2008 Grand Rail Circle

10 Nights / 11 Days 

Day 1 Vancouver Arrival
Arrive in Vancouver and spend time exploring this scenic city on your own. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Following your motorcoach transfer from downtown Vancouver, the Whistler Mountaineer takes you on a breathtaking rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at the Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 3 Free Day in Whistler
Enjoy a free day exploring the picturesque mountain resort of Whistler on your own. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 4 Whistler to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley to the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon to rolling hills and vast ranchlands of the Cariboo Plateau. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial-fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and the crossing of Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer follows the banks of the Fraser River into Quesnel. Overnight in Quesnel.

Day 5 Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastwards today to the majestic Canadian Rockies and Jasper National Park. From Quesnel the Rocky Mountaineer follows the Fraser River north to the town of Prince George, then travels east through the forests of northern British Columbia, home to plentiful wildlife, including a large population of moose. Entering the Rocky Mountain Trench you are surrounded to the north by the steeply rising Rocky Mountains and to the south by the Cariboo Mountains. Continue climbing past Mount Robson, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet) the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in Jasper. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 Jasper to Lake Louise
Travel to Lake Louise via one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway. A stop will be made at Athabasca Falls before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Here you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of the Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out some interesting geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Afterwards, a brief stop will be made at Bow Lake before arriving in Lake Louise this afternoon. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Please note: Expected Ice Explorer dates of operation 15 Apr-15 Oct. When Ice Explorer is not operating, it will be replaced with lunch at Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge.

Day 7 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. While in Lake Louise you will be treated to a one-hour guided lakeshore stroll. 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 p.m., scheduled check-out time is normally 11:00 a.m. Your luggage will be stored upon check-out and you are free to enjoy the amenities of the hotel before the tour departs.

Day 8 Banff Sightseeing
Enjoy a three-hour motorcoach sightseeing tour of Banff this morning. Among the highlights are visits to Bow Falls, the Banff Gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure in Banff. Overnight in Banff.

Day 9 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 array 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, 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 10 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 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 journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 11 Vancouver Departure
Your vacation ends with check-out from your Vancouver hotel.

Reverse itinerary is also available.

May 14 28
Jun 11 25
Jul 9 23
Aug 6 20
Sep 3 17
Oct 1

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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