Day 1 - VIA Rail - Edmonton to Jasper / Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
This morning depart Edmonton on VIA Rail’s Canadian. Enjoy special entertainment on the train to help celebrate the Centennial of Jasper National Park. Arrival in Jasper is scheduled for early in the afternoon.
This evening enjoy an exciting Wildlife tour to Miette Hot Springs. This 1.5 hour trip passes quickly while you relax and enjoy the many stops for wildlife and the commentary of the guide. Possible wildlife including bear, bull elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, beaver, moose and birds. The variety of topics discussed includes the habitat and habits of animals seen, fire controls in the Park, railroad history and more. At the springs, go for a short walk to the Source of the springs, enjoy a soak in the Hot Springs Pool (pool admittance fee included) and/or enjoy a meal (not included) at the quaint restaurant at the springs to fill out the 1.5 hour visit.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room (includes Full Breakfast)
Day 2 - Columbia Icefield Tour
Travel along the mighty Athabasca River and view the thundering falls on the way to the massive Columbia Icefields. Climbing to a summit of over 6000 feet you will arrive at the Icefields Chalet where you will be transferred to the Athabasca Glacier for a ride in a the exciting Icefield Explorer SnoCoach. Walk on glacier ice that is hundreds of years old. The tour is 90 minutes long or if you like you can enjoy a lovely lunch (not included) at the Icefields Centre and take in the Interpretative display before returning to Jasper.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room (includes Full Breakfast)
Day 3 - Jasper Centennial Celebrations / River Rafting
Today you can celebrate the 100th Birthday of Jasper National Park with the citizens and National Park employees of Jasper. Start the day with a Pancake Breakfast then view the nature displays, Park Ranger events, and special live theatre presentations.
In the afternoon take an exciting river rafting adventure on the Athabasca River, and end the day with an evening Aboriginal celebration. This gentle raft/float trip on the Athabasca River provides a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The 16-kilometre, 2 ½ hour raft trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago. The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy and each year safely carry thousands of rafters ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room (includes Full Breakfast)
Day 4 – Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour & Cruise
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 where you will embark on a 90-minute Cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper for an afternoon of entertainment and celebrations created by Parks Canada and the Jasper Centennial Committee.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room (includes Full Breakfast)
Day 5 – VIA Rail – Jasper to Edmonton
This morning is free to do some shopping or enjoy some of the sights and final activities of the Jasper Centennial Celebration. Your return journey to Edmonton on VIA Rail’s Canadian is scheduled for noon with an early evening arrival back in Edmonton.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights accommodation any mandatory service charges and room tax (Superior includes full breakfast daily at the Jasper Park Lodge)
- VIA Rail roundtrip Comfort Class from Edmonton
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Free activities as promoted by Jasper Centennial Committee
- Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
- Columbia Icefield tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride
- Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour and Cruise
- Rafting trip on the Athabasca River
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Fees attached to the activities promoted by the Jasper Centennial Committee
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)