Gem of the Rockies
   
Holiday Highlights:
   
  • 7 nights hotel accommodation
  • Sleeping accommodation onboard VIA Rail silver & Blue Service for 1 night
  • Driver-guided commentary Days 2 – 7
  • Sightseeing tour of Banff
  • Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride
  • Sno-coach ride onto Athabasca Glacier (weather permitting)
  • Evening Jasper Wildlife Tour
  • Taxi transfer between hotel and rail station (day 8)
  • National Park fees
  • Canada Guide & Rand McNally Canada map
  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Hotel Information

Full Itinerary:

Day 1 Vancouver to Whistler
This morning depart Vancouver via a scheduled motor coach service along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, enjoy panoramic vista's of the Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountain Range. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Upon arrival in Whistler you will be transferred to your hotel. This charming alpine resort is nestled between world-renowned Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy an extensive range of summer activities from golf on one of the 4 championship designer golf courses, water activities on any of the 5 lakes or numerous rivers, to mountain top dining or just relax and enjoy some of the many fine cafés and restaurants of this European inspired alpine village.
Overnight: (V/S) Listel Whistler Village Hotel; (F) Whistler Resort Hotel; (D) Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Day 2 Whistler to Kamloops
Late this morning depart Whistler and travel through the historic farming village of Pemberton for lunch (included) before turning on to the Duffey Lake Road. On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breathtaking views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). Continue on through Lillooett known as the land of the Gold Rush Trail and was ‘Mile Zero’ of the Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant, Ginseng. Departing Lillooet, turn east along Highway 99 toward Cache Creek, from here travel a short distance to your overnight accommodation at Lac Le Jeune Resort. Located in a stunning wilderness setting where fish jump from the glassy surface of the lake and ospreys soar overhead. Please note this rustic lodge offers peace and relaxation without having phones or a television in the room. (Lunch & Dinner is included today).
Overnight: (V/S/F/D) Lac Le Jeune Resort.

Day 3 Kamloops to Banff
Departing Kamloops follow the South Thompson River to Shuswap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline. Pass Craigellachie where the ‘last spike’ was driven, completing the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885. Enter Rogers Pass with its tunnels, snow-sheds and glistening glaciers. The Kicking Horse River leads you to Kicking Horse Pass, the Spiral Tunnels, then over the Continental Divide to Banff for a two night stay. (Breakfast & Lunch is included today).
Overnight: (2 nights) (V) Spruce Grove Inn; (S) Banff Ptarmigan Inn; (F) Rimrock Resort Hotel; (D) Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Day 4 Morning Sightseeing Tour of Banff
This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive - which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley and the Cave and Basin where Banff ‘s history began. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.

Day 5 Banff to Lake Louise
Depart Banff early afternoon for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Lake Louise.
Overnight: (V/S) Deer Lodge*; (F/D) Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
* Value rooms do not have TV or phones

Day 6 Lake Louise to Jasper

Travel by coach today via on of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefield Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325 sq km's and reaches a depth of 320 metres. Time allows for a snocoach ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bear, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. Please note: mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June.
Overnight: (2 nights) (V) Astoria Hotel; (S) Whistlers Inn; (F/D) Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Day 7 Evening Wildlife Tour of Jasper

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the spectacular wonders of Jasper. This evening experience the Jasper Wonderland for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife. Destinations can include the Maligne Valley and the Pyramid Bench (with its beaver ponds).

Day 8 Jasper to Vancouver
Spend the morning relaxing in the mountain town of Jasper before boarding VIA Rail Silver & Blue Service to Vancouver. Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the ‘Yellowhead’ route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, then following the mighty Thompson River all the way to the Fraser Valley and the coastal city of Vancouver.
Exclusive to Silver and Blue class: By day, sit back in comfortable armchairs and enjoy the stretch out comfort of your very own accommodation. At night attendants will transform your quarters into cosy bunks or bedroom. Guests have access to the Park Car, always at the tail end of the train whose tapered shape gives the car its distinctive look. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee or in the evening before dinner complimentary hors d'oeuvres. In the Dome you’ll feel the true essence of travelling by train - where scene after memorable scene sweeps by. This evening retire to your Sleeping Car where a comfortable bed awaits you. Some of the amenities include thick towels, plump pillows, cosy down duvets and a shower kit. (Dinner is included today).
Overnight: (V/S) Upper/Lower Semi Private Berth; (F/D) Private Bedroom.

Day 9 Morning Arrival Vancouver
Tour ends upon arrival in Vancouver at 8.55am. (Breakfast is included today).

Please Note: Pre-tour accommodation is required. For further details of room types, please call our Canadian Specialists.