Day 1 - 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, you will travel aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian'. In the early evening the train departs for Jasper and 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 Private Bedroom
Day 2 - Arrival in Jasper / Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
This morning you will wake up on the train just as you are entering the snow covered majestic Rocky Mountains. As you are riding the rails, you will view frozen mountain lakes and glaciers. 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 - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 3 - Jasper to Lake Louise Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the 'heart' of the Canadian Rockies to Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This tour along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the 'Ice Age Adventure', a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Late afternoon you will arrive in Lake Louise.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours
Moderate: Overnight Lake Louise Inn - Executive Queen
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Lake view
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Fairmont Gold Lake view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 4 - Mountain, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour / Transfer to Banff
This morning is at leisure to explore Lake Louise on your own. This afternoon, your tour will takes you across the Great Divide into Yoho National Park. Here is the scenic Yoho Valley with such points of interest as Takakkaw Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in the world), Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass and the Natural Rock Bridge , which spans the Kicking Horse River. In the early evening, you will depart Lake Louise and transfer by express bus to the mountain resort town of Banff.
Note: The Mountain, Lakes & Waterfalls Tour operates from June 15 - September 30. If traveling outside of these dates, your tour will be substituted with a Lake Louise to Banff Transfer and an Evening Wildlife Safari in Banff.
Evening Wildlife Safari - Discover the challenges of protecting animals and their habitat in Banff National Park. On this evening journey travel through a variety of landscapes and learn about wildlife, their needs, and their inter-relationships. Leave the Safari with a greater understanding of the land, and animals that you will see on the tour.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 5 - Banff to Calgary Airport
Today you will depart Banff and transfer by regular scheduled airporter to the Calgary International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
- Evening Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Lake Louise Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
- Mountain, Lakes, & Waterfalls Tour (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be substituted with a Evening Wildlife Safari in Banff)
- Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport & train station including gratuities
- Motor coach transfer from Lake Louse to Banff and Banff to Calgary Airport
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)