Day 1 - Arrive Calgary / Drive to Banff
Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport you will pick-up your car rental and begin your journey to the Canadian Rockies. You will depart the Stampede City of Calgary and travel through the rolling foothills and through the Rocky Mountains to the mountain resort town of Banff. You will be staying at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge which lies on the gentle slopes of Tunnel Mountain , which native people called `sleeping buffalo`. The Main Lodge complements its natural setting with square timber, post and beam construction, and high open ceilings. Simple, elegant design is a hallmark of the resort, and symbolizes the lifestyle at the Lodge.
Moderate: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Lodge Queen
Superior: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Lodge King
Deluxe: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Buffalo Suite
Day 2 - Banff Exploring including Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Enjoy a full day to explore Banff. Your package includes admission to 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. You may wish to take a drive along Tunnel Mountain Drive to view the beautiful town of Banff and visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where a natural hot springs led to the creation of Canada's first National Park in 1885. Or take a mid-morning stroll along Lake Minnewanka or explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques.
Moderate: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Lodge Queen
Superior: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Lodge King
Deluxe: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Buffalo Suite
Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise
This morning you will depart Banff and travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to the resort village of Lake Louise. There is plenty to see and do today - walk or hike the trails at and around the Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake enjoy a relaxing canoe excursion or explore nearby Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park, with the spectacular Takakkaw Falls.
Note: Early season road closures will limited access to Moraine Lake until late May
Moderate: Overnight Deer Lodge - Heritage King room (no TV in room)
Superior: Overnight Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel - King with Fireplace
Deluxe: Overnight Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel - Riverside Cabin
Day 4 - Lake Louise to Jasper including Snocoach Ice Explorer
This morning you will depart Lake Louise and drive through the 'heart' of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper 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. You will travel through Banff and Jasper National Parks. Included in your package is the 'Ice Explorer', 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. Other points of interest en route include Peyto Lake and the Bow & Crowfoot Glaciers. Your journey affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Your exciting day ends in the quaint town site of Jasper.
Upon arrival in Jasper, drive to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, located deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, on 1000 acres of pristine wilderness land, stands the Lodge. Accommodation at this world class resort is both historic and contemporary, in rustic cedar chalets and heritage log cabins arranged in the style of an alpine village.
Note: Snocoach operates from April 15 - October 15. If traveling outside these dates, the snocoach will be removed from your package.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Wilson Icefield Discovery Helicopter Tour (25 min) 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, you will view glaciers and icefields as far as the eye can see!
Special Treat ADD-ONS:
Landing with a stop - Go for a leisurely 30-60 minute walk with your pilot in the high alpine. A walk never to be forgotten!
Gourmet Picnic - 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. It is beautifully packaged in a wicker picnic basket.
Note: Helicopter tours operates from April 1 to October 31
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Deluxe room
Deluxe: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Lake view Junior Suite
Day 5 - Jasper Exploring including Maligne Lake Cruise & Jasper Tramway
Today is at leisure to explore the charming town of Jasper and some of its most scenic landmarks. Drive past the rugged peaks of the Athabasca Valley towards Whistlers Mountain and take the Jasper Tramway (included) to the top. This is the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies and the ride up to the summit is breathtaking. Once at the upper terminal take in incredible panoramic views of Jasper national Park or enjoy a short hike on one of the alpine trails. Next, visit Maligne Lake and take a 90 minute scenic boat cruise (included). This is one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. Some optional activities available for you include canoeing, rafting, hiking, golfing, and trail riding.
Note: Maligne Lake Cruise operates from Mid May to Early October and Jasper Tramway operates from Mid April to Mid October. If activities are not operating, the admissions will be deleted from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Fairmont room
Superior: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Deluxe room
Deluxe: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Lake view Junior Suite
Day 6 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Jasper to Kamloops
This morning you will transfer to the Jasper Train Station where you will drop off your car rental before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer®. For the next two days, you will be experiencing the 'Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World!'® aboard Rocky Mountaineer®. Soon Leaving Jasper onboard the train you will pass by Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters (12,972 ft). Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the train will follow the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains and along rolling plateaus until it reaches the town of Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior.
Moderate: RedLeaf Service®
Superior: RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service®
Overnight Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 7 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Kamloops to Vancouver
You will depart early this morning for your second day aboard Rocky 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. Upon arrival at the Vancouver Train Station, you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Buffet Breakfast included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Hotel Le Soleil – Deluxe 1 Bedroom Suite
Deluxe: Overnight Hotel Le Soleil – Deluxe 1 Bedroom Corner Suite
Day 8 - Depart Vancouver
Today you will transfer by private sedan from your hotel to the Vancouver International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights accommodation, including any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour including 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & snacks (Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service® includes dinner in Kamloops)
- Transfer by private sedan between Vancouver train station & hotel and Vancouver hotel & airport including gratuities
- 6 Day full size car rental including unlimited mileage, LDW, PAI, PEC, Taxes, Airport surcharge, VLF, and Extra driver
- 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer Snocoach ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from April 15 to October 15, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Maligne Lake Cruise (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from Mid May to Early October, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Jasper Tramway ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from Mid April to Mid October, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Hotel transfers in Kamloops
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: Drop fee between Calgary & Jasper, refueling service charge, baby seats, toll highway charges, additional driver taxes, and credit card security deposit
- Customer Facility Charge for pick-ups at the Calgary Airport (approximately $4 per day)
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer 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)