Cosmos - Canada

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Name of Tour: Totem Circle
Duration: 13 days
Tour Code: 8380

Itinerary

Day 1 VANCOUVER.
Enjoy some time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.

Day 2 VANCOUVER-FERRY CROSSING-VICTORIA.
Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's Chinatown, Gastown, the beautiful beaches and harbor, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterward, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes worldfamous BUTCHART GARDENS, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.

Day 3 VICTORIA.
Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and fine shopping along Government Street. This evening, join our optional excursion in Chinatown which includes a lantern tour and dinner at a first-class restaurant.

Day 4 VICTORIA-CHEMAINUS-PORT HARDY.
An early departure from Victoria follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, stopping at Chemainus, the unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Then, it's through the port of Campbell River, the "Salmon Capital of the World". Anglers from across the continent congregate here for the opportunity to catch some of the largest saltwater salmon in the world.

Day 5 PORT HARDY-INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE-PRINCE RUPERT.
This morning, embark on BC Ferries for what is referred to as one of the world's most beautiful ocean voyages. The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforest. Animal and marine life includes sea lions, eagles, and porpoises-you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival in Prince Rupert. Note: Crossing time through the Inside Passage is approximately 15 hours. Please come prepared with all medication you require, eyeglasses, and any other items you need.

Day 6 PRINCE RUPERT.
Depart for an orientation tour of Prince Rupert, then visit the NORTH PACIFIC HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE for a guided tour of British Columbia's oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village during peak production earlier this century. With your free time this afternoon, you may opt for a visit to a longhouse to gain a better understanding of the First Nations and enjoy a special ceremony. (Native Indians in Canada are referred to as the First Nations.)

Day 7 PRINCE RUPERT-VIA RAIL SKEENA TRAIN-PRINCE GEORGE.
This morning, board VIA Rail's Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. The train winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River?often referred to as the "River of Mists"-and concludes in the Pacific Coast rainforest. You'll retrace ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted from the glassed-in observation dome that provides 360-degree views. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. (B,L,D)

Day 8 PRINCE GEORGE-MOUNT ROBSON-JASPER.
As we move onward toward Jasper National Park the peak elevations grow, culminating with Mount Robson, the highest of Canada's Rockies at 13,000 feet. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 9 JASPER-COLUMBIA ICEFIELD-LAKE LOUISE-BANFF.
Winding our way down the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Rockies? most breathtaking wilderness. First highlight on today's agenda is a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 1,200-feet (365-meters) thick. On to Lake Louise; its cold waters are a perfect natural mirror that reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the motorcoach scales two mountain passes on the journey south.

Day 10 BANFF.
Banff is one of Canada's favourite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. This morning, Cosmos has arranged for an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies. This evening, join the optional excursion to Oh, Canada Eh? for a 5-course dinner and musical entertainment.

Day 11 BANFF-YOHO NATIONAL PARK-VERNON
This morning, enter the spectacular beauty of YOHO NATIONAL PARK, one of Canada's most popular recreational areas and the site of pre-Cambrian fossil finds. On to GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, where the motorcoach climbs 4,379-foot-high Rogers Pass, a perfect spot for photos of the impressive surrounding mountain cliffs and glaciers. Spend the night in Vernon.

Day 12 VERNON-LAKE OKANAGAN-CASCADE MOUNTAINS-VANCOUVER.
Today, continue west through the fertile Fraser Valley before heading north along the shores of magnificent Lake Okanagan with grand vistas of vineyards and orchards. Next, travel over the towering Cascade Mountains.

Day 13 VANCOUVER.
The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers to Vancouver International Airport are included. Note: The Canadian Rockies are blessed with stunning lakes, exquisite mountain scenery, and extraordinary outdoor attractions. Visiting and participating in activities in these locations is subject to favorable weather conditions.

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What's Included