Discover Vancouver Island, the ski resort of Whistler, Jasper National Park and the turquoise Lake Louise. Your tour includes highlights such as driving onto Athabasca Glacier and riding the Banff Gondola, as well as the truly special two-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Banff to Vancouver in the exclusive GoldLeaf superior carriage.
Day 1. Victoria
Arrive at Vancouver and transfer by ferry to Victoria. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for an informal and friendly Welcome Dinner.
Day 2. Vancouver Island, Butchart Gardens, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, visit the world-renowned Butchart Gardens for a unique breakfast in the gardens. Established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart and maintained by successive generations of the Butchart family since, take your time exploring and learning about the displays. The garden has established an international reputation for its year round display of flowering plants. In the afternoon, you have your choice of touring activity in Victoria. There’s an opportunity to watch whales breaching and interacting off Vancouver Island; you can take a seaplane flight to get a birds-eye view of the island and coastline; perhaps stay on solid ground and take a guided tour of the wonderful houses and gardens around the town; or take an historic guided walking tour of the town. Other options include a horse-drawn carriage ride around the streets of Victoria or a delicious traditional afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Day 3. Georgia Strait, Whistler
Alternatively, journey by ferry across the Georgia Strait to the mainland. Join your coach and travel to the alpine resort of Whistler. Considered an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year, Whistler in the evening is a bustling, lively place. After dinner, you are at leisure to explore.
Day 4. Cariboo Region, Sun Peaks
Departing Whistler this morning, follow the tracks of the early gold rush pioneers through the beautiful Cariboo region to the alpine village of Sun Peaks. Tucked in among the rolling mountains of British Columbia’s interior, discover why the village is renowned for snowsports, accommodation and dining.
Day 5. Mt Robson, Jasper National Park, Dine Around Dinner
Follow the famous Yellowhead Highway to Jasper National Park, a fairytale mountain retreat surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You’ll pass Mt Robson which, at 3,954 metres, is the highest peak in the Rockies. Tonight you can choose your Dine Around Dinner at one of the four acclaimed restaurants at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 6. Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Dine Around Dinner
Today, journey along the Icefields Parkway. One of the world’s great scenic drives, the route follows a chain of massive icefields straddling the Continental Divide. Stopping at the giant Columbia Icefield, take a ride in a specially-designed Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the opportunity to stand on the glacial ice that fell as snow some 400 years ago. Later, arrive at Lake Louise, known as the Jewel of the Rockies. This beautiful aqua lake is set against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier.
Day 7. Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Dine Around Dinner
Join a guided walk at Lake Louise. Your Mountain Heritage Guide will point out the unique geological features of the area, as well as the vast array of wildlife. Visit Moraine Lake, a pristine glacially-fed lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, considered one of the most beautiful in Canada. Later, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy incredible views of six Rocky Mountain ranges.
Day 8. Banff Sights, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Banff this morning and keep a lookout for a variety of wildlife such as bears, moose, elk and caribou. Later, join your selected Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps opt for a gentle round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. You could take to the waters on a float trip down Bow River, or cruise along majestic Lake Minnewanka - the choice is yours! Enjoy fascinating local history, wildlife, sports or indulgent relaxation today.
Day 9. Rocky Mountaineer, Spiral Tunnels
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train and relax in your GoldLeaf carriage as you cross the Continental Divide. View the Kicking Horse Pass and the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Journey through vast ranchlands from Shuswap Lake along the South Thompson River to historic Kamloops, the gateway town to the interior of British Columbia. You might like to take in an optional dinner show tonight in Kamloops (own expense).
Day 10. Kamloops, Vancouver
Re-board and enjoy GoldLeaf Service during your rail journey along the Thompson River to the thundering waters of Hell’s Gate. Pass through Fraser Canyon and view the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains before arriving in bustling Vancouver. Settle into your stunning rooms at the Fairmont Pacific Rim and enjoy spectacular views of the city’s evening skyline.
Day 11. Vancouver Sights, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Vancouver. The tour includes the Waterfront, the cobblestone streets of historic Gastown and Stanley Park, named one of the top ten greatest public spaces in the world. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, as it stretches above majestic rainforest. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps head to Chinatown for exotic delicacies, or stroll around Granville Island and see food markets, shops and artists at work. And of course there is Robson Street, the best place to sit out and watch the locals stroll by, sip a drink and take in the vibrant Vancouver atmosphere.
Day 12. Vancouver
Today breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.
