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Day 1 Vancouver to Jasper
Late afternoon, check in at the Pacific Central Station and board
VIA Rail's ‘Canadian’ for the famous train journey to
the majestic Canadian Rockies. Travel back in time to the days of
classic rail travel. The original stainless steel ‘streamliner’
railcars (made famous by the ‘Canadian’ the 1950's) are
totally refurbished with air conditioning, a café car, lounge
car, and access for all onboard to the dome car.
Exclusive to Silver and Blue class: By day, sit back in comfortable
armchairs and enjoy the stretch out comfort of your very own accommodation.
At night attendants will transform your quarters into cosy bunks
or bedroom. Guests have access to the Park Car, always at the tail
end of the train whose tapered shape gives the car its distinctive
look. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee or in the evening before
dinner complimentary hors d'oeuvres. In the Dome you'll feel the
true essence of travelling by train - where scene after memorable
scene sweeps by. This evening retire to your Sleeping Car where
a comfortable bed awaits you. Some of the amenities include thick
towels, plump pillows, cosy down duvets and a shower kit. (Dinner
is included today).
Overnight: (V/S) Upper/Lower Semi Private Berth; (F/D) Private Bedroom.
Day 2 Arrive Jasper
This morning, the ‘Canadian’ begins its passage into the
Canadian Rockies. Enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, Pyramid Falls
and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount
Robson, which at 3954 metres is the highest peak in the Canadian
Rockies. Arrive in Jasper shortly after noon and transfer to your
hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this unique
mountain community. (Breakfast is included onboard
Via Rail).
Overnight: (2 nights) (V) Astoria Hotel; (S) Whistlers Inn; (F/D)
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Day 3 Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
Today is free to explore Jasper before departing this evening to
experience the environs of Jasper and for some amazing close-up
photo opportunities of wildlife. Destinations can include the Maligne
Valley, the Pyramid
Bench (with its beaver ponds) and many other unique wildlife or
natural splendours. During the winter months descend to the frozen
canyon floor where guides take you down beneath the frozen surface
of the Maligne
River - don't worry, the water levels have dropped with the freeze,
leaving a magical world of ice formations and shelves.
Day 4 Jasper to Banff with Snocoach Ride
Travel by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North
America - the Icefield Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that
covers an area of nearly 325 sq km's and reaches a depth of 320
metres. Time allows for a snocoach ride (included) on the Athabasca
Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Lake Louise, Bow &
Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This
highway is renowned for sightings of bears, elk, moose & mountain
sheep, so keep your camera handy.
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Note: mountain lakes in this region will
be frozen through to mid June.
Overnight: (2 nights) (V) Spruce Grove Inn; (S) Banff Ptarmigan
Inn; (F) Rimrock Resort Hotel; (D) Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Day 5 Banff Sightseeing with Gondola Ride
This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among
the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of
wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included),
and Tunnel Mountain Drive - which overlooks the splendour of Bow
Valley and the Cave and Basin, where Banff’s history began.
Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.
Day 6 Banff to Kamloops
Your coach today, takes you on the famed Trans Canada Highway following
a route charted by the railroad engineers and fur traders of the
mid 1800's. Leaving Banff National Park, travel to Yoho National
Park where you cross the continental divide. Then on through Glacier
National Park and ‘Rogers Pass’ with spectacular mountain
vista's in every direction. Continue through the Monashee Mountain
Range and past Shuswap Lake to Lac Le Jeune Resort. Located in a
stunning wilderness setting where fish jump from the glassy surface
of the lake and ospreys soar overhead. Please note: This rustic
lodge, offers peace and relaxation without having phones or a television
in the room. (Lunch & Dinner is included today).
Overnight: (V/S/F/D) Lac Le Jeune Resort.
Day 7 Kamloops to Vancouver (Via Whistler)
Begin the day travelling along Logan Lake route to the gold rush
town of Cache Creek. Continue the journey south to Lillooet where
a stop will be made for lunch (included). Lillooet is known as the
land of the Gold Rush Trail and was ‘Mile Zero’ of the
Old Caribou Wagon Road during the Gold Rush Years. Now the area
is home to the largest Canadian producers of the medicinal plant,
Ginseng. Departing Lillooet travel the Duffey Lake Road to Whistler.
On the upper elevations of the Duffey Lake Road enjoy breath-taking
views of Joffee Glacier and snow capped Mount Currie that rises
to a height of 2,596 meters (8,518 feet). A brief stop will be made
in Whistler before continuing on through the scenic Howe Sound to
Vancouver. (Breakfast & Lunch is included today).
Please note: Pre-tour accommodation is required. For further
details on room types please call our Canadian Specialists.
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