Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver / Sunset Dinner Cruise
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
This evening enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, a truly Vancouver dining experience. Cruise past the magnificent Vancouver skyline, around Stanley Park, past the beaches of English Bay and into the lights, sights and sounds of False Creek. While onboard, enjoy live musical entertainment and a West Coast-themed buffet. It's like dining in all of Vancouver's finest waterfront restaurants in one evening! Transfer (on own) to the harbour 30 minutes prior to departure with boarding commencing at 6:30 PM.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Victoria Day Tour
This morning, your tour takes you across to Vancouver Island aboard a large & comfortable BC Ferry for a spectacular 90 minute cruise through the Gulf Islands 'marine wonderland'. Upon arrival Vancouver Island (Swartz Bay), the tour will continue on to the world-renown Butchart Gardens with their 50-acre display. You'll enjoy some free time in the Butchart Gardens, then it's off to Victoria, BC's Capital City for a city tour. Highlights include Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. Return to Vancouver at approximately 10:00 pm.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront Centre Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Whistler Mountaineer™ - Vancouver to Whistler / Mountain Top Salmon Bake via ATV or 4x4 Van
Following your motor coach transfer from downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer™ takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky" region. Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer™ to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. Upon arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in Whistler Village. Breakfast is served onboard.
Mountain Top Salmon Bake
Experience the beauty of mountaintop dining! Travel by ATV or 4x4 van to the Crystal Hut where you will find a spectacular setting complete with hot tubs and breath-taking views. Climb 4000 feet of winding trails through old growth forests and alpine meadows to the Crystal Hut, perched atop the north ridge of Blackcomb Mountain. This rustic log cabin is perched atop a ridge of Blackcomb Mountain where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains and the village below. Go for a splash in the hot tub or relax on the patio while our chef prepares your authentic Canadian feast! This 6000 foot vantage point offers magnificent views and photograph opportunities. Bring along your swimsuit and camera! Dinner is included.
Moderate: Overnight Delta Whistler Village Suites - Delta Room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 4 - Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Eco tour
Today you have your choice of activity. For the adventurous soul participate in the Ziptrek Eco tour, for the less adventurous take the Treetrek Eco tour and enjoy the amazing views along a canopy walk.
Ziptrek Eco tour (2.5 hours)
Experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide along steel zip lines suspended high above the breathtaking white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Ziptrek Eco tours provides a discovery of mountain ecology that combines adventure with environmental education. Guided tours include five incredible zip line rides that gain progressively in height and length with the longest spanning over 1100ft. The zip lines are joined by a network of ground based boardwalks and trails, and by aerial stairways and bridges at heights of over eighty feet in the tree canopy!
Treetrek Eco tour (1.5 hours)
A TreeTrek Eco tour follows trails and aerial stairways up to suspension bridges over 18 stories above Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains. Imagine viewing glacial waters, wilderness and wildlife from platforms built high in the treetops. A spectacular tour leading from the forest floor to the upper reaches of the tree canopy. Take in the breathtaking views while learning about our Coastal Temperate Rainforest and Whistler's efforts to maintain a naturally sustainable ecosystem. (For ages 6 and older. Infants carried in baby packs are permitted)
Moderate: Overnight Delta Whistler Village Suites - Delta Room
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Whistler to Quesnel
This morning you will transfer (on own) to the Whistler Train Station for your early morning departure. Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer® from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley, to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranch lands. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer® follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.
Moderate: Rocky Mountaineer® - RedLeaf Service®
Superior: Rocky Mountaineer® - RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: Rocky Mountaineer® - GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight in Quesnel (Hotel to be advised)
Day 6 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastward today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer® follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George and then travels east through the forests of Northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Upon arrival in Jasper, transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lake view room
Day 7 - Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
This combination of Hot Springs and Animal viewing has proven to be very popular! 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 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
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lake view room
Day 8 - Jasper to Lake Louise Tour including Columbia Icefield
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 Brewster 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.
Moderate: Overnight Lake Louise Inn
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Lake view room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Deluxe Lake view room
Day 9 - 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. After your tour, you will continue 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.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 10 - Discover Banff Tour
Build a connection to this World Heritage Site on this trademark sightseeing tour as you visit Banff's landmarks and historic places and hear how the 11,000 year old human history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered the Cave & Basin, now a National Historic Site. Your time will be spent enjoying the sights, taking photos, and participating in short walks to view points, on the many stops of the tour. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
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.
Note: The above tours operate from April 16 - October 15. If traveling outside of these dates, The Discover Banff Tour will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 11 - 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:
- 10 nights accommodation, including any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Rocky Mountaineer® from Whistler to Jasper including breakfast & lunch onboard train (GoldLeaf Service® includes dinner at Quesnel hotel)
- Whistler Mountaineer™ from Vancouver to Whistler including breakfast and motor coach transfers in Vancouver & Whistler (Moderate & Superior: Coast Classic Class / Deluxe: Glacier Dome Class)
- Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Mountain Top Salmon Bake via ATV or 4x4 Van
- Victoria Day Tour including Butchart Gardens
- Choice of Ziptrek or Treetrek Guided Eco tour
- Miette Hot Springs & Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Lake Louise Tour including Ice Explorer (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Ice Explorer is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
- Mountain, Lakes, & Waterfalls Tour ending in Banff (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be substituted with a direct transfer to Banff)
- Discover Banff Tour (SUBSTITUTION: It tour is not operating, it will be removed from your package)
- Motor coach Transfers: Vancouver hotel to train station, Whistler train station to hotel, Banff to Calgary Airport
- Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport to hotel including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fees
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Rocky Mountaineer® Fuel Surcharge as of May 15, 2008 - $35 PP
- Meals not listed as included
- Optional Activities not listed as included
- Transfers 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)