Day 1 – Arrive in Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and check-in to your downtown hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day visiting the shops and attractions of this beautiful city.
Moderate: Overnight Hampton Inn (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Sutton Place Hotel - Sutton room (or similar)
Day 2 – Whistler Mountaineer™ - Vancouver to Whistler
This morning you will be transferred from you Vancouver hotel to the Whistler Mountaineer™ for a 2-hour ride to the alpine resort city of Whistler, co-host for the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of North America’s top ski resorts. The train takes you on a breathtaking journey along the fjord-like shores of Howe Sound, through the scenic community of Squamish and through the rugged Cheakamus Canyon. The ski-hills on the twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains signal your arrival in this world-class resort. You will be transferred to your hotel after which you have the rest of the day to leisurely explore the shops, sights and attractions of Whistler.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Whistler Village Suites (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Westin Whistler – Junior Suite (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Deluxe Slope side room (or similar)
Day 3 – Rocky Mountaineer® - Whistler to Quesnel
This morning board the Rocky Mountaineer® and begin and incredible trip that will take you through some of the most remote and scenic landscape in North America. From Whistler the train travels through the lush farmlands of the Pemberton Valley and then follows shores of glacier-fed Seton and Anderson Lakes. Later in the day the train slowly climbs out of the desert-like terrain of the Fraser Canyon, and travels across the Caribou Plateau with its rolling grasslands and vast cattle ranches. Late in the afternoon the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the mighty Fraser River into Quesnel, famous in the day of the Caribou Gold Rush and your resting spot for the night.
Moderate: RedLeaf Service®
Superior: GoldLeaf Service®
Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight in Quesnel (Hotel to be advised)
Day 4 – Rocky Mountaineer® - Quesnel to Jasper
Leaving Quesnel, the Rocky Mountaineer® continues along the path of the Fraser River, following the route taken by the fur traders over 200 years ago. You will pass through vast forests on your way through the Rocky Mountain trench that runs parallel to the Rocky Mountains for over 900 miles. Soon the towering peak of Mt Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies comes into view. The train winds its way along the banks of Moose Lake and soon enters into Jasper National Park and the province of Alberta. As the end of the day approaches you will be greeted by the stunning peaks of Mt Edith Cavell and the rushing waters of the Athabasca River as the train arrives in the beautiful resort town of Jasper.
Moderate: Overnight Lobstick Lodge (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Fairmont room (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Deluxe room (or similar)
Day 5 – Jasper Sightseeing
Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Maligne Canyon and the Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of Jasper at leisure.
Moderate: Overnight Lobstick Lodge (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Fairmont room (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Deluxe room (or similar)
Day 6 – Jasper to Lake Louise
Today you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing as you travel from Jasper to Lake Louise. This is a day full of highlights as you journey through both Jasper and Banff National Parks along the spectacular Icefields Highway. Along the way azure blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, snow-covered mountain peaks and mischievous wildlife will highlight the day. You will also view the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. A journey (included) on the vast Athabasca Glacier in the comfort of a massive Ice Explorer vehicle will add to the excitement of the day. Today’s tour ends at spectacular Lake Louise where you will check-in to the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. Enjoy the scenery, shops, dining and entertainment that abound here!
Moderate: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Fairmont room (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Lakeside room (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Deluxe Lakeside room (or similar)
Day 7 – Lake Louise to Banff
A half day takes you to British Columbia and Yoho National Park. Stops along the way include Emerald Lake, The Natural Bridge and the famous Spiral Tunnels. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a 1 hour guided lakeshore stroll. Later, the tour follows the Bow River to the alpine resort of Banff. You will have the afternoon free to explore the shops, attractions and restaurants of this unique and friendly community.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Fairmont room (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Deluxe room (or similar)
Day 8 – Banff Tour / Banff to Calgary
This morning starts with a tour of the Banff, visiting the Cave and Basin Centre, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos and the Banff Gondola. Later in the morning your tour will leave Banff National Park and drive through the foothills to the “Stampede City” of Calgary. Famous for its annual Stampede and for hosting the 1986 Winter Olympics, Calgary is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. The afternoon is free for a leisurely tour of the downtown area, its shops and attractions.
Moderate: Overnight International Hotel (or similar)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel – Fairmont room (or similar)
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel – Junior Suite (or similar)
Day 9 – Calgary Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Calgary Hotel.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 8 nights accommodation, room tax and mandatory service charges
- Whistler Mountaineer ™ from Whistler to Vancouver including a light snack (Moderate: Coast Classic Class / Superior & Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour from Whistler to Jasper including 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and snacks onboard train (GoldLeaf Service® includes dinner at Quesnel hotel)
- Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel & Jasper
- Jasper Sightseeing Tour
- Icefields Parkway Tour including Ice Explorer
- Guided Lakeshore stroll at Chateau Lake Louise
- Yoho National Park Tour
- Banff Tour including Banff Gondola
- Motor coach transfer from Banff to Calgary
- Exclusive Attractions Pass
- National Park Pass
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Gratuities
- Transfer from Calgary hotel to Calgary International Airport
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist)