CANADIAN RAIL & THE ROCKIES ADVENTURE

2008 Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Vancouver
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.

Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 2 - Sea Safari Zodiac Tour / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Horseshoe Bay where you will be taken on an unforgettable adventure to see the spectacular scenery and wildlife that have made coastal British Columbia world famous. With an experienced guide at the helm, you won't miss a thing on our high-speed 26-foot, rigid-hull inflatable, powered by twin 225-horsepower Mercury outboards. You'll find yourself racing beside steep cliffs, exploring caves, and viewing harbour seals at play. Points of interests include Pam Rocks, a Harbour Seal haul-out normally complemented by majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. You'll cruise out into The Strait of Georgia to see awesome views of Vancouver. On the return to Horseshoe Bay you'll view spectacular waterfront homes around West Vancouver.

This evening transfer by private sedan to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will travel aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian', and experience a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private room. The train will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.

Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom

Day 3 - Arrival in Jasper / Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
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. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.

Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
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. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.

Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite

Day 4 - Jasper to Lake Louise Tour
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 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.

Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours

Moderate: Overnight Lake Louise Inn - Executive Queen
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Lake view
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Fairmont Gold Lake view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 5 - Transfer to Banff / Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry
In the late morning, you will depart Lake Louise and transfer by regular scheduled motor coach to Banff. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques. Visit the Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride (included) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley.

Evening Trail Ride (or Covered Wagon) & Steak Fry
In the late afternoon, you will make your way to Warner's Stable, which is a short taxi ride (on own). Enjoy a leisurely one-hour trail ride, or covered wagon ride for those that do not want to ride horseback, to the BBQ site located near the Sundance Canyon trail. Try your hand at roping, challenge friends to a game of horseshoes or relax in the picnic area, while your cook prepares your steak to order. After a hearty meal you will ride back to Warner Stables for an hour along the banks of the Bow River.

Note: Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry operates from Mid April to Mid October. The tour departs Warner's Stable at 5:00pm, after Labour Day departs at 4:00pm. When the Trail Ride is not running, the tour will be removed from the program.

Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite

Day 6 - 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:

• 4 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
• 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
• Sea Safari Zodiac Tour
• Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
• Jasper to Lake Louise Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola
• Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry (can also be done by covered wagon) (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Trail Ride is not operating, the tour will be removed the program)
• Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport & train station including gratuities
• Motor coach transfers between Lake Louise & Banff and Banff & Calgary Airport
• National Park Entrance Fee
• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals not listed as included
• Gratuities not listed as included
• Transfers not listed as included
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Spec

2009 Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Vancouver
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.

Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 2 - Sea Safari Zodiac Tour / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
This morning you will transfer from your hotel to Horseshoe Bay where you will be taken on an unforgettable adventure to see the spectacular scenery and wildlife that have made coastal British Columbia world famous. With an experienced guide at the helm, you won't miss a thing on our high-speed 26-foot, rigid-hull inflatable, powered by twin 225-horsepower Mercury outboards. You'll find yourself racing beside steep cliffs, exploring caves, and viewing harbour seals at play. Points of interests include Pam Rocks, a Harbour Seal haul-out normally complemented by majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. You'll cruise out into The Strait of Georgia to see awesome views of Vancouver. On the return to Horseshoe Bay you'll view spectacular waterfront homes around West Vancouver.

This evening transfer by private sedan to the Pacific Central train station. Tonight, you will travel aboard VIA Rail's 'Canadian', and experience a dream voyage in the intimacy of a private room. The train will take you through the Fraser Valley & Canyon areas. By nightfall you will be lulled to sleep by the peaceful movement of the train.

Moderate: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in a Private Bedroom

Day 3 - Arrival in Jasper / Bird & Beaver Nature Walk
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. Mid-day the train will arrive in Jasper National Park. Upon arrival you will transfer (on own) to your hotel for check-in.

Bird & Beaver Nature Walk
Enjoy the freshness of a walk after the heat of the day, a walk through one of the best bird and beaver habitats near Jasper. On your walk the guides' knowledge of birds and animal habits and habitats, the flowers and the plants, add to the walk. Transportation is provided from town. You will have access to walking sticks, binoculars and raincoats, but feel free to bring your own. Bring a camera, comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, and you are then set to go.

Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Junior Suite

Day 4 - Jasper to Lake Louise Tour
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 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.

Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 1 - October 31, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours

Moderate: Overnight Lake Louise Inn - Executive Queen
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Lake view
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Fairmont Gold Lake view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 5 - Transfer to Banff / Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry
In the late morning, you will depart Lake Louise and transfer by regular scheduled motor coach to Banff. You will have the afternoon at leisure to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques. Visit the Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride (included) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley.

Evening Trail Ride (or Covered Wagon) & Steak Fry
In the late afternoon, you will make your way to Warner's Stable, which is a short taxi ride (on own). Enjoy a leisurely one-hour trail ride, or covered wagon ride for those that do not want to ride horseback, to the BBQ site located near the Sundance Canyon trail. Try your hand at roping, challenge friends to a game of horseshoes or relax in the picnic area, while your cook prepares your steak to order. After a hearty meal you will ride back to Warner Stables for an hour along the banks of the Bow River.

Note: Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry operates from Mid April to Mid October. The tour departs Warner's Stable at 5:00pm, after Labour Day departs at 4:00pm. When the Trail Ride is not running, the tour will be removed from the program.

Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Fairmont Gold View room (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)

Day 6 - 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:

• 4 nights accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
• 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail
• Sea Safari Zodiac Tour
• Bird & Beaver Nature Walk
• Jasper to Lake Louise Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
• Sulphur Mountain Gondola
• Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry (can also be done by covered wagon) (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Trail Ride is not operating, the tour will be removed the program)
• Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver Airport & train station including gratuities
• Motor coach transfers between Lake Louise & Banff and Banff & Calgary Airport
• National Park Entrance Fee
• Personalized documentation package

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Meals not listed as included
• Gratuities 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)