Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport, you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, travel aboard VIA Rail's “Canadian”, and experience a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private suite. The train will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 2 - Arrive Jasper / Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
By the time you awake you will see glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests. You will also pass Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Visit shimmering Patricia and Pyramid Lakes and take a stroll over a rustic footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island. From there travel through the Maligne Valley in search of Osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. Stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you will set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lake view room
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Jasper to Quesnel
This morning transfer (on own) to the Jasper Train Station in time for your early morning departure aboard Rocky Mountaineer®. Travel from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains on either side, and onto the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia's northern interior, home to abundant wildlife. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake, and the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife found in this unspoiled wilderness region. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer® passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.
Moderate: Rocky Mountaineer® - RedLeaf Service®
Superior: Rocky Mountaineer® - RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: Rocky Mountaineer® - GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight in Quesnel (Hotel to be advised)
Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Quesnel to Whistler
Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranch lands, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one the highest railway bridges in the world and the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in the resort town of Whistler Village, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Transfer (on own) from the train station to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Whistler Village Suites - Delta room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 - Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Eco tour / Whistler Mountaineer™ - Whistler to Vancouver
This morning you have your choice of activity. For the adventurous soul participate in the Ziptrek Eco tour, for the less adventurous take the Treetrek Eco tour and enjoy the amazing views along a canopy walk.
Ziptrek Eco tour (2.5 hours)
Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel zip lines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziptrek Eco tours provides a discovery of mountain ecology that combines adventure with environmental education. Guided tours include five incredible zip line rides that gain progressively in height and length with the longest spanning over 1100ft. The zip lines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!
Treetrek Eco tour (1.5 hours)
A TreeTrek Eco tour follows trails and aerial stairways up to suspension bridges over 18 stories above Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains. Imagine viewing glacial waters, wilderness and wildlife from platforms built high in the treetops. A spectacular tour leading from the forest floor to the upper reaches of the tree canopy. Take in the breathtaking views while learning about our Coastal Temperate Rainforest and Whistler's efforts to maintain a naturally sustainable ecosystem. (For ages 6 and older. Infants carried in baby packs are permitted)
This afternoon, transfer from Whistler Village to the Whistler Rail Station. Following your motor coach transfer from Whistler Village, embark on your rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky" region. Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer™ from the alpine village of Whistler to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Highlights of the trip include Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls, and the breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. On arrival at the North Vancouver train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in downtown Vancouver. A light meal is served onboard.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Deluxe Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will be met by your private sedan and transfer to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your onward or homeward flight.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights accommodation, room tax and mandatory service charges
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- Rocky Mountaineer® from Jasper to Whistler including breakfast & lunch onboard train (GoldLeaf Service® includes dinner at Quesnel hotel)
- Whistler Mountaineer™ from Whistler to Vancouver including a light snack and motor coach transfers in Whistler & Vancouver (Moderate & Superior: Coast Classic Class / Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
- Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Guided Eco tour
- Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport & train station, and Vancouver hotel to Vancouver Airport including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Rocky Mountaineer® Fuel Surcharge as of May 15, 2008 - $35 PP
- Meals not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)