Ffestiniog Travel

Tuesday 10 January to Thursday 19 January 2012

Canada in winter is every bit as beautiful as summer but very, very different. Memories of a frozen Niagara Falls, an early morning sunrise reflecting off the snow covered Prairies at 20 degrees below and the Rockies with their winter mantle will stay with you for ever. Travel in style on VIA Rail’s famous “Canadian” and stay at top quality hotels.

Day 1   Our Adventure Begins

Scheduled flight from London to Toronto. We overnight at the fabulous Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto opposite the station.

Day 2   Niagara Under Ice

We start this tour with a fascinating day excursion by train to Niagara Falls. The clinging spray blankets nearby trees and rocks with ice - we guarantee that you have never seen a spectacle quite like this. We return to Toronto in the evening.

Day 3   We board the "Canadian"

Most of the day is free to explore. To cope with the extremes of temperature, covered walkways link all major parts of the city including our hotel. If the skies are clear, we recommend a trip to the top of the nearby CN Tower for stunning views of the city and frozen Lake Ontario. Evening departure by train in comfortable "Silver and Blue" accommodation with full single or twin sleepers.

Day 4   Relax and Enjoy

The well-appointed "Canadian" boasts dome and lounge observations cars, a full dining car and private bedrooms. All your meals on the train are included in the cost of your fare and there will be free coffee available throughout the journey. On your first morning you will awake to the frozen muskeg of the Northern Ontario Forest and perhaps ponder on the hardships endured by the pioneers who built this remarkable trans-continental railway. Occasional service stops give you an opportunity to stretch your legs.

Day 5   Winnipeg and the Prairies

During the morning there is a long four hour service stop in Winnipeg when you have the option of leaving the train to explore the city if you wish. We continue across the Prairies in the afternoon.

Day 6   The Rocky Mountains

After a short break at Edmonton, the Rockies are reached in the mid-morning and there is a 90 minutes service stop at Jasper – where you get the chance to explore this charming town. We then continue over the Yellowhead Pass and past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 7   Vancouver

We arrive in the thriving city of Vancouver by mid-morning. After checking in to our hotel, the afternoon is free and the mild West Coast climate makes a pleasant change from the harsh winter of the interior.

Day 8   At Leisure in Vancouver

A completely free day to explore this cosmopolitan city and its surroundings. A day pass is available for all the city public transport in the whole Greater Vancouver area including the Skytrain system and the Seabus (ferry) across to North Vancouver for super views of the city skyline.

Day 9   Homeward Bound

We have more free time for last minute shopping or sightseeing before our evening flight. False Creek with its boutique shopping is worth a visit or, for those who prefer long walks in the park, the huge Stanley Park is a "must".

Day 10   Arrive London

Morning arrival into London’s Heathrow.

A word about the climate - All hotels and trains are fully heated and air-conditioned and you will not be exposed to harsh or unpleasant extremes of temperature. Sensible warm clothing including gloves, scarf and hat is all that is necessary for a most enjoyable and comfortable holiday. All participants will be fully briefed well before departure.