Compare Whales & Bears of British Columbia by Exodus Travels vs Canada's Capital Cities plus Niagara Falls 2021 by Tauck

Day 1 Start Vancouver

The adventure begins in Vancouver on Canada's west coast. If you have time, we recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 990-acre (400ha) green wonderland where you can see authentic totem poles put up in the 1920s or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome briefing may be held this evening or tomorrow morning, in which we gather as a group and meet our tour leader. Accommodation: Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Vancouver Island

In the morning, we head to the port for a ferry to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, a 1hr 30min journey across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival in Nanaimo, we continue by road, stopping for a walk and picnic lunch at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. Rathtrevor is known for its majestic old-growth woodland, beautiful ocean sunsets and a wide, sandy beach with picnic areas nestled amongst the trees. We then continue our drive to Ucluelet, our base for the next three nights. Today's travel time is approximately six hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 3 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve; boat excursion to observe grey and humpback whales

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled between the mountains of the Vancouver Island range and the Pacific coastline. We walk inside the park this morning to admire the rich natural heritage of the west coast of Canada. The reserve has almost 10mi (16km) of sand and a huge collection of driftwood, while the next stop is Japan! We usually take the Nuu-Chah-Nulth trail to the beach and visit during low tide to explore some of the intertidal pools and rocky islands. You may see lime-green anemones and purple, brown and orange starfish. In the afternoon, we board Zodiacs with a naturalist guide who leads a 2hr 30min to three hour whale-observation excursion (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). Our goal is to see humpback and grey whales, but it is also common to come across orcas, seals and sea lions among the rocky headlands. Today’s driving time should not exceed two hours. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 4 Rainforest Figure Eight trail; boat excursion to observe black bears

Today our leader will take us on an easy hike on the Rainforest Figure Eight trail, an hour-long walk along wooden boardwalks through the majestic forest. This is a peaceful trail and we will be surrounded by a dense foliage of ferns, Western Red Cedar and Western Hemlock trees. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife - our tour leaders have reported sightings of Steller's jays and Rufous hummingbirds! Late this afternoon, we board Zodiacs for a 2hr 30min expedition to observe black bears and bald eagles (depending on the low-tide schedule, this activity may take place earlier in the day). In the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, black bears search for crabs and clams on the rocky beaches. We travel the fjord inlet by Zodiac, looking in sheltered bays and stopping to see any black bears we find from the comfort of our vessel. Accommodation: Canadian Princess Lodge & Marina (or similar)

Day 5 To Campbell River and Cathedral Grove Provincial Park

Depart Ucluelet and drive for four hours to Campbell River on the north shore of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is known as the salmon capital of the world for its hugely impressive salmon runs, where five species of Pacific salmon swim the river. It has been designated a Heritage River for its importance in British Columbia; following the fish are bears, seals, kingfishers and eagles. This afternoon, we stop at Cathedral Grove Provincial Park to see the last remains of the temperate rainforest that covered the island more than a 1,000 years ago. This is one of the most accessible areas of giant Douglas fir trees in the province and there are many trails enabling us to meander through Douglas fir, western hemlock, grand fir and western red cedar trees. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 Boat excursion to Orford River to observe grizzly bears

Board a covered boat for a full-day excursion to the Orford River area (on the mainland of British Columbia) to observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Conservative estimates suggest there are 10,000 grizzly (brown) bears in British Columbia, with 92 percent of the original habitat of grizzlies still occupied. The abundance of spawning salmon in the Orford River at this time of year brings grizzlies down to feast. A two-hour journey by boat with a spectacular backdrop of mountainous scenery brings us to the mouth of the Orford River. From here, we take a short bus journey inland, where there are five viewing platforms from which to spot the bears. We visit one or sometimes two of these platforms, where we hope to observe the bears catching and feeding on salmon, sometimes with cubs in tow. On the boat journey to and from the Orford River, we may also see black bears, orcas, humpback and grey whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea lions. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 Quadra Island for hiking or optional sea kayaking

Board a ferry for a 10-minute journey across the Discovery Passage to Quadra Island, where we spend the day exploring the island trails and beaches by foot. Our leader will determine the best trail based on the group's preference and ability, but options include the Shallaligan Pass Trail along Quadra Island's coastline, which offers panoramic ocean views, or the Heriot Ridge Trail that passes through the bush and out onto a ridge for coastal views galore. There is also an optional three-hour sea kayaking excursion from Quadra Island. Accompanied by kayak and marine life observation guides, there is never a dull moment as we paddle by kayak around Quadra Island – we could see soaring eagles, oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, gulls and, if lucky, seals, sea lions, dolphins and porpoises. The mountain views offer a stunning backdrop to this excursion, which is suitable for beginners. Accommodation: Painter’s Lodge (or similar)

Day 8 Transfer to Victoria; whale-watching in the Salish Sea

We drive for around four hours to Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Victoria is well-known for its colourful gardens, British architecture and arts scene. In the afternoon, we have one final wildlife-viewing opportunity as we embark on a whale-watching excursion from Victoria, where orcas, humpback whales and sea lions are often spotted in the waters of the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist will accompany us in the Zodiac boat, helping to spot wildlife and providing background information on the species we observe. Accommodation: Huntingdon Manor (or similar)

Day 9 Ferry to Vancouver; orientation tour and end Vancouver

It's an early start on our final day in British Columbia as we take the ferry (approximately 1.5 hours) across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver. Our leader will take us on a guided orientation tour of the city then there's free time to explore Vancouver at your leisure. Those on Land Only arrangements may choose stay longer in the vibrant city of Victoria. Please speak to your sales representative if you'd like to add post-tour nights in Victoria or Vancouver.

Day 1 Arrive Toronto

Tour begins: 5:30 PM at The Fairmont Royal York. A transfer from Toronto International Airport to The Fairmont Royal York upon arrival is included. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the amazing Royal Ontario Museum, a special experience for Tauck guests only!

MEALS : D

LODGING : Fairmont Royal York

PORTOFCALL : Toronto, Canada

Day 2 The Power of Niagara Falls

Journey to thundering Niagara Falls this morning for a cruise near the plunging waters and misty spray of the waterfalls, raincoats on. Have lunch as you please amidst the Victorian charms of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before returning to Toronto for an afternoon spent as you wish. Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight in the hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Royal York

PORTOFCALL : Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

Day 3 Boating Among a Thousand Islands

En route through Ontario to Canada’s capital city of Ottawa today, stop at Rockport and embark on a cruise along the St. Lawrence River through the scenic Thousand Islands. Lunch is provided as you cruise past the region's postcard-perfect island escapes, from charming cottages to mansions. Disembark in Rockport and continue overland to the heart of Ottawa; your historic Fairmont hotel is reminiscent of a French château. Dine at the hotel at your leisure this evening with views of Canada's Parliament and the Rideau Canal Locks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Château Laurier

PORTOFCALL : Ottawa, Canada

Day 4 The elegance of Ottawa

Sightseeing in Ottawa includes guided visits at the city’s grand Parliament buildings, including the House of Commons; vaulted ceilings, marble floors and stone walls with hundreds of gargoyles and reliefs create a grand feel. Next, delve into the stories of Canada and its people on a guided tour at the Canadian Museum of History. Dating back to 1856, it is one of Canada’s oldest public institutions and a showcase of Canadian history, archaeology, ethnology and cultural studies. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying city sights as you wish.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Fairmont Château Laurier

PORTOFCALL : Ottawa, Canada

Day 5 Meet a Royal Mountie & Montreal

Today it’s off to French-speaking Montreal! Along the way, stop for lunch at the privately owned Château Vaudreuil, set in sumptuous gardens on the shores of the Lake of Two Mountains. On arrival in Montreal, a local guide joins you to offer an introduction to life in the Province of Quebec. Your recently renovated landmark hotel is set in the heart of this remarkable multicultural, bilingual city.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

PORTOFCALL : Montreal, Canada

Day 6 A Taste of Old Montreal

Join us for a walking and tasting tour in the oldest part of the city; find cobblestone streets lit by gas lamps and city squares graced with 18th- and 19th-century buildings that will remind you of the history and romance of “Old World” Europe; you’ll also sample epicurean delights for which Vieux-Montréal is famous. Pursue your own special interests this afternoon. There are outdoor plazas, museums and historic churches to explore and a revitalized waterfront that’s perfect for strolling. Dinner tonight is at a popular restaurant in Old Montreal. Bon appétit!

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

PORTOFCALL : Montreal, Canada

Day 7 From a Sugar Shack to a Château

Leave Montreal this morning for Quebec City, following the mighty St. Lawrence River to Trois-Rivières; stop for lunch and a maple sugar demonstration at a traditional Québecois sugar shack; in springtime, these cabanes à sucre collect the natural bounty of local trees to produce pure maple syrup, adding nuances of caramel, wood and smoke to achieve mouth-watering flavors. Continue on to majestic Montmorency Falls for a guided tour and a gondola ride; it’s 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Montmorency is not far from Quebec City, your home for the next three nights. Your hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, sits up high on a bluff above the St. Lawrence River; below lies historic, walled Old Quebec City. Dinner is at the hotel tonight at your leisure.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

PORTOFCALL : Québec City, Canada

Day 8 Farms of Île d’Orléans

On a Quebec City orientation tour, discover the many faces of one of the oldest cities in North America. Get an overview of sights like La Citadelle de Québec, the largest British fortress built in North America (overlooking the St. Lawrence River) and the adjacent Plains of Abraham. Venture outside of the city for a special visit to historic Île d’Orléans, a French inspired island of red-roofed farm houses and bountiful fields of agricultural produce, from vegetables to fruits. Savor lunch in a historic centuries-old French flour mill; the remainder of the day and evening are free.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

PORTOFCALL : Québec City, Canada

Day 9 In Quebec City, a Day Your Way

If you wish, you may join your local guide this morning for an included, private tour of your historic hotel, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Otherwise, the entire day is yours to enjoy Quebec City’s enchanting setting on the St. Lawrence River, its rich architectural legacy and its colorful past. The only fortified city north of Mexico, historic Quebec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Explore the cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec where the Upper and Lower towns welcome with ramparts, citadels and 17th- and 18th-century houses, or people-watch from European-inspired cafés. We invite you to join us tonight for a farewell reception with entertainment and dinner at your landmark hotel.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

PORTOFCALL : Québec City, Canada

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends: Quebec City. A transfer is included from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to Quebec City International Airport. You should allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Québec City, Canada