Kanada Reise für junge Leute

1. Tag: New York - Boston

The dizzying city of New York is home to a whopping 8 million stories, and from the minute you meet up with your Contiki crew, you’ll have your own to add to the mix. Today we make for Boston, stopping by New Haven, Connecticut on the way - home to Yale University, known its thriving student culture.

Achingly cool Boston is a delectable mix of history, hipsters and – thanks to the world-famous Red Sox - baseball. Spend the afternoon with your Trip Manager getting acquainted with the city’s core spots and distinct Irish flavour, then come night get friendly with the team over an included dinner and boogy round town.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See Boston Common, Quincy Marketplace, Faneuil Hall & the original Cheers Bar
Visit New Haven home to the Yale University

2. Tag: Boston

Boston is steeped in history, so weave your way through the 18th century today on the Freedom Trail. This red-brick path winds past a plethora of sites integral to the revolution, and is guaranteed to inspire your inner rebel. Visit Harvard University (yes, the very same) and get a tour with one of the students. This hilarious look at student life will bring out the LOLs. Take well-deserved coffee breaks at groovy cafes, have a snooze in one of the nine parks that comprise the city’s “Emerald Necklace” and reward yourself with a mouthwatering seafood feast.

With a full day here, you’ll get a feel for this user-friendly city, which is easy to explore on foot. In your free time, walk through a living time line and follow Boston’s famous Freedom Trail, which takes you past 2 and a half centuries of history. Learn about Boston’s rebellious role on its road to independence as you explore the cobbled lanes and historic hot spots. Discover more of Boston. Pound the pavements or choose our optional Hop-on-Hop-off trolley tour and cover more of the city. You’ll get the background on Boston’s famous Tea Party, when Boston citizens threw tons of tea into the harbor in protest against the British Crown. Head back to Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market for a bit of souvenir shopping and a dose of history. Dubbed the “Cradle of Liberty” this famous brick building has played a key role in the city for over 250 years. Check out the stalls loaded with New England’s crafts, pick up some Boston-made items and order some local food at a push cart eatery or restaurant. For a bit of the local lifestyle, take in the waterfront by following the Haborwalk. Made up of 62.8 km (39miles) of paths weaving through diverse neighborhoods, it is a great way to experience Boston’s maritime flavor and see its working ports in action. Get into the city’s café culture on Italian flavored Hanover Street in Boston’s oldest residential district. Sip on a cappuccino as you take in the city’s iconic brick architecture. Visit Harvard University (yes, the very same) and get a tour with one of the students. This hilarious look at student life will bring out the LOLs. If you just want to relax, kick back with the locals and people-watch in one of the nine parks that make up the city’s “Emerald Necklace”. You could return to Boston Common, where public hangings took place in the old days, – now it’s a great place to hang out. Finish the day at one of the city’s excellent local restaurants. Make sure you get some tips from your Tour Manager on where to go and order some of Boston’s famous lobsters, clams or oysters.

Optional Activities:
Trolley Tour USD36
Urban Bike Adventure USD41

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Walk the historic Freedom Trail

3. Tag: Boston - Quebec City

With the luck of the Irish, we pack our bags without leaving anything behind and make for Quebec via the wilds of Maine. Whizzing by jaw-dropping scenery and spotting the occasional moose out the window is sure to give you a second wind before we cross the border to Canada. Quebec’s capital – Canada's Paris – is the only walled city in North America, and once you cop an eyeful of its beauty, you’ll see why they wanted to lock it away. We’ll pull in late today, and tonight you're welcome to take a traipse through town and sample the local watering holes.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Scenic drive through Maine's wilderness
Cross the border into Canada & enjoy the scenic drive through Quebec

4. Tag: Quebec City

Step back in time in Quebec’s old-town as your Local Guide opens up the UNESCO World Heritage listed center. As you walk through this open-air museum, complete with cobbled streets and 17th century stone houses you’ll learn about its history. With free time, discover more of the fortified city. Check out the Citadel, ancient point of defense, complete with a traditional changing of the guard. Otherwise, follow the city walls and uncover little boutiques and galleries tucked away within the time-worn streets. With its European heritage, Quebec has a buzzing café culture that fills its historic center. For lunch, grab a table in a Parisian style bistro and try some of the local specialties like tourtière québecois (meat pie) or duckling with maple syrup. Kick back and listen to the locals speaking French. For views over the St. Lawrence River, walk along Dufferin Terrace, Quebec City’s most famous boardwalk. If you’re keen for a slice of Canada’s diverse history, get the low-down on the people of French-Canada at the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization) See how the building cleverly blends both new design and old buildings. Otherwise, don’t forget to visit the iconic Chateau Frontenac in the heart of the old town. This red brick building built in 1983 is a landmark the city is definetely proud of.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Stroll Quebec on a walking tour
Visit the only walled city in North America

5. Tag: Quebec City - Montreal

Bid Quebec au revoir as we head towards the jazzy island city of Montreal. Pretty scenic views, yes yes yes, we're talking panoramic. Camera at the ready. Continue on to the island city of Montreal. A happening hub and home to the famous Montreal Jazz festival, this hot, creative city mixes up a North American feel with French influence. It also has amazing food and is thriving with festivities. Get familiar with the city when we arrive. Catch some of Montreal’s relaxed vibes down at the Old Port and get the background on its maritime history as the group drives around the quays. The well-preserved riverside old-town was a key player in early Montreal’s development. Then, we’ll take a drive up Mt Royal, which serves up sweeping views over the city. Check out this enormous park that was designed by the same person who landscaped New York’s famous Central Park. Your Tour Manager will show you some of Montreal’s signature sites. See the copper dome of St Joseph’s oratory, the biggest monument built to honor Canada’s patron saint. You’ll get a look at Montreal’s most famous architectural curiosity: the 1976 Olympic stadium, complete with the world’s tallest inclined tower. For some action, hit the rapids of the St Lawrence River in an adrenaline-pumping optional jet-boat ride, and experience another side of Montreal.

Optional Activities:
Jet Boat Ride USD49

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit Old town Montreal, the old port & Mount Royal, Montreal’s largest park
See the unique Olympic Stadium
See St. Joseph’s oratory

6. Tag: Montreal

With a free day ahead of you, explore Montreal’s creative core and joie de vivre (joy of living). See some of the city’s innovations, like the world-famous Biodome, where you can walk through different eco-systems, from ocean fronts to woodlands, and get up close to all sorts of wildlife. Montreal is a great place to shop. On St Laurent Boulevard (it’s affectionately dubbed “The Main”) look through cutting-edge boutiques, jewelery stores and artists’ workshops. Otherwise just hang out in an outdoor café among the throngs of people and get a real feel for Montreal’s street life. For a different shopping experience, head underground to Montreal’s famous underground-city. With 19 miles of shops and restaurants right under the heart of the city, it’s got it all. Lunchtime: go local and head to Jean-Talon Market, with its bustling stalls and friendly atmosphere. Try some tasty baked goods, fresh produce or delicious snacks, like calamari and chips. Then kick back with some of the best coffee in town from near-by Little Italy. Tonight, explore Montreal’s amazing nightlife with some friends. There’s so much to choose from – jazz bars in the down town area, the student vibes of the Latin Quarter, the clubs of Rue St. Catherine or the festive outdoor atmosphere and cozy lounge bars back up the hill on Mt Royal, where Rue St. Denis is a happening night spot. Afterward, round off your night with a Montreal favorite: poutine (French fries with gravy and cheese curd).

7. Tag: Montreal - Rockport - Toronto

Still bopping along to the sax from the night before, we bid farewell Montreal. These 1000 islands are as pretty as a picture and a great way to relax and take in the views before we hit the city. On our stop, you'll have chance to board a boat and float your way along the water for an hour of bliss. These islands are dotted with historic buildings and castles. Back on land we make our way further into Canadian territory, with Toronto in our sights. Welcome to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Your Trip Manager will fill you in on the hot spots of this fabulous city soon after we arrive, and will then give you the afternoon off to find your niche in its cosmopolitan melting pot.

Optional Activities:
1000 Islands cruise USD13

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Travel along the St. Lawrence River Valley and see the 1000 islands
See CN Tower, Rogers Centre, eclectic shops on Yonge Street & the University of Toronto

8. Tag: Toronto

Toronto is another one of Canada's mulit-cultural hotspots. Maybe catch a baseball game, Head to the of the CN Tower, visit Gallery 44 or Toronto Park for people watching. Tonight, feel the global vibe of this city's nightlife.

Toronto is loaded with things to do, so some ideas for your free time include getting away from it all by jumping on a local ferry and heading out to one of Toronto’s leafy islands. With no cars, cute cottages and windswept nature, these are the perfect places to chill out. Or, for something different, visit the fantastic Bata Shoe Museum and see its quirky, impressive collection of footwear. If something sporty is more your thing, head to the Hockey Hall of Fame and honor Canada’s national sport. Otherwise, explore Toronto’s melting pot, experience different pockets of culture and taste food from all over the world. Start by having a bit of fun in colorful and chaotic Chinatown. It’s packed with little shops selling anything from knick knacks to lanterns, and its streets are full of stalls dishing up all sorts of tasty Asian dishes. Check out the bustling vibe of near-by Kensington Market, a vibrant, multi-cultural neighborhood that is fascinating to walk around. Popular with locals, Kensington Market serves up bakeries, tapas (Spanish style nibbles), international grocery stores, Mexican and Jewish food, vintage stores and one-of-a kind boutiques. Round off your experience with some espresso and pastries in Little Italy. Get your heart racing in an optional excursion up CN tower, where you can walk the glass floor and enjoy the widest-reaching vistas in Toronto. Enjoy an insider’s look at Toronto’s night life on an optional guided party pub crawl around the city’s hot spots tonight and finish your time off in this city with a night to remember.

Optional Activities:
CN Tower USD27
Rogers Centre
Steam Whistle Brewery Tour USD8
Second City Improv Show USD53

9. Tag: Toronto / Niagara Falls

It’s time to wash away the city grit at what is undoubtedly the best-known waterfall on the planet: Niagara Falls. Head to the surging waters of world-famous Niagara Falls, right on the border of the USA and Canada. Jump on board the Maid of the Mist and cruise along the river to the base of the world’s second largest falls for a closer look. You’ll see the incredible volume of water pouring over the cliff and feel the sheer power of the spray. But don’t worry – there is an included rain poncho! Choose to get a bird’s-eye-view of it all on an optional helicopter ride and check out the falls from both sides of the border. Follow the river’s path and see the tons of water that make up the falls– it’ll make your jaw drop. Later today we head back to Toronto where we will spend the night.

Optional Activities:
Helicopter Flight USD95

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Maid of the Mist boat cruise to the base of the Falls

10. Tag: Toronto - Vancouver - Whistler

We'll whisk you the airport this morning and just a pre-warning - it's an early one. But because of what's in store, we know that despite the protests and yawns, you won't mind that much. Why? Because Vancouver awaits... How’s that fresh air! The rugged, handsome landscapes of Whistler are gorgeous all year long, from the ancient mountain peaks to the alpine hiking trails. First up though, stretch out those legs for an optional zipline on the 'superfly'. One of the world's best, do it alone, or jump in a tandem with a buddy - 102km an hour is not for the faint hearted. Dinner’s on us tonight – make sure you rest up, because adventure is on the cards all day tomorrow.

11. Tag: Whistler

Come winter, Whistler may be a haven for snowbunnies, but when the weather is warm, it’s activity central. Test your Popeye strength by canoeing along the River of Golden Dreams, zipline over churning rivers or take a hike through scenery that puts most postcards to shame. If you’re feeling lazy, take a gondola or a chairlift to the mountain tops, but don’t forget to explore the village itself – you’ll melt at its cuteness.

Optional Activities:
Canoe Excursion CAD69
Zip Line CAD143
Mountain Biking CAD50

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains
Visit the local shops
Hike one of Whistlers' many trails

12. Tag: Whistler - Kamloops

Today it's out of the mountains and into Canada's Wild west interior. After a photo stop at idyllic Seton Lake, we’ll stop in at the former gold-rush town of Lillooet just a few-hundred years too late to make our fortunes. Traders used to stop at Kamloops to swap tall tales about the one that got away (we mean the days' catch) and tonight, we’ll be doing exactly that - the tales at least. Relax, go for a wander, or see if you can spot some local cowboys. Tomorrow there is much more in store when we leave the province of BC and into Alberta and the mighty Rockies.

Optional Activities:
Peak 2 Peak Gondola CAD54

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range
See Seton Lake reservoir & picturesque Lillooet, Duffey & Kamloops Lakes

13. Tag: Kamloops - Jasper

Well rested, we'll take in some incredible scenes on our drive this morning, and you might even see the highest point in the Rockies if weather permits. Eating outdoors is essential in these parts, so we'll load you up with a picnic lunch against a backdrop that will insight some serious FOMO from friends back home. Full and happy, the great outdoors is then yours to explore. Want to take the adrenaline levels up a notch? Get involved with our optional white-water rafting excursion on the Frasier River. There's nothing like a rafting adventure to confirm that there is no 'I' in team. Jasper will be your home for the next two nights – convenient really, considering it’s the perfect base to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.

Optional Activities:
Rafting CAD100

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
View Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (weather permitting)
Scenic drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the Rocky Mountains
Get back to nature as you picnic in the Rocky Mountains
Stay in Jasper National Park

14. Tag: Jasper

Rise 'n' shine - it's time to get out there with an easy hike though Maligne Canyon. Towering limestone walls will watch over us as we take in the scene, making our way across bridges to the thrilling soundtrack of rushing water. Nature goals achieved, we'll jump on the coach and head to Maligne Lake, famous for the azure colour of its water, and today we’ll show you why. Drink in the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from the shore, or take an optional cruise out to iconic Spirit Island, the most photographed image in the Rockies - we'll bet you know the one. Later, we'll leave you to your own devices to explore the cute town of Jasper.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest & longest limestone canyon in the Rockies
Visit Maligne Lake, the largest in the Canadian Rockies (seasonal)

15. Tag: Jasper - Banff

On our way to Banff today, you’ll be glued to the windows as we pass the waterfalls, lakes, meadows, glaciers and towering mountains that make up the Columbia Icefield Parkway. Take a walk to the Athabasca Falls, wheel across the Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, and cure that cotton-mouth with a drink of pure H2O – just be careful not to stick your tongue to the ice... Peyto Lake and Lake Louise (you're sure to have seen these on Instagram) are the perfect place to snap your next profile pic, and make sure those eyes stay peeled for wildlife. We’ll roll into Banff – the unofficial capital of the Canadian Rockies. You’re in cowboy country now, and who are we to buck tradition? Saddle up for a round of drinks before dinner and check into your chalet.

Optional Activities:
Glacier skywalk

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Discover the Athabasca Glacier on the 'Ice Explorer'
See the Saskatchewan River Valley & Weeping Wall
See the vivid blue colour of Peyto Lake (seasonal)
Visit Lake Louise & the enchanting Lake Louise Chateau

16. Tag: Banff

There’s loads on the menu today in Banff: hop on a gondola up Sulphur Mountain, take a heli-tour of the high country. At night, toast the moon with a horseback ride through the back-country complete with a fire-cooked meal to round off the day.

Optional Activities:
Mountain Climbing CAD168
Horseback Ride & Steak Fry CAD123
Helicopter Flight - MT. Assiniboine Glacier CAD276
Helicopter Flight - Royal Canadian CAD230
Banff Gondola CAD40

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit Banff National Park
See the majestic Banff Springs Hotel

17. Tag: Banff - Vernon

Marvel at the change of scenery today as we cut through three national parks on our way to Vernon. First up is Yoho National Park with its valley of waterfalls and meadows, and home to the amazing engineering feat - the Spiral Train Tunnel. Next up is Glacier National Park, which boasts over 400 (wait for it) glaciers (surprise) and Rogers Pass. Lastly, we’ll see Mt. Revelstoke National Park’s towering peaks and raging waters.

Dinner in Vernon tonight is our shout – after cramming three national parks into one day, really, you deserve it. You’ll probably also be hankering for a beverage after such a long day, and fortunately, the city’s array of traditional pubs are happy to help you out on that front.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See the incredible Spiral Train Tunnels
Drive through Yoho, Glacier & Mt. Revelstoke National Parks
See Kicking Horse Valley

18. Tag: Vernon - Vancouver

We’re sure you’ll agree that meandering through Canada's wine country – the famed Okanagan Valley - is a great way to kill time on the drive back to Vancouver. It's time to see everything of this magical metropolis that you missed the first time around, we'll treat you to a whirlwind tour of the historic sites.

It’s time to see everything of this magical metropolis you missed the first time round. Vancouver’s downtown is world class, and its locals’ take immense pride in its multiculturalism. Stop for pics at the city's nine Totem Poles - these colourful carved sculptures stand tall in Stanley Park and are a must-see sight that were gifted to Vancouver City. Get out there and get local, do some boutique shopping or even rent a bike and explore the city on wheels. Tonight, give your ears a treat with some live music in the alleys of Yale Town.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
See Lake Okanagan & its large floating bridge
See Gastown, Chinatown & Lion's Gate Bridge
Visit the Totem Poles of Canada's First Nations People in Stanley Park
Drive through Kelowna, the largest city in the Interior

19. Tag: Vancouver

A hidden grassroots art scene, eating adventures in abundance, and a pretty seaport setting - your free day in Vancouver will not be short of magic. If the galleries and cute cafes get old, roam one of the cities many parks or gardens or find a spot to take in the surrounding mountain vistas. Top off the day with a dinner cruise and your Vancouver experience is whole and complete.

Optional Activities:
Dinner Cruise CAD73
Experience Fly Over Canada CAD20
Capilano Suspension Bridge CAD36

20. Tag: Vancouver

All good things must come to an end, and so does our alpine adventure this morning. We wish you all a fond salute and bon voyage. We hope we'll be seeing you again soon...