Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver / Vancouver City Tour / Chef's Table Dinner
Once you have arrived in the Vancouver International Airport you will be met by your driver and transferred by private limousine to the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel where you will check into your exclusive Gold Level room.
This afternoon, you will be met by your driver and begin your private Vancouver tour by luxury SUV. Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is a nature lover's paradise. A multicultural heritage makes the city one of world's most livable urban centers. Discover Vancouver's many flavours and the rain forest around it on this private sightseeing tour. Highlights will include Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay, Queen Elizabeth Park and Granville Island.
Vancouver is well known for excellent traditional and international dining. Tonight you will enjoy one of the finest dining experience as you settle in at Diva at the Met, located a couple of blocks from your hotel. Each of the 6 courses will be personally presented by the Chef who will also participate in the wine paring which will feature both local and internationally famous vintages.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - One Bedroom Fairmont Gold Suite (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Victoria Day Tour
This morning, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the nearby floatplane dock. Your seaplane will take off from the inner Harbour of Vancouver for an exciting 35 minute flight over the Gulf Islands before landing in the harbour of beautiful Victoria. A driver and vintage British Daimler Limousine will meet you at dockside to start your tour of this beautiful city. Venture through Victoria viewing the unique downtown shops, exclusive residential areas and scenic vistas. During your travels, your experienced driver guide will provide a fascinating narrative on Victoria's rich historic background. The tour includes the City Center, Chinatown, Antique Row and the English flavoured Rockland area. Pass through the exclusive Uplands and Oak Bay residential areas in settings of magnificent Garry Oaks. Then continue on through the beautiful residential areas of Victoria, following Marine Drive with its many spectacular views of the coastline and the Olympic Mountains. The highlight of the second part of the tour is the one and a half hour visit to the Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria's most famous sites, and rated among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Here you will see the Sunken Garden, the Japanese and Italian Gardens, the English Rose Garden and the magnificent Ross Fountain, all linked by spacious lawns, streams and lily ponds - 50 acres of fragrance and beauty.
After visiting Butchart Gardens, you will travel back to Victoria for Afternoon Tea at The Empress. The Fairmont Empress hotel has been pleasing Victoria visitors with its afternoon tea service for over 90 years, so you're sure to get an authentic experience! As the professional pianist fills the room with soft harmony, your Afternoon Tea experience will begin. You can choose from four great teas, including the famous Empress Blend, a tea created specially for the Fairmont Empress. Pick your favourite flavour and sip away, seated at your plush Victorian-style chair. And no afternoon high tea would be complete without a full selection of delicious pastries to satisfy your afternoon hunger! You'll enjoy authentic English scones, tea sandwiches, fruit and delicate pastries prepared by a master pastry chef!
The remainder of the afternoon will be available to continue exploring. Shopping in Victoria is fabulous! You can browse quaint shops and local markets; Victoria offers everything from antiques to the wares of local artisans and the designs of the hippest trend setters. In the late afternoon, your driver will transfer you back to the floatplane dock for your return flight back to Vancouver. Your Vancouver driver will meet you at the dock and transfer you back to your Hotel.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Waterfront - One Bedroom Fairmont Gold Suite (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service® - Vancouver to Kamloops
Early today, a private limousine will transfer you from your hotel to the Rocky Mountaineer® train station. For the next two days, you will be experiencing the "Most Spectacular Train Trip in the World"® aboard Rocky Mountaineer®. Travel in exceptional style in the GoldLeaf® dome coach that puts you in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies. As you relax in your reserved seat, coffee or chilled orange juice is served, and the pampering does not stop. Comfort and luxury are found in the GoldLeaf® dining room on the lower level, where white linen, gleaming tableware and fresh flower bouquets await you. Your menu choices will include seasonal regional cuisine created by talented onboard GoldLeaf® chefs. Savour the ultimate dining experience, with stunning and constantly changing vistas outside your window. When you arrive in Kamloops you will be immediately transported to your deluxe hotel. Tonight you may choose to attend one of the fine dinner shows presented by Rocky Mountaineer® or relax and explore this exciting western city.
Luxury: GoldLeaf Service® Overnight Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer GoldLeaf Service® - Kamloops to Jasper
Early this morning, depart for your second day aboard Rail Mountaineer. Soon after departing Kamloops, you will follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus into the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Pass by Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 meters (12,972 ft), before entering Jasper National Park. When you arrive in the mountain resort town of Jasper by late afternoon you will be met by your driver and private luxury SUV and be transferred to the Jasper Park Lodge Hotel for check-in.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Deep in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, on 1000 acres of pristine wilderness land, stands the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The beauty and majesty of this area, combined with elegant surroundings and impeccable service, creates this grand Canadian Lodge experience. Accommodation at this world class resort is both historic and contemporary, in rustic cedar chalets and heritage log cabins arranged in the style of an alpine village. With a plethora of wildlife awaiting you just outside your cabin door, exceptional regional cuisine and an overabundance of outdoor adventure opportunities, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge promises all guests an experience they won't soon forget.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakefront Suite
Day 5 - Jasper & Area Private Tour including Maligne Lake Cruise
This morning you will be met by your driver and private luxury SUV for a personal tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you will set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to the "mysteriously" disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake for a 90 minute interpretive boat cruise bound for the world renowned Spirit Island. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Athabasca River Gentle Raft / River Float (May 15 - September 30, 2008) - Take a gentle raft/float trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The 16-kilometre, 2 ½ hour raft trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago. The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy and each year safely carry thousands of rafters ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens.
Note: Maligne Lake Cruise operates from Mid May to Early October. If traveling outside these dates, the cruise will be removed from your package.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakefront Suite
Day 6 - Jasper to Lake Louise Private Tour
Today your driver will pick you up early to start of one of the most spectacular days of touring on the trip. Travel from Jasper through the "heart" of the Canadian Rockies to Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks that create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. The tour along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks, stopping at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the "Ice Age Adventure", a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Arrive in Lake Louise in the late afternoon and check-in at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Situated on the banks of a breathtaking lake with the majestic Rocky Mountains providing an astounding backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise combines beautiful scenery with unrivalled service to make your stay a moment to cherish. Tucked deep within the Banff National Park, the Chateau invites you to escape to a retreat of welcoming grandeur. Always aiming to raise your expectations, The Chateau's exclusive Fairmont Gold floor is intended to indulge you - from the instant of your arrival at your private 7th floor check-in. With a devoted concierge, all of your needs will be met and executed with the utmost speed and care. Lavish rooms, indulgent bath products, totally personalized service and the crowning touch - a private lounge that serves complimentary continental breakfast, cocktail hour canapés and an honour bar, all because you deserve the touch of Gold.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Gold Lake view (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 7 - Lake Louise to Banff
Late in the morning, your driver will meet you and take you on a personal tour from Lake Louise to Banff. Travel along the scenic Highway 1A visiting Castle Mountain and Johnston Canyon. When you arrive in the resort town of Banff your driver will give you a brief tour of the city before taking you to the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for check-in.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. You will experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 8 - Banff & Area Private Tour / Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour
Today is a day to relax and visit some of the local attraction in Banff. Your driver will take you on a delightful tour that features the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos, Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive and more. Visit the Banff Gondola, and take the spectacular 8-minute gondola ride (included) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley. For lunch, dine on Rocky Mountain cuisine at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge, a delicious departure from the ordinary. After lunch depart for Canmore for a 30 minute Mt. Assiniboine Glacier helicopter tour.
This sensational flight will transport you to "The Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies", which rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination. This is photographers dream come true. An experience you will not forget!
After your tour, you will be transferred to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for check-in. Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. You will experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 9 - Banff to Calgary
Your delightful journey in the Rocky Mountains comes to a close as your driver escorts you to the Calgary International Airport for your flight departure home.
OPTIONAL ADD ON - CALGARY STAMPEDE (July 4-12, 2008)
Day 9 - Banff to Calgary / Rodeo
Today you will be met by your driver and private luxury SUV and transfer to Calgary. Upon arrival in Calgary you will be transferred to the landmark Fairmont Palliser Hotel where you will check-in to your exclusive Gold Level room.
For 10 exhilarating days every July, experience the Calgary Stampede's celebration of true western hospitality and rousing fun! Your package includes a 2 day admission to the Calgary Stampede. You will see an afternoon rodeo event, watch the famous evening Chuck wagon Races and Grandstand Show and a 2-day general admission to the Stampede.
This afternoon, you will catch the excitement of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. The Rodeo features ladies barrel racing, saddle bronc, trick riders, calf roping, bull riding, hoop dancers, wild horse racing, bareback bronco riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, and bull riding.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 10 - Chuck wagon & GrandStand Show / BBQ Dinner
Today is at leisure to explore the Calgary Stampede, visit the agricultural exhibits, the amusement rides, and ride the sky ride across the park.
This evening enjoy a BBQ dinner at the Grandstand Clubhouse. After dinner, you will go to the Grandstand seats and check out the energy of the Chuck wagon Races. This is a Stampede event you will not want to miss! Admission for the Chuck wagon Races also includes the Evening Grandstand Show - 90 minutes of non-stop musical entertainment building to a fantastic Fireworks finale. This world class entertainment includes The Young Canadians, as well as headliner acts that are sure to entertain and excite you. After the Grandstand Show, an amazing firework show lights up the night. A perfect ending to an evening filled with thrills and excitement.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 11 - Transfer to Calgary Airport
Today you will be met by your driver and private limousine and transfer to the Calgary International Airport for your flight departure home
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 8 nights hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour in GoldLeaf Service® including 2 breakfasts,2 lunches & snacks & 1 dinner at hotel in Kamloops
- 6 course dinner & wine pairing Chef's Table at Diva at the Met including gratuities
- Round-trip floatplane between Vancouver & Victoria
- Butchart Gardens admission
- Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel including gratuities
- Maligne Lake Cruise (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from Mid May to Early October, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Columbia Icefields 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If Ice Explorer is not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola ride
- Lunch at Buffalo Mountain Lodge
- Mt. Assiniboine 30 minute Helicopter Tour
- Private Limousine transfer between Vancouver Airport & hotel, hotel & floatplane dock, floatplane dock & hotel, hotel & Vancouver train station including gratuities
- Private Daimler Limousine tour of Victoria & area including gratuities
- Private Luxury SUV transfer between Jasper train station & hotel; and Banff & Calgary Airport including gratuities
- Private Luxury SUV Tour of Vancouver, Jasper & area; Jasper to Lake Louise; Lake Louise to Banff; Banff & Area including gratuities
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
OPTIONAL CALGARY STAMPEDE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 2 nights hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 2 day gate admission to the Calgary Stampede and daily programs
- One afternoon rodeo ticket in Platinum Section (Day 1)
- One evening ticket to the famous Chuck wagon Races and Grandstand Show in Gold Section (Day 2)
- Souvenir event programs for both shows
- Sky ride chairlift across Stampede Park
- High quality embroidered golf shirt
- Calgary Stampede carry bag per person
- Private Limousine transfer between hotel & Calgary Airport including gratuities
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Optional Tours
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)