Toronto & the Northern Lights
Independent Tour
Discover the endless possibilities of the Canadian metropolis Toronto in winter. Apart from the city’s first-class sights, some extraordinary winter highlights are waiting for you! Glide past the “Toronto” sign at Nathan Philips Square ice rink, join the “Winterlicous” foodie event or stroll through the Christmas Market with all its sparkling lights. Embrace the chill and discover Niagara Falls’ diverse offerings once the snow hits. The great natural wonder transforms into a winter wonderland: ice build-ups create the illusion of frozen falls with icicles framing the bordering edges and a frozen mist blanketing the surrounding trees. Continue your journey to the world’s best region for Aurora-Viewing; Yellowknife is only one flight away! Here in the spectacular Northwest Territories the anticipation for true Canadian winter activities is within reach. Get ready for snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing and most importantly, watching the fascinating Northern Lights.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6-7
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Day 8
Day 1 : Toronto
Fly to Toronto and make your way to your downtown hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is free to explore.
Day 2 : Toronto
Vibrant, exciting, multi-cultural and full of contrasts; Toronto is a melting pot, exciting and full of fun. With more restaurants and cafés per head than anywhere else in Canada, an exciting theatre and night scene and superb shopping, there’s plenty to keep you going after you’ve explored the sights. There’s iconic architecture, fascinating attractions, a thriving performing arts and nightlight scene, museums, galleries and diverse neighbourhoods to check out too. No trip to Toronto would be complete without visiting the CN Tower for incredible views over the city, and Niagara Falls is just a short drive away.
Enjoy the best of the sights on your included hop on hop off city tour.
Day 3 : Niagara Falls Tour
Experience one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls. Seeing the thundering falls is an incomparable feeling that will leave you in awe at the best of times, but in winter when there are ice wind-blown ice sculptures hanging from lampposts, icy mist hanging in the air and the falls are covered in ice it’s a whole new experience. Your full-day Niagara Falls tour runs through the towns of Hamilton - "the steel capital of Canada", St. Catharines - "the fruit basket of Ontario", and the wine region of the Niagara Peninsula.
An ample amount of time will be spent at the falls to allow for opportunities to take pictures, join any attraction and admire the thundering waters. Other highlights include a trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway which winds its way along the Niagara Gorge passing through the historic town of Niagara-on-the- Lake.
Day 4 : Toronto -Yellowknife
You’ve all day to explore more of Toronto before making your way to the airport for your evening flight to Yellowknife. On arrival make your way to your hotel for a four night stay.
Day 5 : Yellowknife
Today you’ll meet your guide and collect your winter clothing before free time to explore Yellowknife. Later depart with your guide to Aurora Village for your first evening of Aurora viewing. Seeing the Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories is a different experience from seeing them anywhere else. Here, the polar lights are the strongest in the world - the colours are brighter, the displays last longer, the movements are more elaborate - all of this creates a world of spectacular dances performed right above us almost every night. More than just brief glimpses of colour in the sky, Northern Lights in the NWT are humbling and otherworldly and fill the open skies with memorable and magical displays.
Warm up in a picturesque teepee glowing in the night, wood fire stove burning and choose from a delicious selection of hot beverages. Situated around the village on high ground and away from the lights of the city, the view of the Aurora is unsurpassed. After your viewing, you are transferred back to your Yellowknife hotel.
Day 6-7 : Yellowknife
Embark on excursions over the next two days that highlight the remote landscape and fascinating ancient and modern cultures that are the heart of the local communities. On a tour of Yellowknife your guided experience reveals the city’s early beginnings where the “streets were paved with gold”, to its deeply rooted Indigenous culture. See the Legislative Assembly, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, as well as a scenic drive through downtown, Old Town and a drive on the Ice Road (ice permitting). After the tour perhaps take a meal in one of the brew pubs.
Next up is a truly sparkling experience! Yellowknife lies in the middle of an area rich in gold and diamonds. The latter were first discovered in the early 1990s, giving the region a renewed boom after its brief gold rush of the 1930s. While the diamond mines are located slightly outside, the NWT Diamond Centre in town awaits with the secrets of Arctic diamonds. Here, chunky rough diamonds are transformed into polished jewellery by expert cutters in front of the eyes of curious spectators.
Dogs play an important part in the life of locals in more remote areas, where they are relied on to pull heavy sleds laden with goods and passengers. Embark on a traditional sled for an exciting ride through the wooded trails surrounding Aurora Village. Afterwards enjoy the Teepee Village by day, featuring a giant slide, an open fire and complimentary hot drinks.
Each evening you’ll be taken to the Aurora Village for another evening of viewing.
Day 8 : Departure
After these magical days it’s time for the journey home as you are taken to the airport for your return flight. With you are countless impressions of Canada’s diversity, ranging from exciting cities, natural wonders, historic old towns and authentic Canadian winter activities to the unique Aurora Borealis.
