Canadian Rockies Via Rail

Trip Includes. . .

• * Three Canadian National Parks Banff, Jasper & Yoho
• * Rail Experience The Canadian Train
• * Sleeper Plus Class on Train – Berths
• * Vancouver City Tour
• * Victoria, BC
• * Vancouver Island
• * Butchart Gardens
• * Lake Louise
• * Valley of the Ten Peaks
• * Icefields Parkway
• * Banff Area Tour
• * Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer Ride
• * Jasper
• * Maligne Lake
• * 3 Nights – Banff

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver

Arrive in Vancouver and meet your Tour Director. One of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in North America, Vancouver dazzles with views of the Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains and a glittering skyline. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Vancouver Island-Victoria

Today ferry through the scenic Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Upon arrival visit the world famous Butchart Gardens to stroll among fifty acres of floral gardens, fountains and meandering paths. Then visit Victoria, British Columbia’s beautiful capital. Enjoy a Victoria City Tour featuring the Inner Harbor, the imposing Parliament Building constructed in 1897 and views of the famous Empress Hotel. Enjoy a bit of leisure time to take in city’s turn of the century Victorian charm or shop in the downtown heritage district. Later return to Vancouver by ferry.

Day 3: Vancouver-Board VIA Rail-Overnight on Train

This morning enjoy a Vancouver City Tour including Stanley Park, famous for its colorful Indian totem poles, Chinatown & Gastown, Vancouver’s turn of the century pedestrian mall lined with shops and restaurants along cobble-stone streets. This afternoon board VIA Rail’s train, The Canadian, for a memorable 2 Day & overnight rail excursion into the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies. Explore the train before settling into your comfortable Berth in the Sleeper Plus Train Car for the evening. The Berths feature seats that convert to upper and lower beds for sleeping. Each 20 passenger Sleeper Plus Train Car features washrooms and a shower. Dinner is included with this class along with exclusive access to the Park Car for panoramic views

Day 4: Canadian Rockies VIA Rail-Jasper National Park-Maligne Lake

The Canadian winds along the North Thompson River passing towering peaks and glacial valleys in a vast wilderness once only accessible by rail. Enjoy the views of the incredible passing scenery like Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Cross the Continental Divide into Alberta, arriving in Jasper for a one-night stay. This afternoon discover Jasper National Park, whose incredible scenery is comprised of carefully protected ecosystems, and is a photographer’s paradise. Visit to Maligne Canyon, a Jasper landmark. Next watch for wildlife as you drive to see the crystal blue waters of Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 5: Jasper – Icefields Parkway – Banff

Today travel south along the Icefields Parkway, linking Jasper and Lake Louise, one of North America’s most spectacular drives. Travel the road as it winds between snow-domed peaks and immense hanging glaciers; you may see elk, deer, bighorn sheep or bear. Stop to see the raw power of the Athabasca Falls. Later ride in a specially designed Ice Explorer on the 1000-foot thick Athabasca Glacier part of the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest ice masses outside of the Arctic Circle. Then travel into Banff National Park and arrive at your hotel in the quaint town of Banff for a three-night stay.

Day 6: Banff – Yoho National Park – Lake Louise

Today view two of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies. Stop to view spectacular Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks before visiting the Chateau Lake Louise, located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capture spectacular views and photos of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. Then travel through Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho National Park to see the Natural Bridge, the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and cross the Continental Divide before returning to Banff. This evening enjoy your evening on your own.

Day 7: Banff Area Tour – Afternoon at Leisure

This morning enjoy a Banff Area Tour including Mt. Rundle, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain & the Hoodoos. Later explore Banff and the surroundings on your own. An optional tour will be available this afternoon. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers in the Banff area.

Day 8: Banff – Calgary – Flight Home

Transfer to Calgary and fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Canadian Rockies VIA Rail Tour.