Day 1 - Arrive Calgary & Transfer to Cathedral Mountain Lodge
When you arrive at the Calgary International Airport you will be met by your driver and transferred by private limousine to Cathedral Mountain Lodge, located approximately 200kms (125 miles) from Calgary. Depart the Stampede City of Calgary and travel through the rolling foothills into the Rocky Mountains. Travel past the resorts of Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise before crossing into British Columbia. Cathedral Mountain Lodge is located approximately 10 kms (6 miles) from Field, BC.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
The Cathedral Mountain Lodge is nestled in the trees at the edge of the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River, offering Canadian Rockies accommodation at its finest. Your log cabin is perfectly appointed to create an oasis of luxury. Cabins are furnished with pine log queen size beds topped with luxurious cozy down duvets and feather pillows. The large sitting areas are beautifully appointed with Canadian antiques; tall sliding doors that lead to the spacious bathroom with deep soaker bathtubs. Warm yourself by the wood-burning stone fireplace, indulge in a leisurely bath in the soaker tub, or ponder the serenity of the wilderness while sitting on the large private deck. There is no television or telephone to disrupt your mountain escape. Your purpose is to replenish and revive.
Luxury: Overnight Cathedral Mountain Lodge - Mountain View Log Cabin (includes continental breakfast)
Day 2 - Icefield Parkway Private Tour / Helicopter Tour with Picnic Lunch
Get ready for one of the most spectacular days on the trip as you travel from Field to Lake Louise in your private and luxurious SUV. Travel through the "heart" of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks that create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. The 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.
From the Columbia Icefields, travel to the heliport for your 25-minute helicopter sightseeing flight over the Wilson Icefield. This spectacular flight will allow you to discover not only 6 glaciers but also the Wilson Icefield where you will be able to see down into the many crevasses of the deep blue crowfoot at its base. From above the Wilson Icefield, at 10,500 feet, view glaciers and icefields as far as the eye can see! Your pilot will make a landing and you will have time to go for a leisurely walk with your pilot in the high alpine. A walk never to be forgotten! Enjoy a mountaintop picnic in the high alpine. The picnic includes a deluxe sandwich (meat eater or vegetarian - let us know) along with an appetizer tray and dessert. After your flight, your journey travels south returning to Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
This evening your driver will transfer you to one of the top gourmet restaurants in Banff National Park, the Walter Wilcox Dining Room at Moraine Lake Lodge. The restaurant offers a unique, elegant menu showcasing the best cuisine from the region. Graced by a large stone fireplace and an elegant Rocky Mountain interior, views of Moraine Lake through the massive windows in the atrium provide a spectacular vista. After dinner, your driver and private SUV will transfer you back to the Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
Luxury: Overnight Cathedral Mountain Lodge - Mountain View Log Cabin (includes continental breakfast)
Day 3 - Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls Private Tour
This is a breathtaking day of touring Yoho National Park enroute to Banff in your private luxury SUV. In the scenic Yoho Valley visit the second highest waterfall in Canada - Takakkaw Falls, magical Lake O'Hara, the mysterious Natural Bridge, the historic Burgess Shale or the incredible Spiral Tunnels. From here, travel to Lake Louise where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louse. After lunch, depart for the mountain resort town of Banff. Enroute, travel along the scenic Highway 1A visiting Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon. In Banff, visit the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos, Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Arrive in Banff in the late afternoon and check-in at the Rimrock Resort Hotel.
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Nestled in a pristine mountain setting above the Banff Townsite, the Rimrock Resort Hotel offers comfort and luxury combined with the most breathtaking mountain and alpine valley views to be found. With unmatched style, decor and superb hospitality, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is a very special place to visit for a truly remarkable experience. The hotel's accommodations provide unsurpassed beauty, both inside and out.
Luxury: Overnight Rimrock Resort Hotel - Premium room
Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service® - Banff to Kamloops
Early today, a private limousine will transfer you from your hotel to the Rocky Mountaineer® train station. For the next two days, you will be experiencing the "Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World"® aboard Rocky Mountaineer®. Travel in exceptional style in the GoldLeaf Service® dome coach that puts you in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies. As you relax in your reserved seat, coffee or chilled orange juice is served, and the pampering does not stop. Comfort and luxury are found in the GoldLeaf Service® dining room on the lower level, where white linen, gleaming tableware and fresh flower bouquets await you. Your menu choices will include seasonal regional cuisine created by talented onboard GoldLeaf Service® chefs. Savour the ultimate dining experience, with stunning and constantly changing vistas outside your window. When you arrive in Kamloops your will be immediately transferred to your deluxe hotel accommodation. Tonight you may choose to attend one of the dinner shows presented by Rocky Mountaineer® or explore this bustling western town.
Luxury: GoldLeaf Service® Overnight Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service® - Kamloops to Vancouver
Early this morning, depart for your second day aboard "Rail Mountaineer". Continue your journey westwards from Kamloops and travel along the Thompson River to the Fraser Canyon. At Hell's Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point, a true highlight of the canyon. Upon leaving this region, the train will journey through the fertile Fraser Valley to the coastal city of Vancouver. When the train arrives in the Vancouver Station, you will be met by your driver and transferred by private limousine to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel where you will check into your exclusive Deluxe Executive Suite.
Luxury: Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver - Deluxe Executive Suite
Day 6 - Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be met by your driver and begin your private tour of Vancouver?s North Shore via luxury SUV. From Stanley Park, you will travel across the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. A stop will be made at the Capilano Fish Hatchery, before continuing to Grouse Mountain, where you will take a Sky Ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy the panoramic and spectacular views from the mountaintop. This is what memories are made of. You will have approximately 2 hours play time on top where you can enjoy Theatre in the Sky, seasonal lumberjack shows, Grizzly bear refuge, scenic chairlift and other activities. There is ample time for a meal in the bistro or cafeteria. In the afternoon, swing 230 feet above the Capilano River as you cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. 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.
Luxury: Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver - Deluxe Executive Suite
Day 7 - Vancouver to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
In the morning your driver and private limousine will transport you to the Vancouver South River Terminal for your flight to Tofino, located on the western-most edge of Vancouver Island. From Tofino, transfer by water taxi or floatplane (at the discretion of the resort) to the tranquil über-luxe 21st-century-eco-safari luxury wilderness outpost camp at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort.
Bedwell River Outpost
A delicious paradox of extreme luxury and remote, untamed wilderness, the Outpost comprises antique-furnished great white canvas suite tents, spa and dining tents, a timber cookhouse and games pavilion, and thousands of pristine acres. Situated on the Bedwell River Estuary in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, the 21st-century-safari style outpost promises gourmet cuisine, gorgeous natural settings, incredible adventures, prolific wildlife, and water so clear you can see tomorrow.
Your accommodation for the next 4 nights will be an Outpost Deluxe Guest Tent. The great white canvas prospector-style quarters is built on discreetly-situated raised wooden platforms, connected by cedar boardwalks. Choose between a queen or two single Adirondack-style beds with luxuriant down duvets. All deluxe tents have remote-controlled propane wood- stoves, antique dressers and tea tables, opulent rugs, oil lamps, heirloom china and silver accessories, and an abundance of candles, complete the offering.
Off-site generators send hot water to private showers and sinks, and provide a/c power for essential comforts like electric light, hairdryers and wireless internet to both guest and suite tents. Modern composting toilets, set in charming cedar outbuildings, rest anonymously behind each tent.
Luxury: Overnight Bedwell River Outpost - Outpost Deluxe Guest Tent
Day 8, 9 & 10 - Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Today is yours to explore the area. A number of activities are included in your package; all you have to do is decide what you want to do first. Guided and unguided activities included in your package include hiking, kayaking/canoeing, horseback riding, mountain biking, marine activities, wildlife viewing (whales, sea lions, sea otters, eagles, puffins & bears), Hot Springs Cove tour and Walk on the Wild Side tour.
Guided activities promise state-of-the-art equipment, seasoned guides, and escorted passage through Canada's wilderness frontier. The sound is rich in natural and aboriginal history, and all guided activities include as much or as little narrative as suits guest expectations. Guided activities include horseback riding, whale and bear watching, salt and fresh water fishing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, Flores Island day treks, Hot Springs Cove day treks, and naturalist hikes.
Unguided activities unfold at a self-guided pace. Equipped with state-of-the-art gear and expert instruction, un-escorted guests find adventure in and around the Outpost.
Unguided activities include kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Conservatory activities revolve around the resorts' five-year $3 million dollar Environmental Legacy Program. The five stewardships - salmon habitat restoration, raptor rehab and release, bear mapping, whale acoustics, and marine inventory, invite guest participation at any level.
Luxury: Overnight Bedwell River Outpost - Outpost Deluxe Guest Tent
Day 11 - Depart Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
You have the morning to enjoy the lodge before departing. In the early afternoon, depart Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, via water taxi or floatplane and travel back to Tofino. Upon arrival, you will transfer to the Tofino Airport in time for your flight back to Vancouver. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transfer by private limousine to the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and check into your room.
Luxury: Overnight Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver - Deluxe Executive Suite
Day 12 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will be met by your driver and private limousine and be transferred to the Vancouver Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights accommodation, room tax and any mandatory service charges
- 4 nights deluxe tent accommodation at the Wilderness Outpost Camp
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour (Banff to Vancouver) in GoldLeaf Service® including 2 breakfasts,2 lunches & snacks & 1 dinner at hotel in Kamloops
- Wilson Icefield helicopter tour (25 minutes) including a landing and gourmet picnic lunch
- Columbia Icefields 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride
- Dinner at Moraine Lake Lodge including gratuities
- Buffet Lunch at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise including gratuities
- Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour by private Luxury SUV including admissions & gratuities
- Round-trip floatplane flights between Vancouver & Outpost Camp (water taxi may be used between Tofino & Outpost)
- Mandatory gratuities at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort (Bedwell River Outpost)
- All gourmet meals & snacks at Bedwell River Outpost
- Open bar at Bedwell River Resort (all-inclusive packages includes premium wines and premium spirits. Should guests wish to order from the Reserve Wine List or enjoy a Special Select Liquor, a surcharge will appear on their statement which will have to be paid upon departure)
- Guided and unguided activities to include: Hiking, Kayaking/Canoeing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Salt and Fresh Water Fishing**, Marine Activities, Wildlife Viewing (Whales, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Eagles, Puffins, Bears), Hot Springs Cove Tour, Walk the Wild Side Tour
- Choice of two (2-hour) Spa Treatments OR two ½ days of Fishing at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
- Private Luxury SUV Tour of the Icefield Parkway and Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls including gratuities
- Private Luxury SUV transfers from Calgary Airport to Cathedral Mountain Lodge and Return dinner transfer to Moraine Lake Lodge including gratuities
- Private Limousine transfers from Rimrock Resort hotel to Banff train station; Vancouver train station to hotel; hotel to Vancouver South Terminal; Vancouver South Terminal to hotel and hotel to Vancouver International Airport including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Rocky Mountaineer® Fuel Surcharge as of May 15, 2008 - $30 PP
- Activities not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Meals 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)