ARRIVE IN VANCOUVER, BC. Welcome to Vancouver, your gateway to the Canadian Rockies! At 6 pm, meet your travelling companions for a welcome drink. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure.
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VANCOUVER. This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver's many attractions at your leisure. (B)
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VANCOUVER - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - KAMLOOPS. At Vancouver's Rocky Mountaineer Station, board the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER. Follow the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson River through beautiful landscapes to historic Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner and a show, Rhythms on the Rails. (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 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 Banff. 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.
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KAMLOOPS - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - BANFF. Back aboard the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER, journey from Kamloops eastward to Shuswap Lake with its many miles of shoreline. The Kicking Horse River passes over the Continental Divide to BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B,L)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Spend the next two nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, internationally recognized as the symbol of Canadian hospitality. Opened by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1888, this chateau-style hotel developed into one of the top three getaways in North America.
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BANFF. Breathe in the fresh mountain air! This morning, tour the highlights of Banff: Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, and Surprise Corner. Enjoy your choice of activities this afternoon! Take a leisurely NATURE WALK with a picnic lunch or enjoy AFTERNOON TEA at the Banff Springs Hotel. (B,L,D)
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BANFF - LAKE LOUISE. En route to Lake Louise today we'll take a side trip to see one of the crown jewels of the Rockies-Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Here, 10 mountain peaks soar above 3,048 metres (10,000 feet) and surround the tranquil waters of the lake. Later, we arrive at enchanting Lake Louise. After we have checked into our rooms, the rest of the day is free to fully enjoy the beauty, romance, and serenity of this famous location. (B,D)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Overnight at the spectacular Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Built as a log cabin in 1890, the Chateau has grown to be world famous and has welcomed celebrities and royals including Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe. Take a leisurely stroll along the pristine lake, pamper yourself in the spa, or just relax with Afternoon Tea at this historic Canadian resort.
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LAKE LOUISE - ICEFIELDS PARKWAY - JASPER. Travel on the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway past towering peaks and immense hanging glaciers to JASPER NATIONAL PARK. View sapphire Peyto Lake, ride an exciting ICE EXPLORER on the 1,000 foot thick Athabasca Glacier, and see thundering Athabasca Falls. Your overnight destination is the charming village of Jasper in Jasper National Park. (B,D)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Spend this evening at the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Originally built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and called "Tent City," it is now a 4-star resort nestled between majestic mountains and enchanting lakes. Take a nature hike, play a game of croquet, enjoy a canoe trip on the lake, or just take in the beauty of this tranquil setting.
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JASPER - SUN PEAKS. Departing Jasper, watch the scenery unfold while traveling the Yellowhead Highway along the Fraser and Thompson Rivers. This is the same route followed by the early fur brigades of the Hudson's Bay Company as they paddled fully laden canoes to the Pacific Coast. Pass regal Mount Robson; at 12,972 feet, it is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. (B)
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SUN PEAKS - WHISTLER. A spectacular day lies ahead! This morning, travel past some of the most beautiful and rugged lakes and mountains in British Columbia. This afternoon, we arrive in Whistler-one of Canada's newest and most exciting mountain resorts, and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics-and settle into the deluxe Fairmont Chateau Whistler. (B)
SPECIAL FEATURE: Overnight at the all-season luxury resort, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain, the Chateau Whistler brings old and new together in a seamless meld of historical style and modern beauty. Enjoy impeccable service and outstanding cuisine in this pristine mountain wilderness.
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WHISTLER - VICTORIA. This morning, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTRE, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Afterward, Victoria awaits! Board a BC FERRY for a picturesque cruise to Vancouver Island and the charming, very British "Garden City" of Victoria. This afternoon is at leisure to do as you please. Perhaps stroll around the Parliament buildings or shop the many stores this charming city has to offer. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants in this harbour city. (B)
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VICTORIA. Today choose your experience activity! Enjoy traditional AFTERNOON TEA at the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel or, for the more adventurous, choose the WHALE-WATCHING excursion from Victoria's Inner Harbour. This afternoon, visit the world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS. This estate offers more than 700 varieties of flowers on 55 acres and includes Italian, Japanese, and English-style gardens. Later, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner in the original Butchart family residence. (B,D)
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VICTORIA - VANCOUVER (EMBARKATION) This morning, travel via BC FERRY through the Gulf Islands to the British Columbia mainland for a transfer back to Vancouver, where you will board Holland America's MS Volendam to begin your cruise. (B,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
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CRUISING: TRACY ARM & JUNEAU. Tracy Arm is a narrow, 41.8 kilometres (26-mile-long) fjord and another of Alaska's most dramatic glacier settings. The lush rainforest recedes to reveal a stunning canyon of bare rock. The panorama of 2,133.6 metres (7,000-foot) mountain peaks and nearly vertical rock cliffs is astounding. Waterfalls appear at every turn. Icebergs make their way to the sea in all sorts of wondrous shapes. And tucked away at the end of this remarkable waterway are two very active reminders of the Ice Age-the twin Sawyer Glaciers, which calve icebergs into the jade-colored inland sea. Kittiwakes, mountain goats, and seals are a common sight. Whales and bears may even make an appearance in this magical place. Visit one of the most scenic and remote capital cities-Juneau. Accessible only by air and water, Juneau is located at the base of two towering mountains in the heart of Alaska's Inside Passage, and is home to a rich Gold Rush history, Native culture, wildlife, and a wealth of natural wonders. Step ashore to shop for gold nuggets; visit the stately Governor's Mansion; saunter through the swinging doors of the Red Dog Saloon, the city's famous watering hole; or visit mighty Mendenhall Glacier, an impressive river of ice that is 19.3 kilometres (12 miles) long and 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) wide.(B,L,D)
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CRUISING: SKAGWAY Once a major port for gold prospectors who passed through en route to the Yukon, today you can still ride the antique White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway up past Deadhorse Gulch to see what it was like ages ago. Step back in time as you stroll the wooden sidewalks of the town, preserved as a national historic park. (B,L,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: GLACIER BAY This Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects a unique ecosystem of plants and animals living in an ever-changing glacial landscape. Here, witness an amazing spectacle of thunder and flying spray as tremendous slabs of ice break off and "calve" into the sea-making for lasting memories. National Park rangers accompany the ship to add expert commentary to the day's events. (B,L,D)
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CRUISING: KETCHIKAN. Experience Native Alaska firsthand. Meet the spirits of the raven, whale, and eagle as you view the largest collection of totems in the world at Saxman Totem Park or Totem Bight State Historic Park. Or, explore Creek Street, now home to contemporary art galleries and quaint boutiques. (B,L,D)
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SCENIC CRUISING: INSIDE PASSAGE. Sit back and relax as you cruise through the beautiful and awe-inspiring scenery of the Inside Passage. Keep your cameras ready for spouting whales, soaring eagles, barking seals, and other wildlife. (B,L,D)
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VANCOUVER (DISEMBARKATION). Transfers provided to Vancouver International Airport. Please schedule flights after noon. (B)
BANFF NATIONAL PARK: Choose between a nature walk with picnic lunch or Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD: Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
JASPER NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing
WHISTLER: Breakfast at Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
VICTORIA: Guided sightseeing, including world-famous Butchart Gardens and a farewell dinner at the Gardens; choose between Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel or a whale-watching excursion
MEALS: American breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner at Butchart Gardens; Alaska Cruise Extension: 20 additional meals
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission where applicable
Meals Breakfast - 18 Lunch - 9 Dinner - 11
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
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).
31
CAD
Name:BANFF GONDOLA Location:BANFF Details:The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb 698 metres (2,292 feet) to an elevation of 2,281 metres (7,486 feet) at the Summit Upper Terminal. Stay on the look out for wildlife and birds that frequent the Banff Gondola. This is nature's wild playground, so a camera is a must! You can encounter the local wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Golden mantled ground squirrels, Hoary marmots, Clark's nutcracker and the Canada (Gray) jay. Afterwards, we'll visit thundering Bow Falls where plenty of great photo opportunities await you. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres (7,496 feet) above sea level.
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).
100
CAD
Name:CANOEING IN SUN PEAKS WITH FUR TRADERS FEAST Location:SUN PEAKS Details:Join the Northwest Voyageur Company for a trip into Canada's storied past. A qualified Voyageur will be your guide in a replica Voyageur Canoe where you will calmly glide across the waters of McGillvray Lake and hear the tales of how the NWC & Hudson Bay Company erected this country. During the trip you may see some of our local residents such as eagles, osprey, loons, beavers, deer, mouse, bears, and other wildlife. Through this completely non-strenuous trip you will receive great insight into how this nation was explored, discovered and eventually established. Finish your guided Voyageur Canoe trip off with a traditional 4 course Fur Trader's Feast prepared for you at the McGillvray Lake Outpost. While on the journey to the Rockies the Voyageurs mostly ate pemmican 3 times a day, but when they were at their main posts voyageurs would enjoy only the finest delicacies. Come and relive the majesty of the fur trade through a unique culinary experience. (Canoe Trip 1.5 hours plus dinner afterward) No previous canoeing experience necessary.
48
CAD
Name:FUR TRADERS FEAST Location:SUN PEAKS Details:We are pleased to offer a rustic 4 course Dinner on the shores of historic McGillvray Lake. While on the journey to the Rockies the Voyageurs mostly ate pemmican 3 times a day, but when they were at their main posts voyageurs would enjoy only the finest delicacies. Come and relive the majesty of the fur trade through a unique culinary experience.
151
CAD
Name:SPECTACULAR GLACIER SEAPLANE TOUR Location:WHISTLER Details:Our most popular tour! Experience British Columbia's supernatural beauty with an eagle's eye flight over the majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, unique volcanic formations and lush alpine meadows that surround the turquoise waters of mile-high, 1000 foot deep Garibaldi Lake. Don't forget your camera! Rate includes fuel surcharge and taxes. (30 minutes).
88
CAD
Name:VICTORIA BY NIGHT WITH DINNER AT THE CANOE BREWPUB Location:VICTORIA Details:Climb aboard one of the jaunty little boats for a unique perspective of the city, a tour from the waterside. After the harbour tour you will take a short walk to the Canoe Brewpub where you will take a brewery tour in this 1894 heritage landmark building on Victoria's downtown waterfront. You will have the opportunity to sample the award winning handcrafted beers that are renowned in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy local West Coast cuisine while soaking up the views of the sunset over the harbour.
122
CAD
Name:VICTORIA PANORAMA Location:VICTORIA Details:This half-hour flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and includes spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Enjoy unique views of the buildings ringing the harbour and grand houses perched above the rugged coastline. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.
Optional Excursions
