Best of the West

8 Day(s) / 7 Night(s) 
 
Eastbound

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Admission to the Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Victoria
Today a full day tour takes you to Victoria. Among the highlights are a BC Ferries trip through the picturesque Gulf Islands, a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a scenic ocean drive, and a tour of Victoria’s inner harbour. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 3 Victoria to Vancouver
This morning you will enjoy a three-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Victoria. Afterwards, return to Vancouver via motorcoach and BC Ferry. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 4 Vancouver to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. On today’s journey you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer travels along the shores of Kamloops Lake and into your overnight destination of Kamloops.

Day 5 Kamloops to Banff
Your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular range of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels a remarkable feat of railroad engineering, and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Your rail journey ends in the resort town of Banff this evening. Overnight in Banff.

Day 6 Banff to Lake Louise including Yoho National Park
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. The tour ends at Lake Louise, and your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this magnificent location. Please note: While arrival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 12:00 PM, scheduled check-in time is not until 4:00 PM. In the event that your room is not ready, your luggage will be stored and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 7 Lake Louise to Calgary including Banff Tour
Transfer to Banff and join a morning sightseeing tour that shows you the highlights of Banff. Visit the Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos before your afternoon transfer to Calgary. A visit to the Calgary Tower is included where you can view the city and the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 8 Calgary Departure
Your tour ends with check-out from your Calgary hotel.

Westbound

Day 1 Calgary Arrival
Arrive in Calgary and spend the rest of the day sightseeing in the “Stampede City” independently. Admission to the Calgary Tower with views of the city and the Rocky Mountains is included. Overnight in Calgary.

Day 2 Calgary to Lake Louise
Depart the Stampede City this morning for a tour to Banff. Highlights include the Cave and Basin Centre, Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Hoodoos. After time for lunch in Banff (not included), continue your tour to world famous Lake Louise. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 3 Yoho Tour, Lake Louise to Banff
A half-day tour takes you into Yoho National Park to view some of its natural wonders. Among the attractions are the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and a natural rock bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Banff. Overnight in Banff. Please note: While departure from The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will be approximately 1:30 PM, scheduled checkout time is normally 11:00 AM. Your luggage will be stored on check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel or a guided one-hour lakeshore stroll before the tour departs.

Day 4 Banff to Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain town of Banff to Kamloops in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. Your journey offers you a spectacular range of scenery as you travel between the high peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the interior. Today’s highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels a remarkable feat of railroad engineering, the Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, Craigellachie where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven and of course the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Day 5 Kamloops to Vancouver
Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the interior, through the winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 6 Vancouver to Victoria
Enjoy a full day tour to Victoria. Among the highlights are a BC Ferries trip through the picturesque Gulf Islands, a visit to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens, a scenic ocean drive, and tour of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Overnight in Victoria.

Day 7 Victoria to Vancouver
This morning you will enjoy a three-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Victoria. Afterwards, return to Vancouver via motorcoach and BC Ferry. Admission to the Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included today or tomorrow morning. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 8 Vancouver Departure
Your tour ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

EXTEND YOUR STAY:
Visit our City Stops or our Spectacular Canada pages for a perfect extension to your vacation.

        If you would like more information on any of our tours, please go to our "Mail List Form".  

For Tour Package Information Contact

 SNOWBIRD TRAVEL AGENCY
NB. Canada
1-888-654-7144
info@snowbirdrail.com

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