Top 10 escorted tours in Canada

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The temptation of Canada’s epic landscapes, bright, bustling cities, quaint old settlements and wildlife in its natural habitat is a hard one to resist.

The vastness of Canada can be daunting – it’s the second largest country in the world – so it’s unsurprising that so many people let the experts take the lead, opting for an escorted tour. Each itinerary has been created to experience the very best of each location, pause at the greatest photo-spots, and travel the best route – whether that is the quickest or the most scenic.

There are trips for every traveller in Canada – explore the historic cities of Quebec City and Montreal, go wild in the wilderness of British Columbia, admire the majesty of the Rockies, cruise the spectacular Inside Passage… To help make that choice, here are our top 10 escorted tours in Canada. Don’t forget we can tailor your trip to suit you – add more time to explore Vancouver or add-on a trip to Niagara Falls or cruise to Alaska, all you need to do is ask.

#10

Indulgence in Eastern Canada

How long: 7 nights

What: We rate this tour Platinum and for good reason, as you’ll be staying in the most wonderful hotels of the region including historic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, the landmark Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa and the beautifully restored Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.

The best bits: Cruise to the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, then visit the quiet and charming Niagara-on-the-Lake, ending with wine tasting at a lovely vineyard.

More information and to book this tour by Insight Gold: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

#9

Canada’s Rockies

How long: 6 nights

What: Take in the incredible natural sights of Jasper, Banff and Yoho National Parks. Great for wildlife lovers and keen explorers, you should spot grizzly bears, elk and moose during this short, but perfectly formed, tour through the magnificent National Parks.

The best bits: Choose to see the unbeatable beauty of the Canadian Rockies from a unique perspective on a thrilling helicopter ride. Taking you high above Banff National Park, this incredible helicopter ride will make your spirits soar as it sweeps over sparkling, icy glaciers, extraordinary canyons, gorgeous alpine forests and iridescent rivers and lakes.

More information and to book this tour operated by Trafalgar: Canada’s Rockies

#8

Enchanting Canadian Maritimes

How long: 10 nights

What: Enchanting is definitely the perfect word for this picturesque trip around the most easterly points of Canada. This fascinating tour highlights the captivating maritime culture, history and landscapes of Canada’s nautical towns, including Halifax, Shediac Bay, Lunenburg. Also included on this tour is a visit to the Bay of Fundy where you will find the highest tides in the world at nearly 50 feet – each day 160 billion tonnes of seawater flows in an out of the bay which is more than the combined flow of all the worlds rivers.

The best bits: Enjoy a real taste of maritime heritage with a brilliant lobster fishing excursion. Hop on a boat with a local specialist and learn all about lobstering with the stunning scenery of Shediac Bay as your backdrop. Tucking in to your lobster dinner afterwards will be a delicious, authentic affair, and certainly one of the freshest meals you’ll have eaten.

More information and to book this Trafalgar tour: Enchanting Canadian Maritimes

# 7

Panoramic Canadian Rockies

How long: 11 nights

What: This is a popular tour because not only do you get to see all the highlights of the Rockies, but you also spend time in the lovely waterside city of Victoria on Vancouver Island and visit the lush Okanagan Valley where Canada produces some of its best wine (Don’t underestimate Canadian wine – it’s delicious! They keep it to themselves and don’t import much of it to Europe).

The best bits: All of the journey’s in between – sit back and enjoy the stunning vistas along the Icefields Parkway, drive across the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass, follow the fabled Yellowhead Highway with views of the Columbia Mountains and the highest peak – Mount Robson.

More information and to book this Costsaver by Trafalgar tour: Panoramic Canadian Rockies
 

#6

East Coast USA & Canada

How long: 13 nights

What: Yes we know this tour also includes America, but it really does cover the most wonderful sights of eastern North America such as New England and the fabulous cities across the two countries such as Boston, Quebec City, New York City, Montreal and Toronto…not to mention one of the wonders of the world – Niagara Falls.

The best bits: For us it has to be Ottawa – the capital of Canada, it’s parliament buildings are magnificent, it’s museums world-class and the parks running alongside the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal are so lovely.

More information and to book this Trafalgar tour: East Coast USA & Canada

#5

Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast

How long: 13 nights

What: A superb itinerary beginning in the gorgeous British Columbia cities of Vancouver and Victoria before heading to the soaring Rockies and emerald lakes of the Jasper and Banff national parks. You’ll see the best of Glacier National Park and the beautiful state of Washington before ending in the Pacific city of Seattle.

The best bits: In our opinion, this is the best tour of the north-west region of North America which includes fantastic hotels such as the stunning Glacier View Lodge at Jasper, top notch excursions such as a visit to the UESCO “Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump”, plus delicious meals such as a regional speciality dinner at a lakeside lodge.

More information and to book this tour by Insight Vacations: Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast
 

#4

Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes

How long: 11 nights

What: A gorgeous tour of the Atlantic Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island runs at a relaxed pace and stays of two or three nights in each comfortable hotel en route.

The best bits: Join a local expert for an exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, experience a unique “white glove” visit at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site and in Digby meet a former scallop fisherman for a culinary demonstration featuring their famous scallops

More information and to book this tour by Insight Vacations: Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes

#3

Spectacular Canadian Rockies

How long: 8 nights

What: Join this unforgettable adventure through the beautiful Canadian Rockies, starting in the wonderful city of Vancouver before heading up into the famous Rockies. You’ll travel across a glacier on the purpose built Ice Explorer vehicle and also have the chance to see many of Canada’s favourite beauty spots including Lake Louise and Jasper.

The best bits: Enjoy a guided walk of Maligne Canyon then take a private cruise to Spirit Island of one of the most beautiful lakes in the region – Maligne Lake.

More information and to book this tour by Trafalgar: Spectacular Canadian Rockies

#2

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies

How long: 9 nights

What: This tour runs east to west from Calgary across the Rockies to Vancouver. This tour allows you to either explore independently or choose from a great range of optional excursions – so you can do as much or as little as you like. You’ll spend time in the glorious national parks of Jasper and Banff and the lovely waterfront cities of Vancouver and Victoria.

The best bits: Choose from a helicopter ride across Rockies, or a ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, or take a float trip along the scenic Athabasca River in Jasper.

More information and to book this Costsaver by Trafalgar tour: Wonders of the Canadian Rockies

#1

Majesty of the Rockies

How long: 13 nights

What: This is the dream tour – witnessing Canada’s most beautiful scenery whilst enjoying the lap of luxury. Dare to dream about roaming the enchanting beauty of the Rockies, the spectacular Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Yoho National Park, whilst being cossetted in the best hotels. Be transported by luxury coach and Goldleaf service on board the Rocky Mountaineer, with the option to continue your adventure with a cruise along the Inside Passage.

The best bits: A meet and great with an impressive Mountie is a sure fire way to get an alternative perspective on the history of the Canadian Rockies. After exploring the striking landscapes of Banff National Park and spotting beautiful wildlife, you can listen in wonder at the fabulous, gripping stories of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s rich, colourful history and learn about the fascinating work they do around Canada’s most incredible National Parks.

More information and to book: Majesty of the Rockies