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 - VICTORIA. This morning, tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the FERRY over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. Major attractions on your orientation tour include the gardens of Beacon Hill Park, the Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. (B)
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VICTORIA. This morning is free to explore on your own; your Tour Director suggests an optional marine wildlife and whale-watching trip. For shoppers, Government Street's elegant shops and Market Square's collection of specialty stores are good places to start. History buffs should be sure to visit the Royal British Columbia Museum. This afternoon, stop at SEA CIDER FARM for an exclusive tour of the orchards and ciderhouse followed by some cider tasting. Next, visit world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS followed by a special dinner in the original Butchart family residence. (B,D)
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VICTORIA - WHISTLER. Today, board a BC FERRY and sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. Continue to the alpine resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of breathtaking Blackcomb Mountain. Time today to explore many of the 2010 Winter Olympics' sites. (B)
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WHISTLER - SUN PEAKS. This morining, enjoy a visit and private breakfast at the SQUAMISH LIL' WAT CULTURAL CENTER, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations People of Canada. Journey north today through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. You may take advantage of an optional canoe trip on Lake McGillivray, where, surrounded by beautiful scenery, you learn about Canada's fur trade. (B)
Note Operation of the canoe trip is subject to favorable weather conditions.
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SUN PEAKS - JASPER. Continue north following the Yellowhead Highway, hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 3,953.8 metres (12,972 feet) Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering JASPER NATIONAL PARK. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. (B,D)
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JASPER. Enjoy a sightseeing tour to see Jasper's unspoiled beauty. Afterward, travel to glacial Maligne Lake for a narrated CRUISE to Spirit Island. On the return journey, stop to view Maligne Canyon. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own or perhaps take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced guide will navigate as you absorb the splendour of Jasper National Park. (B)
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JASPER - COLUMBIA ICEFIELD - LAKE LOUISE - BANFF. This morning, travel through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the 304.8 metres (1,000 feet) thick Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ICE EXPLORER RIDE. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savour stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers, then scale Bow Pass with splendid views of Peyto Lake. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into BANFF NATIONAL PARK. (B)
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BANFF. Sightseeing includes a visit to Sulphur Mountain for a ride on the BANFF GONDOLA, complete with panoramic views of Banff's spectacular scenery. Also visit Bow Falls and the hoodoos. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional float trip excursion on the Bow River or a helicopter flightseeing trip for a bird's-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
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BANFF - ROCKY MOUNTAINEER - KAMLOOPS. Depart Banff for Calgary International Airport. Airport transfers are provided. Please schedule flights after Noon. (B)
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 and 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. (B,L)
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VANCOUVER. Your vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)
VANCOUVER - VICTORIA: Ferry ride through Gulf Islands
VICTORIA: Sea Cider Farm tour & cider tasting; dinner at Butchart Gardens
WHISTLER: Breakfast at Squamish Lil' Wat Cultural Center
JASPER NATIONAL PARK: Sightseeing and cruise Maligne Lake
COLUMBIA ICEFIELD: Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield
BANFF NATIONAL PARK: Gondola ride up Banff's Sulphur Mountain; farewell dinner
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
MEALS: American breakfast daily (B), 3 three-course dinners (D) including a farewell dinner:Rocky Mountaineer Extension:(B), 2 lunches (L) (breakfast on RedLeaf Service is continental-not a full American breakfast)
Meals Breakfast - 11 Lunch - 1 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
75
CAD
Name:CHINATOWN DINNER AND LANTERN WALK Location:VICTORIA Details:A fascinating tour of Chinatown, one of the oldest in Canada. Your expert local guide will offer you the opportunity to learn about the "East meets West" portals. Themes range from Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac to Brave Pioneers and World Developments. Food sampling along the way with dinner in a first-class restaurant. Finally, at dusk you will be given lanterns and lead through the narrow alleys to Bastion Square. A very unique and memorable way to experience Victoria. (Approximately 3 hours).
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.
111
CAD
Name:MARINE AND WILDLIFE WHALE WATCHING Location:VICTORIA Details:Whale watching is a an experience many say they will never forget. Whale Watching Excursions in Victoria and around beautiful Vancouver Island provide you with wonderful memories of British Columbia. Whale and Marine Wildlife watching expeditions have become one of Victoria's most popular activities. The rich marine wildlife of beautiful southern Vancouver Island is world renowned for its abundance and diversity. Killer Whales are magnificent and never fail to impress, but there are many other living treasures that share their waters. Bring your camera and your excitement because this is a trip you won't soon forget! (Excursion is approximately 3 hours).
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).
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.
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).
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.
Optional Excursions
