Adventure Tours in Canada & Alaska

Whether you’re dog sledding near Canmore, heli skiing in Valdez, taking an extreme snowmobile ride in the back country of Whistler, or trekking a glacier in Anchorage, you’re bound for thrilling adventures and memories that will last a lifetime!

On the Aboriginal Dog Sledding Adventure near Canmore, immerse yourself in the clean mountain air as you venture out into the pristine, sparkling, white snow on a dog sledding adventure!

Before you get started, you will have the opportunity to put the dogs into their harnesses and attach them to the sled.

Then begin your exhilarating ride! Dog sledding is an exciting and hands-on way to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery of the Rocky Mountains.

And it doesn’t get much more extreme than heli-skiing or snowboarding in Valdez Alaska! Discover Heli Skiing in Valdez for a heart-racing, breathtaking experience in the beautiful Chugach Mountains.

No matter how long you decide to stay in Valdez, helicopter and snowcat guests will enjoy a comfortable lodge type atmosphere with all facilities, hot tubs, and banquet meals included, and within easy walking access to the town of Valdez hot spots.

The Back Country Extreme Snowmobile Ride in Whistler combines pristine rugged wilderness, fresh deep powder snow, and a ride designed to enhance your style, challenge your advanced snowmobile skills, and push your limits.

This half day adventure is a SINGLE-RIDER-ONLY tour, where you’ll experience extensive challenging terrain. Lunch included. Discover the big mountain adventures of British Columbia. An exhilarating snowmobiling experience in Whistler!

Explore the fascinating world of glaciers with the Donoho Lakes Glacier Trek in Anchorage. Who says you have to spend an hour bouncing around in a cramped bush plane to get into the Alaskan wilderness? Four out of the five days on the trek will be spent hiking on the ice. Most days include about 5 to 6 hours of hiking over moderate terrain. The views of the peaks and ridges are stunning and provide excellent photographic opportunities.

Alaska is an amazing backdrop for Girdwood Ice Climbing Lessons. Climbers are fitted with plastic mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet and ice tools. After a short drive to Portage Valley, the hike follows an existing trail to year around avalanche debris. Then hike the glacial moraine (rugged loose rocks) onto the glacier itself. Another 500′ of cramponing gets you up to some steep ice faces, above which your guide will set the anchor. The views from the Byron Glacier are fantastic. Expect a very memorable day!

No matter which tour you choose in Canada or Alaska, you can be sure that you will have a fun and memorable adventure! Book your reservations today and save at www.adventure-tours.us and www.reserve123.com!

Posted under Adventure Tours, Alaska Tours, Canada Tours, Things To Do, Travel, Whistler Tours

Niagara Falls: View From the Top

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour

 There may be no better experience than soaring above Niagara Falls in a helicopter, getting to view the Falls from a unique vantage point as you follow the Niagara River and hit some key spots along the way including the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, and Queen Victoria Park.  

This amazing trip comes complete with insightful commentary and, of course, the chance to pause to appreciate the unparalleled beauty that surrounds you.  You get to see both the American and Canadian sides of the Falls and will want to take lots of pictures of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls towards the end of the flight.  You will not want to miss this exhilarating tour.  

The Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour captures the very best of Niagara Falls, and although it takes under 15 minutes from start to finish, the memories (and pictures) created will last a lifetime.  So pack up your camera and get ready to fly!

Posted under Canada Tours, Niagara Falls Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Travel

Toronto Double-Decker Bus Tours

If you want to see the city of Toronto but want to call your own shots, take the Toronto Hop On Hop Off City Tour.  This option combines the knowledge and skill of a professional tour guide with the convenience of picking and choosing which spots to explore.  You have the luxury of getting on and off the bus to have a closer look at an area, and you can rejoin the tour at any time within 3 touring days.  This allows you to see what you want, skip what you don’t, and pick up where you left off.  It is perfect for those who are in town for a conference or to visit loved ones since you can fit it into your schedule whenever you have time. 

This double-decker tour does not disappoint.  The bus has two loops, one running north to south and the other east to west.  Each loop has some distinctive stops, so some might decide to take both, one each day. On the north-south loop, one of the highlights is the stop at Casa Loma, a beautiful castle on a hill and the estate of a well-known Toronto financier.  Guests also appreciate some time at the Entertainment and Fashion Districts as well as the Toronto Music Garden.  On the east-west loop you will want to pay particular attention to Little Italy, Chinatown, and Koreatown where there are some great buys and of course mouth-watering food.  Take the opportunity to hop off the bus at some of these points if you decide you want to spend some more time there; it is very easy to find the bus again and hop back on to continue the tour. 

The touring experience on the Hop On Hop Off City Tour is unbeatable and is highly recommended to anyone visiting the Toronto area that needs a little guidance on how to get around and on popular points of interest.  Tours are offered year-round with pick-up at Toronto area hotels and other designated stops.  

Posted under Canada Tours, Double Decker Bus Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Toronto Tours, Transportation, Travel

Answer the Call of the Yukon Territories

Situated on the Alaska Panhandle is the small city of Skagway, Alaska.  Featured as one of the settings in Jack London’s book The Call of the Wild, Skagway has relatively much to offer in the way of history and charm despite its size.  There are a number of options to choose from when visiting this area and its surroundings, including tours by bus, Jeep, and ATV as well as horseback riding trips and even a sled dog tour!

On the Skagway Summit and City Tour, the downtown area and Gold Rush Cemetery are highlighted as part of the fully narrated journey.  Driving up the Klondike Highway, you will be surrounded by gorgeous cascading waterfalls and treated to amazing views overlooking the railroad route and other historical portions of the area.  A history of the Gold Rush and visit to the grave of Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith - famed con artist and gangster during the late 1880s - round out the tour nicely. 

Yukon Tours, which specializes in destination travel products in the Yukon, also offers a Yukon & Sled Dog Tour, which allows guests to be guided into the wilderness along the 1898 Gold Rush Trail in a dog sled.  This tour departs from Skagway and gives a peek into the lives of Gold Rush stampeders.  Along the way, you’ll have a chance to see several trails including the White Pass Trail of ‘98 and the Fantail Trail, while also taking a look at Summit and Fraser Lakes and Carcross Desert.  These are only a few of the places featured on this tour, which also includes an educational wildlife exhibit and barbecue chicken lunch.

Finally, the Yukon Jeep Stampede - also departing from Skagway - offers a private look at the Summit and the Yukon.  You are in control as you cruise along the Klondike Highway and listen to stories told by your knowledgeable tour guide.  Similar to the aforementioned tours, you will get a thorough schooling in the life and times of the Gold Rush, only this time you are literally in the driver’s seat.

For more info on how to book your own tour in the Yukon, visit www.YukonTours.net.

Posted under Canada Tours, Jeep Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel, Walking Tours, Wildlife Tours, Yukon Tours

Excitement and Fun in Calgary, Alberta

As the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta, Calgary boasts a rich history and diverse set of attractions which bring in millions of tourists each year.  Among Calgary’s most notable events is the Calgary Stampede - a ten-day summer event that includes a rodeo, exhibition, and festival done up in a western style.

Every year in July, the Calgary Stampede opens with a traditional Stampede Parade, kicked off by the Calgary Stampede Showband and attended by about 350,000 eager onlookers.  Six major events are woven into the extravaganza: Bareback, Bull Riding, Ladies Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, and Tie-down roping.  For junior competitors, the wild pony races are a major draw.  With all there is to do, it is no wonder, then, that the Stampede is billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!”

While you are in town for the Stampede, take a turn on the Calgary City Tour for a more low-key look at the city.  You will visit Canada Olympic Park - home of the 1988 Winter Olympics - and will ride up the Ski Jump tower at no additional cost.  You will also see Fort Calgary Historic Park, where Fort Calgary was built in 1875 to force out whiskey traders.  While a portion of the area has burned down, you will still be able to see a replica of the 1888 Men’s Barracks and the Deane House Historic Site.

Other featured destinations on the City Tour include downtown Calgary, Prince Island Park, and the Chinese Cultural Centre.  The tour covers the most famous and historically important areas in this great city.  For other suggestions on how you can spend your time in Calgary, visit www.CalgaryTours.net.

Posted under Canada Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel

Creatures and Colors in Beautiful Victoria, BC

Victoria, British Columbia, home to the famous Butchart Gardens, is a wonderful place to visit during the spring and summer months.  The capital city is bustling with activity, from Canada Day festivities in July to Symphony Splash in August.  While there are lots of festivals going on in Victoria, there is plenty to do on the day-to-day as well, and a scenic tour of the area is just what you need to get the lay of the land.

A great way to see the city and check out its main attraction is on the Grand Tour of Victoria & Butchart Gardens combination trip.  Aboard a traditional English double-decker bus, you will get a chance to check out the homes and gardens that make Victoria unique.  You will learn the back story on the Empress Hotel, Antique Row, and Chinatown and will make a stop at Castle Point for an exquisite view of Oak Bay and the Coast Mountains.  Along the way you will also check out the exclusive Uplands and Oak Bay residential areas as you enjoy a peaceful ride along Marine Drive.

As you make your way around Victoria, you will ultimately reach Butchart Gardens, where over 50 acres of blossoms and fragrances await you.  A walk through the theme gardens - linked by spacious lawns, meandering streams, and lily ponds - will relax and rejuvenate you, as will a visit to the sunken garden.  As an added bonus, seasonal outdoor performances in the afternoon add that special something to your trip.

For an extra dose of natural beauty, take the Butchart Gardens & Butterfly Gardens Tour, which provides access into Butterfly Gardens, an indoor tropical garden where the butterflies fly freely and display their unique shapes and color patterns.  The enclosed gardens house even more varieties of plants and flowers for you to be amazed by, so if endless bursts of color and life are what you crave, this may just be the perfect tour for you.

There are many fun activities to choose from in Victoria, so for a more complete list visit www.VictoriaTours.org.

Posted under Butchart Gardens, Canada Tours, Double Decker Bus Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel, Victoria Tours

Toronto from Above

Helicopter tours are a unique way to see the city from a different vantage point.  One popular tour is the Vertical Reality Helicopter Tour, which takes you 2,000 feet into the air for amazing aerial views and it travels an average of 100 miles per hour.   A similar tour called the Vertical Obsession Helicopter Tour in Toronto takes you on an extended version of the flight to get a more comprehensive view of Toronto and its giant skyscrapers. 

There are also several romantic tours – like the Romantic Jewel Helicopter Tour in Toronto - showcasing downtown Toronto, which take place from morning to sunset.  The Romantic Interlude Helicopter Tour in Toronto is a private flight for two that lifts you out over the city for a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline, the waterfront, and the bay before traveling north to the magnificent Casa Loma castle.  The castle is a historical landmark and the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent figure in Toronto known for his work in finance, as an industrialist, and as a member of the military.  

The Vertical Obsession Helicopter Tour around Toronto gets you oriented to the area while providing a unique experience for those who have never flown in a helicopter before.  There are numerous opportunities to take pictures and look out at the city skyline as you make your way across the city.  For a fantastic opportunity to bond with a loved one or to enjoy time with a close friend or two, I urge you to take this tour.  It is relatively short so it fits nicely into your day even if you are on a busy schedule.

Tours and activities going on in Toronto can be booked at www.torontotours.net

Posted under Canada Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Toronto Tours, Transportation, Travel

This post was written by jamies on May 4, 2009

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Tours of the Falls By Van

If you are looking for a great way to see Niagara Falls but have your days filled up with other activities, the Niagara Falls All American Illumination Tour by Van is definitely the way to go. Depending on the day, tours leave between 4:30 and 6 pm for a fantastic chance to see the Falls at night in all their splendor.

When you give this tour a try, you will be impressed by what a brilliant view you are able to get at night. The Falls are lit up brightly for everyone to see, and you get to view them from several vantage points – atop the American Observation Tower, aboard the Maid of the Mist boat, and from the base of the Bridal Veil Falls during the Cave of the Winds Trip. These are only a few of the places featured on your trip, as you will also get to see Niagara Gorge, some Hydroelectric Power Plants, and much more.

For those who do not have 5 or 6 hours to spare but still want to get the most that Niagara Falls has to offer, check out the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour by Van, which departs during the day to Canadian Wine Country for a chance to taste an assortment of wines and learn about the history of four area wineries.

If the thought of a wine tour doesn’t excite you, the Niagara Falls Royal Canadian Tour by Van should. In four to five hours, this small group tour takes you inside the key viewing areas of the Falls and also includes a trip on the Maid of the Mist for a closer look.

Posted under Canada Tours, Niagara Falls Tours, Night Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel, Van Tours

Sightseeing in and Around Beautiful Nova Scotia

This summer, if you are looking for somewhere to explore for a week, check out Nova Scotia.  This beautiful maritime area, located on the southeastern coast of Canada, has everything you need to make your vacation an exciting and memorable one.

On Canada’s Maritimes Sampler Tour from Halifax, you will get a taste of all the maritime provinces of Canada - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.  You will experience the highest tides in the world and see the rocky coves, rustic fishing villages, and beautiful valleys and historic sites that are unique to the area. 

Day one begins with your arrival and check-in at your Halifax hotel, where you will then be greeted at a welcome reception for you and your fellow travelers.  If you arrive earlier in the day, you can consider taking a day tour in Halifax, such as the Halifax City Tour or the Lunenburg and Mahone Bay Tour.  Day two is packed with activities, as you will visit the famous fishing village of Peggy’s Cove and the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg.  You can choose between admission to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic or a walking tour of Lunenburg.  Then, you will spend the night at The Pines Resort, which overlooks the Bay of Fundy - home of the world’s highest tides.

Your week-long journey continues on day three with a trip through the Annapolis Valley and to Grand Pre.  You will pass through Truro and Amhurst and into New Brunswick, and you will spend the evening in the city of Monction.  On day four you are guided through Hopewell Rocks, where you can actually walk along the ocean floor when it is low tide.  You will spend the night in Charlottetown after you are done exploring Hopewell Rocks.  A delicious lobster dinner is included in your day.

On your last two days in the area, you will spend some time touring Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.  During day five, you can either stick with the tour or enjoy a free day.  The afternoon tour takes you around Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island National Park.  You will reach Nova Scotia by ferry on day six and will then enjoy your last night in Halifax before checking out of your hotel the next day. 

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the maritime provinces, and it helps you see the most in the least amount of time without having to plan several side trips.  For more information on things to do in and around Nova Scotia, visit www.novascotia-tours.net.

Posted under Canada Tours, Nova Scotia Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Transportation, Travel

Riding High in Vancouver

The scenic coastal city of Vancouver, Canada has been named one of the three most livable cities in the world time and time again, and with good reason.  Among its most impressive attributes is its gorgeous scenery, including picturesque Stanley Park, which is the largest urban park in North America.  The weather is also a major plus for the city, since residents enjoy more temperate winters than most of the rest of Canada.

One of the most popular ways to spend a day in Vancouver is on the Vancouver City Highlights & The North Shore Van Tour.  On this ride through the city, you will watch as you pass by some of the most prominent sights including Science World and the city of Gastown, where the city of Vancouver actually began.  You will also cross the Burrard Inlet, which was formed during the last Ice Age and separates Vancouver and the rest of the Burrard Peninsula from the North Shore Mountains.  Admission to the Grouse Mountain Skyride is also included, and the view from inside the enclosed gondola is absolutely breathtaking.  There is nothing quite like the feeling of seeing the city from above, and if you bring along your camera, you are sure to capture the perfect photo to share with everyone back home.

Another way to see everything from the sky is on the Vancouver Scenic Flight Tour.  The aerial views of Stanley Park, Lions’ Gate Bridge, the North Shore Mountains, and Horseshoe Bay are magnificent, and this tour gives you an excellent overview of the general layout of the city.  As you ascend, you will be able to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the area, looking down at what is truly one of the most attractive downtown skylines in all of North America.

Depending on how much time you have to spend sightseeing in Vancouver, either of these two tours would be wonderful options.  The former lasts six hours while the latter runs for thirty minutes.  To find the perfect tour to fit your needs, visit www.vancouvertours.net and discover all that beautiful Vancouver has to offer.

Posted under Canada Tours, Sightseeing, Things To Do, Tickets, Transportation, Travel, Van Tours, Vancouver Tours