Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private limousine or 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 Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Deluxe Vancouver Sightseeing Tour / VIA Rail - Vancouver to Jasper
This morning you will be taken on a 4 ½ hour city tour of Vancouver. You will see Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island. Admission to the Lookout Tower has been included on the tour, providing a bird's-eye view of 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 Bedroom accommodation
Superior: Overnight VIA Rail in Bedroom accommodation
Deluxe: Overnight VIA Rail in Bedroom accommodation
Day 3 - Arrive Jasper
By the time you awake you will see glaciers, mountain peaks and lush forests. 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.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lake view
Day 4 - Maligne Lake Cruise or Walk
This morning you will embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park . The first stop will be at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. 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 the 'mysteriously' disappearing Medicine Lake and then to Maligne Lake for a 90-minute interpretative boat cruise bound for the world-renowned Spirit Island bring your camera, as this truly is a picture postcard setting. After the boat cruise, relax and soak up the sights or enjoy a tasty treat at the Lake Chalet . Alternatively, those who would prefer to go for walk rather than take the cruise can enjoy a guided 75-minute walk along the shoreline trail of Maligne Lake.
Note: Maligne Lake Walk is available from May 1 - October 31 & the Maligne Lake Cruise is available from June 1 - October 10.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Junior Suite Lake view
Day 5 - Jasper to Prince George aboard VIA Rail Skeena
This afternoon you will transfer to the Via Rail station (on own) where you will board VIA Rail's Skeena, the train to the Pacific Coast. You will travel in Totem Deluxe Class, VIA Rail's new totally glass-domed Panorama Car. This is a fabulous 1,160 kilometre (725-mile) journey, lasting two days, between Jasper, lying in the heart of the superb Rocky Mountains, and Prince Rupert, on the Pacific coast. This is a wonderful way to discover the region's scenery, Native culture and other attractions. While the route has been established for years, its schedule has been changed to cover the entire route during daylight hours. You will enjoy this spectacular trip! Upon arrival in Prince George, you will transfer to your hotel (on own) for check-in.
Moderate: Overnight Coast Inn of the North – Standard room
Superior: Overnight Coast Inn of the North - Superior room
Deluxe: Overnight Coast Inn of the North - Superior room
Day 6 - Prince George to Prince Rupert aboard VIA Rail Skeena
After a good nights sleep in Prince George, you will transfer back to the rail station (on own) to re-board the Via Rail Skeena heading for the Pacific Coast and Prince Rupert. You will travel through many small B.C. communities and view scenery that is only accessible via train, and discover why it is Canada's best kept secret. Upon arrival in Prince Rupert you will transfer (on own) to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Crest Hotel - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Crest Hotel - Crest Class
Deluxe: Overnight Crest Hotel - Treat Suite
Day 7 – Grizzly Bear Watching Cruise OR Whale Watching Cruise OR Prince Rupert Panorama Flight seeing
Today you have a choice of activity, depending on your travel date, between a Whale Watching Cruise, a Flight seeing Tour of Prince Rupert OR a Grizzly Bear Watching Cruise that allows the opportunity to see bears in their natural habitat.
Whale Watching Cruise (Mid July to October)
View the Humpback Whale on the North Coast's sheltered Inside Passage! If you are willing to go where the whales are, you're in for the greatest show on earth! Whales diving, flashing enormous fan shaped tails, feeding with vast open mouths, hurling their fifty ton bodies up, completely out of the water, spouting an explosion of air and water that rains down upon you. North Coast whale watching is acknowledged as one of the most accessible and predictable locations to see Humpback Whales, also known as the big winged whale. Be prepared for a truly memorable experience as you explore the marine environment of the North Coast.
Grizzly Bear Watching Cruise (Mid May to End of July)
Experience one of the greatest treasures of the British Columbia North Coast! Your 6 hour tour will take you North through Chatham Sound, then East into rugged fjords and pristine wilderness to the Khutzeymateen, home of the largest population of Grizzly Bears anywhere on Earth. The area is home to a large variety of other wildlife including: Orca Whales, eagles, seals, mountain goats and black bears. This adventure will be the highlight of your holiday! Your tour includes a boxed lunch.
Prince Rupert Panorama Flight seeing Tour (May to September)
This 20 minute flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation. Your flight will include a spectacular view of Prince Rupert and the wilderness beyond. Enjoy the unique sights of the Skeena River as well as the historic working docks and cannery at Port Edward. The North Pacific Cannery is the oldest cannery remaining on the B.C. coast.
Moderate: Overnight Crest Hotel - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Crest Hotel - Crest Class
Deluxe: Overnight Crest Hotel - Treat Suite
Day 8 - Kaien Island Circle Tour
This one-of-a-kind tour circles Kaien Island with informed commentary by an experienced local skipper. Take in the bustling Prince Rupert waterfront from boat side. On your tour you will pass Fairview Terminal where international freighters tie up WWII military installations, massive grain and coal facilities on Ridley Island, historical Village of Port Edward, reversing tidal rapids at Butze Rapids and Zanardi Rapids, seal Cove's Canadian Coast Guard Base and Seal Cove's Float Plane Base, one of the busiest on the coast. During the voyage, there will also be a good possibility of sighting porpoise, harbour seals and eagles.
Moderate: Overnight Crest Hotel - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Crest Hotel - Crest Class
Deluxe: Overnight Crest Hotel - Treat Suite
Day 9 - Prince Rupert to Port Hardy aboard BC Ferries
This morning transfer (on own) to the BC Ferry terminal. Discover the beauty of the Inside Passage on this unforgettable day cruise aboard the gracious ferry-liner M.V. Northern Adventure. On the way, you'll travel through calm inlets, evergreen-covered islands, and majestic coastal mountains. Keep your eyes open for sightings of Killer Whales, Dolphins, and other wildlife. You will have a private two-berth cabin with shower, washbasin, & toilet. Upon arrival in Port Hardy in the late evening, you will transfer to your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Quarterdeck Inn - Standard room
Superior: Overnight Quarterdeck Inn – Executive Suite
Deluxe: Overnight Quarterdeck Inn – Executive Suite
Day 10 - Port Hardy to Victoria Tour
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and begin your day tour to Victoria, you will travel southbound on the island highway to Victoria. A stop will be made for coffee at the unique 'Cable House café' in Courtenay, then continue on the scenic route to Qualicum Beach and beyond to the Coombs Deli, made famous for their goats that graze on the roof. Here, you will stop for a 1-hour lunch break (lunch not included). After lunch, follow the island highway to Ladysmith then along the scenic route to Chemainus, 'the city of Murals', where a stop is made for 40-minutes where you'll have time to sightsee this beautiful town. Afterwards, continue on through Duncan where you'll see many of the totems that have made this city popular. Then travel over the Malahat Drive to Victoria. The tour concludes with a drop off at your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Chateau Victoria
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 11 - Whale Watching Tour
Whale and Marine Wildlife Watching expeditions have become one of Victoria's most popular activities. The waters around Southern Vancouver Island are home to three resident pods of Orca (or Killer Whales). You can also see gray and humpback whales (in season) dozens of species of seabirds, playful Porpoises, Seals & Seal Pups, Sea Lions, the majestic Bald Eagles, Lighthouses and marine eco-systems. Choose to have your excursion on exhilarating 28' open Zodiacs or a beautiful 46' Motor Yacht (offering an enclosed cabin as well as outside viewing decks). Experienced skippers & naturalists, a perfect safety record, high whale sightings & free Marine Mammal Information Kit are included.
Moderate: Overnight Chateau Victoria
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Empress Hotel - Fairmont Gold Harbour view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 12 - Victoria to Vancouver with Butchart Gardens
Morning at leisure to explore Victoria on your own or take an optional sightseeing tour. In the afternoon, travel from Victoria to Vancouver including the World Famous Butchart Gardens. Depart Victoria and transfer to the beautiful Butchart Gardens. 'Almost 100 years ago’ the Gardens began with an effort to beautify a worked-out quarry site on the 130-acre estate of Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Butchart. The Sunken Gardens soon spilled over into the Rose, Italian and Japanese Gardens. Today, the horticultural excellence achieved by the Butcharts is maintained throughout 55 acres of breathtaking gardens. After exploring the Gardens, your journey will continue on to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal where you will board BC Ferries to the Mainland. On your 95 minute cruise through the Gulf Islands and across the Georgia Strait, you will have the opportunity to enjoy awesome West Coast scenery. Food services and gift shop are available on the BC Ferry. Upon arrival at Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, your final leg of the journey will take you into Downtown Vancouver to be dropped off at your hotel.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 13 - 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:
- 11 nights hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 1 night bedroom accommodation and meals on VIA Rail's Canadian between Vancouver & Jasper
- Via Rail Skeena 2 day rail tour including 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, & 2 dinners (Totem Deluxe Class)
- Deluxe Vancouver City Tour including the Lookout Tower
- Choice of Activity: Maligne Lake Cruise or Maligne Lake Walk
- Choice of Activity: Whale Watching Cruise OR Prince Rupert Panorama Flight seeing OR Grizzly Bear Watching Cruise
- Kaien Island Circle Tour
- Port Hardy to Victoria Tour including evening transfer (night before) from BC Ferry to Port Hardy hotel
- Whale Watching Tour in Victoria
- Victoria to Vancouver Tour including Butchart Gardens & BC Ferries passenger toll
- Private Sedan transfers between Vancouver Airport & Hotel Vancouver hotel to train station and Vancouver hotel to Vancouver Airport including gratuities
- BC Ferries from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy with a Private two-berth cabin
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)