2008 Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Sunset Dinner Cruise (May 1 – Oct 31) - This evening climb aboard for a truly Vancouver dining experience. Cruise past the magnificent Vancouver skyline, around Stanley Park, past the beaches of English Bay and into the lights, sights and sounds of False Creek. While onboard, enjoy live musical entertainment and a West Coast-themed buffet. It's like dining in all of Vancouver's finest waterfront restaurants in one evening! Transfer (on own) to the harbour 30 minutes prior to departure with boarding commencing at 6:30 PM.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Vancouver to Kamloops
Early today, a private sedan 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®. You will depart the coastal city of Vancouver and travel through the fertile Fraser Valley. At Hell's Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point, a true highlight of the canyon. Continue your journey eastwards as the train journeys through the Fraser Canyon and along the Thompson River, until it reaches the town of Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior.
Choice of Kamloops Evening Entertainment
A choice of evening entertainment will be offered in the new River Roundhouse venue featuring two dinner theatre. Select between two entertainment choices during your overnight stay in Kamloops:
Two River Junction Dinner and Musical Revue (Begins late April) - A classic dinner and musical revue offering a fun-filled look at Canadian rail history. Enjoy the historic tale of infamous bandit Billy Miner's botched train robbery. Watch the fun as local reporter Mary Spencer tries to capture this exciting story, only to find instead that Billy has captured her heart. The minute the show starts, you will sing along to old favourites and laugh at "Tales from the Rails" woven around the notorious train robber, Billy Miner.
The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show (Begins Early May)- A wild and entertaining evening show featuring an icon of Canada's West-the lumberjack. This comedic story features two world class lumberjacks competing to be the best in town. Recreating the historic world of a logging camp, the local lumberjacks will dazzle and amaze the audience with their skills, tricks and showmanship. Among the challenges are a 50-foot tree climb, an axe-throwing competition, and an entertaining log-rolling competition.
Note: Kamloops Dinner Theatre begins in Late April. When the Dinner Theatre is not operating, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: RedLeaf Service®
Superior: RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service® Overnight Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Kamloops to Jasper
You will depart early this morning 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. You will arrive in the mountain resort town of Jasper by late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in (on own).
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 4 - Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Visit shimmering Patricia and Pyramid Lakes and take a stroll over a rustic footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island. From there travel through the Maligne Valley in search of Osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. 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 disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lake view Junior Suite
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Banff along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This 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. Late afternoon you will arrive in Banff.
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.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 6 - Discover Banff Tour
This morning's tour takes you through the town of Banff and the surrounding area. You'll ascend Tunnel Mountain Drive to view the beautiful town of Banff and visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where a natural hot springs led to the creation of Canada's first National Park in 1885. Take a mid-morning stroll along Lake Minnewanka or Lake of the Spirits to refresh yourself prior to your final stop at Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride 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. Enjoy the summit and take any regular shuttle back to your hotel at their leisure. Remainder of the day is yours to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR:
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour (April 16 - October 15) - The morning is at leisure to explore Banff on your own. The afternoon your sightseeing tour will visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, & the world renowned Moraine Lake. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will have time to take photos and explore their shorelines. Learn about our mountaineering history and how a tragic accident at Lake Louise shaped Canadian mountain culture. Finally, walk to a viewpoint in the Valley of Ten Peaks overlooking Moraine Lake.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
Day 7 - Banff to Calgary Airport
Today you will depart Banff and transfer by regular scheduled airporter to the Calgary International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights accommodation, including any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour including 2 breakfasts,2 lunches & snacks
- Choice of Kamloops Evening Entertainment: Two River Junction Dinner & Musical Review OR Great Canadian Lumberjack Show (SUBSTITUTIONS: If not operating will be removed from package)
- Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Banff Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
- Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Coach transfer between Banff to Calgary Airport
- Transfer by private sedan from Vancouver Airport to hotel and Vancouver hotel to train station
- Hotel transfers in Kamloops
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)
2009 Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Vancouver
Upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport you will be transferred by private sedan to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Sunset Dinner Cruise (May 1 – Oct 15) - This evening climb aboard for a truly Vancouver dining experience. Cruise past the magnificent Vancouver skyline, around Stanley Park, past the beaches of English Bay and into the lights, sights and sounds of False Creek. While onboard, enjoy live musical entertainment and a West Coast-themed buffet. It's like dining in all of Vancouver's finest waterfront restaurants in one evening! Transfer (on own) to the harbour 30 minutes prior to departure with boarding commencing at 6:30 PM.
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Vancouver (includes buffet breakfast)
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - Fairmont Gold (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Vancouver to Kamloops / Dinner Theatre
Early today, a private sedan 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®. You will depart the coastal city of Vancouver and travel through the fertile Fraser Valley. At Hell's Gate watch water torrent past the canyon walls at its narrowest point, a true highlight of the canyon. Continue your journey eastwards as the train journeys through the Fraser Canyon and along the Thompson River, until it reaches the town of Kamloops, gateway to British Columbia's interior.
Maple Leaf Musical Dinner Theatre – An authentic Canadian dinner and upbeat musical journey about a group of Canadian singers/songwriters embarking on a cross-country train trip is sure to surprise and delight audiences of all ages. This lively performance features internationally known songs by several of Canada’s most loved entertainers, including Anne Murray, Paul Anka, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell and Shania Twain. Guests will enjoy a multimedia trip that trumpets Canada’s musical diversity.
Moderate: RedLeaf Service®
Superior: RedLeaf Service®
Deluxe: GoldLeaf Service® Overnight Kamloops (Hotel to be advised)
Day 3 - Rocky Mountaineer® - Kamloops to Jasper
You will depart early this morning 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. You will arrive in the mountain resort town of Jasper by late afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in (on own).
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Junior Suite
Day 4 - Maligne Valley & Wildlife Tour
Embark on a tour of one of the most spectacular areas of Jasper National Park. Visit shimmering Patricia and Pyramid Lakes and take a stroll over a rustic footbridge to Pyramid Lake Island. From there travel through the Maligne Valley in search of Osprey, eagle, big horn sheep, mountain goat, moose, elk, deer and bear. 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 disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery.
Moderate: Overnight Amethyst Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakeview Junior Suite
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Tour
Enjoy a narrated tour from Jasper through the heart of the Canadian Rockies to Banff along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. This 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. Late afternoon you will arrive in Banff.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 1 - October 31, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Fairmont Gold View room (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 6 - Discover Banff Tour
This morning's tour takes you through the town of Banff and the surrounding area. You'll ascend Tunnel Mountain Drive to view the beautiful town of Banff and visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where a natural hot springs led to the creation of Canada's first National Park in 1885. Take a mid-morning stroll along Lake Minnewanka or Lake of the Spirits to refresh yourself prior to your final stop at Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride 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. Enjoy the summit and take any regular shuttle back to your hotel at their leisure. Remainder of the day is yours to explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques.
OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TOUR:
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tour (April 16 – November 30) - The morning is at leisure to explore Banff on your own. The afternoon your sightseeing tour will visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, & the world renowned Moraine Lake. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will have time to take photos and explore their shorelines. Learn about our mountaineering history and how a tragic accident at Lake Louise shaped Canadian mountain culture. Finally, walk to a viewpoint in the Valley of Ten Peaks overlooking Moraine Lake.
Moderate: Overnight Charlton's Cedar Court
Superior: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – Fairmont Gold View room (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 7 - Banff to Calgary Airport
Today you will depart Banff and transfer by regular scheduled airporter to the Calgary International Airport in time for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights accommodation, including any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Rocky Mountaineer® 2 day rail tour including 2 breakfasts,2 lunches & snacks
- Maple Leaf Musical Dinner Theatre
- Maligne Valley Wildlife Tour
- Jasper to Banff Tour including a 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If the Snocoach is not running, the tour will be reduced by approximately 1 1/2 hours)
- Discover Banff Tour including admission to Cave & Basin
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Coach transfer between Banff to Calgary Airport
- Transfer by private sedan from Vancouver Airport to hotel and Vancouver hotel to train station
- Hotel transfers in Kamloops
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer not listed as included
- Optional activities
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)