CANADIAN ROAD TRIP

Itinerary

Day 1-3, New York Area, New England & Quebec City

From the New York Area head north to the wilds of New England, for the first of many nights under the stars. Patisseries, churches, squares and French-speaking Quebecers (fear not, most speak some English) add a European flavour where the dramatic Chateau Frontenac rules the roost. Explore the streets of North America's only surviving walled city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 4-5, Montreal

A true cultural mix is next on the agenda when visiting Montreal - the second largest city in Canada. Feel the charm of this 'European style' city with it's kicking summer festival season. You'll adore Montreal's bundle of eateries, trendy bars, live music and comedy venues in City Underground's 30km of subterranean stores. For the adventure seekers why not rip it up across Lachine Rapids by high-powered jet boat. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 6, Ottawa

In Canada's capital, watch the changing of the guard, wander through Sparks Street Mall, the Rideau Centre and Sussex Street or admire the outdoor vibe in this capital cities many green spaces. Don't forget to chow down on the deep fried dough snacks known as beaver tails! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 7, Toronto

The native Hurons called this spot 'Toronto' or 'meeting place'. It still is, with over 70 nationalities mingling to vibrant effect. Pick up tasty tidbits at St Lawrence market, survey the head-spinning views from CN Tower, the world's tallest free-standing structure, and follow your ears around the stomping music scene to soak up the multicultural buzz. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 8, Niagara Falls

Words don't do the Falls justice. From the edge of Lake Ontario, the sensation of crashing water is stupendous and the noise immense, at America's greatest national attraction, Niagara Falls. Wait 'til you're down on the water aboard the 'Maid of the Mist', where the cascades pound, churn and foam right before your eyes. That's what you call a front row seat! Accommodation: Camping included

Day 9-12, Lake Huron & Lake Superior

Cross the placid waters of Lake Huron by the Georgian Bay Ferry then roll along forested 'Moose Alley'. Next onto your second Great Lake, Superior, where the sprawling sea will soon coax you into a canoe for a true wilderness adventure. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 13, Winnipeg

Check out Winnipeg Art Gallery, crammed with 9,000 Inuit sculptures, tapestries and paintings. Or hunt out the former rocking haunts of the Crash Test Dummies and Neil Young. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 14-15, Canadian Prairies

We love veering off the tourist trails. It puts places like Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat and Swift Current on our map. Shop in small-town general stores, while the local residents spin a yarn - You know you've gotten off the tourist track now. Accommodation: 1 night camping + 1 en-route multi-share paid locally.

Day 16-17, Banff

Get ready for two days in our first park, Banff. Boot up, saddle up and breathe in the crisp alpine air where nature's bonanza includes beavers, bears, porcupines and elk. You could hang out in the friendly town, though the pine-clad trails and steaming Sulphur Mountain hot springs will most likely convince you otherwise. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 18, Lake Louise

A nickname like the "gem of the Rockies" is a lot to live up to, but it's no sweat for Lake Louise. The imposing chateau looks on as mountains cluster round the turquoise surface. As for you, well, you could always hike out to the Plain-of-Six-Glaciers or inspect the scene by paddle power on an optional canoe trip. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 19, Yoho

'Yoho' is a Cree word for 'wonder'; well, you might have guessed because the place is stunning Hike or negotiate the rapids of well-named Kicking Horse River. In any case, the tumbling cascades, glassy lakes and glinting peaks are drop-dead gorgeous... not to mention the glaciers. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 20-21, Jasper National Park

The widescreen scenery keeps on coming. The Icefields Parkway provides a peach of a drive through panoramic views of endless valleys, sheer ridges, glaciers and spruce forests - truly one of the world's ultimate drives. Jasper's wildlife puts up a fight for your attention too; the sharp-eyed may glimpse grizzlies, wolves or caribou. This sprawling natural expanse offers bike trails, helicopter flights and ice-walks through the most spectacular scenery that the Canadian Rockies offers. Accommodation: Camping included

Day 22-24, British Columbia & Vancouver

Another night under an infinite, star-spangled sky before city life calls once more in Vancouver. There is ample time to explore all this vibrant metropolis has to offer. With its stunning combination of mountains and coastline, the city boasts outstanding views. Stride, rollerblade or pedal your way round Stanley Park, or relax and let the free shuttle take the strain. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 230 head-spinning feet above the river before checking out the city nightlife in Gas Town or the eclectic "Robsonstrasse". Accommodation: Camping included

Day 25, Seattle

Pile into a coffee house for a frothy latte and one last reflection on your awesome adventure. Tour ends at approx 17:00 hrs in Seattle on day 25.