Eastcoast Encounter 21 Days
This East Coast teen tour in the USA and Canada shows you the best of what the Northeast and Orlando have to offer. On this summer road trip, get ready for non-stop thrills like whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, waterskiing or wakeboarding, experiencing Niagara Falls and jet boating. The adventure doesn’t stop on the water though, as more highlights include Via Ferrata, a high ropes course, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios’ Harry Potter World, and so much more! Between this action-packed itinerary and our summer program leaders who are experts at creating a close, inclusive family for everyone, you are in for one incredible summer experience!
An adrenaline-filled program with the coolest activities, picture-perfect landmarks and a close group bond.
Hotels, resorts & a college residence.
Includes breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy excellent food choices at popular restaurants.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Chartered deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach with a professional driver, plus a flight from Boston to Orlando.
Teens travel in compatible co-ed age groups.
Varies from 28 to 48 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
This trip begins with a few of our favorite icebreakers and "get to know you" activities as we head upstate to Ithaca together. Ithaca is gorges and gorgeous and a great place for our bonding and orientation to begin. Experience the ultimate team building at the Hoffmann Challenge Course including the centerpiece high element, a 64’ high replica of Cornell’s McGraw Tower featuring a tree fort platform, rappelling stations, a 400’ double zip line, and a 40’ Giant Swing. Visit the Cornell campus including the bookstore. Browse the shops in the college town of Ithaca and enjoy a night of getting to know your new friends!
Cross the border into Canada and experience the grandiosity of Niagara Falls which is collectively made up of the Horseshoe Falls, America Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. With six million cubic feet of water flowing over the crest, and down a 165-foot drop every minute, it’s no wonder the falls were named a Natural Wonder of the world. Hop aboard the Voyage to the Falls and journey close to the break of the falls while feeling the mist engulf the boat. Take in the amazing scenery in the Niagara Gorge on the 1,500-horsepower Whirlpool Jetboat. Hold on tight through a head-spinning 360° Hamilton turn. Finally, end the day marveling at the spectacle of the falls.
Venture to the top of the CN Tower, once the worlds tallest freestanding structure. Spend time browsing Queen Street in the Queen West district known for great food and thrifty finds. Cheer on the Blue Jays at a Major League Baseball game inside the Rogers Center which was the first sports stadium with a retractable roof. Brave one of the 70 thrill rides in 8 themed areas at Canada’s Wonderland including the Leviathan (the park's tallest and fastest roller coaster). Get soaked at Splash Works Water Park with a quarter-mile lazy river and water slides galore, and in Whitewater Bay – one of Canada’s largest outdoor wave pools!
After lunch in Canada’s capital of Ottawa, head to the resort town of Mont-Tremblant located in the Laurentian Mountains. Stroll through the pedestrian village and get swept away by the festive atmosphere that will remind you of a European village. Learn to waterski or wakeboard on Lake Tremblant. Ride the Flying Mile Chairlift to the Skyline Luge, a thrilling ride with 24 turns down a 0.9 mile track. Clip into the Via Ferrata (Iron Way), a network of steel cables that run the length of a mountain face and cross built-in steps, handles, beams and bridges while you are struck by spectacular views of this national park. The adventure keeps coming at you as we whitewater raft through some Canadian rapids on the roaring Rouge River.
Montreal is a city known for its rich French heritage and European style. Stay downtown at world-renowned McGill University. Ice skate at the Atrium. Wander the cobblestone streets of historic Old Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, the oldest settlement in the community. End the day taking part in an epic game of laser tag.
Enjoy a few days oceanside as you visit Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park. Go tandem sea kayaking along the stunning coastline before exploring this picturesque town.
Welcome to Boston also known as the Cradle of Liberty, the City of Champions or Beantown. Explore all that Boston has to offer and head off to Harvard Yard, the center of Harvard's campus. Watch the fabulous Blue Man Group perform at the Charles Playhouse. Canoe along the Charles River and enjoy lunch at the Quincy Market. Say farewell to your new friends on the 15-day program and continue on to Orlando for more memory-making moments!
Jet to Orlando for your grand finale in the Sunshine State! Enjoy all the attractions at the Magic Kingdom and marvel at the fireworks over Cinderella’s castle. Cool off at the resort’s 250,000 gallon pool, 75-foot waterslide and two whirlpools. Live the adventure at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Immerse yourself in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as you explore Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. Beat the heat at Universal's Volcano Bay and don't miss the water surprises along the Kopiko Wai Winding River.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Ithaca, New York
Just minutes from downtown Ithaca, the Hampton Inn Ithaca Hotel provides a great home base for the start of your adventure! The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Great Wolf Lodge is part of an indoor water park resort minutes from Niagara Falls.
Toronto, Ontario
This property's convenient location allows us to easily take in all the sights and excitement of Canada’s largest city! The Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel features oversized double rooms, an indoor pool, and a hot tub to enjoy during free time.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
We'll enjoy our stay at the base of the mountain at Le Lodge de la Montagne. This property offers magnificent lodging right in the middle of all the action of Tremblant Village. It also features modern suites with a fully-equipped kitchen, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness room.
Montreal, Quebec
Known as the “Harvard of the North”, McGill University is located in the heart of downtown Montreal and is the perfect place to stay in this European-like city.
Ellsworth, Maine
The Hampton Inn Ellsworth/Bar Harbor is located conveniently so that we can explore the beauty of the Maine coastline and the quaint town of Bar Harbor, gateway to Acadia National Park. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center.
Boston, Massachusetts
Enjoy your stay at the amazing Embassy Suites hotel. Spread out and relax after taking in the sights and sounds of Bean Town! Enjoy luxurious suites, free breakfast, and daily complimentary reception.
Orlando, Florida
Stay on property at Loews Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios and enjoy special privileged access of early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley & Hogsmeade, and Universal’s newest attraction – Volcano Bay! When not enjoying all of Orlando’s thrilling entertainment and amusements, chill back at the resort with two massive pools, a waterslide, and a lazy river. Or relax in your rooms that travel back in time with retro-inspired décor.
Flight to New York
For participants on this trip, transport by motor-coach is included from New York to the trip starting point in Ithaca. For the many travelers from outside of NY, NJ, CT or PA, we are happy to assist you with arranging flights into New York and will provide chaperoned accommodations for the evening before departure. You may also choose to meet us in Ithaca and we help you to coordinate your travel times to meet the group at the hotel.
Return Flight Home From Orlando, Florida
Our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. For those from the New York area, we offer a chaperoned flight.
Food and Meals
Experience the greatest food in teen travel at our top-notch restaurant selections. Our North American Active Teen Tours visit teen-approved restaurants, handpicked for their excellence. We raise the bar for teen dining experiences with our group dinners at hibachi-style grills, authentic local BBQ, and popular Italian eateries. Depending on the itinerary, you may find yourself dining at the Cheesecake Factory, Eataly, Hard Rock Cafe, a popular upscale food hall with local gourmet options or a happening area where you will have many cuisines to choose from. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafes and other restaurants. We make a point to balance incredible food choices that teens love with trying great local favorites. Cap off some meals with dessert at delicious establishments such as Cow’s Ice Cream Parlor, Crumbl Cookies, Voodoo Donuts, Matsumoto’s Hawaiian Shave Ice and Diddy Riese for their famous fresh baked cookie ice cream sandwiches.
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Rooming
You will stay in the finest hotels, resorts and college residences, which are chosen based on safety, security, amenities, comfort and location. Indoor accommodation rooms vary from doubles to triples. Triples may contain two beds and a rollaway or be a suite style with a sofa bed. Each participant has their own bed.
Laundry
You will only need to bring one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. We visit local laundromats weekly and we will supply the detergent and dryer sheets. Don’t worry if you’ve never done laundry before, we’ll show you the ropes. Parents, we know the thought of your children doing laundry is making you smile!
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, internal flight from Boston to Orlando, gratuities & taxes, and motor coach transportation from New York to Ithaca.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Do you separate different age groups?
It depends on the program, so it’s always best to contact us. On some programs, we assign a specific departure date by age group to create the best possible social dynamics. For example, if grades 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are listed on a program, note they will not all be traveling together on the same departure.
To find the programs with exclusive age-specific departures, look for tags saying “middle school” for students completing 7th and 8th grades, or “ON TOUR” for students completing 11th and 12th grades.
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.