    Enjoy these highlights*:

    • Vancouver city, Whistler Mountain, Shannon Falls, Capilano Bridge, Grouse Mountain from Vancouver
    • Canadian rail journey from Vancouver to Toronto across the Canadian Rockies
    • Visit Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa
    • Be amazed at the grandeur of Niagara Falls
    • Visit Prince Edward County for a farm tour and cider tasting
    • Dance the night away in Toronto harbour

    * Request a travel plan with pricing according to your travel dates.

    Global Escapes Travel

    In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.

    Package Pricing

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    $10,255pp

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -$2,256

    YOU PAY FROM*

    $7,999

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22%

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    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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    Inclusions

    "Welcome to 'The Grand Canadian Adventure' Luxury all the way."

    Your deluxe, once-in-a-lifetime Grand Canadian Adventure starts in Vancouver. Then it's all-aboard for your rail trip across the Canadia Rockies aboard the famous Via Rail train "The Canadian". This four-day epic journey from Vancouver to Toronto is an adventure from start to finish. Many say they would turn around and do it all over again given half a chance.

    This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Your grand Canadian rail journey.

    Video link

    Click/tap the player above to watch this short video about "The Canadian".

    About The Canadian

    What a Sleeper Plus cabin looks like

    What an upper/lower berth cabin looks like

    Amenities included in your rail trip

    "The five-day, four-night journey across four time zones offers extraordinary contrasts, from empty boreal forest to vibrant cities, from prairies of wheat and grass to soaring mountains." Anthony Lambert (Telegraph UK) Read the full article here...

    Package inclusions:

    • Return flights from Australia
    • Private car airport transfer in Vancouver on arrival
    • 3 nights, Gold standard accommodation in Downtown Vancouver
    • Grouse Mountain and Capilano Bridge tour
    • Whistler and Shannon Falls tour
    • 3-night, 4-day scenic rail trip on "The Canadian" from Vancouver to Toronto
    • All meals and private, deluxe "Sleeper Plus" cabin accommodation on rail trip
    • 1 night, Gold standard accommodation in central Toronto
    • 7 night, 8-day deluxe tour of Eastern Canada
    • 2 nights, Gold standard accommodation in central Toronto on tour return
    • Hop-on/off bus tour of Toronto (great to use with your Lonely Planet guide)
    • Dinner and dance harbour cruise
    • Airport transfer in Toronto for your return flight to Australia
    • Daily, full-buffet hotel breakfasts

    Rail trip features & amenities:

    • Elegant, spacious, private sleeper cabin with washroom
    • Access to in-car shower
    • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages included in the dining car
    • Complementary coffee, tea, fruit and cookies in the lounge cars
    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for sale
    • Priority boarding
    • Activities for children (games, books, movies)
    • Free on-train entertainment on your own device
    • Attendant and turndown service available
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi access (where available)
    • Access to the Vancouver and Toronto lounge upon departure
    • Access to the Skyline car
    • Access to the Panorama car

    For full details please visit the Via Rail Canada website.

    Dining:

    • All breakfasts lunches and dinners on rail trip
    • 6 breakfasts at hotels

    Other:

    • Add extra nights wherever you want and pay the lowest member rates
    • Hand-picked, top-rated hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Variety of optional excursions
    • Private car airport transfer in Vancouver and rail transfer in Toronto

    All packages include:

    • Lonely Planet guide for Canada
    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Fully customisable:

    This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

    Special value:

    Lonely Planet Logo

    Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

    Canada

    You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

    Add our 5 day Rocky Mountain tour from Vancouver from just $1,299 per person!

    This means you start in Vancouver, do the Rockies tour including Kamloops, Jasper National Park, Banff and more. Immerse yourself in beautiful scenery and maybe even see some of the local wildlife. Then after you return to Vancouver you start your rail journey.

    "A ship in a harbor is safe, but it not what ships are built for." - John A. Shedd

    DAY 1: ARRIVE VANCOUVER (3 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to Vancouver. You are met on arrival and taken to your Downtown Vancouver hotel.


    Silver standard accommodation

    After check-in spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city.

    DAY 2: VANCOUVER - WHISTLER & SHANNON FALLS

    Today after an early breakfast you'll leave the city behind and experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. This all-day excursion takes you from the scenic coastline of Howe Sound to the lush forested mountain peaks for an all-encompassing look at the amazing landscapes of Canada's West Coast. As you drive out on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, gaze over ever-changing landscapes along the road. Your first stop is at Shannon Falls, where you can walk out on viewing decks and feel the mist from the powerful 1,099-foot-high (335 m) falls.

    Continue the journey, catching views and snapping photos of the Tantalus Glacier through the massive viewing windows. Once in Whistler, explore the pedestrian village at the base of the world-famous Whistler-Blackcomb resort and check out sites that hosted events from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

    Have a bite to eat, and then spend the rest of your afternoon browsing eclectic downtown shops, hiking along nature trails, or relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. On your return to Vancouver, savour the beautiful views overlooking Howe Sound, following the mountains as they give way to the rugged coastline surrounding Vancouver's gleaming skyline.

    DAY 3: VANCOUVER - GROUSE MOUNTAIN & CAPILANO BRIDGE TOUR

    Today's you have a choice of flexible hop-on hop-off city tour or the grouse Mountain and Capilano Bridge tour which begins mid-morning. If you want free time to explore Vancouver city itself then the hop-on hop-off city tour is a gret idea. Otherwise you can choose to breathe in the fresh Pacific air and immerse yourself in the breathtaking canyons, rivers and mountainside at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. Look down over towering evergreens from the Cliffwalk or Treetops Adventure and admire mountain vistas from the Skyride.


    Capilano cliff walk Vancouver

    Cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 230 feet (70 m) above the Capilano River. Feel the rush of adrenaline at the Cliffwalk, a cantilevered walkway clinging to the granite cliff, or embark on the Treetops Adventure's 7 suspension bridges through the evergreens – 100 feet (30 m) above the forest floor. Continue to the Capilano River Hatchery, dedicated to several species of salmon and trout from British Columbia. Learn about the life cycle of salmon, with an opportunity to view hatching and juvenile fish before they are released into a nearby river.

    Spectacular Grouse Mountain is the next stop. Here, dare to take the courageous trek up the 2,788-foot (849 m) mountain known as Mother Nature's Stairmaster. Or ride the relaxing Skyride, a giant airborne gondola, offering a bird's-eye view as you glide up the mountainside. At the mountaintop, you can explore the wildlife refuge, a 5-acre (2 ha) habitat that is home to a pack of grey wolves, two grizzly bears and two peregrine falcons that participate in flying demonstrations three times a day. While there, you can take in a short IMAX film at the Theatre in the Sky.

    DAY 4: VANCOUVER - FREE TIME & BOARD "THE CANADIAN"

    Take your time to explore Vancouver and surrounds. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to do. Your train to Toronto departs at 8.30pm tonight so you'll have an extra night's lay-over hotel accommodation. This means you can be out all day and return to your room to freshen up before your taxi ride to Pacific Central Station where you'll check in for your train departure.

    Tonight you'll sleep aboard The Canadian in your private cabin. Tomorrow morning you'll awaken to some of the world's most beautiful scenery.

    DAYS 5, 6, 7: "THE CANADIAN" (3 NIGHTS)

    Your window to witnessing Canada's diverse beauty. Watch the Canadian landscape transform before your eyes as you travel across Canada's five most southern provinces; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.


    Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park

    From the harbour side metropolis of Vancouver through the heart of Canadian Rockies and onto the multicultural mecca of Toronto, this epic journey encompasses many of the natural, urban, cultural and historical contrasts that make Canada such a great place to visit and why it tops the 2017 list of travel destinations.

    DAY 8: TORONTO (1 NIGHT)

    This morning after breakfast, you'll disembark from The Canadian and say goodbye to the wonderful staff and new friends you made on board. Head to your accommodation where you will spend the night before your guided tour.

    DAY 9: START "EASTERN CANADA" TOUR

    Toronto, known as the 'Six', is a vibrant city that embraces diverse cultures and experiences. From unique neighborhoods to fusion cuisine and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, the city exudes energy. Explore open-air markets, immerse in hockey culture, and savor fusion dining at Kensington Market. Toronto offers a dynamic blend of flavors, traditions, and urban adventures. 

    DAY 10: NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION

    Embark on an adventure to Niagara Falls, North America's largest and most captivating waterfall. Experience its awe-inspiring power as 750,000 gallons of water cascade every second, a true marvel often called the 8th Wonder of the World.


    Niagara Falls

    Take a cruise to Horseshoe Falls for a close-up view of both the Canadian and American sides, and don't forget your raincoat for this misty encounter. Back in Toronto, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether exploring Queen West's art scene or conquering heights at the CN Tower. It's a day filled with excitement and possibilities!

    DAY 11: TORONTO - KINGSTON - OTTAWA

    Leave Toronto and enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Ontario to reach Kingston, known as the 'Limestone City' for its beautiful limestone architecture. Explore its historical charm, once a short-lived Canadian capital. Then, head to Campbell's Orchard in Prince Edward County for a farm tour and cider tasting, experiencing the delicious results of traditional apple fermentation methods.

    DAY 12: OTTAWA SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Start your morning in Ottawa with a guided tour, exploring key landmarks like Sussex Drive, Royal Canadian Mint, National Art Gallery, Supreme Court of Canada, and Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica.


    Ottawa city

    Enjoy free time with diverse Optional Experiences, such as a visit to Byward Market for a quick bite or experiencing a traditional Pow-wow dance performance at Madahòkì Farm. Culinary enthusiasts can opt for a food walking tour, discovering Ottawa's neighborhood food markets and meeting local chefs and artisans. Ottawa offers a blend of culture, history, and gastronomy to suit every taste.

    DAY 13: OTTAWA - QUEBEC CITY

    Québec City, an epitome of elegance and European allure, awaits with its cobblestone streets and enchanting parks. Immerse in its unique culture—95% of the population speaks French. Experience the city's romantic ambiance and, in the afternoon, opt for a memorable excursion to witness the towering Montmorency Falls, even higher than Niagara Falls, adding an extra touch of magic to your Québec adventure. 

    DAY 14: QUEBEC SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Begin your day in Québec City with a delightful French-inspired breakfast of croissants and coffee. Embark on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, accompanied by a local specialist.


    Quebec City
     

    Explore iconic landmarks like The Citadel, the historically rich Plains of Abraham, and the renowned turrets of Chateau Frontenac—the world's most photographed hotel. Let the charm of this city deepen your affection.

    DAY 15: QUEBEC CITY - MONTREAL

    Embrace the flavors and culture of Montreal with a visit to a traditional sugar shack for breakfast and a lesson on maple syrup production. Then, explore Montreal, the cultural hub of Canada, with a Local Specialist, admiring the fusion of European-style architecture and modern art. Enjoy an afternoon of personal exploration, discovering Montreal's vibrant neighborhoods, parks, and street art. In the evening, savor dinner at a terraced restaurant by the river or opt for a group dinner, relishing the lively ambiance of this charming city.

    DAY 16: TORONTO - END OF TOUR (2 NIGHTS)

    Your exploration of Eastern Canada, from Toronto's breweries to Québec City's romance, wraps up today. Head to your accommmodation and extend your visit in Toronto for a few additional days. You have the rest of the day to explore.

    DAY 17: FULL DAY IN TORONTO

    Avoid the stress of navigating Toronto on your own aboard a hop-on hop-off bus pass, valid for 24 hours. Buses are equipped with audio commentary and stop at a number of popular destinations, including the St. Lawrence Market, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Distillery District. Take in views rarely seen by visitors from the top of a double-decker bus.


    Dinner cruise in Toronto Harbour
     

    At the evening, experience the best of Toronto with a premier dinner cruise aboard the newly renovated luxury vessel, Toronto Odyssey, and spend your evening in Toronto Harbor with dining, picturesque views, and DJ entertainment. While onboard, you’ll enjoy our chef-prepared plated menu, creative cocktails, distinctive service, and breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline and attractions from our climate-controlled interior and open-air rooftop deck. Whether for a dinner for two or for a special evening with friends and family, our dinner cruises are the perfect way to elevate any occasion and see Toronto from the water!

    DAY 18: TORONTO - RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

    Depending on flight time you will have some extra time to relax and enjoy Toronto before returning to Australia. You'll think back on this Grand Canadian Adventure as being one of your best holidays ever. Transfer to the airport is included.

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