Embark on an amazingly scenic journey from Calgary to beautiful Vancouver, the jewel of British Columbia. You’ll board the Rocky Mountaineer Railway and travel through scenic valleys, along the mighty Fraser River, through Hell’s Gate, and past the majestic Pyramid Falls. This rail route, only accessible by train, also features majestic Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO CANADA!
Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers in Calgary for a festive welcome dinner at your hotel. D
DAY 2—CALGARY/BANFF
Begin with a sightseeing tour along the route from Calgary to Banff with stops at various viewpoints for your first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies. The breathtaking views will not stop here as you will take part in a tour of the Banff Gondola & Interpretive Centre and climb Sulphur Mountain in an enclosed gondola cabin. The next two nights you will call Banff your home away from home. B, D
DAY 3—MORAINE LAKE/YOHO NATIONAL PARK/LAKE LOUISE
Morning sightseeing takes us to Yoho National Park where we gaze in awe at Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge. A feat to behold are the Spiral Railway tunnels - engineers circled the track to gain elevation, which results in freight trains crossing over themselves! Enjoy an included lunch at Emerald Lake Lodge, set on a private island amongst the beautiful turquoise waters of Emerald Lake. This afternoon, enjoy wandering the quaint streets of the town before a relaxing dinner on your own. B, L
DAY 4—ICEFIELDS PARKWAY/COLUMBIA ICEFIELD
Ice is the theme of today’s touring as you travel north along the scenic Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Numerous photos stops will be made along the way as you pass Crowfoot Glacier, the Wapta Icefield, Bow Glacier, and Mount Thompson. Explore the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and ride an all-terrain Ice Explorer onto the surface of Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy dinner together as a group tonight. B, D
DAY 5— MALIGNE LAKE CRUISE AND CANYON
After breakfast, travel to the impressive Medicine Lake viewpoint. Then, continue to Maligne Lake for a guided cruise to Spirit Island, where you can take a scenic nature walk. Later, enjoy an included lunch at The Lakehouse Café and then travel to Maligne Canyon for a leisurely hike. This afternoon, stroll through the quaint shops of downtown Jasper and enjoy one of the local restaurants for dinner on your own this evening. B, L
DAY 6—ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAILWAY TO KAMLOOPS
All aboard! Experience some of North America’s most stunning scenery while indulging in luxurious Gold Leaf service on the famed Rocky Mountaineer train. Highlights include Mount Robson (tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies), Pyramid Falls, the North Thompson River, teal green lakes, stunning glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer glides into Kamloops. B, L
DAY 7—ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAILWAY TO VANCOUVER
Start this morning with a delicious breakfast aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Passing into British Columbia’s interior towards the Pacific Coast, today’s journey features dramatic changes in scenery, as the desert-like environment of the interior gradually gives way to lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Scenic highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes along the Thompson River. At the end of the day disembark in the amazing city of Vancouver. B, L
DAY 8—CHINATOWN/GASTOWN/STANLEY PARK/PUBLIC MARKET
This morning, experience Queen Elizabeth Park and Stanley Park, including it's famous totem poles and Brockton Point Lighthouse. In Gastown, see the marvelous steam-powered clock, and Vancouver’s Olympic legacy at the Olympic Cauldron. At Granville Island’s Public Market, you can choose from a variety of local food vendors for lunch. This evening, you'll enjoy our Farewell to Canada dinner at a local eatery. B, D
DAY 9—FAREWELL
Following one final delectable breakfast, transfer to the Vancouver International Airport, taking with you countless memories of your rail adventure! B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Fairmont Palliser, Calgary (or similar)
Nights 2-3: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
Nights 4-5: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper (or similar)
Night 6: Kamloops hotel assigned by Rocky Mountaineer Rail
Nights 7-8: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Vancouver
Dates:
Sep 21-29, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $6,597
Single $8,285
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Pre-Hotel Calgary: $298/night
Post-Hotel Vancouver: Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Depart: Calgary, AB
Return: Vancouver, BC
Inclusions:
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Fairmont Palliser Downtown Calgary, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Vancouver Airport any time after 11:00 a.m. Pacific time on Day 9.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
CTD has included transfers to our beginning hotel, Fairmont Palliser Downtown Calgary.
If you are driving to Calgary, self-parking at the Fairmont Palliser Downtown Calgary is currently $35 Canadian per day (subject to change) and Valet parking is $50 Canadian per day (subject to change). (Note: Travelers who drive to Calgary will need to take a flight from Vancouver back to Calgary to retrieve your vehicle.)
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
September – high of 55°, low of 30°
Time Zone
Mountain and Pacific
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, a coffee maker and exercise and Spa facilities are available at most hotels.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on the tour is casual. Pack plenty of clothes that can be layered because temperatures may vary from quite chilly to quite warm depending on elevation and mountain locations.
Mountain elevations to which you might ascend may exceed 7,000 feet above sea level.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
