EASTBOUND ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive in Vancouver / Chef's Table Dinner at Diva
Arrive at the Vancouver International Airport and transfer by private sedan to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
This evening you will enjoy dinner at Diva at the Met, located 1/2 block from your hotel. Tonight you will experience a 6 course Chef's Table dining experience. The Chef will personally present each dish with a brief presentation & wine pairing for every course.
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Deluxe room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - North Shore - Vancouver's Winter Playground Tour & VIA Rail
This morning you will begin your tour of Vancouver's North Shore. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. You will continue to the Grouse Mountain, you will take a Sky Ride to the top of the mountain where you will enjoy the panoramic and spectacular views from the mountaintop. Winter comes alive on an enchanting sleigh ride (weather permitting) through Grouse Mountain's snowy paradise. This is a memorable journey around the mountaintop through snow-covered forests. This is what memories are made of. You will have approximately 2 hours play time on top where you can enjoy optional activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, or skiing. In the afternoon, you will Swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will also experience the new Tree Top Adventure, Treetops offers visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel.
After your tour, you will have some free time in downtown Vancouver before transferring by private sedan to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will experience Romance by Rail aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian'. Enjoy a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private suite. You will be spoiled by: fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillow, top-quality sparkling wine as the train leaves! Your spacious suite, comprising two converted regular bedrooms, will be the envy of other passengers. Crisp bed linen and an inviting down duvet await you. And if you have a quick word with your attendant before retiring, he will bring you breakfast in bed! Romance by Rails has been designed just for you and your significant other.
Note: Westbound Itineraries, the Vancouver’s Winter Playground Tour will be replaced with a Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour.
Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour - This morning depart on a city tour of Vancouver & the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You will also experience the new Tree Top Adventure, Treetops offers visitors a squirrel's eye view of a thriving coastal forest, as they venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor.
Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a "Romance by Rail" Suite
Day 3 - Arrival in Jasper
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. Late afternoon the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge shuttle van will transfer you from the train station to the hotel.
Deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, on 1000 acres of pristine wilderness land, stands the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The beauty and majesty of this area, combined with elegant surroundings and impeccable service, create the Grand Canadian Lodge Experience. Accommodation at this world class resort is both historic and contemporary, in rustic cedar chalets and heritage log cabins arranged in the style of an alpine village. Enjoy the hotels two groomed skating rinks on Lac Beauvert and Lake Mildred. Night time skating parties with hot chocolate, a bonfire, music and lights are available on Lac Beauvert, while round-the-lake oval and hockey rink for pick-up games are available on Lake Mildred.
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Deluxe room with Sitting area
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite with Fireplace
Day 4 - Maligne Canyon Icewalk OR Maligne Valley Watchable Wildlife Tour
This morning you have a choice of activities, depending on your departure day.
Maligne Canyon Icewalk - Daily (Operates from Mid-December to Early-April)
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Enjoy a two-hour guided hike during the day or night time, through the frozen ice falls and ice caves of Maligne Canyon. Descend beneath the ice in this unique tour. Guides take you down beneath the frozen surface of the Maligne River, don't worry the water levels have dropped with the freeze, leaving a magical world of ice formations and shelves.
Maligne Canyon Watchable Wildlife Tour - Daily (Operates Year-round)
Come and enjoy the beauty of the striking Maligne Valley in Winter. The tour includes a short walk around the top of Maligne Canyon, then a scenic drive up the valley past the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake. The wildlife in winter can include moose, caribou, bull elk, big horn sheep, wolves, coyotes and more!
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Deluxe room with Sitting area
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite with Fireplace
Day 5 - Jasper to Lake Louise Winter Tour / Evening Sleigh Ride
The tour from Jasper will take you through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snow covered peaks and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Jasper and Banff. Departing Jasper you will head southwards on the Ice fields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Follow the Athabasca River to the frozen Athabasca Falls, where the waters of the river cascade to the valley floor. From here the Parkway ascends to Tangle Ridge and a stop is made at the Columbia Ice fields to view the Athabasca Glacier. Next, descend the Big Hill and stop for the photos at the Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier before arriving at stunning Lake Louise. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, you will check into your hotel. Experience the magic of this spectacular winter wonderland setting.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
'Sleigh bells ring, are you listening'' This evening you will experience an old-fashioned sleigh rides along the shores of Lake Louise. An authentic Belgian sleigh, gliding behind massive but gentle horses, arrives to greet you. Cozy blankets are handed out as your new friends whinny softly. Then you're off on a magical ride. This is a great way to get close to each other and live the traditions of the Old West. And there are plenty of opportunities to snap great photos before you jingle your way back to the Chateau.
Note: The Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride operates from Mid-December to Early April - weather permitting. If the sleigh ride is not operating, it will be removed from the package.
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Lake view room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Deluxe Lake view room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Fairmont Gold Lake view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 - Lake Louise to Banff Transfer
Depart this morning for the mountain resort town of Banff. You will travel for approximately 45 minutes along the Trans Canada Highway, passing nature in its winter setting, before arriving in Banff. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, styled after a Scottish baronial castle. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. Experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine winter wilderness. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
OPTION:
Evening Ice Walk & Campfire Tour (Departs Sunday, Tuesday & Friday only) (Tour operates from December 15, 2008 to April 6, 2009)
Walk to historic Stewart Canyon Bridge under the night of the winter sky - Explore along the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka, listen to the crackling of the frozen lake's ice cap, and learn about the native history of the lake as your guide leads you to historic Stewart Canyon Bridge using headlamps - Finally warm up by the campfire, roast marshmallows, and savor a hot chocolate - Guests should dress in ski wear for this trip including hats, mitts, and warm boots.
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Deluxe View room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 7 - Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour
This morning you will enjoy a 3 hour tour of Banff and its wildlife. Build a connection to this World Heritage Site as you visit Banff's landmarks and view wildlife in their natural winter habitat. Hear how the history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden treasure, now know as the Cave & Basin Historic Site. See and learn about wildlife behaviour, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations. The deep snow and cold of winter drive animals to the valley bottom for refuge. Elk can commonly be seen on the tour. This is Banff's best tour for viewing wildlife which is seen on 95% of the tours.
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Deluxe View room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 8 - Banff to Calgary
Today you will transfer by scheduled motor coach to the Calgary International Airport, on a morning or early afternoon departure, in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights hotel accommodation, room tax & mandatory service charges
- 1 night Romance by Rail Suite accommodation on VIA Rail including fresh flowers, chocolates, and top-quality sparkling wine and meals
- 6 course dinner & wine pairing Chef's Table at Diva at the Met
- North Shore Winter Tour including Grouse Mountain sky ride, sleigh ride (weather permitting), Capilano Suspension Bridge & Tree Top Adventure (NOTE: Westbound Itinerary, the Vancouver’s Winter Playground Tour will be replaced with a Vancouver City & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour. )
- Choice of Maligne Canyon Ice walk or Maligne Canyon Watchable Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Lake Louise Winter Tour
- Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride for 2 on Private Cutter sleigh (NOTE: Sleigh ride only operates from approximately the Mid-December to Early April weather permitting. If not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Discover Banff & It's Wildlife Tour
- Private sedan transfer between Vancouver airport & hotel and hotel & Vancouver Train Station including gratuities
- Bus transfers: Jasper Train Station to hotel, Lake Louise to Banff & Banff to Calgary Airport
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)