Northern Rockies at Leisure

11 Day(s) / 10 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 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 across Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon. On arrival at Whistler train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in Whistler Village. Breakfast is served onboard.

Day 3 Whistler to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the four-season mountain resort of Whistler to the charming rural town of Quesnel, the 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, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands. Highlights include the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake, sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and 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, your overnight destination.

Day 4 Quesnel to Jasper
Your journey continues eastward 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 and 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, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), and through the Yellowhead Pass into the province of Alberta. Your rail journey ends today on arrival in your overnight destination of Jasper.

Day 5 Jasper Sightseeing
Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 6 Icefields Parkway Tour from Jasper to Lake Louise
Transfer 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. It is here that you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of 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.

Day 7 Free day at Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day at Lake Louise. Take a stroll beside the lake or an afternoon paddle in a canoe. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 8 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 check-out 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 9 Free day in Banff
Today you will have an entire day to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Some optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museum, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or enjoying a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Day 10 Banff to Calgary
This morning a sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of Banff before an afternoon transfer to Calgary. Among the points of interest are visits to Banff Gondola, Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Centre, Surprise Corner and the Hoodoos. 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 11 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 Banff
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. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Banff on your own. Overnight in Banff.

Day 3 Free day in Banff
Today you will have an entire day to spend exploring Banff National Park on your own. Some optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at Upper Hot Springs, enjoying a nature walk on nearby mountain trails, visiting Banff’s historic museum, cruising on Lake Minnewanka or enjoying a round of golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs. Overnight in Banff.

Day 4 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 5 Free day at Lake Louise
Enjoy a free day at Lake Louise. Take a stroll beside the lake or an afternoon paddle in a canoe. Overnight at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Day 6 Icefields Parkway Tour from Lake Louise to Jasper
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Banff and Jasper National Parks via the Icefields Parkway. Among the highlights are Bow Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. The Icefield is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle in addition to being one of the most accessible ones in North America. It is here that you will ride on an Ice Explorer to the middle of Athabasca Glacier to learn more about its geological features. Time will be available for lunch (not included). Arrive in Jasper late this afternoon. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 7 Jasper Sightseeing
Spend either the morning or afternoon touring Jasper by motorcoach. Attractions include Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, Maligne Canyon and Athabasca viewpoint. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Jasper National Park independently. Overnight in Jasper.

Day 8 Jasper to Quesnel
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer from the mountain resort of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to the charming rural town of Quesnel, gateway to the North Cariboo. Pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench with the steep Rocky and Cariboo Mountains either side, and onto the rolling hills and vast forests of British Columbia’s northern interior, home to abundant wildlife. Highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Yellowhead Pass, Moose Lake, and the opportunity to view the abundant wildlife found in this unspoiled wilderness region. Your day concludes as the Rocky Mountaineer passes through the town of Prince George and follows the Fraser River into Quesnel, your overnight destination.

Day 9 Quesnel to Whistler
Your journey continues south today to the four-season resort of Whistler. Enjoy breathtaking and varied scenery, from the desert-like conditions of the Fraser Canyon, and the Cariboo Plateau with its rolling hills and vast ranchlands, to the river canyons and lush farmland of the Pemberton Valley. Highlights include sweeping views of the Fraser Canyon and Deep Creek Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world and the shorelines of Anderson Lake and glacial fed Seton Lake. Your rail journey ends on arrival in the resort town of Whistler Village, host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games alpine events. Overnight in Whistler.

Day 10 Whistler to Vancouver
Travel onboard the Whistler Mountaineer from the alpine village of Whistler to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. Following your motorcoach transfer from Whistler Village, embark on your rail journey through the stunning scenery of this “Sea to Sky” region. Highlights of the trip include Cheakamus Canyon, the dome peak of Mount Garibaldi, Shannon Falls, and the breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains. On arrival at the North Vancouver train station, you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Admission to the Vancouver Observation Deck at Harbour Centre with spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean is included today or tomorrow morning. A light meal is served onboard. Overnight in Vancouver.

Day 11 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.

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For Tour Package Information Contact

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

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