Rockies Highlights
INDEPENDENT RAIL & COACH TOUR
VANCOUVER | ROCKY MOUNTAINEER | JASPER | LAKE LOUISE | BANFF | CALGARY
Experience true Canadian hospitality as you travel on this journey of discovery; experience the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the iconic railway journeys in Canada and the world. Experience the fresh cool breezes of a Rockies summer day and the icing-sugar mountain tops reflecting in the clear blue lakes; experience the thrill of a ride in an ice explorer on the surface of a glacier formed from centuries old snow. Experience alpine villages, the thrill of looking for wildlife as you travel the highways and byways, the serenity that can only be found in the mountains. Experience the Rockies, there’s nothing like them.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit Jasper, a Rockies gem & wildlife haven
• Enjoy a two day ride aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
Day 1 : UK-Vancouver
Arrive in Vancouver and spend the day exploring. You get the best of both worlds in Vancouver: acosmopolitan city right on the edge of nature’s playground. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on an optional tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market and wander amid the vibrant stalls that showcase a range of home-made craft and art. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax and make use of the facilities at your hotel. Admission to the lookout at the top of Vancouver Centre is included
Day 2 : Rocky Mountaineer - Kamloops
Travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service through the Fraser Valley and the scenic Fraser Canyon, past Hell’s Gate where you will watch water cascade past the canyon’s walls. On leaving
the Fraser Canyon follow the Thompson River to the city of Kamloops.
Day 3 : Rocky Mountaineer - Jasper
Travel into the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains. Pass by Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954 metres (12,972ft), before entering Jasper National Park. Arrive in Jasper early evening.
Day 4 : Jasper - Evening Wildlife Tour
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the spectacular wonders of Jasper. This pleasant Alpine village is nestled amidst some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere. Perhaps take a gondola ride into Jasper’s alpine tundra for stunning views of six mountain ranges, or maybe a gentle raft ride down the Athabasca River; then stroll around the village and relax with a coffee. This evening experience the Jasper Wonderland for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife. Travel through the Maligne Valley to search for mountain goats, moose, elk, deer and bears and perhaps a visit to Pyramid Bench with its beaver ponds.
Day 5 : Jasper - Lake Louise
Depart Jasper by coach today via one of the most scenic highways in North America - the Icefield Parkway. Visit the Columbia Icefield that covers an area of nearly 325 sq km’s and reaches a depth of 320 metres. Time allows for an Ice Explorer ride (included) on the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way stops will be made at Bow & Peyto Lakes, the Crowfoot Glacier and the Athabasca Falls. This highway is renowned for sightings of bears, elk, moose & mountain sheep, so keep your camera handy. A picnic lunch is included today.
Day 6 : Lake Louise - Banff
Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive via the scenic Bow Valley to Banff. After checking in at your hotel the remainder of the day is free.
Day 7 : Banff Tour - Transfer to Calgary
This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive - which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley. The balance of the afternoon is free to enjoy Banff prior to departing for Calgary at 4.00pm arriving into downtown Calgary at approx. 5.45pm.
Day 8 : Calgary - UK
Your tour ends with check out from your Calgary hotel.
