CALGARY. Welcome to Calgary! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming Canadian Rockies adventure.
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CALGARY - LAKE LOUISE. This morning, enjoy an orientationtour of Calgary before heading to Lake Louise, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a canoe excursion, stroll along the lake, or just relax at this historic Canadian resort. (B,D)
Special Feature: Your hotel tonight is the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Situated in one of the world's most breathtaking settings, Chateau Lake Louise evokes a sense of timeless beauty, warmth, intimacy, comfort, and Old World charm. Resting next to majestic mountains and the vibrant blues and greens of glacier-fed Lake Louise, the resort affords incredible opportunities for sightseeing, recreation, photography, shopping, and dining.
3
LAKE LOUISE - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - JASPER. Journey north on Icefields Parkway and savour stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. We'll stop at Peyto Lake, which many consider to be the best view in Canada and perhaps one of the best in the world. Get ready for one of the trip's highlights: a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride on an ICE EXPLORER. Stand on 304.8 metres (1,000 feet) of ice and come face to face with the glaciers that feed into a Triple Continental Divide. We continue to JASPER NATIONAL PARK. (B,D)
Special Feature: Your hotel for the next two nights is Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, the charming cabins and rugged elegance of Jasper Park Lodge make it the embodiment of peace, tranquillity, and natural beauty. With one of the world's finest golf courses, spectacular outdoor adventure opportunities, gracious hospitality, and fine cuisine, Jasper Park Lodge is the ideal vacation spot.
4
JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE. This morning, enjoy an excursion to Maligne Lake for a fully narrated CRUISE on this glacial lake to Spirit Island. The balance of the day is at leisure. Your world-class resort offers all kinds of things to do. Hollywood greats like Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum, and Bing Crosby were known to play a round of golf on this scenic course-and you can, too. Treat yourself like royalty with a spa treatment, or stroll the streets of Jasper with its array of specialty stores. (B)
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JASPER - BANFF. This morning we stop at thundering Athabasca Falls before continuing our sightseeing with visits to BANFF and YOHO NATIONAL PARK. See the Natural Bridge spanning Kicking Horse River and Emerald Lake. Arrive in Banff with the balance of the day at leisure. (B)
Special Feature: Your hotel for the next two nights is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Few hotels in the world rival the majesty, hospitality, and scenery of the Banff Springs Hotel. With its unique blend of opulence and seclusion, it's been a symbol of the Canadian Rockies for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, a world-class European-style spa, and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness.
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BANFF. Enjoy sightseeing with a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA up Sulphur Mountain. Afterward, a scenic drive around Tunnel Mountain, where each corner brings a new surprise - from animals like elk and deer to the unique landscape features of the Hoodoos and Bow River. This afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take advantage of an optional helicopter flightseeing trip with dramatic aerial views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff. Or, you may wish to stroll the colourful streets of Banff or fish for trout on Lake Minnewanka. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,D)
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BANFF - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - KAMLOOPS. This morning, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER and travel over the Continental Divide and along the Kicking Horse River. We travel eastward to Shushwap Lake with its thousand miles of shoreline and then overnight in Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamploops. (B,L)
Note: Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2 or 3 star hotels or motor inns. The city does not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours; however, you can rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort. For your convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Vancouver. Checked luggage will not be accessible during the journey. Plan to pack an overnight bag with necessities for the train portion of the tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items. (Silverleaf & Goldleaf passengers will have their luggage delivered to their Kamloops hotel).
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KAMLOOPS - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - VANCOUVER. Back aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, enjoy your amazing journey through the fertile fields of the Thompson Valley and the beautiful Fraser Canyon. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vancouver, where you'll be transferred to your hotel for a 2 night stay. (B,L)
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VANCOUVER. A full day of leisure to explore this vibrant city. Why not join an optional excursion to Vancouver Island and the charming seaside city of Victoria, or explore Gastown or Granville Island. Your Local Host will have suggestions for the best places to shop and dine. (B)
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VANCOUVER. Your holiday ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
MEALS: American breakfast daily (B), 3 three-course dinners (D)including a farewell dinner in Banff; Rocky Mountaineer Extension: American breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L) (breakfast on RedLeaf Service is continental-not a full American breakfast)
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Meals Breakfast - 9 Lunch - 2 Dinner - 3
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
64
CAD
Name:JASPER RAFT ON THE ATHABASCA RIVER Location:JASPER Details:Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometre trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometre trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago, (David Thompson 1811). The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. (2.5 hours) (Subject to favourable weather and water conditions).
83
CAD
Name:MOUNT EDITH CAVELL NATURE WALK & DINNER Location:JASPER Details:After dinner at a local restaurant join your experienced guide on this two-hour hike on the "Path of the Glacier" walk with Mount Edith Cavell's snowcapped peak towering a mile overhead. Experience three kinds of glacier formations, icebergs, waterfalls and the emerald green of "Lake of Forgiveness." An exceptional "soft adventure" to one of Jasper's gems. You need to wear good walking shoes, but no previous hiking experience is necessary. This excursion operates mid June to the first week in October and is dependent on the weather.
240
CAD
Name:ROYAL CANADIAN HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. An extraordinary adventure not to be missed! (25 minute flight). Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
272
CAD
Name:MOUNT ASSINIBOINE GLACIER HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Finally, you will be transported to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies" which rises majestically to 3,611 metres (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination where you will get up close and personal with the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off of Mount Assiniboine. This is an experience you will not forget! (30 minute flight). Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
45
CAD
Name:FLOAT TRIP DOWN THE BOW RIVER Location:BANFF Details:A chance to really experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Canadian Rockies with a peaceful one-hour float trip down the Bow River past Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos and Mount Rundle. No experience necessary & guide does all the paddling. The rafts are customised with elevated floorboards, so your shoes even stay dry! Guests often bring cameras to catch the scenery as they float by. Lifejackets are required and provided. (Subject to favourable weather & water conditions).
125
CAD
Name:SPRAY LAKES TOUR - 12 MINUTE HELICOPTER TOUR Location:BANFF Details:This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life. Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colours of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. (12 minute flight) Flights are subject to favourable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.
110
CAD
Name:SUNSET DINNER CRUISE Location:VANCOUVER Details:It's like dining in a restaurant which looks out onto all of Vancouver's finest views. Enjoy a leisurely cruise past the downtown skyline, the cruise ship terminal of Canada Place, the Mountains behind the North Shore, the West Vancouver shoreline and more. Take in the sights and sounds of the city as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You'll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean. During the shoulder months (May & October) enjoy the evening under a star-lit sky as the moon reflects off the Pacific. Take in the sights and sounds of the city while cruising past the magnificent skyline at night while enjoying live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. Treat yourself to Vancouver's favourite dining cruise experience, the Sunset Dinner Cruise. (2.5 hours) (Seasonal, May - October).
139
CAD
Name:GROUSE MOUNTAIN & CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE Location:VANCOUVER Details:Visit Vancouver's North Shore as you drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a lumberjack show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. Note: This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion).
139
CAD
Name:WHISTLER DAY TRIP Location:VANCOUVER Details:Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours).
189
CAD
Name:VICTORIA AND BUTCHART GARDENS DAY TRIP Location:VANCOUVER Details:Travel by coach and ferry on this full day trip to Victoria. Enjoy a ferry cruise through beautiful Active Pass in the Gulf Islands to B.C.'s quaint capital. Marvel at the awesome, ever-changing Butchart Gardens. You'll drive the scenic route into Victoria and the Inner Harbour. You'll have some free time to explore this unique city: Government Street shopping & dining, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Royal B.C. Museum and more. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to your hotel. A day well spent! This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion).