Railways of the Rockies
The foundations of Canada’s western provinces were forged in the establishing of the railways that connect the cities of Calgary and Vancouver with small towns such as Banff. Today, those same railways create the perfect route to discover the natural wonders of British Columbia and Alberta comprised of a dramatically-changing countryside of valleys, canyons and mountain passes. Panoramic windows reveal lush forests, pristine lakes, and the towering vistas of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The rail journey is enhanced with national park nature tours and guided city tours in Vancouver and Calgary, giving a complete perspective of western Canada, its geography and culture.
Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN CALGARY
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel. After a check-in with your tour director, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Explore the downtown core, or ascend the Calgary Tower for an unforgettable view of the city and surrounding grasslands beyond its distant borders.
Day 2 -Â CALGARY TO BANFF
We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary before departing the city west along the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we approach Banff National Park, the first of several in the Canadian national park system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff and enjoy a tour of the town site. Overnight in Banff. Full breakfast included.
Day 3 -Â BANFF
The entire day is at leisure to explore Banff and browse through the many boutiques and specialty shops along Banff Avenue. You may choose to take and optional 12-minute helicopter sightseeing tour over the Three Sisters Peak, revealing the beauty of the mountains and the Spray Valley. You may also decide to take an optional ride on the Banff Gondola for a glorious view of the town and the magnificent Bow River Valley. Overnight in Banff. Full breakfast included.
Day 4 -Â BANFF TO JASPERÂ
Today after breakfast we depart for Jasper, the jewel of Jasper National Park. En route we stop to tour to the Columbia Icefield. The tour starts with a visit to the turquoise waters and spectacular glacier of Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies. From the unsurpassed beauty of Lake Louise we enter a rugged wilderness as we travel up the world famous Icefields Parkway. At the spectacular Columbia Icefield we board a Ice Explorer that will take us onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Arriving in Jasper, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Jasper. Breakfast included.
Day 5 -Â VIA RAIL TO VANCOUVER
This afternoon we board VIA Rail’s Canadian train and depart west towards the seaside metropolis of Vancouver. Along the way we pass the steep slopes and plunging valleys of the Rockies, the high plains of the British Columbia interior and travel through the tunnels and chasms carved out of the living rock over a century ago. The gentle pitch and sway of the cars provide a soothing ride for our overnight journey. Overnight on board VIA Rail. Breakfast (hotel) and dinner (VIA Rail) included.
Day 6-Â VANCOUVER
Arriving in Vancouver in the morning, we disembark the train and depart on a fascinating city tour of Vancouver. Highlights include the towering trees of Stanley Park, English Bay, the historic laneways of Gastown, exotic Chinatown and much more. We also enjoy a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge park and marvel at this feat of engineering
set amongst the towering trees of the protected parklands. The afternoon and evening are free to further explore this pedestrian friendly city. Overnight in Vancouver. Breakfast (VIA Rail) included.
Day 7-Â END OF TOUR
The final day of your Western Canada experience has come. Indulge in some last minute shopping at one of the city’s countless retail venues before proceeding to Vancouver International Airport for your flight home. Full breakfast included.
|
Day |
Accommodation |
Location |
|
1 |
Delta Bow Valley |
Calgary |
|
2 |
Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge |
Banff |
|
3 |
Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge |
Banff |
|
4 |
The Crimson |
Jasper |
|
5 |
VIA Rail from Jasper to Vancouver |
Sun Peaks |
|
6 |
Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel |
Whistler |
|
7 |
End of Tour |
Victoria |
• Calgary sightseeing tour
• Banff sightseeing tour
• Lake Louise Sightseeing Tour
• Vancouver sightseeing tour
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Ice Explorer Ride on the Athabasca Glacier
• 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner
• Transportation by modern tour coach
• Experienced tour driver
• Jasper to Vancouver rail passage on the VIA Rail
• Tour director from Calgary to Vancouver
• First-class (or best available) accommodation
• Baggage handling (1 piece per person)
• Provincial taxes and Federal GST less tour package rebateÂ